Cheng Ye sat across from Shen Yan Zhou, slightly leaning forward, his gaze passing through the massive window toward the city outside. He had never forgotten how he had once been lost in this city, unable to find his place in the flow of time. Today, he had returned, back to the place he once looked up to.
However, today's Shen Yan Zhou was different from the one in his memory—he was still the composed and self-restrained man, but there was an unmistakable sense of loneliness more apparent than ever. Shen Yan Zhou had his head down, flipping through documents, his brows furrowed, clearly troubled by the work in front of him.
Cheng Ye understood that Shen Yan Zhou had never been easy to approach. He had been like this back then, and he was still like this now. Cheng Ye clearly remembered the first night they met when Shen Yan Zhou had said in class, "Those who do architecture must have light in their eyes and warmth in their hearts." At that time, Cheng Ye had admired him, but he hadn't fully understood the meaning behind those words. Now, he could see that light and warmth in Shen Yan Zhou's eyes, though they were buried beneath a thick layer of ice.
Finally, Shen Yan Zhou looked up, his tone flat, but with an underlying sharpness. "How do you plan to collaborate?"
Cheng Ye took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. He knew very well that this man was not easily moved. Even after all these years, Shen Yan Zhou remained that cold, aloof figure, and Cheng Ye still couldn't truly enter his world.
"I'm currently working on a project to remodel an urban space. I want to combine photography with architectural design and make it a project with a social impact. I would like to collaborate with your firm to design a building that blends modern art and humanistic sentiments." Cheng Ye spoke steadily, though he felt a bit nervous inside. He knew this project could potentially be a breakthrough in his career.
Shen Yan Zhou raised an eyebrow, as if considering Cheng Ye's proposal with some reservation. "A public welfare project? It doesn't really fit with the style of our firm." His tone remained indifferent. "We specialize in commercial real estate and luxury buildings, we don't usually take on projects like this."
Cheng Ye's heart sank slightly. He knew that if this proposal was just a simple one, Shen Yan Zhou would probably reject it outright.
"I understand," Cheng Ye smiled softly, though there was an unmistakable bitterness in his voice. "But this project is not just about architecture. It's about using architecture to convey emotions and social responsibility. I want to create a place in this city that connects with people's hearts. If you're willing to be part of it, maybe this will be a new kind of challenge."
Shen Yan Zhou stared at Cheng Ye, his sharp eyes peering over the rim of his glasses. For a brief moment, it felt like time had stopped. The air between them thickened, as though the whole office was holding its breath, waiting for an answer.
"You know," Shen Yan Zhou began, his voice still calm but carrying an untraceable emotion, "most people only care about building taller, more luxurious buildings. But you, you want to build one that touches people's hearts. It seems to go against the mainstream."
Cheng Ye was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected Shen Yan Zhou to respond this way. Perhaps he should have realized that Shen Yan Zhou never believed in "warm" designs or so-called "humanistic sentiment." He had always stood at a high vantage point, looking far ahead, but he never truly reached the hearts of people.
"I know it won't be easy, and it might not even succeed," Cheng Ye's voice dropped, tinged with a faint bitterness. "But I still want to try. I want to see if I can create something that truly moves people."
Shen Yan Zhou was silent for a moment. His gaze finally shifted away from the documents and directly met Cheng Ye's. In that instant, Cheng Ye thought he saw a flicker of something in Shen Yan Zhou's eyes, something both cold and tender, like a frozen lake that was too deep to fathom.
"You're persistent," Shen Yan Zhou said softly, a hint of something unspoken in his voice. "But can you really complete such a project on your own?"
Cheng Ye smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with determination. "I need you, Teacher Shen. I know this path won't be easy, but I believe that if you and I work together, we can create something truly different."
Shen Yan Zhou's eyes narrowed slightly, as if weighing something in his mind. He studied Cheng Ye for a moment before finally speaking. "Alright. I'll think about it."
Cheng Ye's heart lightened, and a subtle smile appeared on his face. "Thank you, Teacher Shen. I know this won't be easy for you, but I believe that together, we can make something extraordinary."
Shen Yan Zhou didn't reply immediately. He lowered his head and continued to handle the files in front of him. Cheng Ye could feel the coldness in the air, but he didn't leave. This man had always been so hard to reach, yet somehow, Cheng Ye could never fully give up on him.
The sunlight outside spilled across the desk, and time seemed to stand still in that moment. Their distance remained far, but it also seemed as though they were on the same track, moving toward an uncertain future.