Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling
Epilogue:
The author has something to say: [Postscript]
Ah, the five months and eight days of continuous writting finally came to an end.
It’s probably a relief, but it’s also a tinge of melancholy that might be too reluctant to say goodbye.
Thank you very much for the patience you have given during this period, for your tolerance and for your presence here.
“Assistant Architect” is my longest-running article, and by far the largest number of characters. It’s a record of my previous work on all data……For me, however, this is not a story that I am very happy with (nor is any previous work).
Because in the process of writing, I felt a real lack of language, a poor mind and a lot of inadequacies. In every chapter I write, I would love to do my best to write the best text I can to show you, but I can only hand over such a hard-working answer.
I know that this is not a very healthy way of writing. Instead of “taking your heart out”, it should be “thick and thin,” with the least effort, the least understatement of the sentence, and the deep and profound thought and emotion that the good author can do.
However, I never built up much, and I couldn’t resist the flood of the body….It’s a lot of hard work in the process. So every time I write a story, I feel like I’m being hollowed out! _(:з”∠)_
Writing is a fairly long way, and I am humbled by the fact that I have had the privilege of gaining support in the process of climbing, and deeply grateful for your guidance, criticism and encouragement. Your company is the best gift I have ever gained from growing up.
I haven’t had much time to read the commentary these two days because I was moved and guilty to see the “Don’t want to end” message in the film.
Indeed, there are many things that can be written about the book, such as a careful description of the subject’s study abroad, the story of his work in Britain, a tour of the world, detailed design projects, how to create a company, how to decide which name to take and so on.
However, with regard to Zhang Siyi’s growth, this is over, and the ideas I want to convey through this story are all finished. If we continue to write them again, they will only be repeated for continuous transmission, which will deviate from my original intention.
So, I’m so sorry for the prospective readers, but I’m here to say goodbye.
I’ve seen many readers asking when I’m starting a new article, and I want to continue to see you all the time, but I’ve been pulled out of the mud and I’m not sure I can tell a better story.
Instead of tempering everyone’s enthusiasm, it would be better to go on a training trip for a while, to add yourself to the list, and then to dress up for a while. I believe that for the time being, the difference is to meet better.
At the same time, I also have some concerns that the next work will not satisfy readers who like the Assistant Architect style, because I am a less “self-contained” author, and perhaps I am wrong to want to let go and will not necessarily return with a very different story and style. But it may still be my favorite themes of growth and advancement, and I hope that they will not disappoint you.
Of course, there are many excellent authors and works in Jinjiang, and there are so many stories, there are always those you like, don’t hang on my tree, my foundation is unstable, I’m afraid everyone will hurt….. (兀▽兀)
I’ve been nagging at you so much.
Thank you all for the last time. I’m so sorry!
I just wish I could meet you again in a vast sea of literature.
Xi He Qing Ling
March 18, 2017
______________________________
T/N notes:
The above statement is a direct MTL and I didn’t edit it.
In the last Extra, when Zhang SIyi hands his business card to the young applicant, his name is first printed in Chinese, then English and the remaining info in Chinese. For effect I added his name in written Chinese and left the English as is.
As for me, there were a few parts in the book that I translated that I was never really satisfied with. Now that I’ve finished, I want to take a short break then actually read my efforts from the beginning to the end. Along the way, I want to fix typeos and re-edit a few spots. After a year of translating, I think I evolved so I’m sure my early efforts were kind of wonky. I would like to tidy-up those parts a bit.
When I first read this book a few years ago, I was struck by how much I wished I read something like this book in my youth as in some ways, it mirrored my own life.
As a graduate of a fine arts school with a Bachelors of Fine Arts (I even studied architecture for a little), I worked as a graphic designer for a few years after graduation both domestically and abroad. Like Zhang Siyi, I struggled during that part of my life and unlike Zhang Siyi, neither did I have a good boss to show me the ropes nor did I have someone to help guide and support me. As a result, much like many of Zhang Siyi’s friends, I had abandoned my career path and decided to pursue something else.
I remember thinking along the lines, with regards to young adult life – oh, so its totally normal. It wasn’t just me.
