Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 181: Repayment

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Gu Yu asked: “They called you?”

Supposedly, Gu Yu didn’t know that Zhang Siyi was nearby. If Zhang Siyi hadn’t seen Gu Yu being approached by many women, he wouldn’t have known he was being targeted. However, now that the girls have called and Zhang Siyi was the recipient of those calls, he ultimately learned about the many women that wanted to hook-up with Gu Yu. Did Gu Yu deliberately hand out his number to make him jealous?

Grinding his teeth, Zhang Siyi sourly said: “Yes. I think those people are interested in you. What are you going to do?”

Gu Yu grinned and said: “You decide.”

“…….”  Bastard! Gu Yu himself had caused the problem and instead of solving it, he passed the responsibility to Zhang Siyi!

Feeling a little resentful, Zhang Siyi was about to retort but instead, his loud, growling stomach interrupted them. They glanced at each other at the same time. Gu Yu laughed out loud and patted his ass: “Let’s get up and eat. Do you want to go out for steak?”

Zhang Siyi: “Forget it. I’m feeling too lazy to go out.”

“Shall I make some dumplings?” Gu Yu got up and saw Zhang Siyi hiding his head. He leaned over and kissed him then said: “Put on your clothes.”

“Hmm.” While on the bed, Zhang Siyi slid on a pair of pajama pants. When he got off the bed and stood up, his legs buckled. He was reminded of how much he ‘suffered’. Shit! Gu Yu was a beast. When next they fought, Zhang Siyi absolutely couldn’t rely on this method to solve it!

As he reached the bottom of the staircase, Zhang Siyi’s legs buckled again. Fuck! Gu Yu hasn’t even apologized for his rough treatment!

Fighting between each other was just too emotionally taxing and to some extent, physically exhausting as well. Zhang Siyi was even hungrier than he thought and as a result, he wolfed down delicious dumplings and seaweed soup. It didn’t matter whether or not he ate a steak. Even a simple meal became fine dining. What was truly important was the ability to eat together while enjoying each other’s presence.

After gorging himself on food, Zhang Siyi didn’t want to move. Eventually, he brazenly put his chopsticks down and pushed his plate back. He supported his waist and slowly walked back upstairs to his own room. Gu Yu understood that Zhang Siyi was ‘bearing the pain of happiness’ and let him go back to his room alone to rest.

Burrowing into the blankets in bed, Zhang Siyi wrapped them around himself and hunkered down until his head was only showing. He took out his phone and wondered what he should tell Su Yuan. Of course, he didn’t tell her about his true relationship with Gu Yu, but informed her that the director could evaluate her portfolio and suggest a company she could apply to that was suited her abilities.

Su Yuan didn’t expect Zhang Siyi to take her matter to heart, let alone make inquires on her behalf on the same day. Grateful, she thanked him sincerely and said she would prepare a collection of work as a soon as possible. Now that the issue was dealt with, Zhang Siyi felt relieved. He checked in with his friend’s group chat.

They began to chat around five o’clock in the early evening. After Zhang Siyi left, he noticed they hadn’t stayed out for very long. Ren Mengyu was asking the group what they thought of her boyfriend.

Jiang Hai: “Very good….. handsome, rich, and elegant.”

Tian Yujing echoed him: “Yes. I think you are a very well matched.”

Ren Mengyu listened very happily and made a cute cartoon expression in the group.

What? Was Zhang Siyi the only person that felt her boyfriend was stingy? More than two hundred worth of coffee and he actually asked Zhang Siyi to pay. (T/N: 200 Yuan = ~ 28USD/26Euro)

Jiang Hai added: “But I feel he is a bit mysterious. When we had a lunch today, he didn’t say anything about himself.”

Inwardly, Zhang Siyi agreed with Jiang Hai’s assessment. As they talked, Bai Rui only listened. If he wasn’t so good looking, they wouldn’t have even known Bai Rui existed.

Intuitively, it was difficult for Zhang Siyi to draw a couple’s equal sign between Bai Rui and Ren Mengyu.

