Just like Xia Xiaolan herself.

She thought she would never be interested in musicals her whole life.

But when she entered the theater, she found she wasn’t so resistant after all.

From her own experience, she extrapolated to other young people’s psychology – those uninterested in musicals weren’t necessarily non-potential consumers; they just lacked the catalyst to step into a theater.

Like those viral restaurants in the future where young people would frantically go to check in – did everyone love bubble tea? Or matcha hotpot?

No, they simply went to check in due to social conformity.

If others had been there but they hadn’t, they’d feel outdated.

Xia Xiaolan designed the theater’s interior for the same reason. In 1986, this would qualify as an Instagram-worthy theater that young people would want to visit.

Aesthetic.

Unique.

Romantic.

Of the 100 young people attracted by these qualities, 90 might only come once, but perhaps 10 would convert into genuine musical theater audiences.

Sometimes, being one-of-a-kind could be more appealing than discounted ticket prices.

When Xia Xiaolan explained these reasons, the room fell silent.

Mrs. Wilson’s motives for hiring Xia Xiaolan for the theater renovation weren’t entirely pure. Xia Xiaolan was just an undergraduate architecture student – talent didn’t mean she currently could handle such a commission alone.

Mrs. Wilson’s true faith lay in the GMP firm.

Indeed, the concept design Xia Xiaolan presented seemed overly romantic and dreamy, completely different from the interior style Mrs. Wilson had envisioned for the theater.

However, with the design backed by 5,000 surveys and Xia Xiaolan’s analysis, Mrs. Wilson’s perception completely changed:

“Xia, you’ve put in so much effort, beyond my expectations. I apologize for my hastiness earlier. Let’s examine this proposal more carefully – could you explain it to me again?”

Tina, after studying the design for a while, pointed to the nearby sofa, seemingly wanting to speak with Harold. Harold, seeing Xia Xiaolan was busy, also stepped back slightly – being too close to her, he could always smell a very distinctive fragrance.

Tina was delighted when he came over, and whispered, “Uncle Harold, are all architects this dedicated? 5,000 surveys?”

Harold came over but didn’t look at Tina, his gaze fixed firmly on Xia Xiaolan. “If given more time, she would increase those 5,000 surveys to 10,000, 20,000, or even more!”

There were many tricks possible with these surveys.

For instance, those who carefully completed the survey could receive discount coupons for the theater’s reopening.

Harold believed Xia Xiaolan capable of such things – a woman who would pour gold into a sewer to promote and sell residential properties would never run short of tricks!

While others believed gold was discovered in that pool, Harold didn’t believe in coincidences. Most coincidences in the world were manufactured, and after eliminating the least credible option, what remained was the truth – the gold found in the sewer must have been planted by Xia Xiaolan herself!

How much was a bit of gold worth? Yet it made the entire project soar.

So it wasn’t surprising that Xia Xiaolan would commission 5,000 surveys for a client’s theater renovation. This was her method to make Cynthia believe in her words and designs.

And this was just the power of 5,000 surveys.

If Xia Xiaolan expanded the number to 50,000, even if her design looked like garbage, Cynthia would carefully consider its feasibility.

Of course, someone like Xia Xiaolan might use tactics to convince clients, but she would never present a terrible design that would damage her reputation.

Tina stared at Harold.

Harold stared at Xia Xiaolan.

Tina was already 18 and deeply loved by her parents. With her good family background and beauty, she’d had many suitors since turning 14, but she had never officially dated anyone.

After visiting the Wilsons today and meeting Harold, Tina finally understood.

She hadn’t accepted those young boys’ pursuits not for any other reason, but because she didn’t like men who were too young.

She preferred mature, charismatic men like Harold Wilson.

Younger than her father.

Older than her brother.

Cynthia had her call him uncle, and when Tina said “Uncle Harold,” her young heart would flutter.

She had no real interest in flower arranging – what 18-year-old girl would?

But with Harold present, even flower arranging became tolerable.

Tina just wanted to talk more with Harold, but unfortunately, his attitude toward her wasn’t particularly warm.

Since Xia Xiaolan’s arrival, Harold’s eyes had been glued to her.

Yet Xia Xiaolan seemed completely oblivious to Harold.

Tina stood up from the sofa again and walked over quickly. Mrs. Wilson had completely fallen into Xia Xiaolan’s rhythm, now finding herself loving the concept design from every angle.

Matthew’s eyes were opened wide – young people’s inexperience showed; they didn’t know architects could also be salespeople.

Tina was very interested:

“Xia, I like your design style. Could I invite you to redesign my residence? Those old-fashioned decorations make me feel like I’m living in Victorian times!”

Victorian times.

That would be Victorian style then.

A style that couldn’t be called Victorian without being luxurious, yet this Asian girl wanted to renovate the house her parents had given her.

Matthew nearly burst into tears from jealousy and envy.

Xia Xiaolan remained indifferent – there were too many rich people in this world. While the destitute didn’t even have a roof over their heads, the wealthy could tear down valuable decorations simply because they didn’t like them, replacing them with new ones.

The more willful ones would simply buy a new house altogether.

Xia Xiaolan smiled, “Miss Tina, I’m honored that you like my design. However, after completing Mrs. Wilson’s theater commission, I need to return to school. If you don’t mind, I’d like to recommend my senior, Matthew Carlton. He’s also studying architecture at Cornell University, two years ahead of me. He’ll graduate next year, and we’re both currently interning at GMP. Senior Matthew’s design skills are naturally better than mine.”

This statement surprised both Matthew and Tina.

Matthew hadn’t expected Xia Xiaolan to pass such a commission to him, actively recommending him to the client.

Tina was also surprised – Xia Xiaolan had mentioned being a GMP intern before, but she thought it was just modesty. Xia Xialan did look young, but that was typical of Asians, who always appeared younger than their age.

“You’re still a student?”

“Why would Cynthia entrust the theater renovation to a student?!”