Why would Mrs. Wilson entrust theater renovation to an architecture student who hadn’t even graduated?

Tina was extremely curious.

Harold probably knew the reason.

Ivan and Cynthia were people who never acted without profit – Cynthia must have something to gain from this.

These two had instincts as keen as hunting dogs. Could they already know… Though Cynthia wouldn’t have expected that Xia Xiaolan was the type who strived for perfection in everything – when Cynthia wanted to renovate the theater, Xia Xiaolan gave her an irrefusable proposal.

“Miss Tina, I am indeed a student. When the fall semester starts next month, I won’t have as much time and can’t focus all my energy on your commission, which is why I’m recommending my senior, Matthew Carlton.”

Matthew restrained himself from appearing too eager. Capable designers should maintain some reserve – chasing after clients would only scare them away.

Tina bit her lip. Before making the invitation, she hadn’t realized Xia Xiaolan was a student, nor expected her to immediately recommend her senior.

Now she couldn’t easily refuse.

Tina nodded with a smile, “Alright then, let’s have Senior Matthew try.”

Tina gave Matthew a phone number:

“We can arrange a time to meet separately after today.”

Matthew felt like he was dreaming.

Yet he still held tightly onto the contact information.

If previously he’d reluctantly played “sidekick” to Xia Xiaolan, now he felt somewhat willing. Xia Xiaolan was truly generous, casually passing a commission to him.

Handling a residential renovation for a wealthy young girl was right at the limit of what Matthew could manage independently.

Such commissions were within the capabilities of senior students like Matthew who were about to graduate and had internship experience, but unfortunately, clients rarely trusted students, so Matthew never got the chance.

Xia Xiaolan smiled, “Senior Matthew is really capable. Miss Tina won’t be disappointed.”

She had also finished discussing with Mrs. Wilson.

“Mrs. Wilson, if you have no objections to this concept design, we’ll soon provide more detailed drawings for your approval. Of course, you can also visit GMP soon to discuss details with Mr. Kissinger.”

Discuss what?

Naturally, the project budget and GMP’s fees for this commission.

These weren’t matters for Xia Xiaolan to handle. She just needed to complete the design drawings. Once Mrs. Wilson and Kissinger finalized the commission agreement, Xia Xiaolan would produce the construction drawings.

“About those surveys you mentioned—”

“Oh, I’ll have them delivered to you. 5,000 surveys aren’t much. If you’re willing, we could expand the survey scope. I think besides Broadway tourists, college students and young professionals in New York’s office buildings could all be potential survey targets.”

To attract new audiences to the theater, you need to know their preferences.

That was all Xia Xiaolan could say.

Mrs. Wilson was already very satisfied. She knew Xia Xiaolan initially didn’t want to take this commission. When Old Ivan suggested she get close to Xia Xiaolan, Xia Xiaolan had been as cunning as a fox, quickly leaving Washington.

It was on the day she went to GMP, when that HK man appeared, that Xia Xiaolan decisively chose to accept her commission.

The transformation from initial reluctance to such thorough dedication after accepting the commission left Mrs. Wilson deeply impressed.

With such a responsible attitude toward work, Xia Xiaolan would easily succeed in any field.

“Xia, you surprised me! Hard work pays off – many people your age don’t understand this. You’ve already done so well. I think asking you to handle the theater renovation was the right decision!”

Mrs. Wilson was starting to believe her husband’s judgment.

If Harold had to like a woman, why couldn’t it be Xia?

“Mrs. Wilson, this is just what I should do. When you chose GMP, you were destined to receive the best service.”

As Xia Xiaolan prepared to leave after completing her work, Mrs. Wilson warmly invited her and Matthew to stay for lunch.

Matthew wanted to learn more about Tina’s preferences, and with pleading eyes, Xia Xiaolan agreed to stay. Bringing Matthew had been her intention – eating together wouldn’t be awkward anywhere!

After finally finishing with their client Mrs. Wilson, Xia Xiaolan bid farewell. Harold stood up:

“I happen to be heading to GMP. Let me drive you back since you didn’t drive here.”

“How gentlemanly. Xia, let Harold take you back then.”

Mrs. Wilson chimed in with a smile.

Matthew wondered if he should make himself scarce.

Should he say he suddenly had something else to do and wouldn’t return to the firm, leaving Xia Xiaolan and Harold alone together?

Just as this thought crossed his mind, Xia Xiaolan’s warning glance fell on him, and Matthew immediately abandoned his clever idea.

“Goodbye, Mrs. Wilson.”

“Goodbye, Miss Tina.”

Watching Xia Xiaolan leave with Harold, Tina linked arms with Mrs. Wilson. “Why did you hire a student to renovate the theater? Is Xia Uncle Harold’s girlfriend?”

Mrs. Wilson smiled meaningfully, “Do they look like a couple to you?”

Tina shook her head, “Uncle Harold keeps stealing glances at her, but she treats him normally in return, looking at him the same way she looks at you.”

Young girls’ perceptions were indeed keen, able to analyze so much from just a glance.

Mrs. Wilson wasn’t quite sure herself, but after Tina’s observation, she was certain: Harold had one-sided feelings for Xia Xiaolan.

Mrs. Wilson couldn’t help but sigh:

“He’s truly George’s nephew.”

George also had one-sided feelings for Ji Ya.

When did the Wilson family start producing such romantic men?

Mrs. Wilson patted Tina’s hand, “These matters don’t concern you. Your mother entrusted me to look after you. You can come play whenever I’m in New York. Of course, young people have different interests from us, so I won’t force you to come every week, but can you check in with me weekly?”

“My mommy just makes a fuss about everything. Don’t other people my age also leave home for college? But I’ll come see you often, Aunt Cynthia! You all treat me like a child, but I’m already 18, not little at all!”

Tina’s words naturally carried a coquettish tone, even her complaints sounding like sweet protests – truly an endearing young lady.

At least Mrs. Wilson liked her very much. Who could dislike such a soft, harmless young girl?

Mrs. Wilson laughed heartily, “Is 18 really that old? You’re not even old enough to legally drink. Your mother said she’s coming to New York next month, so you need to behave during this time. Otherwise, how will I explain to her?”

Neither mentioned Tina’s house renovation.

Mrs. Wilson had originally intended to give this favor to Xia Xiaolan, but Xia Xiaolan passed it to Matthew. Mrs. Wilson wouldn’t speak up for Matthew – how to proceed would be Tina’s own decision!