Unlike Tian Yujing, when Jiang Hai first brought her to their apartment to meet, she left a very vivid impression on Zhang Siyi. As for Bai Rui, he gave Zhang Siyi the feeling he was Ren Mengyu’s wallet more than anything else. In addition, this wallet wanted Zhang Siyi to share the cost! (=_=)

“That’s how he is. When I’m with him, he rarely mentions work because he says he doesn’t want to mix life and work.” Ren Mengyu explained.

Jiang Hai: “Ah. That explains it.”

Even though Ren Mengyu explained it clearly, Zhang Siyi wasn’t convinced. During their lunch together, Bai Rui was only introduced as a boyfriend and never revealed anything about himself. Wasn’t it normal to briefly introduce yourself by telling about their career and position? All the information that the group knew about him was already provided by Ren Mengyu in private.

According the Ren Mengyu, in addition to having an extremely good background, he had his own company. Aren’t these all very good talking points? But, Bai Rui said nothing about it. Mulling it over, Zhang Siyi came up with two reasons for his behavior. One, he didn’t want the group to get to know him, or two, he didn’t want to further integrate himself into Ren Mengyu’s life. Either way, it’s not the attitude that a normal boyfriend would have.

Bai Rai attitude reminded Zhang Siyi of Gu Yu because he also keeps a clear division between his work life and private life. In front of others, Gu Yu is quite the mysterious figure.

However, their similarities end there. Everything that Gu Yu has, his diary, friend’s circle, daily life etc.…. was willingly shown to Zhang Siyi without reservation.  In front of Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu is a person without secrets. Therefore, when Ren Mengyu admitted her ignorance when it came to Bai Rui life, Zhang Siyi felt that something about their relationship wasn’t quite right.

Although he really wanted to express a few concerns, he thought about what Gu Yu had told him before and decided it wasn’t his place to say something. He wasn’t an emotional expert and could be wrong. What’s more, even if they could meet together again despite everyone’s busy schedule, he didn’t know if he would come in contact with Bai Rui in the future.

 In addition, even though Zhang Siyi wanted to complain about Bai Rui stingy behavior, talking poorly about someone behind their back wasn’t in good taste. Struggling with his ideals and not wanting to cause a problem, Zhang Siyi gave up his idea and simply sent a blessing in the group chat instead.

As he closed the group chat, he saw an extra red dot in his WeChat contacts. It usually means a user has requested him to be a friend. After he clicked on the dot, he was very surprised. The person wanting to add him as a friend was none other than Bai Rui!

Zhang Siyi was puzzled. Why does Ren Meng’s boyfriend want to add him as a friend? They weren’t familiar with one another. One lunch together hardly counts as close enough to being called friends. Zhang Siyi hesitated. Does he accept or decline?. After all, his real friend, Ren Mengyu, was the one with the relationship.

The avatar that Bai Rui used was an abstract art painting and his nickname was Vinci. Looking at it, Zhang Siyi didn’t know whether the choice was personal or was it related to his profession. He didn’t particularly understand it, but that didn’t matter since he had no interest in knowing.

After verification, Bai Rui sent an expression: [Smiles]

After acknowledgement, Zhang Siyi sent a ‘handshake’ expression then wondered: “How do you know my social media page?”

Bai Rui returned with three words: “Oh, you guess.”

Eyes twitching, Zhang Siyi thought to himself ….. Can’t you just answer me! Why do I need to guess?

Being with Ren Mengyu, Zhang Siyi subconsciously eliminated the thought that Bai Rui was gay, but the literal tone of his three words really made Zhang Siyi suspicious. How can a straight man talk to another man in that tone? Was Zhang Siyi a little girl? (=_=)

Thinking back to this afternoon, when Bai Rui produced his QR code for the payment from WeChat, did Zhang Siyi leave any information behind? With his previous use of the app to transfer money, he was only able to see a nickname and avatar. There wasn’t a way to know the account name in order to make a friend request. Was the answer so simple to Bai Rui’s question; ask Ren Mengyu?….. Ah fuck!

