助理建筑师 羲和清零 193

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 193: Inside

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Without thought of his ulterior motives being noticed, He Chengtian’s mouth widened in a wolfish smile. Fortunately, Gu Yao was sitting in the back and wasn’t able to see his greedy expression.

Along the way home, Zhang Siyi and He Chengtian caught up on current events in their lives. First, Zhang Siyi wanted to know more about the price and performance of the Lamborghini. When they came to a full stop at the traffic light, the passengers in the full bus next to them turned and stared at them through the glass.

Since it was the first time Zhang Siyi experienced so many onlookers staring at him in this way, his ego was stroked and felt like a superior young master. In life, sometimes self-conceit encroaches on your moral compass and material things become more important.

Zhang Siyi asked He Chengtian: “How is your sister doing? I haven’t heard from her in a long time. Is she okay?”

He Chengtian replied: “She went to Australia recently.”

Zhang Siyi: “What is she doing in Australia? Did she go back to University?”

“University my ass. She went to find a friend.” He Chengtian grumbled then continued: “Anyway, since she is working for herself, there is less pressure so she goes where she wants. She left me everything at the company to take care of so I’m the only one who suffers!”

Zhang Siyi cast a sympathetic look, and asked: “How are you doing now?”

He Chengtian sighed: “Actually, it hasn’t  been very good recently. The stock market is low, the housing market slowed down, and many financial platforms have problems. Hey, it’s been difficult!”

Listening to the tone of his speech, Zhang Siyi glanced at him. Now, he noticed the fatigue on his friends’ features and concluded that things weren’t going so smoothly as what appears.

“Both the housing market and the construction industry isn’t good. We are all in this together!” Moving his hands across the leather, Zhang Siyi touched the car seat enviously. “But, you still drive a super luxury car. Certainly, it isn’t that bad.”

 Zhang Siyi has been saving his money but it only amounts to thousands and nowhere near enough to buy a car. He wouldn’t even be able to afford one of the car’s tires.

“Just because I drive a luxury vehicle, doesn’t mean things are good. As a matter of fact, we are all just playing chess. What assets? Millions, billions…. Like a video game, it’s just a bunch of numbers on a screen and like gambling, you need to bear the risk, but also need the capital to play.”

As he turned into the next road, He Chengtian was tapping the steering wheel. He continued: “Do you think I bought this car for myself? In fact, it’s also a façade. It doesn’t matter whether or not there is money to support the purchase. I know the rules of the rich and I have to play the game.”

He Chengtian shook his head and smiled bitterly. He said: “I still had the guts to tell you your future with me would bring you riches, but now, it’s impossible to guarantee. The tides have changed too fast and the stock market crisis flattened the neighborhood. Hey, it is a good thing you still follow Gu Yu. By doing technical work, you are stable.”

Zhang Siyi was speechless. He didn’t think in six months, He Chengtian’s attitude would change so drastically. It seems, no matter how perfect a person appears on the outside, they also have to face the hardships of reality.

Half an hour later, the car arrived at Yuanshan Garden. He Chengtian was about to let them out of the car when Zhang Siyi suddenly spoke. He politely asked: “Chengtian brother, what are you going to do about dinner? Would you like to come up and eat together?”

Having lived with Gu Yu for so long, Zhang Siyi naturally regarded himself as a voice of authority when it came to issues of the home. He wanted to thank He Chengtian for his help with Gu Yao’s troubles so he took the opportunity to invite him upstairs for dinner.

Thinking about who else lived at the house, He Chengtian started getting a stomach ache.  When facing his rival, he couldn’t bare it. Before he had the chance to reject the offer Gu Yao echoed Zhang Siyi offer: “Yes. It isn’t very late so let’s eat together.”

He Chengtian turned to look at Gu Yao and saw her large eyes looking up at him, inviting. She added: “My brother also has a big dog!”

Hearing about a dog wasn’t the strange part. The key, as if she wanted to share her favorite things with him, was the pure smile, bright eyes, and tone of her voice that she used. In the world of He Chengtian, spring time has come!

“Okay!” He drove to a parking lot of a Western restaurant nearby to park his car then got out to follow Zhang Siyi and Gu Yao back to Yuanshan Garden. In a circle, He Chengtian looked around at the buildings and said: “This place is quite good. Did Gu Yu buy his own home?”

