Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 184: Cake

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After seeing the front desk girl send an “ok”, although relieved a little, Zhang Siyi dared not relax his vigilance. While guarding the mobile phone, he frequently looked up at the entrance, as if Bai Rui would come at any moment.

Several employees that have returned from their lunch break were gossiping about the stranger in the lobby.

“Where?”

“There is a long-legged man in a trim suit holding a huge square box in one hand standing in front of the Borderless poster.”

A few curious women went to go peek and gasped in surprise at what they found.

When Bai Rui realized there were people looking in his direction, he flashed them a warm smile.

“…… Ah, ah, so handsome!!!”

“There is a foreign visitor?”

“Go and ask who he’s looking for!”

“You go, you go.……”

Which person would take the initiative to go over there and talk with the handsome guy? As several girls continued to coax each other, a ‘ding’ sounded, the elevator door opened and Tao Fei walked out.

He had just returned from buying a soft drink from the downstairs convenience store. While drinking, he started walking towards his desk, but stopped at Bai Rui: “Who are you? Looking for someone?”

Bai Rui pointed to the poster with Zhang Siyi’s sleeping picture emblazoned on it and smiled: “May I ask if Zhang Siyi is in?”

”He……. “Tao Fei looked at Bai Rui suspiciously for a few seconds. He turned to the edge of the landscape wall and shouted in the direction of the design department: “Zhang Siyi! Someone’s looking for you!”

Bai Rui: “…..”

Looking at his computer screen, Zhang Siyi was deep in concentration and almost had a heart attack when he heard Tao Fei’s shout.

…… Fucking dead fat peach! I’m gunna kill you!

After Tao Fei’s enthusiastic roar, as if he was about to watch a movie drama unfold, he excitedly turned around and looked Bai Rui over.

Dreading the confrontation, Zhang Siyi got up reluctantly and walked over. As he passed the receptionist, she shrunk down in her seat, hiding slightly and said: “Tao Fai got to him first. It was out of my hands!”

Zhang Siyi wiped the sweat from his forehead. Whether it was good or bad, he could only solve the problem himself. When he arrived in front of them, he first gave Tao Fei a meaningful look and shot daggers. Then, he pretended to be surprised at seeing Bai Rui: “Oh, its you! Why are you here?”

Bai Rui replied with a smile: “I sent you a WeChat message. You didn’t see it?”

“What message?” Zhang Siyi took out his mobile phone to look at and acted surprised: “Ah! I’m busy and must have missed it!”

Tao Fei: “……” A good exaggeration of acting. (→_→)

Zhang Siyi: “…..” Acting is hard! Gu Yu save me!  (兀a兀)

As if the gods heard Zhang Siyi’s inner cry, he heard a ‘ding’ and the elevator door opened. He looked over and heard his low voice flow out of the elevator before he saw him. Zhang Siyi was ecstatic and shouted towards the elevators: “Director Gu!!!”

Tao Fei looked over at the elevators, sipped his drink then glanced at Zhang Siyi sideways…..

Both Gu Yu and Tong Heyi appeared in front of them.

Slightly startled by Zhang Siyi’s loud cry, he regained his composure and noticed the group of three blocking the hallway. He came face to face with Bai Rui and asked: “Who are you?”

Although Zhang Siyi took the initiative to introduce Bai Rui calmly, Zhang Siyi couldn’t stop his eyes from darting back and forth: “This is my classmate’s boyfriend.”

Gu Yu immediately frowned and his hawkish stare targeted Bai Rui.

Since it was apparent that the issue had nothing to do with herself, Tong Heyi nodded slightly to Gu Yu, excusing herself, and walked back to her office.

Out of politeness, Bai Rui formally introduced himself: “My Name Is Bai Rui and I am here for a personal matter that involves Zhang Siyi.” Bai Rui extended his hand to Gu Yu: “If he can spare a few minutes…..”

Gu Yu loosely grasped his hand, shook it once, and faintly replied: “Gu Yu.”

Just as Gu Yu said his name, Tao Fei felt a strong chill that sent shivers down his spine. Trembling in excitement, the show was about to begin. He sipped his drink and watched their reactions.