Zhang Siyi bluntly asked: “You didn’t ask Ren Mengyu, did you?”

Bai Rui replied with a transfer. [WeChat Transfer – ¥250.00] “For this afternoon’s coffee.”

Bai Rui added: “My girlfriend was angry so I needed to return the coffee money back to you. [Smiles]”

Zhang Siyi: “…..”

Zhang Siyi: “No need. It was just a few cups of coffee.”

Although Zhang Siyi thought Bai Rui was rather petty in the afternoon, Zhang Siyi didn’t let Bai Rui’s actions bother him. However, unlike Zhang Siyi, this little matter made Ren Mengyu upset. As it turned out, now that she has fallen in love, Ren Mengyu turned into a spoiled princess.

Zhang Siyi thought Bai Rui had been instructed by his girlfriend and would therefore be forced to give it.

When Bai Rui read Zhang Siyi’s message he wrote back: “Ok then.”

It was unexpected. Zhang Siyi hadn’t moved an inch when Zhang Siyi saw his reply. Zhang Siyi felt like he was punched in the face. Didn’t Bai Rui just say his girlfriend coaxed him? Why did he give up?

Bai Rui quickly replied: “Alright, accept the payment and give it back. Otherwise, I have to wait for the system to issue a refund and it takes more than twenty-four hours.”

Zhang Siyi eye twitched. Fuck, what the hell!  He can’t wait twenty-four hours?

He silently collected the money and then issued a return of two hundred-fifty. However, he hasn’t yet seen Bai Rui accept the payment.

Zhang Siyi had a bad feeling: “It’s your turn to confirm the payment.”

Bai Rui: “Oh never mind. You can keep the money. I won’t accept yours.”

Zhang Siyi: “…….”  Fuck! His original speech was a ruse! (#°Д°)

Zhang Siyi: “What? Why are you doing this!” [Going Crazy]

Bai Rui: “[Smiles]”

In just a few minutes, Zhang Siyi’s was unwillingly taken on a roller coaster ride. Clearly it was payback money, but it was being bounced around like a hot potato. Zhang Siyi felt like he was being deceived and it made him feel very uncomfortable.

Even though Zhang Siyi was frantic to resolve the issue about the money, Bai Rui seemed to be completely indifferent.

He was so exasperated that he didn’t know what to do to resolve the issue cleanly. Suddenly, he thought of a solution. “Ok. But, the six cups totaled only two-hundred-fifteen and not two-hundred-fifty. I can’t keep the thirty-five extra that you gave me.” No matter what, Zhang Siyi didn’t want to take anything extraneous from Bai Rui.

Bai Rui replied: “Don’t worry. Just think of it as my gift to you.” [Smiles]

Zhang Siyi: “……”  What the Fuck! Why is he doing this!? It’s so stupid! (╯‵□’)╯(┻━┻

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 180: Reconciliation

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Lying motionless on the bed breathing heavily, from the throes of passion, Zhang Siyi’s mind was numb from pleasure. Playing with Zhang Siyi’s earlobe, Gu Yu was still on top of him. After a long time, Zhang Siyi regained his senses and wiped his red, moist eyes. With a hoarse voice, he complained: “Asshole.”

Due to their charged emotions and heightened feelings from their fight, they were unusually intense in bed. Moving his lips alongside Zhang Siyi’s neck slowly, pausing here and there, Gu Yu kissed him tenderly. He said: “Who told you to start a fight?” At the base of his neck, Gu Yu sucked particularly hard, leaving a punitive mark.

Zhang Siyi muttered: “Who wants to argue with you……”

“You didn’t?….. Because of my refusal to help your classmates with the company, you immediately threw a fit and decided not to eat. You know that my hands are tied, and yet you put me in a difficult position and asked me anyways. I don’t want to fight with you, but I can’t compromise. You think I don’t care about you……What did you tell me to do?” Gu Yu looked up at him and sighed helplessly. He brandished his hands to loosely grasped Zhang Siyi’s neck and squeeze. He whispered: “I’m so furious with you that I could kill you.”

