Chapter 211 DiscussionTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2615 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-04 17:30:04
Audrey stood quietly in a corner of the garden, her eyes fixed on Davis who was playing with the children. The morning sun cast mottled shadows through the branches and leaves. He bent down, with a gentle smile, and built a "castle" made of small stones and mud with the children. The children's laughter echoed in the air, adding a touch of vitality to this quiet courtyard.
She raised her head several times, wanting to talk to him, but then she hesitantly lowered her eyelids, her fingers slightly clenching the edge of her shawl. The conflicting emotions in her heart made it difficult for her to sort out the right words - the outsider who lived under the identity of "Grelint" not only reminded her of the past, but also reminded her of the good friend she would never see again.
"He is gone..." Audrey whispered to herself, as if to remind herself that although the person in front of her inherited Grellint's identity, he had a completely different soul. However, she also understood that she could not really distinguish the two completely. She had learned the truth about time travel from the "Fool" and knew that Grellint had fallen in a bloody conspiracy before this person arrived.
Nevertheless, as an "audience", she could feel Davis's sincerity at the time - he really regarded her as his friend during that time. She could detect his subtle emotional fluctuations, and his genuine kindness and trust were not fake, which made her feel more complicated. She could neither completely accept him nor completely alienate him.
"Ms. Hall." A strange voice suddenly came to her ears, clearly interrupting her thoughts.
Audrey was slightly startled, raised her head, and looked in the direction of the voice, only to see Eric pulling Davis towards her. The sunlight shone through the branches and leaves onto Davis' shoulders, reflecting a circle of soft light, making him look more peaceful and calm.
"Davis, Miss Hall is Backlund's most dazzling gem." Eric said with a playful smile, deliberately raising his voice, as if he wanted everyone around him to hear. As he spoke, he glanced at Davis meaningfully, with a hint of teasing in his eyes.
Audrey smiled politely when she heard this. She was used to such compliments, but it was a little awkward to hear it now, especially in front of Davis.
"Mr. Eric, you are too kind. I am just an ordinary citizen of Backlund." She spoke in a gentle tone, but her attitude was a little distant and restrained.
Davis smiled faintly, his eyes swept back and forth between Audrey and Eric, and then said, "Eric, your compliments are gorgeous, but a bit frivolous. Miss Hall's brilliance cannot be compared to gems."
Eric shrugged slightly and smiled even more deeply. "Well, since you seriously refuted it, I take it back." He then nodded at Audrey mischievously, "But I believe Davis is sincere."
Audrey looked at the two people with completely different temperaments in front of her, and her heart was filled with mixed feelings. Davis's calm and gentle tone seemed to always resolve some awkwardness invisibly, but at the same time gave her a strange sense of distance.
"Since everyone is here, why don't we sit down and chat?" Eric suggested casually, his tone relaxed and easygoing.
Audrey hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded, "Okay."
"Ms. Hall, you have to help persuade Davis. He came to Backlund to attend the academic conference and joined Sir Hartman's project. He has been working very hard. We finally managed to pull him out today." Eric said, shaking his head, his tone revealing a bit of exaggerated helplessness.
Audrey turned her head slightly and glanced at Davis, who looked normal, but with a faint smile on his face, and obviously had no intention of refuting Eric's statement.
"It's not a good habit to be too devoted to work." Audrey said softly, her tone gentle but with a hint of seriousness. "Relaxing occasionally can also help with research. If you are always on edge, you will easily overlook some important inspirations."
Davis nodded slightly and looked at her calmly. "You are right. It is necessary to relax appropriately. However, since I have taken on the project, I must do my best. Sir Hartman has very high requirements for details, and this project involves a lot of complex architectural theories. I dare not slack off at all."
Audrey listened to his answer, and a complex emotion arose in her heart - his attitude towards work was just as persistent and serious as that of Grallant in the past. This familiar feeling made her feel both kind and uncomfortable.
"Even so, you can't let yourself get too tired. Your body is the capital of research." Audrey smiled, with a hint of ridicule in her tone, "If Sir Hartman knew that you were exhausted outside, I'm afraid he wouldn't be happy."
Eric echoed, "That's right, Davis, you are the backbone of our team. If you fall, the project progress will be delayed."
Davis smiled helplessly, picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip, then said calmly: "Okay, I will adjust it appropriately."
Audrey heaved a sigh of relief when she saw his response, and the smile on her face became more natural. She gently put down the teacup, and her eyes inadvertently swept across the flowerbed in the distance. The blooming flowers looked particularly bright in the sun. The air was filled with a faint floral scent, which seemed to dilute the subtle atmosphere just now.
"Speaking of which, Sir Hartman's project seems to be quite challenging." Audrey suddenly spoke up, trying to steer the topic towards a more relaxed direction. "Can a layman like me listen to it? Perhaps it can give me some architectural inspiration."
Davis' eyes flashed with surprise, and then he nodded. "Of course. This project mainly involves the combination of classical and modern architectural styles, especially their application in urban transformation. Sir Hartman hopes to incorporate some more practical functional elements while retaining the original historical features. This is a brand new attempt for us."
Audrey nodded slightly, listened attentively, and asked a few questions from time to time. The topic gradually turned to the field of architecture. The original restraint and contradiction seemed to quietly dissipate in this conversation, replaced by ease and communication.
Seeing this, Eric couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, leaning back in his chair and sighing softly: "Sure enough, with Miss Hall here, the atmosphere is different."
Of course, his words seemed to interrupt the conversation between the two people. Audrey was slightly startled, then she regained her composure and took a sip of the teacup. Davis glanced at Eric calmly, with a bit of helplessness in his tone: "Eric, you are used to interrupting at the most inappropriate time."
"It's called adjusting the atmosphere." Eric said confidently, with a hint of uninhibited smile on his face, "Otherwise, with you two discussing so professionally, I'm afraid I'll just be a decoration."
Audrey put down her teacup, a faint smile on her lips, "Mr. Eric is indeed a good mediator, and he can make the originally serious discussion a lot more relaxed."
"Look, Miss Hall also recognizes my importance." Eric spread his hands, seeming quite proud of his performance.
Davis shook his head and said with a hint of sarcasm: "Since it's so important, why don't you also talk about your views on architecture? Maybe you will come up with something surprising."
Eric listened to this and pretended to be thinking in an exaggerated way. After a moment, he smiled and said, "My opinion is very simple - as for architecture, it's good as long as it's comfortable to live in. As for style and history, I don't understand. As long as I don't live in an old house that looks like it will collapse at any time, I'll be satisfied."
His words elicited a chuckle from Audrey, and the atmosphere in the garden suddenly became more relaxed and cheerful. The sunlight shone through the leaves onto the people, as if all the subtle and complex emotions of the morning were diluted by the laughter at this moment.
"Sometimes, such simple insights can actually inspire us." Audrey continued to smile, with a hint of sincerity in her tone, "After all, architecture is ultimately for the benefit of people, and living comfortably is indeed the most important thing."
"Ms. Hall is really good at talking." Eric smiled and shook his head. "However, my task is completed. You guys continue your discussion. I won't interrupt you."
He stood up and nodded to the two of them, then turned and left, leaving Davis and Audrey sitting side by side, and the surroundings returned to silence again.Chapter 212 CognitionTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2266 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-05 17:30:03
After a brief silence, Davis spoke softly: "He is always like this, he likes to be lively and can make people relax occasionally."
Audrey nodded slightly, her eyes looking at the flowers in the garden in the distance, her tone calm and gentle: "Actually, it's good to have such a friend." After a pause, she turned her head to look at Davis, with an indescribable emotion flashing in her eyes, "Just like...some people in the past."
Davis' expression froze for a moment when he heard this, but he quickly regained his composure. A hint of deep thought flashed across his eyes, but he did not respond. He just looked at the scenery in front of him quietly, and said slowly, "Yes, some people cannot be replaced."
