The next day, dawn was just breaking.
Chen Family Village was still shrouded in the thin morning mist, peaceful and serene.
Yet the rooftop observation deck of the Water Restaurant, with its sweeping views, was already bustling with voices.
The Construction Group's crew worked with astonishing efficiency. Overnight, they had cordoned off the site and neatly arranged all kinds of specialized equipment and materials.
Chang Chenghu, the man in charge, wore a brand-new hard hat. With the plans in hand, he personally directed the workers through the preliminary surveying and layout work. His enthusiasm made it seem as though he were building a monument to his good deeds rather than a café.
Su Mei stood with Chen Muyao on the other side of the deck, reviewing several design drawings fresh from a portable printer.
In just one night, Chen Muyao had become a different person.
The sorrow and timidity that had weighed on her features for years seemed to have been washed away completely by last night's tears.
She had changed into a tasteful long dress Su Mei had helped her choose, and her hair was carefully styled. Though a trace of fatigue from staying up late lingered in her eyes, she radiated confidence and brilliance, like a butterfly newly emerged from its cocoon.
"Auntie, look. These are the design proposals Mr. Chang's team rushed out overnight." Su Mei pointed to the drawings, explaining with the utmost professionalism and patience. "This one has a modern industrial style, clean and bold. This one is contemporary Chinese, with a classic, elegant feel. And this one..."
Seeing them, Chang Chenghu eagerly hurried over, his face full of an earnest, welcoming smile.
"Ms. Chen, just tell us what you want! Mr. Chen personally entrusted this to us, so we guarantee we'll get everything right