Zhang Siyi explained: “It’s his friend’s house. He is borrowing it.”

As the door was opened, Townhouse enthusiastically ran to the door. Unexpectedly, instead of greeting his owners, he pounced on He Chengtian, barking: “Woof-woof-woof!”

He Chengtian: “!!!”

In a hurry, Zhang Siyi put down his key and tried to stop the dog: “No Townhouse, down!”

Gu Yao also went over the dog to sooth him.

Zhang Siyi thought the dog’s behavior was a little strange then commented: “This dog is usually very docile. Since we renamed him, even when the maintenance people come, he doesn’t make a peep. Why is he acting do differently today?”

He Chengtian smirked: “Oh. it doesn’t seem like the dog likes me very much.”

As if to answer He Chengtian, Townhouse let out one loud “woof.”

He Chengtian’s mouth twitched. It really was Gu Yu’s dog!

At Gu Yao’s adorable action, He Chengtian was stunned. He watched her move to the dog and softly talk in the dog ear: “No Townhouse, down. He Chengtian is a good man.” Even though the dog on his hindlegs was almost the same height as Gu Yao and therefore could easily knock her over, the dog obediently got down on the ground at her command.

He Chengtian wiped his nosebleed. Shit! Why did he suddenly feel that the dog is happier than him? In fact, he can also provide one ear…….

Hearing the barking of the dog, Gu Yu came out of the kitchen to see what the commotion was about. A look of disbelief came over his face as he saw He Chengtian watching his sister with a wolfish smile. Immediately, he raised his brow and asked: “What’s he doing here?”

Trying to explain quickly, Zhang Siyi said: “Ah, we met him near Gu Yao’s company. He helped us a lot and also drove us home so I asked him to join us for dinner.”

Turning to look in the direction of his rival’s voice, He Chengtian saw Gu Yu wearing an apron with a spatula in hand. He couldn’t contain his laughter and snorted out: “Pfft… ha-ha-ha.” The former university tyrant was a domesticated man. The unimaginable contrast was extreme!

“Cough, cough… “He Chengtian smiled and asked: “Are you cooking? Is it edible? Ah-ha-ha.…”

With bulging veins and a furrowed brow, Gu Yu wanted to retort and throw the spatula, however one has to maintain the grace and dignity of the head of the house.

Pointing to the sofa with the spatula, Gu Yu said: “Zhang Siyi, you sit and entertain. Gu Yao, you come with me.”

He Chengtian: “…”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Gu Yao obediently followed her brother into the kitchen then asked: “The food isn’t done yet?”

From out of the refrigerator, Gu Yu pulled out another half a head of cabbage and some. He replied: “Since you didn’t call in advance, with the addition of a guest, there wouldn’t be enough to eat so at least two more dished need to be prepared.”

Gu Yao stuck her tongue out and gave her brother a raspberry. She took the cabbage that Gu Yu handed over.

Gu Yu asked: “What’s the matter with helping me?”

Gu Yao knew her brother’s request wasn’t really to help him make dinner. Without delay, the interrogation began.

She dares not conceal any details and honestly relayed the afternoon events. When she told him about Zhang Siyi ploy about being He Chengtian’s fiancé, Gu Yao blushed deeply and lowered her head, almost to the sink.

Finally, she mentioned He Chengtian’s proposal to pick her up and drop her off and that she and Zhang Siyi already acquiesced. As a result, Zhang Siyi invited him home to eat.

After listening to her story, Gu Yan snorted and said: “No matter how timely He Chengtian’s appearance was, Zhang Siyi was too bold to marry you off.

This time, Gu Yao’s ears are bright red and she quietly said: “Don’t say that. Zhang Siyi didn’t mean it. Maybe He Chengtian just went with the flow to help second brother.”

Gu Yu hummed and didn’t talk.

As Gu Yao tore the cabbage she addressed her brother: “Second Brother said he is a reliable person. I think he can completely solve the problem so please let him drive me for a period of time. You are Zhang Siyi are so busy with work that I feel guilty having you drop me off and pick me up every day.”