Audrey did not speak again, and the complex emotions in her heart disappeared into the wind with her sigh. The two sat side by side, quietly feeling the winter sunshine, but each of them had unspeakable past and concerns in their hearts.
The atmosphere changed quietly, and Davis felt that something seemed to be wrong. He frowned slightly, and stood up. His expression was still calm, but there was a hint of alienation and courtesy in his eyes.
"Miss Hall, please forgive me for saying goodbye early." His voice was unhurried and as polite as ever.
Audrey looked up at him, a trace of imperceptible disappointment flashed across her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She nodded slightly, her voice soft but a little distant: "Of course, Mr. Davis, it was a pleasure to talk to you today, and I hope we can have another chance to communicate again in the future."
Davis nodded and turned to walk down the garden path. His steps were steady and calm, and his figure gradually disappeared among the shadows of the trees in the distance.
Audrey looked at his back quietly, and the complicated emotions in her heart surged again - although Davis was a Grallant, he was not a Grallant after all. And she understood that some things were destined to be impossible to force, and some distances could never be crossed.
The sound of wind passed by in the distance, and a few fallen leaves danced with the wind. Audrey's fingers tightened unconsciously, and then relaxed. She picked up the teacup again, and her eyes fell on the cold tea in the cup, as if she was looking through the cup of tea into the distant past.
This winter afternoon seems peaceful, but it hides a sense of silent melancholy and missed opportunities.
After Davis left school, he strolled along the somewhat deserted streets. The breeze blew gently, and he tightened the collar of his coat to try to dispel the lingering chill. However, his mind did not become clearer, and he felt a faint headache coming over him.
He recalled the scene just now, and Audrey's calm eyes, which concealed complex emotions, seemed to stir up ripples in his heart. This subtle feeling made him feel confused and even a little uncomfortable.
"I should keep my distance..." Davis frowned and murmured in a low voice, "But deep down, I don't mind her approaching me."
This contradictory emotion made him a little confused - he knew that he was an outsider with the identity of Greylint, but he began to adapt to this place unconsciously, and even developed unnecessary concerns about some people and things.
Strangely, he did not reject this emotion, but felt a little comforted. The feeling of gradually integrating into the city seemed to dispel a lot of rejection and loneliness in his heart. More importantly, he could feel that because of these emotions, his control over the potion became more stable, and the impact was even smaller than he expected.
"Emotions... stabilized me." Davis concluded silently in his heart. He knew that the stronger the potion, the more easily it would be affected by the mental state. If he was not careful, he might be attacked back and even lose himself. However, it was these slowly growing concerns and ties that made his mind more balanced and weakened the potion's erosion of his sanity.
"Perhaps this is also a kind of unexpected protection." He thought thoughtfully, with a faint smile on his face. Although this feeling made him feel confused, he also felt that he had found a way to coexist peacefully with this world.
He continued walking forward. The clock tower at the end of the street rang the three o'clock bell in the afternoon. The crisp echo was particularly clear in the cold air. Davis looked up at the clock tower, and a trace of determination flashed in his eyes.
"If that's the case, then let it be." He whispered to himself, as if he had made a decision. No matter how the world changes, he will still walk his own path, even if he is wearing the identity of another person on that path.
Next, all that remains is to find the truth and grow gradually.
Davis felt the "Detective" potion in his body begin to digest again, which made him feel a little confused. He had experienced many great events and came into contact with many hidden truths. According to common sense, the potion should have been completely digested long ago, but strangely, he always felt that he was always a little short of it.
He had thought that he only needed to complete a few tasks and solve a few cases to digest the potion, but the effect was not as significant as he had imagined. Today, when he truly realized his position in this world, the digestion of the potion seemed to have finally made some progress.
Do detectives also need to face reality?
Davis' thoughts suddenly became blurry. The scene before him seemed to be no longer clear. He felt as if he was dragged into an invisible vortex. After trying hard, the power of the potion never completely disappeared. He still felt uneasy, as if the power was still lurking in a hidden corner of his body, waiting for a certain opportunity or the completion of a certain contract.
"Could it be that... I haven't really recognized myself yet?" The thought suddenly flashed through his mind, like a flash of lightning, illuminating a corner of his heart.
He realized that he had traveled to this world and lived with the identity of Grallint, but he had never really let go of that identity and fully accepted his position in this world. Whether dealing with affairs or interacting with others, he subconsciously regarded himself as an outsider and a bystander. This incomplete identification and alienation may be the fundamental reason why he failed to completely digest the potion.
He began to think that the detective's magic potion might not be digested simply by solving puzzles and investigating cases, but rather depended on a deep-seated identification, an acceptance of one's own identity and reality.
"Detectives also need to face reality." He whispered to himself, as if answering this question that has troubled him for a long time. The detective always stands on the other side of the case, unravelling the layers of fog through calm and rational analysis and reasoning, but at the same time, is he also inadvertently ignoring the realities deep in his heart that he cannot easily face?
Growth may not be a straight line.
Davis felt as if he understood something. The exploration and investigation over the past period of time seemed to not only reveal the truth of the outside world, but also dig deep into the truth in his heart. He was no longer a bystander, no longer an empty role, but a living person, living in this world, carrying his own identity and responsibility.
Taking a deep breath, he felt the power of the potion in his body wriggling slowly again, and this time the digestion seemed to be smoother than before. The power of the potion became more natural, as if he finally understood that the true growth of a detective is not only to uncover the mysteries of other people's worlds, but also to face his own heart, recognize his position, and accept those imperfections in order to truly mature.
Next, he will start a new journey.Chapter 213 ArchitectureTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2395 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-06 17:30:06
Davis returned to the manor and immersed himself in the details of the design project. During this time, he was thinking about his exchanges with the children and Audrey. These discussions made his understanding of architecture a qualitative leap. From initially simply combining the architectural style of his past life memory with the culture of this world, as if copying and piecing together, he has now gradually formed his own unique insights and theories.
"Perhaps this is what a scholar is like." Davis whispered to himself, with a long-lost smile on his lips. At this moment, he no longer relied solely on the memory of his previous life, nor was he limited to the framework and constraints brought by the identity of Davis. His thoughts were no longer just repeating past experiences, but began to extend to a deeper level of self-exploration.
He is eager to explore the true connotation behind architecture through his own understanding and practice. The carving of each stone, the support of each pillar, and even the design of each window frame are no longer superficial imitations and copies, but are integrated with his unique insights into space, light and shadow, and structure. This is no longer just a design for a project, but a creation that belongs to him and his unique soul.
Davis' eyes moved across the architectural drawings on the table, and he gradually constructed ideal buildings in his mind, not only to meet functional requirements, but also to allow them to leave traces in the long river of time and become a part of eternity.
In other words, he is no longer satisfied with playing the role of Davis. He used to play too many identities for safety and survival, hiding his true intentions and pursuits, but now he begins to desire true self-realization and to create something unique that belongs to him. These buildings may be the only mark he left behind, witnessing the transformation and growth of his thoughts.
"I am no longer Davis, nor am I just a fugitive. I am a scholar and an architect." Davis whispered, his eyes gleaming with determination. Deep in his heart, it seemed as if a new force was quietly growing, pushing him forward in a clearer direction.
Now, he has taken root in this land with a brand new identity. With the help of his past life experience and the cultural background of this world, his vision has far surpassed most people today. Although he lives in an era where technology and culture are not yet fully developed, his thoughts and vision seem to have transcended the boundaries of time and space and are deeply rooted in a broader future.
The project progressed unexpectedly smoothly. Davis put almost all his energy into design and planning, revising and perfecting every detail day and night. He was no longer in a hurry to complete the task, but immersed in the creative process, enjoying the joy of every deliberation and breakthrough.
Just two days later, Sir Hartman personally came to the manor and reviewed the complete design submitted by Davis. Although he was always strict, this time, there was no doubt or hesitation in his eyes. Sir Hartman smiled, with a rare appreciation in his tone: "Davis, your design is excellent, a perfect combination of innovation and practicality. We can start construction."
