Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 166: Caught

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Feeling startled when he heard Lu Qiao statement, Zhang Siyi’s turned pale.

    …… Gay? Is Lu Qiao talking about him? How does he know?

While Zhang Siyi was turning to look at Gu Yu, Gu Yu was also turning to look Zhang Siyi. Both of their expressions were very complex.

Since Lu Qiao crying clearly indicated that in some way, he has felt wronged, Zhang Siyi felt confused. Thinking about it, he tried to understand what the problem was. What did being gay have anything to do with Lu Qiao? Did someone hurt him?

Although Gu Yu and Zhang Siyi were always worried about the possibility of being discovered, coming upon someone by accident and hearing a monolog about their relationship felt strange.

Lu Qiao sobbed twice and continued venting his complaints: “Why am I being bullied over being from the country and yet no one says anything about him? I can’t compare. They act like he is the pride of heaven, but he is gay! Why doesn’t anyone find it strange?”

After listening to what Lu Qiao just said, the two were even more confused, especially Zhang Siyi. Who bullied Lu Qiao? Who is the pride of heaven?

Considering his relationship with Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi figured Lu Qiao must be talking about himself, but where did Lu Qiao ever get the idea that he was the pride of heaven? Zhang Siyi doesn’t remotely feel like he is comparable to Lu Qiao’s delusion.

At the same time, Gu Yu was looking at Zhang Siyi questioningly. He was thinking about any conflicts Zhang Siyi might have had with Lu Qiao.

Seeing Gu Yu’s slightly raised eyebrow, Zhang Siyi quickly shook his head to refute. He felt his friendship with Lu Qiao was good.

Although, looking back at the last few days, perhaps Lu Qiao was a bit alienated. Being immersed in romance, Zhang Siyi’s heart and mind were occupied with thoughts of Gu Yu. In addition, traveling with a strict touring schedule created little time for Zhang Siyi to think about anything else.

After another minute passed, Lu Qiao sniffled and choked out more grievances: “He is so well liked by everyone. He has such a good family. Even his father is a government official. The boss also likes him very much…… And I’m just a loser. What makes him so different? Why can’t I compare with him? What other qualifications do I need?”

Since Lu Qiao mentioned a father who was an official, Zhang Siyi face changed. His suspicion was confirmed as Lu Qiao was the only person with whom Zhang Siyi told that fact to.

Now that Zhang Siyi knew he was the main character of Lu Qiao monolog, Zhang Siyi felt an indescribable feeling of discomfort.  Broadening his thoughts, he wondered if he really did do something to provoke Lu Qiao and thinking back, he replayed some of the details.

There was that time he was with Lu Qiao and spoke without thought about the cost of living while studying in Europe. After hearing about it, Lu Qiao seemed unsettled and had made a comment at that time about his father being a corrupt official. Although he felt a disgusted over Lu Qiao’s remark, Zhang Siyi didn’t let what he said bother him as he knew there were always some form of hatred towards the wealthy from the poor. Even if Lu Qiao might be a little cynical, his nature wasn’t bad.

Moreover, Zhang Siyi thought Lu Qiao regarded him as a friend. Why else would he suggest being roommates for the trip? And thus, being a friend, he let the issue pass as a joke. The last thing that Zhang Siyi expected was Lu Qiao talking about him behind his back. It made him feel both angry and sad.

Perceiving the changes in Zhang Siyi’s emotional states, Gu Yu gently held Zhang Siyi hand to comfort him.

Zhang Siyi was trying to listen to what else Lu Qiao has to say, but in Gu Yu’s firm grasp, he was being pulled out from hiding. Even though Zhang Siyi was quite resistant, he couldn’t fight against Gu Yu strength.

“…!!!…”  –Wha..wait, are you confronting Lu Qiao?

Lu Qiao was crying, but suddenly heard the sound of footsteps.

Now alerted, while wiping the tears from his face, he looked up to see who was near. When he saw who it was, he was stunned and his mind went blank.

…… They heard him; he was caught……

Noticing Gu Yu’s stern and expressionless face, Lu Qiao’s first thought was: ‘I’m going to be fired. Do I need to leave Japan now?’

Looking away from Gu Yu’s line of sight, Lu Qiao looked to Zhang Siyi and noticing his slight frown, Lu Qiao felt ashamed suddenly for what he said. Lu Qiao’s predicament exposed his own fear of homosexuality. Subconsciously, Lu Qiao tried to make himself smaller by shrinking back. All he wanted to do was disappear.

