Strange – others got third oral questions about environmental protection, pesticides, and water conservation.
But for Xia Xiaolan, they asked about her views on architecture.
She was just a freshman, only studying basic sketching and preliminary drafting. It would be easy to boast about life ideals – after all, it was just for an English-speaking competition. These judges couldn’t possibly track her down in the future and say: “Your actions don’t match your words!”
Inexplicably, looking at Professor Xu Guozhang’s age spots from his temples to his cheeks, and the other two judges in their dull gray Sun Yat-sen suits, Xia Xiaolan felt something catch in her throat.
At some point, knowledge had given way to economics – everyone’s first consideration when choosing a major became career prospects.
Including Xia Xiaolan’s choice of architecture – she wanted to enter this business field in the future. She only became interested in architecture after collaborating with Gong Yang on two renovation designs.
This interest was relative to other majors; it wasn’t that Xia Xiaolan truly loved the profession.
Back then, she was in a period of overconfidence after her rebirth, believing that with her future knowledge advantage, she was unstoppable and nothing could challenge her… If it weren’t for wanting to prove wrong those who looked down on her and make Xia Ziyu and Wang Jianhua fear her, she might not have even gone to university.
How far could she expand her business empire during her university years?
“Initially, I just wanted to go to university.”
“Any university, any major.”
“Because university could change how others saw me, convert my rural household registration to urban, and make my family proud of my ‘university student’ status.”
“I chose architecture thinking I could use professional skills to create economic benefits, and coincidentally, my family’s small business was in construction and renovation. However—”
This contestant had a natural gift for public speaking.
The question was changed at the minute, so these couldn’t possibly be prepared lines.
Smooth sentences, flawless English expression, flowing like a gentle stream down a mountain – with one “But,” the audience knew there was a turn coming, the gentle stream about to suddenly accelerate!
Catherine was very curious about Xia Xiaolan – the qualities she demonstrated didn’t match her profile at all.
China had many outstanding talents. After working in China, Catherine deeply understood that although the country wasn’t wealthy yet, everyone was pushing forward with determination – heavy workload, low wages, and strikes were unheard of.
What united the Chinese people so strongly?
Students like Xia Xiaolan, who came from poor rural backgrounds, were countless.
China’s population base was enormous. Western powers proclaimed China’s poverty and backwardness while remaining wary of this red nation, restricting it in various ways!
Catherine’s mind wandered slightly. Xia Xiaolan’s pause lasted maybe two or three seconds, keeping the judges and audience in suspense.
“…However, after entering university, I found my initial thinking might have been wrong.”
At first, she wanted to gain a protective identity.
The university student status was so useful, plus she could build valuable connections at the university. She could spot future successful figures who were currently unknown students and establish good relationships early – that was Xia Xiaolan’s initial plan.
That’s why Tang Hong’en criticized her, telling her not to bring business tactics to school!
Later, she had no time for networking and instead was assimilated into Huaqing’s overall atmosphere.
“What is architecture? In ancient times, people chose natural caves for shelter, protecting themselves from weather and wild animals. As productivity developed, ancient people moved out of caves, using mud as bricks and dried grass as roofs, living in ‘houses.’ Centered around such houses, people lived and worked together, forming villages. Later, as humans mastered metallurgy, forging, pottery, and porcelain-making, we progressed from mud houses to brick houses. The single function of dwelling was repeatedly upgraded – we built not just homes, but the Great Wall for defense, and high city walls for protection. Architecture isn’t just about building houses; it carries many social functions!”
“In modern society, architecture manifests in small houses, tall buildings, hotels, libraries, grand halls, hospitals, and various public facilities… Architecture isn’t a singular noun or function; it’s intimately connected with our lives. But its core function remains ‘people-oriented.’ My professional plan is to complete five years of undergraduate studies and become a small cog in the architectural field. Architectural development reflects economic development. As our country’s reform and opening up deepens, China’s construction industry will experience rapid development, and I will grow alongside architecture.”
Architecture wasn’t just about building houses.
Xia Xiaolan’s understanding of “architecture” wasn’t yet profound, but she could explain it in a way non-professionals could understand.
Without using complex professional terminology, for a freshman, her words had already won applause.
Indeed, she did win applause.
Catherine applauded first, followed by the audience.
Xu Guozhang raised his hand to calm the atmosphere. “You think you can only achieve being a cog in the architectural field?”
“No, Professor Xu, I believe even cogs come in different sizes. As you can see, my gender is what it is. Recently, someone questioned why I chose architecture, saying it would inevitably be hard and tiring, and suggested I become a star in Hong Kong instead!”
The venue fell silent.
Become a star in Hong Kong?
Xia Xiaolan definitely wasn’t bragging – she was too beautiful. Among the pirated video discs and actress posters circulating from Hong Kong, few could be found more beautiful than Xia Xiaolan.
With her natural looks, becoming a star in Hong Kong would certainly be much easier.
Hadn’t Xia Xiaolan said earlier that she chose “architecture” to create economic benefits? Being a star would earn even more money!
“But you refused?”
Xu Guozhang followed up cooperatively.
Xia Xiaolan nodded, “I refused, even angrily, because they not only said I had no future in architecture but also claimed that in the entire architectural field, few women succeeded. There are many famous male architects, but female architects are as rare as phoenix feathers… I don’t know if I can become a famous female architect, but I’ll work towards that goal. I want to prove together with all female architecture students that gender isn’t an obstacle to achievement in this field – the only obstacle will be not working hard enough!”
The previously suppressed applause now burst forth uncontrollably – Xia Xiaolan’s bold declaration was incredibly stirring!
Xia Xiaolan’s oral test exceeded 15 minutes. The host felt she was too good at engaging the audience, almost taking over his job, and quickly cut in:
“Please, five judges, score contestant number 17, Xia Xiaolan!”