Chapter 82

After that, Christina checked into a hotel.

She stayed in bed for five days before finally getting up to move around.

Just as she was about to head to the library, her phone rang.

It was Kelvin calling.

She answered immediately, "Hey, Kelvin! What's up?"

"Christina, I've got some good news for you," Kelvin said cheerfully. "You've been doing great work lately. Ethan even gave you a shout-out the other day. Keep it up."

Christina smiled, feeling a surge of pride. "Thanks, Kelvin. I really appreciate it. I'll keep giving it my all."

When it comes to work, you get out what you put in.

Her efforts were never in vain.

Kelvin then asked about her studies before getting to the point. "I'm calling to see if you have some free time. I have another part-time job for you. It'll last about three months, and the pay is pretty good."

"I've got time, thanks, Kelvin," Christina agreed without hesitation.

Why wouldn't she take a job that pays well?

She could handle being busier and having a tighter schedule. She really wanted to make money.

Having money meant having choices. Rather than being pressured by her family to marry some old man, she'd rather work herself to the bone to earn her own money. At least then, the choice would be hers.

She refused to be some man's kept woman.

"Alright, I'll send you the details. The contact info is in there, so you can reach out directly. I'll leave it to you," Kelvin said with a laugh.

After hanging up, he forwarded the project details to Christina.

It was a project to expand a beachside villa. The client, Mia Wilson, had simple needs: she wanted to add two sunrooms on the top floor and redesign the front and back yards.

Christina first gathered some classic garden design images, then left the library to find a quiet spot to call Mia.

When it comes to renovations, everyone has their own ideas. The most important thing is to meet the client's expectations.

She called, and Mia answered quickly. "Who is this?"

"Hi, I'm Christina Windsor, a designer. When would you be available to meet and discuss your renovation ideas?"

Mia liked Christina's straightforward approach, unlike the previous designers who had given long-winded self-promotions.

Mia was the one paying, so she wanted the house to be designed to her liking, not the designer's.

Hoping Christina would be more reliable, Mia checked her schedule. "How about today? I have a beauty appointment this afternoon, so let's meet at five at the café next to the downtown mall. Just give my name, Mia."

"Great, see you at five," Christina agreed.

She returned her books to her dorm, changed clothes, applied light makeup, and arrived at the café by 4:30.

After giving the server Mia's name, she was led to a private room. "Please wait a moment, Ms. Mia Wilson will be here shortly."

"Sure, I'll have a lemon water, please," Christina said, reviewing her design sketches while waiting.

At five o'clock, Mia arrived right on time.

She placed her Himalayan platinum bag on the table and shook Christina's hand. "I thought you sounded young on the phone, but you're even younger than I imagined."

"Though I'm young, I have plenty of experience. You can trust me on that," Christina assured, worried Mia might reject her due to her age.

Mia laughed. "I don't care about your age. As long as your designs are good and you understand my needs, that's what matters. The previous designers didn't get it, so I thought I'd try a female designer."

Christina hadn't expected that.

She had to thank the previous designers for their arrogance; otherwise, she wouldn't have landed this job.

After some small talk, Christina showed Mia the design sketches she had prepared. "Ms. Wilson, do you like any of these styles? These are just templates; the final design will be tailored to your preferences."

Mia didn't even look at them. "I don't like the usual styles-Chinese, European, I've seen them all. I have many properties, and this beach villa is just for vacations."

Christina immediately understood.

For someone with only one house, practicality is important. But for someone like Mia, who owns multiple properties, practicality is secondary to personal preference.

"Ms. Wilson, tell me what you like, and I'll sketch something now. If you like it, we can sign the contract," Christina said, opening her design software.

Mia took a sip of coffee and then surprised Christina. "I want the sunrooms to have a wild, primitive style."

Christina was stunned, almost thinking she misheard.

Primitive style?

That's quite niche.

"Have you seen prehistoric movies? I want that kind of style-a big cave with lots of vines outside. Since it's a sunroom, I want a skylight on top and walls all around for privacy."

Based on Mia's description, Christina quickly sketched a rough design.

She showed Mia the screen. "Ms. Wilson, is this what you had in mind?"

"Yes, exactly! You get me. It's so much easier talking to another woman," Mia said, delighted.

She was now fully convinced of Christina's abilities. "How much do you charge? Name your price, and we'll sign the contract now."

"Now?" Christina was taken aback.

She hadn't even given a quote yet!

Mia nodded. "Yes, whatever you charge, I'll pay. I have the money. The main thing is you understand me. The previous male designers didn't get it. They gave me a cave-like bed with cabinets and a desk. How is that primitive style?"

Christina could only imagine how frustrated Mia must have been seeing those designs.