When enough pressure was on his throat to feel his breath being affected, he swatted Gu Yu arms away. Gu Yu, such a proud man. Being forced to sit on the stairs for an hour and a half and then pleading with Zhang Siyi was completely unexpected behavior. In that moment, it showed how indignant and dire Gu Yu really felt.

Now that their negative emotions were vented, they could finally calm down and discuss it further. Zhang Siyi grabbed Gu Yu’s hand and gently gave him a peck on the lips then complained: “Clearly your attitude is too bad and unsympathetic!”

He continued: “Being two years older, Su Yuan is very mature. When we were abroad and new to the city, she showed us around and taught us where to go and what to avoid. She helped us with registration and getting the proper documents for foreigners. She even helped me get a local bank account set up. Not only that, Su Yuan was exceptional with her academic studies in college. She would take time out of her busy schedule to help when we asked. She gave us tips and helped us organize our coursework. She showed us the best places to buy materials for classes. Whether is was something about school or life, she was always there to help make things better. She is a very good-natured person. When I see her doing poorly, I really want to help her. At least compared with my schoolwork, she always scored higher than I during University. I wouldn’t have asked you if I didn’t think she would be a capable member to Borderless’s design team. It’s not hard for you, is it? If you could interview her and see, I thought you would be able to understand. Instead, I got cold water poured on my head. How can I bear it and say nothing?”

In quiet contemplation, Gu Yu listened to Zhang Siyi. When he finished, Gu Yu explained why he rejected him in the first place: “Siyi, the situation at Borderless isn’t fairing any better than other companies. This past year, large scale projects have been on the decline. Although you may not be aware, there are many projects that stall during the construction process and are abandoned partially completed. The upper managements kept those facts about a crisis away from their employees in order to maintain moral. Otherwise, it could affect the whole company’s performance and productivity. At present, the company can maintain the current salary and benefits of its employees because there is an investor behind the company. Since Borderless is a smaller design firm that strives to put out quality work instead of focusing on quantity, the company hasn’t been affected as much as other places. At 20 people, we have a cohesive group of talented individuals. It is already saturated. There is a risk of breaking a team’s cohesion when hiring new people, especially with less than a year’s worth of work experience. I am too busy right now to bring in another new person. Think back to when you first started. How long did it take you to work on a simple task? Let alone, a big project? Do you know how much I expect from you? When I thought you were ready to be on your own, you even made a beginner mistake calculating area not long ago.”  Thinking about it, Gu Yu pinched Zhang Siyi’s chin.

Zhang Siyi’s heart lurched. Now that he heard Gu Yu give a detailed explanation, he understood why Gu Yu was so angry. Not only that, then Zhang Siyi said, ‘don’t humor me’…. That was Gu Yu’s last straw.

Gu Yu continued: “I don’t know how other companies run their business, but at Borderless, instead of simply employing someone to ‘work for the company for a base wage’, we recruit people and train them as independent talents. As a result, every single person who is looked at, must be carefully considered. Even though it’s only been a year, no matter how much ability you think she had while studying, it is already in the past. Since different environments have different effects on people, her current ability is unknown. If she were to begin at the company, she might be fine for a while, but what would happen if she no longer felt comfortable with the work that was given to her? What would you do? Would you be responsible for her? For the company? You would just feel more stressed about it.”

Zhang Siyi listened attentively to Gu Yu’s words. Now with mixed feelings, he thought his original idea was too naïve. From Gu Yu perspective, it was much more complex than it seemed! Feeling embarrassed, he covered his red face with his arms in guilt.

Gu Yu rubbed his head and said: “Also, many design companies prohibit the recruitment of people from the same background. Since you two were abroad in the same class, your experience was too similar. Your designs ideas inevitably would overlap and cause unnecessary competition between team members. As a result, the balance of working relationships of the team would crumble and cause internal divisions and strife.”

