"Isn't it Diaoyutai State Guesthouse?" This matter had been published in the newspapers, with photos of the motorcade even making the front page.
The arrangements for where the foreign delegation stayed were handled by the Foreign Ministry, so Huo Tingzhou wasn't fully aware of the specific details.
But this time, they had sent nearly five hundred people. Just transporting the personnel and supplies required nearly seventy aircraft takeoffs and landings.
So, it was very likely that only a portion of them were staying at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
Information in the newspapers was always a mix of truth and fabrication, but on the day they flew to Shanghai, Huo Tingzhou and his team did indeed pick up their guests at the Yihe Hotel.
Afterwards, they all flew to Shanghai on the same special plane.
Hearing Huo Tingzhou's explanation, Jiang Si immediately understood.
As one of the venues for this diplomatic reception, the design and construction achievements of the Yihe Hotel naturally became part of the showcase.
Given that she was the chief designer, the high level of attention she was receiving made perfect sense.
"Alright, you look over this first. I'll go make lunch."
Even without reading the interview outline, just by the thickness of the paper, Huo Tingzhou could tell that the afternoon shoot would likely take quite a while. A hearty lunch was a must.
Lunch was noodles. Huo Tingzhou poached a few eggs and also stir-fried a couple of quick dishes.
Just as the family was finishing their meal, the Beijing Television station's cars arrived at the entrance of the residential compound.
Two cars came this time. Editor Yang, Jiang Si, Huo Tingzhou, and their two children took one car.
The reporter, cameraman, makeup artist, and lighting technician took the other.
They first went to the Ministry of Construction. In Jiang Si's former office, they filmed close-up shots of her working, bent over her desk revising design drafts.
They had really gone to some trouble. Jiang Si had left her unit almost half a year ago, yet they had managed to dig up her previously revised drafts.
The office arrangement was exactly as she had left it, with no changes at all. Even the half-withered cactus she had kept on the windowsill was still in its old spot.
Holding a drawing pen and sitting at her familiar desk, Jiang Si felt a momentary daze, as if she had returned to those days of working late into the night with her colleagues, passionately discussing projects.
This feeling peaked when she met her former colleagues next.
After months apart, seeing these familiar faces again, the smile on Jiang Si's face became noticeably more genuine.
Everyone gathered around, chatting and laughing, feeling as if they had endless things to say.
In this natural and harmonious atmosphere, Jiang Si smoothly completed the mid-shot filming of discussing design plans with her colleagues.
The cameraman and Director Yang, watching the monitor nearby, nodded repeatedly.
Although it was staged, the interaction among the people in the frame was natural and fluid, with an unexpectedly good effect.
What moved them the most was the final scene filmed at the Ministry of Construction: Jiang Si wearing a large red flower, receiving a certificate of merit from a leader.
They had originally planned to find a staff member to stand in, but upon hearing about it, Minister Zhao rescheduled his afternoon meeting, made the large conference room available, and personally participated in the shoot.
Thus, content originally estimated to take four or five hours was completed smoothly in less than three.
During breaks in the filming, Huo Tingzhou quietly accompanied her the whole time, his gaze constantly following his busy wife.
As for the two little ones, they were taken by Professor Li and Director Yang.
Both had attended the children's first birthday party, and since Jiang Si used to bring them to the unit often, the little ones were dearly loved by everyone there.
Also, the children were older now, not only sensible and well-behaved but also remarkably articulate.
Seeing the children now, Professor Li and the others were overjoyed.
After finishing the shoot there, the group immediately moved to a nearby construction site.
This was when the role of the accompanying makeup artist became evident.
However, her task wasn't to make Jiang Si look more beautiful, but to use makeup to make her appear somewhat tired.
After filming several scenes of Jiang Si wearing a hard hat, holding blueprints, and earnestly communicating with workers at the construction site,
the next part was a two-hour exclusive interview.
The interview location was specially arranged in the conference room on the top floor of the Yihe Hotel.
The view here was excellent, overlooking the entire city of Beijing.
By the time the interview ended, it was already eight in the evening.
