Shen Dong was completely stunned at this point, unable to utter a word.
In the end, it was Shen's Mother who pulled both father and son back to reality.
"What's done is done. There's no use dwelling on it now. The most important thing at the moment is the exclusive interview."
After saying this, Shen's Mother turned to her son. "No matter what, you must seize this opportunity. Once the building is completed, you’ll be the undisputed hero of the project. Understood?"
Shen Dong fell silent for a moment before replying, "Mom, I understand. I’ll do my best."
In their low spirits, neither Shen's Father nor Shen's Mother noticed the flicker of panic in Shen Dong’s eyes as he spoke.
Nor did they notice that He Lin, standing nearby, was so terrified she couldn’t speak.
In stark contrast to the gloom hanging over the Shen family, Jiang Si and her companions had made their way to a nearby state-owned time-honored restaurant.
It was peak dining hours, and the place was packed.
"It's so crowded. Should we try somewhere else?" Huo Tingzhou turned to ask Jiang Si.
Just as she hesitated, someone called out uncertainly, "Xiao Jiang?"
The voice sounded oddly familiar.
Jiang Si turned around, and her face immediately lit up with a smile when she recognized the speaker. "Dean Gao?"
Dean Gao chuckled as he approached. "It really is you! I thought I recognized your figure from behind. When did you return to Capital City?"
"I just got back the night before last," Jiang Si replied warmly. "I was actually planning to visit you in a couple of days. I didn’t expect to run into you here today."
"What a coincidence," Dean Gao said. "I only returned to Capital City myself a couple of days ago. An old classmate invited me for a meal today, so I came."
Noticing they were waiting for a table, he added, "Every restaurant is packed at this hour. Why don’t you join us for lunch?"
"No, Dean Gao," Jiang Si politely declined, not wanting to intrude on his reunion.
"Don’t worry about it," Dean Gao waved his hand dismissively. "There are no outsiders today—just me and my old classmate."
"Speaking of which, you might know him. The preface for that feasibility report was written by this very same old classmate of mine."
Jiang Si’s eyes widened in surprise. "Dean Gao, are you referring to… Professor Li from the Ministry of Construction?"
Professor Li was a towering figure in the architectural world. He had graduated from Tsinghua University’s architecture department before furthering his studies abroad.
Just when everyone assumed he would settle overseas, he returned to the newly founded People’s Republic with unwavering patriotism, dedicating his life’s work to national construction.
For this international hotel project, he had been entrusted with a pivotal role.
Hearing Dean Gao speak of him before had filled Jiang Si with deep admiration.
Dean Gao nodded with a smile. "Exactly him. Our design institute resubmitted a proposal this time, and to avoid any conflict of interest, I deliberately avoided meeting him for months. Now that the results are finalized, we finally have a chance to catch up."
Then, with a playful look, he added, "I’ve sung your praises to him more than once. Since we’ve run into you today, I absolutely must introduce you."
With things put that way, Jiang Si could hardly refuse.
After all, who wouldn’t want to meet such an esteemed figure in architecture?
Still, she insisted, "Then today’s meal is on me. You two mustn’t argue with me about this."
Dean Gao laughed heartily. "Fine, we’ll let you have your way."
As they spoke, the group followed Dean Gao upstairs.
The second floor was reserved for private dining rooms, noticeably quieter.
Dean Gao pushed open one of the doors. "Lao Li, look who I’ve brought!"
Hearing the commotion, the elderly man sipping tea glanced up.
"This is Xiao Jiang, the one I’ve told you about before."
"Professor Li, it’s an honor to meet you. I’ve long admired your work," Jiang Si said, extending her hand.
"So you’re Xiao Jiang," Professor Li set down his teacup with a smile. "Lao Gao has mentioned your name quite often. I’ve seen your revised proposal—it was very well done."
Jiang Si hadn’t expected her revisions to earn the approval of two such distinguished figures.
She was instantly overwhelmed with excitement.
Dean Gao then introduced the remaining two members of their party.
After exchanging pleasantries, everyone took their seats.
While waiting for the food to arrive, Professor Li turned to Jiang Si with a kindly expression. "Xiao Jiang, Lao Gao mentioned you also participated in the design competition for the international hotel?"
Jiang Si nodded, candidly admitting that her proposal hadn’t been selected.
"That’s alright. You’re still young—one rejection doesn’t define you," Dean Gao reassured her before adding, "Lao Li and I both reviewed the winning design."
"Objectively speaking, aside from some slightly rushed and imperfect linework, the overall concept and attention to detail were impeccable. There were no major flaws to criticize."
"Indeed," Professor Li agreed with deep feeling. "After the call for submissions went out, we received hundreds of proposals."
"The reason this one stood out was its thorough consideration of overall planning, functional zoning, architectural design, and integration with the surrounding environment."
He paused, then added thoughtfully, "What’s most remarkable is how it meets international standards for modern hotels while subtly incorporating our own architectural language."
"The balance was struck perfectly—clearly, a great deal of thought went into it."
Jiang Si fell silent for a moment after hearing this.
That same indescribable sense of unease rose in her chest again.
Before she could sort through her thoughts, Professor Li asked with keen interest,
"Xiao Jiang, would you mind sharing the design you submitted?" Since all entries were anonymous, he didn’t know which one was hers.
But if Lao Gao spoke so highly of her, she must have exceptional talent.
Moreover, he’d seen her previous revisions and knew her capabilities.
Dean Gao was equally eager. "Yes, yes! Go ahead, Xiao Jiang. It’s rare for Lao Li to have time like this—let him give you some proper guidance."
Jiang Si had no reason to refuse. After organizing her thoughts, she began explaining her design clearly and methodically.
From functional zoning to streamline design, she elaborated step by step.
Huo Tingzhou listened quietly the entire time, his gaze fixed on her focused profile.
To outsiders, he appeared as composed and unflappable as ever.
But only he knew the surge of pride and exhilaration churning beneath his calm exterior.
Across the table, however, Dean Gao and Professor Li wore expressions of astonishment.
Noticing their reaction, Jiang Si stopped mid-explanation.
After a beat, she looked at them in confusion.
"Dean Gao, Professor Li… is something wrong? Did I misspeak?"
