Chapter 9 — From the Ruins, I Rise Brightly

After resolving Chu Le's call, my mood was not affected at all. On the contrary... it made me even more determined to start a new life quickly. The next morning, I called lawyer Tran. I briefly talked about Chu Le threatening me.

“Lawyer Tran, help me draft a legal document.”

“If the Chu family continues to harass or defame me… then send it immediately.”

“And you help me monitor public opinion online.”

“I don't want my name… to be dragged along with those people.”

Lawyer Tran replied very decisively.

“Don't worry, I will handle it.”

“Your job now… is to live your life.”

Having a professional take care of the technical part... It feels really reassuring. Finally, I can completely… leave the past behind. I spent a whole day. Go through all the drawings, models, and awards from college. Things that I once kept hidden... are now wiped clean and displayed again before my eyes. Look at the young designs... but full of inspiration. I feel like I saw myself again that year. A brilliant On Tinh... believes in the future. I redid my CV. Rework your portfolio. Then open recruitment sites. But I don't plan to return to a regular routine right away. I want to start with small projects. Find your previous feeling again. Right at that moment. Co Ngon's WeChat appeared. A photo. A chair with a very beautiful design. Soft lines, extremely suitable for my taste.

“Looking at this… I suddenly think of your sky garden.”

“I think it would be perfect.”

I laughed. Your taste... has always coincided with mine. I sent back a thank you icon. Then conveniently send me your CV and portfolio.

“Architect, please help me take a look.”

“Is your current level... enough to survive in the profession?”

Just joking. But he immediately called back.

“I just finished looking at your portfolio.”

His voice was a bit agitated.

“On Tinh, you are too humble.”

“Your college works… are still top-notch.”

“Especially the project 'Cathedral of Light'... I still remember it clearly."

“You don't need to do small projects.”

“You need a stage big enough to express yourself.”

I was a bit embarrassed when he complimented me.

“You're exaggerating.”

“How many years has it been…”

He was silent for a few seconds. Then he spoke, very seriously.

“On Qing, I'm not flattering.”

“I'm telling the truth.”

“My studio just accepted a project.”

“Master plan for a cultural tourism area in the west of the city.”

“The scale is huge… and also very difficult.”

“We are lacking a qualified person to take the lead.”

“I thought of you first.”

My heart beats strongly. Planning a whole tourist area? It's an opportunity... that any architect dreams of. But it is also a huge challenge. Can I… do it? Those three years of emptiness… will it hold me back? Perhaps he noticed my hesitation. His voice was low, very sure.

“I didn't invite you to work for me.”

“I want to invite you to be a partner.”

“Contribute capital with expertise... join me in this project.”

“I believe in you, On Qing.”

“Just like old times… I always believe you will do better than me.”

Those two words... destroyed all hesitation in me. This is not pity. It's recognition. An architect… for another architect. I tightened my grip on the phone. The blood in my body felt like it was on fire. My voice rang out, firmly.

“Happy cooperation.”

On the other side... he turned on laugh.

“Nice to work with… my partner.”

I walked out in front of the window. Outside… the new sun is slowly rising. Light spread throughout the city. Wen Qing's life... From this moment. Officially entering a new chapter. The cooperation between me and Co Ngon... progressed so quickly that it was unimaginable. The next day, I followed the address he sent and drove to his studio. Located in a new creative district in the east of the city. This place was renovated from an old factory, with a bold industrial feel mixed with modern art. Co Ngon's studio occupies an entire three-story building in a central location. No ostentatious signs. There was just a gray concrete wall, on which were two thin, jet-black metal letters. Full of confidence of a designer. I pushed the glass door and walked in. A central space nearly ten meters high opened before our eyes. Light poured down from the skylight, covering the entire area. White wall. Bright wooden floors. Black metal lines. Not a single detail is left over. Beauty comes from structure and light. That's his style. Also mine. A young girl wearing business clothes walked over.

“Hello, are you On Tinh?”

I nodded.

"Right."

She smiled very brightly.

"Hello, I'm Lam Khe, boss Co's assistant."

“The boss is having a meeting upstairs, I'll show you around first.”

She took me around. The first floor is an open work area and model making room. Young designers are working attentively. Some people sit in front of computers, some people stand at tables. They looked at me, curious eyes. Lam Khe introduced each person. The second floor is a meeting room, document warehouse and a very large pantry area. There's a coffee maker, a snack cabinet, and even a mini bar.

“The boss said… good design needs good coffee and a clear mind.”

She smiled and explained. The atmosphere here... is free and full of energy. Go to the third floor. There are only two working rooms. And a large showroom, full of project models. Lam Khe pointed to the room on the left.

“This is the boss's room.”

Then point to the room on the right.

“And this… is the room the boss prepared for you.”

I stopped.