[X] The Paris Love Triangle

Afternoon sunlight filtered through a row of mahogany trees, casting patterns in the hall. Huang Lihua and Xiaoyang were seated in a corner. Xiaoyang showed Lihua a joint invitation from Paris museum directors.

"Go ahead, take some photos for me," Huang Lihua said casually.

"But Senior, you’re the star. Shouldn’t you attend the opening?" Xiaoyang asked.

"If I go, curious journalists will exploit the age difference and create chaos," Lihua explained.

"You can refuse interviews, right?" Xiaoyang asked.

"It’s more complicated than you think," Lihua said.

Xiaoyang sighed. "Alright."

"Visit Minhua while you’re in Paris. And if you encounter Qiu Shenzhi, be careful. He’s very calculating," Lihua warned.

Xiaoyang arrived in Paris and received a call from Annie, inviting him to dinner.

He found her at the restaurant. "Just arrived, Lin?" she asked.

"Yes, haven’t found a hotel yet," he said.

Annie suggested he stay at her apartment, leaving the guest room empty.

Xiaoyang hesitated, but she smiled, "I feel safer with someone around."

"Alright, I’ll be your guardian," he said.

They entered her apartment. "Keep it simple while away from home," she said, showing the guest room with a view of the Seine.

Xiaoyang unpacked, dressed casually, and used the bathroom.

Next morning, breakfast awaited with a note: "Lin, I had to leave early. Eat breakfast, call me tonight for dinner."

After breakfast, Xiaoyang dressed in a suit, went out, and called Minhua.

At the museum opening, a renovated railway warehouse, directors greeted him warmly. Minhua stood beside him.

"This location was chosen by the three of us. It’s old but well-connected," Louis said.

Xiaoyang noticed the preserved 19th-century architecture.

"Air conditioning is new, climate controlled for Huang’s works," Champier added.

Xiaoyang smiled. "Thank you for caring. This is Huang Minhua, the artist’s granddaughter."

The ceremony began with brief speeches and introductions.

[Chapter 12] Lin Xiaoyang Sends Someone to Protect Huang Minhua

On the weekend, the flea market by the Seine was bustling with tourists.
Huang Minhua wore a pink dress and a long wig as she walked through the crowds of visitors. Her delicate appearance attracted the attention of several groups of white men, three of whom started following her. Soon, when Huang Minhua approached a beverage stall, the three men closed in, behaving flirtatiously and teasingly.

White Man A said, “Beautiful lady, may I have the honor of buying you a beer?”
Huang Minhua shook her hand, saying, “Thank you, but I don’t drink alcohol.”
White Man B said, “Then how about an iced coffee to cool off?”
Huang Minhua replied, “Thank you, I’ll buy it myself if I need one.”

Surrounded by the three men, Huang Minhua felt uneasy.
White Man C asked irritably, “Do Eastern women always reject people like this?”
Huang Minhua calmly said, “It depends on who’s asking! But I don’t like being surrounded. Could you please let me pass?”
White Man A sneered, “We mean no harm, lady.”
Huang Minhua said, “Sorry, I like to stroll freely without being disturbed.”
White Man B persisted, “Trying to make friends with you—is that disturbing you?”
Huang Minhua replied, “Yes. I’ve heard French men are supposed to be very gentlemanly.”
White Man C said, “We are gentlemen, but you sure are uptight, aren’t you?”

Not wanting to waste more words, Huang Minhua raised her voice: “Please let me pass!”
The three men exchanged glances, their faces showing rogue-like smiles. Nearby vendors and tourists noticed the commotion and looked at them strangely. The elderly painter Qiu Shenzhi realized the girl was in trouble.

White Man C said brazenly, “Lady, you really don’t give face, do you?”
Angered, Huang Minhua said, “This is a public place. Should I call the police loudly?”

At that moment, Qiu Shenzhi stepped forward and intervened, “Young men, your behavior seems quite impolite toward this lady.”
White Man C pointed at him, shouting, “Mind your own business, you yellow-skinned old man!”
Qiu Shenzhi quickly drew an “X” on the man’s face with his paintbrush, causing onlookers to chuckle. Enraged, White Man C swung at Qiu’s face, but Qiu dodged, touching the man’s arm with the brush. Instantly, his arm froze mid-air, his body rigid, leaving only his eyeballs able to move. White Men A and B went from amused to terrified.

