A few days later, Shen Yanzhou finally decided to formally participate in Cheng Ye's project and began collaborating with him. Although he remained calm and rational on the surface, the inner turbulence became more and more apparent. Cheng Ye's persistence and enthusiasm seemed to have planted a seed in his heart, and that seed was quietly sprouting, beginning to shake the once impenetrable defense that Shen Yanzhou had built around himself.
That day, Cheng Ye brought a new design proposal to the office, ready to discuss the details of the design with Shen Yanzhou. Shen Yanzhou stood by the large window in his office, gazing out at the busy city below, but his heart felt anything but calm. Even though he had agreed to Cheng Ye's proposal, the boundary that was about to be crossed still made him uneasy.
"Shen Laoshi, I've made some improvements to the design details. I'd like you to take a look," Cheng Ye walked into the office, holding a stack of new blueprints. His eyes held anticipation and confidence. With each step he took, there was a strength in his demeanor, as if he could handle any challenge with ease.
Shen Yanzhou didn't turn around. He continued to gaze out the window, seemingly lost in thought. "Improvements?" His voice was calm, but there was a hint of caution in his eyes. "Is there something wrong with the design?"
Cheng Ye smiled slightly and walked over to Shen Yanzhou's side, placing the blueprints in front of him. "It's not that something is wrong, but I'd like to incorporate more human elements into the design, allowing the architecture to resonate more with people. I believe that architecture isn't just about aesthetics or functionality; it's about giving people a sense of belonging."
Shen Yanzhou finally turned around, his gaze meeting Cheng Ye's. He stared at the blueprint, his eyes flickering with complex emotions as if reflecting on the deeper meaning behind Cheng Ye's words.
"Belonging?" he asked softly. "Do you really think architecture can bring about such a feeling?"
Cheng Ye nodded, his gaze firm. "I believe that architecture isn't just a place to live; it should be a sanctuary where people feel safe. In this city, everyone is searching for their own place, and architecture serves as the vessel for that."
Shen Yanzhou fell silent. He knew that Cheng Ye's words weren't hollow ideals but reflected his true beliefs. Shen Yanzhou wasn't incapable of understanding these emotions; he just never allowed himself to feel them. The feelings he had suppressed with coldness and rationality were being unconsciously stirred by Cheng Ye's words.
"You're always so idealistic," Shen Yanzhou finally spoke, his tone tinged with a light chuckle, but his eyes showed no trace of amusement. "This idealism often feels too far removed from reality."
Cheng Ye was undeterred and smiled softly. "Perhaps reality always has its limitations, but I still believe that ideals can lead us to a better future."
Shen Yanzhou didn't respond. He picked up the design blueprint from the table and began examining the details carefully. Although his expression remained stern, inside, he felt increasingly unsettled. Cheng Ye's persistence and enthusiasm were like an undercurrent, silently and unnoticed, eroding the indifference and rationality that he had always relied on.
Time passed unnoticed as the only sounds in the office were the soft rustling of paper and occasional exchanges between the two. Though everything appeared calm on the surface, underneath, there was a complex undercurrent of emotions.
Eventually, Cheng Ye gathered the blueprints and looked up at Shen Yanzhou, a faint trace of worry in his eyes. "Shen Laoshi, are you really not considering this direction? I know it might be unrealistic, but I believe it can truly touch people's hearts."
Shen Yanzhou still didn't look up, remaining silent. His gaze remained fixed on the blueprint, but his mind seemed to have shifted away from the cold, sterile lines and shapes. Cheng Ye's words had reached deep within him, making him unconsciously start questioning things he had never allowed himself to think about before.
"Perhaps you're right," Shen Yanzhou spoke softly, his voice barely audible. But the brief pause in his words revealed a subtle shift in his thoughts.
Cheng Ye's eyes flickered with a trace of joy, but he didn't immediately show it. He simply waited quietly for Shen Yanzhou's next words.
"I need time," Shen Yanzhou finally said, his voice still calm but carrying an undeniable sense of resolution. "The gap between ideals and reality—I'll need time to weigh it all and make a decision."
Cheng Ye didn't press further, simply nodded slightly. He knew that every step Shen Yanzhou took was meticulously careful, but he also knew that something inside him had started to change.
"I understand, Shen Laoshi," Cheng Ye said gently, his tone still warm. "No matter what decision you make, I will respect it. Because I know that every decision you make is backed by countless thoughts and considerations."
Shen Yanzhou didn't respond but nodded slightly. After Cheng Ye left the office, Shen Yanzhou stood by the window once again, his gaze falling on the distant city. The building he had designed stood out in the sunlight, shining brightly, yet his heart felt as though it had quietly shifted along with Cheng Ye's words.
He was beginning to realize that the emotions and ideals he had once consciously ignored were now slowly seeping into his world. And Cheng Ye, was the one person who could awaken him from his cold indifference.