Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 199: Text Message

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Patting his back, Gu Yu watched Zhang Siyi’s thoughtful expression: “I’m only reminding you to think for yourself. Think about what he is teaching, but don’t make waves. There isn’t a problem with listening and keeping your opinions to yourself.”

Zhang Siyi nodded: “I know.”

At the end of the street, they turned around to head back to the Hotel. Zhang Siyi was thinking about his roommate and couldn’t help complain about the situation: “My roommate isn’t easy to get along with. I’ve hardly spoke ten sentences with him. Anyway, since you have a large room with a double bed, should I talk to Liao Jun and find an excuse to stay with you tonight?”

Gu Yu shook his head and calmly said: “No. We are in a hotel. The two rooms are less than ten meters apart so what reason do we have to stay in the same room? To showcase our relationship?”

Not being able to stay with Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi frowned. Pouting, Zhang Siyi opened his mouth to say something, but closed it instead. –  You won’t even let me sleep with you on my birthday! Isn’t that a good enough reason!

Reflected by the change of expressions on Zhang Siyi’s face, Gu Yu watched his mood swing. Since it was already past nine at night, the streets were fairly empty as most people were at home getting ready for bed. He glanced around and noticing the empty street, he grabbed Zhang Siyi’s wrist to pull him around the corner to the shadowed side of a building.

Pressing him against the wall with both hands in darkness, Gu Yu kissed Zhang Siyi aggressively. With the rhythm of deep kisses, he tightly entwined his fingers with Zhang Siyi’s. Not wanting to let him go, but unable to proceed, he slowly released his lips with an audible sound.

At the end of a kiss, Zhang Siyi panted and a pair of bright eyes gazed at Gu Yu… Well, he forgave him.

Early the next morning, Zhang Siyi was awakened by a soft voice before seven o’clock. He frowned and strained his ears to make out what was being said. Liao Jun seemed to be on the phone: “I arrived at noon yesterday. I’m at the hotel now….. It’ll be two weeks….. I miss you too….”

It was the first time Zhang Siyi heard Liao Jun talk in such a gentle manner. Zhang Siyi wondered if he was talking to his girlfriend. Not wanting to interrupt him, he continued eavesdropping while lying in bed.

“What did you do during the day?…..  Hmm, mmm….. What did you eat for dinner?…. I’m going to the project site shortly….  Well, I’ll say goodnight in advance….”

Good night? This situation and dialogue were very familiar. It reminded Zhang Siyi of the weekly call he would make to his ex-girlfriend while he was abroad. Does that mean Liao Jun’s girlfriend is abroad? Maybe in Europe or the United States?

Liao Jun hung up the phone and the room was quiet once again.

Despite the lack of sleep the night before, a little while later, Zhang Siyi reached for his phone under his pillow to check the time. It was 6:55. He sent a message to Gu Yu: “Good morning!” [Adorable Kitten]

Since Gu Yu hadn’t reacted to his text, Zhang Siyi thought he might still be sleeping. Feeling annoyed, he continued to stare at the phone, squinting. Ten minutes later, the phone vibrated with a new message: “Why are you awake so early?”

In the dialog box, Zhang Siyi teased: “How can you sleep so well without me!?” [Heartbreak]

Gu Yu: “…”

Gu Yu: “[Little Fox Kiss]”

Gu Yu: “Put on your clothes and come to my room.”

Suddenly, Zhang Siyi bounced out of bed and quickly put on his shirt and pants.

Even though Liao Jun rarely took the initiative to talk to Zhang Siyi, as he hadn’t fallen back asleep, he spoke up: “Why are you leaving so early?”

Zhang Siyi: “Well, I’m going out for a morning run…..”

Liao Jun: “Oh.”

Grabbing his mobile phone, Zhang Siyi left the room without looking at Liao Jun. Once he found Gu Yu’s room, he lightly knocked twice on the door.

Soon, the door opened and an arm stretched out to pull him inside the room then pushed him onto the  bed. Giddy, Zhang Siyi gladly fell onto the soft blankets.

While Zhang Siyi was dressed, Gu Yu was only wearing a cotton t-shirt and boxers that he slept in. Admiring the view, Zhang Siyi couldn’t help but notice the obvious bulge Gu Yu had below. Zhang Siyi felt like his nose could to start spurting blood at any moment.

