Zhong Hua suddenly realized that behind those sharp edges, there might be untold pressure. He recalled how, when he first started working, he had been as stubborn as a bull in order to prove himself.
“Actually, your design concept is very good.” Zhong Hua handed her a carton of milk. “We can try to adjust the structure and reduce costs based on your idea.”
Lin Wei looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, before she revealed the first genuine smile since they started working together.
From that day on, their relationship improved considerably. They started going to construction sites together, discussing plans with the construction team, and even sharing their lunchboxes when working overtime. Zhong Hua discovered that Lin Wei was actually very thoughtful, remembering everyone's birthday on the project team; Lin Wei also discovered that Zhong Hua, though seemingly gentle, possessed amazing resilience, and could always find a solution to even the most difficult problems.
Just as the project was progressing smoothly, an unexpected event occurred. The client suddenly notified them that due to cash flow problems, costs had to be reduced by 20%, but the construction period could not be changed.
The news struck like a bolt from the blue, and the conference room fell into a deathly silence. Lin Wei's face turned pale. Her design was the most costly, and cutting it by 20% would almost mean starting from scratch.
"How about... we stick with the original plan?" Xiao Zhou suggested quietly.
Lin Wei suddenly stood up, grabbed her bag and walked out. She paused at the door but ultimately didn't turn back.
Zhong Hua watched her retreating figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He picked up the design sketches drawn by Lin Wei and suddenly had an idea.
The next morning, Zhong Hua placed the revised design drawings in front of Lin Wei. He retained the spiraling overall structure, but replaced the outer glass curtain wall with a more economical composite material, and optimized the internal load-bearing structure, which reduced costs without compromising the overall aesthetics.
“This is…” Lin Wei’s eyes lit up.
“I chatted with the construction team’s senior engineers for half the night last night. They said that although this material is cheap, it has a better heat insulation effect.” Zhong Hua smiled. “And I calculated that the construction period will just be able to meet the deadline.”
Lin Wei's hand trembled slightly as she picked up the blueprints. She suddenly looked up at Zhong Hua, tears welling in her eyes: "Thank you."
The project was successfully completed. At the inauguration ceremony, the client's CEO shook hands with Zhong Hua and Lin Wei, praising them highly: "This is absolutely the most eye-catching landmark in our city."
As the sun set, the spiraling building resembled a coiled dragon, refracting a dazzling light. Zhong Hua and Lin Wei stood in the square, watching the crowds of visitors, and smiled at each other.
"Would you like to collaborate again in the future?" Lin Wei extended her hand.
"You're welcome anytime." Zhong Hua grasped her hand and shook it vigorously.
He knew that this opportunity not only allowed him to prove his abilities, but also made him realize that true growth is never about fighting alone, but about learning to find balance in collisions and break through oneself in challenges.
My phone vibrated in my pocket. It was a WeChat message from Director Wang: "The company has decided to establish a new design division and would like you to serve as its director."
Zhong Hua gazed at the distant horizon, where the sunset painted half the sky crimson. He knew new challenges lay ahead, but this time, he was prepared.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
