Chapter 97: The Magical Lottery (Part 1)
early morning.
Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows of the wooden villa, the quiet and magnificent morning scene is like a slowly unfolding ink painting.
Yu Ling woke up to a feeling of warmth and comfort. Her back pressed against Zhao Chen's warm chest, his arm still domineeringly wrapped around her waist, his chin resting gently on the top of her head, his breathing even and long.
She moved slightly, trying to turn over, and the arm around her waist immediately tightened unconsciously with an unquestionable possessiveness.
She curled the corners of her lips helplessly, and simply relaxed her body, snuggling in his arms, admiring the fairyland-like morning light through the glass.
Last night's starry sky, the morning mist, and the clumsy but passionate love of the man beside her made her heart feel as if it were soaked in hot spring water, warm and cozy. Those bad things seemed to be really isolated in another world.
"Awake?" Zhao Chen's hoarse voice, thick with sleepiness, came from above her head. He tightened his arms and held her tighter in his arms. His warm lips rubbed the top of her head like a lazy big cat.
"Hmm," Yu Ling murmured softly, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing circles on the back of his hand around her waist. "So beautiful."
"If you like," Zhao Chen's voice became clearer, with a hint of subtle anticipation, "can we leave later? Or... maybe... go to that ancient town nearby that's said to be very charming this afternoon? And experience the local customs and culture?"
He deliberately emphasized the words "local customs and people", with a clumsy feeling of trying to play the role of an "ordinary tourist".
Yu Ling thought of the "two-day" itinerary he mentioned yesterday and felt amused, but nodded in agreement: "Okay, I'll listen to you." She also wanted to see what other upgraded versions of the "farmhouse" this "pig" could come up with.
The two stayed in bed for a while, until the sunlight dispelled the mist and the lake surface became completely clear as a mirror, then they got up lazily.
After a quick wash, they packed their simple luggage. Zhao Chen carried the bag, holding Yu Ling's hand, and walked out of the ridiculously luxurious wooden villa.
They walked along the path paved with log planks to the resort's reception center, a building with an equally rich design that blends modern and ancient styles.
At the front desk, a waiter wearing a well-tailored uniform and with a smile as standard as if measured with a ruler was already waiting there.
Seeing Zhao Chen and Yu Ling approaching, several waiters exchanged a very subtle glance. The calm and composed manager who was in the lead immediately came forward with a smile even brighter than the morning light.
"Mr. Zhao, Ms. Yu, good morning! Did you sleep well last night?" The manager's voice was enthusiastic, but his eyes held a hint of imperceptible respect.
"Very good, thank you." Zhao Chen nodded calmly, handing over the canvas travel bag and room card. "Store your luggage for now, and we'll go around town."
"Okay, no problem!" The manager took the canvas bag and the room card representing an ordinary lake view cabin with both hands.
He did not check in immediately, but picked up a room card from a tray respectfully handed to him by another waiter next to him. The card was completely black, with fine diamonds inlaid on the edge, and it shone brightly in the morning light!
The room card has a heavy texture and there is no room number on it, only two smooth and elegant gold-plated Chinese characters that float like clouds: "Yunding".
The manager held the dazzlingly luxurious room card in both hands, a smile on his face like a blooming chrysanthemum, and his voice was loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear:
"Congratulations, distinguished Mr. Zhao!" He paused deliberately to create a dramatic effect. "Just now! You have become the 88,888th lucky guest of our Yunqi Secret Resort since its opening!"
Yu Ling: “…”
Zhao Chen raised his eyebrows in agreement, a hint of surprise showing on his face at the right moment: "Oh?"
The manager's voice was even more enthusiastic, as if he was announcing a grand prize:
"According to the rules of our resort's special 'Auspicious Clouds and Blessings' Super Lucky Draw event! You will win a valuable free three-day, two-night exclusive experience voucher for the 'Genting Presidential Suite'! Effective immediately!"
