Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 211: Room

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Sure enough, just when Gu Yu and his sister left, Zhang Siyi’s mother grabbed her son’s arm and teased him: “Hey Sisi, you and Gu Yu’s sister….. ”

Face Flushed, Zhang Siyi broke his mother’s train of thought and interrupted her: “Don’t make assumptions. We are just friends.”

Crossing her arms and pursing her lips in disbelief, Zhang Siyi’s Mother eyed him closely. She dropped her arms and her tone changed. She earnestly said: “Listen to your Mother. At your age, it’s time for you to be in a relationship and fall in love. Don’t be embarrassed!”

Zhang Siyi couldn’t make sense of his mother’s changeable attitude. He didn’t dare tell her the truth. Quickly, he turned tail and ran upstairs.

Mother Zhang watched his back as he ran upstairs. She shook her head and clicked her tongue ‘Tsk’ ….. Blushing so deeply…. How can a young man have thinner skin then a young girl?

Afterwards, his mother started preparing gifts for Zhang Siyi to take to the Gu family for New Year’s. Contrary to tradition, this time the girl was the one that invited the boy over to greet the family. For this reason, Zhang Siyi’s Mother felt guilty. In addition, she was fearful of making a bad impression and as a result, she prepared extra gifts. Although his Mother thought the Gu family was rushing her son’s relationship with Gu Yao, she wanted to let the Gu family know he was worthy of their approval.

When Zhang Siyi woke up late the next day, everything was ready for him. The luggage was packed and his parents were ready to go.

Mother Zhang was wearing a red cashmere trench coat and holding a foreign designer handbag. Around her neck was the Burberry scarf that Zhang Siyi bought for her during his time in the United Kingdom. It was a scarf that his mother normally wouldn’t wear. She was dressed like an executive heading out for an interview.

Not only his Mother, but his Father too. With his hair slicked back, wearing old fashioned dark glasses, a white scarf and a black trench coat, Father Zhang also looked like an old celebrity. Watching his parents appear before him, Zhang Siyi eyes popped out of his head. He has never seen his parents dress so trendy in high fashion before. Fuck! What kind of power couple is this?

Zhang Siyi was very surprised and half-jokingly said: “What are you two doing dressed like celebrities for..…. going on a honeymoon?”

With an unexpected answer, his mother replied as a matter of fact: “How did you know?”

Zhang Siyi: “………”

As his Mother held onto his Father’s arm flirtatiously, she coyly said: “This year is the 30^th anniversary of meeting your father.”

Zhang Siyi was shocked. In his mother’s mind, the day they met was also considered an anniversary?

Letting go of his Mother’s hand, there was a hint of embarrassment on his Father’s face. While putting on his shoes, he explained: “It was easy for me to marry your mother in that era. The ceremony was simple to complete; drink a bowl of egg drop soup and go get your photo taken at a studio. For so many years, your mother has been pestering me about our honeymoon, but we never had the time. Now, this opportunity has fallen onto our laps… Son, please understand, on this New Year’s Day, you are the one wronged.”

Only his Father can say something like that with such scorn. Zhang Siyi wanted to laugh but didn’t dare too. “Oh, it’s all right. I understand!”

After his Mother put on a pair of leather boots she turned to address Zhang Siyi: “Okay, I’m ready let’s go. By the way, I’ve put everything in the kitchen for the Gu family. Don’t forget to bring it. Also, take the initiative to talk to the girl’s family about ‘that’ matter. If you aren’t proactive, you’ll never get a wife!”

Father Zhang was feeling impatient to get moving. He frowned: “Well, stop nagging the boy. He can’t do anything if she doesn’t like him back. You can’t force the issue so stop fretting over it.”

Zhang Siyi inwardly hummed: a wife? I found a good husband though….

His Mother watched Zhang Siyi intently for a moment then re-held his Father’s arm and said: “Old Zhang, let’s go!”

With a straight back and head held high, his Father strutted out with his mother in arm.