When the book ended, I was so sad. I was like the overly expressive anime characters saying Nnnooooooooooo! I really could have read a whole other book of Zhang Siyi and Gu Yu living their lives and doing whatever. I just really love the characters and their relationship. How many times did you go kyaaaa! or sigh in delight, or have your own nosebleeds!?
If you were like me, too many to count, I’m sure!
Love more and Hate less!
Please email me and share with me your favorite Bl novels of any type! I would love to read what everyone else likes!
Take care!
Remember to support the author and by the book!
Love More. Hate Less 
Thank you very much for taking the time to translate and share this wonderful story to us 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you very much for this translation! Awesome job!
LikeLike
thank you so much for translating this wonderful story! You’ve worked so hard and we readers appreciate it! I had so many secondhand embarrassment and >///< moments. I feel like I am walking away from this story having learned a lot about life, relationships, career, and emotional management. Assistant Architect will remain in my heart ❤
LikeLike
I don’t know where I should start, but when I finished this novel a while ago, it left me with a deep sense of emptiness and loneliness. I reflected a lot about my life. Just like Fu Xinhui who didn’t know what to do with his life before, I am like that too. I don’t know what I want to do in life. I studied Civil Engineering for 2 years, but using the pandemic as an excuse, I withdraw from my college the day before the class started; I couldn’t take the pressure from my subjects and those subjects I’ve more than once failed, combined with my weak body, there’s no way I can cope up with online class in which I have no one I can rely on with things I don’t understand. I panicked, anxious and pressured, I cried hard silently my eyes are now swollen.
Tbh, choosing Civil Engineering was simply an impulsive decision I now greatly regret I’ve made. Back in Senior High School, I used to dream of becoming an architect too, but because I passed the aptitude test and interview for CE, I chose to not pursue it instead. Our school is quite famous for it’s Engineering course and Education major, thinking it wasn’t easy to get into CE department, thinking that not all people are lucky enough to be accepted; thinking that maybe I can do it, that I can endure the pressure, that maybe if I just study, I can overcome Math too, because I maybe good in other subjects but I suck at Math. I don’t know if I can endure the pressure and physical struggle too as my body is weak asf, I’m afraid I’ll get rushed to hospital because of too much work (plates, etc.), although CE has plates too.
I plan to enroll again next semester, but I’ll change course this time. Tbh, reading this novel awakened my interest for architecture I thought I already lost before. And now, I’m contemplating whether to enroll in Architecture and pursue my interest in design, or choose a more “easier” course that doesn’t involve making plates, and Math computations in consideration for my physical health and lack of math skills.
Anyway, after crying for an hour, I feel slightly better. But I have to seriously think about my life this time. This story really touched my soul, and affected me more than I thought it would. I feel sad thinking that this has to end, I wish it was longer, I wish I can read more of Zhang Siyi and Gu Yu’s story. And I’m so lonely and envious and jealous, I want true love too.
LikeLike
I started read this story last year and quickly become fascinated on it because so relatable and I can emphatize with it.
Dropped it for sometimes and finally finished reading it. Totally love the story plot. It was mirroring young adult journey. The struggle to not knowing what should I do (I believe I still quite lost here), the rigorous work, the pain and tears while working.. It reminded my own journey. Adulting is hard and same as the translator, I wish I could read it when I was early 20s because the story was so motivating people to grow better in life.
I saw both of ML like a real portrait of successful people. Somehow this novel kind of semi-biography of both ML😂.
Some part, I think ZSY was too immature but I also remember myself act like him so I can related. Honestly, I actually quite envious on ZSY growth, opportunity and talent. But I know it was not only because that factors, but because he is strive hard on every challenges to reach his goals.
For Gu Yu, he is really awesome character and I don’t think I can find or met someone like him in reality😂. But I can related him as the neighbour excellent son/daughter with excellent achievement.. The type that your parent will compare him to you. He is perfect and even his imperfect is perfect…😂 Of course, Gu Yu is embodiment of perfect spouse. I wish I have someone like Gu Yu on my side hahaha!