White Man B shouted, “Oh my God! Old man, what spell did you cast on my friend?”
Qiu Shenzhi replied casually, “Just a little lesson for disrespecting a lady. Do you two want to try as well?”
White Man A muttered, “Good heavens, this old man can do magic.”
Qiu Shenzhi pulled his sleeve and said, “You should take your rude friend away. He’ll be fine in a while.”

The surrounding vendors and tourists applauded Qiu’s brave action. Seeing the situation turn, A and B lifted C and hurried away.

Qiu Shenzhi turned to Huang Minhua, concerned: “Miss, you weren’t frightened, were you?”
“No, thank you for helping me,” Huang Minhua said, adjusting her sleeves.

Qiu Shenzhi said, “Occasionally, people like that show up. Judging by your accent, you’re Chinese, right?”
Huang Minhua nodded, “Yes, I’m from Taiwan.”
Qiu Shenzhi switched to Mandarin: “Many tourists here are from Taiwan.”

Huang Minhua asked, “Sir, are you a painter?”
Qiu Shenzhi humbly said, “Not exactly, I’m just a street artist.”
Huang Minhua said, “I’m in Paris studying painting.”
Qiu Shenzhi kindly said, “Ah, we are in the same field. I’m from Shanghai, but that was a long time ago.”
Huang Minhua felt a connection and said, “You’re from Shanghai? My grandfather is too, and he studied fine arts as well.”
Qiu Shenzhi curiously asked, “Oh! Your grandfather’s name?”
Huang Minhua replied, “Huang Lihua.”
Qiu Shenzhi’s eyes widened, “Huang Lihua? You mean Huang Lihua?”
Huang Minhua asked back, “Do you know him?”
Qiu Shenzhi hesitated, shook his head, “No, I haven’t met him, but I’ve heard of him.”

Thinking to himself, Qiu Shenzhi muttered, “What a coincidence—Huang Lihua’s granddaughter, and I meet her by chance…”

He asked, “Which university in Paris are you studying art at?”
Huang Minhua said, “University of Paris, School of Art.”
“Do you live in the dorm?” Qiu asked.
“Yes, in the dorm,” Huang Minhua replied.

Qiu Shenzhi suggested, “Interested in drawing portraits for tourists, like me? Could earn some living expenses.”
Huang Minhua said, “I don’t think so, my schedule is packed.”
Qiu Shenzhi persisted, “Then on weekends, want me to give you a tour? Many museums are worth visiting.”
Huang Minhua said, “Thanks, my department organizes visits.”

Qiu thought to himself, “This girl is cautious; I need to get her number…”
He said, “Could you give me your phone number? Maybe you and your classmates can have dinner with me sometime.”
Huang Minhua hesitated, “Okay, but I may not be free often.” She wrote her name and number on a note and handed it over.
Qiu smiled, “No worries. You can also contact me when you’re free.”
“Thank you, sir, we’ll meet again,” Huang Minhua waved and continued shopping, while Qiu watched her leave.

Qiu Shenzhi muttered to himself, “Last time I met Lin, and from his tone, Huang Lihua is still alive. I should go to Lake Lucerne to check—if he’s alive, I can use his granddaughter to threaten him…”

In the evening, Lin Xiaoyang arrived at the school to pick up Huang Minhua. She got into the car.
Huang Minhua immediately asked, “Your phone sounded urgent. One moment you say Annie is Xie Huijun, the next you say Annie claims she’s a vampire. You’ve confused me!”

Lin Xiaoyang handed her the diary. After reading, she exclaimed, “I give in to Annie! Even if she’s a vampire, she has a conscience…”

Lin Xiaoyang said emotionally, “During these two days with Annie, I felt conflicted—hoping she’s Huijun, but worried she might hurt you.”
Huang Minhua smiled, “I felt the same—worried I’d be a third party interfering in your feelings.”

Lin Xiaoyang explained, “Annie said she’s a vampire. I thought long and hard and finally formed a theory.”
Huang Minhua asked, “Oh? Tell me.”

Lin Xiaoyang elaborated, “Huijun traveled alone in Europe, likely attacked by vampires and had her memory erased. If she says she has a mission to approach me, she may be controlled by those vampires.”
Huang Minhua nodded, “Makes sense. Annie leaving voluntarily shows your deep feelings for Huijun awakened her conscience. You can only think positively—your fate with Huijun is deep but short-lived.”