Quickly, Gu Yu stripped off Zhang Siyi layers then got in bed. Close now, along with the tingling sensation of his love’s faint breath along his neck, Zhang Siyi could smell Gu Yu’s natural body odor. How could something he normally experienced every day at home feel so different today? It was intoxicating.

As Gu Yu grabbed his waist to pull him down, he opened the sheet for both of them and said: “Lay down and rest with me for a while.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”  Shit!  That’s it!?

His request seemed to contradict his obvious hungry behavior earlier when he opened the door. Zhang Siyi felt confused. However, on second thought, the frequency of their lovemaking has been slowly decreasing from the initial three times a day to the current two times a week.

Even though their frequency was perfectly normal, he couldn’t stop himself from feeling insecure and thinking that he was losing his charm.

However, as if Gu Yu could transmit the amount of love he had for Zhang Siyi by the strength alone, Gu Yu held onto him tightly. He buried his head against Zhang Siyi and made his insecurities disappear.

In his heart, Zhang Siyi grumbled. Fuck! You don’t give it, when I want it, and when I don’t want it, you give it…… Bastard!

Never the less, since he wasn’t truly angry, in the arms of Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi easily relaxed and really fell asleep. An hour later, Zhang Siyi woke up suddenly and glanced at the clock: 7:55. Shit! Yesterday Professor Cui told everyone to meet in the lobby at eight in the morning to begin their work.

For the first time, Gu Yu hadn’t woken up on time for an appointment. Quickly, while Gu Yu went to the bathroom to wash, Zhang Siyi got dressed in a rush then left to go back to his own room.

As soon as he came out, he bumped into Bi Lele as she was going downstairs.

Bi Lile’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. She blurted out: “You slept with the boss last night?”

“No!” Zhang Siyi vehemently denied, turning red. He explained: “I got up at 7 o’clock this morning. I had to check with the boss about something just now.” Zhang Siyi thought he offered a good excuse because his roommate, Liao Jun, could verify his story. However, his messy hair and sloppy clothes weren’t very convincing.

A strange smile appeared on Bi Lele’s face. She looked at Zhang Siyi thoughtfully then followed her roommate, Sister Ye, downstairs.

Her Stare made Zhang Siyi feel like he wasn’t wearing any clothes. Shaking his head to wake himself up, Zhang Siyi returned to his room. To his surprise, Liao Jun was just leaving and like Bi Lele, when he saw Zhang Siyi, he also had a strange look on his face.

Since he was in a rush, he didn’t pay attention to him and went quickly to the bathroom to wash his face. When he saw himself in the mirror, he realized the shirt under his hoodie was buttoned up twisted and crooked.

 “……….” Fuck! So embarrassing!!!

Even though Zhang Siyi tried to tidy himself up as fast as possible, he arrived downstairs late.

Arriving a few minutes before him, Gu Yu was talking to the professor and telling him a reason for their tardiness: “This morning, Zhang Siyi asked me about some details related to ancient buildings and we lost track of time. He may still be in his room.”

Professor Cui smiled and waved his hand dismissively: “It’s not a problem. The young guy is very eager to learn.”

While the excuse may have fooled the Professor, there were others in the group that were less convinced. Of course, this was a simple hiccup and soon, the group’s attention was quickly diverted to the prospect of intense survey work ahead.

Hundreds of large and small buildings in the three-hectare site area needed to be examined. Not only did they need to measure each building, they needed to assess the amount of work that would be required for renovation. Moreover, the interior space of the ancient city was the residence of many people which wasn’t open to the public, making it more difficult to accurately investigate.

After dividing the labor up among the group, everyone set out to complete their tasks. Zhang Siyi and Liao Jun’s assignment were to compare the original base drawings to the data on-site and make changes as necessary. While Ye was managing the records, Bi Lele was responsible for classifying the residences. Professor and Gu Yu were interviewing people.

Although there were six people working on the project, only Zhang Siyi and Liao Jun had to do any type the physical labor. Squatting down and reaching up all morning while they measured the different walls and structures, Zhang Siyi felt like he had done enough exercise for a lifetime. By the end of the morning, his back was hurting. Now, he was very grateful for the restraint Gu Yu showed this morning.

After lunch, the group continued to work diligently on their tasks. In the evening, when everyone looked at the base to see how much was completed, even though they investigated over forty buildings, they only saw a small corner of the over-all plan finished.

