Chapter 58
Yoda immediately became alert: "Huh? Where?"
Shi Xing pretended to be thinking, then looked up and said seriously, "You've become more attentive and more professional."
"You mean this?" Yoda breathed a sigh of relief and said to Shi Xing with a smile, "That's because I'm a designer now, and I have to be responsible for my own designs to the end."
Yoda looked around. Although it was still just an empty, unfinished house, every time she stood inside, she could imagine what it would look like as her design gradually took shape.
"When I think that my designs will become the homes of homeowners for the next ten, twenty years, or even a lifetime, where they can rest peacefully and where every design will bring them convenience and happiness, I feel that every effort I make now has value and meaning."
However, Yoda looked at Shi Xing and said, "You should be able to understand how I feel, right? After all, commercial decoration is more challenging than residential decoration. Although I want everyone's home to be unique, generally speaking, the styles of residential decoration have become relatively fixed. In that sense, your work is more valuable."
Shi Xing shook his head: "Commercial decoration only changes materials and processes faster than residential decoration, but the design theories are the same. The quality of a design has nothing to do with the type of decoration; the designer's dedication and aesthetic sense are the main factors affecting the design effect."
He looked into Yoda's eyes and said, "You are the best designer. Your designs reflect your passion. Designs made with love are the greatest value."
Yoda nodded.
Although I think the same way, it still makes me happy to be recognized by others.
Before parting ways at Qu Xingye's house last time, Yoda had already arranged a time for Lin Xiu to hand over the house. Although Lin Xiu didn't urge him, Yoda still tried his best to complete it within the deadline he had set for himself.
Lin Xiu said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I've been sleeping more lately because of my pregnancy, so I've been sleeping almost every day. I can only ask Qu Xingye to relay my thoughts to you."
Yoda felt even more embarrassed, after all, she had doubted them at the time: "Ahaha, it's okay. On the contrary, I'm very grateful that you were willing to trust me so much and let me design it."
After all, the two had only spoken a few times before, and Lin Xiu had never seen her design before, yet she still trusted herself so much.
Lin Xiu noticed Yoda's confusion and said with a smile, "Actually, every time we talk, I can feel your dedication to your work. Although I advised you to relax before, I believe that a hardworking person will definitely take every piece of their work very seriously."
Yoda was touched; this trust was the best compliment she could receive for her work.
Lin Xiu suddenly joked, "Does this count as me taking advantage of your personality weakness?"
Yoda quickly said, "If this is exploitation, then it would be better if it happened more often."
However, Yoda was somewhat confused: "Why a weakness?"
Lin Xiu looked at Yoda, who was still unaware of the situation. Some problems are hard to resolve even if others see them; only by experiencing them firsthand can one understand what choices to make in life. "You're working so hard to catch up on the time you lost due to the accident. I was worried before that you'd miss out on other wonderful things in life because you were too focused on these things, but I'm not worried anymore."
Yoda was confused, but Lin Xiu smiled and said, "Because someone has been watching you all along, you haven't missed anything in your life."
Following Lin Xiu's direction, Yoda looked over and saw Shi Xing standing side by side with Qu Xingye.
Yoda smiled. Although it was a pity that he had missed so much time, he was glad that Shi Xing was always there.
Qu Xingye and Lin Xiu's project was completed, but the two were not in a hurry to move in. After all, the current house was more convenient. However, it was the old house where the two had lived together, which had special meaning for Lin Xiu. That's why Qu Xingye wanted to renovate it and move back in.
After the four parted ways, Yoda remarked with some emotion, "It seems that without realizing it, I have gained the recognition of many people. Sometimes I worry whether I have done enough."
Shi Xing put his arm around Yoda's shoulder: "You did a great job. There is love in your design. I can feel it, and every client can feel it too. So, you just need to believe in yourself."
Liu Si had been looking rather down lately, which Yoda noticed during a meeting at the firm. Upon asking, Yoda learned that she had a project where the client was dissatisfied with the design, feeling that hiring an interior designer was a waste of money. After some back and forth, they finally negotiated a refund of half the payment before the client stopped complaining.
“Sister Yoda, I think I’ve been convinced. No matter how hard I try, it doesn’t prove anything. If the homeowner doesn’t approve, it’s useless.”
Yoda couldn't bear to see the other person so downcast. Remembering Shi Xing's words of comfort, she followed suit and said to Liu Si very sincerely, "There will always be someone who needs interior design. Rather than doubting yourself, it's more important to believe in yourself. As long as you put your love into your work, the client who needs it will definitely feel your dedication."
Seeing that Liu Si was no longer so sullen, Yoda quickly returned to the topic of the meeting.
Shi Xing had only been back for a short time, and as the factory project continued to advance, he would have to go back and stay on-site at any time.
Taking advantage of this trip back, we sat down together to discuss the difficulties we had encountered and worked together to solve them.