Zhang Siyi revealed his face and defended his friend: “Su Yuan isn’t that kind of person.”

Gu Yu stretched out a finger to block his lips and interrupted him: “Whether she is or not, I am the design director of Borderless. The first thing I must consider is the company’s situation, followed by you. Did you already forget what happen in Japan with Lu Qiao? If I recruit your classmates into the company, what do you suppose he would think? How about when Tao Fei began at the company? Did you not suspect me of preferential treatment?”

Zhang Siyi frankly admitted “Uh-hmm.” When he first heard Tao Fei address Gu Yu with such familiarity, it was obvious how uncomfortable he felt.

Gu Yu: “Isn’t that right? That is why I asked you if she had the ability beyond Tao Fei. If she could showcase her abilities to prove her worth as Tao Fei had done when he first came to the company, then people would understand why she was recruited. Otherwise, if I recruit a common newcomer, people will start to suspect the impartiality of the employment.”

“I’m sorry…” As he listened to Gu Yu explanation, the more Zhang Siyi realized of his own ignorance and capriciousness. He lightly kissed Gu Yu and wrapped his arms around his waist, pampering him. Zhang Siyi looked up at him coyly and softly said: “I know you have your strict principles and I don’t want to embarrass you. I’m sorry I took you for granted.”

When Zhang Siyi argues, he fights like a lion with his claws out, ripping open hearts. But, once the quarrel passes, Zhang Siyi is like a soft harmless kitten, waiting to be petted. Witnessing his lover’s contrasting mood swings, Gu Yu just wanted to cry and laugh.

This incident made Gu Yu learn about his own faults. If Zhang Siyi hadn’t mentioned it, he wouldn’t have learned about his ‘cold and unsympathic attitude’ that his lover perceived.

Gu Yu reached around this ‘cute kitten’ and embraced him. Gu Yu pulled him close and asked: “What about your classmate? Why don’t you let her have an interview?”

“It’s not necessary.” Gu Yu explained the reasons for refusal so clearly. How could Zhang Siyi still be willful?

In fact, when he was downstairs, he had already figured it out. For the sake of his friend, he jeopardized his relationship with Gu Yu and regretted it.

Discouraged, Zhang Siyi gloomily replied: “I didn’t offer any commitments. I’ll let her know that Borderless isn’t recruiting.”

Listening to Zhang Siyi’s somewhat frustrated tone, Gu Yu offered: “In fact, it’s not like I didn’t want to help you help her. I have been in this business for a long time after all and I know a lot of peer businesses. If she has the will to change companies, let her prepare a new resume and portfolio. When it’s ready, we can meet, and I can assess her capabilities and recommend a company that she is suited for. Maybe it could change her current situation.”

Elated, Zhang Siyi’s heart was happy: “Why didn’t you say so from the start!?”

Gu Yu: “……” Because someone just blew up at me……

 “All right! I will tell her later!” With both arms and legs, Zhang Siyi wrapped himself around Gu Yu and squeezed him hard and excitedly kissed Gu Yu’s face a few times. In between kisses he spoke: “Say so earlier! ….. I’ll have a better attitude…… I won’t be angry! ….. You see….  I’m not unreasonable…. right?”

Gu Yu laughed. He didn’t want to mention how much of a temper his little fool had. He simply wanted to love him, and it seemed, these days, he spoiled him too much.

Like wives seeking forgiveness on in a TV drama, talking coquettishly, Gu Yu raised an eyebrow and asked: “Baby, did I do a bad thing?” With light caresses, he slid his hand down Zhang Siyi’s abdomen and fondled his region tenderly. Zhang Siyi part was quickly ready for more.

Zhang Siyi twisted and twisted and tried to get out of Gu Yu hold. He couldn’t escape from Gu Yu talented hands. He called out for mercy: “Enough is enough! I don’t want…”

Continuing his rubbing and smiling broadly, Gu Yu snorted: “…. Just be honest.”