With eyes covered in dark shadows, Zhang Siyi felt like his future was bleak.

Unlike yesterday, Zhang Siyi didn’t take a walk in the evening after dinner. Instead, he went back to his room and fell asleep. After ten hours of rest, he eventually woke up. Liao Jun asked him with a smirk: “Why didn’t you go jogging early this morning?”

Zhang Siyi: ” …”

Today’s assignment wasn’t any different from yesterdays. In the evening, when they returned to the hotel, Gu Yu excused himself from dinner because he needed to pack his belongings so he could catch his flight back to Haicheng early in the morning. Professor Cui nodded with understanding and made sure to remind him to make contact if there were any problems.

When Zhang Siyi heard Gu Yu, his heart sank.

Gu Yu pulled him to the side and whispered: “Lets go for a walk.”

Zhang Siyi was feeling upset about his missed birthday and gave him the cold shoulder. He replied: “I don’t want to. I’m going to sleep.”

Gu Yu: “…”

Feeling peevish, Zhang Siyi washed his face, then went to bed. In the middle of the night, his sleep was disturbed by someone licking his lips and he seem to hear Gu Yu saying Happy Birthday. Zhang Siyi was too tired to open his eyelids. He wanted the annoying person to stop harassing him in his sleep.

  ……

Waking up in the morning, he was a bit confused. Did he dream that he was kissed last night or not? Laying on the bed, Zhang Siyi sighed. How could Gu Yu come to his room in the middle of the night?

Since the ancient city was far from the airport, Gu Yu was already gone when Zhang Siyi woke up in the morning. Realizing he was gone, Zhang Siyi had no energy to get up. His heart left with Gu Yu.

After washing, knowing Gu Yu must have said goodbye, he mustered up the courage to check his mobile phone for messages. Unexpectedly, there was a WeChat message from Gu Yu right after midnight: “Find an excuse to go to X Hotel at X street at 6 o’clock in the evening.” ^_^

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 198: Thoughts

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After dinner that night, Zhang Siyi began to pack his belongings for his business trip.

While Zhang Siyi was packing, Gu Yu also brought out his black backpack he used for business trips. Since he wasn’t staying for the entire trip, Gu Yu had much less to pack and therefore, finished packing in no time.

Having completed his task, Gu Yu zipped up his bag, sat on the bed and watched Zhang Siyi unhappily packing his own suitcase: “What’s wrong? Why don’t you want to go?”

In fact, Zhang Siyi’s unhappy attitude wasn’t unknown to Gu Yu. All day, he noticed Zhang Siyi’s quiet and gloomy behavior.

After Zhang Siyi grumbled a bit, Gu Yu paused then explained his reasons for sending him on the business trip: “Now that many areas of the country have been over developed in the last few years, the government has suspended many projects in an effort to rectify the situation. Even though you have been in the company for over a year, this is the first time you have met Professor Cui. Since he has come to announce the project, it is clear that the government is attaching importance to the renovation of the ancient city in X Province and thus, the implementation of the restoration is likely. This type of opportunity is rare. If you are able to experience the whole process from the initial stages of survey to the final restoration, the project will have a great impact on you as an architectural designer.”

Zhang Siyi was intimately familiar with how well Gu Yu treats him. Normally, when a unique chance to participate in a project such as the renovation came up, he would be very excited and eager. However, traveling for two weeks means 14 days of endless work. It seems, his birthday will be even worse than last years!

Gu Yu added: “In addition, Bai Rui’s recent influence has been a major distraction. It would do you good to be apart for a while and leave on a business trip.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Watching Zhang Siyi closely, Gu Yu thought he was still angry. He continued to gently coax him: “Have you been to X City before? It is China’s historical and cultural city. Although the city’s economic condition can’t be compared to Haicheng, there are many local places that are interesting. Since the project is in one of China’s top ten ancient cities, the picturesque landscape is evident. In addition, Zhuge Liang’s ** former residence, and the story, Three Visits to the cottage**, originated from there.”

While listening to Gu Yu’s gentle tone, Zhang Siyi couldn’t help but laugh at the difference of treatment between now and in the past. A year ago, all he ever heard was Gu Yu’s poisonous tongue and experienced Gu Yu’s black belly nature. Since when has Gu Yu been so concerned with his happiness?

