Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 227: Let’s Go

The chat group lit on fire:

“Aunt Four, which school are you going to?”

Zhang Siyi tried hard to suppress his inner joy so he calmly said: “Big A University.”

“Wow! The same school as Tao Fei! How many years are you going to go?”

Zhang Siyi: “Two years.”

“Will you come back to Borderless after graduation?”

Zhang Siyi scratched his head: “I don’t know. I’ll have to check it out later …”

“There’s no way! Don’t you think he will be out of our league after graduation?”

Zhang Siyi: “… What? No….” He didn’t know what to tell them. It really depended on Gu Yu. For good or bad, where ever Gu Yu went, he would follow.

Without fear, Bi Lele proclaimed: “As long as our boss is still in the company, Auntie will definitely come back!”

Being the one most informed over the company’s gossip, she was rather surprised to learn of Zhang Siyi’s departure. Or rather, the fact that Gu Yu would let him go. Then again, men and women were different. Men often pursued academics and focused their attention on their careers instead of love. In this regard, she understood it a little.

An uninformed girl laughed and joked: “That’s right! You two are the Borderless couple!”

Zhang Siyi was very embarrassed. If they knew Gu Yu was going with him, the group of girls would probably throw him out of a ten-story building. In order to avoid problems, Gu Yu explicitly told him in private that their departure shouldn’t be made public early. He didn’t want to cause a disruption within Borderless.

To his colleagues on the internal instant-message, Zhang Siyi replied: “Whether I return or not, I won’t forget you guys. Also, don’t forget about our Borderless chat group. We can keep in touch anywhere at any time!”

On the chat group or in their department, although everyone was being cheerful, it was obvious their hearts weren’t into it. As the newbie entering the company, Zhang Siyi never imagined he would receive such star-studded treatment. He was touched.

It wasn’t easy pacifying his colleagues. At noon for lunch, he was roughly caught by Tao Fei. Shaking Zhang Siyi, he said: “Shit. Why so sudden? You’re doing a good job of keeping it a secret! Going abroad isn’t uncommon, why didn’t you tell me!”

Since Tao Fei was tall and thin, he appeared weak, but don’t be deceived. He was the president of the karate society at University. His hands were like iron vice grips and Zhang Siyi couldn’t break free from his grasp.

“Dead, Fat Peach …” Feeling dizzy, Zhang Siyi head was shaken: “It’s not that I didn’t tell you. For a long time, I have neither seen you during the day nor after hours at night. How am I supposed to tell you?!”

Tao Fei let go of him, looking a little unnatural: “I’ve been hanging out with stupid Bai Rui upstairs this whole time.”

Zhang Siyi turned a blind eye. Spending so much time together, is he not afraid of assimilation?

Tao Fei asked him: “What are you going to do about my Brother? Are you going to have a long-distance relationship?”

Zhang Siyi almost blurted out, ‘he’s going with me,’ but the thought of Gu Yu instructions halted him. He calmly responded: “You can ask him yourself.”

Although the two of them were planning to go abroad together, due to logistics and concerns, they couldn’t leave the company together. As a result, they decided Zhang Siyi would leave first and then Gu Yu would later follow. It wasn’t yet time to tell Tao Fei the truth.

Pursing his lips, Tao Fei squinted at Zhang Siyi like he was inspecting him for clues: “What’s with the cloak and dagger? Is something going on?”

Looking sympathetically at Tao Fei, Zhang Siyi silently lowered his head and began to eat.

Already, Gu Yu has made preparations for Tao Fei to take over the position of leader in Group A. In the last six months, he has been gradually handing over most of the jobs to Tao Fei. Since he doesn’t have a sufficient work experience and a license, Tao Fei was unqualified to serve as a design director. In advanced and in private, Gu Yu arranged for Tong Heyi, the leader of Group B, to take over that position.

A week later, Gu Yu organized a farewell party for Zhang Siyi. They went to the same restaurant where they held his welcome party and as before, everyone toasted him many times over.

After seven or eight rounds, Zhang Siyi rummaged through his bag and took out his “Assistant Architect” business cards. A little tipsy, he started handing them to each of his colleagues. He loudly announced: “Wait until I come back! Let’s work together to construct the motherland! My number will never change!”

As his colleagues took a business card one-by-one, they were starting to feel emotional and laughed: “Don’t forget to come back yourself! We’ll be waiting for our mascot!”

