Chapter 30
The window was open so Yoda could see clearly: "This is the latest building material. Temperature-sensitive paint." Yoda leaned closer to examine the paint's effects, softly reciting, "When a hand approaches, it changes color according to body temperature."
Yoda: "This doesn't seem very practical for home decoration, and there doesn't seem to be a need for it. If this material is applied to the house, wouldn't there be shadows wherever someone leans against it? If there are a few of them, it would be terrifying, turning the house into a horror movie set."
Shi Xing nodded: "This is indeed more commonly used in commercial applications. Nowadays, there are some temperature-controlled building materials that can regulate indoor temperature, saving energy and reducing consumption."
Yoda: "This is definitely not cheap, so it can only be used for tooling."
Shi Xing said, "Expensive materials aren't necessarily only used in commercial projects. If the budget allows, they can be used in home decoration to enhance the overall quality. Various luxury stones that have become popular in recent years are also widely used in home decoration. Moreover, commercial projects don't necessarily require expensive materials. For some smaller projects, we need to consider both cost and decoration effect. Hmm, look at this, this is a type of flexible stone."
Shi Xing took out a small sample of the material and let Yoda touch it to understand its texture.
"It has the texture and feel of stone, but at a better cost. Some commercial spaces require quick installation or require irregular shapes, and using this directly can save costs while still achieving a better finish."
Yoda looked at Shi Xing: "Do you want to do commercial decoration? Actually, I noticed before that although you put a lot of effort into doing residential decoration, you keep repeating the previous designs in the later stages, which must be very tiring."
Shi Xing rubbed his temples: "It's alright. It's just that there was a period when I was getting paid faster for residential projects, and commercial projects weren't so easy to find. But like you said, I feel like I've pretty much done my job in residential projects, and I don't want to keep taking on the same projects, so I want to try commercial projects."
Seeing Shi Xing's hesitation, Yoda leaned on his arm, her eyes gentle yet firm: "If you want to do it, then do it. We've talked about this before, right? The point of studying design is to have your own work. Only by truly loving it can you create something unique."
Shi Xing smiled, his hesitation lessening, and looked at Yoda: "So, do you have any designs you want to create right now?"
Yoda shook her head slightly. She was currently only a design assistant, and according to the renovation company's training schedule, it would be several years before she had the opportunity to become a designer. Her future seemed distant, but Shi Xing could act now. "Wait a few more years, and you'll definitely have a whole bunch of exclusive designs."
Shi Xing paused for a moment and tentatively said, "It doesn't necessarily have to be done this way. The best way to learn is to start working on projects directly."
Shi Xing recalled his own graduation days, when the real estate market was booming and projects were everywhere. If he had followed the current training model and worked as an assistant for several years, he would have missed this opportunity entirely. Perhaps it was fate's way of compensating them, but because of Yoda's accident, Shi Xing was forced to unleash his potential.
She kept taking on projects, communicating with clients bit by bit to revise the design direction. As long as she thought that each project payment would make Yoda a little better, she never had the thought of stopping. She gave it her all every day until she was completely exhausted before finally falling into a deep sleep.
Yoda nestled her cheek against Shi Xing's arm, her voice full of heartache: "It must have been tough back then."
Shi Xing chuckled: "Without the hard work of that time, you can't accumulate experience quickly, right? Besides, we agreed back then that we would do design together after graduation. I'm very grateful for that period of time. When you were asleep, every time I designed, it felt like I could temporarily escape from that sad mood and focus all my mind and body on my design."
Yoda looked at Shi Xing: "It's all in the past."
Shi Xing: "Yeah." Just as he was about to continue speaking, the noise outside became louder. Yoda, drawn by the commotion, asked: "What's going on lately? There are always so many people here every time I come?"
People used to come, but not this many. Now, the staff outside are either making phone calls to customers or inviting people to come over.
Shi Xing: "Some designers keep making phone calls to invite homeowners who might need renovations to their homes in order to get more orders."
Yoda nodded and muttered, "You guys are really enthusiastic."
Shi Xing knew the reason behind this, but there was nothing to say, and he didn't want Yoda to worry. He simply went along with Yoda's thoughts and said, "That's just how the environment is now, so everyone is working harder."
Seeing that Yoda still wanted to go out and look around, Shi Xing casually changed the subject: "Actually, it would be good to stay with the decoration company. Their industry chain is more mature, and there are dedicated sales staff to handle signing contracts. You can focus on design."
Yoda was a little embarrassed: "I thought that at first everyone thought that since I was asked to intern with you, but I chose to go to the company in the end, you would be unhappy."
Shi Xing: "You don't need to say anything more, I understand. Just do what you want to do, even if I'm always here supporting you."
As soon as Wang Mian saw Li Chong walk up to Liu Si, he instantly teleported between the two. The meaning was clear: Try ordering people around again and see what happens.
Seeing Wang Mian's defiant gaze, Li Chong was immediately indignant and wanted to confront him. After taking a few steps, he stopped. He didn't want to suffer this kid's humiliation again. He snorted coldly, turned, and walked away, forcing himself to believe that the kid would suffer later; he wasn't afraid of him.