Davis was slightly shocked when he heard this. Although he had already made full preparations, he still felt a long-lost sense of accomplishment when he saw the plan was so affirmed. He knew that this was not only Sir Hartman's recognition, but also the affirmation of his own ideas and efforts. This building in front of him will be his only symbol on this land.
Everything started to move forward, and the construction process gradually unfolded. As the design drawings unfolded and the implementation was prepared, Davis felt more motivated than ever before. This building represents not only the combination of technology and art, but also the starting point for him to redefine his identity on this land. Every brick and stone, every supporting column, seemed to witness his transformation from a true scholar and architect to the present.
However, when this novel architectural design gradually emerged, its uniqueness and avant-garde caused different levels of reactions. The nobles who were familiar with the traditional architectural style were generally shocked by this building. It broke the inherent structure and incorporated many novel design concepts, focusing not only on practicality but also on aesthetics and symbolism. For some nobles who regarded tradition as supreme, such a design was undoubtedly a challenge and a direct impact on their order and aesthetic habits.
Many old nobles expressed dissatisfaction with the plan and even began to discuss it behind the scenes, believing that this overly modern design did not fit their status and taste. These voices quickly spread among some traditionalists and began to affect the progress of the project.
"This is not a building, it's a work of art," some conservative nobles commented, with a tone full of disdain and contempt. "Such a design is completely unsuitable for the temperament of our time."
Davis was not surprised by this. He knew that such a reaction was almost inevitable. There will always be friction between tradition and innovation, and what he pursues is precisely this breakthrough and change. He does not expect everyone to understand or accept his ideas, because he knows that any real innovation will inevitably be accompanied by controversy and doubt. What is important is to be able to stick to your beliefs and create meaningful works.
At the same time, many enlightened nobles, young scholars and architecture enthusiasts have shown great interest and enthusiasm in this design. They saw the foresight and uniqueness of Davis' design and believed that it was not just a building, but also a symbol of the progress of the times. It is the voices of these supporters that drive the continued development of the project.
Despite the constant controversy, Davis remains steadfast on the path he has chosen. He knows that the collision between innovation and tradition will never subside, especially in a society full of established ideas and hierarchical systems. Every major change requires time to digest and adapt.
Regardless of how the outside world evaluates him, he knows that this building is not only to respond to the needs of the moment, but more to leave something that belongs to him, becoming a symbol that can transcend time and space and exist in the future. In this world, what he can do may be limited, but he firmly believes that architecture, as a carrier of art and culture, will be able to transcend the passage of time, carrying his unique understanding of beauty and order, and remain here forever.
The design of this building is the crystallization of his thoughts and his imprint on this land. Every inch of its space condenses his observation and perception of the world, and shows his deep understanding of the essence of architecture. Whether those who doubt or those who admire it, they cannot erase the significance of its existence. It will be his response to history and his prediction of the future.
Perhaps, many years later, people standing in front of this building will no longer remember Davis' name, but they will still feel the unique beauty and power - the eternal value that can transcend time and style.
"I'm not just building for today," Davis said softly, gazing at the gradually taking shape of the building structure, his heart filled with unprecedented certainty. "This is for the future, so that people know that I was here and I left my mark."
Just as he specifically requested from Sir Hartmann, he left a unique symbol on the building. This is not an ordinary decoration, but a symbol derived from his past life memory - a simplified and evolved Chinese character variant, the word "home". This character is simple and solemn, and its outline lines are perfectly integrated with the overall style of the building. It looks simple, but it contains profound meaning.Chapter 214 TracesTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2056 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-07 17:30:03
"Home" is not only a symbol of residence, but also a symbol of belonging and foundation, carrying the deepest emotions and desires of human beings. For Davis, this building is not only a design project, but also a form of rooting in this world, a secret declaration that he can hardly express in words.
Although he has acknowledged his identity in this world and tried to fit in, deep down, he knows that the past that he finds difficult to face does not mean that he can completely forget it. He hopes to quietly leave his cultural imprint on this strange land through this building. Even if it is just a symbol that no one can interpret, it can leave a trace of his existence in the long river of time and become a comfort deep in his heart.
Davis carefully placed the symbol on the front lintel of the building, like a hidden gem, seamlessly connected with the surrounding decorative elements and harmoniously integrated with the overall geometric structure of the building. It neither attracts too much attention, but also exudes a unique charm in the eyes of careful observers. This delicate balance is just right, hiding the true meaning of the symbol while allowing it to flow quietly in the depths of time like an undercurrent, waiting for someone who understands it.
Davis stood beside the scaffolding, looking up at the symbol, and a familiar yet distant name emerged in his mind - Russell. Like Davis, he was a time traveler, a legendary figure who had left a deep mark in this world in his own way. Russell's symbols, language and designs have turned into countless mysteries over the years, and are talked about by scholars and explorers in this world, but they have never really understood the true meaning hidden behind those relics.
"He and I both come from the same place, from a world we can no longer return to." Davis' heart was moved. He had never met Russell, but he found some kind of indescribable resonance in this lonely journey in another world. He understood that Russell had tried to leave his own mark in this world, and even if those traces were eventually buried by the torrent of history, he had to let them continue tenaciously.
The difference is that Russell promoted the progress of the world as an emperor, while Davis can only hide behind the scenes and act quietly as an ordinary architect. He does not expect to become a creator remembered by history like Russell, but only hopes to leave his own mark in a corner, just like this symbol embedded on the door lintel, quietly waiting for a careful observer in the future to discover and interpret it.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but think of his companion hiding in Backlund - the detective named Charlotte. That time traveler who also carried a secret quietly left his footprints in this city in another way. He believed that if Charlotte came here, she might be surprised to find the symbols in this building and realize that in Backlund, he was not the only one walking alone in this strange world.
"Perhaps there are more 'strangers' from the same place in this city, trying to survive in their own different ways and leaving their own marks." Davis felt a rare comfort in his heart. Although they could not meet each other frankly and could only sense each other through some hidden clues and symbols, this invisible connection was like a silent bond, quietly connecting him with those possible companions.
"In a city, I have companions from the same place. I am not alone." Davis sighed softly, a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and then he returned to the work of perfecting the building. This building will stand quietly in the wind, frost, rain and snow of Backlund, becoming a bond between him and the world, and also symbolizing a secret and strong sense of belonging, a bond that transcends time and space and transcends identity.
Perhaps, one day, those "strangers" will stand in front of this building, look up at the symbol, smile knowingly, and at that moment, feel a moment of warmth and belonging. And this building will become their common memory, standing silently in the flow of time, witnessing the footprints and hopes they left in another world.
"Davis, stop being in a daze here, let's go celebrate the birth of our first work together!" A hearty voice came from behind, interrupting his thoughts. Eric patted Davis on the shoulder, his face full of excitement and pride.
Before Davis could respond, someone laughed and said, "That's right, but Davis has to pay for the meal! After all, he secretly left a symbol behind, which can be regarded as a monument for himself!"
Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy. Davis was slightly stunned, and then a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He knew that this was just a joke from his companions, but the symbol was a silent sustenance and remembrance for him.
"This is the result of all of our efforts. Of course we should all pay for the meal." Davis responded with a smile, with an imperceptible sense of ease and relief in his tone.
"Come on, don't even think about backing out!" Eric laughed and put his arm around Davis' shoulders. His laughter was hearty and sincere. "Come on, come on, no one can escape today. We have to celebrate!"
Amidst the laughter and joy, Davis was surrounded by his companions and walked towards the distant street. The cold night wind blew past, and he turned his head slightly, looking at the building that had just begun to be built, with a hint of mixed emotions in his eyes. This building has not yet been completed, but in his heart, it has become a symbol - a symbol of hard work, a symbol of hope, and even more a symbol of the roots he has taken in this world as a stranger.