When he came to the last person in the circle, there was only one business card left. Suddenly Zhang Siyi was reluctant to give it away. He could keep one for himself as a memento, right?

Looking up, Zhang Siyi saw Gu Yu standing there with his out stretched hand. Zhang Siyi withdrew his hand and said: “You gave this to me so I’m not giving it back.”

Gu Yu: “…”

On his last day at Borderless, Zhang Siyi packed up his desk, deleted the personal information stored on his computer and officially left the first workplace in his life. As he walked past the landscaping wall with his belongings, Zhang Siyi saw his cactus. He asked reception if he could bring it with him.

The girl at the front desk was a bit bewildered: “Plants are considered company property. Employees can only adopt and take care of them during their employment. They cannot be taken away.”

Zhang Siyi asked at the last minute and wasn’t expecting much. He didn’t expect the receptionist to come over and whisper to him: “Well, it is company policy, but if you take it away secretly, I wouldn’t be able to stop you…..”

Zhang Siyi smiled and shook his head: “It’s okay, keep it for the next person.”

Actually, his generosity wasn’t so generous. In fact, he already had the ‘real’ cactus at home. Ha-ha!

Now that he left his work, he was biding his time until he left the country. Enjoying his leisurely life, he slept in, read books, and ate when he felt like it. Sometimes, he prepared dinner while waiting for Gu Yu to come home in the evenings.

By mid-August, Gu Yu also left Borderless. When Gu Yu came back from work in the evening, Zhang Siyi jumped up to greet him: “Well, how was it?”

Stooping over to change his shoes, Gu Yu replied: ”Tao Fei blew up.”

Zhang Siyi: “Hah! Well, what did he do? As the new group leader, didn’t he say something encouraging?”

Gu Yu raised an eyebrow and said: “He was just angry so he made a scene. He has to figure it out on his own or he won’t learn. Tao Fei just needs experience. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I haven’t asked him to thank me yet.”

Zhang Siyi: “He may be angry with you because you didn’t tell him earlier.”

Gu Yu chuckled: “I had to hide it from him otherwise he would run away in anger and then, who would I find to be my successor?”

Snickering, Zhang Siyi mourned for Tao Fei for a moment. He asked: “What was the rest of the group’s reaction?”

Gu Yu shrugged: “It’s Tao Fei’s business now. I have nothing to do with it, but I believe Tao Fei will make it work.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” He gave full marks for his ability to pass the buck!

However, despite Gu Yu’s claims, Tao Fei called him almost three times a day. He relentlessly pestered him with questions; how to do this, how to do that and all the while, Gu Yu answered him with patience.

No one knew who it was that let the cat out of the bag, but when the news about Gu Yu and Zhang Siyi going to study at the same place was revealed, the Borderless WeChat group roared:

“Four aunts! Give us back our boss!”

“Wow! Our mascot has taken the boss away!”

“Where does he live? Let’s kill him together !! “

    ……

For several days, Zhang Siyi was too scared to appear in the chat group. Fortunately, the news didn’t spread while he was at work, otherwise he probably would have been hanged!

No matter how much fuss everyone made, over time harmony was restored.

In the last week before going abroad, Gu Yu telephoned his friend who owned Yuanshan Garden Villa. He inquired about the future of the villa and if his friend wanted to use it. If that was the case, they would have to spend time reorganizing and moving furniture around.

Since his friend’s career was much grander than it was when they first met, the villa wasn’t something he was concerned with. When he heard that Gu Yu was leaving to study abroad, he asked: ”Will you return to China?”

Gu Yu replied: “Of course. In three to five years, I will be back to develop my own business when I return to Haicheng.”

The man boldly said: “Since the villa was renovated as a personal favor, its yours. Keep living there so you will have a home to come back to.”

His friend reassurances made Gu Yu and Zhang Siyi feel relieved. The amount of work needed to move their belonging wasn’t small. Gu Yu had so many books and collections to pack. Plus, there was the furniture to deal with. There simply wasn’t room in Ningcheng for it.

Thinking about the topic of houses, Zhang Siyi asked: “Since you are so rich, why not buy a bigger house for your parents in Ningcheng?”

Initially, Zhang Siyi didn’t understand it at all, but he quickly grasped the reason when Gu Yu explained. Only then did he realize that some spiritual things couldn’t be brought about by material upgrading. Their old house was full of the memories of family and that was the most important part worth preserving for their parents.

