Chapter 10 — From the Ruins, I Rise Brightly

The area, view, light... are all exactly the same as Co Ngon's room. An equal position. I haven't said anything yet. His voice was heard behind him.

“What, are you okay?”

He had just finished a meeting, looked a bit tired, but his eyes were still bright. A few core members followed behind. They looked at me, curious. Co Ngon stepped forward and clapped his hands.

“Introduction to everyone.”

His voice was clear and decisive.

“This is Wen Qing, a legend of our department, who has also won many major design awards.”

“From today, she will join the studio as partner and chief architect.”

"Welcome."

A moment of silence. Then applause rang out. Warmly. Young faces lit up with excitement. Someone has heard my name a long time ago. There was only one middle-aged man, with a calm look... looking at me a little longer. Eyes carry evaluation. Co Ngon pulled him back.

“Wen Qing, this is Truong Bo, head of the structural department.”

“And this is Wen Qing, the person I often talk about.”

He held out his hand.

“Miss Wen, I've heard your name for a long time.”

Polite attitude... but not too friendly. I shook hands.

"Hello, I hope to receive your instructions later."

Someone like me who "fell from the sky"... Of course there will be suspicion. In this industry... Only strength speaks. Co Ngon seemed to recognize the atmosphere. He smiled and led me into the showroom. In the middle of the room... is a giant model. A mountainside town, next to the water. Ancient... but mixed with modern architecture. Wooden houses, stone bridges... interwoven with glass and curves. So delicate that it makes people hold their breath.

“This is our battlefield.”

He said, his eyes lit up.

“Western cultural tourist area.”

I look at that model. The blood in my body seemed to heat up little by little. My eyes stopped at the center. An empty space. The core square area... still has no plan. Co Ngon noticed my eyes.

“This place… we are stuck.”

“Every plan proposed… is missing something.”

I don't answer. Just quietly looking into that empty space. In my head, countless lines and lights began to interfere and restructure. My battlefield... has arrived. Co Ngon took me into the new office. Outside the large glass door, there is a panoramic view of the creative area. On the desk, computer, drawing board... everything is brand new. In the corner of the table there is also a small pot of betel nut. Full of life. I sat down, my fingertips lightly brushing the cold table surface. A familiar feeling… The feeling of regaining control of your life. I am no longer Wen Qing of the Zhou family. Stuffy, muffled, without yourself. I am an architect... On Tinh. From today. I will build… my own kingdom. Third day in the studio. Co Ngon convened a meeting of the entire tourist area project. This was also the first time I participated in the core discussion as a partner. The large meeting room was full of people. The atmosphere was both tense... and waiting. The main topic… is the biggest bottleneck at present. The town's central square. The place is not only a transportation center... but also the cultural "living room" and soul of the whole area. Its design... determines the entire success or failure. The meeting begins. A few young designers took turns presenting their plans. There is a technology-oriented plan. There are plans to use light and water music to create effects. There are also ancient restoration plans... completely recreating the architecture neck. All are very beautiful. But everyone sees it. They are just flashy shells. Beautiful… but empty. Not really connected to this land. No soul. Finally, it was Truong Bo's turn. He did not come forward to present. Just sit in your seat, open your laptop. The screen shows an extremely standard solution. The flow of movement is clear. Reasonable zoning. Fully calculate human traffic, commerce, and emergency situations. Technically… almost perfect. But… cold. No breath.

“I think the core function of the square is traffic flow and commerce.”

His voice was deep, firm, carrying power.

“Pragmatism and safety must be prioritized.”

“Gifty designs… only increase costs and are difficult to maintain.”

The atmosphere in the room... became quiet. Young designers are silent. They knew he was right. But inside... there's still something unpleasant. Co Ngon sat in the host position, clasped his hands in front of him, listening quietly. He didn't say anything. Wait for it all to end. He just turned to me.

“On Tinh, what do you think?”

All eyes... turned towards me. Especially Truong Bac. His gaze was both probing... and challenging. He wanted to know... whether I was worthy of the title "chosen one". I stood up. Do not touch the projector. Just step up to the front whiteboard.

"Mr. Truong's opinion... is very complete, I completely agree."

The opening sentence made the whole room pause. Even Truong Bac is the same. You didn't expect... I didn't object.

“I agree… a square must first be safe, must function well.”

I said and quickly drew his subdivision diagram on the board. I stopped writing. His eyes slowly scanned the whole room.

“But… a central square of a tourist area… just being practical is not enough.”

"It also needs a story. A soul."

I raised my head and looked around the room.

“Before coming here, I learned about the history of this place.”

“Its name is Van Mong Trach.”

“Legend has it that several hundred years ago... this was a large lake area.”

“There was a poet… who once stood here, dreaming of flying birds and the sky.”

“He wrote: ‘My mind follows the white clouds, my body sends the blue bird wings.’”

“That… is Van Mong Trach's soul.”

My voice is not loud. But enough for everyone to hear clearly. The meeting room... was as quiet as paper. All are caught up in the space I just drew. The pen in my hand started to move.