The next day, Deanna did not go to the company. Instead, she had Sabrina issue an internal notice.
During this period, all company matters would be handled by Lance, and everyone was to cooperate with him.
After sending off Lance and the two little ones, Deanna prepared to head to the research institute.
Today, a renovation company was scheduled to conduct an on-site inspection and draft design plans.
She needed to be present to discuss with the designers.
Later, when she arrived at the institute, she found that the renovation team had already started working.
Deanna watched the staff measuring data all around and approached the team leader who was directing them. "What's the current situation?" she asked.
"Miss Jones, hello," the team leader greeted her respectfully and explained the progress. "Previously, you mentioned wanting to renovate several areas. So, we're measuring data first to identify load-bearing walls. If any of these walls are load-bearing, we can't make any changes, as it would compromise the building's structural integrity."
Deanna understood this point well, so she said nothing further.
She stood by with the team leader, waiting for the measurements to be completed.
About ten minutes later, the scattered staff returned one by one with their data records.
"Boss, Miss Jones, we've completed the inspection," one of the staff members reported respectfully.
Deanna looked at the team leader, who then asked, "What did you find? How many load-bearing walls are there?"
"There are seven load-bearing walls in total, three of which are in the areas Miss Jones wants to renovate," the staff member replied truthfully.
Deanna frowned slightly upon hearing this. "Which three areas are you referring to?" she asked.
"Here, here, and here," the staff member said, pointing to three spots on the floor plan of the institute.
Deanna's frown deepened as she looked at those three spots. They were precisely the areas she most wanted to renovate.
It seemed that the designer who originally built this institute had some peculiar ideas. On the third, fourth, and fifth floors near the stairwell, they had created a staircase that connected these floors. This independent staircase compromised the sealed environment of these three floors.
Noticing Deanna's hesitation about renovating these areas, the team leader suggested, "Miss Jones, these three areas really can't be altered. If you don't want these floors to be interconnected, we can install a password-protected door or a security door."
Deanna was persuaded by this idea. "How do you plan to install these password doors?" she asked.
The team leader had a rough idea but explained anyway. "I plan to design... Of course, if Miss Jones has any suggestions, please let me know."
"What you just mentioned sounds fine to me. But I have one request: I hope you can create enough space in these three areas," Deanna said.
After all, they needed ample storage for the herbs required for their traditional medicine research.
The team leader nodded and assured her that they would consider this requirement.
As they were discussing the design further, Deanna's phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number.
"Hello, this is Deanna," she answered.
"Miss, I am your master's assistant. Did your master mention me?" a warm yet slightly aged voice came through the phone.
Deanna immediately guessed who it was. "You must be Brent. Master already told me about you. Have you landed?"
"Yes, I have. Miss, please give me an address so I can take a cab to meet you," Brent replied with a smile.
But Deanna wouldn't let him come alone. "I'll come pick you up instead. Find a place to rest; I'll be there soon," she insisted.
Brent couldn't refuse and agreed to let Deanna pick him up.
Later, they met at the airport.
"Miss," Brent greeted Deanna respectfully.
Deanna felt uncomfortable with such formality. "Hello, there's no need for that. You were sent by my master to assist me; you're my senior."
"Courtesy cannot be neglected. Master Gunner instructed me to prioritize everything around you," Brent said respectfully.
Deanna had no choice but to change the subject. "Brent, you were by my master's side before you came here, right? How is he doing? Is he in good health?" she asked with concern.
Brent's face softened even more at her concern for his master. "Master Gunner is well; you need not worry."
"As long as he's well. I was quite worried when I couldn't reach him for several years," Deanna said with a smile.
Brent responded with a slight smile. "Master Gunner has been busy with research these past years. Though he hasn't contacted you directly, he often mentioned you to me."