Zhang Siyi waved: “Bon voyage!” Watching them leave, a multitude of feelings enveloped him

Since he was a child, his parents had many disputes about his education. His dad was quick to anger which made Zhang Siyi always feel like his father was alone on one side and he and his mother were on another.

Many times, he saw how tolerant his mother was and the self-sacrifice she would make for the sake of harmony in the family. Regardless of their personality differences, thinking about his childhood memories, his Mother’s deep love for his Father was clear.

Rarely did he see his Father make a sacrifice for the sake of his Mother or family. At home, his father was like a symbol of authority and wasn’t allowed to be debated. This was the first time Zhang Siyi faintly felt that his old-fashioned father also had romantic cells in his body. He and his mother really loved each other.

With this warm feeling in his heart, Zhang Siyi thought maybe his journey out of the closet wouldn’t be so hard as he initially thought. At the same time, Zhang Siyi didn’t let himself feel too optimistic because, coming out wasn’t an easy thing to do.

Zhang Siyi sighed and while thinking about it further, he received a text message from Gu Yu: “Are your parents gone? When are you coming over?”

It was only ten o’clock in the morning! It’s so early! Zhang Siyi replied: “They’re gone. I’ll pack up and come over right away. What about lunch?“

Gu Yu: “I was just going to ask you to come over for lunch.” [Little Fox Drinks Tea]

Zhang Siyi: “Be right there.” [Kitten Cheers]

Gu Yu: “Remember to bring your toiletries for the two nights stay at my house.”

Zhang Siyi: “… Ah?”

Originally, Zhang Siyi thought he was only going to Gu Yu house for New Year’s Eve dinner. It turned out that Gu Yu’s intentions were for him to stay over? He was concerned because, if he remembered correctly, his family’s home wasn’t very big and there wasn’t an extra guest room. Where was he supposed to sleep?

Zhang Siyi asked: “Am I supposed to sleep in your room? Wouldn’t your parents suspect  something is going on between us?”

Gu Yu: “Why do you assume my parents will think there is a problem. With normal thinking, if you slept in Gu Yao room, what do you think, they will think?”

Zhang Siyi: “…” That was also true! (= _ =)

Gu Yu: “When will you be ready? I’ll drive over to pick you up.”

Zhang Siyi: “Don’t worry about it. I’ll just take a taxi.”

Hanging up, Zhang Siyi went upstairs to pack up his toiletries and gathered a change of clothes. After he packed an over-night bag, he went to check on all the doors and windows. When he went to the kitchen to see what his mother prepared, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.

As soon as he entered the kitchen door, Zhang Siyi was dumbfounded! Occupying half the kitchen were various packages and bags. To name a few, there were cigarettes, wine, skin care products, a grocery list of items including a basket of free-range eggs, and souvenirs from my mother’s hometown!

Zhang Siyi was so frightened that he quickly took out his mobile phone and called his mother: “Mom! Am I supposed to bring all of this in the kitchen?”

Having just arrived at the bus station to the airport, his mother was trying to catch her breath: “Yes!”

Zhang Siyi was stunned: “Why are there so many?!”

Mother Zhang: “That’s a lot? It’s just a dozen things. Your father and I aren’t at home for the Chinese New Year so we won’t be able to eat them. The other packages are all very good things. Be courteous and simply bring them all to Gu Yu’s house. It’s not so strange….. Okay, we are getting on the airport shuttle bus now. Talk to you soon!”

Listening to his Mother’s receding voice over the mobile phone, Zhang Siyi wanted to cry without tears. He needed help so he sent Gu Yu another message: “Forget what I said. Come pick me up!”

Gu Yu: “……”

Half an hour later, Gu Yu arrived at Zhang Siyi’s home to a surprising site. All of the gifts had been moved from the kitchen into the entranceway. Gu Yu reaction was much calmer than Zhang Siyi’s initial one. Knowing that his parents already left and there was no room for negotiations, Gu Yu face quickly recovered from his brief moment of surprise and calmly started moving them into the car.

