Xie Sui had returned to his previous life's spending habits; a million was merely pocket money, could that be considered extravagant?
Before Lin Wanwan could even voice her complaints, two design teams arrived from Hong Kong, one of them being from England, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and high noses, attracting a crowd of onlookers from the county town.
Secretary Chen was alerted, wondering why foreigners had arrived.
Du Feiyang translated for them, and upon learning they were design teams, the previously bidding design units turned green with envy. His family was truly something, employing a strategy of "pulling the rug out from under them," weren't they?
Among them was the most senior designer, surnamed Meng, who everyone called Old Meng. In his fifties, with drooping triangular eyes and a gaunt face, he was as withered as an old farmer. He had been previously sent down to the countryside and had a very volatile temper.
Seeing everyone fawning over the foreigners, he was furious. "This is worshipping foreign things and despising national ones! Instead of supporting our own country's construction, you invite foreign devils. Have you forgotten the Eight-Nation Alliance back then?"
It was fortunate the English people didn't understand, otherwise, they would have been utterly embarrassed on an international scale.
Xie Sui was amused to the point of laughter. He hadn't even dealt with the trouble Lin Wanwan had suffered from them, and now they were rushing to find trouble.
"Sir, are you living in the Republic of China era? What era is this? Is it interesting to bring up such old news? The higher-ups are advocating for attracting foreign exchange, investment, and building a new nation. You are reversing history!"
Old Meng retorted, "I refuse to believe that foreign designs can be better than our country's. You are simply worshipping foreign things and despising national ones."
Xie Sui's temper flared. "With my temper, would I donate so much money if I were worshipping foreign things? You are morally superior, but have you done anything good for society? I don't deny that domestic designs have their merits, but this is my commercial building. I want to be in step with international trends, I need novelty and fashion, a landmark building. If I hired an old fossil like you, could you deliver? You are stuck in your ways and obstinate. Have you even been abroad to see their development? You old stubbornness, as long as I am present, I don't want to see you."
Xie Sui was even more arrogant than him. Was being old an accomplishment? Did being old grant one the right to disrespect others?
"You are rude."
"Rudeness depends on who it's directed at. You were rude first, relying on your age. I am not from your design institute, and I don't indulge ancestors."
Old Meng was so angry he almost fainted. Secretary Chen quickly tried to mediate, "Calm down, everyone, don't argue. Don't let them laugh at us. Old Meng, why don't you go back and rest for a while?"
"I wouldn't bother staying here even if you begged me," Old Meng huffed and left. The Englishmen were bewildered. Although they didn't understand, they knew they were arguing.
"It's alright, they're colleagues. They don't appreciate your designs. Please show them something truly remarkable. We're counting on you."
The Englishmen nodded, "Certainly, Mr. Xie, don't worry. We'll measure the site first. What's your budget?"
Xie Sui said, "Thirty million, for the entire building."
The Englishmen's expressions changed. They had thought it was a big project, but their design fees alone for projects abroad were tens of millions. They wouldn't make much money from a project this small. Xie Sui was cunning, preventing them from making an exorbitant demand.
In reality, thirty million wouldn't be enough to build it. Although labor and materials were cheaper inland, Xie Sui had high demands. The basement would have two levels, the building would be seven stories high, and it would need to be equipped with elevators and various sophisticated facilities, which would be very challenging.
The design company from Hong Kong also had a change in expression. Thirty million was indeed not a high budget, not as profitable as in Hong Kong. However, since it was introduced by Young Master He and was the property of the "Little Stock God," they decided to do it as a favor to build relationships, even if they didn't make money.
Xie Sui told them to consider it and build the building at the most cost-effective price, emphasizing that savings should still be made where possible.
"Can the budget exceed?"
"Yes, but not by much."
"Let's see the site and take measurements first."
If the project was too difficult, they would have to abandon it.
Xie Sui didn't concern himself with the rest; it was their business. He instructed the guesthouse to host them well and told them they would have to overcome any inconveniences themselves. He had hired designers, not ancestors.
Alas, so many people nowadays loved to act like ancestors.