As Gu Yu arrived, Zhang Siyi sighed in relief. He gestured: “This is the design director of our company.”

Nodding unconcerned, Bai Rui waited for Gu Yu and Tao Fei to leave. After all, he had already explained to them that he was looking for Zhang Siyi and had nothing to do with the other two.

However, the two men stood side by side with no hint of moving like watchdogs.

Gu Yu’s command surprised Bai Rui: ”Zhang Siyi, get back to work.”

Even more surprising, with no objection was Zhang Siyi quick “ok” and obedient departure.

Then, Gu Yu looked at Tao Fei: “What are you looking at?”

Tao Fei: “Um……”

Gu Yu frowned impatiently: “Get back to work.”

Tao Fei smirked and walked away feeling disappointed.

Bai Rui: “…..”

Finally, Gu Yu crossed his arm on his chest and stared down Bai Rui: “Mr. Bai, unless it is an emergency, in general, we at Borderless aren’t allowed visitors that are non-work-related, even during lunch breaks. Your intrusion may affect the work of employees, please understand.” As he talked, he pointed to the group of people watching them. The women blushed, turned back to their tasks and scattered.

Bai Rui was stunned. The employees diligently just listened to the director and he doesn’t allow visitors? What kind of company is this?

Gu Yu raised his wrist to look at his watch. He said: “I’ll make an exception for a few minutes since you are here. What did you need Zhang Siyi for? Tell me and I’ll pass it along.”

Feeling a little embarrassed, Bai Rui handed Gu Yu the box and said: “This is for Zhang Siyi. I’ll trouble you to give it to him.”

Expressionless, Gu Yu flatly said in a concise manner: “I see.”

Bai Rui: “……”

Glancing at the box, Gu Yu calmly explained: “If you are here to drop something off, you can leave it at the front desk. Also, there is a courier service downstairs. Employees can pick up items after work hours.”

Bai Rui: “………”

Gu Yu looked up at Bai Rui: “Is there anything else?”

Shaking his head back-and-forth, no, Bai Rui offered a stiff smile: “Sorry for the intrusion. Thank You.”

Gu Yi smiled weakly: ”You’re welcome.”

After watching Bai Rui leave, Gu Yu’s face revealed obvious hostility. With the wind under his feet, like the king of Borderless, he purposefully strode to his office with the box in hand.

……. Coming here to flirt? Just who’s territory do you think this place is?

Gu Yu didn’t give the box directly to Zhang Siyi. Instead, he brought it back to his office and then sent him a message to come in.

Zhang Siyi rushed into the office and nervously asked: “Is he gone?”

“Yeah.” Gu Yu took the cup of tea from his desk and took a sip. He signaled with his eyes and used his chin to gesture towards the box: “He gave it to you.”

Zhang Siyi breathed a sigh of relief. Knowing what could have happened, he angrily complained to Gu Yu because Gu Yu didn’t have his cell phone with him.

Gu Yu picked up his mobile phone and quickly glanced at the chat record and missed calls. He thought Zhang Siyi antics were funny but at the same time, he was angry. In his short absence, this little fool was almost toyed with again. Bai Rui wasn’t a person who was easy to deal with.

Zhang Siyi looked at the box and was curious: “What is it? Why did you accept it for me?”

Opening the box, there was a fresh cream cake inside and written on top in English-script was the words ‘coffee payment’ in chocolate sauce.

Zhang Siyi’s mouth twitched: “Why did he give me a cake? I don’t like sweets.”

With cold eyes, Gu Yu sniggered: “I guess he thinks you are a little girl.”

Zhang Siyi shivered with goose bumps: “What!?  I’ll give it back!”

If Ren Mengyu knew that her boyfriend gave him a cake, how could he explain it! Fuck, how did he end up in such an awkward situation!

Gu Yu said indifferently: “Well, if you don’t want it, divide it amongst your colleagues.”

Zhang Siyi grimaced and asked: “What reason do I have to invite everyone to eat cake?”

Gu Yu chuckled: “I need to make an excuse for you as well? Just find something simple like….  your classmates gave you a cake.”

“Oh…” It’s the first time Zhang Siyi felt his IQ drop.