When the two of them arrived at the Gu’s home, they started to unpack the car. Gu Yu’s parents were equally stunned by the sheer number of gifts making Zhang Siyi feel embarrassed.

Gu Yu’s father said: “Hey, Zhang Siyi, your father and mother are too polite. It hasn’t been that long since we’ve known you and yet they brought so many gifts?”

After changing his shoes, Gu Yu casually joked: “This is Zhang Siyi’s dowry.”

Hearing Gu Yu statement, Zhang Siyi was scared to death! His eyes were open wide and even Gu Yu’s sister from inside, turned around to peer at them.

Gu Yu’s father laughed and unexpectedly replied: “Good, good. Anyways….. I don’t mind multiple sons.” He turned his head towards Mother Gu and asked: “Do you mind?”

Gu Yu’s Mother was wearing an apron in the kitchen busy with preparations. She turned towards them to listen to Father Gu’s question then smiled and shook her head as if saying: ”I don’t mind.”

Witnessing their interactions, Zhang Siyi almost suspected that Gu Yu’s parents already knew about their relationship!

Seeing the travel bag in Zhang Siyi’s hand, Gu Yu said: “Come, give me the bag. I’ll take it to my room.”

Gu Yu’s father immediately asked: “He didn’t stay over last year while visiting, did he? Make sure to give him a tour of the house.” He turned to address Zhang Siyi smiling with warm, welcoming eyes and said: “I heard from Gu Yao that you live in a villa so this doesn’t compare. You’ll have to make due at my smaller home over the next couple of days.”

Waving his hand dismissively, Zhang Siyi wasn’t a pretentious person that he would think any less of the Gu home compared to his own. This time, he was more nervous than last year. After all, previously Zhang Siyi came to pay respects to Gu Yu because he was an elder. Now, he was in an unspeakable relationship with Father Gu’s son.

Feeling guilty over ‘stealing’ Gu Yu away, Zhang Siyi felt like Gu Yu’s Father had the ability to see right through him.

As they arrived at Gu Yu room, Zhang Siyi looked around while Gu Yu put his travel bag at the foot of the bed. He sat down on the edge, then pulled out the only chair in the room for Zhang Siyi to sit on.

The room was less than ten square meters total. There was a twin sized bed, a desk, a wardrobe, and a small basketball hoop in the corner of the room. The room was very tidy and clean. Smiling Zhang Siyi asked: “Was this your room since childhood?”

Gu Yu: “No. Before my sister was born, we lived at my father’s company’s housing. It took him nine years to save enough to afford this house. I moved when I was in middle school.”

“Did you go to the foreign language middle school?” Zhang Siyi asked.

“Yep.” Gu Yu stood up and went to open a drawer in his desk. He took out a stack of yellowed paper and handed them to Zhang Siyi. When he glanced at it, Zhang Siyi was surprised. It was Gu Yu’s report cards from his middle school days!

Looking through the stack, Zhang Siyi saw paper after paper of full marks. Monthly exams, mid-term exams, finals, reports…. Everything was near perfect scores.  Gu Yu was a learning machine!

Moving his hand across the desk top, Zhang Siyi felt the smooth surface. Unlike when he first arrived, he looked around the room again carefully. There were traces of tape and sticky notes pasted on the walls. On the wooden shelf above the desk lay two high school math textbooks.

Zhang Siyi could imagine him sitting here reading during daylight hours and then turning on the desk-side lamp at night to study. Step-by-step, to gain acceptance to Big-T University and embark towards the pinnacle of life. Just thinking about it, got Zhang Siyi’s blood boiling.

Watching Zhang Siyi expression, Gu Yu smiled. He bopped him on the nose and asked: “What are you thinking about?”

With admiration and adoration, Zhang Siyi looked at him affectionately and asked: “What time did you study every night when you were in high school?”

Gu Yu replied simply: “I didn’t study much at night.”

