77: Like Water Flowing Through the Years

Shang Zhi and Pei Yanxiu's team collaborated to create several more plans. Shang Zhi followed Pei Yanxiu's previous ideas, and the plans were very formal, standard, and official, but the client was not satisfied.

"It has no unique features, tasteless, and a pity to throw away." That's how the homeowner commented.

With the proposal failing and the timeline tight, Shang Zhi had no choice but to condescend to seek help from President Pei again at Wan Jia.

"What should we do? Do you have any ideas? If not, I'll find someone else. I don't think you can come up with anything useful with your brain."

"I already told you to take responsibility, but you insist on making me take responsibility. Why don't you take it back and do it yourself? I can't handle it."

"It's just that one proposal didn't pass, and you're getting this worked up? You'll understand in the future, this is normal." Pei Yanxiu sat at his desk, replying to emails while comforting Xixi. Only after sending the email did he notice that his girl was glaring at him angrily. He wasn't annoyed, knowing that she was still young and inexperienced, and would get anxious when faced with problems.

"Alright, I figured you wouldn't be able to get through this time. The Hong Kong government said a long time ago that it needed to have something special. Yours isn't as ethereal as before, it's grounded, but it's definitely boring."

"What am I supposed to do? This won't work, that won't work, they're so difficult to please! Everyone has already put a lot of effort into coming up with this plan, I can't think of anything else."

"Want some milk tea? Shall we go to Mong Kok? I remember there's a milk tea shop there that you really like."

"Are you crazy? I'm talking to you about something serious! Why are you drinking milk tea?!"

"No rush, it's just a cup of milk tea, it won't cause any delays."

The two sat down in a small alley on the street corner. Pei Yanxiu brought over milk tea and handed it to Shang Zhi. After drinking some of the sweet drink, Shang Zhi's emotions calmed down a bit, and she wasn't in such a hurry anymore.

“The alleyways like these are dimly lit. We could replace all the lights in them. With some bright lights, the old streets could be revitalized,” Shang Zhi said while sipping her milk tea.

Pei Yanxiu pointed to a small lamp on the wall of the milk tea shop.

“Look at this lamp. The shop owner left it for her daughter. Her daughter comes home every Friday night, and this lamp is only turned on on Friday nights. The shop owner turns on this lamp to light the way home for her daughter. Xixi, you have to see the people first, do you understand? Just like our Tiancui, it is ultimately for people to live in. Although the owner of this project is the Hong Kong government, the actual people you are serving are these citizens. You have to see them, see the corners of their lives, and figure out what everyone's actual needs are. Starting from people themselves is the answer to solving problems.”

“Look at the lights in this alley, they’re all so messy. But behind each of these old signs, there’s probably a story. Like this lamp, we can update and renovate it, but we also need to consider these practical needs.”

After finishing their milk tea, Pei Yanxiu took Shang Zhi to the top of Victoria Peak.

“I’ve looked at both of your proposals. The first one is too vague and impractical, while the second one is technically sound but seems to lack human touch. Look over there.” Pei Yanxiu pointed to the cluster of buildings in the distance.

"From here, it looks magnificent and brightly lit, but I wonder what the citizens living in that sea of ​​light feel. Do they have to draw their curtains thick at night to sleep?"

"Xixi, look at this city. There are so many people, each with their own life, their own family, and their own story. What I'm trying to say is that what we are involved in today, whether it's architecture, lighting, or anything else, is not just a project; it affects the lives of many families."

"Ultimately, the answer to this problem is the simplest principle: putting people first. The ultimate goal of our lighting is not to show off, but to serve people and the citizens."

Shang Zhi looked into the distance. In the traffic and crowds, she seemed to see the hustle and bustle. In the irregular lights of the residential area, she seemed to see families reuniting. At that moment, she began to feel that light was not ethereal.

Light brings warmth and memories, and countless stories.

We create, feel, and integrate; we are a part of it all our lives. We observe the lives of others, and we are observed by others.

I walked through crowds, through fleeting years, and met you again and again.

"Xixi, are you listening?" Pei Yanxiu walked up to Shang Zhi and gently put his arm around her shoulder.

"Thank you for bringing me here. The view from the top of the mountain is wonderful."

Thank you, I never thought of giving up.

Thank you for helping me find myself.

Pei Yanxiu smiled and ruffled Shang Zhi's hair before pulling her into his arms.

You know I've never changed. All I want is for you to be by my side.

-

After returning, Shang Zhi revised the plan again. This time, she changed the project name and renamed it Tide.

"Tides are the city's breath; the lights flow, rising and falling like breathing."

“To tell the story of Hong Kong with light, we have designed a variety of systems, including holiday mode, weekday mode, and late-night mode, to meet various needs. In addition, we have set up multiple dark sky protection zones to minimize light pollution in areas where environmental protection is needed. At the same time, we use warm lights to activate community spaces between neighbors.”

......

As expected, the team's proposal was approved by the Hong Kong government this time, and the preliminary proposal was well received by the public. Shang Zhi's name has once again entered the public eye.

The last time she attracted a lot of attention was when she broke up with Pei Yanxiu. The grudges and entanglements of wealthy couples always easily attract public attention.

[Rewriting the rules of the game? A young businessman proposes the concept of "breathing of light," prompting industry veterans to say that the younger generation is truly formidable.]

More than just lights, they are a love letter to Victoria Harbour.

[Breaking the Mold! Xiaoshangzong's Design Philosophy - Neighborhood Light Redefines Urban Lighting]

One report after another, most of them positive, even the things that happened in Shang Zhi's family were brought up. The internet began to pay attention to her story, to the fact that this young girl had no choice but to step forward and take on her responsibilities because her father was ill, and the hardships she had endured to protect her family were also seen by the public.

"You know what? I'm getting a little angry right now. You can't talk to me like you used to. Watch your attitude. If you make me unhappy, I'll tell on you live! Your reputation will be ruined!" Late at night, Shang Zhi sat on the edge of the bed scrolling through news reports about her. The more she scrolled, the more excited she became. She leaned close to Pei Yanxiu's ear and whispered mysteriously.

Pei Yanxiu chuckled and in an instant, he pinned Shang Zhi to the bed. Without warning, he slapped her buttocks hard, and Shang Zhi's face immediately turned bright red.

"How about we go live right now and let everyone see how Little Shang gets spanked for being disobedient at home, okay?" His voice was seductive, and the warmth of his palm was seductive as well. Shang Zhi felt like she had fallen into a soft trap.

They can't get out.

Her face turned even redder.