“Thank goodness!”

Daisy felt less alone.

Xia Xiaolan hadn’t worn formal attire.

She and Zhou Cheng must have explored New York together. In the mild late April weather, Xia Xiaolan and Zhou Cheng had found matching outfits somewhere… identical jeans, identical sneakers, and matching T-shirts.

Simple, fresh, and energetic.

Sometimes it’s not about the clothes being ordinary, but who’s wearing them.

Attractive people look good in anything.

This style softened Zhou Cheng’s commanding presence, making him look more like a college student.

Zhou Cheng wasn’t much older than Daisy and the others, but his experiences made him more mature than his college peers. Maturity had its flavor, but youthful energy created a different feeling altogether.

Comrade Zhou Cheng in his matching outfit with Xia Xiaolan resembled how he was when she first met him—dashingly handsome with a hint of mischief.

But like this, their couple’s status was unmistakable—only a blind person would miss it.

When Harold entered the venue in his black suit, his face turned slightly green.

Was this the young, handsome Chinese man Allen mentioned?

Was being young and handsome the point?

The matching outfits were the point!

Wearing matching clothes with Xia Xiaolan… Harold vaguely remembered Xia Xiaolan mentioning she had a boyfriend. However, this boyfriend had only existed in rumors—Harold had never bothered to investigate. In Harold’s mind, being wealthy and handsome himself and interested in Xia Xiaolan, he only needed to focus on Xia Xiaolan herself. This was between the two of them, having nothing to do with her boyfriend.

He had always been the protagonist of his destiny, not even certain if Xia Xiaolan was the female lead—her boyfriend was undoubtedly a supporting character not worth considering.

“Mr. Wilson?”

“Mr. Wilson, would you accept our interview?”

As soon as Harold appeared, reporters excitedly surrounded him.

Harold’s gaze pierced through the circle of reporters, examining Zhou Cheng from head to toe. Zhou Cheng, being highly alert, could sense something different even when someone’s gaze lingered on him for just two seconds!

“That’s Harold?”

Zhou Cheng casually glanced back at him.

Xia Xiaolan nodded: “Yes, that’s Harold, George’s uncle.”

For some unknown reason, Harold had suddenly handed the golf course project to George, making Ji Ya briefly proud. Previously, Ji Ya had borrowed several million from Sheng Xuan, expanding Elegance brand stores frantically while Xia Xiaolan was abroad for her exchange year. Though Xia Xiaolan wasn’t in China, Chen Xiliang regularly reported Ji Ya’s situation to her.

Xia Xiaolan ignored it all.

Those whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.

Xia Xiaolan just had Chen Xiliang follow Luna’s development plan step by step, ignoring Ji Ya’s affairs.

As for George, he had bought a Hong Kong renovation company and recently competed with ‘Yuan Hui several times in renovation bids.

Ge Jian had reported this—Golden Sand Pool would be ready for occupancy in June this year. All unit buildings were now topped out, with landscaping underway. As they prepared to deliver the properties to homeowners, ‘Yuan Hui naturally accelerated efforts to convince Golden Sand Pool owners to sign renovation contracts.

But George’s renovation company had the nerve to poach clients at Golden Sand Pool.

This was particularly annoying—why give the renovation business to George instead of her uncle?

Ge Jian had asked Xia Xiaolan whether to restrict other renovation companies’ access, but she was reluctant, not wanting to leave Qihang with such an overbearing reputation!

With all these entanglements, seeing Harold now reminded Xia Xiaolan of George and Ji Ya, making her mood less than pleasant.

Without Harold letting George manage the golf course project, George wouldn’t have such deep backing.

Sensing Xia Xiaolan’s discomfort, Zhou Cheng patted her hand: “You’re here to receive an award, not to discuss business or compete with Harold.”

After that knowing look, here was another man who had eyes for his wife.

But since Xiaolan seemed to harbor some transferred anger toward Harold, Zhou Cheng didn’t consider Harold a rival worth worrying about.

What kind of person could be considered a rival?

It wasn’t about looks or money, but whether Xiaolan would like them.

To Harold, Zhou Cheng’s appearance exceeded his expectations.

He had gone to the trouble of organizing an architectural design competition, and when Xia Xiaolan came, she brought her boyfriend along. This kind of “destiny” made Harold want to spit blood.

Young punk, using matching outfits to claim ownership, how childish!

Harold silently judged Zhou Cheng.

Yet he felt somewhat uncertain—Xia Xiaolan didn’t seem like someone who would choose men based on looks alone.

Could this young, handsome Chinese man be hiding something more?

Harold declined the interviews—promoting the new Washington hotel didn’t require his photos for attention.

Dismissing the interviews in a few words, Harold shook hands with several judges, thanking Foster and P&W firms for their active support of the C·W Architectural Design Competition!

Even if reporters got photos, they would ultimately be “managed” away by Harold’s PR assistant.

In the venue, only a very few knew of Xia Xiaolan’s connection to Harold.

Like Daniel.

Why would Harold appear at an architectural competition?

What was Wilson Hotel up to lately?

Strange cooperation with the Agriculture College, strange cooperation with the Architecture School, could it all be… Daniel quietly kept his thoughts to himself. Thinking this way, it seemed to make sense. Harold Wilson wasn’t an idle playboy, but he wasn’t an ascetic monk either, having dated quite a few women.

Had he taken a liking to Xia?

Still uncertain, Daniel decided to keep observing.

The undercurrents between rivals meeting were known only to those involved, unnoticed by others. Finally, the C·W Architectural Design Competition awards ceremony began.

All five judges introduced themselves.

They also emphasized the competition’s fairness and justice.

Among 20 finalist works, there would be 10 excellence awards—quite good odds.

Adding the top three prizes, the 65% award rate made all students present feel hopeful—only seven design creators would be most unfortunate, leaving Wilson Hotel empty-handed.

The remaining workers would receive at least $2,000 in prize money!

Plus the chance to showcase their abilities before college professors and major firm partners.

Students hoped for more such competitions.

“Next, Mr. Dick, partner at Foster firm, will announce this competition’s 10 excellence award works. They are Cornell Architecture School’s lucky ones, unanimously recognized by all five judges!”

Applause filled the venue.

Most students hoped their work wouldn’t be called.

The excellence awards were everyone’s fallback—once named, it meant no chance at the top three prizes!