Do you like Alphas like me?
After discussing the matter thoroughly, the two decided to make "Art Harbor" in Haicheng their third stop. Meng Yihe felt a wave of fatigue wash over him; even with suppressants, his body, already in a vulnerable state, was still somewhat weak. He subconsciously rubbed his temples.
Cui Yu noticed this subtle movement. He closed his laptop and said, "That's enough for today. Let the team confirm the details tomorrow. You..." He glanced at Meng Yihe's slightly pale face.
Get some rest.
Meng Yihe was stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting him to end the conversation on his own initiative.
He nodded, stood up, and said, "Okay, I'm leaving."
He walked towards the door, paused for a moment as he grasped the doorknob, and with his back to Cui Yu, said quickly in a low voice, "Thanks, the materials for tonight." After saying that, almost as if afraid of hearing a response, he immediately opened the door and walked out.
Cui Yu looked at the door that had closed again, and listened to the slightly hurried footsteps fading away outside. He couldn't help but chuckle, shook his head, and muttered to himself, "It's really awkward." He relaxed and leaned back on the sofa, rubbing his slightly sore neck, before taking out his phone.
The screen lit up, displaying several unread messages from his younger brother, Cui Xuyue.
[Cui Xuyue]: Brother! How did the inspection go? Is Nanzhou fun? (peeking in.jpg)
[Cui Xuyue]: I made soup tonight! Although it seems like I added a little too much water... (Image: A pot of soup that looks pretty good)
[Cui Xuyue]: When are you coming back?
He replied with a smile.
[Cui Yu]: The inspection went smoothly, but the arguing was a bit tiring. (rubbing face.jpg)
[Cui Yu]: Nanzhou is all high-rise buildings and shopping malls, there's nothing fun about it.
[Cui Yu]: Also, the soup looks good.
[Cui Yu]: We have to go to another place, which will probably take another two or three days. Remember to lock the door when you're at home, eat on time, and don't eat junk food all the time.
Not long after the message was sent, Cui Xuyue's reply popped up, carrying the keenness and gossip unique to young people.
[Cui Xuyue]: Arguing? Was it with that fierce Meng brother again? (Curious.jpg)
[Cui Xuyue]: Bro, you actually ordered takeout?! Didn't you say takeout is unhealthy?!
[Cui Xuyue]: Why do you two always argue? Is he particularly difficult to deal with? (whispering.jpg)
Cui Yu looked at the address "Brother Meng" and the series of questions that followed, and shook his head with a chuckle. He hesitated for a moment, his finger hovering over the screen, before replying, his tone carrying a hint of something different from usual:
[Cui Yu]: Yeah, him. He's demanding, has high expectations, and a sharp tongue. He's definitely hard to deal with.
[Cui Yu]: But his professional skills are indeed undeniable, and his judgment is also excellent.
[Cui Yu]: Forget it, why bother talking to you about this? Have you finished your homework yet?
On the other end of the phone, Cui Xuyue held her phone, looked at her brother's reply, blinked, and keenly caught that unusual detail.
In the past, when my brother talked about his work rivals, he would usually give a brief evaluation like "not bad" or "average." This time, although he was still complaining, he added specific praises like "their professional skills are undeniable" and "their insight is sharp," which carried a certain degree of recognition.
Moreover, the phrase "Forget it, why bother talking to you about this" clearly indicates that one's mind is a bit confused and one doesn't want to talk about it further!
Cui Xuyue revealed a sly smile, as if she had discovered some great secret.
He typed quickly:
[Cui Xuyue]: Oh~ I see. (chuckles.jpg)
[Cui Xuyue]: I finished my homework a long time ago! Brother, you may be busy, but remember to eat on time. Don't be as fierce and hardworking as Brother Meng.
[Cui Xuyue]: Goodnight, bro! (sleeping.jpg)
Cui Yu raised an eyebrow at his younger brother's ambiguous "Oh~" and smirking expression at the end. He felt that the kid had misunderstood something, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
[Cui Yu]: You brat, stop being so sarcastic and go to sleep.
On the other side of the screen.
Cui Xuyue, holding his phone, wore an excited expression that said, "I think I've discovered something." He decided that next time he would definitely take a closer look at this "particularly difficult" Brother Meng that his brother had mentioned.
Another day of inspection.
As the plane landed in Haicheng, the moist, slightly salty sea breeze immediately hit them, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat of Nanzhou and the artistic atmosphere of Pingcheng. When the group arrived at "Art Harbor," even though they were prepared, they were still stunned by the sight before them.
The massive old shipyard, rusty gantry cranes, and rugged warehouses and factories have been completely preserved, yet cleverly integrated with modern glass curtain walls, fluid landscape design, and art installations full of marine elements. Azure artificial waterways meander through them, even attracting seabirds to stop and rest.