He knew that he might not be able to create a huge wave in this world like Roselle did, and push the wheel of history forward. But even so, he still hoped to leave his footprints in a more secretive and lasting way, just like the symbol on the door lintel, waiting for a moment in the future, waiting for those "foreigners" who might be similar to him to come here, stop and gaze, and feel some resonance and recognition in their hearts.
"Maybe one day they will understand that I was here." Davis thought to himself, with a slight smile on his face.
As dusk fell, the streets of Backlund were gradually lit up by dim lights. The air was filled with a faint moist scent, and the ancient streets and alleys seemed warm and quiet under the lights. In this land where ancient and modern times intertwined, people's lives continued as usual, and Davis' story had just begun.
At the end of the street, there was the laughter of my companions. It was a real sound that could melt away loneliness.Chapter 215 Exchange MeetingTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2376 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-08 17:30:03
The next morning, Davis sat up from the bed and rubbed his swollen and aching head. It seemed that he had too much fun with those guys last night, especially Eric, who forced him to drink a few more glasses. Thinking of the lively scene last night, he couldn't help but smile helplessly.
After a simple packing, he changed into low-key and decent clothes and walked out of the manor. The morning air was a little cool, mixed with the fragrance of soil and plants, which gradually cleared his mind. He walked along the familiar path to the construction site. From a distance, the workers were busy, setting up scaffolding and moving materials. Everything was in order.
Standing in the distance, he watched quietly for a while, feeling a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This is not just a building, but also a symbol of his hard work and hope. His eyes swept across the unfinished part of the door lintel, and he secretly thought about the next design details. Only after confirming that everything was going well did he turn around and walk towards the city.
He walked on the broad streets of Backlund, and the bustling crowds around him made the city seem particularly vibrant. In this metropolis where prosperity and antiquity intertwined, his architectural design seemed to be setting off a small trend.
In recent days, news about the new building has caused quite a stir among Backlund's noble circles. This design, which is different from the traditional style, has attracted the interest of many nobles with its simple and bright geometric structure and exquisite decoration. Although some conservative nobles are cautious in their evaluation of it, they have to admit that this new style brings a unique visual impact.
"Davis' design?" He vaguely heard several well-dressed gentlemen on the roadside mention his name, as if they were discussing the building under construction. Davis smiled slightly, without deliberately stopping, but just quickened his pace and walked forward.
"It looks like at least the initial impact has been achieved," he thought to himself. Backlund's aristocratic circles have always pursued novelty and uniqueness, especially in the fields of art and architecture. If this style can be recognized by the aristocracy, then he will have more opportunities to leave his own mark through architecture in the future.
Davis walked along the street, his thoughts flowing with his steps. He was not only thinking about his career and future, but also thinking about how to gain a foothold in this foreign land. For him, this city is not just a symbol of power and prosperity, but also a vast world worth exploring and changing.
The melodious sound of the bell tower could be heard in the distance. The morning light shone through the mist onto the wide cobblestone road of Kingdom Avenue. The air was filled with a solemn and dignified atmosphere. Davis took a deep breath and looked towards the National Museum in the distance, the place where the Roselle exhibition had been held.
When he first heard that the venue for this exchange meeting was set at the National Museum, he was indeed a little surprised and even felt a little out of place. After all, his design style is avant-garde and bold, with a bit of science fiction to some extent, which seems to be incompatible with a museum that symbolizes history and tradition. However, he soon understood the hidden meaning.
"They need history to endorse their status and superiority," Davis thought secretly. These conservative nobles who promoted this exchange used history and glory to consolidate their identities, regarded tradition as the foundation of their foothold, and even gave every tiny innovation a sense of historical continuity.
In sharp contrast, there are truly visionary nobles like Earl Hall. They are not only able to actively embrace the changes of the times, but are even willing to promote the spread of new ideas and new culture. Davis remembered that in the memory of the original owner, Earl Hall once said frankly at a party: "Tradition is not a shackle that binds us, but the cornerstone that leads us forward. If we cannot keep pace with the times, then we will eventually become a relic of history."
Thinking of this, Davis smiled slightly. He didn't care about the conservatives' opinions. After all, the purpose of participating in this exchange meeting was not to gain everyone's approval, but to take this opportunity to show his design concept to those who truly recognized new ideas and new styles.
As he got closer to the museum, Davis had a clear plan in mind. This exchange meeting would be an opportunity, a great opportunity to show his ability and style. Perhaps, in this national museum full of antiquity and tradition, his avant-garde design style could create a strong contrast effect, triggering people's thinking and discussion.
…
After shaking his tired brain, Davis subconsciously looked back as he walked out of the National Museum. The majestic building was still solemn and majestic in the morning light, like a silent bystander, witnessing the changes of the times and people's arguments.
At the exchange meeting just now, there was a heated discussion about his design style. At first, the nobles who claimed to be the guardians of tradition commented on his work with arrogance and suspicion, trying to refute his design concept based on history and tradition. But to Davis' surprise, not everyone was so conservative.
When the discussion was at its most heated, some young nobles stood up, and even a few older but open-minded nobles expressed their support. They appreciated this bold and innovative design style and believed that it was a reflection of the changing times rather than a departure from tradition.
"I didn't expect that these guys who call themselves nobles actually have such a side." Davis secretly sighed in his heart. He originally thought that this exchange meeting would be a confrontation full of conservatism and prejudice, and he would face the condescending accusations and rejection of those nobles. However, the result was unexpected. Even though there were many stubborn people among these nobles who were deeply trapped in tradition, they did not completely reject change. As long as they could find the right entry point, they might not be unwilling to accept new things.
"I am still influenced by some culture in my previous life..." Davis smiled secretly. His experience in his previous life made him instinctively prejudice against the so-called "aristocratic class", thinking that they were mostly stubborn and difficult to accept new ideas. However, it turned out that no matter which world, there are people who are willing to be at the forefront of the times. The only difference is how to guide them to take the first step.
A cool breeze in the early morning blew in his face, taking away some of the fatigue from the past few days. Davis took a deep breath and looked at the street in the distance. He felt much more relaxed unexpectedly. Regardless of the result of this exchange meeting, it meant that he had taken an important step in Backlund's upper class society. Not only did he gain recognition from some nobles, but through this discussion, he also successfully made his name known among those who were truly influential.
"Next, maybe I can consider a more challenging design." Davis thought to himself that instead of sticking to the existing style framework, he might as well take this opportunity to boldly advance his own ideas and try more works that can arouse thinking and resonance. Although he knew that he would not become a pioneer of the times like Russell, he was confident that he could leave an unignorable mark in Backlund through his own way.
He took a step and walked towards the other end of the street. The Kingdom Avenue was bustling with people, and the shouts of vendors rose and fell, as if interweaving into a morning symphony belonging to the city. The towering buildings on both sides of the street cast long shadows in the morning light, as if metaphorically representing the long and complicated past of this city.
"This is just the beginning." Davis whispered to himself with a faint smile, blending into the bustling and real street scene of Backlund.Chapter 216 InvitationTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2629 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-09 17:30:03
In the days that followed, Davis' life gradually became regular and fulfilling. He would take time out every day to go to the construction site to observe the progress of the first building he designed. From the concept on the drawing paper to the gradual formation of the building, he deeply felt a sense of satisfaction from the inside out. This was not just a construction project, but also his initial attempt to implant modern concepts into this ancient world.
At the construction site, he often had in-depth discussions with craftsmen to discuss how to achieve the details. Sometimes he would stand alone and quietly gaze at the gradually taking shape of the building. The scaffolding in the morning light and the shadows of the sun shining through the wooden beams seemed to be telling a story that belonged to him alone.
In his spare time, he and Eric would go to schools in the East District to tell stories to the children there. Those young and innocent eyes made Davis feel relaxed for the first time in a long time. His stories were always fascinating, especially those adventure legends about "distant countries", which made the children yearn for the outside world. In the process, Davis also "recognized" some old friends again, including Audrey.