Zhang Siyi: “Ah? You didn’t study? What about your homework?”

Gu Yu: “I would finish it during the day at school.”

Zhang Siyi: “Then what did you do at home in the evenings? Go to sleep early?”

Gu Yu tilted his head in thought and replied: “Help my dad draw construction drawings; count indicators, calculate area….”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Why is reality totally different from my imagination!!!!!

(╯ ‵ □ ′) ╯︵┻━╯︵┻

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 210: Sold

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Fortunately, since today was Saturday, Zhang Siyi didn’t have to go to work. Feeling worn out from last night’s ‘abuse’ he remained paralyzed under the covers in bed recuperating.

The culprit, as if Gu Yu hadn’t had enough, continued to cling onto Zhang Siyi’s body. He whispered in Zhang Siyi ear: “You are so cute.”

Wriggling a bit, Zhang Siyi twisted his body to try to loosen Gu Yu hold on him. Inwardly groaning, Zhang Siyi thought…..  I’ve heard it countless times last night. I’m tired of hearing it!

Sensing his struggle, Gu Yu tightened his arms suddenly and put his face into Zhang Siyi’s neck, kissing him and ultimately, sucked on it hard, leaving a hickey.

Feeling annoyed, Zhang Siyi was trying to force Gu Yu away. However, as his mind flashed to the issue of studying abroad, he relaxed slowly. Half of the bedroom was gently illuminated from the faint light through the window, giving the room a romantic feeling. Next year, he may never have a relaxing weekend where he could sleep in and snuggle with Gu Yu. Laying limply on the bed, he turned his head and withstood Gu Yu’s bullying.

One week later, the bid for the ancient city reconstruction project in X-City was commencing. The four group members that participated in the project went along with the Professor. Only one representative from C-Group traveled with Professor Cui. Since they were students and not designers, he didn’t see Liao Jun and Miss Ye.

This time, however, the outcome wasn’t as favoritable as the bidding in Z-City. Even though they were very well prepared and heavily invested, they lost the bid to another design firm that specialized in ancient architecture and renovation.

Afterwards, although everyone was feeling a little frustrated and depressed, they still comforted each other with encouraging sentiments, showing a ‘grace of gain, calmness of loss’.

Although it hadn’t even been two years, Zhang Siyi mentality had changed significantly. If such a thing had happened before, emotionally, he probably would have been hit hard. However, now that he was familiar with the learning process by participating in projects throughout his time at Borderless, even if he didn’t win the bid, the experience of designing and planning was worthy of recognition. As a result, the weight of the outcome was no longer important.

After returning to Haicheng, the company entered the year-end summary period in earnest. Gu Yu began to get busy with daily meetings with board members. The topics of discussion among employees was mostly about their year-end bonuses and annual-meeting activities. The nearing of the Spring Festival slowly ushered in the New Year.

This year, Zhang Siyi didn’t have the misfortune to receive an emergency project right before the New Year. Although his work recently was relatively easy, he received an excellence award at the annual meeting titled Employee of the Year.

He opened his bookkeeping app that was on his phone to look at the flow of his money. After deducting rent and living expenses, he actually saved nearly one-hundred thousand Yuan. Compared to the total amount needed to study abroad, this amount was like a drop in the bucket, but compared to last year’s stressful economic situation, it was a huge amount!

At the end of January, planning on returning home to Ningcheng with Gu Yu and his sister, Zhang Siyi took the time to buy New Year’s presents.

Since it was the first year that Gu Yao was employed, she hadn’t accumulated annual leave privileges in her company. In order to avoid the crowds of the Chinese New Year, she was able to leave on the 26^th  with the rest of the foreign staff members.

At Borderless, foreign designers have already ended their projects and have air travel ready to fly home. Most employees save their holiday time and utilize the extra two weeks towards their vacation during the Chinese New Year. Zhang Siyi was the same. With the amount of overtime Zhang Siyi accrued during the ancient renovation project, he was able to take off extra vacation days too.