As Gu Yu approached Lu Qiao, he let go of Zhang Siyi hand half way and said: “You go inside first.”

Zhang Siyi: “What?”

Gu Yu clarified: “Go upstairs. I will talk to Lu Qiao.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Gu Yu’s tone was pragmatic and unemotional. Zhang Siyi felt like a character in a martial arts movie before a big showdown. In any case, Lu Qiao wasn’t the only one feeling embarrassed. Since Gu Yu’s proposal was reasonable, Zhang Siyi nodded. He eyed Lu Qiao on the ground briefly before he went inside.

Gu Yu walked slowly to Lu Qiao and bent down. He reached out his hand and said: “Get up.” Even though his face was expressionless, and his voice was flat, Gu Yu exuded a gentle feeling.

Feeling like he was about to cry from embarrassment, Lu Qiao ignored Gu Yu’s offered hand and picked himself up in an effort to maintain his dignity.

Gu Yu lead him to the slate bench that was in the garden for tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery and sat down next to him.

Lu Qiao’s heart was mess. Since he discovered the secret between Gu Yu and Zhang Siyi, he thought his Boss must be angry with him and as a result, will probably get fired…. Anyway, as he failed to integrate with his colleagues, no one really knows him so It won’t matter if he left…… Since Lu Qiao’s thoughts didn’t seem to bother him, he simply thought it would be a good thing to go to another company.

Gu Yu spoke up and said: “I understand you.”

In an instant, Lu Qiao’s tears fell.

In fact, when Lu Qiao thought about it more carefully, there was no real reason for Gu Yu to say ‘I understand you’ when he hadn’t said very much. There were many more issues bottled up inside. Even so, when he heard Gu Yu’s calming voice, he felt like he was redeemed. He choked back his tears and said: “Boss….”

Gu Yu sighed and said: “I’m sorry.”

Tears continued to flow down his cheeks like a sorrowful child. In the last few days, Lu Qiao didn’t understand what was happening to him. Why were his feelings so dark and his attitude full of despair?

Gu Yu said: “I am apologizing for inadvertently hearing your monolog. Zhang Siyi and I weren’t trying to eavesdrop.”

Although he was in the wrong, Gu Yu’s attitude made him feel warm. He respected his boss and valued his guidance. His simple apology made Lu Qiao feel respected.

In fact, he was reluctant to leave Borderless. He had been working at the company for over a year and liked the work and his colleagues. In addition, Lu Qiao felt that Gu Yu was the perfect Boss…. But, why would he be gay!? Did Zhang Siyi seduce him?

“So now, can we talk about what you just said calmly?” In a businesslike fashion, Gu Yu looked at him and said: “In an equal capacity, rather than a boss to his subordinate.”

Lu Qiao timidly looked back at Gu Yu. The kind of strength and stability that Gu Yu exuded made Lu Qiao involuntarily nod.

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 165: Singing

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Gu Yu was concerned that the topic of their conversation was too serious for Zhang Siyi to handle, but seeing his cute expression, Gu Yu felt like he won the lottery. Amused, he reached over to rub the back of Zhang Siyi head.

Calling out “Hey” and feebly moving his head out of the way, Zhang Siyi smiled broadly. The feeling of being loved felt most euphoric. As joy overflowed from Zhang Siyi’s heart, he couldn’t stop himself from humming a tune.

At first, he only hummed a bit of a song tentatively and his youthful voice seemed childish, but with growing confidence, he sung out loud. His clear voice, like a fresh summer breeze blowing ripples on a lake, flowed through the ancient city adding warmth to the otherwise cold atmosphere.

Nearly eleven at night, they were the only two people on the road. Zhang Siyi’s musical voice echoed softly in the air, increasing the romance of the ancient capital.

Zhang Siyi sang out: “ Blue sky and rain…  Smoke rising, thousands of miles across the river…… and I am waiting for you……”

Listening with enthusiasm, Gu Yu asked: “What song is that? It’s nice.”

Zhang Siyi smiled and said: “Blue and White Porcelain by Jay Chou.” ** Haven’t you heard of it?”

“I’m familiar with it but I couldn’t remember the name of the song.” Gu Yu glanced at him and said: “You sing better than he does.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Gu Yu’s loving words makes Zhang Siyi heart soar!

Zhang Siyi suddenly remembered: “Hey, I haven’t heard you sing.”