Audrey was still gentle and elegant, with a hint of inquiry in her eyes. In several casual conversations, Davis found that she was still full of keen insight into new things. When talking about architectural design, she even put forward several unique insights, which made Davis look at her with new eyes. Although Davis did not fully reveal his past, he always felt the long-lost trust and ease in front of Audrey.
At the same time, his new architectural style quietly set off a wave of enthusiasm in Backlund's upper class. The simple, bright, and geometrically beautiful design caught the eyes of many nobles, especially those from the military and the royal family, who showed great interest. This surprised Davis.
"The royal family..." He stood in front of the window, deep in thought, the light and shadow outside the window casting mottled shadows on his face, "Sure enough, they always penetrate everywhere."
Those who hold power always have a keen interest in all new things, especially those unique designs that can show taste and style. In Backlund, the trend of fashion is always set off by a noble leader in the upper class, and then quickly spreads to the entire city. Davis has a deep understanding of this. He knows very well that this kind of attention is more out of the pursuit of fashion, rather than a kind of power temptation. However, he did not despise these invitations from the royal family.
"They don't care about the concept behind the design, they only care about whether it can make them look more stylish." Davis gently stroked his fingertips, as if thinking about an unfinished model, "But this may be a great opportunity for me."
He looked away from the window, a trace of deep thought flashing in his eyes. "If I can use their influence, my design concepts will be more widely accepted - those symbols, those implicit architectural languages, will be more likely to be seen by these 'foreigners'."
Davis knew that he was not the only one who had experienced this bizarre fate. In this strange world, those who had similar experiences as him may have quietly integrated into different fields, or hidden in some corner, observing the changes in this world and looking for some kind of resonance.
For ordinary people, his design may just be a unique architectural style, a kind of artistic expression that is both practical and beautiful, but for those "foreigners", the symbols and implicit language in it may become a silent signal, a hint. It is a secret language that only people who have experienced similar fates can understand - a tacit understanding that transcends the world and time.
Just like Detective Charlotte in Backlund. Davis believed that there must be more than just the two of them in this world. When he worked with Charlotte, he vaguely realized that she had something in common with him that was hard to describe - the feeling of being out of tune with the surroundings but trying hard to disguise herself was a trait that only people who had experienced similar experiences could have.
He knew that Charlotte was probably also looking for something, perhaps someone of the same kind, or perhaps a way to return to her original world. Davis' design was designed for this possibility. He hoped that when other strangers felt lonely and lost in this strange environment, they would be able to see those familiar symbols and realize that they were not alone.
"As long as we are still in this world, we will definitely discover each other." Davis thought firmly in his heart. This is not just a hope that strangers will see his design, but also a temptation and invitation, a secret bond of connection. No matter how deep the other party hides, as long as the memory of crossing the world is still retained in the heart, these implicit hints will be understood.
He raised his head slightly and looked at the busy streets of Backlund in the distance. The bustling crowds and towering buildings there seemed like a reflection of another world.
Backlund, this ancient and complex city, still showed its charming appearance in the morning light and hustle and bustle, as if every street and every building was telling a long history. However, this city not only had history, but also those powerful people who were full of ambition and desire. They could always keenly smell the potential value in all new things and respond quickly.
Davis knows that the upper class is eager to pursue fashion and style, but in fact it is a display of status and power. For them, a unique building is not only a symbol of wealth, but also a symbol of identity.
Before Davis could rest for two days, these nobles could not wait to show off their amazing wealth and eagerness. In the following days, he received various invitations and cooperation proposals one after another. These papers were printed with gorgeous patterns and family emblems, and the words revealed strong expectations and boasting. However, the content was surprisingly consistent: they hoped that Davis could make unique renovation designs for their manors or houses.
The conditions attached to each letter were too generous to refuse - high remuneration, rare resources, and some even hinted that if he was willing to cooperate for a long time, he could obtain some special protection. However, Davis did not agree to any of them immediately. He knew that the purpose of these nobles was not just to have a beautiful building, but they valued the trend and influence by owning this unique design.
"These guys who are eager for quick success..." Davis sneered softly, but he did not completely reject these cooperations in his heart. He understood that although these invitations might contain temptations or even risks, it was also an opportunity, an opportunity to spread his ideas to the entire Loen.
The urgency and desire of the nobles may stem from the pursuit of fashion, or may be mixed with some political considerations. But no matter what the purpose is, as long as they are willing to provide enough resources, Davis can use this to extend his design concept to a wider range. Through these family manors and luxurious mansions, his symbols can not only penetrate Backlund, but also spread to other cities and territories in Loen through the nobles' social networks.
He picked out a few invitations at random and savored the intentions revealed in each letter. Some were purely to show their taste through unique designs, while others obviously had deeper considerations, such as competing for status with other nobles, or even using new buildings to show some potential strength. "It's interesting, everyone is thinking about how to climb faster, but in the end, they will all leave an indelible mark on my design."
Davis slowly stood up and put the invitations that interested him the most into his arms. He had decided to accept the proposals of several nobles as the first step to spread his ideas throughout Loen. Each new building would not only be a work of art, but also a symbol he buried, a hint for "foreigners" to recognize.
"My buildings will become the symbol of Loen." He murmured in a low voice, as if announcing the beginning of an era. "One day, they will spread throughout the continent, and those who can truly understand me will see these symbols and realize that we are not alone."
Davis put his clothes in order and opened the window, letting the morning breeze blow into the room. He looked into the distance, and the tall towers and spires of Backlund shone with golden light in the sun, as if responding to his determination. This city was just a starting point, and Loen was his real stage.Chapter 217 RevisitingTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2535 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-10 17:30:05
Davis put down his pen, frowned slightly, and his eyes stayed on the invitation letter from Earl Hall's mansion. Just as he was thinking, Eric's slightly excited voice came from outside the door: "Davis, there is another new invitation! This time it was sent by Earl Hall himself."
As soon as he finished speaking, Eric pushed the door open and walked in, holding an exquisite letter in his hand. He had an unconcealed excitement on his face: "It seems that our efforts have finally paid off. The Hall family is not easy to get into."
Davis took the letter and gently stroked the gold stamp on the seal, looking thoughtful. This invitation was indeed a rare opportunity, but he knew very well that there was not much calculation in it. The reason why Earl Hall was so concerned was probably just because of Audrey.
"Eric, this invitation is not as complicated as you think." Davis said lightly, with a hint of relief in his tone.
Eric was slightly stunned. "Not complicated? Earl Hall is not an ordinary noble. He personally sent someone to deliver the invitation. There must be some special reason, right?"
Davis smiled and explained, "Earl Hall invited me probably because of Audrey. The Earl loves his daughter very much, and he would not ignore anything Audrey mentioned. In other words, this is just a simple action of a father wanting to fulfill his daughter's wish."
After Eric heard this, he was speechless for a moment. He blinked and couldn't help but sighed: "So it's because of this... I thought there was some deeper conspiracy, it seems I was overthinking."
"The interactions between nobles are indeed complicated, but sometimes, the simplest reason is the truth." Davis shook his head slightly, then put the invitation letter into the folder at hand, and his tone became serious again. "However, an opportunity is an opportunity. Even if the starting point is simple, we cannot take it lightly. This visit is very important to us."
Eric immediately regained his composure after hearing this: "Then when do we set off?"
Davis stood up, straightened his sleeves, and said calmly, "Let's get ready now. This time, we must not only seize the opportunity, but also use it to make the Hall family and Backlund's aristocratic circles really pay attention to our new design."
Eric nodded, without asking any more questions, and turned to arrange the carriage. However, behind Davis' usual calm expression, there was a hint of complicated emotions in his heart.
He knew very well that Earl Hall's invitation might be simple, purely out of love for his daughter, but it was Audrey who really made it happen. She was not only helping him out of kindness, but more importantly, she had already seen through his identity.
