After disembarking from the plane, Frank immediately called AIA headquarters to inform them he could no longer continue with his position.

The AIA headquarters was troubled and questioned Frank about his reasoning:

“Frank, we thought you were enjoying your combined vacation and work in China…”

“Yes, it was very enjoyable, which is precisely why I’ve decided to stay and work in China. Specifically, to work with Xia. This would compromise my objectivity, so you should quickly send someone else to take over my responsibilities!”

What?!

Was Frank serious?

Previously, he had declined Mond Dawson’s invitation, but now he had decided to work with Xia Xiaolan.

Just how large was Xia Xiaolan’s firm in China?

This question lingered in the minds of the AIA headquarters staff.

They didn’t understand Chinese culture; if they did, they would certainly recall the saying “like throwing a meat bun to a dog – gone without return.”

They had sent someone to “supervise” Xia Xiaolan’s design work, only to have that person switch allegiance to Xia Xiaolan – who could AIA headquarters appeal to now?

Qihang Architecture Firm was quite modest in size.

Of course, Xia Xiaolan wasn’t a frugal employer. The firm’s office was impressively appointed – while it couldn’t compare to international giants like GMP, it far surpassed provincial design institutes.

Despite having few employees, the space was generous. After Xia Xiaolan gave Frank a tour, his only request was for a private office.

“I understand I need to prove my capabilities before you announce me as a partner, correct?”

“Naturally! The firm already has two senior architects who haven’t become partners yet. They have a closer relationship with me, but they’ve been adapting to the new work model during this period… Now with your arrival, I can take the opportunity to announce a new competitive mechanism.”

Xia Xiaolan was referring to Kong Yongquan and Hou Qi.

They had been willing to work with her during the startup phase, and Xia Xiaolan wouldn’t forget this loyalty.

However, in business, not everything could be based on relationships, though she had never shortchanged Kong Yongquan and Hou Qi on compensation.

After this adjustment period, the two should be producing better results. Frank was like a catfish Xia Xiaolan had introduced to the firm – while Frank could bring in international client resources, Kong Yongquan and Hou Qi would need to work hard to develop domestic ones.

Whoever brought sufficient benefits to the firm would qualify to become a partner and receive larger project shares!

Competition would drive greater effort.

If everyone performed well, Xia Xiaolan wouldn’t mind if Qihang Firm suddenly gained three new partners. Truthfully, she wasn’t counting on making substantial profits from Qihang Firm – it certainly wouldn’t exceed her earnings from real estate development in Qiong Island. If she could restrain her greed there, the earnings from Qihang Firm would be negligible in comparison.

But Qihang Firm wasn’t meant to be a comfortable retirement haven. Xia Xiaolan envisioned it becoming a sharp sword, helping her cut through the international architectural scene.

She couldn’t gain sufficient influence alone, regardless of how much she built up her reputation.

Britain had Foster, Germany had GMP, America had… Top firms attracted top architects, and China deserved such institutions as well!

Xia Xiaolan harbored grand ambitions, which Frank clearly understood and motivated his decision to join Qihang.

An architect with stunning professional talent could only become a renowned architect.

However, if she possessed additional qualities, she could become the next Von Gerkan, and Qihang could become the next GMP.

GMP’s founding story was quite remarkable.

In the 1960s, Von Gerkan and Margot, still architecture students, won the Berlin Tegel Airport design competition and immediately established their firm, subsequently completing the airport’s design and construction with pristine excellence… This marked the beginning of their legend. Von Gerkan was not only an outstanding architect but also an exceptional entrepreneur and leader. While other German firms were generally downsizing and design projects were diminishing, he managed to grow GMP against market trends – something achieved by an architecture student!

If an architecture student could accomplish this, why couldn’t Xia Xiaolan?

Should her Chinese nationality or gender prevent such achievement?

Frank saw great potential in Xia Xiaolan. After close observation during this period, he believed she possessed the qualities to become the next Von Gerkan.

Xia Xiaolan didn’t fully comprehend Frank’s thoughts.

If she had, she would likely have declined… Her efforts weren’t aimed at becoming the next anyone. She strived for excellence to become the unique “Xia Xiaolan,” not to emulate others!

In any case, Frank and Xia Xiaolan’s collaboration stemmed from mutual needs.

However, Frank’s addition and Xia Xiaolan’s announcement of the partnership competition mechanism created anxiety for Kong Yongquan and Hou Qi.

After much consideration, they decided to seek Mao Kangshan’s opinion rather than speculate.

Mao Kangshan berated Kong Yongquan mercilessly:

“Are you afraid you can’t compete with a foreigner? Did I fail in teaching you, or have your professional skills regressed over these years?”

“No, Teacher, let me explain-“

“I won’t hear it!” Mao Kangshan’s voice was forceful. “Has your junior sister ever treated you unfairly? Xiaolan is most conscientious; since you joined the firm, your compensation has only increased. Now just because a foreigner has arrived, you’ve lost your nerve? Whatever a foreigner can do, you must do it, and do it better!”

Mao Kangshan’s perspective had evolved, differing from before.

He used to be quite stubborn, caring little about compensation and income, and never seeking projects independently.

But as Xia Xiaolan’s teacher, he had gradually been influenced by her mindset – why shouldn’t one discuss compensation for effort and knowledge? Intellectuals shouldn’t be ashamed to discuss money; earning through one’s abilities should be a source of pride!

He regretted not considering compensation earlier, now in his old age, living modestly, making his wife climb tall buildings with him.

Look at how open-minded Ning Yanfan was, receiving compensation for his work without facing criticism.

Kong Yongquan was thoroughly chastised by Mao Kangshan.

He and Hou Qi exchanged glances, realizing they could only press forward.

Having left their previous work environment, how could they remain so comfortable, waiting for work assignments?

If foreigners could attract international clients, they would work hard to develop domestic ones. How would they know their capabilities without trying?

…

In New York, United States.

A month after Cynthia’s arrest, the charges were dropped, and she was released.

During this month, she could only meet with her lawyer.

Upon regaining freedom, the world outside had changed. Only George came to receive her, with no sign of old Ivan. Cynthia already sensed something was wrong.

She pursued George, and upon learning the truth, she could barely stand.

George supported her as mother and son embraced, weeping.

Across the street, a car was parked, and Tina quietly watched the crying mother and son through the window.