Outside, the lights along Chang'an Avenue were coming on, and the streams of traffic wove together into a shimmering ribbon of light.
The cameraman, while hurriedly capturing this scene, marveled inwardly that this shot would be perfect for the program's ending.
The print journalist also quickly jotted down the inspiration.
"This brightly lit, prosperous night scene is a vivid portrayal of the hard work and wisdom of countless builders like Comrade Jiang. It also symbolizes the bright prospects and vibrant vitality of China's development."
When the final long shot was completed, everyone on site, including Jiang Si, let out a sigh of relief.
Director Yang, all smiles, extended his hand first. "Comrade Jiang, the filming tasks are all completed. Thank you so much for your full cooperation today."
Jiang Si gave a slight smile and shook his hand in return. "It's my duty. This is all part of my job. If anything, I should thank all of you for running around with me all day."
As they spoke, they started packing up the equipment to go downstairs.
When they reached the lobby on the first floor, Jiang Si stopped and looked around.
Before the interview started, she had told Huo Tingzhou that there were several public areas in the Yihe Hotel where he could take the children to see.
The key was to let them experience the elevator.
And not to forget to take plenty of photos of the children.
To document the children's growth anytime, anywhere, Jiang Si had developed a habit of always bringing the camera whenever they went out.
But strangely, she looked all around the lobby and couldn't find the father and his two children.
It was getting late. Seeing the tired looks on the faces of the crew behind her, Jiang Si felt a bit apologetic. "Director Yang, you've all worked hard all day. Please go back and rest first."
The others quickly waved their hands. They were used to this line of work and believed in seeing things through from start to finish.
Since they had picked her up, they naturally wanted to ensure she got home safely and soundly.
Otherwise, they wouldn't feel right about it.
"Indeed, it won't take much longer now," Director Yang said with a smile.
Just then, the voices of the two little ones suddenly came from behind. "Mommy! Mommy!"
Jiang Si turned around and caught the two children who came charging at her like little cannonballs, one on each side.
Before she could even ask, the children excitedly told her they had ridden the elevator.
That elevator was so amazing! The doors closed, it made a humming sound for a while, and then they were at the top!
It was much faster than climbing stairs!
And, this hotel was so beautiful!
Suddenly remembering something, the two little ones asked excitedly, "Mommy, they said you designed this big building. Is that true?"
Jiang Si said, "It wasn't just me. Many uncles and aunts worked together with us to build it."
The two little ones let out a chorus of "wow," exclaiming, "Mom, you're amazing!"
Although Jiang Si was used to her children's admiration, having it happen in front of so many people still made her cheeks warm slightly. She could only change the subject.
"Where's your dad?"
Just as she spoke, she saw Huo Tingzhou and a middle-aged man walking over from a side corridor.
Jiang Si recognized the man; it was Manager Mo of the Yihe Hotel.
They had already liaised several times during the hotel's renovation.
"Engineer Jiang, did the shoot go smoothly?"
"Very smoothly. We've caused you trouble again today."
Manager Mo waved his hand dismissively.
As it was getting quite late, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, Jiang Si prepared to take her leave.
"Engineer Jiang, wait a moment, please," Manager Mo suddenly spoke up, then signaled to the staff at the front desk.
Shortly after, a staff member brought over an exquisitely packaged gift box.
On the eve of the hotel's opening, they had specially commissioned a set of teacups and plates printed with the Yihe insignia from the Porcelain Capital, along with a scaled-down architectural model.
They had presented a set as a memento to the first group of foreign guests who checked in.
As the chief designer of Yihe, it was only natural to prepare a set for Jiang Si as well.
Since the Yihe restaurant was not open to the public, Manager Mo also specially gave her several dining vouchers for it.
For Jiang Si, this special gift was not merely a reward; more importantly, it was an honor.
She had no reason to refuse it.
Accepting it with both hands, Jiang Si expressed her sincere thanks, "Thank you, Manager Mo."
Manager Mo gave a slight nod. "You're too kind, Engineer Jiang."