Just as Zhang Siyi was about to leave his office with the cake, Gu Yu stood up and stopped him: “Wait.”  He got up and walked around his desk, and extended his hand: “Give me your phone. He will probably contact you soon. I’ll take care of it so you don’t have to worry.”

Zhang Siyi didn’t doubt him and gladly gave Gu Yu his mobile phone.

Gu Yu kissed him: “OK, don’t think about it and leave it to me. Concentrate on work.”

Zhang Siyi: “Hmm…”

Hearing the infectious cheers of his subordinates from outside his office, Gu Yu reluctantly smiled then sighed.

Not two minutes had passed when Zhang Siyi’s phone buzzed again. Bai Rui sent a message: “Did you received something?”

Gu Yu grabbed Zhang Siyi’s phone and responded: “Hmm.”

Bai Rui: “Do you like it?” [Smiles]

Gu Yu: “I’m at work and haven’t seen it yet. What’s the mystery?” [Surprised]

Bai Rui: “Ah. You will know when you open it.”

Gu Yu: “Okay.”

Gu Yu set the phone aside and ignored it despite the many times the phone buzzed. After an hour, he picked the phone up and read the texts.

Bai Rui: “Earlier, was that man from your company the director?”

Bai Rui: “Was he always so difficult? He wouldn’t even let me see you.”

Bai Rui: “The environment of your company isn’t very open.”

Bai Rui: “Are you busy?”

Gu Yu chuckled a bit and replied: “Busy, yes.” As the game of cat and mouse began, Gu Yu got ‘busy’ and continued to text Bai Rui.

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 183: Lobby

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Filled with indignation, Zhang Siyi clenched his fist: “Yes! He’s scum!”

Pointing to his phone, Gu Yu said: “See here, his purpose at the beginning wasn’t to pay you back, but to find a variety of reasons to remain in contact with you. The more you chat, the more familiar you become and thus, more willing to go out to eat.”

Zhang Siyi: “…..”

Zhang Siyi mulled it over then foolishly asked: “So how do we verify it?”

In order to expose Bai Rui, wouldn’t Zhang Siyi need to stay in contact with him? However, Gu Yu already exposed his true purpose. The last thing Zhang Siyi wanted was to spend time with Bai Rui.

Looking down at the screen, Gu Yu thought for a moment and then typed a message to Bai Rui: “You want to take the thirty-five then just take it. Please use it for dinner. I have no time to go out.”

Zhang Siyi leaned over and saw Gu Yu’s message. His cold and curt message changed the momentum of the chat. Heh-heh-heh. Suddenly, Zhang Siyi felt a little excited about it.  (⊙v⊙)

After Gu Yu finished, he snorted at the phone and muttered to himself: “Over thirty-five bucks…. keep dreaming! He would never go with you.”

Witnessing the possessiveness that Gu Yu unintentionally revealed, Zhang Siyi couldn’t help but giggle a little. Even though Gu Yu was acting a bit childish over a trifle, he thought Gu Yu was really cute.

Leaning over, Zhang Siyi put his arm around Gu Yu’s shoulders and gently shook him: “Don’t worry. Even if he really asked me, I wouldn’t go.”

Gu Yu pinched his cheek and smiled: “You were already being fooled. How can I rest assured?”

Being an independent man, how could Gu Yu think he was so foolish? He stared at Gu Yu: “So, you don’t trust me?”

Instead of answering him, Gu Yu laughed. In retaliation, Zhang Siyi forcefully pushed Gu Yu down, straddled him, and pinned him down. Angrily, he repeatedly asked: “You don’t trust me? Why don’t you trust me?”

Suddenly, Gu Yu gave one fierce thrust of hips upwards there by knocking Zhang Siyi off.

Face flushed, Zhang Siyi yelled out ‘ahhh’ and braced himself for the fall. Caught by surprise, he almost fell on top of Gu Yu.

Grabbing his waist, Gu Yu prevented Zhang Siyi from fleeing. Peering at him deeply, he replied seriously: “I trust you, but I too get jealous. Just like when you see other girls talking to me and become jealous…. You are mine. Even when another man teases you, I can’t stand it.

