Chapter 286
Still Feeling a Bit Defeated
Sophia Sullivan's fingertips glided across her tablet screen.
"Laboratories have extremely high qualification requirements for construction firms."
"It's completely different from standard residential projects."
"The layout of the security system post-construction is also crucial."
"This poses a significant challenge for most construction companies."
The three of them sat in a corner of the café.
Sophia took a sip of her coffee.
She shared the information she had found with the other two.
Hannah Morse had two strawberry cakes in front of her.
She was focused on eating, but her ears were perked up high.
"My dad knows quite a few engineering crews."
"Several have projects even here in the city."
"But I asked yesterday, they only know how to build regular apartment buildings."
"They don't know how to construct laboratories."
Sophia sighed softly.
"Specialized work requires specialized people."
Marcus Lawrence adjusted his glasses.
"It's best to hire a separate designer."
"They can act as a bridge between us and the construction company."
"Otherwise, information asymmetry will lead to a subpar final product."
The next few days were a whirlwind for the trio.
Apart from attending classes, all their time was spent running around outside.
They visited several well-known firms in the industry.
None were particularly satisfactory.
Either the designers didn't understand lab construction.
Or the budgets were shockingly high.
"I can't do it anymore, I can't walk another step, let's rest..."
After visiting two companies, Hannah collapsed into a chair, exhausted.
Marcus wasn't having any luck either.
Sophia's search... was even less successful.
Hannah downed two glasses of iced cola.
She instantly revived.
"I refuse to believe we can't find someone in this entire city who knows how to build a lab!"
"I have an appointment with another company at five."
"They have all the proper qualifications and a good reputation."
"I'll go check them out first." Sophia glanced at her watch. It was 4:20. A taxi would get her there just in time.
Before she could hail a cab, her phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Sophia, are you busy? It's Ryan Sullivan."
"Big Brother?"
They hadn't been in contact since the old lady's birthday banquet.
Coupled with their infrequent calls, Sophia didn't recognize his voice immediately.
"I'm handling some business near MIT. Want to grab a bite?"
Just then, a text came in from the construction company.
The designer had an emergency and couldn't meet.
Sophia readily agreed. "Sure!"
The siblings met at a small restaurant off campus.
Ryan was already there when Sophia arrived.
He was very tall and lean.
He wore a suit with an overcoat, which he had taken off and placed beside him after entering.
He looked tired after a long day.
But the moment he saw Sophia, he broke into a smile.
"I've been meaning to ask you out for a meal."
"But I've been swamped with work."
"And I figured you just started the semester, probably busy too."
"It got delayed until now."
Sophia smiled. "You're too polite, Big Brother. Today works perfectly. No time like the present."
"Yes, yes," Ryan nodded repeatedly. "Order whatever you like. My treat."
"Big Brother seems to be in good spirits?"
Unlike their last meeting in the other city, although Ryan looked weary, his eyes were bright.
It seemed things were going well for him lately.
Ryan waved his hand modestly.
"Just landed a project."
"The company's been established for a while now."
"Finally got a proper contract."
"Not making much, but it's a good start."
"Order whatever you want. Don't hold back."
Sophia was happy for him. "Alright, then I'll order!"
"Go ahead!"
Despite saying that, Sophia only ended up ordering two meat dishes, one vegetable dish, and a soup.
Ryan: "...That's it?"
"Mm, it's enough."
"No way, let's add two more dishes."
"Really, no need! We can't finish all this between two people!"
"Big Brother, are you determined to be a spendthrift today?"
Actively asking to be fleeced.
Ryan laughed. "Getting fleeced by my little sister once in a while isn't so bad."
"Really, it's unnecessary. Let's not waste food."
"Okay, I'll listen to you."
Ryan ordered two cans of beer.
The food arrived quickly.
The siblings chatted as they ate.
"How's school? Settling in okay?"
"Did you save my number?"
"Call me directly if you need any help."
Being in a foreign place together, siblings naturally should look out for each other.
Sophia: "It's alright. Ran into some issues, but I can handle them for now."
"That's good, that's good. Have some more..."
Ryan smiled and urged her to eat.
Midway through the meal, his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
"Sophia, you keep eating. I need to take this."
"Okay."
Five minutes later, Ryan returned and sat down.
Sophia could tell immediately something was wrong.
"Big Brother, eat some more."
"...Oh! Okay!" Ryan nodded quickly.
Though he tried to maintain a smile, it looked forced.
Sophia put down her chopsticks. "What's wrong, Brother?"
Hearing this, the man over six feet tall instantly had red-rimmed eyes.
"Sometimes I just don't understand these clients."
"We agreed on the project."
"We signed the contract."
"I spent so much time and effort on the planning and follow-up."
"Why do they change their minds so easily?!"
"Do they not understand contract spirit?"
"Do they not respect other people's labor?!"
"Maybe... it's my own problem."
"I haven't adapted to the brutal competition."
"My grasp of the market isn't good enough..."
He went from initial anger to pure dejection.
Sophia: "If the other party breaches the contract, you can claim damages."
"Getting paid without doing the work is pretty good."
"...What?" Ryan was stunned.
"You signed a contract. Does it have a breach of contract clause?"
"If yes, you can sue for liquidated damages."
"That kind of lawsuit is a sure win. The other party can't escape."
"Doesn't necessarily have to go to court."
"If they see you're determined, they might opt for an out-of-court settlement."
"You can negotiate the amount of damages then."
These were all things she learned when starting her business with Ethan Roscente.
Sophia not only handled contracts but also acted as a project manager and negotiator.
Ryan scratched his head awkwardly.
"...The contract doesn't have a breach clause."
Sophia: "...?"
Then he couldn't blame the other party for going back on their word.
Something with zero cost, of course they'd be unscrupulous.
No need to pay compensation anyway.
Ryan: "Sophia, how do you know all this?"
Uh...
"...Aren't these just basic knowledge for running a company?"
She swore she had no intention of being打击ing or sarcastic.
Ryan: "..." Still feeling a bit defeated.