Zhang Siyi was reminded of the time when they last fought over his request about his friend, Su Yuan. Gu Yu was helplessly sitting on the stairs waiting for Zhang Siyi. Once he saw how vulnerable Gu Yu was in reality, Zhang Siyi’s anger was instantly gone. He didn’t know if he either simply misunderstood Gu Yu in the past or he had in fact, changed Gu Yu.

Snapping the cover of the suitcase together and zipping it up, Zhang Siyi finished packing. He put his luggage on the floor then walked over to Gu Yu and sat next to him onto the bed. He looked at him then said: “It seems like I have some free time now.”

Gu Yu: “…”

Zhang Siyi held Gu Yu tightly. Especially because it was his birthday and wanted to spend it with Gu Yu, he wanted to shout: “I just can’t bear to be separated from you!!”  However, of course, he couldn’t say something so emotional. It was too embarrassing!

He turned to look at Gu Yu’s handsome face and sighed. For the moment, in order to become a better man for Gu Yu, he decided he needed to set aside his birthday wish and stop being so childish.

“How long will you be there for?” Zhang Siyi asked.

Under Zhang Siyi’s petulant gaze, Gu Yu smiled and kissed him on his head then replied: “It depends on the situation but it won’t be more than three days.”

Inwardly, Zhang Siyi was stunned. Since it was his birthday in four days and Gu Yu was leaving by the third day, Zhang Siyi took a hit through his heart and wanted to cough up a mouthful of blood. Was he really going to forget his birthday?

Early the next morning, the group of six set out for X City. While Gu Yu would return in a few days, the rest would remain in the city. Since the project isn’t commissioned, expenses at the early stages of planning are paid by themselves and hence, failure to win the bid would result in the loss of their own money. As a result, Professor Cui took this fact into consideration and arranged for everyone to stay at a local budget hotel near the ancient city. While the team leaders stayed in two separate rooms, the girls occupied a third room and the boys stayed in another.

Unlike Zhang Siyi, it didn’t take long for the girls to get to know each other and act like they have been long time friends. He tried to make conversation with his roommate, Liao Jun, without success. Since Liao Jun was being rather cold and indifferent towards Zhang Siyi, he worried about whether or not the time spent together will be awkward for the rest of the trip.

After lunch, everyone went to inspect one of the areas that needed renovation. It was about two hectares of land in the eastern part of the ancient city that involved two main streets and three alleys. Once they arrived, Zhang Siyi set aside the worries of the day to the back of his mind and focused on Professor Cui’s insights. Everyone was paying particular attention to the Professor’s guidance and suggestions. Zhang Siyi listened closely while taking pictures of important details and his surroundings.

Having an on-site lecture by the professor who specialized in ancient architecture made the learning experience exceptional. With relish, Zhang Siyi listened attentively and as a result, he forgot to take pictures. He wished he could write down notes about the history and details that Professor Cui patiently explained. After a lap of walking around the area, it was evening and the Professor let everyone go back to rest. Tomorrow, they would officially start working.

When Zhang Siyi arrived at the hotel after dinner, he received a text message from Gu Yu.

Gu Yu: “Meet me downstairs.”

Grabbing his mobile phone quickly, Zhang Siyi eagerly went downstairs. As a result, he arrived earlier then Gu Yu and ended up waiting a few minutes for him at the hotel’s entrance. Seeing Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi smiled and approached: “What’s going on?”

Gu Yu: “Let’s take a walk.”

In fact, Zhang Siyi also wanted to look for Gu Yu and take a walk. At home, they were accustomed to walking the dog every day after dinner. Now that it wasn’t necessary, it felt rather odd, like something was missing.

As he walked, Gu Yu tucked his hands in his coat pockets and asked: “What do you think?”

Zhang Siyi: “What do you mean, what do I think?”

Gu Yu: “What did you think about when we visited the Ancient City? Did you feel anything in particular?”

Immediately, Zhang Siyi rambled on about the historical information he heard today and architectural ideas; which streets were superfluous and which weren’t; which parts needed renovation and which could be removed entirely…..

Gu Yu listened for a long time then asked: “And what are your ideas?”

Zhang Siyi: “Eh?”

Gu Yu looked at him and said: “What you describe are the facts that Professor Cui talked about this afternoon.”

Unresponsive, Zhang Siyi was momentarily stunned. Thinking carefully back to Professor Cui pointers, he realized he really did repeat what the Professor had said. He scratched his head and said: “I feel the same way.”