This place possesses both the profound sense of industrial heritage and the romantic openness of seaside leisure, its unique charm instantly captivating everyone's hearts.
Meng Yihe stood at the main entrance, looking at the iconic sculpture transformed from a giant iron anchor, her eyes sparkling with undisguised admiration.
This is the kind of transformation he envisioned—respecting history, embracing nature, and infusing it with soul, rather than simply tearing it down and starting over or commercially replicating it.
His usually tightly pursed lips even curled up slightly by a pixel.
"Tsk, the maintenance costs can't be low." Cui Yu's voice rang out from the side. He was looking up at the towering, rusted steel structures preserved as part of the landscape. "Sea breezes are highly corrosive, and the annual anti-corrosion treatment is a huge expense. Then there's the energy consumption and cleaning of these water feature circulation systems..."
Meng Yihe did not immediately refute his "spoiler".
Because what Cui Yu said was true, but this person really is a "walking ledger".
Cui Yu took a deep breath of the salty air and said, “But its uniqueness brings a premium and appeal that is enough to cover these costs. Look at the tourists over there.” He pointed to the crowd in the distance waiting to take photos in front of the restaurant converted from an old ship.
"I hope so." Meng Yihe remained noncommittal, but her eyes held a scrutinizing and evaluative look. "Just go inside and see their business mix and rent levels."
The first day of our visit to Haicheng focused on the overall planning, the integration of themes, and the placement of the brand.
They moved between the high-ceilinged shops converted from warehouses.
Meng Yihe meticulously studied the distinctive brands related to the ocean, environmental protection, and art, analyzing their product mix and how well their design styles fit the overall environment. He was particularly interested in a shop that turned discarded fishing nets into art installations. Cui Yu focused on how the flow of customers was designed to reach every corner, even those relatively secluded art galleries and sales areas. He constantly inquired with the project management about the customer density in different areas, the tiered rent for shops, and the composition of property fees.
The two had a brief argument outside an immersive marine experience center converted from a giant oil storage tank.
Meng Yihe believes that this highly attractive core business format is the soul of the project; Cui Yu, on the other hand, is concerned about whether its high operating costs and not-so-affordable ticket prices can really bring a continuous and stable flow of customers and returns.
However, despite the debate, there is one thing they have to admit: "Art Harbor" has indeed done an excellent job in thoroughly implementing its theme.
They strolled through a unique food street made from repurposed old shipping containers. Parasols stood outside shops, and wooden tables and chairs were set up, where many tourists were enjoying afternoon tea and seafood snacks. A gentle sea breeze carried the aroma of food and the faint sound of waves, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
This is why it has become a favorite spot for couples.
Meng Yihe and Cui Yu have witnessed more than once: a young couple sharing a huge ice cream parfait, the girl smiling as she feeds the boy a bite, and the boy naturally reaches out to wipe the cream from the corner of her mouth.
Another AO couple sat on the railing by the water, snuggling together and taking selfies with their phones in the background, with a huge rusty gantry crane and the azure sea and sky meeting in the distance, their laughter ringing out.
There was even a newlywed couple dressed in suits, who, under the photographer's direction, posed happily against the backdrop of a huge old ship, exchanging kisses as if no one else was around.
These intimate scenes stand out prominently in this romantic and leisurely environment, appearing everywhere.
When Meng Yihe saw these images, he would usually stiffly look away, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly, as if he had seen something unnecessary that would interfere with his analytical efficiency. He even subconsciously quickened his pace, wanting to get through this "place of trouble" as soon as possible.
The intense, overtly sweet atmosphere made him, someone accustomed to the cold, hard logic of business, feel somewhat uncomfortable, even a little awkward.
Cui Yu had obviously noticed it as well.
Unlike Meng Yihe's avoidance, his gaze would linger on these couples for a second or two longer, a faint, unreadable smile playing on his lips, as if he were observing some interesting social phenomenon.
Just as a couple was playfully fighting and almost bumped into Meng Yihe, Cui Yu reached out and pulled him away, avoiding a collision.
After the couple walked away laughing, Cui Yu didn't immediately let go of Meng Yihe's hand. Instead, at very close range, he slightly turned his head and whispered to Meng Yihe in a soft, ambiguous tone:
"Director Meng left in such a hurry... Is it because you can't stand seeing other couples being affectionate?"
His gaze swept meaningfully over the couples around him.
Finally, the focus returned to Meng Yihe's slightly tense profile, and the teasing tone became even stronger:
"Or is it that...Director Meng's pheromones are like a strong liquor like cherry brandy, but deep down he can't stand this sweetness? Hmm?"
His last "hmm" syllable rose slightly at the end, like a feather gently brushing against the tip of the heart.
