Osaka Garden stood on an island in Jackson Park. Construction began in 1893 for the Chicago World's Fair, and it was a gift from the Japanese government to Chicago, originally named Phoenix Pavilion. It was destroyed during World War II and restored several times afterward. In 2013, it was officially renamed Phoenix Garden, but everyone still preferred to call it Osaka Garden.
After crossing a stone bridge, they arrived on the island in the middle of the lake. The island was lushly landscaped, with most of its paths wide enough for four people abreast. A middle-aged man in a hat sat on a rumbling lawn mower, trimming the grass. Lu Mingfei hurriedly pulled Zero behind him, shielding her from the flying leaves and twigs as they went around the gardener.
"Hey, kids." The gardener switched off the mower and stopped them. "Are you here to visit the garden?"
"Yes," Lu Mingfei answered.
"I'm very sorry, but we prune the plants and maintain the facilities every Monday, so we're closed to visitors that day. Osaka Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, from ten in the morning to six in the evening."
"Talk about bad timing." Lu Mingfei froze. No wonder they had barely seen anyone on the way here. He had blundered straight over without even checking the opening hours.
"Don't be discouraged. There's plenty of other fun stuff nearby," the gardener said. "Where are you from?"
"We're students at Cassell University, here on vacation."
"Oh-ho, the school that beats the University of Chicago in the sailing race every year!" the gardener said. "I really like that young Asian fellow. He used to bring his girlfriend here all the time, but he's graduated by now, hasn't he?"
"He has. He's an upperclassman of mine. He's the one who recommended this place