Gu Yu’s facial expression changed slightly: “Hmm?”

Zhang Siyi: “When we were at KTV , you wouldn’t sing. You told me you only sing to the person you like. I almost forgot!”

Gu Yu: “…”

Zhang Siyi said with excitement: “Come on, sing a song for me.”

Gu Yu: “Do you really want to hear me sing?”

Zhang Siyi: “Of course!” This is his privilege. He was stupid for only remembering now!

Gu Yu coughed lightly: “I can’t sing very well.”

Zhang Siyi saw the flash of embarrassment across Gu Yu’s eyes. Hey! Gu Yu also feels shy! He wrapped his arms around Gu Yu’s arm, pressed his body against his and pestered Gu Yu flirtatiously: “Come on, I want to hear you sing! Sing something for me!”

Gu Yu struggled momentarily, but relented quickly: “Okay, Okay. I’ll sing….”

With great expectations, Zhang Siyi gazed at Gu Yu with anticipation. –Gu Yu’s voice is so wonderful; his singing must be great!

Clearing his throat, Gu Yu ‘uh-hummed’ then opened his mouth to sing: “The breath of rain is the path home, on the road I chased your footsteps …”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Gu Yu: “Underneath the temperature of yesterday, you hold me like a warm tree …”

Zhang Siyi: “………” Whoa, wait…. is this singing or reading  lyrics? (￣_￣|||)

Gu Yu continued to sing in a serious way: “Down the road, the rain is gone, I remember now, the wind won’t blow the blessings…”

Listening to Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi thought the song was probably ‘Let’s Watch the Sunrise’ by Joi Chua.** Searching his memory, he was trying to remember the correct tune of the song. – Why won’t Gu Yu sing the correct tune?! Am I mistaken?

Gu Yu: “There is a road after the rain. Like watching the sunrise that year, you took me through the fog and told me to see the hope in the night…”

After listening to Gu Yu for another two sentences, Zhang Siyi confirmed his guess. As Gu Yu continued to ‘sing’, he found it laborious to maintain his excited expression…. He came to a realization. He should have known considering how poorly Gu Yu plays Era of Music.

……Gu Yu isn’t perfect!

Listening to him sing, Zhang Siyi tried hard not to laugh. Now hearing how poorly Gu Yu sang, it ruined his fantasy and as a result, he regretted it just a little.

Regardless, Gu Yu was singing very seriously. Even if it wasn’t the most musical, he was very engaged with Zhang Siyi. From time to time, Gu Yu gazed at Zhang Siyi very affectionately.

Finally waiting for Gu Xiao to finish the song, Zhang Siyi took a deep breath and felt relieved. (=_=)

Gu Yu also breathed a sigh of relief. After a few minutes of silence, he spoke softly: “ Well, I finished singing. Are you satisfied?”

Zhang Siyi: “Hmm…”

Gu Yu turned his head to the side to look at him and asked: “Was it bad?”

Zhang Siyi was afraid that honesty would hurt Gu Yu’s self-esteem so he shook his head ‘no’ and then replied: “It was okay.” Thinking about his singing, Zhang Siyi wanted to cry, but at least, the emotional input was very real!

Keenly aware of his ability, Gu Yu smiled at Zhang Siyi and said: “Don’t lie. My sister has already informed me that a fish sings better than me.” He reached out to rub Zhang Siyi’s head and said: “Just now, I lost to you.”

Suddenly, Zhang Siyi burst into tears. Ah! True love! He held Gu Yu’s hand and said: “Promise me, will you only sing for me?” ….. When people listen, your image will turn to dust.

Gu Yu: “…”

Gu Yu pinched his ear and smiled: “You don’t mind.”

The two of them strolled around the ancient city for an hour. They circled around and headed towards the backyard garden of the inn. Before they reached the back gate, Zhang Siyi heard something…. It sounded like sobbing, coming from inside?

They paused and looked at each other. It seems, the sound Zhang Siyi heard wasn’t part of his imagination. Since it was a calm and clear night, there were no other sounds and as a result, the soft sound of sobs echoing in the garden could be heard very clearly.

….. Is someone crying?

Looking at Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi pouted his mouth and stroked his cheek with his hand to express tears.

Gu Yu frowned and signaled Zhang Siyi not to speak.

