43 Accommodated

"What's the issue?" Chen Waan asked when she saw Wang Zibo to reason with the manager of the inn they were going to stay at.

At first, when they were travelling by car and running past all the big hotels, she did not understand what was happening. They had left the downtown area in Tokyo and were heading towards outskirts. Then she saw their car turning into this traditional inn.

Now the inn had a breathtaking décor and Chen Waan was sold the moment she saw the place. She had to liv here for next two days no matter what.

"We had booked your room last minute and this is one popular destination with tourists. They are not able to provide a separate room," Wang Zibo replied, his eyes darting back and forth between the host and Chen Waan. It seemed there was some miscommunication, and the host was not very adept in English, so they were not getting anywhere.

"Why did you not call me earlier then? I would have talked to her," she whispered to him and then smiled towards the host.

"I apologize for the trouble. Could you please tell me what kind of rooms you have left?" Chen Waan bowed politely and asked the question the host in Japanese. The host was stunned for a moment when the words flowed flawlessly through a foreigner's mouth.

"Ah! I am so sorry miss. There was overbooking and we do not have separate rooms anymore. This gentleman here had booked the most expensive suite, so I am not sure if the esteemed guest would be willing to downgrade?" the host said, bowing to Chen Waan in response and pointing to Wang Zibo with her both hands in a polite gesture.

"Of course! I am sure even if we downgrade, your service will be impeccable. What kind of rooms do you have available?" Chen Waan now understood that the host was not able to communicate her solution to Wang Zibo in English.

"Well, I will have to ask other guests first. We will give them free upgrade and refund you the whole amount since it was a mistake on our part," the host said politely once again, regretful for the inconvenience being caused to her guests.

"Oh no no! That is okay. If possible, please get us at least a suite with one small separate bedroom for me. Those two can stay in one bigger room. If you can make an arrangement like that, then for payment arrangements, you can keep it as it is. We would not request a refund. We are a bit short on time, so if you could arrange it faster," Chen Waan requested.

"Yes miss. Right away," the host in kimono scurried right away.

"What did she say?" Wang Zibo asked. They were not in a hurry actually, but they would have loved to rest a bit so that they could prepare for the work they had the next day. After all, they would need to again move at around 3 am to be ready for the magazine interview at 7 am.

"She is making arrangements. Might as well wait. Ah, but I took the decision on my own regarding the money," Chen Waan scratched her chin in embarrassment. She should have asked them but she gave her order on her own.

"As long as we get the room. I even used the golden card but I am surprised it did not work," Wang Zibo rolled his eyes. They had been long time customer here, he was not sure what was causing a delay.

"Let it be. New Year has just passed, it's a popular time for tourists here. If we have been old customers it does not make sense to sour our relationship like this," Chen Waan said. In actuality, she was a big time fan of the country and its culture. Fortunately, they were going to stay at a traditional place like this. When would she ever get a chance again? She had borrowed a brochure at the counter and the place had an open air hot spring too. What else could she ask for? She obviously did not show her over interest in the place.

She looked around, admiring the scenery she was seeing. The reception area was decorated with fake cherry blossom trees. There were paintings on the rice paper covering the doors and walls, of sparrows and butterflies. Chen Waan's lifetime dream was to visit Japan and it had been fulfilled just like that.

If she knew they were coming here, she would have prepared a separate itinerary for herself.

Wang Zibo just went with Chen Waan's suggestion. The two guys looked at the girl whose eyes were sparkling. They both smiled nodding knowingly to each other.

The host came within five minutes with good news.

"I have arranged the room exactly the way you had asked for. One kind patron was happy to give his one up. I will guide to your room, please follow me," she explained to Chen Waan in Japanese.

Chen Waan signaled the two and they followed the host. The room the host led them two was a spacious tatami mat floor with futons. This was a traditional place after all. Chen Waan's face completely lit up. She did not care about the rooms anymore. Futons! She had always wanted to sleep in one. There was a 'kotatsu' as well.

To think the two main characters had to go with the wishes of the sidekick, the two men were feeling aggrieved for themselves. There was a small side room to this suite where one person could easily fit. In the main room, they could move the table to put two beds side by side.

The room opened in a small garden where one could enjoy the sunshine while sipping their famous rice wine. The garden itself was exquisite, complete with a small fish pond and trees.

"I guess this is it then," Mo Yifan sat down on the heated floor comfortably.

"I need to change, so I'll us that small room," Wang Zibo announced.

Chen Waan was already lost in her appreciation of the view. It was cold so they were not really interested in opening the door to the garden. She also sat down on the floor, her head still turning around to take everything in.

Mo Yifan really found her behavior fascinating. "Are you that happy to be here?"