As he spoke, he placed the diamond-studded black card in front of Zhao Chen with both hands: "Congratulations, Mr. Zhao! You and Miss Yu are so lucky!" The waiters behind him also bowed slightly in unison, with well-trained smiles on their faces that were a mixture of envy and respect.
The whole scene... was so exaggerated that Yu Ling dug her toes into the ground!
88,888 people? And "auspicious clouds offering blessings"? Could this excuse be any more untrue?! And that room card... diamond-encrusted?! A presidential suite?! Aren't these "employee benefits" at this "farmhouse" just too outrageous?!
Yu Ling resisted the urge to hold her forehead and looked at Zhao Chen beside her. This "lucky guy" wore a perfectly composed smile of surprise. He reached out to take the diamond-studded room card, carefully flipping through it, his tone tinged with disbelief.
"Oh my, this... is such good luck? Looks like I got lucky today?" He even turned around and "explained" to Ling, "Lingling, see, I told you we're lucky, right? We even got a free presidential suite when we went out!"
Yu Ling watched him speak in a serious manner, then looked at the front desk manager's twitching mouth and his almost unbearable respectful expression, and finally couldn't help but burst out laughing. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand, but her shoulders couldn't help shaking slightly.
Zhao Chen's ears turned slightly red at her laughter, but he still forced himself to remain calm. He coughed lightly, casually stuffed the diamond-studded black card into the pocket of his casual pants, and then naturally put his arm around Yu Ling's shoulders:
"Okay, okay, stop laughing. Good luck is a good thing! Let's go to the ancient town!"
He hugged Yu Ling, who was still trying to hold back her laughter, and quickly walked out of the reception center. Behind them, the manager and waiters kept a respectful look on their faces until they disappeared at the end of the tree-lined path.
"Huh..." The manager finally breathed a sigh of relief, wiped the non-existent sweat from his forehead, and whispered to the person next to him:
"Notify Genting that Mr. Zhao and Ms. Yu will be there any minute. Prepare everything to the highest standards, but... be natural! Treat them like any other lottery winner! Got it?"
"Understood!" the waiter responded immediately, turned around and trotted off to make the arrangements.
The ancient town is not far from the resort, about twenty minutes' drive away.
Zhao Chen was still driving the same "low-key" black SUV. As the car pulled into the parking lot outside the ancient town, Yu Ling looked at the various private cars and tour buses parked around it, then looked at their "ordinary" SUV occupying the best and most spacious parking space (with uniformed staff nearby to guide them), and her mouth twitched again.
"Looks like there are a lot of tourists today." Zhao Chen parked the car, unbuckled his seatbelt, and naturally took Yu Ling's hand. "Come on, I'll take you to try some authentic ancient town snacks!"
The ancient town is indeed bustling. Rows of shops line the streets, their eaves and corners adorned with quaint signs. The clamor of tourists and the shouts of vendors create a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.
Zhao Chen held Yu Ling's hand tightly as they weaved through the bustling crowd. Tall and straight, with a distinguished demeanor, he stood out even in the crowd. Yet, he seemed to relish this "ordinary" bustle. He would stop to examine a novel gadget, or sniff out an alluring aroma, dragging Yu Ling along to join the queue.
"Lingling, try this!" Zhao Chen waited in line for a while and finally bought two freshly baked, golden and crispy preserved vegetable and pork biscuits. He handed one to Yu Ling like he was presenting a treasure, his eyes sparkling, "Be careful, it's hot!"
Yu Ling took it, blew on it, and carefully took a bite. The crust was crispy and crumbly, and the filling was a savory, salty, and fragrant pickled mustard greens and a mixture of fat and lean meat, mixed with the aroma of lard, instantly conquering her taste buds! She squinted her eyes in satisfaction: "Mmm! Delicious!"
Zhao Chen looked at her satisfied expression, and the smile on his face deepened. He also took a big bite. He breathed hard from the heat, but his face was full of happiness: "Right! I told you this place is authentic!"
The two of them just held hands and strolled around the ancient town like an ordinary couple.
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