Chapter 21

Back at her workstation, Xia Wan immediately plunged into studying the Materials Science Review paper. The cutting-edge biomimetic composite material theory and rigorous experimental data resonated strikingly with the descriptions of "glutinous rice mortar" in "Records of Internal Structural Technicians of the Republic of China Bank," providing a modern scientific explanation and a path to performance improvement. Overwhelmed with inspiration, she quickly refined and refined her initial concept, taking into account the specific structure and damage of the vault walls.

For the next few days, Xia Wan practically lived in the joint laboratory between the project department and the Materials Research Institute. She coordinated experimental parameters, analyzed test data, repeatedly revised the design details, and engaged in rounds of discussion with structural engineers, materials experts, and construction representatives. The workload was intense, often pulling all-nighters. Her physical fatigue was real, and her old rib injury ached even after long hours in the cold basement and at her desk. But her spirit was in a strange state of euphoria.

What supported her was not only the sense of accomplishment in solving technical problems, but also a secret desire to prove something - to prove the value of her plan, to prove that his silent support was not in vain, and to prove that the name "Xia Wan" was worthy of the heavy words "You too".

Sometimes, leaving the lab late at night, the biting cold wind blowing, walking alone back to her apartment, she would subconsciously look up at the city night sky. Jinzhou's winter nights were rarely clear, but occasionally a few cold stars could be seen, twinkling tenaciously amidst the light pollution. At these moments, the words "You too" and his calm gaze would clearly emerge in her mind, like a distant, yet incredibly bright star, silently guiding her and warming her weary body and soul.

She no longer deliberately avoided the name "Jiang Yu" or the possibility of a chance encounter with him. As the project reached a critical juncture, her entire mind was consumed. The dark blue copy of "Construction Analysis" lay quietly on her desk, becoming one of her most frequently consulted reference books. The link to the paper he had sent her was prominently saved in her browser. A silent, tacit understanding, grounded in the highest level of professional trust, seemed to have formed between them. This understanding gave her an unprecedented sense of stability and strength.

A week later, a detailed draft of the reinforcement plan and a preliminary test report for the new composite material were finally completed. After intense internal discussion within the project team, they were unanimously approved and submitted as core findings for discussion at the upcoming International Symposium on the Preservation and Sustainable Use of Historic Buildings in Jinzhou.

"Engineer Xia, this conference is of high caliber, with leading figures from both home and abroad attending. It's a great opportunity to promote our proposal and gain greater support!" the project leader said excitedly. "You'll be the one to write the report. Is that okay?"

Xia Wan looked at the plan document in her hand, which had condensed countless efforts, took a deep breath, and said firmly: "No problem."

She knew what this meant. This wasn't just a project presentation; it was a showcase of her professional abilities on a broader stage. She had to do her best.

As the meeting date approached, Xia Wan entered the final sprint. She prepared her presentation, repeatedly rehearsed the content, and polished every detail, striving for perfection. With it came the pressure, and her insomnia worsened. Sometimes she woke in the middle of the night, her mind preoccupied with complex structural diagrams and the tricky questions she might face from the experts.

That evening, she once again stayed up late in the lab. After revising the last version of her PowerPoint presentation, she rubbed her sore temples and prepared to leave. As she exited the building, the cold night air made her shiver, and she instinctively wrapped her coat tighter around her. A familiar soreness in her old rib injury made her frown slightly.

At this moment, the familiar black car slid silently in front of her and stopped again. The car window was lowered, and Jiang Yu's face was clearly outlined in the dim light.

"Just finished?" he asked, his tone a statement rather than a question, as if he already knew her schedule.

"Yeah." Xia Wan nodded, neither surprised nor resisting. The series of "chance encounters" seemed to have formed a new, tacit pattern—when she was working late at night and it was most difficult to get a taxi, he would "drop by" her.

"Get in the car." He said briefly.

Xia Wan opened the car door and climbed in. The familiar warmth and crisp fir scent instantly enveloped her, dispelling the chill and relaxing her frayed nerves. She leaned back in her chair, exhaustion washing over her like a tide.

The car drove smoothly along the empty streets late at night. The cabin was silent, save for the faint sound of the air conditioner. Xia Wan closed her eyes, dozing off. She could feel Jiang Yu's gaze lingering on her face for a brief moment before quickly moving away.

"How are the meeting preparations going?" he suddenly asked, breaking the silence. His voice was not loud, but it was remarkably clear in the quiet carriage.

Xia Wan opened her eyes, somewhat surprised that he would ask this question. She turned her head and met his profile, which was staring straight ahead.

