Chapter 122: A Variety of Evaluators
The man was named Cao Ran, a cultural scholar, currently serving as a professor in the Literature Department at the Springyang Province Drama Academy.
The woman was named Xing Yue, a television screenwriter.
Their relationship could be described as the quintessential union of literary enthusiasts.
Though their professions were unrelated to the hotel industry, when it comes to evaluating a hotel, beyond the basic amenities, hardware, and decor, the comfort, cultural ambiance, service quality, and living experience are extremely important aspects.
If hardware evaluations are the first hurdle in a hotel's assessment, they represent the more stringent second hurdle.
...
Opening the door to the guest room and passing through the entrance, Cao Ran was immediately captivated by the desk beside the floor-to-ceiling window! It was sunset, the sky a gradient of pink and blue, with golden light filtering through the white curtains, casting a serene and beautiful glow on the light wood desk. The scene inexplicably exuded a sense of time slipping away in solitude.
Cao Ran stood there, staring at the beauty before him, emotions seeming to swell in his eyes. He put down his suitcase and slowly walked to the desk, gently pressing the small lamp's switch. With a "click," a soft beam of light emanated from the lamp's elegant shade, evenly illuminating the desk. The light from the lamp and the daylight outside complemented each other, making the small desk area both bright and tranquil.
Cao Ran extended his hand, waving it through the beam, the transparent light casting different shadow shapes on the desk. As he watched, he suddenly slapped his thigh. "I've got inspiration! I finally know how to write that part!"
Like a child seeing candy, Cao Ran rushed to Xing Yue, planted a firm kiss on her cheek, and in her confused state, kicked his suitcase flat, pulled out his laptop, and dashed to the desk. Facing the sea, his fingers danced swiftly over the keyboard.
In that moment, thoughts and inspiration flowed continuously from deep within his heart. The sound of the keyboard was like a girl dancing to a drumbeat, full of vitality and agility. All previous confusion and blockage were swept away, leaving only an endless desire to express.
Towards the sea, the sky, and his own heart, he poured out his thoughts.
...
"Normally, it takes me three to four hours to squeeze out 2000 words at the computer. Without the pressure of a deadline, I can't write a thing. How come he's so inspired today?"
Watching her husband enthusiastically writing, Xing Yue was puzzled. "But this room's setup is really nice. I felt good as soon as I came in."
Looking down at the two heavy suitcases, Xing Yue sighed helplessly. Sigh! It seems it's impossible to get this man to help unpack. I'll have to do it myself!
...
While Xing Yue was bending over to unpack in their room, at the Lang'ai Hotel, two doormen stood at the entrance, betting on the passing crowd.
"Do you think that backpacker looks like he's staying at the hotel?" the skinny doorman asked, pointing at a hip-hop youth with a large backpack and permed hair.
The chubby doorman waved his hand. "No way, that guy looks like he's heading to the beach to swim."
They both stared intently at the hip-hop youth, betting on whether he would turn left or right. The youth, looking at his phone and grinning foolishly as he texted, reached the crossroad between the beach and the hotel. Suddenly, he turned towards the hotel's entrance.
The skinny doorman's face lit up with a triumphant smile. "Tonight's shift at the airport is yours!"
The chubby doorman snorted, about to retort, but then he exclaimed "Oh no!" and ran towards the youth, his chubby belly bouncing.
The skinny doorman was puzzled, only to see the hip-hop youth sprawled on the ground, having tripped. He was still in a daze, his left ankle twisted at an almost right angle beneath him. Instinctively or perhaps out of love for his phone, the youth held his phone aloft, protecting it from any harm.
"Sir, are you alright? Can you move?" the chubby doorman asked anxiously.
The youth shook his head, indicating he couldn't move.
"You stay here, I'll get a wheelchair," the skinny doorman said, quickly running back into the hotel. He returned within a minute with a wheelchair. Together, they managed to lift the youth into the wheelchair.
"Sir, are you checking into the hotel? Or is there somewhere else you need to go?" the chubby doorman asked concernedly.
The hip-hop youth looked embarrassed, trying to hide behind the two doormen to avoid being seen by passersby. "I booked a room online. I'm here to check in."
...
What followed was the most surreal ten minutes of the hip-hop youth's life. From being wheeled into the lobby, watching the staff handle his check-in separately, to being taken to his room and given an ice pack, it all took just ten minutes. During those ten minutes, this 1.89-meter tall man was treated like a baby, with hotel staff even kneeling to remove his shoes and socks before applying the ice pack.
Shame, embarrassment, helplessness, gratitude, and the urge to cry all surged within him. After the staff applied some Yunbei bruise spray to his ankle, they said gently, "Sir, this is a complimentary spray from the hotel. If you need anything else, please call the front desk. Enjoy your stay."
The youth, blushing furiously, thanked them repeatedly. "Thank you, thank you so much. Sorry for the trouble."
After saying "thank you" countless times, he finally sat dazed in his room, looking at his swollen ankle and the ice pack. Then he let out a helpless cry, "Damn it! I can't believe the evaluation ended up on me!"