Gu Yu smiled at her: “Why do you feel guilty unless there is guilt? You’re not married yet, are you?”

Gu Yao: “…”

Gu Yu continued to ridicule her: “So it is better to trouble outsiders instead of family?”

Gu Yao was finally annoyed and stomped her foot: “Brother!”

Gu Yu: “Ok. Ok. Make sure you maintain your status.”

Gu Yao: “…I know.”

Gu Yao helped with the cabbage then walked out. When Zhang Siyi came in, he saw Gu Yu preparing the additional dish. “Wow, lots of food today! You worked hard!”

Squinting at him, Gu Yu said: “Did you sell my sister?”

Zhang Siyi quickly realized that it was useless to change the topic and pretended not to understand: “Ah? What? Sell what?”

Gu Yu stared at him in the eye: “Be prepared for your punishment!”

Zhang Siyi: “…..” Wasn’t it your own issue about your sister not finding love? I found you a diamond king and you are still fierce! Bastard!

Gu Yu said: “Bring the food to the table.  The warm wine will be ready soon.”

When the dishes arrived, they sat down around the table. He Chengtian tasted the dish and was very surprised at how skillful Gu Yu cooking was and exclaimed: “Ah! It’s delicious!”

Gu Yu personally poured a glass of wine to He Chengtian then said: “Gu Yao explained today’s events. Thank You.”

He Chengtian rarely saw Gu Yu act so kindly and felt somewhat flattered: “Well, it was nothing.”

After a gesture towards He Chengtian with the wine glass, Gu Yu drank it.

When He Chengtian finished his glass of wine, Gu Yu poured him another and said: “One more glass and you will have some difficulties for a while.”

With his nemesis toasting and pouring him two glasses of wine, he couldn’t believe it. Has He Chengtian ever had such treatment? For a moment, like a serf becoming the master, he relished the feeling…. Ah, this is how classmates should be.

He Chengtian was a little smug and thought perhaps, pursuing Gu Yao wasn’t so difficult as he had imagined.

However, after drinking this cup of wine, He Chengtian saw a faint smile form on Gu Yu face. It was clear that the smile was very natural, but behind the smile, He Chengtian felt something cold. He once again remembered how much he has been under Gu Yu’s shadow in the three years of high school.

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助理建筑师 羲和清零 192

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 192: Rescue

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As He Chengtian strutted towards them, he raised his arm in a suave movement to take off his sunglasses. His designer suit and exquisite platinum watch that was revealed on his wrist matched the cool silver-grey luxury car.

The perfect timing with which He Chengtian appeared made Zhang Siyi feel like he was watching a romantic drama unfold right before his eyes. A prince has come to the rescue…..

Zhang Siyi widened his eyes in surprise. Using the opportunity to his advantage, he immediately moved with Gu Yao towards He Chengtian…….

When He Chengtian saw them, he was a little taken back as Zhang Siyi was the last person he thought to bump into. More surprising, was watching Gu Yao’s tight hold on him. His expression became twisted. …….WTF!  Zhang Siyi said he had nothing to do with her! Who are you kidding!!  (ˋ皿ˊ)

Since the meeting in March, it has been nearly six months since they have seen each other. Once, his sister, He Xueying, invited Gu Yao to her house, but he was away on a business trip that weekend.

Indeed, at first sight, He Chengtian felt his heart move, but with her brother’s appearance, he had to put those feelings on hold. The thought of pursuing Gu Yu’s sister made him hesitant. For three years in high school, he was in Gu Yu’s shadow. If he chased her, wouldn’t he be in Gu Yu’s shadow for a lifetime? He wasn’t happy about the prospect!

Then again, with his current status, he could pursue any women he wanted however, Gu Yao was the only one that moved him. Why did he have to fall for someone as difficult as an SSS class boss-level encounter?

Back in March when they first met, he was involved with many business-related issues, and therefore he didn’t have a lot of time to spare. Coupled with his hesitation about dating a Gu family member, he pushed the thoughts of Gu Yao aside and slowly forgot about her.

Seeing her by chance across the way; her pure small face, beautiful eyes, slightly arched brows, slight frown, an expression of consternation and sadness that replaced her previous innocent smile, gave her a very different vibe. Once again, he was struck in the heart!