The argument between them made Gu Yu fully understand Zhang Siyi soft-hearted character. If he was too rigid, both would end up getting hurt. Zhang Siyi Enjoyed the sensations for a moment until he suddenly remembered the previous text messages. He sat up and asked: “Why did you give those girls my number? Am I a hotline?”

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 179: Argument

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Zhang Siyi’s loud voice successfully rescued Gu Yu. The people staring at them in the lecture hall focused their attention elsewhere and the surrounding people began to move away.

After they left the library, like it was stuffed with a steamed bun, Zhang Siyi’s face continued to bulge in anger. In contrast, Gu Yu’s happy face was stretched wide in surprise.

“Didn’t you say that you wouldn’t make it?” Gu Yu asked, smiling.

Anxious, Zhang Siyi exhaled and answered him sharply: “I was lying! I was already there sitting behind you!”

Zhang Siyi was very much looking forward to seeing his lover. Instead, he got to witness the swarm of women…… Do you know what it is like to lose all hope? This is it!

Now that Gu Yu knew Zhang Siyi had ben behind him watching, he could guess why Zhang Siyi looked unhappy. He was probably jealous.

Gu Yu softly asked: “Do you want to go out for dinner tonight? The last time you said you wanted to eat at that famous steak restaurant?”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Playing foul! He is even trying to tempt me with food!

Even so, since he didn’t eat beef at lunch with his friends, he really wanted to eat a juicy steak now… (&_&)

Zhang Siyi snorted and said: “Okay.”

Gu Yu smiled and messed up his hair with his hand. After getting on the subway, he asked: “How was your class reunion?”

Not forgetting about Su Yuan’s situation, Zhang Siyi summed up his experience with his friends.

While listening to Zhang Siyi talk about his friends, Gu Yu smiled, but when Su Yuan’s situation came up, he became serious: “I’m afraid not.”

Even though Zhang Siyi didn’t get the chance to talk to him about it in detail, he was outright rejected. He heatedly debated: “Why not?”

Gu Yu explained: “It’s true. There is a downturn in the industry and there are many layoffs everywhere. Even at Borderless, there wasn’t an interest to employ new staff this past year. There weren’t any exceptions.”

Gu Yu’s refusal greatly surprised Zhang Siyi. Since his expectations weren’t met, he frowned and shouted: “How can you stand there calmly and tell me there are no exceptions?! What about Tao Fei?! Are you so untouchable that you can open the backdoor for him, but when it comes to me, you aren’t willing to help my friend?”

Gu Yu turned his head to look at him in the eye and said: “Can you guarantee that your classmate’s talent is superior to that of Tao Fei’s ability? Then I can take back what I said.”

Stunned, Zhang Siyi was unable to speak. This of course was impossible. As a person with a master’s degree, Tao Fei foundation was deep. How can Su Yuan compare with him? But Gu Yu’s strict and righteous attitude made Zhang Siyi angrier.

Zhang Siyi no longer had an appetite. As the subway arrived at the station where the restaurant was, he was fuming and exclaimed: “I don’t want to eat steak anymore. I want to go home!”

Gu Yu: “……”

Although Zhang Siyi knew in his heart that Gu Yu had to be fair, he had hoped Gu Yu would give his friend a chance because they were lovers. What’s more, Su Yuan was an excellent student with great teamwork ability. He wouldn’t have brought it up if he didn’t think Su Yuan wouldn’t be a great addition to any design team. Can’t Gu Yu see that this issue was important to Zhang Siyi? How could Gu Yu be so cold and ruthless!?

…… Aaaaaaah! I’m so mad at him! ! ! (艹皿艹)

The swift change of Zhang Siyi’s demeanor and declaration was a bit of a surprise for Gu Yu. Now in the subway, people were all around them. Without privacy, Gu Yu couldn’t discuss the issue further.

The abrupt silence between them was deafening. They turned around to go home without a word. Out of the station, Zhang Siyi felt the cold wind seep into his bones as he walked briskly home in front of Gu Yu.