Unfortunately, since Gu Yu was still in charge of individual projects, he wasn’t able to leave early. After talking it over, the three of them decided to wait for Gu Yu to finish with his work and return to Ningcheng on the afternoon of the new year.

After setting the date, Zhang Siyi wanted to call his mother to inform her of his plans, but it just so happened, his mother called him first.

She told him that his uncle, at his company’s annual party, had won a voucher for two to travel to Matai on the 29^th. Since his uncle had to take care of an Elderly relative as well as having three members in their family, two tickets weren’t enough. He gave the travel package to the Zhang’s to enjoy.

“Your uncle is really confused. Even though you visited him during Chinese New Year last year, I think he continues to think you are living abroad.” Mother Zhang smiled: “Even so, I think your Dad wants to go.”

Zhang Siyi interrupted her: “Hold on..… What do you mean? You and Dad are going to Matai for Chinese New Year? What about me?”

Mother Zhang asked: “I called to ask for your opinion. If you want to spend the New Years with us, we won’t go on the trip and will give your uncle the vouchers back. I told your father that we rarely get to spend time with you. It wouldn’t be good for us to leave during the holiday, but your father insisted and said that you aren’t a kid anymore and have already spent time alone during Chinese New Year while you were abroad. Over fifty years old, your Father and I are getting on in age and want to take the opportunity to be romantic together. If you don’t mind, you could stay at your uncles house for New Year’s?”

Zhang Siyi finally understood. It turned out that his parents abandoned him on the back burner,  and prepared a honeymoon for themselves! (= 皿 =)

What else could he say? He acknowledged it: “You can go.”

Mother Zhang smiled: “Will you be alright?”

Pretended to be mature, Zhang Siyi said: “Hey Mom, it’s OK. As Dad said, I’m all grown up now so I don’t need to pester you any longer. Go and have fun. Remember to take a lot of photographs. I’ll see you when you return on the 28^th.”

Mother Zhang asked: “Are you coming back with Gu Yu?”

Zhang Siyi: “Yes, and his sister.”

As soon as Mother Zhang heard it, her tone rose suddenly and she asked him pointed questions. When she finished her gossip, she told them to drive carefully on the way back, and hung up the phone reluctantly.

Putting his mobile phone away, Zhang Siyi felt a little betrayed.

Gu Yu looked at Zhang Siyi’s awful expression of his face and asked: “What’s the matter?”

Zhang Siyi told Gu Yu what his mother had said. In front of Gu Yu, his true colors showed: “Am I even related? How can my parents abandon their son and go out on Chinese New Year without me? It’s been only half a year since I’ve seen them. Did they forget about me already?”

After a moment of pouting, Zhang Siyi was like a deflated ball. Contrary to his initial outburst, he said: “But my parents rarely ever go out to travel and this opportunity is indeed very rare.”

Gu Yu’s eyes lit up and chimed in: “Then come to my house to celebrate the New Year.”

Zhang Siyi froze: “Ah?”

Gu Yu grinned. He had wanted to ask Zhang Siyi to go home with him for New Years. Now, there was no excuse for refusal. After all, Gu Yu’s family was also from Ningcheng. Now that the cat was out of the bag, Gu Yu sighed in delight. As luck would have it, unbeknown to them, the Zhang’s family assistance was perfectly timed with what Gu Yu wanted.

Zhang Siyi flushed slightly: “Go to your home? That’s not too good…”

Gu Yu took his hand and joked: “What’s wrong? Last year, my Dad ordered me to bring home my lover, so I’ll show him.”

Startled, Zhang Siyi was scared: “Fuck, did he really say that.”

Smiling, Gu Yu comforted him: “Our real relationship will definitely not be made clear, but you need to show yourself in front of my parents so they can accept our relationship early. A little subliminal messaging would be good.”

Zhang Siyi: “….”

On February 6, 2008,  New Year’s Day, the three of them returned to Ningcheng.