However, standing very close to her was non-other than Zhang Siyi. With their hands held tightly together, they were snuggled up close like two love birds in a nest. Watching them, He Chengtian could feel his ire rise and his stomach start to ache. Even this common, silly boy, Zhang Siyi, was with her! Fuck! Is Gu Yu destined to be the nemesis of his life? (t皿t)

Slamming the car door, He Chengtian got out of the car and walked steadily towards the couple. Clenching his jaw, he forced a smile: “Look at you two…. What are you doing here? I didn’t……”

Before He Chengtian could finish talking, Zhang Siyi abruptly interrupted him and pushed Gu Yao towards him: “Jiang Zhanpeng, my sister doesn’t have a boyfriend because this man is her fiancé.”

Gu Yao: “…..”

Jiang Zhanpeng: “…..”

He Chengtian: “…..” I can’t believe it. Happiness fell onto my lap! (o..o)

Standing in front of him slightly embarrassed, Gu Yao shyly looked up at He Chengtian’s eyes then quickly bowed her head without a word.

Although she knew Zhang Siyi was trying his best to help her, what is with this ‘fiance’ business? It made her feel shy and embarrassed. After all, they haven’t discussed it beforehand and how will He Chengtian react by their chance encounter?

No one could have predicted how well the farce worked. He Chengtian only glanced at them before he reached out to take Gu Yao into his arms. He quietly asked: “I was away in Shenzhen. What is going on?”

Zhang Siyi explained quietly: “Jian Zhanpeng has already been rejected very clearly, but he won’t give up.” He wanted to stay ‘fucking stalker’, but he was afraid he would be over heard. Anyway, the meaning is clear enough for He Chengtian to understand what is going on.

Hearing the surname, He, the man had his doubts about what Zhang Siyi was saying. However, when he approached them and saw the man clearly, he suddenly stopped. He may not know him, but he has certainly heard the name of He Chengtian before: “Greetings Mr. He. I didn’t expect to meet you here. Haicheng is really small!” Jiang Zhanpeng smiled

Chuckling, He Chengtian questioned him: “Do I know you?”

Nodding, Jiang Zhanpeng quickly took out his business card and introduced himself. He said: “At the last Haicheng New Youth Investment Elite Conference, I saw your presentation on stage…”

He Chengtian casually replied: “Oh, that.  I didn’t want to get up to talk, but the night before, my friends and I were playing cards and I lost the bet.”

The circle of the rich always had a fascinating appeal for those whom desire money. Although they were of similar age, there was a wide financial disparity between them. Feeling both envious and unwilling to give up, Jiang Zhanpeng slightly scowled.

He Chengtian looked at him and jokingly asked: “Jiang Zhanpeng, are you interested in my fiance?”

The color of Jiang Zhanpeng’ face drained: “There is some kind of misunderstanding here. Certainly, I am confused. Ha-ha-ha, I really didn’t know Ms. Gu had this kind of relationship with you.”

He Chengtian nodded his head and effortlessly took out a cigarette from his pocket and gave it to him. Looking him straight in the eye, He Chengtian smiled and evenly stated: “It is a misunderstanding.”

Jiang Zhanpeng pretended to look at his watch and anxiously replied: “I see you are busy. I still have an appointment, so I will head out first.” In a blink of an eye, the man turn-tailed and swiftly walked away. The BMW was gone without a trace!

Watching him leave, Gu Yao felt completely relieved. She stood quietly for a minute before she turned to address He Chengtian: “Thank You.”

It was only after a moment that he realized the performance was over and his intimate contact with Gu Yao was over. Like a young boy thinking about love for the first time, his heart was a mess.

Zhang Siyi was also surprised at how quickly things got resolved. He gave his friend a thumbs-up and gratefully expressed his thanks: “That was awesome!”

He Chengtian: “Why are you both here?”

But Zhang Siyi already turned his head away and was approaching the luxury car in front of him. Excited, Zhang Siyi stated: “Look, it really is a Lamborghini!”

He Chengtian can’t laugh or cry: “Hey…”

Zhang Siyi circled around and asked, “Wait, I thought a Lamborghini sport cars have two seats. Why are there four seats?”