In a blink of an eye, it was time to leave. The two packed up their luggage and entrusted both Yuanshan Garden and Townhouse to Gu Yao’s care. Since their parents weren’t retired yet, they didn’t want them to have to take off from work to send them off. Instead, they returned to Ningcheng to specifically bid the Zhang’s and Gu’s farewell.

On the day of departure, their brother-in-law, He Chengtian, drove them to the airport. In order to drop them off, Gu Yao specially asked for a personal day off from work. When Gu Yu reluctantly said goodbye to his sister, Gu Yao burst into tears.

When her tears fell, the three big men panicked. Especially, He Chengtian. Calling Gu Yao by her nickname, he didn’t know what to say.

Watching He Chengtian’s distressed and helpless demeanor, Gu Yu suddenly pushed Gu Yao in his direction and chuckled at him: ”He Chengtian, my sister will be in your care.”

Taking a few seconds to react, He Chengtian’s face turned red. Like he was swearing in at court, he raised his hand up and solemnly vowed: “Brother, I’ll see to it, guaranteed.”

Gu Yu smiled and waved at them then turned around and headed to the departure gate with Zhang Siyi.

After going through security, Zhang Siyi received a call from Fu Xinhui. He scrambled to pick it up on time. He answered and heard his friend’s voice: “Are you going abroad today?”

Zhang Siyi answered: “Yeah! I just went through the security check and I’m on my way to the departure gate to board the plane.”

Listening to him, Gu Yu interest was piqued. He quietly asked: “Who is it?”

Zhang Siyi quickly told him: “Heartless Han.”

Over the phone Fu Xinhui went on: “Oh, good. I haven’t missed it. It’s a pity I can’t send you off in person today. I’m only able to make this phone call. I wish you a safe and pleasant journey!”

Zhang Siyi: “You’re in Australia, of course you can’t send me off! The phone call is enough.”

Fu Xinhui: “I have been in Australia for a year and a half already. I’ll be able to go back to China in another year. Why didn’t you wait for me to return before leaving?”

Zhang Siyi: “What’s the difference? We’ll see each other when we get back or maybe I’ll go on vacation to visit you in Australia. Oh yeh, I asked Gu Yu’s sister to take care of your son. She’s lived with us so she knows the dog so you don’t have to worry about him.”

The walk to the depart gate was a long way from the security checkpoint. Following Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi kept his attention on the phone while talking to Fu Xinhui and only vaguely kept Gu Yu in sites ahead of him. Suddenly Gu Yu stopped and returned to him and said: “Give me your hand.”

On some level, Zhang Siyi thought it wouldn’t be a good idea to hold hands in public now, but his body reacted on its own. As he was focused on the phone, he didn’t give it much thought. Hesitating for only a moment, Zhang Siyi stretched out his hand.

Unexpectedly, Gu Yu grabbed his hand and from within his pocket, pulled out two rings. He placed one on his own ring finger and the other onto Zhang Siyi ring finger on his left hand. He whispered: “Well, let’s go.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Looking down at his hands….. Looking up at the back of Gu Yu walking away…. Zhang Siyi was stupefied.

As there was no answer on the phone, Fu Xinhui was urgently calling for Zhang Siyi’s response: “Hello? Hello, are you still there?”

He absentmindedly said: “…. later,” and hung up the phone.

Watching Gu Yu’s back, he chased after him and shouted: “Hey! What is this? What do you mean?”

What about his proposal? What about a romantic scene? “…..Y, you! Stop!”

Was that it? Walking through the airport and he got a ring?

As he heard Zhang Siyi’s insistent voice calling him, Gu Yu stopped and smiled at him. He knew Zhang Siyi was running to catch up to him. As he neared, Zhang Siyi brought a gust of wind and Gu Yu heard his breathless panting. Requesting Gu Yu to walk slower, he reached for his hand. Gu Yu seized it tightly on the spot and was never going to let him go.

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Feeling the strength of his hand, Zhang Siyi’s heart was fluttering. There wasn’t a need to say more. Suddenly, it was enough. There was no need for empty vows or exaggerated sweet talk. Hand-in-hand, they were together and didn’t care who was around staring at them.

As the sunlight shined through the tempered glass window of the south side of the airport, the light casted shadows of the window frame pattern of a grid onto the marble floor. Over time, the shapes that the casted shadows formed, slowly changed.

Zhang Siyi’s life was like this marble floor. Gu Yu’s shadow was deep in his bones. From his childhood acquaintance, to a high school reunion, to a beacon of light to guide him and his love. He couldn’t be replaced.