Zhang Siyi felt afraid suddenly. The two were in the ancient capital of Japan, where the legend of ghosts and gods flourished. In darkness in the middle of the night someone was crying at the inn. Doesn’t this make a scary scenario?

Unconsciously, Zhang Siyi moved closer to Gu Yu, grabbed his clothes tightly and held onto him.

The two men circumvented a small tree and glanced in the direction of the sound. They saw a person standing at the tree and wiping tears. Gu Yu quickly pulled Zhang Siyi back.

Even though Zhang Siyi didn’t see who it was, knowing it wasn’t a ghost was enough to put him at ease.

Scrunching his brows, Gu Yu expression changed. All traces of joy were gone. He grabbed Zhang Siyi’s hand and wrote a word on his palm, ‘Joe’.

…… Lu Qiao? Zhang Siyi was very surprised and felt very puzzled. – Because of Du Rui and Ji Feiyu? But everyone was very happy playing the game. How can he be here alone crying? Does Lu Qiao like Du Rui, too?

Before he had more strange ideas, he shook his head and got Gu Yu’s attention. He silently mouthed: “What now?”

Behind the tree, Gu Yu continued to make a ‘shh’ gesture at Zhang Siyi. He didn’t want to act rashly. Since it was the only way to enter the inn, he wanted to spare Lu Qiao any embarrassment.

Not a moment had passed when Lu Qiao’s voice could be heard talking to himself ——

“Tree hole! Tree hole! I really can’t hold it in anymore! I am too uncomfortable… No one cares what I think and no one cares that I am unhappy…”

His shaking voice was intermittently interrupted by his own helpless sobs. Witnessing his pitiful state, Zhang Siyi felt empathic. – What is he so sad about?

As Lu Qiao crunched beside the tree, tears flowed down his face. In distress he blurted out: “No one in the whole company knows about their relationship, but I know it’s true! They are gay……”

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T/N: Blue and White Porcelain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8Mqw0b9ADs Let’s Watch the Sunrise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlLQrN2GBvY

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 164: Worries

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Even though he wasn’t really expecting anything to happen, Zhang Siyi was struck in the heart by Gu Yu’s seemingly simply but in fact, profound action.

Yes, the point is not on the tying of the shoelaces themselves, but rather, the process of taking one knee to the ground.

Zhang Siyi asked himself whether or not it was possible for him to kneel down like Gu Yu had to tie his girlfriend’s shoes. The answer was, no.  He would even feel embarrassed to kneel in front of his parents to tie their shoes. From a young age, boys are taught to stay strong and show no weakness.

Perhaps while joking with friends, one might do it, but not after such a serious discussion. Zhang Siyi found Gu Yu’s prostration extremely shocking. For a few seconds, he felt as though he was restricted by in an invisible barrier and couldn’t move.

Zhang Siyi felt himself fall in love with the man before him all over again. If, in that moment, Gu Yu had asked him to marry, he wouldn’t hesitate and say yes.

The faint touch on his foot, like an electric current, spread from his toes, throughout his limbs and to his scalp causing him to tremble.

After he was finished, Zhang Siyi naturally extended his hand to Gu Yu to help pull him up. When Gu Yu accepted his hand, Gu Yu was gazing up at him affectionately and like a prince kissing a princess, Gu Yu planted a kiss on the back of Zhang Siyi’s hand.

Zhang Siyi was reminded of the dream he had during the movie ‘Cinderella’ where he grabbed the prince’s hand and asked him if he liked him or not……

With a pounding heart, Zhang Siyi felt like he was going to drown in his emotions. For once, he was thankful for Gu Yu’s silence, otherwise with further stimulation, he thought he might faint!

His feelings at the moment were so hot and sincere that Zhang Siyi quickly embraced Gu Yu and kissed him after he stood up. However, because they were both men standing outside in public, Zhang Siyi felt his anxiety rise and as a result the longing he felt couldn’t be satisfied right now. Even so, he felt true happiness that one feels when their dreams come true. Ecstatic, he held him tightly and affirmed; he wouldn’t let Gu Yu go for the rest of his life.

Drunk, not only on alcohol, but on love, the two of them remained in each other’s embrace and kissed deeply. The night air of Kyoto, saturated with sweetness, wrapped around them.

While taking a stroll through the ancient roads, they held hands and relished the rare opportunity to be affectionate together outside. Like a fool, they stopped here and there and kissed each other as if they were the only two people in the world.

Gu Yu: “I thought your secrete plans with Ji Feiyu went smoothly.”

Zhang Siyi: “What plans? I just thought of that punishment on the fly. If I had known ahead of time, I would have told you. If I told you, would you have written ‘lie’ on my hand still? And even so, you disregarded your own rule and said you liked me in front of everyone. That Fat Peach too! Were you guys in collusion?

Gu Yu laughed and smiled at him: “It’s not…. It’s just…… I can’t hold back. Anyway, being part of the game, I didn’t think it was a big deal. People took it as a joke and no harm was done.

Zhang Siyi: “You scared me to death!”

Gu Yu looked at him and leaned over to his ear and whispered: “When you kissed me, I was hard.” He planted a hot passionate kiss on Zhang Siyi lips.

Zhang Siyi: “………” (o////o) Gu Yu, this rogue!

After separating their lips, Zhang Siyi asked: “Do you believe in Tao Fei’s ‘love period’ theory?”

Gu Yu smiled: “You are my first love. What Tao Fei said isn’t allowed.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Zhang Siyi’s silence prompted Gu Yu to continue: “Our experience is the same, don’t you think?”

Zhang Siyi: “Even though I went out with one other person I think what you said is true. Don’t be angry, but when I was with my ex-girlfriend, I felt at that time that I liked her very much and……”

“Hey” Zhang Siyi called out “why are you pinching me!? I told you not to be angry… hey… help… I was wrong! I was wrong!”

Laughing, Zhang Siyi squirmed and begged for mercy. He tried to move out of reach, but Gu Yu pulled him close instead. As Zhang Siyi was being held in Gu Yu’s strong embrace, he pleaded: “Okay, okay…. I didn’t like her. I only like you.”

Continuing to prod Zhang Siyi’s sensitive waist, this time with gentle caresses, Gu Yu stared at him.

Zhang Siyi dare not move. He knew enough not to say more positive things about his past with his ex-girlfriend: “In retrospect, our best time together was only the first few months because there was less contact when I went to the UK to study. The difficulty in maintaining long-distance relationships……”

Gu Yu: “So, what is it that you are trying to say?”

Zhang Siyi lowered his eyes and whispered: “I am afraid that after the first few months we are together, you won’t like me anymore.”

Gu Yu smiled broadly. It seems he wasn’t the only one suffering from his own doubt. This little fool was also afraid. While Gu Yu was afraid Zhang Siyi would regret his relationship with him, Zhang Siyi was afraid of being tossed aside.

“Do I look like the kind of person who only likes new things?” Gu Yu asked.

Zhang Siyi shook his head. Even though he knew it wasn’t the case as the old tape measure that Gu Yu gave him was his evidence, Zhang Siyi’s insecurities out-weighed his rational thought.

Gu Yu softly said: “According to Tao Fei’s theory, since this is our third month together, we are supposed to have cooled down already. Will there be a time when suddenly, like the ending of a magic spell, where we will think the person besides us isn’t who we thought they were and our emotional ties cease?

Zhang Siyi shook his head again. How could it be?

Gu Yu added: “Although we have had our fair share of squabbles these last few months, we were able to resolve our problems every time. As a result, our understanding of each other became better and our feelings for one another are stronger. As we get to know each other more and more, there will be fewer unknown elements between us and thus lack freshness. Which, by the way, are very normal changes in a relationship. I understand that life is long and that the feelings between us may change subtly over time into responsibility and affection for family.” Gu Yu clenched his hand and softly asked: “Do you think that is boring?”

Zhang Siyi: “No.”

Zhang Siyi is obsessed with the calm and peace of mind that Gu Yu brings into his life. Wherever Gu Yu is, he is his soul’s safe harbor.

Gu Yu sighed with relief and said: “It is good to be accepting of things for the future. In any case, I don’t believe that our relationship will be any different after three months.”

In fact, in comparison to his normal stoic and calm demeanor, the strong impulsiveness and loss of control that Gu Yu felt from time to time was difficult to restrain. If his impulses were due to the love period, then Gu Yu was wondering, if when his enthusiasm settles down, how will they continue?

Gu Yu calming timber of his voice soothed Zhang Siyi. Not only did Gu Yu quell any uneasiness in his heart, but Gu Yu’s attitude and maturity made Zhang Siyi adore him even more.

Brimming with love and affection, Zhang Siyi wanted to shout it out to the world. He waned to tell every female that secretly coveted Gu Yu…… Your male god, he is my love!

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