Meng Yihe froze instantly, jerking his arm back. His ears turned bright red visibly, as if he had been caught red-handed in an embarrassing moment. He glared fiercely at Cui Yu, his eyes filled with warning: "Cui Yu! What nonsense are you spouting!"
Cui Yu readily raised his hands in surrender, but his smile deepened, as if he was quite satisfied with the other party's reaction.
This time, instead of restraining himself, he became even more outrageous.
His gaze lingered deliberately on Meng Yihe's reddened ears for a moment before he lowered his voice and continued, "Just kidding, but seriously, a top-tier Alpha like Director Meng, handsome, rich, and with such unique pheromones, doesn't he have any Omegas throwing themselves at him? Or perhaps..."
He deliberately dragged out his words, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Director Meng actually prefers Alphas? Like... someone like me?"
"You—!" Meng Yihe was so angry that she almost couldn't breathe. Her fists clenched instantly, and the strong cherry brandy pheromones seemed to be overflowing uncontrollably due to her emotional agitation.
Seeing that things were about to get really heated, Cui Yu decided to back down while he was ahead.
He immediately dropped his nonchalant, teasing expression, cleared his throat, turned his gaze to his surroundings, and his tone instantly became professional and calm, as if he weren't the one who had just uttered those arrogant words.
"Well, on another note..."
He pointed to the couples and customers who were immersed in the romantic atmosphere.
“This strong, guiding atmosphere is indeed a valuable ‘environmental asset.’ Its effect on attracting specific customer groups and increasing customer dwell time and emotional consumption premium is obvious and worth our careful evaluation.” The topic change was extremely abrupt, yet it precisely hit Meng Yihe’s professional nerve.
Meng Yihe's anger was abruptly choked by this unexpected turn of events, leaving him unable to vent it, his face alternating between pale and flushed. He glared fiercely at Cui Yu, knowing the other was doing it on purpose, yet unable to ignore this extremely valuable business insight.
He took several deep breaths to barely suppress the urge to fight Cui Yu on the spot, and squeezed out a cold voice through gritted teeth: "Do you need to tell me such a simple truth?" But his gaze had already unconsciously turned to the surrounding environment again, and he began to examine the commercial value that those "lovey-dovey" couples could bring from a new perspective.
Cui Yu watched as he forced himself to think about work despite being furious, a smug smile flashing in her eyes. Only then did she leisurely catch up with Meng Yihe's noticeably quickened pace.
The sea breeze seemed to carry a hint of the ambiguous yet tense atmosphere between the two.
As they walked through the sweetly decorated dining area, the atmosphere between the two remained somewhat tense.
Meng Yihe kept a straight face and deliberately lagged behind by half a step, as if to draw a clear line between them.
Cui Yu walked ahead in a good mood.
They walked onto the sky bridge connecting the different warehouse areas. From here, the view was expansive, overlooking most of the project's layout. The unobstructed sea breeze was invigorating.
“So,” Cui Yu stopped, placed his hands on the railing, and looked down at the bustling crowd and unique landscape, breaking the silence first. His tone regained its usual calmness, “Mr. Meng, how do you think this kind of ‘environmental asset’ should be quantified, and how should it be transplanted to ‘Xinghua Plaza’?”
He steered the conversation back on track, as if the embarrassing flirting had never happened.
Meng Yihe took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down and focus on the project. He walked to the other side of the railing, keeping a distance from Cui Yu, and scanned the area below.
“It’s not just about the atmosphere.” Meng Yihe began, his voice losing its usual coolness, but speaking faster, revealing that he was actively thinking. “It’s a systematic experience design, you see.”
He pointed with his finger.
"The water screen theater converted from the old shipyard is itself a visual focal point. But the design of the surrounding waterfront viewing platform, outdoor dining area, and even the waiting area all revolve around it, forming a core node with strong appeal, which naturally increases the flow of visitors and consumption value in the surrounding area."
Cui Yu followed his gaze, nodded, and then professionally added, "That's right, but the cost of creating and maintaining this 'node' is extremely high."
"Water circulation system, lighting and sound, nighttime performance arrangements, security... these are all hard investments that must be calculated carefully when renovating 'Xinghua Plaza'."
"We can't just look at the customer traffic it brings; we also have to calculate how much electricity it burns per hour and how much manpower it needs to maintain."
“Therefore, a more ingenious design is needed, and it is not necessarily necessary to completely replicate this scale.” Meng Yihe immediately retorted, but this time it was not a simple denial, but a constructive suggestion.
“We can look for unique memories of ‘Xinghua Plaza’. Perhaps it’s a preserved industrial relic, or perhaps it’s creating a themed courtyard with urban characteristics… But the key is to focus on this core and carry out comprehensive business matching and circulation guidance so that the environment and consumption are truly integrated, rather than just two separate things.”
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