Gu Yu followed from behind, frowning. Gu Yu silently endured his young lover’s temper.

When Zhang Siyi entered the house, he recklessly kicked off his shoes and flopped on the sofa face down sulking. The world was so unfair!

Close behind, Gu Yu stood at the entrance for a while in silence then picked up Zhang Siyi shoes and neatly placed them in the closet.

Lost in thought the whole way home, Gu Yu struggled to understand what happened between them. He wondered what he said that was so wrong. Watching Zhang Siyi continue to ignore him on the couch, Gu Yu felt like a hundred claws were tearing at his heart.

Eventually, he sighed and relented: “Tell your classmate to make an appointment for an interview.”

Hearing Gu Yu’s unexpected remark, Zhang Siyi was even angrier. He loudly refused: “Don’t.”

In worry, the blood drained from Gu Yu face leaving him looking pale. He stated: “You are angry at my first refusal and now that I’ve told you to make an appointment for her, you are also mad at me!  What do you want me to do!?”

Zhang Siyi jumped up and shouted: “I don’t need you to humor me!”

At that moment, Gu Yu became angry. Originally, since he thought he had a good grasp on Zhang Siyi’s mood, he thought he would be able to smooth things over with him but instead, he inadvertently made things worse.

Gu Yu was afraid he would do something irrevocable. Not wanting to add fuel to the fire, Gu Yu said: “Well, whatever.” He coldly turned around and went upstairs. Clearly, the start of another Cold War has begun.

As Zhang Siyi stared at Gu Yu’s back while he walked away. He grumbled to himself – Oh, great director! Tut! When I am old, I will start my own company and higher whomever I want to!

It just so happened that Gu Yao was staying with a friend for the weekend and wouldn’t be home tonight. She specifically told her brother so he could spend some quality time with Zhang Siyi. Ironically, her well wishes backfired.

Curled up on the sofa, Zhang Siyi held his knees close feeling overwhelmingly depressed and helpless. In particular, he felt guilty for offering something he couldn’t follow through with.

Thinking he could help Su Yuan with ease, he extended an olive branch, but now that he hit a wall, Zhang Siyi felt humiliated. Even though he didn’t promise anything specific, he struggled with how he should brooch the subject with her. He hated being the harbinger of bad news.

Tao Fei was right. There really was a special hot-love period in the beginning and when it ended, the attitude between lovers changed. Initially, he had the ‘boyfriend’s privilege’, but now, not only he has been pressed hard with office work, he also felt stressed over sex. ……You’re the puppy! Bastard!

For a long time, Zhang Siyi stayed on the sofa ruminating about his perceived injustice. The room gradually darkened as dusk approached. Feeling cold, his grumbling stomach reminded him how hungry he really was.

He has begun to regret the whole thing. His outburst caused him to fight with Gu Yu because of a classmate who he hasn’t spoken to in many months. Was it worth it? If he hadn’t mentioned Su Yuan, wouldn’t he be at a fancy restaurant with a stomach full of tasty steak? It could have been a perfect Saturday.

Zhang Siyi’s refusal for help from Gu Yu didn’t help the matter. Lost in thought, he wondered if the situation could have been better if he had given up earlier but, what would he be if he let Gu Yu meet his personal demands out of anger? Even if Gu Yu agreed, it wasn’t from his own will to help his classmate and that detail was what made Zhang Siyi feel very bad. Although he didn’t want to anger Gu Yu, in response, Zhang Siyi denied his offer.

What he was most angry about was Gu Yu’s complete unsympathetic and unmailable attitude. Thinking about it further made Zhang Siyi even more irritated because he is the one that loves Gu Yu and his quirks after all!

With all the negativity circulating through his brain, Zhang Siyi couldn’t help but think about the women surrounding Gu Yu at the lecture. He scornfully laughed at himself. For a long time, he hasn’t heard a peep from Gu Yu. Perhaps, he sought comfort from one of the newly acquired numbers from the women at the lecture.