Zhang Siyi: “……” (o////o)

What’s more, after Gu Yu looked through the chat records and saw how long Bai Rui toyed with Zhang Siyi for, he wanted to go straight to the man’s face and punch him hard. Of course, he wouldn’t actually do that. The best way to deal with that kind of person in fact, was to turn a blind eye and adopt an absolutely indifferent attitude with them. Without interaction, teasing becomes senseless.

However, this time, Zhang Siyi’s classmate was also involved. Gu Yu knows, his warmhearted little fool certainly wouldn’t sit by idle. In that case, the best course of action was to replace Zhang Siyi for all future interactions with this so called ‘perfect boyfriend’.

Changing his hold from Zhang Siyi waist to his hands, Gu Yu told him: “When next he contacts you, no matter what, don’t return his message. Come and get me and let me respond instead.”

Zhang Siyi burst out laughing. He joked: “We really are each other’s hotline! The girls are calling me, and now you get to solve my problem with my accoster, Bai Rui!” One thing Zhang Siyi didn’t fully comprehend. Why do girls constantly approach Gu Yu when he’s gay, but the person to flirt with himself was a man. Does he look like a delicate girl? (=_=)

Laughing, Gu Yu smiled at him and said: “Isn’t that good?”

Zhang Siyi nodded with satisfaction: “It’s a great idea. But you just rejected him for me, so what else is there to say? I don’t think he will contact me again.”

Holding Zhang Siyi’s back, Gu Yu lowered him down to kiss him and said: “You wait and see. If he is interested in you, he definitely will not back down. Although he won’t message you again tonight because if he did, then his intention would be too obvious and arouse your suspicion.

Sure enough, after Gu Yu sent his text message, Bai Rui hadn’t responded.

About a week later, Zhang Siyi had returned to his desk from lunch at noon to see Su Yuan’s portfolio and resume in his email. She spent the week gathering her collection and only now, did Zhang Siyi have time to spare to look through it. After loading the documents in the computer, Zhang Siyi opened Su Yuan’s portfolio with great expectation. After a brief look, he frowned. The portfolio was a lot worse than he expected.

It stands to reason that she would have more works in her portfolio since It has been over a year since graduating. Under normal circumstances, projects are often displayed in order with the first work as the most recent and therefore the highest level.

However, at the beginning of her collection, Su Yuan still presented her work from University. That is to say, she believed she hasn’t worked on a design that has surpassed her graduation project.

Seeing them, Zhang Siyi thought she had sent him the wrong document, but when he turned over to the latter portion of her portfolio, he knew she was not wrong. Indeed, the projects Su Yuan took part in weren’t worth mentioning. Being delegated to analysis, modeling, and translation, her work at her job remained at the most basic level. Even the highest scoring design from their graduation was, in Zhang Siyi’s eyes, rough, riddled with problems and naïve.

From the pit of Zhang Siyi’s stomach, a myriad of emotions welled up after looking through her portfolio twice.

When he first starting working at Borderless, having to draw bathrooms and parking lots incessantly, he complained to his friends about his work conditions. He thought Gu Yu’s training model was inconsistent with their foreign educational background because when a designer encountered an engineering problem, it wasn’t something they troubleshooted. More then once, he suspected he wasn’t suited to work at the company.

Nevertheless, when he overcame these difficulties, now he could look back and see his own shortcomings. It stands to reason that it’s human nature to take the easiest path forward. But, if he only ever worked on things within the scope of his education, then he would never grow and develop as a designer.

Zhang Siyi sighed and had to admit that Gu Yu was right again.

Believing that Su Yuan will never take short-cuts with regards to her collection, Zhang Siyi thought she had done her best to show her current abilities. Unfortunately, perhaps in Gu Yu’s opinion, she and a freshly graduated undergraduate weren’t any different.

Zhang Siyi forwarded Su Yuan’s collection to Gu Yu and in the postscript sent a prostrated kneeling expression: “Please.”

As he clicked send, Zhang Siyi felt the ‘buzz’ of his vibrating mobile phone. He reached into his pocket and took it out to look. At the top was a WeChat notification: Vinci has sent you a message.

Looking at Bai Rui’s nickname, Zhang Siyi heart jumped into his throat. Gu Yu was right again!

Bai Rui: “Borderless design firm……. is the company you work for?”