No matter what face and name Davis used now, Audrey still recognized him at a glance - he was Greylint, but a "time traveler" disguised as Greylint.
This keen insight and the identity of an "audience" made Davis feel a little powerless and embarrassed. He was good at handling all kinds of complex situations and intrigues, and could accurately control every negotiation and test, but when facing Audrey, he always felt helpless as if he was completely seen through - no matter how he disguised his identity and emotions, he could not escape her eyes that saw through people's hearts.
Not only did she see through his true identity, she also knew that he was not the real Greylint, but a soul from another world. This realization left Davis with no way to deal with it or to defend himself.
"She knew, but she still chose to remain silent." Davis sighed in his heart. This silence was not out of fear or resistance, but more like a kind of confusion and temptation. Audrey may be trying to understand, facing such a "pretender" - a person who exists as Greylint but has another soul and mind, how should she define the relationship between them?
This delicate mentality makes Davis fall into complicated emotions. For him, Audrey's help is silent but crucial. She did not stay away from him or expose him because she recognized his identity. Instead, she silently helped him to gain a foothold in this dangerous land. However, behind this help, are there also her doubts and uneasiness?
"Perhaps, she is also waiting for an answer, an answer from me." Davis thought to himself. He knew very well that with Audrey's kindness, she should be very conflicted.
For Audrey, the man in front of her is her once trusted friend, Grellant, but now she has to face the fact that although this man has Grellant's body, he is another soul. Her contradiction is inevitable - she can neither regard him as the real Grellant, nor treat him as a complete stranger.
Davis knew that it was because of Audrey's kindness and contradiction that she chose to remain silent and help. If it were someone else, after learning the truth, they might have regarded him as a threat or even an enemy. But Audrey tried to maintain a delicate relationship with him in her own way, not exposing him, not asking questions, but just giving just the right amount of help when necessary.
"Perhaps she didn't trust me, but because she couldn't let go of her past feelings." Davis sighed softly, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He could understand Audrey's entanglement, because he was also at a loss. Facing a familiar yet unfamiliar her, he didn't know how to really define this relationship.
"Perhaps this is also a kind of tenderness." Davis secretly sighed that Audrey neither fully accepted this new "Grillant" nor distanced herself from him coldly, but chose to keep in touch with him in a way that did not disrupt the status quo. Her contradictions revealed warmth and kindness, which made Davis grateful and a little ashamed.
But no matter what, he knew very well that he could not always rely on this kindness. The situation he faced was far more complicated than Audrey had imagined, and the road ahead was even more dangerous. He could not guarantee that he would not be drawn into a deeper vortex, nor could he guarantee that he would not implicate her.
"Audrey, I owe you one, but this favor will be repaid one day." Davis said silently in his heart, and then put these complicated thoughts behind him.
Now, the invitation from the Hall family is in front of him. This is not only an opportunity, but also a test that he must treat with caution. Regardless of Audrey's original intention, he must seize this opportunity to further enhance his influence.
The carriage moved smoothly through the streets of Backlund. The sound of the wheels mixed with the hustle and bustle of the streets, as if playing a silent prelude to Davis' thoughts.
He leaned back in his seat, staring at the street outside through the car window, and his heart gradually calmed down. No matter how simple Earl Hall's invitation was, he understood that entering such a circle meant entering a new stage, and every move might be scrutinized and judged by countless eyes. He couldn't slack off, even if this opportunity was brought about by Audrey.
"Show enough value, build the necessary trust, but always keep the key cards." Davis silently set the basic guidelines for this meeting in his mind.
About half an hour later, the carriage slowly stopped in front of the Hall family's mansion. Davis lifted the curtain and looked at the magnificent building in front of him. Shrouded in mist, the entire mansion looked more solemn and majestic. Exquisite sculptures stood in the garden, and the scattered vegetation was carefully trimmed, forming an elegant picture. The tall iron gate stood quietly, and the family emblem on the doorpost was shining. Every detail revealed the luxury and heritage unique to the nobility.
Eric jumped off the carriage and walked to the door first. He briefly negotiated with the waiting servants, then turned back and nodded to Davis: "Everything is going well. The Earl is already waiting in the reception room."
Davis straightened his collar and calmly got out of the car. He looked up at this familiar yet unfamiliar mansion, feeling a lot of emotion in his heart. The last time he stepped into this place, he was attending an ordinary noble banquet as Grallint, and now, he came here again as Davis, with completely different purposes and expectations.
"Let's go." He spoke calmly and walked towards the door steadily.Chapter 218 Earl HallTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2470 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-11 17:30:02
The servants at the door respectfully welcomed them into the mansion. The spacious door slowly opened, and a warm breeze blew in, dispelling the winter chill. Walking into the foyer, the thick red carpet on the floor and the ancient oil paintings hanging on the walls came into view. The elegant chandelier emitted a soft light, decorating the entire space with warmth and solemnity.
The servant led them through a long corridor, passing several beautifully decorated lounges and galleries along the way, until they reached the door of the reception room.
"Mr. Davis, the Earl is waiting inside, please come in." The servant pushed the door open respectfully.
Davis nodded slightly and walked into the reception room, while Eric remained outside the door.
In the reception room, the fire in the fireplace crackled, and the warm firelight illuminated the entire room. Earl Hall sat on the sofa, with a gentle expression, wearing a dark blue suit, and his gestures revealed the calmness and majesty of a nobleman. Seeing Davis come in, he slowly stood up with a decent smile on his face.
"Welcome, Mr. Davis." Earl Hall's voice was low and powerful, revealing a natural affinity.
Davis bowed slightly with a perfect smile on his face: "My Lord Earl, thank you for your invitation. It is my honor to be here."
Earl Hall nodded and made a "please sit down" gesture: "Audrey highly praised you and said that you have unique insights in architectural design. I just thought that maybe we can cooperate and add some new ideas to the family manor."
Davis' heart was slightly moved. Earl Hall's straightforward attitude was beyond his expectations. Obviously, the other party really facilitated this meeting purely out of concern for his daughter, rather than the common calculations and temptations of the nobles outside.
"It's my honor to serve you." Davis said modestly, with confidence in his eyes. "If you have specific ideas or needs, I can provide you with the most suitable design plan."
Earl Hall smiled gently, his eyes gentle. "We will discuss the specifics later, but I hope for some renovations that can preserve traditions while incorporating new styles. In this regard, I believe Audrey will not make a mistake."
Davis nodded, and had a preliminary direction in mind. He knew very well that this meeting was far more than a simple request for cooperation. Earl Hall was willing to trust him more because of Audrey. And this trust was the precious resource he needed most now.
Soon, the two sides reached an agreement.
Earl Hall simply stated his idea - he hoped to renovate part of the manor, retaining the solemnity and elegance of the traditional aristocratic style, while introducing some new elements to increase the vitality and appreciation of the manor. This kind of design that combines tradition and innovation is exactly what Davis is good at.
"I will design several plans based on your ideas to ensure that they are consistent with the family style and reflect the new aesthetic concept." Davis said calmly and confidently, "If everything goes well, I can give you a complete plan in the shortest time possible."
Count Hall was obviously quite satisfied with his attitude and smiled slightly: "Very good, I am looking forward to your design. Since Audrey praises you so much, I also believe in your ability."
At this point, Earl Hall paused for a moment and added, "Of course, there is no rush for the design. If you have any needs or questions, feel free to come to my house and find me."
Davis nodded in agreement, and at the same time secretly thought: This cooperation seems to be going smoothly, but Earl Hall's trust is so easy, obviously more out of love for Audrey. In this case, he must act cautiously, not only not to live up to this trust, but also to show enough value in the design, so as to truly win the recognition of the Hall family and even the aristocratic circle.
After the brief conversation, Earl Hall did not try to persuade Davis to stay, but asked his servant to send Davis away. His behavior was polite and restrained, without any unnecessary probing or investigation, which made Davis further confirm his judgment - this invitation was indeed pure, just because of Audrey's words.