When Zhang Siyi felt the phone vibrate in his pocket, he thought it was Gu Yu texting him since a long time had passed. He eagerly and excitedly looked at his phone.

What? It turns out that the message was just a strange text.……

Reading the contents of the text further, Zhang Siyi froze. It said: “Hello! My name is Xie Shulei and I was the first girl to ask for your number this afternoon at the lecture. I’m currently an architectural designer and my usual hobbies are……”

After her long text of self-introduction, Zhang Siyi saw a list of interests that were stereotypically considered cute. What is this? Confused, he hesitated for a while and contemplated the text before he could react. A message like that is hard to ignore, but why is he receiving them in the first place?

He checked his voicemail and there were more then a dozen messages waiting, some of which he received over an hour ago while he was on the subway……

……”Hello handsome. We met today at the lecture. I feel we have the same interests, lets get to know each other!”

……”I heard that you are the design director of Borderless. Are you taking job applications?”

After reading a few messages, the absurdity of the situation made Zhang Siyi want to laugh…. That guy, he’s too much!

Finally feeling more relaxed, Zhang Siyi rubbed his moist eyes and adjusted his attitude. He slowly pushed himself up to a sitting position on the sofa then stood up. Hey, there is always someone who must be able to take the first step…. He mustered up the courage to go upstairs.

Now that the sun had set, the room was dark. He walked halfway up the stairs to the corner platform and as soon as he looked up, he saw a dark figure sitting on the top step.

Startled, Zhang Siyi almost jumped in fright. Looking again, he quickly realized it was Gu Yu.

Gu Yu sat on the highest step with his head hung low. When Zhang Siyi approached, he looked up at him with a desolate expression.

“You. Why are you sitting there….?”  Zhang Siyi asked with a guilty conscience.

Gu Yu did not speak. When his eyes focused on Zhang Siyi’s face, he stood up and walked slowly step by step towards him until he reached Zhang Siyi. Not knowing Zhang Siyi mood, like testing the temperature of a stove, Gu Yu tentatively reached out to grasp his arm. When Zhang Siyi remained motionless and quiet, Gu Yu felt relieved and pulled Zhang Siyi close into his embrace.

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Holding onto his waist with one hand and rubbing Zhang Siyi’s back with the other, Gu Yu sighed in Zhang Siyi’s ear in distress: “What do you want me to do?”

A simple phrase and yet it was said with such loneliness and helplessness. Zhang Siyi listened with regret. His heart suddenly leaped up into his throat.

“I, I….” Zhang Siyi didn’t know what to say. Even though he was very angry before, now he felt like he had been wrong. He quickly held Gu Yu tightly and buried his face on Gu Yu’s shoulder. Sullenly, he muffled: “I’m sorry.”

Zhang Siyi was sorry for his argument with Gu Yu and not for trying to help Su Yuan. Knowing that he caused Gu Yu to suffer needlessly, any perceived wrongdoing was instantly forgotten.

Once again in Gu Yu arms, Zhang Siyi wondered why he made such a fuss to begin with. As long as he can love Gu Yu and be loved in return, there was no reason to fight. He shouldn’t be poking around in other people’s business when his priority was to take care of the man in front of him.

As if begging for mercy, Gu Yu pleaded: “Don’t argue with me. I can’t stand it any longer…” Then, he softly kissed Zhang Siyi’s forehead.

“Well…” Only a syllable was spoken as Zhang Siyi’s remark was interrupted by Gu Yu’s kiss on his lips.

Enjoying the warmth of reconciliation, they hungrily kissed each other’s lips and entwined their tongues.

As their deep and passionate kiss ended, they moved from the stairs to the bedroom. Along the way, they eagerly undressed each other. As Gu Yu’s desire for the man he loved grew, the negative emotions he bottled up required release. As a result, as love and desperation melded into one need, his emotions took on a physical form. Gu Yu pressed Zhang Siyi down onto the bed and fiercely entered him.

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