Gu Yu dropped Zhang Siyi off at his house. They went inside to drop off various gift bags for Zhang Siyi’s Mother and Father and put forward on the spot his intention to invite Zhang Siyi to his family’s home for New Year’s.

Seeing the Gu’s personally drop off her own son back home while also delivering gifts, Mother Zhang was very embarrassed: “Oh, you are too nice. Sisi is an outsider. How can he go to your house and trouble your family during the holiday?”

Gu Yu laugh interrupted her: “Auntie, don’t be polite with me. What outsider? Siyi has lived with us in Haicheng for the past half year. I regard him as my own. I have already talked to my parents and they said he was most welcome to come.”

Standing next to Gu Yu, Gu Yu gave his sister an encouraging look for her to also agree and smile at Zhang Siyi’s Mother.

“Ok, well I’ll have to trouble you.” Mother Zhang’s tone clearly did not sound remotely guilty of actually ‘troubling’ anyone. Rather, it was full of joy.

Teacup in hand, Zhang Siyi’s Father stood behind his Mother with an uncharacteristic expression of exuberance on his face: “I’m leaving him in your care.”

Standing to the side, mouth twitching, Zhang Siyi was so embarrassed that he couldn’t even tell his parents – You just sold me!

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 209: Thirty

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Even though Zhang Siyi was able to recaptured the photos, three of them were a damaged after their tussle.

Failing to destroy his black history, Gu Yu strutted in front of Zhang Siyi and joked: “I am right in front of you. What’s so good about that photo?”

Angry, Zhang Siyi glanced at him resentfully. He was holding the photo in his arms protectively, cherishing it.

When Gu Yu went to take a bath, Zhang Siyi hesitantly took out the photo again. Crying without tears, he tried to smooth out the wrinkles and mumbled: “Bastard… trying to make me lose it.”

Fortunately, all the damage was on the edges. The image of Gu Yu was good.

Looking at it, Zhang Siyi suddenly had an idea. He went to the desk and opened a draw to pull out a pair of scissors. Cackling with glee, he trimmed the edges of the photo then took out his own wallet, and inserted the photo into a plastic pocket in his wallet. Not too small and not too big. Just right.

Gu Yu’s handsome figure wore a white shirt in the photo. With a ‘mua’, ‘mua’, Zhang Siyi kissed the photo in the plastic cover…. I will never get tired of looking at it.

After showering, Gu Yu pushed the door open into their room and witnessed Zhang Siyi antics: “……..”

Zhang Siyi, who was caught red handed: “…..”

After the weekend, the busy days continued. Neither Zhang Siyi nor Gu Yu mentioned the prospect of studying abroad again. Even so, although, Gu Yu didn’t want him to worry about it by himself, in private he continued to think about the many issues he had to consider when going to the UK.

After New Year’s Day, it would be Gu Yu’s birthday soon.

Since both of thier birthdays were relatively close in November and Janurary, the euphoric feeling from celebrating his own birthday recently hadn’t passed. Considering his own extravagant gift at the hotel, Zhang Siyi didn’t want his own gift to Gu Yu to be any less.

He already had given him a handmade gift last year. The Cactus lamp continued to be displayed on the bedside table. Maybe, he could decorate the house and cook a meal for Gu Yu? However, he doesn’t cook as well as Gu Yu and thought he would likely be as critical of the food Zhang Siyi made as he was towards He Chengtian’s meal. So… Play the violin? Well, he is so busy, he doesn’t have time to practice. Besides, living under the same roof, he would hear it. There wouldn’t be a surprise at all!

He wanted the gift to be creative and didn’t want it to be ill conceived. At a loss, racking his brain, he didn’t know what to give Gu Yu and failed to make a plan. After having dinner that night, the two were sitting together of the sofa reading and drinking tea. Gu Yu asked: “What is going on with you? For the past few days, you’ve been in a daze with a sad expression on your face.”

Zhang Siyi: “Uh……”

Gu Yu turned his head to look back at his book. Slowly turning the page, he smiled and said: “Are you thinking about my Birthday?”

