chsdbacks Chapter 287 Arrival in Paris
Chapter 287 Arrival in Paris
The plane began to taxi and accelerate on the runway, eventually rising gracefully and disappearing into the clouds. Lin Yan paid no attention to the exclamations and chatter of Tom and Mike, the two energetic and lively guys beside him. He took out the book "Simple Introduction to Aerospace Knowledge" given to him by Daniel from the bag that Charles had brought, and quickly became engrossed in reading it.
He would occasionally whisper a few words about the principles and design with Daniel, who was sitting next to him, their eyes sparkling with inspiration. The journey passed quietly in this focused and interesting atmosphere.
After a refueling stop at Gander Technical Airport in Canada, the plane finally landed smoothly at Paris Orly Airport at 10:30 p.m. local time, accompanied by the slight screech of tires against the runway.
Outside the porthole, Paris was shrouded in a misty winter rain, the raindrops shimmering with tiny golden light under the airport lights.
As Lin Yan stepped off the gangway, Albert's familiar figure was already waiting by the car with an umbrella. Dressed in a well-tailored black overcoat, he bowed slightly in the drizzle and opened the car door: "Young Master, welcome to Paris."
Lin Yan nodded slightly, briefly instructed Charles to help the others settle their luggage, and then bent down to sit in the back seat of the Rolls-Royce.
The convoy started silently, breaking the tranquility of the Parisian rainy night, carrying a group of weary travelers full of anticipation, and drove straight to the Ritz Hotel.
The lobby of the Ritz Hotel in Paris in 1960 was like a Baroque dream meticulously crafted by time. Stepping inside felt like entering a side room of Versailles Palace. Exquisite and elegant Versailles-style decorations were everywhere, with heavy Victorian carpets underfoot, their soft, plush texture making each step silent, as if walking on clouds. Crystal wall lamps cast a soft, warm glow, intertwining with the exquisite reliefs and gilded moldings on the dome, illuminating the original works of 18th-century European masters hanging on the walls.
Amidst this grand and luxurious setting, Tang Liuqian, Zheng Jiaming, and Li Wenbin immediately spotted Lin Yan entering the hall—his upright posture and the retro-luxurious background made him appear strangely harmonious, as if he were part of the painting itself.
"Ah Yan! I missed you so much!" Li Wenbin was the first to rush over with a cheer like a cannonball, practically clinging to Lin Yan. "You have no idea how exhausted I was in Paris!"
Lin Yan was slightly swayed by the bump, a hint of helplessness flashing across his face. He then gave Tang Liuqian and Zheng Jiaming a wink. The two understood immediately and stepped forward, one on each side, skillfully peeling this "sticky" off Lin Yan.
"Hey, don't pull me!" Li Wenbin protested verbally, trying to lunge again, but was suppressed by Tang Liuqian and Zheng Jiaming, and could only wave his arms to express his dissatisfaction.
Lin Yan ignored his exaggerated performance and turned to bring Mike, Tom, and Daniel, who were following behind him, to Tang Liuqian, introducing them in English. "Brother Liuqian, these three are my high school classmates in New York, and also my good friends. For the next few days, just arrange some temporary work related to the press conference for them," Lin Yan said calmly. "No need for special treatment. Assign them the dirty and tiring work as usual, let them truly experience social practice and life."
These words instantly created a strange sense of disconnect between Zheng Jiaming and Li Wenbin, who were standing nearby. They were used to Lin Yan's shrewdness and cunning in business, but now they heard him talking about "high school classmates" and "social practice" so naturally. Li Wenbin was the first to react, and then burst into laughter, attracting the attention of several well-dressed guests in the lobby.
"Pfft—hahaha! Ah Yan, I can't even imagine what you'd look like sitting in a classroom studying obediently! You're Lin Yan!" He laughed so hard he could barely stand up straight. "What was wrong with you, Lin Yan, that you'd go to high school? A high school student, Ah Yan! Ahahaha!"
"Li Wenbin!"
Lin Yan gritted his teeth and squeezed out three words from between his teeth. His voice was not loud, but it carried a clear warning.
Li Wenbin's laughter stopped abruptly, as if a power source had been cut off. He abruptly shut his mouth, even subconsciously making a zipping motion around his mouth, leaving only his shoulders trembling slightly from the lingering laughter.
Tang Liuqian suppressed a laugh, stepped forward, and gave Tom, Mike, and Daniel a gentle smile: "Welcome to Paris. Since you're Lin Yan's friends, you're one of us. Don't worry, I'll take care of the work and make sure you... well, have a very 'fulfilling' time."
Just as Zheng Jiaming was collecting everyone's passports to register at the front desk, Daniel's parents exchanged glances and walked nervously to Lin Yan's side.
Mrs. Li said somewhat apologetically, "Lin, we are truly very grateful for your arrangements. However… we just looked into it a little, and the Ritz Hotel is definitely beyond our budget. Do you think we could find a more… more affordable hotel nearby?"
Mr. Li nodded sincerely, expressing his reluctance to burden Lin Yan with too much responsibility because of his son's friendship.
Upon hearing this, Lin Yan's face broke into a gentle and reassuring smile. He explained in a relaxed tone:
"Mr. Li, Mrs. Li, you're too kind. It's no trouble at all. Actually, I arranged a deluxe suite for Daniel, Mike, and Tom, which already has an extra separate bedroom and living room."
He cleverly explained, "Moving in won't incur any extra costs. Even if you move out, the rooms in the suite will still be empty, which would be a waste. So please feel free to stay and consider this as making the most of the suite. Isn't that better?"
Mr. and Mrs. Li smiled with relief and gratitude. "This... Lin, thank you so much... thank you so much for being so thoughtful."
After checking in, the group took the elevator directly to the top floor. As the brass key turned and the heavy oak door slowly opened, even the air seemed to change.
Tom and Mike were the first to rush inside, then simultaneously ran towards the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The panorama of a Parisian winter night unfolded before them—the lights of Montmartre shone like scattered diamonds, the Eiffel Tower stood silently in the light mist after the rain, and the Seine flowed through the city like a dark ribbon.
"My God..." Mike murmured, his hand unconsciously pressed against the cold glass. This day's experience—flying on a private jet, enjoying a gourmet meal in the sky, stepping into a foreign land, and staying in the legendary Ritz Hotel's penthouse—felt like a beautiful dream he didn't want to wake from. Faced with this ultimate extravagance, a thought quietly took root in his heart: he was determined to use his own efforts to give his family a similar experience, and more importantly, to have the means to repay Lin's generosity today.
Meanwhile, Daniel's parents meticulously surveyed the suite's interior. Their fingers traced the velvet sofa, their gazes swept over the classical oil painting above the fireplace, and the exquisite porcelain and silverware on the dressing table. Every detail spoke of a luxury far exceeding their life experience. They didn't speak much, only exchanged a glance, solemnly etching this profound affection into their hearts.