The others didn't have any major issues; most of them were design-related problems. If you talked about them and exchanged ideas, you could always find a solution.
Seeing that the atmosphere was about right, Yoda hesitated before raising his hand: "Actually, I have an idea."
Everyone looked at Yoda, who continued, "I think firms shouldn't rely solely on outsourced construction teams; it's best to have their own dedicated construction teams. As everyone knows, the design industry is highly competitive these days, and good construction teams are already few and far between. Most of them have established partnerships with design companies."
“Sometimes our projects require additional items or special needs, so we always have to find people to do the work on short notice. And in order to ensure the effect, we also have to spend a lot of time visiting the site.”
"If we have a fixed construction team and use standardized construction methods, the design can be implemented more effectively. And the customer experience will also be better."
Everyone nodded in agreement. In the past, the firm had no problem with a large number of similar projects; any construction team could do a decent job. But now, the firm's projects are more meticulous, with each designer developing their own preferred design. To ensure a good project outcome, the construction requirements are much higher.
Moreover, having their own construction team and clear standards eliminates the need for constant adjustments with new workers. However, most construction teams now have established partnerships with design firms, making it somewhat difficult for them to find reliable alternatives.
Seeing that no one seemed to have any good ideas, Liu Si tentatively raised her hand: "Can I volunteer?"
Yoda looked at Liu Si: "Are you here to do the construction?"
Liu Si quickly shook her head and said, "No, it wasn't me. I wanted to recommend my dad."
Seeing that everyone's attention was on her, Liu Si added, "My dad used to build houses in the countryside, and the houses he built were loved by people all around. It's just that there aren't as many houses to build now, mainly because he's already built almost all the houses in the surrounding area, so he has some free time."
Seeing that no one spoke, Liu Si continued, "The construction team my dad leads consists of the most skilled craftsmen. If you don't believe me, you can let him try it out first."
Shi Xing looked at everyone: "What do you think?"
The others looked at each other. Although there's a tradition of not hiring acquaintances for design work, they were all industry insiders, and their skill levels weren't immediately apparent. Giving it a try first was fine; if it went well, collaborating with acquaintances would actually be easier.
Shi Xing looked at Wang Mian, who hadn't said anything, and raised his voice to ask, "What do you think, Wang Mian?"
Wang Mian suddenly snapped out of his daze, looked at Liu Si with a silly grin, and said, "Love!" Everyone's eyes darted back and forth between Wang Mian and Liu Si, their smiles carrying a deeper meaning. Only then did Wang Mian realize that he had become the center of attention, and he quickly tried to cover it up: "I think Sister Yoda is right, design should be infused with love."
Liu Si blushed and quickly interrupted, "Hey, what's wrong? This topic is over, okay? What are you spacing out for?" Seeing Wang Mian's dazed look, Liu Si reminded him impatiently, "I recommend my dad to do the construction. Let's give him a try on the firm's projects. What's your opinion?"
Shi Xing added: "Now everyone agrees, what about you?"
Wang Mian scratched his head: "What I mean is, I agree. I happen to have a project on hand right now, but it's a bit troublesome because the area is small. It's a walk-up community, and the renovation materials need to be carried upstairs, and I haven't been able to find a suitable construction team." He then looked at Liu Si: "If your dad is willing to come, why don't we let him do this for now?"
Liu Si nodded happily: "Okay, I'll go tell my dad right away."
Wang Mian: Hehehe.
Everyone: We can't bear to watch.
Liu Si's father arrived without warning.
Since it was an introduction from an acquaintance, Liu Si first introduced everyone at the firm to facilitate future collaborations.
Upon seeing Shi Xing, Liu Si's father quickly stepped forward and grasped Shi Xing's hand: "Oh, this must be the boss. Hello, hello, our Liu Si is so grateful for your care. Thank you, thank you."
Before Shi Xing could speak, he looked at Yoda. He rubbed his hands on his clothes and shook hands with Yoda solemnly: "Oh, hello, hello, you must be Sister Yoda. Old Liu said that he was able to improve so quickly thanks to learning from you. Thank you so much."
Their warm and genuine hospitality made Shi Xing and Youda feel a little embarrassed. Youda, seeing Liu Si following behind her father with a shy expression, quickly said, "Just call me Youda."
At this moment, Wang Mian rubbed his hands together, wanting to step forward as well. However, Liu Si's father glanced at his height, forced a smile, and went to shake hands with the others one by one.
Wang Mian stood there, seemingly having overlooked himself. It must have been an accident, right?
After touring the entire firm, Liu Si's father recognized everyone. Standing in front of the firm's designer information board, he asked Liu Si, "Do you charge the same price for men and women in design?"
Liu Si laughed: "Design fees don't discriminate based on gender; they're related to the size of the house and the complexity of the design."
Liu Si's father murmured, "Oh, this is so good, so good."
Seeing that no one was around, Liu Si couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Dad, why did you do that just now?"
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