The road ahead was very long, but Zhang Siyi wouldn’t hesitate any longer because he wasn’t afraid anymore. Because, he had Gu Yu by his side, always.

[End of text]

(…extras to follow…)

*********

A note from the translator:

Greetings!

I really love this book and I love Gu Yu and Zhang Siyi! There are so many great messages and feelings portrayed throughout the story. I hope you have enjoyed this work as much as I.

During my time translating, I was surprised to find how much I actually liked working on it. Of course, there were days it was really difficult and tedious, and I struggled to find the right words to use to express the authors story well. At other times, it wasn’t as hard and my task flowed well. Regardless, although it took longer then expected, I enjoyed the creative process and felt rewarded by the goal I set out to do.

I would like to make gallery of fan-art. Whether you would like to share your favorite part of the book, quote, or visual art, you can email it to me so I can upload it: 4snowynotes@gmail.com

PS. I have been asked to use my English as a basis for translating to other languages. My answer will always be no. While I cannot stop anyone from doing so, my translation of this novel is solely my own interpretation (see my guide to MTL).  Always translate from original (in this case Chinese) -> to your native language.

Do not repost on other sites.

Support the author and buy her book!

Thanks a bunch!

-Snowy

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 226: English

Listening to Mother Zhang, both Zhang Siyi and Gu Yu were shocked. If the family wouldn’t bless the love between them, it was like a knife hanging over their heads, ready to wreak havoc.

Furrowing his brows, Gu Yu frowned even deeper. Since he knew it was useless to say anything against her heartfelt words, he didn’t know what to say to appease Zhang Siyi’s mother. He was left with no choice but to use practical action and hope her opinion would change over time, but does she have the patience to wait?

Watching their initial expressions of shock form into despondent looks, Zhang Siyi’s mother sighed. She was awake all-night thinking. Neither did she want to hurt her son, nor did she want to be at odds with her husband.

She knew very well that while she was carrying this secret, she had already boarded her son’s boat. She could only help him hide it from Father Zhang. Poor Old Zhang. If he knew his son and his nobleman, Gu Yu, were a gay couple, he would probably collapse.

If the two of them really can be in love with each other and support each other for the rest of their lives, that is really worth praising. However, she is afraid her son is simply feeling euphoric over the newness of the moment and overtime, will change his mind. Since a same-sex relationship goes against social norms, the road is very difficult in society and the pressure is immense. If one member of the relationship crumbled under the stress, the other person would most likely be seriously injured. In some cases, emotional trauma never heals. As a mother, she was most worried about her son’s wellbeing, now and in the future.

Mother Zhang looked at Gu Yu in the eye and said: “Gu Yu, I will give you six years. Zhang Siyi is twenty-four years old this year. When he reaches thirty, if you are still together, you can ask me again and I will bless you. For the next six years, I will neither say anything to Sisi’s Father nor will I interfere with your relationship. The proof of your feelings; only time will tell.”

Mother Zhang desire to appease the situation greatly surprised Gu Yu. Yes, empty promises prove nothing. For as long as it takes, three years, six years, ten years, twenty years, as long as they could be together, time is the most powerful proof.

Gu Yu looked admiringly at the wise woman in front of him. His gratitude was indescribable.

Mother Zhang was very smart and sensible. She knew that a person’s preference can affect judgment and thus, she didn’t use emotion to kidnap affection. As she wasn’t in a position to judge them right from wrong, she didn’t want to give them false hope.

Giving them time was truly the most fare. Not only was it the most responsible thing to do, it was the best way to protect Zhang Siyi and her family.

Gu Yu hadn’t demanded much. Mother’s Zhang’s conditional request was the best result. He grabbed Mother Zhang’s hand again and earnestly said: “I will prove it to you.”

Zhang Siyi’s Mother awkwardly pulled her hand out from his grasp and said: ”Instead of telling me not to worry, you might want to explain it to your own parents. You are older than Zhang Siyi. Although you have a younger sister, you are the eldest son in the family. Have they not urged you to marry? How likely are they to accept your relationship?”

Gu Yu and Zhang Siyi smiled at each other than addressed Mother Zhang: “They already know.”

Zhang Siyi’s mother was shocked: “What!?”

Gu Yu explained: “They have long known my sexuality. This year they were very happy that I was able to bring Siyi back home with me for New Years. You can rest assured; they are very fond of Siyi.”

