Chapter 43: Ideas for Transforming the Valley

Solar God Design Company, the name sounds grand, but in truth it is a small studio with only about ten people. They have been in operation for less than ten years, and each year they take on only one or two design projects, occasionally participating in design competitions to gain some reputation.

A contract like the one Ou Xiaolu brought today, worth at least thirty million US dollars, was something they had never encountered before—a truly super-sized order. Although they only handled the design and couldn’t take on the whole project, satisfying Ou Xiaolu would let them boast about it, and they could hype Solar God’s reputation to the point of eclipsing the sun.

Seated in Solar God Design Company’s conference room, Ou Xiaolu leafed through their recent design portfolios. Opposite him sat the owner and two chief designers of Solar God, while at his side sat the still-unnamed financial officer and lawyer.

After finishing the last page of designs, Ou Xiaolu set the materials on the table with a smack. “I’m quite satisfied with your design style over these past years. I’ve just acquired a plot of land, previously used as a ranch or farm. The produce couldn’t be shipped out, so it was abandoned.

I don’t want to raise livestock there anymore. The mountain road is narrow; if large trucks can’t get in, it doesn’t matter how good the livestock are. Air transport is out of my budget. So, I plan to turn these 120 hectares into a private leisure estate—a villa for riding horses, fishing, and other pastimes when I’m bored.

Such a large area, building just one villa would be unrealistic. My idea is this.”

As he spoke, Ou Xiaolu pulled over a sheet of paper and began sketching.

“My land is roughly like this, bordered by these mountains. All the valley land is mine. I’ve been there; sunlight is average, and as for wind, you know, the mountains block any breeze. Power generation is a problem, so I want wind turbines installed on the mountaintops. I don’t want to experience power outages halfway through my stay. Also, set up the communication network—all of it on the mountains; I don’t want to see any of this equipment inside my estate.”

As Ou Xiaolu spoke, the designers nodded. Although it was their first time meeting a client who began with basic requirements instead of style preferences, it was actually helpful; at least the client had a direction, making their job easier.

Seeing their agreement, Ou Xiaolu continued drawing. “This is the only road into the valley, and there are two trails here and here.

My idea is, once you drive into the valley, all cars are parked here. Within the valley, you either use two-seater electric golf carts or ride horses, preserving the valley’s ecosystem.”

“Excellent idea,” the designers praised, recognizing that Ou Xiaolu cared nothing for the land’s productivity, viewing it purely as a leisure retreat.

“So, here, I want a platform that blends into the forest, big enough for at least 100 cars. I often host a hundred guests, and since the mountain road can’t accommodate buses, 100 cars is reasonable. Design the parking lot as you see fit, but don’t let it take up too much space. Also, provide two helicopter landing pads, and a safe fueling station—I don’t want cars rusting here due to lack of fuel, nor do I want the fueling station exploding and burning my land.

Additionally, the platform needs a smaller area for 30 electric golf carts, with charging facilities. Build a stable for horses here as well—I need a place to house them upon arrival, plus resting quarters for drivers and other supporting amenities. Figure out the details.”

The designers diligently recorded all his requirements.

“Pay attention to this spot; there used to be a small farm here. I intend to make it the valley’s logistics base. Design it in the style of a small town, with a T-shaped street. Place all essentials here: battery storage, cold storage, sewage treatment, water purification, future servant quarters, a large dining hall, and so on.

Build a road from the platform to this base—the only road inside the valley. Elsewhere, remove all pasture grass and replace it with ornamental varieties, or trees if needed. I don’t plan to raise anything; I want an environment where you can always find a spot to sit.

Now, about the residences. With such a vast valley, building only one villa is out of the question, but too many are unnecessary. I plan to build seven—let me show you the locations I’ve chosen.

Here is the deep-water lake in the center of the valley. I want to build three villas around the lake: Villa A, Villa B, and Villa C. You decide the styles, but all three must have underground sections integrated with the lake.

Villa A should be ideal for leisurely fishing, with a basement that allows boating directly onto the lake, and a small dock outside for mooring boats.

Villa B’s master bedroom must have views of the underwater scenery, like a submerged restaurant—you know what I mean?

Villa C should allow direct diving into the lake from its basement, so guests can begin their dive right there. Build these three villas close together, connected by wooden bridges so they’re accessible to one another.

At the foot of the mountain, I want two villas, named No. 1 and No. 2. Make these larger, at least three stories with two basement levels. They’ll serve as starting points for hunting trips, and any animal trophies can be stored here.

This spot gets the best sunlight in the valley; build a garden villa here, simply called ‘the Garden.’

Farther from the farm, place the main villa here. It should be at least four stories, plus a basement. Outside, add a fountain or small plaza—not too large, just enough for hosting outdoor balls.

Behind this villa, build a taller tower so, during outdoor festivities, lighting can shine down from above.

And all water and electricity must run underground; I don’t care how you design it, but I want the valley’s environment preserved.”

After Ou Xiaolu finished outlining all his requirements, the designers nodded thoughtfully. Since he had only stated his needs without specifying the style, he had given them creative freedom. They were confident they could deliver the best results.

Just as the owner of Solar God Design Company rose to speak, the financial officer gently tapped the table. “Consider the cost of materials and tools—don’t overspend.”