Test de listening C2 Proficiency nº4

Michael: Laura! I'm genuinely surprised to see you here at the grand opening of my humble skyscraper. After all, rumor had it you vanished into thin air the moment you left architecture behind three years ago. It's quite a leap from designing high-rises in Chicago to... well, wherever you went. It's a bit like watching a magician leave the stage.

Laura: Ah, yes, the infamous disappearing act. It's not every day you trade blueprints for a quiet life in the countryside. But I must say, your building is rather impressive, Michael. Must've cost a fortune. The facade alone is a statement.

Michael: Pretty steep, huh?

Laura: A mere pittance, right? It’s funny, though. People say success is measured in concrete and steel, but those late nights at the office took their toll. Remember when we spent that weekend racing to finish the Carson project? I think I found more sanity in my garden than in any boardroom. Do you ever wonder what all those sleepless nights were for?

Michael: Those deadlines were brutal, but we did pull it off, didn't we?

Laura: Just barely, yes.

Michael: Still, it's not like London's waiting to build your dream cottage. The quiet life has its own challenges, doesn't it?

Laura: True, but the funny thing is, I didn't need it. I found something more... honest. You remember the stress, the constant grind. It’s just—

Michael: A necessary evil, maybe?

Laura: Necessary for some, perhaps. But for me, not anymore.

Michael: It's hard to let go.

Laura: Wasn't easy.

Michael: I just think of the projects you've walked away from, the clients in New York asking for you by name. Even the regional awards. Not everyone has your talent, Laura. Some would've killed for your position to get budgets like the $50 million we had back in '20. You were practically the go-to for those high-profile jobs. Remember the gala in New York? Everyone knew you there.

Laura: I know, but—

Michael: But life has its detours, right?

Laura: Absolutely. I traded in stress for sunsets and haven't regretted it. Those 'detours' led me to an unexpected sense of peace and, believe it or not, some local design work. It's just a different scale. I'm actually designing a small community center next month—nothing like this, but it feels impactful in its own way.

Michael: Just curious, does it pay well enough? I mean, to keep things running smoothly?

Laura: Enough to keep the lights on, let's say. It's not the payout you're used to, but I'm rich in other ways.

Michael: I suppose that's all one really needs. But I can't help but wonder what legacy you're leaving behind. Surely, there must be a part of you that misses the glamour of it all.

Laura: Legacy isn't everything, Michael. Sometimes, living is enough. I used to think making a mark was what mattered, but watching something grow, knowing I had a hand in its creation, even on a smaller scale, that's more than enough for me.

Michael: Fair enough, though it's not the legacy my bank account worries about. Prestige has its perks, after all.

Laura: Each to their own, Michael. We choose different paths.

Michael: True. Maybe someday you'll tell me about that little design work you’ve been doing. Or better yet, I’ll come see it myself. Do you have an address or should I follow the rumors? I might turn up at the wrong farm.

Laura: You'll get lost. I'll email it. Wouldn't want you wandering aimlessly.

Michael: Perfect. I'll bring a bottle of wine and we can reminisce. Maybe the old architecture days weren't so bad after all.

Laura: Sounds like a plan, Michael. Who knows, I might even convince you the simple life has its charms.