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The oppressive heat of an August night enveloped the city, its streets bathed in a golden hue from the setting sun. Ling Wei, a 24-year-old junior architect at Harmony Design Studio (HDS), still working at the historic construction site. This was no ordinary project; it involved a famous centuries-old landmark, a structure steeped in history and cultural significance.
The task at hand was not just a renovation; it was a delicate restoration that aimed to preserve the essence of the past while integrating modern design elements.
While Harmony Design Studio was celebrated for its innovative and sustainable designs that merged functionality with aesthetics, creating spaces that harmonized with their surroundings.
Ling Wei was eager to leave her mark on this prestigious endeavor.
As the usual rush-hour traffic dwindled and the city began to quiet down, the construction site stood almost deserted. The day's lingering warmth clung stubbornly to the air, making it feel thick and stifling. Despite the oppressive heat, Ling Wei remained deeply engrossed in her blueprint, a personal project she had initiated not long ago. Her concentration was unwavering, her mind fully absorbed in the intricate details of her design.
The dim construction lights cast long, eerie shadows over the large table that was cluttered with an assortment of tools and materials. Blueprints were spread out alongside rulers, pencils, and drafting compasses, each item precisely placed yet contributing to the creative chaos. The soft hum of distant traffic were the only sounds that accompanied her focused silence.
Ling Wei's fingers moved deftly across the paper, sketching and making notes, her eyes flickering between the blueprint and the tools she needed. The dim lighting created a chiaroscuro effect, highlighting her intense expression and the delicate lines of her work. She was in her element, completely immersed in the world she was creating on paper, a world that would soon translate into a tangible, renovated space.
The atmosphere was almost meditative, a blend of solitude and silent determination. The shadows danced around her, adding a sense of timelessness to the scene, as if the past and present were converging in this moment of quiet labor.
The quiet was suddenly broken by the familiar voice of Bai Yi the head architect for this renovation project and her mentor.
"Wei-er, you're still here?" Bai Yi's voice carried a mix of surprise and concern. He had returned after realizing he had left behind his briefcase containing important documents.
Ling Wei didn't look up, her focus entirely on her work. "I don't want to go home yet," she replied, still fully geared as if it were regular working hours.
Bai Yi's expression softened into one of paternal concern. "The holiday is coming up. Don't you have a hometown to visit?" He knew she lived alone and rarely spent time at home. "I'll give you some days off if you want."
Ling Wei finally looked up, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of mischief and sincerity. "I'm not really that close with my grandparents," she said, cheerfully suggesting, "How about I visit your home, boss? I suddenly miss your wife's cooking."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Who are you kidding? You just want to see my daughter. Ling Wei, she's already married and expecting her first child," he said, a hint of nostalgia and pride in his voice as he shared the good news.
"Ah! Bai Jing did tell me," Ling Wei said, laughing. She was close to Bai Yi's children, and he often treated her like an adoptive daughter.
In the midst of her second year at the esteemed college of architecture, Bai Yi's attention was captivated by Ling Wei's remarkable talent, which shone brightly when she clinched a prestigious architectural competition that he had the honor of judging as the chairman of HDS. Intrigued by her innovative approach and creative prowess, Bai Yi took her under his wing, impressed by the depth of her potential and the spark of brilliance that illuminated her work.
This pivotal moment marked the genesis of a unique relationship between them, with Ling Wei wholeheartedly embracing the role of Bai Yi's eager apprentice, faithfully trailing his footsteps with steadfast dedication.
For Ling Wei, Bai Yi transcended the boundaries of a mere mentor; he embodied the essence of a fatherly figure, offering a wellspring of wisdom and support that extended beyond the realm of architecture. Seeking solace in his counsel, she confided in him about her architectural endeavors, personal trials, and even matters of the heart.
Despite Bai Yi's awareness of Ling Wei's sexual orientation and her past romantic interest in his daughter, he greeted these revelations with acceptance and understanding, at times injecting humor into their conversations as they navigated these delicate topics with mutual respect and affection.
"That's already a given. Lucky for you, my daughter and her husband will be back from the States for the holiday this time," he said, smiling.
Ling Wei smiled back, the unspoken understanding passing between them. Her crush on his daughter was long over, and they both knew it.
"You came back for your briefcase?" she inquired, smoothly shifting the topic of conversation and giving the case a gentle tap beside the table, her eyes curious.
Bai Yi reached out to retrieve the briefcase, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Did you happen to take a peek inside?" he asked, his tone lighthearted.
Ling Wei nodded, her expression nonchalant. "I did, but it didn't capture my interest," she replied casually, her gaze meeting his.
"Why not give it some consideration?" Bai Yi suggested, his voice tinged with a hint of persuasion as he gestured towards the case.
Ling Wei shook her head, her resolve firm. "It's not something I'm interested in," she reiterated, her tone unwavering.
After a moment of contemplative silence, Bai Yi let out a resigned sigh, understanding her decision. "Well then, I won't take up any more of your time," he said, starting to make his way towards the exit. "Just remember to head home before 9!"
"Got it, dad," Ling Wei murmured softly to herself as she watched her mentor leave, waiting until he was out of earshot before returning her focus to the intricate blueprint spread out before her. As she delved back into her work, a fond smile tugged at the corners of her lips. 'But I do miss your wife's dumplings. They're the best!'
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As the evening wore on and the hands of Ling Wei's watch steadily advanced, marking the passage of two and a half hours, the construction site gradually succumbed to the enveloping cloak of darkness. With the night sky overhead stretching out in obsidian hues, the once bustling area now lay tranquil and hushed, illuminated only by the intermittent flickers of light that danced from the nearby street lamps.
Shadows played across the rugged terrain, casting mysterious shapes and silhouettes that seemed to whisper of stories untold, adding an air of mystique to the nocturnal scene.
Amidst the stillness and the gentle hum of the night, the construction site stood as a silent sentinel, a testament to the tireless work and dedication that had unfolded within its walls throughout the day.
Ling Wei, having finally decided to head home, had just stepped out of the restroom when a faint noise caught her attention. The soft, almost imperceptible sound seemed to emanate from somewhere nearby. Her headlight, part of the safety gear she always wore, casting a narrow beam of light, landed on a small fissure in the decaying wall, instantly sparking her curiosity.
The crack was barely noticeable amidst the wall's peeling paint and accumulated grime, but something about it seemed out of place. Ling Wei felt a surge of adrenaline as her heart began to race, a mix of fear and nosiness propelling her forward. She cautiously approached the fissure, her footsteps echoing softly in the dimly lit rumble. The closer she got, the more she could hear—a subtle, rhythmic tapping that sent shivers down her spine.
She leaned in, her breath shallow and her mind racing with possibilities. 'What could it be?' Her fingers brushed against the rough edges of the crack, feeling the chill of the damp wall. Ling Wei's curiosity overpowered her apprehension, peering through the narrow opening with her headlight casting a focused glow.
Upon closer inspection, Ling Wei discovered an intricately carved wooden box hidden within the cracks. The craftsmanship was exquisite, each detail carefully etched with precision. Intrigued, she carefully opened the box, revealing a set of ancient blueprints, unlike anything she had ever seen. The designs were elaborate, filled with symbols and familiar structures that seemed to defy conventional architectural norms.
As she examined the blueprints, a strange, glowing light began to emanate from the paper. The light grew brighter, enveloping her in a warm, ethereal glow. Ling Wei felt a strange sensation, as if the blueprints were reaching out to her, pulling her into their mysterious depths. Before she could react, the light intensified, and she felt herself losing consciousness.
The world around her faded into darkness, leaving only the enigmatic glow of the ancient blueprints.