Yours, Until Needed
Chapter 69: Scouting

Chapter 69: Scouting

There were far more pressing concerns than the Bernards wanting to get in on the action.

Today was day 1 of the Summit.

The weeklong event was set to ease into the holiday season. Because of the dropping temperatures, this season was the least busy for the industry in terms of actual project execution. It was also the best time to showcase new technologies for use the following year.

For the most part, we at Foundation Tools expect to release new tools for both commercial and personal use.

In addition to the latest innovations in self-healing concrete, transparent aluminum glass, and advanced insulation, we were also planning to showcase developments in our exoskeleton products.

Technological advancements over the past three decades have changed the construction industry. From machines assisting human labor, there has been a shift towards humans assisting machines.

Sinclair Construction Corp. (SCC) rapidly implemented a combination of pre-fabricated materials and on-site 3D printing. This gave them an immense advantage in speed and quality control. Consistency was almost guaranteed.

Now, to further boost the industry, human workers are even being equipped with exoskeletons, which decrease the need for large equipment for tasks like moving and hauling.

These have also helped improve construction workers’ safety and working conditions.

The introduction of such products propelled Foundation Tools back to the top. And today, Dad decided to bring me along.

This was how I managed to evade going to the Summit with Lucian. We’re definitely going to see each other today, as I have to show up for SCC’s showcase. But if I could keep on prolonging it, then I would. Not that he would even notice it, but for my own peace of mind.

The outer hall was lined with booths that featured a mix of contractors and suppliers. I was actually hoping to find an interior design firm that we could add to our pool of choices.

We weren’t just planning to open one location, so we will have varying themes that may require specialized work. However, our priority was finding a firm that would work on our current project.

I could ask Lucian or Idris, but my body kept resisting the urge to do that. I’d prefer to look around first.

"This is an introvert’s nightmare," Rina murmured as we weaved through the crowd.

"Thankfully, you’re no introvert." I reminded her of that impossibility so she couldn’t shirk her responsibilities. But I do owe her since I had missed out on the interviews.

"Yeah, but you are. How long would you be able to stay here?" She asked, lowering her voice even though the chatter around us could drown her question.

"For as long as I have to, and then I’m hiding in a burrow afterward."

That would be the perfect plan, something I would love to realize if not for all these looming deadlines.

"Boss, the layout shows a few booths that might fit the bill," Mitchel commented as he examined the floor plan he had obtained from the registration.

So we followed his directions and managed to reach the northwestern end of the floor.

And he was spot on. From what I could see, we could approach at least eight interior design firms.

We had no time to waste, so we hurriedly requested a copy of their portfolios and contact details.

If the designers themselves were present, that would be even better. At least then, we could check whether they were among the disgruntled few we were avoiding.

We decided to take a short break by the wall. It had been difficult to squeeze ourselves everywhere.

It was then that I saw the booth closest to the end of the exhibit hall.

"Ri, look at that." I couldn’t help but point towards that booth that exuded a natural spa-like feel.

"Get your ass over there. That might be it." She dragged me as if suddenly energized.

"Hello!" Rina said, wasting no more time than necessary.

"Good morning, ma’am! Are you interested in interior design services?"

"Yes! We’d love to see more of your firm’s portfolio if that’s possible?"

What attracted us to the booth was how close it was to the concept of our first project.

The booth was manned by one elderly gentleman and a much younger guy who wore glasses that were a bit too big for his face.

The younger man welcomed us warmly and handed over the portfolio we requested.

Rina and I were practically telepathic. There was no need for us to voice our convictions.

"Sir, may I know if you’re the designer?" Rina asked with a smile as she held onto the portfolio like some treasure.

The young man actually blushed and looked to the side before answering. "Yes, ma’am. Is there anything wrong with the designs?"

The only thing we could see that was "lacking" were the actual projects. If this young man’s age was used as the basis, then this guy must be a fresh graduate. But we don’t care. We’re fresh graduates, too.

"No, no! We just wanted to say how this fits nicely into the concept we’re looking for." Rina immediately explained.

I noticed the gentleman watching us from off to the side. He also seemed to be waiting for us to explain why we asked.

"I designed these, but as you can see, they’re only just designs. I haven’t had the chance to realize these." The young man was bashful, as he explained.

"How impolite of us. I’m Eliana Sinclair, and this is Rina Zellner. And that over there is my assistant Mitchel Larson." Mitchel gave us space as he looked over the display.

The young man flushed even deeper, also forgetting to introduce himself, "I apologize, I got ahead of myself! I’m Ben Miller, a new interior designer."

"Your portfolio is great." I grinned at him.

"Thank you, ma’am. I just recently obtained my license, and I’d prefer that you know that I haven’t realized any of those yet. Save for our graduation requirement."

"We understand and can relate. We’re also going in on our first major project at this age. If you don’t mind, we could share a bit about our project with you. Maybe you’ll be interested in submitting a proposal for us?"

"And if you do decide to submit a complete design after your concept board is approved, then we will also cover the fees based on what we would both agree upon."

There have been many cases of people using designs obtained from proposals without hiring the firm that made them.

This was not a problem for designers who charged for their designs, but it was definitely discouraging for those whose work were just stolen.

But we’re not also stupid enough to pay everyone who submitted just any design. If the concept board passes, then we will pay for their official designs.

Mr. Miller looked over at the elderly behind him, who just gave him a nod, which made Mr. Miller smile.

"If you’re willing to accept someone like me, then I’m willing to try."

We sat down to talk. It took a while, but we managed to explain our business and the project that we wanted him to work on after we asked him to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

There weren’t a lot of firms that got to this stage. In fact, we only had another one. But with how swamped that firm was, we may not even get an actual design.

So we’ve pinned our hope on this guy.