The Alchemists

"This is very surprising..." said Jean. He gulped down the wine in his glass and his face looked shaken, "Then what about you? You're not an immortal like him. How can you two be together?"

"I was given the immortality potion that made me the same like them..." answered Finland. "But that means that I also have to live like them. I won't age, so I can't live as Finland forever. Later, everyone in the office would look older, and I would still look like this, people will be suspicious."

"You know that this is a very valuable thing? Everybody wants to stay young and live forever. You got the immortality potion that every human being on earth desires." said Jean in amazement, "But why are you talking in a sad tone, as if you encountered a misfortune?"

"Although my life was not very interesting and happy, I like myself and my identity. I like my work in my current office, and I started having friends in the company. I also like the things we can do together like this," Finland answered sadly, "Later, after I enter their society, I won't be able to live like a normal human being. I will have to take on a new identity every few years."

Jean didn't speak for a long time. He also did not touch his food, only added wine to his glass and drank while digesting all the words he heard from Finland. Finland did not force him to respond immediately. She knew that this was all very surprising for Jean.

After thinking for a long time, Jean finally nodded and smiled a little, "I understand. This is a big secret. I will keep this secret well. I'm just sad because someday I will grow old and will no longer be with you. Death is certain, and someday it will separate us..."

Finland hurriedly took Jean's hand and comforted him, "Don't talk about scary things like death at a time like this... You're still very young. You're also of Asian descent, even in your 40s, your appearance won't change. Aaron Kwok is currently 55 years old and he still looks like he is in his 30s."

Jean shrugged, "You know what I mean."

They no longer discussed about the Alchemists because it had to be kept a secret. Finland changed the topic and asked about their travel plans.

"We will explore Paris for a few days where I'll show you the important places in this city. Then, we will move on to Colmar; it's a beautiful old city. There are lots of old buildings in the style of rural Germany and canals that can usually only be seen on postcards, so beautiful. After that we will continue to Belgium and the Netherlands, then back to Paris."

"How do we go about?" Finland asked.

"I already bought train and bus tickets for us, so you can have an authentic traveling experience. But from Paris to Colmar I will drive my car. Later we will just take the train to the Netherlands."

"Wow... that is going to be so exciting." Finland exclaimed. She was really excited to hear their travel details from Jean. She had never experienced traveling in Europe like this; she only read about such stories from other travelers in books and blogs.

She was glad that Jean was around because he knew the area so he could help her navigate the beautiful cities that she had only seen on the internet. Traveling with Caspar was fun, but they never used public transportation and she would feel awkward when she had to use buses or trains herself.

"This will be an unforgettable experience," Jean said, clinking his glass to Finland's glass, "Welcome to Paris."

After they finished their lunch, Finland took her suitcase from the concierge. They were going to Jean's apartment to prepare for their adventure. Jean took the suitcase from Finland and pushed it with one hand, while the other held Finland's hand. They were going to walk to Jean's apartment.

"My flat isn't far from here. Only a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower."

"Very cool!"

"I've lived there for 4 years. It's convenient and near the metro station."

Jean was a practical man, so location was the main consideration in choosing a place to stay. His apartment on Robertson Road was also very strategically located, and thus expensive. Although he mostly lived in Paris nowadays, he still maintained his apartment in Singapore due to sentimental values.

Jean lived in Arr 13, which was one of the most strategic districts because it was close to the Eiffel Tower and other tourist attractions. Moreover, he could walk everywhere.

Finland was constantly amazed to see the beauty of Paris as they walked across the sidewalk to Jean's apartment. Historical monuments, gold-decorated statues, and old buildings dating back to hundreds of years ago were scattered on the way.

Jean just laughed at Finland's excitement. She was like a kid in a candy shop.

"You are very funny, yeah. If you really like Paris, you should just move here. I'm sure Caspar doesn't mind," he said.

Finland just smiled and did not answer. Caspar also said the same thing. Maybe someday Finland would ask Caspar to move to Paris. But in the meantime, she wanted to see the world and decide later, which place would be their next home.