Not mess around?

Impossible.

Xiao Lan couldn’t expect to win everyone’s favor.

Grey was now cold towards her, Hoffman despised her, and everyone at the GMP office gossiped about her.

At this point, she had to change her strategy.

Xiao Lan considered her time precious and couldn’t waste two months at GMP. Look at Ning Xue – her internship at P&W was truly fulfilling… The chance encounter with Ning Xue pushed Xiao Lan to make her decision.

She had to express her thoughts in a setting where Hoffman couldn’t refuse.

Even if it made Hoffman hate her more, at least she had to show him she wasn’t just an empty-headed vase with connections!

Harold smiled when he saw her arrive with GMP’s team.

Xiao Lan didn’t want to look at him – if he hadn’t meddled, she wouldn’t need to take such risks now!

After brief pleasantries, both sides quickly got to the point.

When it was time to explain the design modifications and progress to the client, Xiao Lan stepped forward:

“I’ll explain today…”

“Then please begin.”

Harold maintained his smile.

Xiao Lan must be having a difficult time at GMP; she hadn’t won over the GMP team yet. Harold didn’t need special insight – expecting a senior architect to hide his thoughts like businessmen or politicians was difficult. Hoffman’s face showed clear anger; it seemed Xiao Lan was about to act on her own!

This was the Xiao Lan that Harold knew, never following conventional paths.

After completing the standard explanation, or rather praising the Hoffman team’s design, Xiao Lan changed direction:

“These modifications and additions were based on your suggestions from last time, Mr. Harold. The firm has made some other subtle adjustments. Would you like to hear about them?”

Shut up!

That’s enough!

Hoffman nearly popped his eyes out, but Xiao Lan ignored him.

Harold wanted to laugh.

These weren’t additional adjustments by GMP – clearly, Xiao Lan wanted to present her ideas.

If he said “I don’t want to hear it,” Xiao Lan would probably be stunned.

But doing that would make an enemy of Xiao Lan!

Harold suppressed his smile, composed his expression, and checked his watch: “If these adjustments aren’t valuable, let’s not waste time. Are you sure they’re worth hearing?”

He wasn’t joking – he had an important meeting coming up.

If Xiao Lan’s “personal additions” weren’t up to standard, Harold would be disappointed and wouldn’t hesitate to cut her off – the C·W architectural design competition might have been for Xiao Lan’s sake, but the new Washington hotel wasn’t. With so many dollars invested in the project, Harold had to be responsible for his investment and wouldn’t lower design requirements just for Xiao Lan.

“It will only take five minutes of your time. GMP designed a pure white exterior for the Wilson Hotel…”

While minimalism could create ultimate elegance, Xiao Lan thought of Washington’s cherry blossoms. Washington’s pace wasn’t as fast as New York’s; Wilson’s new hotel perhaps needed something softer. A sharp sword might cut through the traditional atmosphere and stand out, but it felt too cold.

During Xiao Lan’s first two minutes of speaking, Hoffman’s mind was buzzing, wanting to silence her.

But he couldn’t stop her and had to let her continue.

By the fifth minute, Hoffman wondered if anger had affected his judgment – he was finding some sense in Xiao Lan’s seemingly random talk.

At the five-minute mark, when Harold didn’t stop her, Hoffman suppressed his anger and started listening seriously to Xiao Lan.

As they say, if you can’t fight it, learn to enjoy it!

Harold forgot about the five-minute agreement as Xiao Lan pulled out the bottom sheet from a stack of designs:

“These are the firm’s detailed modifications.”

Hoffman glared: Nonsense, this wasn’t GMP’s design – you added it on your own!

Then he paused.

Xiao Lan’s position at GMP had been quietly demoted – though given an independent desk, she remained isolated. Others in her situation might play docile for a while, slowly seeking chances to prove themselves.

Or peacefully coexist with GMP for two months, maintaining face for both sides, ensuring an “excellent” internship evaluation.

But Xiao Lan chose to take this risk!

Why was she in such a hurry?

Didn’t she have a special relationship with billionaire Harold Wilson?

If one C·W design competition wasn’t enough, other competitions could be arranged. In two years, she’d graduate from Cornell’s architecture school with an emerging designer title!

Having connections wasn’t scary – Hoffman thought what was scariest was someone with connections working this hard.

He carefully examined the design Xiao Lan presented. She hadn’t been arrogant enough to overturn the Hoffman team’s overall design, only modifying certain parts, considering more of the hotel’s surroundings. While maintaining the new Wilson Hotel’s sword-like break from tradition, it wouldn’t feel too abrupt – a clever use of borrowed scenery.

When had Xiao Lan secretly gone to Washington to survey the project site?

No, she’d been working at GMP almost every day, she couldn’t have gone to Washington.

So her modifications were based on GMP’s existing materials?

Since being allowed to do odd jobs in the office, or while listening at the long table during team discussions, when everyone ignored her, she wasn’t just feeling humiliated and angry, but desperately absorbing all materials and information!

Hoffman tried to critique Xiao Lan’s final design with a critical eye.

Then… Hoffman fell silent.

His expression gradually softened, finally letting anger leave his mind, no longer feeling the urge to drag Xiao Lan over and beat her.

Meanwhile, Xiao Lan’s extended explanation reached its conclusion:

“…Above are the firm’s detailed modifications. Mr. Harold, I’ve finished my explanation.”

Harold smiled meaningfully.

Making Xiao Lan the presenter was GMP’s most correct arrangement.

You might think she’s just a pretty face, but she’s an architectural designer.

Just an architectural designer?

No, she’s also skilled at selling.

Xiao Lan has a persuasive ability, skilled at convincing others. If today’s client had been someone with slightly weaker willpower sitting here, they might have been convinced on the spot, but their thoughts led astray, falling into Xiao Lan’s rhythm – what was the point of resistance then, just sign the agreement!

Fortunately, he was the one sitting here today.

Besides design, there was the entire project cost to consider. Harold nodded:

“GMP’s approach has been excellent so far. We need further discussion, and I look forward to GMP winning the bid in a few days.”

This was the best possible outcome.

Harold couldn’t approve GMP’s design on the spot – Foster and P&W were still in the picture.

But from Harold’s tone, he seemed to quite like Xiao Lan’s modifications.

Hoffman didn’t know whether he should condemn someone using connections: Was Harold creating momentum for Xiao Lan?