“We won the bid. As a team member, I’ll be able to work on this project,” Xia Xiaolan murmured to herself.

If they hadn’t won, her remaining days at GMP would certainly have been difficult. When she arrived at the company, Matthew was also dressed sharply in his suit.

“You almost arrived late!”

Xia Xiaolan knew well that missing the golden hour for commuting meant getting stuck in traffic. It was already quite an achievement that she managed to arrive on time. This time at the Wilson Hotel, besides Hoffman, Kissinger would also be present.

“P&W seems to have the upper hand…”

Kissinger and Hoffman walked in while talking, both wearing serious expressions. Upon seeing Xia Xiaolan, Hoffman managed a forced smile.

“Xia will come with us.”

Matthew, standing beside Xia Xiaolan, was completely ignored. He looked at her pitifully, and she whispered, “Just follow along. Nobody said you couldn’t come!”

The food chain was clearly defined – Hoffman was Partner Kissinger’s subordinate, she was Senior Architect Hoffman’s subordinate, and Matthew was Xia Xiaolan’s semi-subordinate. If you want the horse to run, you must feed it grass; when good opportunities arise, you must bring your subordinate along. She considered him a half-subordinate because both were interns, unable to assert authority over each other, and Matthew hadn’t completely submitted to her leadership.

The three major firms gathered at the Wilson Hotel.

No one knew that at this moment, Wilson Hotel’s internal management was still debating which firm’s proposal to choose.

Each of the three firms’ proposals had their strengths. Foster, P&W, and GMP might differ in global rankings due to their development, operations, and establishment dates, but when it came to architectural design capabilities, none were inferior to the others.

With such equal footing, other factors would determine the bid’s success.

Foster had the lowest quote.

P&W’s proposal was the most conventional and stable.

GMP… their quote was lower than P&W’s. P&W had taken a luxury design approach, spending more money, and seemingly offering more guarantees after completion.

After multiple rounds of discussion, everyone had their own opinions.

Those wanting to vote for GMP were the minority.

Harold’s eye twitched. This bid result would likely deeply disappoint Xia Xiaolan.

Harold personally quite liked GMP’s proposal, but he couldn’t distinguish whether this was a rational choice or emotional bias.

If it was emotional, that would be terrible!

How could such a project be controlled by emotions?

So Harold decided to let everyone vote, believing this would lead to the fairest decision and benefit Wilson Hotel’s development the most.

Just as they were about to vote, someone suddenly stood up in the conference room:

“I have something to say about the proposal selection. I support GMP’s proposal!”

Harold maintained a serious expression, showing neither pleasure nor anger: “You may speak, but it better be useful, as representatives from the three firms should have already arrived at Wilson Hotel.”

…

“Andrew, I thought you wouldn’t come back today.”

“Dick, since you’re here, I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Hi, Holmes, how have you been?”

The giants from the three firms created sparks.

All three were very confident about the bid, at least appearing so – relaxed and self-assured, greeting their competitors graciously.

Who could tell their true thoughts?

Matthew adjusted his tie, full of admiration.

“When will we become partners?”

This question was difficult to answer. The partnership wasn’t achieved merely through seniority; those without ability would remain ordinary architects even after 20 years, while capable individuals rose quickly. There were rising stars in their early 30s, established professionals in their early 40s, and some who became famous in the industry only after 50… Xia Xiaolan couldn’t tell which type Matthew would be.

“Andrew Kissinger has served GMP for 15 years now.”

Xia Xiaolan recalled Partner Kissinger’s background as she responded to Matthew.

GMP Architects was founded in 1965. In 1975, Berlin’s Tegel Airport, as the first drive-in airport, was commissioned, and GMP, then just 10 years old, gained worldwide recognition in architectural circles!

Now it was 1986 – GMP had been established for 21 years and had been world-renowned for 11 years.

Andrew had been with GMP for 15 years, and his rise to partnership would make for a long, fascinating novel if written.

Matthew fell silent. When Andrew joined, GMP wasn’t as prestigious as now. Becoming a partner like Andrew would surely be even harder now.

Hoffman glanced at Xia Xiaolan – still having time to study Kissinger’s background, she must be hoping to stay at GMP. Before departing, Kissinger had received news that P&W had the advantage in this bid. Coming here offered little hope, but Kissinger refused to concede until the very end.

With slim chances of winning the bid, Hoffman’s mind wandered:

Xia Xiaolan was too hasty, not even finishing her Cornell architecture undergraduate degree. Young people these days only think about securing their futures.

But who wouldn’t want to stay?

Cornell’s undergraduate architecture program was excellent, but with countless students graduating yearly, and competing with other outstanding architecture graduates globally, few would enter firms of GMP’s caliber.

Better observe further to see Xia’s true talent.

If her talent was exceptional enough, graduation wouldn’t matter – GMP could provide targeted training… Hoffman’s thinking had completely shifted, from ignoring and disliking interns to considering keeping one. He had gradually been led by Xia Xiaolan’s rhythm.

As for Matthew?

Hoffman hadn’t given him any thought.

Hmph, what senior architect like himself would spare attention for an insignificant intern?

With Grey around to manage interns, that was enough!

Hoffman’s double standards could infuriate Matthew.

Fortunately, Matthew couldn’t read minds and was still enthusiastically discussing with Xia Xiaolan.

Click.

The conference room door opened.

Harold led the way.

The heads of the three firms all put on smiling faces. Harold showed no favoritism, shaking hands with each of them in turn, maintaining the same attitude toward all. It was impossible to tell who had won the bid.

Harold held an envelope:

“These are the voting results.”

He unfolded the paper, “We will select the most suitable proposal from Foster, P&W, and GMP. After Wilson Hotel’s conference discussion and voting, the final choice is… GMP.”

GMP?!

The smile on P&W’s Holmes’s face slightly froze.

According to earlier information, P&W’s proposal had been the most favored!

How did it become GMP at the announcement?

These shameless bastards, what did they do?! Holmes stared at Kissinger, who was already beaming, shaking hands with Harold again:

“GMP never disappoints our clients! Oh, I mean Foster and P&W’s proposals must have been excellent too, yet Mr. Harold ultimately chose GMP!”

Harold nodded seriously, “Believe me, I was equally surprised. GMP’s situation reversed in the final half hour.”

Kissinger didn’t believe it at all.

His intelligence had indicated P&W’s proposal was more popular, yet GMP won the bid today.

Was it emotional bias?

Dick and Holmes didn’t want to stay any longer. After exchanging pleasantries, Harold escorted both firms’ representatives to the elevator. Upon returning, Harold suggested, “I’m delighted to work with GMP. For better communication between both parties, I’d like to invite the design team to dinner tonight.”

Kissinger naturally agreed.

Meanwhile, Hoffman and Matthew simultaneously turned to look at Xia Xiaolan, making her uncomfortable:

“Please don’t look at me like that. What does this have to do with me?”

Hoffman: Heh.

Matthew snorted through his nose: Heh heh!