Chapter 287
Brother, will you take it?
Ryan Sullivan had been to college.
He should have known these basic things.
Important documents like contracts shouldn't be neglected.
"I've been too busy lately. The new project didn't have a reference template. I forgot to add the breach of contract clause when drafting it."
His first thought after the other party breached was their lack of professionalism.
That was naive.
Sophia's first thought was the compensation amount.
"You draft the contracts yourself?"
Ryan looked embarrassed. "My partner used to handle it. I only managed the construction site. He proposed dissolving the partnership half a month ago."
Ryan gritted his teeth and withdrew most of the tight cash flow to return the other party's initial investment.
Sophia frowned. "Did you calculate the operating losses?"
"...We need to calculate losses?"
"Of course. Profits are shared, so losses should be shared too."
The company was clearly not doing well. Why would he return the full principal after dissolution?
Even selling stocks after two seconds means bearing losses.
No business guarantees profit.
"Brother, if that's the case, I'd partner with you too."
Ryan fell silent.
Sophia sighed softly. "You can do the math. You just didn't want to hurt feelings over money, right?"
Ryan's eyes reddened.
"Clara... Am I useless? I don't know how to claim compensation. I even returned the full amount after dissolution..."
"No," Sophia said seriously. "You're just too decent. You don't prioritize money."
"He was my college roommate. We were like brothers for four years. I never thought..."
He never thought his most trusted person would leave during the hardest time.
"I don't blame him. I only blame myself for not being capable enough to keep people..."
Sophia's eyes suddenly lit up. "Brother, your company does smart home installation? What exactly do you do?"
Ryan explained seriously. "We use smart devices and AI control models to improve living conditions and make daily life more convenient."
Sophia pressed further. "Only home installation? Can you handle basic construction and lab design? Including smart system layout?"
Ryan replied, "We've done basic construction before, but competition was too fierce so we stopped. For lab design and smart system layout, we can do it if the client needs it."
"Clara, why are you asking this?"
Sophia's eyes sparkled. "I have a project, brother. Will you take it?"
Ryan was stunned. "...What project?"
"A smart lab. You'll have to handle the construction too."
Sophia wanted a highly intelligent laboratory.
The meal was rushed.
Ryan went back to his company to prepare a proposal immediately after hearing the requirements.
Sophia started a group call to explain the situation to Hannah Morse and Marcus Lawrence.
Both strongly agreed.
This was the best solution available.
That night, Sophia went home and organized detailed requirements to email to Ryan.
Early the next morning, Ryan called—
"Clara, no, Boss Sophia. I'll take this project! You are now my esteemed client!"
Sophia laughed. "Brother, it's not that serious..."
"It is! Rules are rules! If you're unsatisfied with anything, just say it. Don't think of me as your brother. Treat me as your service provider."
Sophia laughed even harder.
He meant business.
"Brother, you agreed without asking about the budget or discussing price? Aren't you afraid of losing money?"
Ryan said cheerfully, "No need."
"Why?"
"First, you won't let me lose out. Second, even if I don't make money, helping you and keeping the company running is worth it!"
"Brother..." Sophia sighed. "Don't be so honest in the future. You'll easily get taken advantage of."
His simple honesty was so much like David Sullivan.
They met at a small restaurant to discuss details that evening.
Sophia rushed there after class, briefly greeting Alexander Laurent on the way.
Alexander frowned, watching her hurried back.
Was it about the lab renovation again?
After the incident, he had contacted the academic affairs office.
Students weren't allowed to apply for other labs during the renovation period.
Rules were rules. He couldn't openly defy them.
He had wanted to invite her to his lab but was refused.
Alexander decided to find her an off-campus lab.
It couldn't be too far and had to be suitable.
He got a reply yesterday and arranged to see it today.
He would tell her after it was settled.
No point getting her hopes up prematurely.
Ryan had already ordered at the small restaurant.
Sophia was shocked by his current appearance the moment she sat down.