Lin Xiaoyang sighed, “If I hadn’t argued with her, she might not have been turned into a vampire…”

Huang Minhua recalled Qiu Shenzhi, “This morning at the Seine market, I met a Chinese portrait artist who could do magic…”
Lin Xiaoyang interrupted, “That’s Qiu Shenzhi, a student of your grandfather. I told you correctly, right?”
Huang Minhua asked, “You’ve met him?”
Lin Xiaoyang warned, “Be careful of Qiu. He’s also a vampire and an enemy of your grandfather.”
Huang Minhua shivered, “How terrifying! Vampires everywhere I go?”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled, “That’s why your grandfather and I don’t want you involved. He gave you a cross—carry it when I’m not around. It will protect you.”
Huang Minhua said, “But that Qiu… he asked about my school, department, and dorm. What should I do?”
Lin Xiaoyang advised, “Stay cautious. Don’t go alone. Always have classmates accompany you when leaving school.”
Huang Minhua pleaded, “Xiaoyang, can’t you stay with me?”
Lin Xiaoyang said, “I must return to Switzerland; some matters await me there.”
Huang Minhua worried, “But people might be scared!”
Lin Xiaoyang said, “I’ll find a trusted female staff member to stay with you. You’ll move to my current apartment.”
Huang Minhua asked, “Your current apartment? Isn’t that the one Annie left you?”
Lin Xiaoyang said, “Yes. Today I’ll help move your luggage there, and when my assistant arrives, I’ll return to Switzerland.”
“Thank you, Xiaoyang.” Huang Minhua leaned in and kissed his cheek, feeling touched.

Margaret received Lin Xiaoyang’s call, reported to Wilson, packed lightly, and took a train to Paris, finding Huang Minhua’s small apartment.
Lin instructed, “Margie, protect Miss Huang closely. Don’t let her leave your sight.”
Margaret saluted, “Yes, boss.”
Lin added, “If Qiu Shenzhi shows up, handle cautiously. Don’t let her be harmed.”
Margaret said, “Boss, I’ll do my best to protect her.”

Lin returned to the Paradise Hotel. Innkeeper Robert greeted warmly, “Boss, you’re back.”
Lin asked quietly, “Where are Wilson and Huang Lihua?”
Robert whispered, “The princess called them to a meeting; they’ll be back soon.”
Lin asked, “Any suspicious people at the hotel lately?”
Robert said, “Some of Anderson’s men are here on vacation, but they don’t seem like spies.”
Lin praised, “Good work, old innkeeper.”

Back in Room 504, Lin placed his laptop and camera on the desk. As he sat, the wall mural in the living room moved. He saw Huang Lihua, Wilson, and Adorno stepping out of the mural.
Lin smiled, “You’re back.”
Huang Lihua asked, “How long have you been back?”
Lin said, “Just arrived. The innkeeper said the princess called you to a meeting.”
Huang Lihua said, “Yes, Princess Maria gave us instructions.”
Lin asked, “Oh? What did she say?”
Wilson said mysteriously, “The princess has arranged everything. We just follow her instructions, dear boss.”
Lin asked, “So, what should I do?”
Adorno said, “The princess said your seal is lifted and you’ll play a decisive role at a critical moment.”
Lin smiled wryly, “She’s remarkable; I just lifted the seal and she already knows.”
Huang Lihua said, “Not surprising. The princess and you were married in your past life; you’ve always been spiritually connected.”
Lin realized, “I see… but I can’t feel her.”
Huang Lihua smiled, “Since you moved into this room, the princess has been with you; the mural represents her eyes.”
Lin groaned, “So I have no privacy?”
Wilson said, “Boss, the princess wants you to go to the Vatican in Rome and deliver her letter to a Chinese priest named Father John Chen. He’s famous for hunting monsters, vampires, and zombies. He and the princess are close; he will accompany you back to help us.”
Adorno added, “In your absence, we’ll complete all arrangements, boss.”
Lin said, “Alright, since the princess arranged it, I’ll act as a messenger.”
Huang Lihua said, “The princess has another purpose for sending you.”
Lin asked, “What purpose? You must know.”
Huang Lihua smiled, “I do, but you have to experience it yourself.”
Lin sighed, “You’re all mysterious, and I’m the fool.”