“This is the Estoque.**  It is a concept car that hasn’t been produced yet so there is only one in China.” As He Chengtian replied to Zhang Siyi, he opened the car door for them: “Where are you two going? I’ll give you a ride.”

In his excitement, Zhang Siyi unabashedly got into the front passenger seat and Gu Yao sat behind them. Examining and feeling all of the crevices and surfaces, he couldn’t stop himself from touching everything. “It’s so cool!”

He Chengtian started the car and the 8-cylinder engine roared to life: “Where are you going? Or would you like me to take you out for dinner?”

Zhang Siyi scratched his head: “Yuanshan Garden. Do you know the way?”

He Chengtian: “xxx Road?”

Zhang Siyi: “Yes!”

He Chengtian raised an eyebrow and asked Zhang Siyi: “Do you live together?”

Zhang Siyi: “Well, yes…”

Zhang Siyi: “And Gu Yu.”

He Chengtian’s face suddenly turned dark: “Why do the two of you live together with Gu Yu?”

Of course, Zhang Siyi can’t give him the real reason so he gave him a simple reply: “I work for Gu Yu and I pay him rent to stay there.”

He Chengtian felt scorned. Zhang Siyi rejected his original job invitation seemingly not because of Gu Yao, yet here they are, living in the same house! He Chengtian sneered.

The thrill of love and happiness was instantly lost! In his hand, he held it; those small hands, beautiful skin and petite body, like a soft rabbit that makes you want to hold and protect.… oh, ah, yes, yes….

…… Fuck! How can that bastard have such a lovely sister!

He Chengtian coughed once lightly then asked: “Before, what exactly is going on?“

Zhang Siyi thoroughly explained the matter to him.

At hearing his explanation, He Chengtian scoffed and let out a ‘tskt’. He gave a cold smile and said: “Why didn’t you call me earlier? I’ll tell you. I see a lot of those shameless idiots refusing to back down. Even if you refuse gifts, it won’t change anything. Rich people in business have thick skins and can’t accept a loss. You just need to find someone else with more money and power to exert pressure and let the person know its futile. Only then will they stop.”

Zhang Siyi listen to He Chengtian’s scolding and felt deflated: “It’s the first time I’ve encountered that type of person. That guy has accounts with Gu Yao’s company so I had to remain eloquent and try to reason with him, but he wouldn’t accept the facts at all!” Zhang Siyi sighed and continued: “Hey, if you hadn’t come today, I really don’t know what would have happened.”

He Chengtian said: “Now do you see the benefits of money and power?”

Zhang Siyi quipped: “Will you still accept my application?”

He Chengtian chuckled then frowned: “But, if Gu Yao was harassed, where is her brother? Why wasn’t he there?”

Zhang Siyi: “Gu Yu and I take turns to pick her up every day and it was my turn today. Gu Yu is cooking dinner at home.”

He Chengtian laughed: “Is he really everything to you?”

Zhang Siyi laughed meagerly and didn’t know how to answer.

Glancing at Gu Yao through the rearview mirror, He Chengtian said: “We were lucky today. Our casual bluff might not convince Jiang Zhanpeng for long. When he thinks carefully, he won’t believe you are my fiance so he will probably come back to harass you again. It isn’t easy to handle and does your brother really have the time bring her to and from work? I can help by driving her every day for a period of time. How does that sound?”

When Zhang Siyi heard his proposition, he was so happy because the matter between Jiang Zhanpeng and Yu Yao was maddening. He knew it was an inconvienace for He Chengtian, but Zhang Siyi also knew he was interested in her. Maybe, He Chengtian thought he should seize this rare opportunity and enjoy it.

Even if He Chengtian really pursued her, Zhang Siyi wasn’t opposed to it. In fact, he was extremely supportive. Due to their recent discusstion of the need for Gu Yao to fall in love normally, Zhang Siyi thought this was the perfect opportunity. Who could pass up such a rich and powerful diamond king?

Ah, but he can’t just push her in his direction. Zhang Siyi looked over his shoulder to the back seat and asked Gu Yao: “What do you think? He is reliable. Will you let him pick you up and drop you off at work for a while?”

Gu Yao remembered He Chengtian. Not only was he a friend of Zhang Siyi, but he was also her brother’s high school classmate. Although she didn’t refuse, he felt a bit uneasy: “In this car? Isn’t it too flashy?”