Although Gu Yu didn’t completely tell the truth for the fact that they tried to hide the nature of their relationship in the beginning, Zhang Siyi understood Gu Yu’s reasoning. He wanted Zhang Siyi’s mother to be completely at ease. Zhang Siyi didn’t want to elaborate and looked away evasively.

In a moment, Mother Zhang’s whole world collapsed. God, what the hell did she do? Not only did she cheerfully send him to the Gu family for the New Year, she made him bring so many gifts. Now that Gu Yu has invested in Zhang Siyi education, wasn’t it basically the same as a dowry? She unknowingly gave her son away!

As they were finishing their conversation, Father Zhang appeared from the bathroom. After he ate his breakfast leisurely, he took the newspaper to read while going to the bathroom. Not knowing he had missed the most news-worthy news, he calmly waltzed over.

With remorse, Zhang Siyi’s mother looked pensively at Father Zhang. If Old Zhang knew while away on vacation that their son went to greet his new in-laws and perhaps even called them Mom and Dad, she thought Old Zhang would probably have disowned their son!

Father Zhang saw Gu Yu and Zhang Siyi with mother Zhang sitting on the sofa together. Walking towards them he casually asked: “Ah, you are still here….. What are you three chatting about?”

Without missing a beat, Gu Yu smoothly moved over and calmly said: “I’m listening to Zhang Siyi tell me about England. I haven’t been there. Uncle, please sit.”

Mother Zhang: “…” This god acting! (= _ =)

“Oh?” I haven’t even heard much of it either. “Father Zhang snorted like he was greatly offended and moved to sit down. He complained: “This boy of mine told his mother everything, but not to me. He probably doesn’t even pay attention to me. Gu Yu, you don’t know it, but even though he is all grown up, last night he was hiding in his room with his mother crying about going abroad. You tell me, what is wrong with them?”

Mother Zhang: “…”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Gu Yu: “…”

Father Zhang shook his head and said: “My child from a young age has been spoiled by his mother. You will have to bear with it some more.”

Gu Yu smiled and said: “Well, Uncle, you can rest assured. I will take good care of him.”

Father Zhang nodded continuously and urged Gu Yu to take care of him in the future.

Hearing Father Zhang’s profound proclamation without knowing anything, Mother Zhang stood up suddenly. She couldn’t take it anymore and went to leave the room.

Worried about his mother’s state of mind, Zhang Siyi got up as well. He followed her and called out: “Mom….”

“What are you doing with me?” Mother Zhang grumbled.

Zhang Siyi heard the troubled tone of his Mother’s voice and stepped closer to hug her. From behind, as she was smaller than himself, he wrapped his arms around her warmly and apologized: “Mom, I’m sorry…” He kissed her cheek then softly said: “Thank you.”

The sincere apology and thanks finally made Mother Zhang feel better. However, the huge stone in her heart wasn’t completely put aside. Reaching for Zhang Siyi’ hands, she held them and continued her nagging. On one hand, she was curious about Gu Yu’s parents’ true attitude toward Zhang Siyi. On the other hand, she was worried that her son would be taken away by Gu Yu completely. After thinking it over, she still insisted that Zhang Siyi should pay for his own tuition and not rely on Gu Yu.

Father Zhang didn’t know when, but during his chat with Gu Yu, he noticed his wife and son had left the sofa. He stood up to go over to them and as he rounded the corner he watched them hug together emotionally. Father Zhang was so angry he glared at them and said: “Look, you see what he is like; all his life and he can’t be separated from his mother! When will he ever grow up!”

Mother Zhang: “…”

Now that the Zhang family gave them an all clear, Gu Yu informed his family of their plans. His parents naturally had no objections. When they heard that both of them were going to study abroad together, they expressed their full support.

After the festival, the two returned to Haicheng by car. Since Gu Yu’s acceptance was conditional on the basis of his English fluency, before he could confirm his admission and sign his acceptance letter, Gu Yu needed time to prepare for the IELTS. The University required international students be proficient in English with a total score of seven and with nothing less than six and a half in each part of the language test.

It took a lot of effort on Zhang Siyi’s part when he prepared for his exam before he went abroad. He barely reached the requirements even after taking the exam twice. Although the IELTS exam would be easy for him now, he still remembered how much he had struggled at the time.

To ensure he was well prepared, Gu Yu purchased a few study aids and practice tests on the internet. After work each day, he used the reference books and reviewed them at home in the evenings before bed. A score of seven on the IELTS wasn’t easy to achieve. Since it was tough to improve quickly with such a short amount of time, the listening and spoken part of the exam was particularly difficult. He studied for two weeks before he went to an official testing site in Haicheng.