Watching his opponent's defeated and fleeing figure, Wang Mian smiled contemptuously: "You think you can boss people around like this? Humph!"
Liu Si was worried that this would be bad for Wang Mian, so she advised, "Actually, it doesn't matter. It's just helping him pour water. You don't need to help me every time."
Wang Mian retorted confidently, "I didn't mean to. I was just dizzy from drawing and happened to see this. Besides, you shouldn't be so nice to him. Why would you help someone like him? You should just refuse."
Liu Si knew Wang Mian was saying this on purpose, not wanting her to feel burdened. She accepted his kindness in her heart, her tone slightly shy. "Anyway, these are all I know, and besides, design is more important for you guys."
Wang Mian said anxiously, "You're very important at the front desk too. You're the first point of contact for customers. And every time someone comes in, no matter what their personality is, you can quickly understand their ideas and needs, and recommend suitable designers for inexperienced customers. That's also your ability."
At this point, Wang Mian pulled out a pile of fabric. Although each piece was small, the material was exquisite. "Oh, right, I saw this at the home improvement market. It's all leftover fabric from the vendors. I've been seeing you making clothes for your yarn dolls lately, do you think this would be suitable?"
Liu Si took the bags; they were a huge pile, all sorts of things. Although they were odds and ends, they were clearly carefully selected, perfect for making clothes for little dolls. She happily said to Wang Mian, "Thank you, but how did you know? I haven't been making any lately."
Wang Mian smiled, looking away: "I saw it before, and it reminded me when I saw it again. Um, I thought you did a great job, and anyway, it would be a waste if you didn't use this fabric. By the way, why haven't you been making anything lately?"
Liu Si was a little discouraged: "Everyone is under so much work pressure these days, I feel a little embarrassed even if I start doing handicrafts after finishing my own work."
Wang Mian was puzzled. Was the work stressful? He didn't feel it.
Perhaps he's been too caught up in Versailles. After all, he used to often lament the difficulty of getting orders. But recently, because Shi Xing wanted to change direction, many of his clients were referred to Wang Mian, so he doesn't lack business.
Besides being busy drawing every day, I was constantly going to the materials market to learn about new materials according to the current requirements. All my time was occupied, so I didn't pay attention to the atmosphere of the firm.
Liu Si glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention to them, then whispered, "I heard from everyone that we've been getting fewer deals lately. Only that Li Chong somehow managed to get a bunch of deals. He's been showing off everywhere, so everyone else is getting anxious. They've all taken Li Chong's advice and started calling around to invite people over, so the firm has been in a mess lately."
Wang Mian leaned down, listened intently to Liu Si's words, and subconsciously glanced at the hall. There were indeed many more people than before; he had assumed business was good recently, but it turned out it was actually bad.
Liu Si said with some concern: "I feel like everyone has split into factions. A lot of people are siding with Li Chong, while some, like you, are not participating."
Wang Mian found it amusing to see Liu Sixiusi's delicate eyebrows furrowed, so he laughed and said, "Don't worry about it. If anything happens, President Shi has definitely made preparations. You can rest assured."
Liu Si glared at Wang Mian. She was talking about something very serious; what was so funny? However, Liu Si knew Wang Mian followed Shi Xing every day, so he must know something. She couldn't figure it out herself, but since President Shi was prepared, she wasn't in a hurry. She just needed to continue doing her job well.
When Liu Si started working, her father said that she was rather naive and not good at anything complicated, and that she should just remember one sentence: "Follow your feelings."
Looking at Liu Si, who seemed relaxed after speaking, Wang Mian said, "Actually, you could try design too."
Upon hearing this, Liu Si quickly waved her hand: "I can't do it, that's not what I studied."
Liu Si's father was in the renovation business back in their hometown, but he only did it as a side job after building houses for people. However, when she was in school, her father said that this kind of work was very hard and suggested that she choose an easier major.
Although she chose this related industry because of her father, Liu Si still felt that she should just focus on doing her current job well, so she never thought she could become a designer.
Wang Mian thought it over and became more and more convinced: "Society is developing so fast these days, and interior designers are even popular now. You have a good sense of color matching, so you could start by learning that. If I have any suitable projects, you can do the interior design for me. If the client is satisfied, I'll give you a percentage of the profits, how about that?"
Liu Si was somewhat tempted, but she still honestly told Wang Mian, "Actually, if you don't let me do it, you can do it yourself."
Wang Mian sighed deliberately, "Sigh, I'm just too busy right now. Besides, I don't think I have a good sense of color. If you did the interior design, the style might be more warm and inviting. I've been learning from President Shi for so long, and I'm used to a minimalist, cool style. If I were to break away from that, I'd feel a bit overwhelmed. How about you just help me out? Besides, my opinion doesn't matter; the client has to be satisfied. If the client isn't satisfied, then I can't use yours, right?"
"Then I'll give it a try?" Liu Si encouraged herself, and the little white rabbit cautiously took its first step.
"Then let's give it a try!" Wang Mian nodded happily, his little wolf tail wagging.
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