With a voice of reason, He Chengtian coaxed her: “In order to signal to outsiders that you aren’t willing to be with just anyone, it is necessary. You can’t have a toad in a BMW three-series lusting after the swan’s flesh, right?”

Gu Yao was amused by the tone of his joke. Although her family education didn’t teach her to be so pompous, being over the top occasionally was indeed quite cool: “Well, I’ll have to trouble you……”

**T/N: Lamborghini Estoque: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamborghini_Estoque

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助理建筑师 羲和清零 191

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 191: Sister

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Zhang Siyi wasn’t sure why he came out to Bai Rui on impulse as he wasn’t close enough to even be considered a friend. Little by little, Bai Rui narrative softened Zhang Siyi’s resolve. In fact, learning about Bai Rui heartache and suffering, made him think that Bai Rui must be very lonely as he didn’t have someone to confide in. Maybe, he really just wanted to be friends.

Like Lu Qiao, who talked to a tree in desperation and Su Yuan, who was exhausted by reality, sometimes an encouraging sympathetic voice of another can help pull someone from despair.

Since homosexuality is a minority, it less common to meet others who are also gay. When encountering someone of the same orientation, unlike the common person who might be malicious, Zhang Siyi would naturally reach out to help otherwise he would feel regretful. Since his deceit went on long enough, Zhang Siyi started feeling bad about it and as a result he explained everything.

He simply expressed himself: “About that day I spoke with Su Yuan, I don’t think I said anything special. I’m just a normal person. Actually, a lot of what I spoke about with her was knowledge that my boyfriend taught me. Without his help and guidance, I might have ended up like Su Yuan.”

Bai Rui: “…”

Zhang Siyi continued: “Also, the person who guessed your sexuality wasn’t me. I just thought you were a annoying for wanting the money from a few cups of coffee. Your antics made me quite angry. When I told my boyfriend, he saw your avatar and identified the painting by a known gay artist.

Bai Rui: “His name is Francis Bacon.”

Zhang Siyi: “Right; and your WeChat nickname. Putting two and two together, he thought you might be gay and therefore, at the time, I assumed you were knowingly deceiving Ren Mengyu. It is something a jerk would do.”

Bai Rui: “…”

Bai Rui: “When I chatted with you, you always seemed so elusive and different.”

Zhang Siyi: “In the afternoon, didn’t he inform you of all of this?” ╮(╯_╰)╭

Bai Rui: “…I thought you were joking.”

Bai Rui: “But I have to say, your boyfriend is very possessive. I haven’t even done anything and he shields you.” [Smiles]

Even though Zhang Siyi knew Gu Yu watched him like a hawk, hearing another person talk about how much Gu Yu watched over him made his heart swell.

Bai Rui: “It’s extraordinary that he recognized Francis Bacon’s painting.”

Zhang Siyi gladly boasted about Gu Yu: “He minored in the history of Western art and easily identified the painting with one glance!”

Bai Rui: “Pass me his WeChat ID so I can friend him.”

Zhang Siyi was alert: “What? Why?”

Bai Rui: “He sounds like a very interesting person and I want be friends with him too.”

Feeling threatened, Zhang Siyi blew up in a flash: “Fuck off!”  What the hell! Is Bai Rui now targeting Gu Yu?

Bai Rui: “Why are you so fierce. I’m not going to hit on your boyfriend.”

Bai Rui: “Believe me. It is simply to discuss some art topics.”  [Smiles]

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Bai Rui: “Actually, don’t tell me. I can probably guess. Since he had your mobile phone with him during work, he must be someone at your company. Was it one of the guys I met the first time I went to your office?”

Zhang Siyi: “…” Shit! What kind of pit did he dig for himself?

Bai Rui: “The long hair, beautiful one, or your director?”

Panicking, Zhang Siyi was at a loss. He clicked on Bai Rui’s avatar and click -> contact deleted.

Very good, the world is better once again. (=_=)

…… Damn it! I should have done this before!

As Zhang Siyi finished up, the train pulled into the subway station that he needed to get off at in order to pick up Gu Yao. Walking up onto ground level, he rounded a corner and saw Gu Yao being stopped by a man in a suit.

