Sienna's final days at Sienna Designs before the project with Li Wei had been meticulously planned, ensuring her business would run smoothly in her absence.

Now, as she prepared for her 90-day departure to Shanghai, excitement mingled with nerves. This was another opportunity to bring her creative vision to a different market—a challenge she was eager to embrace.

After a long flight, Sienna stepped into Shanghai, where the city's electric energy greeted her at every turn. This wasn't her first visit to China—she had previously studied abroad in Beijing for a semester during her undergraduate years. She knew what to expect.

As a multicultural woman, she was accustomed to the questions, the stares, and the occasional confusion when she entered new spaces.

Growing up, people had often assumed she and her sister Wynter were adopted whenever they were out with their father, who was African American. Their mother's Caucasian and Spanish heritage added another layer to their unique appearance.

The last time she had been in China, the experience hadn't been entirely pleasant, but she had made a few friends who reminded her that kindness existed everywhere.

She had arranged for a workspace near Li Wei's penthouse, but to her surprise, he had secured a rental for her in the same building as his penthouse. It was fully furnished and had a balcony for an extra layer of luxury. Though she couldn't fathom how he had managed it, the convenience was undeniable.

Arriving at the sleek, modern building via rideshare, she took a moment to admire its towering architecture, a seamless blend of contemporary design and ancient tradition. With her bags in tow, she made her way to her rental. The space was bright and modern—clean lines, expansive windows, and an open layout that promised the perfect environment for creativity.

As she settled in before her initial meeting, she prepared a small gift—a token of gratitude and a nod to Chinese custom—to bring to Li Wei and his team: a set of carefully chosen journals and sketchbooks meant to inspire creative exploration.

Glancing at her watch, she took a deep breath and made her way to the penthouse. The elevator ascended smoothly, and as the doors slid open, she stepped into a minimalist corridor where a male and female waited.

Chen and Li Wei's assistant, Xiao-Ming, stood near the entrance. This was the first time Sienna was formally introduced to them, and she greeted them with a poised smile. In both English and Mandarin, she spoke confidently.

"Nǐ hǎo," Sienna said with a slight nod, her voice steady as she balanced both languages.

Chen returned the greeting, while Xiao-Ming offered a respectful smile. The atmosphere in the corridor was warm and anticipatory, hinting at the promising collaboration ahead.

Then, Li Wei emerged. His presence was both commanding and effortless, carrying the refined confidence of a seasoned actor. Tall and poised, he exuded a quiet intensity that instantly captured attention.

As he approached, Sienna's heart quickened—she couldn't help but notice just how striking he was. His demeanor was the perfect blend of elegance and quiet rebellion.

Their eyes met briefly, and for a moment, the bustling world around them faded.

"Welcome to Shanghai, Ms. Carter," Li Wei said in smooth English, his tone warm yet measured.

"Thank you, Mr. Wei. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person," Sienna replied, professionalism laced with curiosity.

She couldn't help but wonder how her expertise would merge with the vibrant, high-stakes world he inhabited. She was cautious, but yet excited.

Before diving into project details, Sienna presented her gifts—neatly wrapped packages containing journals and sketchbooks.

"I wanted to share a piece of my creative world with each of you," she said, her sincerity evident.

"These are tools I use to capture inspiration, and I hope they spark as much creativity for you as they do for me."

Chen and Xiao-Ming exchanged impressed glances, and Li Wei's eyes softened slightly.

"Thank you, Ms. Carter. That's very thoughtful," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of appreciation.

After the introductions, they proceeded with a walkthrough of the penthouse. The space was a study in modern luxury—a harmonious blend of sleek design and understated warmth. She was intrigued by the architecture and the blank spaces that awaited her.

"Mr. Wei, the virtual walkthrough did no justice to the vast canvas you have here," Sienna remarked, already envisioning possibilities for the space.

Li Wei held her gaze for a moment before responding, his expression unreadable.

"Thank you, Ms. Carter. I trust that you'll work your magic to bring it to life."

"I will certainly do my best" Sienna responded professionally.

As they moved from room to room, Sienna detailed her initial thoughts, drawing on her experience and their prior discussions via email and phone. She highlighted areas that resonated with her vision and identified subtle changes that could make the space feel more personal and inviting.

With each step, her excitement grew. Her eyes widened like a child opening gifts. Even as she spoke, she mentally sketched out ideas.

"This living area, for instance," she mused, "could be transformed to reflect both modern elegance and a sense of homely comfort—something that speaks to both your success and your quieter side."

Li Wei listened intently, nodding at points of agreement. His quiet intensity was tempered by genuine interest as he interjected with thoughtful questions and suggestions.

Their conversation, though professional, carried an undercurrent of mutual admiration and intrigue—a connection that hinted at something deeper waiting to unfold.

As the walkthrough concluded, Sienna gathered her thoughts.

"I'd like to schedule a one-on-one meeting with you, Mr. Wei, to finalize a few details before I begin the project," she said firmly.

"There are some aspects of the design I'd like to discuss further to ensure we're perfectly aligned."

Li Wei's gaze met hers, a spark of intrigue flickering beneath his composed exterior.

"That sounds like a good plan, Ms. Carter. Let's proceed with meeting tomorrow. Let's set up a time before you depart," he agreed, his tone professional yet laced with anticipation.

With the formalities arranged, Sienna felt a mixture of exhilaration and determination settle over her. She had stepped into a new world—one where creativity and precision intertwined with cultural exchange and personal connection.

As the day drew to a close, Sienna decided to take a brief walk. As she stepped outside into the vibrant Shanghai night, neon lights flickered against the darkened skyline, and the hum of the city pulsed around her.

This was it.

With the day's meetings behind her and an upcoming one-on-one with Li Wei on the horizon, she embraced the thrill of the unknown.

She was ready to transform vision into reality—stitch