Knowing what it was like when he took the exam, especially now that Gu Yu told him how little English he has been in contact with since his own Master’s degree, Zhang Siyi worried incessantly. Since Gu Yu had been very busy at work, he wasn’t able to study very much. At most, he reviewed the vocabulary words with Zhang Siyi for an hour each night. The time spent studying was woefully inefficient. More concerning for Zhang Siyi was the fact that two days before the exam, Gu Yu still hadn’t completed the practice questions. Zhang Siyi knew better than to question Gu Yu’s ability to learn quickly, however he couldn’t stop himself from worrying.

On the day of the test, Zhang Siyi personally escorted Gu Yu to the examination room. Holding the door open, he said: “Come on, don’t be nervous!”

Gu Yu gave him a perplexed glanced and chuckled: “Me, nervous?”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Gu Yu reached out to rub his head and calmly said: “Don’t be nervous. Go back and wait for me at home.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Two weeks later, Gu Yu received his test results. The score for each section was eight, nine, seven and seven, and his total IELTS score was an eight.

Zhang Siyi stared at his results and said in disbelief: “You! How did you do that!”

Gu Yu wondered: “Do What?”

Zhang Siyi: “Didn’t you say you haven’t used English for many years? How did you score so well!”

Since Gu Yu didn’t understand what the big deal was, he asked: “Haven’t I been reviewing for the past two weeks?”

Zhang Siyi: “…” Looking at words while chatting with him was called reviewing?”

Pointing at the score, Zhang Siyi commented: “I haven’t heard you say more than a few words of English these past few days. How can you score a 7 on the spoken language section!?”

Gu Yu tilted his head in confusion: “Isn’t it just a matter of chatting with the examiner to test your spoken language proficiency? He asked all the usual questions.”

Zhang Siyi pursed his lips together then suddenly reacted: “Were you good at English when you were in college?”

Gu Yu: “It was okay.”

What his criteria was for a so-called ‘ok’, Zhang Siyi didn’t know. He pressed Gu Yu and asked: “Up to what level did you study English in college? What was your GPA ?”

Gu Yu: “I don’t really remember, but I know it was almost full marks so I got a 4.0.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” Sure enough! This type of school bully needs a beating! (= 皿 =)

Putting away the transcript, Gu Yu smiled: “IELTS was very simple. While I was at University studying for my Master’s degree, I needed to read many books written in English in order to write my thesis. Those books were much more difficult than the language proficiency exam.”

Zhang Siyi doesn’t want to talk anymore. He shut the door and left with the dog! Give me back my worries!

Now that his results were official, Gu Yu signed his acceptance proposal and sent it back. In addition, they also mailed the necessary documents to the appropriate government officials for their student Visas.

At the end of June, since their Visas were approved without problems, there was nothing to worry about. No one at work knew both Zhang Siyi and Gu Yu were leaving the company. Whether it was their colleagues in the same department, board members, or even their close friend, Tao Fei, the company’s staff was in the dark.

It wasn’t until mid-July that Zhang Siyi began working with colleagues to transfer his work load onto others. Only then did someone realize the fact that Zhang Siyi was going back to the UK to study for a master’s degree. After the news was confirmed in private, like a dropped boulder in a calm lake, a thousand waves stirred everyone up.

“What!?!? Our company’s mascot is leaving!?!?”

__________________________

The Perfect Relationship by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 2: Inheritance

For Yin Chang, Yao Manhuai wasn’t just an agent who accompanied Yin Dong for work. Early in Yin Dong’s career, when he rose in the ranks as a movie star, he increasingly had less time to spend with Yin Chang. When any unresolved problems occurred in Yin Chang life, he could only find Yao Manhuai to help him solve them.

Once, the Asian-American nanny, Fiona, suddenly was bedridden with a high fever at home. Yin Chang called for Yao Manhuai and in turn, while overseas, she called the ambulance for him. In the interim, she hired another housekeeper to look after him until Fiona was discharged from the hospital.

On another occasion, Yan Chang accidentally tripped his classmates while playing football at the school which caused the other boy’s ankle fracture. The foreign boy threatened him physically. When Yin Chang’s teachers couldn’t contact him, they called Yao Manhuai. She flew abroad and settled everything on his behalf. She also contacted the boy’s family and had them over for dinner. She wanted Yin Chang to talk to the boy, properly apologize, shake hands and make peace. It wasn’t until three months later that Yin Dong found out about the matter.

    ……

Of course, there were only a handful of such emergencies in his life. Yin Chang was a self-reliant person and rarely troubled his father. Even though Yao Manhuai wasn’t a blood relative, since Yin Chang grew up without a mother, the only other adult he could trust was her. This fact hadn’t changed even when a new agent was assigned to Yin Dong.

Even now, when Yin Dong had his accident, the first person to call Yin Chang was still Yao Manhuai. Over the phone, she asked: “Yin Chang, I hope you can return to China as soon as possible to deal with your father’s estate and business.”

So, he came back.

“A lot of people saw me at the airport.” Yin Chang recounted the experience at the airport to Yao Manhuai.

“Your father was a famous film star. After such a shocking accident, you would inevitably become involved in the aftermath.” Yao Manhuai hinted at the larger picture. Instead of over protecting Yin Chang, she wanted him to become accustomed to the antics of the entertainment circle earlier.

Moreover, Yao Manhuai thought Yin Chang’s responses in front of the various reporters tonight were very good. Normal people, when bombarded by strangers with sudden personal questions, usually became terrified and would lose their composure. Yin Chang remained emotionally calm and maintained an excellent demeanor.

Without talking much about the past, Yao Manhuai got straight to the point: “I contacted your father’s agent and attorney. We need to meet and go over your father’s will.”

Together, the three of them met at Yin Dong’s film studio. Yao Manhuai personally drove Yin Chang.

Yin Dong’s film studio was in a four-story business villa on the western outskirts of the city. After news of the plane crash was broadcasted, the location had become a place for mourning fans. Outside the building, visitors placed flowers in rows. The scene reopened his wound and was rather stressful for Yin Chang.

Yin Dong’s current agent was an overweight man in his thirties named Yang Jiajia. When Yao Manhuai left her position to further her career, she left her most effective apprentice to take care of Yin Dong. In the five years since then, Yang Jiajia had become a refined ace broker. However, in front of Yao Manhuai, he respectfully called Yao Manhuai, Sister Yao.

Near midnight, the office area was dimly lit. They headed for the conference room. Looking haggard, Yang Jiajia commented: “The workers stayed up all night, and most of them went upstairs to sleep.”

The day before yesterday, the plane had crashed and the whole company was in chaos. As if a thief came looking for something, there were scattered documents all over the table and some on the floor. On computer screens that weren’t shutdown, news of Yin Dong’s death was still being displayed.

As they entered the conference room, the lawyer, who had been waiting for a long time, stood up to greet them. Yao Manhuai made introductions: “This is Yin Chang, the only son of Yin Dong, who has just returned from abroad. This is Wang Yan, a lawyer for Yin Dong.”

Attorney Wang handed a business card to Yin Chang and introduced himself: “I have been in charge of your father’s business and his private assets for more than 10 years. I’ll do everything I can to help you with your affairs.”

After his introduction, he went on to inform Yin Chang both of Yin Dong’s assets and his company’s status.

Yin Dong had stakes in six state-owned companies in China, mainly in the film and television industry with a total valuation of more than 500 million. He also had shares in Yao Manhuai’s company, Rising Star Entertainment. There were only two companies in Yin Dong’s name. One was his business and the other was a cultural company that recruited multicultural projects abroad.

The film studio was set up solely by Yin Dong. When Yin Dong was alive, he personally had his hands in many projects. Once he died, someone had to take over the management rights to ensure each of the projects could continue.

Also, in addition to the film and tv drama contracts, there were a few commercial endorsements as well. As the news of Yin Dong’s death still lingered on the Internet, many people sent letters of sympathy. When the emotional turmoil of the moment eventually cooled, someone would have to deal with the aftermath.

That was precisely why Yao Manhuai arranged for Yin Chang to return to China as soon as possible. After all, Yin Chang was the only person currently able to take over Yin Dong’s position. It is up to Yin Chang to decide whether he will lead in his father’s stead, or hand over the matter of running the business to a professional.

Afterwards, Mr. Wang wanted to inform Yin Chang of Yin Dong’s private assets separately. Thus, Yao Manhuai and Yang Jiajia excused themselves and left the room.

His father owned more than 200 million in real estate, 100 million in liquid assets and 200 million in charitable funds. According to the lawyer, the charity fund had nothing to do with Yin Chang.  Before his death, Yin Dong had signed an agreement to transfer the management rights of the fund to relevant agencies when he passed.

