The man standing at the hotel reception desk was undeniably striking. His sharp features, complemented by an aloof aura, created a sense of distance, almost as if he radiated an unapproachable energy. Though he wasn’t dressed in formal attire, his beige cashmere sweater paired with a deep navy shirt and corduroy trousers exuded elegance. A sleek sports watch adorned his wrist, and his shoes were the latest running sneakers from a well-known brand. Clearly, he was someone who valued an active lifestyle. Miranda couldn't help but notice him. Her gaze lingered a moment too long, drawing the man’s attention. He turned his head and locked eyes with her. For a second, it felt as though he wasn’t just looking at her but through her, as if searching for someone else in her gaze. Realizing the intensity of the exchange, Miranda quickly averted her eyes. What was she doing staring at a stranger like that? The tour guide beside her interrupted her thoughts. "Hey, gorgeous, thanks again for today. I’ll make sure to reach out to the group members soon.” Miranda gave a polite nod. "It’s no trouble. These elderly folks are probably feeling a bit anxious being in a foreign country. It’s important to keep an eye on them." The guide laughed nervously, rubbing his hands together. "Yeah, totally! That car accident earlier threw everything off track. Anyway, are you in Rome for a vacation too?" Miranda hesitated for a moment before responding. "Kind of." She wasn’t about to tell him she was here to accept an award, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention. The prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize was now safely in her possession, and the rest of her time in Rome was meant to relax and spend time with Uncle Bert. The guide’s eyes lit up with an idea. "You know, our tour group has a few empty spots due to last-minute cancellations. It’s a seven-day, six-night tour of Rome, and since you're staying at this hotel, your accommodation could even be reimbursed if you join. It’s a fantastic deal! How about it?" Miranda couldn’t help but chuckle at the guide’s enthusiastic sales pitch. He was persistent, and frankly, his professionalism was impressive. Even with unexpected cancellations, he was still trying to fill the gaps. In truth, Miranda wasn’t all that familiar with Rome’s famous sites and had been planning to do some research on what to see later that evening. Joining a tour group didn’t sound like a bad idea after all. She asked, “So, there are three spots available?” The guide nodded eagerly. "Yes, three! But we can always squeeze in more if needed. Do you have friends traveling with you?""Not exactly, but let me check with them first. I’ll give you an answer later." The guide's expression turned anxious. "If you wait until tomorrow, you’ll miss out! The first stop tomorrow morning is the Colosseum, and trust me, it’s the most iconic spot in Rome. You don’t want to miss it!" Miranda pressed her lips together thoughtfully. He had a point. "Alright, I’ll ask around and get back to you soon." The guide beamed. "Great! Here’s a flyer with all the details, and my contact info is on there too. Just text me if you decide to join." Meanwhile, at the front desk, the tall man had just finished checking in. The receptionist handed him his room keycard. “Sir, your room is 2306. It’s on the shady side, with large windows and plenty of privacy.” The man’s cool demeanor cracked ever so slightly, and he smiled politely. “Thank you.” “No problem, sir. Enjoy your stay.” As the man glanced at the keycard, a shadow of hesitation crossed his face. He turned back to the receptionist, a hint of urgency in his voice. “Actually, could I request to change to room 2307 instead?” The receptionist was taken aback. "I’m sorry, but room 2307 is already occupied by another guest. It’s quite a coincidence—she also requested a room on the shady side." The man’s brow furrowed slightly. “I see… But 2307 holds special meaning for me. Could you perhaps contact the guest? I’m willing to pay double—or more—whatever it takes to switch rooms.” The receptionist looked slightly perplexed but nodded, excusing herself to check the details. After a moment, she returned. “The guest in room 2307 is a woman. She was here at the desk earlier, actually. She is a very kind lady who helped us resolve a difficult situation today.” “A woman?” the man repeated, his expression unreadable. “And she’s unwilling to switch?” “Oh no, we haven’t asked yet. It’s just that… well, given her helpful nature, it feels a bit inappropriate to bother her with a request like this. I’m sorry, sir.” The man tapped his fingers lightly on the counter, clearly not ready to give up. His calm exterior belied a deeper insistence. Nearby, the tour guide who had just been talking to Miranda overheard and decided to chime in. "Hey there, man! You visiting Rome too?"The man shot him a brief, cold glance. "Yes." Undeterred, the guide pushed on. "You know, the gorgeous woman you were looking at is part of my tour group. You two would make a great pair! Rome is the city of love, after all. I’ve seen magic happen in this place. Couples meet here, and it’s like destiny. Why not join the tour and spend time with her? You never know!" The man’s frosty expression didn’t soften. He simply replied, "No, thank you." Then, after a pause, he added, "By the way, I believe your group is primarily for retirees, with an average age of over sixty. Are you suggesting I’m in need of a companion of that age?” The guide blushed, clearly flustered. "Uh, no, no, I mean… everyone deserves love, right? Even if they’re older." Ignoring the guide, the man turned back to the receptionist. “Please, could you contact the woman in 2307? I’m happy to cover any expenses related to the room change. It’s important.” The receptionist hesitated. “Sir, it’s just a number. The rooms themselves are identical—same size, same layout, same view. Why are you so set on 2307?” The man’s voice was firm. “2307 holds sentimental value for me. It’s not about the room; it’s about the memories.”