Their destination was the Stockholm Grand Hotel.
As in previous years, the Nobel Foundation had booked the entire hotel for these few days, reserving its services exclusively for Nobel Prize laureates and their families.
Unlike previous years, however, the atmosphere this time was particularly solemn.
Once they were within two blocks of the hotel, Lu Zhou spotted checkpoints manned by local special police. Almost every road leading to the hotel was under traffic control, with passing vehicles being inspected.
"Security seems a little tense this year?"
Noticing Lu Zhou's surprise in the rearview mirror, Wang Peng smiled and explained.
"With distinguished guests coming, it's only natural to take things a little more seriously."
Lu Zhou said, "Isn't this a bit excessive?"
"Not at all," the driver interjected with a smile. "In a sense, they're even more afraid of something going wrong than we are. Better to prepare in advance than spend the whole time worrying."
As they spoke, the motorcade arrived at the entrance of the Stockholm Grand Hotel.
An attendant in formal attire stepped forward to open the car doors for Lu Zhou and the others, then escorted them to their rooms.
Looking around the spacious room, Chen Yushan sat on the edge of the bed and suddenly spoke with a touch of nostalgia.
"This really brings back memories... Five years have gone by before we knew it."
"Yeah."
Lu Zhou felt quite nostalgic himself.
He had stayed here five years ago, even in this very same room.
The only difference, perhaps, was that his state of mind was now completely unlike what it had been back then.
Quietly watching Lu Zhou gaze out the window, lost in his memories, Chen Yushan suddenly asked a question.
"By the way, when are your parents arriving?"
"They should already be at