When I walked out of the Hall family's mansion, Eric was already waiting outside the door. When he saw Davis coming out, he immediately came forward and said, "From your expression, did the talk go well?"
Davis smiled slightly: "It went smoothly, but we need to speed up the process and come up with a preliminary design plan as soon as possible."
Eric raised his eyebrows and said jokingly, "It seems that this time it's really thanks to Audrey, otherwise why would Earl Hall agree so quickly?"
Davis did not respond directly, but simply said: "In any case, this is indeed an opportunity. The Hall family is an important part of Backlund's aristocratic circle. If we can successfully complete this cooperation, it will not only open up the situation, but also make more people recognize our abilities."
Eric put away his joking tone and nodded seriously: "Don't worry, you just design it, I will arrange everything."
Seeing Eric's confident look, Davis couldn't help but feel a little emotional. Although he had just met this companion not long ago, he had demonstrated extremely high efficiency and reliability in a short period of time. Although the two of them came together because of an accidental project, Eric's self-familiar personality and ability to quickly get into the state made it difficult for people not to accept him.
"What a friendly guy." Davis commented secretly, but he had to admit that having someone like Eric around really saved him a lot of trouble. He was good at coordinating affairs and dealing with all kinds of tricky situations. Although he liked to make jokes occasionally, he never delayed the work.
"You're quite suitable for this kind of thing." Davis rarely smiled, with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
"Of course, I'm a professional." Eric blinked and smiled, "You are responsible for the imaginative design, and I am responsible for arranging everything in reality. We are a perfect pair."
Davis didn't respond, but he recognized the comment in his heart. Although the two had just met, this partnership did make him feel a rare sense of relief. In the unfamiliar Backlund, having such a trustworthy person to assist him was obviously a great help to him.
The carriage continued to move forward, the sound of the wheels rolling accompanied by the hustle and bustle of the street. Outside the window, the gray sky enveloped the entire city, and occasionally pedestrians hurried by. Davis closed his eyes and thought about the information of the nobleman he was about to visit. Although this nobleman was not as prominent as the Hall family, he had a strong influence in certain specific fields. Cooperating with him might pave the way for subsequent designs.
"The next target is Viscount Belvoir." Davis opened his eyes and said calmly.
Eric raised his eyebrows when he heard this: "Viscount Belvoir? I heard that he is rebuilding a manor recently. It seems that you have been prepared for this."
Davis nodded slightly. "His new manor project involves the use of many new materials, which is where we can make use of. Moreover, he himself is quite interested in innovative design. Such nobles are often willing to try different styles of architecture, so it is relatively easy to cooperate with him."
"Sounds like a good client." Eric smiled and then joked, "However, I heard that this viscount has a strange temper and is very picky. Are you sure you can handle it?"
Davis smiled calmly: "Picky customers are precisely the best customers. Since they have high standards, they will pay more attention to truly valuable designs. As long as we come up with a good enough solution, they will naturally be willing to cooperate."
Eric nodded, secretly admiring Davis' calmness and confidence. Although he had only spent a short time with Davis, he had already seen his ability in negotiation and design. Every step seemed random, but in fact it was planned in advance.
"Then let me take care of the outside, and you take care of impressing that picky viscount." Eric said in a relaxed tone, folding his arms across his chest and leaning back in his chair, "If he finds fault with you on the spot, I won't help you."
"Don't worry, there shouldn't be such an opportunity." Davis raised the corners of his mouth slightly, with a hint of confidence and determination in his eyes.Chapter 219 A smooth startTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2134 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-12 17:30:01
As the carriage slowly stopped, the Viscount Belvoir's manor appeared in front of the two. Although the exterior of the manor was not yet completed, it had already begun to take shape. Building materials were piled up on a large open space, and it was obviously in the stage of large-scale construction. Davis got off the car and looked at the manor in front of him, quickly analyzing the terrain and layout in his mind.
"Let's go." He said to Eric, and the two walked side by side towards the entrance of the manor. What greeted them was a new negotiation and cooperation.
The meeting with Viscount Belvoir went much more smoothly than expected. Although the Viscount was indeed as picky as rumored, Davis soon noticed a detail during the meeting: Viscount Belvoir's interest in him seemed to be not just for the design itself. Several subtle hints in the conversation made Davis understand one thing - the other party might have known that he had just visited Earl Hall.
"It seems that the influence of the Hall family is far deeper than I thought." Davis thought to himself. He knew that news in the aristocratic circle always spread quickly, especially for an important figure like Earl Hall. Any movement related to him would be hard to escape the eyes and ears of other nobles.
Viscount Belvoir may not simply be interested in his design, but judge his value through Earl Hall's attitude. This indirect recognition made the atmosphere of the negotiation different - Davis did not need to spend too much effort to prove himself, and the other party had already given him a certain degree of trust in his heart.
With this subtle advantage, Davis flexibly responded to the Viscount's picky questions and presented his design concept step by step. When the Viscount made some extremely demanding requests, Davis not only did not show dissatisfaction, but calmly analyzed the feasibility and improvement plan of each requirement, and finally successfully dispelled the other party's concerns.
An hour later, the meeting ended. Viscount Belvoir shook hands with Davis with satisfaction and said cheerfully: "I am looking forward to your design. I hope we can have a pleasant cooperation."
"You won't be disappointed," Davis responded in a calm and confident tone.
After leaving the manor, Eric finally couldn't help laughing. "Sure enough, you're right. These nobles just like to see who gets in touch with them first. Once Earl Hall's sign is on, everything else will be much easier."
Davis smiled slightly: "This is the rule of the aristocratic circle-no one is willing to take the risk of supporting a stranger, but as long as someone takes the lead, they are willing to follow. Viscount Belvoir trusts me, not because I am special, but because Earl Hall has recognized me first."
Eric shrugged and smiled, "Anyway, the result is good. The next few goals may be much smoother."
Davis pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Smoothness is only temporary. The real difficulties will come during the project. They give us trust today, but they may make more demanding demands tomorrow. We must be fully prepared."
Eric's smile faded a little, and he nodded, "I understand. I will contact the workshop in advance to ensure that there will be no problems with material supply and construction schedule."
The carriage slowly drove away from Viscount Belvoir's manor and headed for the next destination. Davis leaned back in his seat, closed his eyes and rested, but his mind was quickly thinking about the next plan.
The next few goals went very smoothly. Perhaps because of Earl Hall's endorsement, or perhaps because Viscount Belvoir's quick decision-making made other nobles see his value, Davis's visit went smoothly. Each meeting reached a preliminary cooperation intention in a short period of time, and several nobles even took the initiative to express a higher willingness to cooperate.
"I didn't expect things to progress so quickly." Eric sat opposite the carriage, with an undisguised look of joy on his face. "I thought there would be at least a few tough battles to fight."
"This is only going smoothly on the surface." Davis opened his eyes with a calm look. "Cooperation between nobles has never been stabilized by just a few negotiations. What they value now is the attitude of the Hall family and the viscounts. Once these cooperations fail to meet their expectations, the situation will change quickly."
Eric scratched his head and smiled, "You are always so cautious. But it's good this way, at least I won't take it lightly."
"Being cautious is necessary, but what's more important is taking the initiative." Davis said calmly, "Just because these nobles accept me doesn't mean they trust me completely. We must come up with results that convince them as soon as possible and ensure that the progress of each project is under control."
"Okay, I understand." Eric nodded. "I will speed up the process. Materials, manpower, and construction period will all be arranged. When do you plan to start designing?"
"We'll start tomorrow," Davis said in a deep voice. "Now that we've won these projects, we have to move on to the substantive stage as soon as possible. I'm going to personally go to each estate to conduct a detailed survey to ensure that there are no mistakes in the design."
Eric raised his eyebrows: "You are the one doing it again? Can't you take a break?"
