Chapter 388 - 201: She, and Shen Yuan, in the Hotel (2)
Chapter 388: Chapter 201: She, and Shen Yuan, in the Hotel (2)
The air in the hotel lobby was cool and quiet. Li Zhi suppressed the fluttering in her heart, but she squeezed Shen Yuan’s hand tightly in return, as if every step was taken with firm resolve.
The lobby’s interior was elegant and understated. The marble floor was polished to a mirror shine, a stark contrast to the humid air from West Lake outside.
A faint scent of incense permeated the air.
Only one staff member, dressed in a smart uniform, was on duty at the front desk.
Shen Yuan led Li Zhi straight to the front desk. He noticed her fingers tighten slightly again, and her palm was even a little sweaty.
He understood what she was feeling, but his expression didn’t change. He simply squeezed her hand more firmly, silently reassuring her.
"Hello, we have a reservation."
Shen Yuan placed his ID on the polished, dark wood counter, his voice steady.
The front desk clerk took the ID with a professional smile, her eyes subconsciously glancing at the young woman beside Shen Yuan.
When she got a clear look at Li Zhi’s face, the professional smile froze for a moment. A flash of stunned admiration was clear in her eyes.
Under the hotel’s soft overhead lighting, the young woman’s fair skin was almost translucent. Her features were as delicate as a painting, especially her eyes, which, despite trying to appear calm, couldn’t hide their glistening moisture.
It was clear she was a bit flustered and shy.
This moment of distraction was extremely brief.
Years of professional training allowed the clerk to quickly lower her head and refocus her attention on the computer screen, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she processed the check-in.
"Alright, Mr. Shen... one moment, please."
Li Zhi could feel the clerk’s brief yet focused gaze, which made her turn her head away uncomfortably, pretending to be intrigued by a floral arrangement nearby.
"Your reservation is for two adjacent lake-view rooms. I’ll need to register this lady’s ID as well."
When the clerk looked up again, she had returned to a state of perfect professionalism.
Li Zhi handed over her ID to complete the registration.
The clerk politely handed the IDs and two room keys to Shen Yuan. "The elevator is to your right. I hope you both enjoy your stay."
"Thank you." Shen Yuan took them and naturally led Li Zhi away from the front desk toward the elevators.
Only after the couple’s backs, especially the young woman’s slender yet straight back, disappeared around the corner did the front desk clerk let out a soft breath, unable to resist leaning forward slightly to steal another glance.
They walked toward the elevators, their footsteps echoing softly on the polished marble floor.
The sensor next to the elevator door lit up faintly. Shen Yuan tapped the key card on the sensor, and the elevator automatically began to ascend.
The slight feeling of weightlessness made Li Zhi’s heart beat a little faster.
The young woman stole a glance at Shen Yuan, looking like she wanted to say something but was holding back. Finally, she couldn’t help but whisper, "This place... it’s not cheap, is it?"
Her voice held a probing tone and a hint of barely perceptible worry, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.
Shen Yuan turned his head to look at her, his tone casual but direct. "Mm, 1,000."
"1,000 a night?!" Li Zhi gasped in shock.
Her feigned composure vanished completely, her voice rising uncontrollably. "Shen Yuan! Why would you book somewhere so expensive? Are you crazy?"
Her exaggerated reaction made Shen Yuan chuckle.
"Relax, Old Shen’s sponsoring this. He specifically told me that since I was taking you out, I should make sure you stay somewhere nice."
Li Zhi paused for a moment, then, as if something had just occurred to her, she blurted out, "Didn’t he say to let *me* stay somewhere nice? He didn’t say anything about *you* staying somewhere this nice, did he?"
Shen Yuan was momentarily choked speechless by her sudden retort and cleared his throat in embarrassment.
But a helpless smile soon appeared on his face, and he went along with her teasing. "Alright, then. I guess I’m just riding your coattails, getting to stay somewhere this expensive."
"Hmph! As long as you know."
But as soon as the words left her mouth, Li Zhi asked Shen Yuan, "Is your budget going to be enough? Don’t tell me you’re going to take me out for beef bowls again tonight."
Hearing her mention beef bowls, Shen Yuan laughed helplessly but then deliberately shot back, "Alright, alright, I’ll take you for beef bowls tonight!"
Hearing this, Li Zhi shot him a glare.
The young woman’s eyes darted slyly. "If you dare take me for beef bowls again, I’ll go back and report you to your parents for embezzling the travel funds! And for making me live under a bridge!"
Shen Yuan laughed out loud at her antics. "Heartless, Li Bao, threatening me like that? And after I booked such an expensive hotel just so you could see West Lake whenever you want."
"Hmph! You’re the one who wanted that!"
Li Zhi turned her head away and muttered under her breath, "Who said I wanted to see West Lake..."
The elevator arrived at their floor with a soft DING, and the doors slid open silently.
The lighting in the hallway was warm and serene, and the plush carpet absorbed all sound of their footsteps.
A faint, elegant scent of incense, unique to the hotel, filled the air. In contrast to the slightly stuffy feeling in the elevator, it had an inexplicably calming effect on Li Zhi.
Shen Yuan held her hand and followed the room numbers, stopping after a few steps in front of a dark wooden door.
A golden room number plaque reflected the light with clear digits. In this peaceful atmosphere, the tension that had gripped Li Zhi gradually eased, replaced by a subtle sense of security.
Before swiping the key card, Shen Yuan turned to Li Zhi.
"Want to rest for a bit?"
Li Zhi paused, then met his gaze.
The nervousness had completely settled.
She nodded, her voice soft but clear. "Yeah, twenty minutes. Come get me then."
The blush on her cheeks had faded slightly, and the corners of her lips even curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
"Alright." Shen Yuan smiled. Without any further ado, he raised the key card to the door’s sensor.