Chapter 1097: Anticipation

Chapter 1097: Anticipation

As Jenson finished speaking, his gaze remained fixed on Preston

without a blink. The two locked eyes, Jenson with a smile, openly

welcoming Preston's probing.

This continued for several seconds before Preston spoke, "Since Mr.

Evans asked, I won't hide anything. I'm here representing Armstrong

Corp for recruitment. Armstrong Corp is confident in collaborating

seamlessly with Mr. Evans for the internal decoration this time."

“Is Mr. Walker currently employed at Armstrong Corp?"

“Yes, I'm currently working at Armstrong Corp. So, Mr. Evans, what do

you think?"

Jenson didn't respond immediately. His face showed a hint of

seriousness and concern. In a low, gravelly voice, he said, "I have great

respect for Mr. Walker personally because of our past dealings.

Therefore, I do have some trust in Mr. Walker. However, Armstrong

Corp's recent reputation is not favorable, so..."

Jenson's face expressed considerable reluctance, as if the proposal

from Preston was being declined due to Armstrong Corp's reputation.

Preston promptly took over, "Mr. Evans, as long as you trust me, I

believe we can continue our discussion. Regarding Armstrong Corp,

the recent negative publicity is mostly due to media spreading rumors

without any basis. It has created many unwarranted negative

impressions for Armstrong Corp."

Jenson appeared conflicted, saying, “The media seems to have a point.

It might not be entirely baseless, right?"

"Mr. Evans, would I lie to you? While it's true that Armstrong Corp might

have fewer qualifications compared to larger enterprises, Armstrong

Corp is an established company. The fact that the old Simpson has

survived for so many years has its reasons, too. Moreover, Simpson

Group has deep connections with Armstrong Corp, as you should

know."

Preston's words carried a clear implication, almost explicitly stating that

Armstrong Corp had the backing of Simpson Group. With such a

significant enterprise supporting it, investing in Armstrong Corp would

be worthwhile.

Jenson clearly understood Preston's implications but didn't expose

them. He simply looked at Preston, maintaining a brief silence.

This silence made Preston unsure of Jenson's thoughts. Preston asked

in a low voice, "Mr. Evans, would you consider Armstrong Corp? We

can negotiate the price. As long as you give me this opportunity,

anytime you need my services in the future, it's just a matter of one

word from Mr. Evans.”

Preston lowered his voice, ensuring only Jenson could hear him.

Jenson seemed uneasy. His expression was serious and somber. After

a few seconds, he spoke calmly, "I can't directly grant you this

opportunity, as it would be unfair to other enterprises. However, you

can organize all the materials and internal design drafts for the interior

decoration and send them to me. The architect will review them, and if

they find it suitable, Armstrong Corp will be given priority. How does

that sound?"

Jenson looked at Preston, and from his words, Preston understood

Jenson's implication. He squinted his eyes instinctively and replied, “I

understand your meaning. In that case, I will prepare everything as you

suggested. I really look forward to our second collaboration.”

Jenson nodded, showing a reassuring smile, "If it's destined, there will

be a second collaboration. I'm also looking forward to it."

“Then, I'll await your message."

"Good, as soon as possible."

"Alright."

Preston bid farewell, and Jenson watched him leave. Then, he

motioned to his secretary, speaking in hushed tones. The secretary

nodded and quickly left.

On the other side, after parting ways with Jenson, Preston didn't

immediately leave the venue. Instead, he headed towards the rest

area. Standing on the fifth-floor corridor of the museum, he turned to

his secretary and said in a low voice, "Go find the two architects I

personally recruited for this project.”

Quintus nodded, "Alright, I'll go now."

Preston added, "Use any means to get them here. I have something to

discuss.”

"Understood," Quintus responded before heading off to find the

architects.

Although Preston had recruited several architects for the project, only

two remained, as Summer and Sophie had become the central figures.

Quintus acted swiftly, and Preston only waited for a short half-hour

before the architects arrived.

Both architects were female, responsible for collaborating with Sophie

and Summer on the exterior architecture of the project. With the

exterior nearly finalized, they had some free time. Seeing Preston,

surprise flickered in their eyes, but they immediately greeted him, "Mr.

Walker, long time no see!"

While Preston had previously used the alias, after learning Preston's

true identity, everyone directly addressed him as Mr. Walker, a title he

seemed to accept without objection.

Preston nodded slightly in response to the architects. The four stood

face to face, and the architects appeared a bit uneasy, visibly stiff in

their demeanor. One of them hesitated and asked in a soft voice, "Mr.

Walker, is there something you need from us?"

Preston smiled gently and reassured them, "Don’t be nervous; it's

nothing major. I just happened to be attending the bidding event at the

museum and asked my secretary to bring you over for a chat. How

have you both been lately?"

Both architects nodded, "We're doing well, and the project is

progressing smoothly.”

"Good," Preston said with a faint smile. "Your talent has played a

significant role in advancing this project, but I also believe opportunities

are crucial. What do you think?"

The implication in his words was evident, and the architects were

perceptive enough to understand.

They quickly nodded, “Mr. Walker, we appreciate your guidance. If it

weren't for you recruiting us for this project, we might still be working on

smaller projects at the company. We're truly honored to be a part of

such a significant project. Thank you, Mr. Walker."

Preston didn't bother with formalities. He nodded, "If you want to thank

me, I can take it. After all, I did recruit you. It was a considerable risk at

the time!"

The architects felt somewhat embarrassed. They knew they owed their

position in the project to Preston.

Because there are plenty of talented architects in this industry, you can

easily find a bunch, but opportunities are rare.

The two architects expressed their gratitude to Preston repeatedly,

saying, "Mr. Walker, no matter how bright our future may be, we won't

forget your favor and recognition.”

Preston replied, "That's too much, but I do have a few things I need

your help with right now."

The two architects quickly responded, "Mr. Walker, whatever you need,

we'll give it our all."

"Do you have the interior design sketches for this project? You should

know what kind of interior design suits a museum best. I want to secure

this project, but Mr. Evans mentioned that I need to prepare the interior

decoration and design sketches. Only then can I smoothly win this

project. After all, you know, even though I'm no longer directly involved

in the museum project, I still have some rapport with Mr. Evans. Since

Mr. Evans can be so straightforward with me, he must want me to

secure this project. So, can you help me with this?"