"Almost," she replied, her voice a little hoarse with fatigue. "Just... a little nervous. This is my first time giving a presentation at such a large international conference."

This was the truth. Facing an unfamiliar international stage filled with top experts, it would be a lie to say she wasn't nervous. Especially since her proposal was so innovative, even somewhat unconventional.

Jiang Yu didn't speak immediately. The car stopped at a red light. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixed on her slightly tired but still clear eyes. Those eyes were deep, with a calmness that saw through everything.

"Your proposal," he began slowly, his voice low and firm, "has a solid theoretical foundation, detailed data, and a unique and effective approach to solving the problem. Technically, it's impeccable."

His evaluation was precise and objective, carrying the weight of a top expert. Xia Wan's heart skipped a beat, and a warm feeling washed over her, along with the joy of being recognized.

"But," he changed the subject, his gaze still locked on her, a scrutinizing yet strangely non-oppressive one, "at academic conferences, especially international ones, experts value the logic of your thinking, your unique perspective on problem solving, and... your passion and conviction in your research field. Data and charts are just support; what truly impresses people is the 'light' behind the proposal."

He paused, as if considering his words, and finally spoke clearly:

"Xia Wan, there is light in your plan. That light is bright enough. Believe in it, and believe in yourself."

"Light"?

Xia Wan was stunned.

She thought of many suggestions he might give - pay attention to the rhythm of the report, be prepared to deal with tricky questions, highlight the innovative points of the plan... but she never expected that he would use such an image-filled word - "light".

The light in the plan? Her light?

The light turned green. Jiang Yu retracted his gaze and restarted the car, as if his shocking words had just been spoken casually. The car fell silent again, with only his steady breathing and the low hum of the engine.

Xia Wan couldn't calm down.

She leaned back in her chair, looking out the window at the rapidly receding street scene, fragmented into light and dark by the streetlights. Her own shadow was blurred on the glass, as was the silhouette of the man beside her as he drove calmly.

“There is light in the plan”…

“Your light is precious”…

“Believe in it, and believe in yourself”…

These words, one by one, reverberated and collided in her mind, stirring up a turbulent storm. It was no longer an objective assessment from the distance of a "classmate," nor was it a silent "seeing." For the first time, he had so directly and clearly affirmed her core values ​​as a researcher and thinker, using words brimming with personal feeling—her unique perspective, her passion and conviction for problem-solving, that... "light" that belonged to her, Xia Wan!

This affirmation, so direct, so powerful, with a power that almost penetrated her soul, accurately hit the core of her diligent pursuit of professionalism but often self-doubt. It shocked her more than any technical guidance, and made her heart surge more than any emotional expression.

Because what he saw was not only her ability, but also the fire burning deep in her soul.

The car slowly stopped at the foot of the apartment building. Xia Wan was still immersed in the huge shock and excitement, and for a moment she forgot to move.

"We're here." Jiang Yu's voice brought her back to reality.

"Um...thank you." Xia Wan woke up as if from a dream and quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, her voice trembling slightly. She pushed open the car door, and the cold wind rushed in, making her shiver.

"Xia Wan." Jiang Yu called her again.

Xia Wan held onto the car door and looked back at him. Under the dim interior light, his eyes looked exceptionally deep, like a deep sea filled with starlight.

"On the day of the presentation," he said in a low but clear voice, with an unquestionable certainty, "I will be in the audience."

No flowery encouragement, no extra promises, just a simple statement - he will be there.

But this simple statement, like a reassurance, landed with immense weight firmly in Xia Wan's turbulent heart. It conveyed an unmistakable message: no matter the outcome, no matter how many experts sat in the audience, he would be there, as the one who best understood the value of this proposal, watching over her and supporting her.

Xia Wan looked at him, her throat tightening. A thousand words were stuck in her chest, and in the end, she only managed a clear and solemn nod.

"good."

She closed the car door and didn't look back. The cold wind blew her hair and the hems of her clothes. She straightened her back and walked towards the apartment building step by step. Her heart beat strongly in her chest, with an unprecedented determination and strength.

The phrases "There's light in the plan" and "I'll be there" were like two beams of light, completely dispelling the tension and self-doubt that had been lingering in her heart. In their place was a quiet confidence and a desire to burst forth and blossom.

She was no longer just fighting for projects, to prove herself.

She fights for the "light" that is seen and cherished.

Fight for the person who said "looking forward to the plan" and promised to "be in the audience".

Standing in front of the cold entrance gate of the apartment building, Xia Wan took a deep breath of the chill air and looked up at the dark blue night sky. A few cold stars still twinkled stubbornly.

Her light has found someone who can see it, and her stage is about to begin.