“…….” While talking to Su Yuan Zhang Siyi remembered mentioning it when they met at lunch. Zhang Siyi assumed Bai Rui knew it from that time. Impulsively he started to type a response, but stopped. He just remembered what Gu Yu asked him to do previously. Zhang Siyi erased his message – I just have to ignore him!

In less than two seconds, Bai Rui texted him a photo. Staring at the screen wide-eyed, Zhang Siyi nearly fell out of his chair. The image was that of the office building lobby and the Borderless name on the information signboard.

Fuck! Why is Bai Rui downstairs?! (#°Д°)

Bai Rui: “Are you at work today?” [Smiles]”

Zhang Siyi looked around to find Gu Yu, but he and the director of the other design team, Child Labor, went out for lunch and weren’t back yet!

He quickly took a screenshot of Bai Rui’s message and sent it to Gu Yu: “What should I do?”

Zhang Siyi waited for Gu Yu’s message, but none came.

Bai Rui: “I was passing by and wanted to give you something. Come down or shall I go up to you?

Zhang Siyi: “………”

Zhang Siyi forwarded Bai Rui’s second message to Gu Yu. He was starting to panic: “He’s coming! What should I do?” [Kitten Crying]

God damn it!  Why isn’t Gu Yu responding!?!?

How can Zhang Siyi go downstairs to meet another man and receive a gift. In the face of other people, he was still a proper straight boy!

After anxiously waiting for two minutes, Zhang Siyi couldn’t stand to wait any longer so he called Gu Yu directly seeking answers. There came a ring from behind the glass door of Gu Yu’s office…… Shit! Gu Yu left his phone in his office.

Fretting over it, Zhang Siyi broke out in a cold sweat. At any moment, Zhang Siyi thought Bai Rui would actually walk out of the elevator and onto the office floor. He grabbed the phone and called the front receptionist: “No matter who looks for me, tell them that I don’t work here!”

Front desk receptionist: “……”

Front desk receptionist: “Hey, Auntie Four, is the mafia on your tail?” (*^__^*)

Zhang Siyi simply wanted to burst into tears. Yes, it’s like that! Ever since Gu Yu deduced that Bai Rui may be gay, Zhang Siyi thought of him as a demon. All the unwanted attention; Zhang Siyi wanted to avoid it at all cost.

Zhang Siyi: “I’m serious, please! “

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 182: Verification

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Bai Rui’s antics made Zhang Siyi feel like he was forced to owe him something. Although it was only thirty-five extra bucks and Bai Rui said to keep it, Zhang Siyi couldn’t accept it. Since it didn’t make much sense to Zhang Siyi he relied on Ren Mengyu to figure it out: “Ren Mengyu, why did you tell Bai Rui to pay back the money for the coffee?”

Ren Mengyu sent a cartoon expression with a question mark: “What?”

Zhang Siyi explained: “Your boyfriend befriended me in WeChat and said that you were angry, about the coffee money.”

Ren Mengyu: “Hmm? Was this why he asked me for your WeChat?”

Seeing her reaction, Zhang Siyi thought it was strange. Why does it seem like she had no knowledge of this matter?

After a little while, Ren Mengyu sent another message: “Now that you mentioned it, after our lunch, he may have sensed that I wasn’t happy.” ^_^

Zhang Siyi’s emerging doubts dissipated as Ren Mengyu explained. He said: “You are too polite. We rarely get the chance to eat together and a few cups of coffee wasn’t a big deal. You needn’t ask your boyfriend to refund me. I didn’t want to take the money, but he insisted. [Laugh][Cry]

Not waiting for Ren Mengyu to reply, Zhang Siyi continued: “The money for the coffee has been refunded but he over paid me by thirty-five yuan. I tried to give it back but he refused. Since I can’t keep his money, please transfer it to your boyfriend for me. Zhang Siyi took a moment to send thirty-five yuan to Ren Mengyu.

Watching the payment appear on her screen, Ren Mengyu looked at the chat record and felt a little confused.