Nevertheless, applause to the author for writing this. Thank you Snowy for translating this beautiful journey of ZSY and GY. Salute to your hardwork too to translate this novel to be an articulate story for us to read. I put this one as top BL novel to reread!❤️
LikeLike
I don’t know where I should start, but when I finished this novel a while ago, it left me with a deep sense of emptiness and loneliness. I reflected a lot about my life. Just like Fu Xinhui who didn’t know what to do with his life before, I am like that too. I don’t know what I want to do in life. I studied Civil Engineering for 2 years, but using the pandemic as an excuse, I withdraw from my college the day before the class started; I couldn’t take the pressure from my subjects and those subjects I’ve more than once failed, combined with my weak body, there’s no way I can cope up with online class in which I have no one I can rely on with things I don’t understand. I panicked, anxious and pressured, I cried hard silently my eyes are now swollen.
Tbh, choosing Civil Engineering was simply an impulsive decision I now greatly regret I’ve made. Back in Senior High School, I used to dream of becoming an architect too, but because I passed the aptitude test and interview for CE, I chose to not pursue it instead. Our school is quite famous for it’s Engineering course and Education major, thinking it wasn’t easy to get into CE department, thinking that not all people are lucky enough to be accepted; thinking that maybe I can do it, that I can endure the pressure, that maybe if I just study, I can overcome Math too, because I maybe good in other subjects but I suck at Math. I don’t know if I can endure the pressure and physical struggle too as my body is weak asf, I’m afraid I’ll get rushed to hospital because of too much work (plates, etc.), although CE has plates too.
I plan to enroll again next semester, but I’ll change course this time. Tbh, reading this novel awakened my interest for architecture I thought I already lost before. And now, I’m contemplating whether to enroll in Architecture and pursue my interest in design, or choose a more “easier” course that doesn’t involve making plates, and Math computations in consideration for my physical health and lack of math skills.
Anyway, after crying for an hour, I feel slightly better. But I have to seriously think about my life this time. This story really touched my soul, and affected me more than I thought it would. I feel sad thinking that this has to end, I wish it was longer, I wish I can read more of Zhang Siyi and Gu Yu’s story. And I’m so lonely and envious and jealous, I want true love too. Sorry for writing such an essay here.
LikeLike
I will miss this novel, GY and ZSY❤️
LikeLike
Thankyou very much for taking on this project,
“I wished I read something like this book in my youth as in some ways, it mirrored my own life.”
Now that I read this in my youth, I’m very thankful for you. Hopefully I’ll be able to stay focused on my carrer. Reality sucks as there won’t be a mentor like Gu Yu but this story is certainly very inspirational to keep getting better version of yourself!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Muchísimas gracias!!! Ha sido precioso leerte.
LikeLike
You worked hard. I hope this will become one of the novels that will be officially translated to English and sold worldwide. I could recommend it to my students who are also in the arts, they’d appreciate the insight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your translation. It’s wonderful novel and I enjoy it so much. Similar to you, I wish I read this much earlier. I’m also in engineering field, and reading Gu Yu altitude make feel ashamed. How much can I grow if I try to fix my bad habit from my early years. Tho it’s not to late to improve, yet I feel I have wasted so much time before. Such great book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gracias he leído este libro ya tres veces 😊
LikeLike
Thank you for translating this novel and sharing it with us. I hope that this novel can reach more people and give joy and motivation for them. I am underage, a high school student, and currently struggling “really struggling” with my thesis. Of course, this novel won’t solve my problem but it comforted me by showing that there are many people out there who are struggling and even have a harder time than me but they persevere maybe because of their dreams, maybe for their loved ones, or maybe because it is the only way for them. It showed that “working hard” is really “working hard” in all aspects, not only in study but also at home and in habits to have a quality life. So, yes, this novel also served as a reminder for me to correct my habits, focus on my goal or focus on my study, and I should build and solidify my foundations. In the present, I realize the importance of a solid foundation because as I’m really stressed writing articles and now our thesis when way back in 2019 or 2022, it was my forte, which was really depressing. Anyway kudos to us for still choosing to be alive and trying on living (according to what I have read being alive and living are different in some ways)
LikeLike