Gu Yu pointed to the night market street not far away and asked: “What would you do if you were to renovate this area?”

Zhang Siyi quickly evaluated the surroundings. The night market occupied one side of the street while on the other side, the wall of the ancient city stood. However, because of the street vendors, refuse was strewn all over the place which polluted the ancient structure.

He thought for a while then answered: “In order to maintain both the night market and ancient structures, start by cleaning up the city wall and either place a fence or greenery around it. Then, convert these residential buildings into a commercial district which would also alleviate the noise pollution of the residential area.”

Gu Yu nodded and said: “Yes, but for preservation, you can also extend the city wall and build a commercial building disguised as an ancient wall on the original open space and then move the vendors to the interior space. Between the residential building and night markets, establish a green belt to help separate the zones.”

Zhang Siyi was surprised at how different his approach was. The method of renovation can be very diverse so there was more than one solution to consider to solve a problem.

Gu Yu seriously said: “Instilled thought is a common problem for educators. Indeed, Teacher Cui is a very knowledgeable about ancient architecture but you must remember that you are an independent architect. Although you are still learning, you must not be led around by a noose and instead, you must have your own perspective. If you just listen, then you will lose your ability to think independently. Since people are lazy, if someone tells you how to do it, then you won’t think about it again.”

Zhang Siyi was thoughtful. It was true that Gu Yu lead his business trip differently than Professor Cui. When Zhang Siyi went to Z-City with him, Gu Yu mainly kept to himself and occasionally instructed Zhang Siyi to take photos. Gu Yu rarely expressed his opinions and views. If Zhang Siyi hadn’t paid close attention and thought about what Gu Yu was doing at every stop, maybe he would also just be a puppet.

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T/N: Zhuge Liang: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhuge_Liang

Three Visits to the Cottage: http://chinese-story-collection.blogspot.com/2016/09/three-visits-to-cottage-san-gu-mao-lu.html

Although not named, I believe the author is using the Hanzhong Temple as reference: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/shaanxi/hanzhong/wuhou-temple.htm

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 197: Renovation

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After returning the painting, no other correspondence between the two companies happened. However, no matter how much Zhang Siyi wanted to forget about Bai Rui, his colleagues wouldn’t let him.

After they recognized him as the man that came to find Zhang Siyi, they constantly approached Zhang Siyi and asked him who the handsome guy was. Over and over, he had to explain to his colleagues that the man was an ex-boyfriend of a friend and he had nothing to do with him. What else could he say?

As much as he wanted to ignore Bai Rui, it was just too difficult. Now that they work in the same building, the possibility of meeting in the elevator was high. In addition, he admitted to having a boyfriend with someone from work. Privately, Zhang Siyi sighed once again and regretted his soft heart that lead him to impulsively divulge his secret.

Although Bai Rui hadn’t yet shown an obvious purpose, Zhang Siyi wasn’t inclined to take Bai Rui lightly, much less engage with him. Who knows what he would do!?

In a few days, it will be Zhang Siyi’s 24th birthday.

As he wondered what it will be like with Gu Yu, he began to look forward to it early. Although his tape measure ultimately moved him, thinking back to the poor feelings he harbored that day, Zhang Siyi clenched his jaw. His circumstance wasn’t the same as last year. Now, his boyfriend was Gu Yu and unlike last year, he thought he will be treated quite differently this time.

Much to his chagrin, an urgent bidding project fell from the sky!

One morning, Gu Yu left for work earlier than usual due to a meeting. At noon, Zhang Siyi saw several strangers coming to the company. Gu Yu came from his office and called Zhang Siyi together with Yuan Zhicheng, Bi Lele, and Zhu Hongzhen into the conference room.

Once he entered the room, Zhang Siyi noticed the same stranger he saw earlier siting with them. He was a middle-aged man who was between forty to fifty years old. Everyone called him Professor Cui.

The man nodded to them with a smile and looked at Zhang Siyi: “Is this little classmate new?”

Being called ‘Little Classmate’, Zhang Siyi didn’t know what to say.

Zhu Hongzhen quickly introduced him: “This is Professor Cui of the C group.”

Upon hearing the man’s name, Zhang Siyi remembered hearing about a design group C when he first joined the company. Later Zhu Hongzhen had explained to him that C-Group was a private design studio under Borderless and the leader was a professor from J University. The group specialized in ancient architectural design and was utilized when a project became available.