When Bai Rui deliberately maneuvered Zhang Siyi today, she felt that something wasn’t quite right. It wasn’t natural for Bai Rui to fuss over a small amount. If Zhang Siyi hadn’t told her, she wouldn’t have known that Bai Rui was trying to give back his money. Moreover, the reason he used to asked Ren Mengyu for his WeChat ID wasn’t to pay him back. It was because he said: “I noticed your classmate likes to attend design lectures. The next time, I can get him into one for free.”

Art and design are like a type of family and since Bai Rui is a curator, he often holds both large and small exhibitions. Ren Mengyu had attended them several times and found them rather lacking in attendees. Bai Rui often invited a small circle of friends who have an interest in art, but in reality, the free art exhibition was just a night to hook-up with others in disguise.

Ren Mengyu thought that’s what he wanted to add Zhang Siyi as a friend for. Both of them were straight men so she had nothing to fear. She didn’t expect Bai Rui to accost Zhang Siyi about the money. In her mind, the Bai Rui she knew, was always a serious gentleman that rarely made jokes.

Although Ren Mengyu was curious, she saw Zhang Siyi’s explanation of Bai Rui’s involvement and felt moved. She thought Bai Rui really cared about her feelings and that was why he was willing to go behind her back. After all, she did complain to him a little after the lunch saying he couldn’t let someone else pay for a miserly amount of money for coffee.

Thinking about it further, Ren Mengyu recalled her emotions at that time and knew she wasn’t actually angry. She was just joking with him. She didn’t think her statement would cause Bai Rui to act.

It is said that one’s IQ becomes zero when they are in love and Ren Mengyu is no exception. Although she thought Bai Rui’s behavior was a little odd, she only took notice of his actions that were most beneficial for her. Since she was immersed in the illusion of being loved by her boyfriend, she was unwilling to think of a different possibility.

Ren Mengyu accepted Zhang Siyi payment and replied: “Okay, I’ll pass it along to him. I’ll make it a quick money transfer so don’t worry about it.”

Relieved, Zhang Siyi sighed and was about to close his WeChat app, but he saw a new dialog box pop-up. “Bai Rui has accepted a money transfer of two-hundred-fifty.”

Zhang Siyi: “…… ” What the fuck! (=皿=)

Bai Rui: “Since you didn’t want to accept my offer, now we are even.”

Zhang Siyi: “%¥#………………..”  

Bai Rui: “Ah, Ren Mengyu just transferred me thirty-five and said it was from you.” [Smiles]

Zhang Siyi couldn’t help saying: “Yes, because you originally refunded too much. Now that you have the two-hundred-fifty, give back the thirty-five.”

Bai Rui: “Oh…. Instead, why don’t you let me treat you to dinner.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” Shithead! Who wants to eat with you!

Just as Zhang Siyi was about to blow his top, Gu Yu returned to the room and said: “You haven’t slept yet?” He was watching Zhang Siyi frown at his phone that was tightly clenched in his hand. He asked: “What are you looking at?”

Zhang Siyi violently said: “Ah fuck! I’m so pissed! I didn’t receive a penny and instead, lost thirty-five in vain!”

Thoughtful with concern, Gu Yu asked: “What’s the matter?”

Sitting up, Zhang Siyi put his phone down on his lap and then proceeded to briefly tell Gu Yu what happened in a very animated fashion by waving his hands and arms around.

While unbuttoning his shirt, Gu Yu asked: “You’re talking about the boyfriend that your classmate met at the nightclub? He added your WeChat?”

Zhang Siyi: “Yes! That’s him. What perfect rich gentleman!?”

Gu Yu moved to the side of the bed and reached down: “What did you talk about? Let me see.”

Willingly, Zhang Siyi handed over his mobile phone and pointed out Bai Rui’s avatar to Gu Yu: “This is Bai Rui.”

When Gu Yu saw Bai Rui’s avatar at a glimpse, he didn’t look at his webpage with personal information. Instead he used his fingers to zoom the screen and enlarged the picture.

Zhang Siyi didn’t really know why Gu Yu was looking at it so closely: “What do you think of his avatar?”

Gu Yu’s eyebrows furrowed deeper: “This is a portrait of George Dale. It is the work of Francis Bacon, an Irish born artist who resided in London.”

Zhang Siyi asked: “Is this painting very special?”