Zhang Siyi: “…”   …..Does he have to be a know-it-all and spoil the surprise. Doesn’t he understand romance?

Since he brought it up, Zhang Siyi thought it would be meaningless to remain quiet about it. He replied frankly: “Yes. I can’t figure out what gift to get you. What would you like? Just tell me what you want!”

Glancing at him sideways, Gu Yu addressed Zhang Siyi affectionately by his nickname: “What do you want me to say?”

Zhang Siyi’s face warmed up two degrees. He knew what Gu Yu was implying. Inevitably, he thought he would have to do this kind of thing with Gu Yu on his Birthday and even though he had prepared himself mentally for it, he was hesitant. It was a weekday and Gu Yu’s requests weren’t ever so simple, right?

Moreover, Gu Yu was also good at ‘specialized research’ and usually liked to try new methods with him. Even on his own Birthday, Zhang Siyi didn’t think it could be any better than it already was.

Feeling down, Zhang Siyi watched Gu Yu use his mobile phone. Immediately, his own mobile phone received a text.

Taking the phone out of his pocket to look at the screen, he saw the picture Gu Yu sent him.

Gu Yu looked at him and muffled a laughed: “I want that.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” He knew Gu Yu’s request wouldn’t be so simple! (╯‵皿′)╯︵┻━┻

Embarrassed, after a day of feeling reluctant, Zhang Siyi couldn’t think of another way to satisfy Gu Yu’s request. Taking advantage of a bathroom stall’s privacy, Zhang Siyi went to the toilet with his laptop to research his options in accordance with his request on the internet. When he found what he was looking for, he placed an order online and choosing the self-pickup option, he had it shipped to a mailing center near Yuanshan Garden. When the package arrived, he quietly hid it in the wardrobe.

Two days before Gu Yu’s Birthday, Zhang Siyi went to Gu Yao and asked her about her plans. He hoped he would have the day to himself to celebrate it alone with Gu Yu.

Originally, for her brother’s Birthday, Gu Yao wanted to celebrate it together, but after she saw Zhang Siyi’s ears turn red and acting shy, she held her smile and answered with a nod.

Gu Yu’s Birthday happened to be on Friday. In the morning, Zhang Siyi greeted him first with a “Happy Birthday.” Needing to get to work on time, they got up and dressed quickly. Since there wasn’t time for bed-play, the day started off like any other normal day.

After work, Zhang Siyi took Gu Yu out for his Birthday to eat at a Japanese restaurant in the city center. Since they were out in public, he couldn’t really show his emotions and affection. They quietly finished their meal and returned home before nine at night.

Now, Zhang Siyi’s  ‘show’ could start.

Grabbing the dog leash, Zhang Siyi handed it to Gu Yu and with downcast eyes he said: “Go take the dog for a walk. When you come back, take a shower. You aren’t allowed to enter the bedroom until ten o’clock!”

Laughing, Gu Yu looked him straight in the eye as if he knew everything and grinned: “Ok.”

When Gu Yu left, Zhang Siyi ran up the stairs in two to three steps at a time. It took him only fifteen minutes to take a quick shower. He entered the bedroom, closed the door and retrieved the package from the closet. Feeling so embarrassed that he could die, he opened the box, took a deep breath, and began to prepare……

Half an hour later, Gu Yu came back with the dog and took some time to tidy up downstairs. Glancing at the clock, it was almost quarter-of. When he reached the top of the stairs, he could see the bedroom door closed and the washroom open with Zhang Siyi change of clothes hanging on a rack.

At 9:55, Zhang Siyi was lying on the bed waiting for Gu Yu to receive his ‘blessing’.

He heard Gu Yu’s footsteps up the stairs……

He should be in the shower now……

At ten o’clock, Zhang Siyi’s heart was pounding …..

10:01……

10:02 ……

The wait was making Zhang Siyi feel nervous.

It’s past 10, shouldn’t he be finished?

