After Leyao left, I walked alone toward the inn, looking around restlessly. Each time one or two tourists passed by me, I felt a sense of existence in this real world.
I stopped at the entrance of a newly opened convenience store because outside, they were installing two electric rocking horses for children’s amusement.
This sight brought back memories of her unique, calm smile—the smile I once helplessly fell for. Yet all those past experiences I now brushed aside with the phrase, “times have changed.”
I no longer felt nostalgic. I lifted my feet and continued walking back to the inn.
…
Inside the inn, Tongzi was sitting at the front desk, taking over my reception duties. Upon seeing me return, he stared at me for a while before asking, “Brother Yang, what happened to your face?”
“I accidentally bumped into something… Any guests today?”
He shook his head in despair and said, “No… Ever since we took over this inn, no new guests have come.”
I simply nodded without saying much, though my mind was occupied with thoughts: while renewing this inn, how should I shape its soul? A soul, like the “Four Seasons Change” at the Fifth Season bar, or the “Waiting for You” at the Wait for You bar in Xitang. This created soul would eventually become the core selling point of the business, guiding customers to spend here and feel a sense of belonging.
“Brother Yang, why do you look so deep in thought?”
I countered, asking, “You’re now also a shareholder of this inn. Tell me, do you have any good ideas for running it well?”
Without hesitation, he answered, “Just lower the prices. As long as we’re cheaper than other inns, guests will naturally come!”
I shook my head and said, “Price reduction is merely a promotional tactic, not a long-term business strategy. Besides, our inn is in a rented building. In Xitang, many inns are self-built by locals. Compared to them, we simply cannot afford a price war, understand?”
“Then what should we do?”
“One step at a time. Let’s start with renovation and decoration.”
“Okay, I don’t understand much about business operations. I’ll just follow your instructions.”
“Alright, here’s a task for you. Within two days, set up a shop on Taobao. Once our renovation is complete, we can directly accept accommodation orders there, thereby adding another sales channel.”
“Brother Yang, you’re amazing! How come I didn’t think of that?”
“Amazing, my foot! Currently, 80% of inns in Xitang already have shops on Taobao. We’re already far behind. Now we need to work hard and catch up with other inns in terms of basic channels, understand?”
Tongzi nodded repeatedly.
I continued, “I’ll leave the inn to you today. I’m going to find a decoration company and finalize the renovation plan as soon as possible.”
“Go ahead. I’ll take care of the inn.”
I nodded and was about to leave.
“Brother Yang, wait.”
“Anything else?”
“…Is Leyao coming to eat with us today?”
“No, she’s back in Beijing.”
Tongzi’s face dropped, like a deflated balloon.
I smiled and asked, “Why do you look so lifeless?”
“I feel sorry about her leaving.”
“What for? You couldn’t even bring yourself to talk to her.”
“She’s a big celebrity, my goddess. Isn’t it normal that I’m too shy to speak to her?”
I had no mood to chat further with him. After reminding him again to take care of the inn, I grabbed my car keys and headed toward the minivan parked at the door.
…
Just like when renovating the “Fifth Season” bar, I spent the entire day rushing between various decoration companies, not only inquiring about prices but also exchanging ideas on renovation.
Time quietly passed as I busied myself, and by the time the sun set, Xitang was at its most poetic moment. Yet I returned to the inn, exhausted.
Tongzi was still intently staring at the computer. Sitting on the rattan chair opposite him, I asked, “Any guests this afternoon?”
“No,” he replied while furiously clicking the mouse.
“What are you doing?”
“Playing games.”
“And what about the Taobao shop I asked you to set up?”
“Not yet. Anyway, there are no guests now. I can do it after the renovation.”
I frowned, quite displeased with Tongzi’s laziness, but still patiently said, “Stop playing games. I need to talk to you.”
“Just a moment, just a moment…”
I lit a cigarette and waited.
After finishing one cigarette, I lit another, but Tongzi still showed no sign of stopping. After a tiring day, I finally lost my temper, walked over, and slapped his hand gripping the mouse, yelling, “Why are you so careless? What’s so fun about this stupid game!”
Caught off guard by my sudden outburst, Tongzi stared at me with his mouth open, and after a while, he said, “What’s wrong with you?”
“I’m telling you to be more conscientious. Stop playing games, got it?”
“Running an inn doesn’t have to be that serious… Besides, I’ve been watching the inn all day. How come you say I’m not conscientious?”
I found it hard to communicate with Tongzi, which made me increasingly annoyed, but I still controlled myself and didn’t get angrier.
Seeing my silence, Tongzi suddenly got upset, venting his frustration by kicking the office chair next to him aside and said, “I’m going to eat.” Without looking back, he left the inn.
…
I sat alone in the empty inn until the sunset disappeared and the room was completely dark. Only then did I suddenly turn on the lights and, feeling somewhat oppressed, lit another cigarette for myself.
I realized I might have overreacted toward Tongzi. After all, at his age, I myself was even less aware of potential dangers, living aimlessly every day.
In fact, many soon-to-graduate students nearing graduation share similar behaviors. I shouldn’t have set such high expectations for him. Instead, I should patiently guide and inspire him.
I checked the time—it was already 9 PM, and Tongzi still hadn’t returned. I couldn’t help but worry and wanted to go look for him, but I couldn’t leave the inn unattended.
At this moment, the inn still hadn’t received its first guest since we took over. After some consideration, I decided to go find Tongzi first.
It was a bit chilly in the evening in Xitang. I put on a thick jacket and grabbed the lighter and cigarette pack from the table before heading out.
In my hurried steps, our eyes met briefly for a moment. I stopped, and she turned to look at me.
“What are you doing in Xitang?”
Jianwei looked more surprised than me. After a while, she said, “It’s the weekend. I came to Xitang to relax… I didn’t expect you to be here after disappearing for so many days!”
I remained silent for a while, thinking: Could it be that in Jianwei’s heart, she still remembers Xitang—the place where we once slept together?
Jianwei didn’t speak either, just looking at the guitar without strings hanging under the inn’s sign.
Finally, I said to her, “You haven’t found a place to stay yet, right? This is my inn.”
“Your inn?”
“Yes, I just took over it yesterday.”
“This inn is so remote, and it’s the low season now. Am I going to be your first guest since taking over?”
“You could say that… Oh, by the way, go in first and help me watch the inn. I need to go out for something and will be back soon.”
Jianwei nodded. I immediately led her into the inn.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage