Chapter 1
In Westview Town, dilapidated buildings await rebirth. Sunlight filters through the sparse clouds, casting its rays on the bricks and stones forgotten by time, as if narrating their past glory. Westview Town, a name that once shone brightly in the art world, now remains silent in history. This was a sacred place for drama, where tragedy and comedy played out in turns— the annual theater festival attracted countless playwrights and art enthusiasts to create, feel, and communicate. Their passion and joy brought vitality to this suburban town.
Wanda, the pride of the town, whose name was once closely linked to the glory of Westview, was a former genius playwright and director. The theater festival she hosted was not only a feast of art but also the economic pillar of the town. However, when the scandal of Wanda's plagiarism was exposed, everything came to an abrupt halt. Those who once applauded her works turned their backs on her with disdain. The theater festival was forced to shut down, and the liveliness and noise of the town dissipated as well. Westview Town, once prosperous because of drama, now only has empty theaters and forgotten streets. The lives of the town's residents also became dull with the disappearance of the theater festival, and their economic income plummeted.
But with the announcement by the Salem Real Estate Development Group that they will renovate the town, the lives of the residents are filled with hope again—they believe that the never-failing Salem Group and the woman who leads the group, Agatha Harkness, will bring their town back to life.
Agatha is fifty years old this year. Time has left its marks on her face but has also endowed her with unparalleled mature charm. Her eyes sparkle with shrewdness and determination. Every negotiation, every decision, reveals her unquestionable authority. In this male-dominated industry, she has always been alone yet unbreakable. People often try to establish long-term relationships with her, but Agatha's dates change as frequently as the seasons.
In the skyscraper, Agatha stands in front of the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the early autumn streets, with the rising star in the architecture industry, Rio Vidal, behind her. Rio is just forty years old this year. Although she has not many works, she has won several important industry awards with her unique design concepts and ingenious details. Rio herself, like her designs, is delicate but not fragile. She is handsome, witty, and has well-distributed muscles, making her unforgettable.
Rio is looking at the renovation drawings of Westview Theater, which is already the third version she has produced, but Agatha still seems a bit dissatisfied with the plan. After several ineffective phone communications, Rio finally persuaded the busy Agatha to give her some time to discuss in person how to modify the plan. Rio is writing and drawing on the drawings, and the rustling sound in the room shifts Agatha's gaze from the street view to Rio. Rio frowns, rolls up her shirt sleeves to reveal her muscular forearms, and mutters to herself. Agatha looks up and down at Rio, her eyes showing imperceptible admiration, but soon it is covered by her professional calmness. She knows Rio's talent and is clear about what her design can bring to Westview Theater and even Westview Town. However, as an experienced businessman, she knows better how to grasp every detail to ensure the perfection of the project. Rio Vidal indeed has the greatest passion and talent in design, but sometimes her ideas are too idealistic, which is what Agatha needs to pay special attention to.
"Miss Vidal," Agatha's voice breaks the office's tranquility, "your design is undoubtedly excellent, but what we need is not just excellence, but excellence. Westview Town Theater is not just a building; it is the soul of this town and the starting point of our revival."
Rio looks up at the sound, straightens up slightly, and nods solemnly at Agatha, knowing that Agatha has always been demanding, which is one of the secrets to her success. "Ms. Harkness, I completely understand what you mean. I arranged this meeting to make this project the best it can be. I know my existing plan is good, but it does not reach the standard of excellence."
Agatha walks towards Rio, the sound of her high heels echoing in every corner of the room, also tapping on Rio's heart step by step. Rio cannot lie and say she has not had any thoughts about the charming and decisive woman in front of her, but to ensure the successful completion of this project, she decides to suppress these thoughts and maintain the most professional attitude. Agatha stands next to Rio and traces the lines on the drawing with her finger. "You see, this can be improved even more. What we need is not just a beautiful modern building, but also one that fits the history and past glory of this town." Rio nods, picks up a pencil, and quickly sketches out the improvements suggested by Agatha on the drawing. Her hand is steady and strong, each stroke showing her deep understanding of architecture. "I understand your point, Ms. Harkness. Let's try this modification; I believe it will make our design more perfect."
As night falls, the office lights and the city neon outside the window interweave into a bustling night scene. Agatha notices that Rio, after bending over the drawings for a long time, unconsciously twists her neck, making a slight uncomfortable sound. She looks at her watch and realizes that several hours of intense work have made Rio's body tired, and she is also a bit tired from handling other work at the same time.
"Miss Vidal," Agatha gently interrupts Rio's concentration, "I see it's getting late, and we are all a bit tired. Why don't we put work aside for a while and go have dinner together? We can continue our discussion in a more relaxed environment, and maybe we can find new inspiration." Rio looks up, gently massages her neck, and smiles as she accepts Agatha's proposal. "You're right, Ms. Harkness. I do feel a bit stiff. A delicious dinner sounds like a good idea, and maybe it will clear our minds. By the way, you can call me Rio."
Agatha nods, picks up her coat, and motions for Rio to leave together. "Great, Rio, since that's the case, you don't have to call me Ms. Harkness either, just call me Agatha. I know a good restaurant nearby where the food and environment are suitable for us to continue our discussion." The two walk out of the office together, pass through the corridors of the skyscraper, and enter the elevator. Agatha chooses a restaurant she often patronizes, which not only has delicious food but also a private environment, perfect for business discussions.
They sit in a corner spot, away from the noise of other diners. The waiter hands over the menu, but Agatha is already familiar with every dish here. "The seafood here is very fresh; I recommend you try their signature dish," Agatha suggests. Rio nods, trusting Agatha's recommendation. "I'll follow your advice, Agatha. I also like to try new things." While waiting for the food, the two continue to discuss the renovation plan for Westview Town Theater. Agatha proposes some new ideas, and Rio quickly jots them down in her notebook, occasionally offering her own opinions. "I think we can add some dramatic elements to the exterior design of the theater, such as using some dramatic mask patterns or other elements to add some artistic atmosphere to the theater," Rio suggests. Agatha ponders for a moment, then nods. "That's a good idea, Rio. We can further explore this concept and see how to integrate it into the design."
As dinner progresses, their conversation gradually shifts from work to personal life.
"So, Rio, what else do you do besides work? Don't tell me you just love staying at home; your muscles already tell me you're definitely a sportsman."
Hearing Agatha's tease, Rio puts down his knife and fork, takes a sip of red wine. "Agatha, you are really perceptive. Although I do like to stay at home and enjoy some peace occasionally, I am indeed a sports enthusiast. Basketball is my favorite; I have been playing basketball since high school," Rio says, her eyes showing a hint of nostalgia and enthusiasm.
"Basketball?" Agatha looks a bit surprised, then smiles in understanding. "That's a sport that requires both teamwork and individual skills. I think it has a similar charm to the creativity and precision you show in your design work."
"You're right," Rio nods in agreement. "Basketball has taught me a lot, such as teamwork, leadership, and how to stay calm under pressure. These are also applicable in architectural design." Rio pauses for a moment, raises an eyebrow, and says, "Of course, the physical collisions in basketball are as addictive as the mental collisions."
Agatha hears Rio's words, and a glimmer of appreciation flashes in her eyes. She leans forward slightly, showing more interest.
"Physical collisions and mental collisions, that's an interesting analogy," she says, her voice tinged with a hint of playfulness, "I think this is not only the charm of basketball but also an indispensable part of architectural design. Each project is like a game, requiring strategy, skill, and a bit of adventurous spirit." Rio nods, her eyes revealing her agreement with this comparison. "Indeed, each project has its challenges and opponents. Sometimes it's time constraints, sometimes it's budget, sometimes it's client expectations. But like basketball, these challenges make me more excited and focused."
"I've shared so much, it's your turn to share your life, Agatha. What do you usually love to do?" Rio relaxes and leans back in her chair.
"Speaking of which, you might not believe it—I love yoga. It's not just an exercise but a kind of meditation, a way to have a dialogue with myself. On the yoga mat, I find inner peace and harmony with my body," Agatha says, cutting a small piece of cake and placing it in her mouth.
Rio taps her fingers on the table, looking up at Agatha. "I really didn't expect it; I thought a powerful woman like you might have a more—how to say it—luxurious hobby."
Agatha continues, "Besides yoga, I also enjoy painting. It allows me to express myself. Although I am the CEO and have decision-making power in many matters, you know not everything goes as I wish. But painting is not like that; whenever I pick up the brush, I feel like I can create an entirely new world according to my vision."
This sincere exchange does not create a gap between them due to their age difference; instead, it shortens the distance between them and makes their relationship closer. During this first dinner together, both have gained a deeper understanding of each other. These new insights and resonances make them hold a more steadfast belief and expectation for the upcoming project, also quietly advancing their personal friendship.