To Xie Sui's surprise, these designers were quite resilient. The Englishmen actually enjoyed the food at the state-run cafeteria, and it seemed the project could be secured for the sake of this food. However, they were a bit unaccustomed to the lack of milk and coffee. Since they were working on construction sites, hardship and endurance were basic skills. They took Secretary Chen to the city to buy coffee without bothering Xie Sui.
Lin Wanwan was brimming with enthusiasm, personally watching them measure and draw, pointing things out with a serious expression. She felt somewhat frustrated when she couldn't discuss anything with them because she couldn't understand their words. Her English and Cantonese were insufficient for professional data.
Seeing her unhappiness, Xie Sui found something to distract her. Once the building was constructed, it would need renovation, which also required professionals. He asked if she wanted to start considering the renovation matters in advance. There were many intricacies involved in renovation, and there weren't any professional renovation companies in China yet; people had to figure it out themselves, which was also a hassle.
The Hong Kong design company had affiliated renovation companies and recommended one to Xie Sui. Thus, the small county town became even more bustling, with over a dozen interior designers arriving. The county town residents were surrounded by Cantonese and English, feeling the rapid changes of the era; even foreigners were coming to work here.
A week later, the Englishmen's draft drawings were ready. Lin Wanwan attended the review and indeed found them better than the domestic ones, but still not quite right, not as she had imagined. The Hong Kong design was largely the same as the original building, with more embellishments, designed as a high-end shopping mall, and the budget far exceeded expectations.
Lin Wanwan discussed with them for a long time, with Xie Sui acting as the translator. The other party understood Lin Wanwan's intentions: simplicity, fashion, and designing the most beautiful building with the least amount of money.
The Englishmen shook their heads. "Madam, your imagination is too beautiful. This is impossible."
The Hong Kong designers said, "A mall also represents the strength of the developer. Being too simple isn't eye-catching enough, and you want to make it a landmark. This is impossible."
Lin Wanwan said, "This is just a county town. Most people won't appreciate overly ornate designs. Simple and fashionable is enough; it doesn't need to be so gaudy."
The Englishmen withdrew first. A design was not just about money; it also represented the designer's reputation. If they designed a soulless work, it would tarnish their name.
The Hong Kong designers became more practical. "We will revise the plan and reduce some elements. Ms. Xie can review it again, but regarding the budget..."
"The budget is negotiable, but not excessively so."
Xie Sui reassured them, making the Hong Kong designers happy. "That's good to hear. Mr. Xie is rich and generous; we believe in your capabilities."
Lin Wanwan warned, "He earns a lot but spends even more. His hands are too loose. After the New Year, he donated ten million yuan. We need to be thrifty!" SuDan Novel Network.
The Hong Kong designers said, "Ten million isn't much, is it? I recall Mr. Xie bought a set of emerald jewelry at an auction for thirty million. Was that for Ms. Xie?"
Lin Wanwan's heart sank, and her eyes narrowed. "You spent thirty million on jewelry? Who was that little vixen you gave it to?"
Xie Sui was helpless. "You are that little vixen! Didn't you forget? I gave that set to you last year."
"Didn't you say it was only a few million?"
"I was afraid you'd feel bad!"
Lin Wanwan didn't know whether to feel touched or heartbroken. Her heart felt a sour, swelling sensation. "I'll settle accounts with you when we get back."
The Englishmen had a tour, much like a vacation. Xie Sui reimbursed their travel expenses. Seeing him treat them like family, there would be opportunities for future cooperation.
The Hong Kong designers "won without a fight," quickly presenting their design drawings. This time, it was much simpler, and the budget was reduced. Lin Wanwan was quite satisfied.
Old Meng and his colleagues, for reasons unknown, didn't leave and were eager to see what marvels they would design. However, Xie Sui kept it confidential. If they wanted to see, they would have to wait until the building was completed. Old Meng and his colleagues were furious to the point of spitting blood, but there was nothing they could do.
The construction proceeded in an orderly fashion. An unwelcome guest arrived at Xie Sui's home. Xie Sui returned to see Sheng Ruyi smiling amiably, and his smile froze for a moment. Why was she here?