Davis smiled slightly: "When working with nobles, the cost of mistakes is too high. We cannot afford any mistakes. I will personally go into battle to ensure that everything is perfect."
Seeing his firm attitude, Eric said no more and just sighed softly: "Okay, I'll cooperate with you. Who makes me your partner who was just brought in to work with you when you first met me?"
Davis smiled and said nothing more. He knew very well that the successful acquisition of multiple projects this time was a sign of initial improvement in the situation, but it was only the beginning. The real challenge was how to complete each project under the high standards of these nobles and gain a firm foothold.
I have to stay up late again.
This thought flashed through his mind, but it did not bring too much fatigue or irritability. For Davis, staying up late has almost become a common occurrence. From the initial anxiety and helplessness when he traveled to this strange world to now gradually gaining a foothold in the Backlund aristocratic circle, he has spent every critical moment like this.
"Fortunately, I am not afraid of hard work if I have a direction." Davis sighed in his heart, secretly calculating the next things to deal with: detailing the needs of each noble, formulating a preliminary design plan, arranging a field survey itinerary... Every item cannot be missed.
Eric next to him seemed to notice his fatigue and said with a smile: "Don't work too hard. Although you are right that the nobles are picky, you have to save some energy anyway, otherwise you won't be able to finish the project."
"We have to hold on even if we can't." Davis responded calmly, with a hint of familiarity in his tone, "This is a game we have to win. Being a little tired doesn't matter."
Eric shrugged, still with that relaxed smile on his face: "Okay, if you want to stay up late, I'll accompany you. Anyway, I'm a very energetic person. I'm still here if you collapse."
"Then I really have to thank you." Davis' tone was a little teasing, but there was a gentle smile in his eyes.Chapter 220 SnowTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2283 wordsUpdate time: 2025-01-13 17:30:02
Outside the window, snowflakes danced lightly, as if covering the city with a veil. The coldness of the North District intertwined with the snowy scenery, bringing a hint of winter solemnity. A thin layer of ice appeared on the surface of the Tussock River, and the buildings in the distance looked particularly quiet in the snow. Occasionally, one or two carriages passed by, breaking the silence.
Davis stood in front of the window, quietly watching the falling snow, his heart was at peace. Since the cooperation with Earl Hall officially began, he and Eric moved out of Sir Hartman's manor and found this new studio. Although the space is not large, the unique geographical location makes Davis feel a long-lost comfort.
"Eric, a winter like this is a good time to calm down and think." Davis whispered, turning to look at Eric who was sorting out information.
Eric looked up with a hint of joking in his eyes: "You are right, but I see you haven't had a good rest for several days. Hurry up and finish the design at hand. We should also find a chance to take a breath."
"Rest? This city doesn't allow us to take too many breaks." Davis' tone was a little tired, but there was a hint of determination in his eyes. "Every project is related to our future. We can't let down our guard easily."
Eric sighed, put down the documents in his hand, stood up and walked to the window: "Yeah, but look at the snow outside the window, relax once in a while, it shouldn't delay work for too long."
Davis did not respond immediately, but just watched the snowflakes falling quietly. His heart moved slightly, and his mind was full of thoughts. Although he had achieved some success, he knew that he was still far from his real goal.
"Tonight, we will review the plan again." Davis finally spoke, his voice calm but resolute, "Tomorrow we will meet with Viscount Belvoir to ensure the smooth progress of the project."
"I understand, Davis." Eric nodded. Although he sounded a little reluctant, he knew that Davis' plan had entered a critical moment and there was no reason to delay.
Davis looked back at the neatly organized drawings and felt a little moved. "This should be the last project of the year," he added.
"Yeah, once you're done, enjoy the New Year," Eric chuckled.
The snow outside the window was still falling, bringing with it the quietness and coldness that is unique to winter. Davis looked at the snowy scene, and suddenly an inexplicable sadness and determination surged in his heart. This was his first New Year in this world.
"Tomorrow is the last challenge." Davis took a deep breath, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes. He turned around and returned to the table that was already piled with design drawings and project materials, and began to think carefully.
Eric stood aside and watched Davis return to work without saying anything. He knew that Davis was always like that, with a strong sense of responsibility and uncompromising self-requirements. Although he always joked and spoke in a lighthearted tone, he was well aware of his partner's persistence and determination.
"As long as the project is completed and Viscount Belvoir is satisfied, we will gain greater recognition." Eric muttered softly, his eyes unconsciously becoming serious as he looked through the snow outside the window.
As the snowflakes fell more and more, time passed quietly. Davis and Eric worked silently until late at night.
"Do you think Viscount Belvoir will... have other requests?" Eric suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
"He already knows our design style and has seen our previous works." Davis put down the drawings in his hand and said in a steady tone, "In this cooperation, he is both the buyer and the investor. His requirements may not only be simple architectural issues. We must take into account the power structure of the nobles and their interests."
Eric nodded. "That's right. Then we need to inject some elements into the design that can match their symbol of power, while also making our design concept unique."
"That's right." Davis' eyes looked through the falling snow outside the window, as if he had traveled through time and space and returned to the moment he first entered Backlund. "How to balance the symbol of power and the independence of art? This is a difficult problem we must overcome."
He already had a rough framework in mind, and the next step would be a key breakthrough. At present, they must work closely together to ensure that every detail can accurately meet the needs of the nobles, while also maintaining the innovation and uniqueness of the design itself.
"That's right." Davis looked at the drawings on the table and suddenly smiled. "It seems that tomorrow's meeting is worth looking forward to."
The snow outside the window was falling harder and harder, bringing a distant silence. Davis took a deep breath and prepared to face the upcoming challenge.
On the second day, early in the morning, Backlund welcomed a rare sunny day after the snow. The bright sunlight shone on the snow-covered streets, reflecting a dazzling light. The air was filled with a fresh chill, and when breathing, one could feel the tranquility and clarity unique to winter.
Davis and Eric prepared early, put on proper winter clothes, and walked out of the studio carrying drawings and related materials. The street outside the door had not yet fully recovered its vitality. Occasionally, a few pigeons roosted under the eaves, with a thin layer of snow on their wings. The sun shone on the thin ice of the Tussock River, slightly shining, and the Queens in the distance looked particularly clean and dignified after the snow.
"I hope today's talks go well," Davis said softly, with a hint of calm anticipation in his tone.
The two boarded the carriage that had been waiting at the door. As the wheels slowly rolled on the snowy street, the entire carriage seemed exceptionally quiet. The scenery outside the window kept passing by, and more and more pedestrians appeared on both sides of the street. They were wrapped in thick coats, walking on the snow, their faces filled with joy for the sunny day after the snow.
After a moment of silence, Eric suddenly spoke with a relaxed tone: "Looking at the weather, the snow will probably melt today. Tomorrow, why don't we start preparing some New Year's goods and send some to the children."
Davis was slightly stunned when he heard this, then he smiled faintly: "Okay, it's time to prepare. This is our first time to celebrate the New Year in Backlund, so we should do something."
Eric smiled when he heard this, and his tone became cheerful: "Those children are thinking about us, we can't let them down this year."
"Yeah." Davis nodded, looking out the window at the approaching noble district in the distance, "But before that, we have to complete this meeting first."
Eric shrugged and said with a smile, "Okay, let's deal with the Viscount first, and then the New Year's goods. Davis, you really never let yourself slack off."
Davis did not respond, but just quietly looked at the snow outside the window. He knew that for them, every project not only meant profit, but also a key step to gain a foothold in Backlund. In this city, if you want to gain recognition and status, you must keep moving forward without any slackness.
The carriage continued to move forward, and the sunlight shone through the window, shining on the two people, dispelling some of the winter chill. The atmosphere in the carriage was slightly relaxed, but as the Viscount's mansion approached, the atmosphere outside seemed to have changed subtly. There was a hint of tension and solemnity in the air, and it seemed that even the sunlight had become gentler, projecting on the window with a low-key brilliance.