“Francis Bacon was known to be gay and George Dyer was one of his lovers.” Gu Yu explained.

Zhang Siyi: “… How do you know that? Are you sure?”

“In college, I minored in the history of Western art and had to study various artists and works of art.” Gu Yu clicked back to the original screen, and noticed Bai Rui nickname. He raised his brows in question: “He gave himself the nickname Vinci in English?”

Zhang Siyi: “Yes, and? Does it mean anything?”

“Vinci is Leonardo da Vinci’s English surname.” Gu glanced at Zhang Siyi and said: “There are rumors about Leonardo Da Vinci since he had strong homosexual tendencies.”

“…..” A known gay painter and a name of a master with speculated leanings…..

Zhang Siyi was shocked: “My God. Ren Mengyu’s perfect boyfriend is gay?”

Gu Yu looked down at Zhang Siyi and said: “It’s not possible to ascertain the truth from only his WeChat account. However, if he studied art, he should have known the story behind this painting. In addition, he used the English name, Vinci, which when recognized, could be very misleading.

Zhang Siyi: “…..” It’s no wonder he thought his relationship with his friend was strange.

After Gu Yu finished, he looked through Zhang Siyi chat records. The more he swiped the screen to read the entries, the more he frowned darkly. After he finished, he gave Zhang Siyi a hard look and asked: “He is clearly hitting on you. Can’t you tell?”

Incredulous, Zhang Siyi formed a ‘wtf’ expression on his face: “Wait, what!?”

Gu Yu scrolled back the records and analyzed them one by one for Zhang Siyi: “He gave you money. You really didn’t want to accept it so you politely decline him. Wouldn’t that normally be the end of it?”

Zhang Siyi was anxious: “Yes, but he wanted the money back fast!”

Gu Yu stared at him: “Are You stupid? This is obviously a routine to bait you. Didn’t you say he was very rich? Do you think a real rich guy would care about being paid 24 hours later for a refund? If you hadn’t accepted the money, it would have been returned to Bai Rui sooner or later. The only repercussion he would experience was him being short a meager two-hundred-fifty bucks for a little while.”

Zhang Siyi: “…….”

Swiping further down the chat record, Gu Yu said: “After you sent the payment back, shouldn’t you have said a few polite words and be done with it? Whether he accepted it or not…..”

Bursting, Zhang Siyi interrupted him: “I don’t like owing money!”

Putting emphasis on his words, Gu Yu continued to explain: “It’s just thirty-five. For the rich, that is equivalent to breakfast. Are you saying he is worked up over missing his morning fritters? This is definitely a rouse to get your attention. How can you be so naive?”

Feeling wronged, Zhang Siyi’s face paled. How would he have figured out such a long and complicated ploy?

…… If I’m naïve, why don’t you call yourself a schemer!

…… Why did he come onto me? Do I have the potential to attract gay men? Do I seem gay to outsiders?

Closely watching his boyfriend, Gu Yu was thoughtful. He was intimately familiar with Bai Rui’s tactics because after all, he used similar methods. At the beginning, over the issue of the cactus, he deliberately maneuvered Zhang Siyi to play the violin for him.

However, knowing he continued to fall for such a ruse…. Gu Yu was really depressed. How can Zhang Siyi be so clueless!? Gu Yu suddenly sighed. Thankfully, the fool has Gu Yu’s stamp on him and in the future, no one will be able to deceive him.

“I swear, I really didn’t want anything to do with Bai Rui. I was just trying to clear my name!” Almost in tears, Zhang Siyi was anxiously trying to argue his point. “And, he is my classmate’s boyfriend. Why would he be hitting on me?”

Gu Yu looked at him speechless. This little fool really wasn’t aware of his own charm.

Frantic, Zhang Siyi worried: “What do I do now? Should I tell Ren Mengyu?”

“There isn’t a rush.” Gu Yu absently said. His eyes fell on the last message that was sent to Zhang Siyi. Gu Yu’s face darkened: “Don’t say anything until you know for sure because it could affect your relationship with her. We first have to verify whether or not he is gay. If he is, then he amounts to being a scumbag for knowingly deceiving a girl’s feelings.”

Gu Yu squinted his eyes; seducing my love…. You dare!?

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