In a hurry, Zhang Siyi rushed over to her and stopping in front of her, he blocked the man: “What are you doing?”

The man was startled by Zhang Siyi arrival and involuntarily took a step backwards.

Zhang Siyi inspected the man in from of him. Wearing a well-tailored suit, he had small eyes, sharp eyebrows and large nostrils. Presumably, he was the man that was stalking Gu Yao.

When Gu Yao saw him arrive, she was surprised and exclaimed: “Second Brother!”

With Gu Yao behind him, Zhang Siyi guarded her and asked: “Why did he stop you?”

Gu Yao whispered: “He asked me if I received his gifts and why I hadn’t returned his messages.”

Zhang Siyi knows, by no means is the word ‘indifferent’ too much to describe Gu Yao’s feelings towards the man. In private she wanted nothing to do with him, but the problem is that the man has the potential to use his business accounts to hinder the company. As a result, on the surface Gu Yao has to remain courteous and polite. Since her boss told the front desk to refuse his gifts, the man is probably feeling irritated.

“Ah, so this is second Gu brother.” With a condescending smile, the man pulled out a packet of cigarettes from the inside of his suit and handed one to him.

Zhang Siyi scowled: “I don’t smoke.”

The man reclaimed the cigarette then reached for a business card from within his pocket and handed it to Zhang Siyi. It read: Jiang Zhanpeng CEO, IC investment company.

Inspecting the card, his title was quite impressive, however because of his recent behavior, especially now that he was physically coming in contact with her, Zhang Siyi didn’t respect him at all.

While handing Zhang Siyi the card, Jian Zhanpeng asked: “Where is Elder brother Gu? It is too crowded here to talk. Let us find a quiet place to sit and chat.”

Zhang Siyi didn’t come to chat and refused directly: “No. I’m here to pick up my sister so we can go home to eat dinner together.”

Jiang Zhanpeng squinted and said: “I noticed you haven’t been picking her up these last few days. Yesterday was Gu Yao’s elder brother? You are also very handsome. It is no wonder that Gu Yao doesn’t notice me.”

Gu Yao: “…”

Jiang Zhanpeng pointed to the car parked not far away and offered: “My car is parked over there. Where do you live? I will drive you home. Since you must be busy with your job, do you even have the extra time outside of work to get your sister? You and your brother don’t have to go out of your way after work anymore. Instead, I can make sure she gets home safe and sound every day.”

Zhang Siyi’s eyes are twitching. Does this person really not know that they came to pick up her up just to prevent him? ……I know of stalkers, but I’ve never seen someone so obsessed before! No wonder Gu Yao is bothered by his behavior so much.

Taking a deep breath Zhang Siyi bluntly commented: “Jiang Zhanpeng, I’ve heard my sister mention you. She has already made it very clear to you what her intentions are. Why are you continuing to bother her?”

Jiang Zhanpeng face changed. He smirked and asked Zhang Siyi: “There is one thing that I’m not sure of and I want to ask second Gu brother to clarify. Does Gu Yao have a boyfriend?”

Zhang Siyi hesitated then replied: “No.”

Jiang Zhanpeng pointed to her then pointed to himself: “We live in a modern society now with free love. I don’t have a girlfriend and she doesn’t have a boyfriend, so why can’t I pursue her?”

Zhang Siyi: “…”  

Jiang Zhanpeng continued: “I guess there must be a misunderstanding between us. I just wanted to ask your sister out to dinner. Is that so terrible?”

Clutching Zhang Siyi arm tightly, Gu Yao was already panicking. Afraid he would move, she squeezed Zhang Siyi’s arm even tighter.

Frowning Zhang Siyi had to think of something quick. Gu Yao already refused him clearly. He was there to support her, but now it has turned upside down because he has made Zhang Siyi out to be the evil ‘parent’ blocking free love.

Thinking about how to refute him, Zhang Siyi felt like he was having heart palpitations. He suddenly heard his name being called not far away – “Sisi!”

Looking in the direction from which his name was called, he saw a silver-gray Lamborghini sports car parked on the side of the road. A familiar figure was coming towards him.

Zhang Siyi: “…… He Chengtian?”

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