In addition, Yin Dong had bought a 30 million-yuan insurance policy for Yin Chang alone for protection and financial security in the event his reputation was damaged or his investments caused a bankruptcy. However, the 30 million yuan couldn’t be withdrawn at once. It would be paid out to his personal account over time, ensuring financial security for the rest of his life.

After reporting everything, without a moment to digest the news, Lawyer Wang asked Yin Chang: “Do you know about your own life?”

Confused about the lawyer’s question, Yin Chang asked faintly: “My life?”

Attorney Wang commented: “Mr. Yin kept a copy of his family registration file here. He has no legal spouse and his relationship with you started a year after you were born.”

Yin Chang frowned: “What do you mean?”

Attorney Wang explained: “The reason Mr. Yin added you to his family registry was because of adoption.”

Yin Chang was shocked: “Adoption?”

“Impossible.” He instinctively refused to believe this fact. How could he have been adopted by Yin Dong?!

Attorney Wang reassured him: “Don’t be nervous. I’m simply stating the facts based on the present information. Indeed, many adopters choose to hide the truth for the physical and mental health of the adoptees. However, as a well-known figure without a spouse, in order to protect his reputation, he established a father-son relationship with you under the name of adoption. It doesn’t mean you aren’t blood related. If you have information about your birth mother in private, please don’t take my nonsense in offense.”

The words of Attorney Wang didn’t offer much comfort to Yin Chang.

Indeed, he didn’t know who his mother was. When he was a child, Yin Chang had questioned Yin Dong relentlessly. Yin Dong told him that his mother died of illness shortly after giving birth.

Also, the love of his Mother was so overwhelming that he told Yin Chang he was afraid of seeing her mementos, so he destroyed all of her photos and related objects.

Every time he mentioned this, a look of melancholy would appear and often times, Yin Dong mourned. For many years, Yin Chang believed him. However, now that Mr. Wang has mentioned this matter, Yin Chang had begun to doubt his father’s words.

Not knowing what to think, Attorney Wang hesitated. He spoke up: “May I ask if your father ever mentioned the person, Shao Junling, to you before?

Yin Chang asked: “Who is Shao Junling?”

When the lawyer saw the blank look on Yin Chang face, he shook his head and said: “Nothing, it’s not a big deal.”

Although Yin Chang was a little puzzled, his mind was already speculating the facts about his own life and didn’t have much interest in an unknown name.

After he had asked this unrelated question, attorney Wang closed the file and tried to sooth Yin Chang: “There is no need to worry so much about your blood relation to your father. By law, you are Yin Dong’s son. Since Yin Dong didn’t leave a will, in theory, you are his sole legal heir.”

Having made a total estimate of his worth, the lawyer told Yin Chang that he would inherit, excluding some investment losses, compensation for business disruption, and equity transfer taxes, a total of 700 million in assets.

In fact, Yin Chang, who had grown up with material wealth, hadn’t shown interest in this figure. He was more concerned over the adoption issue than how much money he would inherit.

It was nearly two in the morning at the end of their meeting. Since learning of his father’s accident, Yin Chang hardly had time to rest.

Yao Manhuai entrusted Yang Jiajia to settle Yin Chang in, so he would be able to rest well for  the night. They would meet again tomorrow.

Yin Dong has a high-end apartment where he usually stayed five kilometers away from the film studio in Haicheng. Yang Jiajia had a spare key and asked Yin Chang if he wanted to spend the night there.

Yang Jiajia drove Yin Chang to Yin Dong’s apartment. When approaching the building, he noticed Yin Chang’s strange look at the surrounding environment. He couldn’t help but ask: “Have you ever been here before?”

Yin Chang confessed: “First time.” To be honest, until tonight, he wasn’t even aware of the number of homes his father owned.

Although Yin Dong was his father, their lives were independent of each other. Yin Dong had created a safe and affluent living environment for his son abroad. Yin Chang understood the necessity as he was familiar with his father’s domestic work. The amount of houses Yin Dong wanted to buy was his father’s freedom.

Yin Chang’s indifference also made Yang Jiajia feel a little emotional. This was the residence where Yin Dong spent most of his time. Even as his biological son, Yin Chang had never been here. For the son of a most loved movie star, how much stress and expectation did he have to endure? It was loneliness that led to Yin Chang’s independence.

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