The person in front of Zhang Siyi was the legendary Professor! Immediately, Zhang Siyi stepped forward to shake his hand and introduce himself.

Professor Cui smiled and addressed everyone in the conference room: “Please sit.” He gestured and introduced the two young people standing next to him: “These two are my graduate students, Liao and Ye.”

Both students were around Zhang Siyi age. While Liao was a tall boy, very pale, with a pair of black framed glasses, and a serious expression, Ye was a plump girl with a very friendly demeanor. They took the opportunity to introduce themselves.

As soon as the introduction was complete, Gu Yu arrived with his notebook. He closed the door of the conference room behind him then looked to Professor Cui with respect: “Professor Cui, let’s get started.”

Professor Cui give him a nod and smiled: “You can start.”

After connecting the computer to the projector, Gu Yu gave a brief introduction of the situation: “The Company received a project for the renovation and restoration of the ancient city in X Province. Due to our limited staff, we have asked Professor Cui to join us on this project.”

Gu Yu paused and watching everyone nod in acknowledgement, he continued to elaborate on the specific details pertaining to the project and the bid. The time frame for the bid caused a bit of an uproar since it was in mid-January; only six weeks away.

Having worked for a year, Zhang Siyi was familiar with the time required for large and small projects. At this moment, knowing how much overtime he will inevitably have to do, his face was very tense.

GU Yu continued: “Since the project includes multiple buildings, it will be necessary to visit the location and survey the area. We need to decide whether or not there was any value in restoring the buildings. This part of the work will be handled by Professor Cui. Due to the large amount of work, two additional people will go with him for two weeks, without replacements, to help with the surveys.”

Zhang Siyi was stunned. ……Gu Yu wasn’t going? That means, if I go, then I won’t be with him for two weeks?

Unlike his unabashed enthusiasm of the past, since Zhang Siyi had experienced designing both his own projects as well as being part of a team for land development, he wasn’t so eager to volunteer.

Weighing the pros and cons, he first considered the economic conditions of X-City. In terms of economic similarities, the renovation of the ancient city couldn’t be compared with the luxury hotel project in Yunnan Provence. The main purpose of going to X City was to survey the site. Thinking along these lines, the expenses for food and accommodations would be limited. Watching the weather become colder day, by day, the prospect of a ‘fun’ trip was very slim.

Zhang Siyi glanced around the room and saw similar expressions across everyone’s face. Like a turtle, he wanted to shrink his neck and hide in his shell.

What’s more, Gu Yu mentioned Professor Cui was leading the team.  As a borderless director, Gu Yu wouldn’t be able to leave the company for two weeks and thus, he would be separated from him. Certainly, Gu Yu wouldn’t be so cold-hearted, would he?

In hopes his subordinates would volunteer, Gu Yu waited a few minutes, but no one spoke up. The passing silence was broken as Gu Yu said: “Zhang Siyi, you count as one.”

Zhang Siyi: “………” Fuck! ! !

Turning his head to look at each of them in the eye, Gu Yu asked: “Field survey is physical work. Anyone have special circumstances that would inhibit their duties?”

Yuan Zhicheng and Zhu Hongzhen looked at each other and finally Yuan Zhicheng took the initiative to raise his hand: “I’ll go.”

Nodding with agreement, Gu Yu said: “I’ll go with you for a few days to assess the situation.”

Upon hearing Gu Yu statement, Bi Lele suddenly exclaimed: “Boss, I want to go!”

Gu Yu: “Are you sure?”

Bi Lele explained her reasons: “I have never been to X City before and I haven’t had the chance to take part in an ancient city renovation. It will be a good learning opportunity.”

Professor Cui approved: “Very good. You two girls can be roommates.”

Thinking he was free of the responsibility, Zhang Siyi momentarily felt a surge of joy. Bi Lele and Yuan Zhicheng were enough.

Gu Yu’s final words echoed in his head: “Ok then. Zhang Siyi and Bi Lele, both of you go back home to pack and prepare for tomorrow’s journey. Make sure you listen attentively to Professor Cui’s tasks during the next two weeks. Yuan Zhicheng and Zhu Hongzhen will stay in the company to do the prep-work on the project.”

Zhang Siyi felt like the carpet was ripped out from underneath his feet. Why wasn’t his boyfriend, on his side?

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