At 10:05 he heard the sound of the bathroom door being opened!

Suddenly, all the cells in Zhang Siyi’s body quivered excitedly.

With the click of the doorknob, Gu Yu pushed open the bedroom door and appeared at the doorway…..

Zhang Siyi was on the bed on his hands and knees wearing cat ears and a tiger patterned cosplay suit. The actual fabric covering his skin was very little. Revealing most of the wearer’s skin, it was only symbolically wrapped around his body. When the door opened, Zhang Siyi twisted his head to look back at Gu Yu in the doorway. Red faced, he swung his hips to sway his tail at Gu Yu, enticing him.

There was a note attached to Zhang Siyi’s back with four words written with a marker on it: “I am a gift.” Also, drawn around the phrase was a heart.

Gu Yu’s blood drained from his head for a moment. He was beside himself.

Zhang Siyi really did it! He dressed so cute and sexy and was waiting for him to ‘enjoy’.

Gu Yu eyes seemed to devour Zhang Siyi inch-by-inch.

Gu Yu’s lustful expression made Zhang Siyi feel a sense of accomplishment over his painstaking effort. Although he was feeling rather bashful to lie on the bed with the costume on, he thought Gu Yu was going to pounce on him. Unexpectedly, Gu Yu remained in the doorway dazed for a while. With his phone in hand, Gu Yu raised it up and started taking pictures of Zhang Siyi.

“… Hey !!!” Zhang Siyi was so angry that he dug his ‘claws’ into the bedding, ready to turn over.

Gu Yu suddenly yelled: “Don’t move!”

Hearing Gu Yu’s commanding voice, Zhang Siyi stopped moving. Damn it, just endure it. Today was Gu Yu’s birthday. Let him be the boss. Gu Yu could clearly see the embarrassment and shyness written on Zhang Siyi face.

Gu Yu inched forward and gave directions for Zhang Siyi to move in: “Turn over slowly… good. A little more, stop. Good.  Extend your paw… so cute……”

Zhang Siyi: “…”  I can’t bear it!  (= 皿 =)

When Zhang Siyi turned over completely, Gu Yu discovered another note that had been on his chest. In crooked lines, it said: “Happy 30th birthday Yu!”

When the note on his chest was exposed, Zhang Siyi blushed so red that he could fry an egg.

Gu Yu watched him for another second before he put his phone on the desk with a smack. He couldn’t hold back any longer and rushed over to fling himself onto Zhang Siyi.

“Ouch! ” Because of the sudden weight on top of him, Zhang Siyi subconsciously wanted to push him back. However, since his hands and feet were covered in puffy cat paws, not only was pushing pointless, it was also like a kitten’s refusal. His actions provoked Gu Yu even further, making his desire burn more.

”Mm mm…… ” Zhang Siyi’s lips were forcibly bitten. Gu Yu’s familiar taste invaded Zhang Siyi mouth. Gasping for breath, he tried to match Gu Yu’s pace.

At the end of the deep kiss, Gu Yu looked fondly at Zhang Siyi. Husky and horse he said: “Gift, I accept. You are mine.”

Zhang Siyi felt suffocated wearing the costume. As a man himself, it went against his notion of masculinity and as a result, he felt stupid and indignant. However, contrary to his pride, his self-sacrifice for Gu Yu’s sake was nothing.

Holding onto Gu Yu with his furry paws, Zhang Siyi meekly and affectionately said: “Happy 30^th Birthday, Yu”

……

When Zhang Siyi woke early the next morning, he clutched his rear, wanting to cry….. Fuck! It hurts. At his behest, even if he dressed up cutely and enticed him sexually, did Gu Yu have to frantically do him all night?

After the third time, Zhang Siyi begged for mercy and requested: “Its after midnight, we have to stop.” Although it was Gu Yu’s birthday, he must have a limit, right? But Gu Yu turned a deaf ear and persisted until three o’clock in the morning! This beast! (t 皿 t)

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