Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 223: Cultivation

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He was even more shocked when Gu Yu wasn’t finished: “The following year in 06, I made about four hundred thousand from renting my house and tutoring fees. I didn’t make as much because I was busy studying.“

Zhang Siyi: “…” Shit! Four hundred thousand was more than just, ‘a little’ !

Gu Yu: “In 2007, I participated in the design competition where I met Shanxi, the local real estate developer. He asked me to help him renovate his own villa and gave me one hundred thousand for my efforts.”

This matter, Tao Fei told him about. Zhang Siyi wondered: “Why did he prefer to find a college student to help him renovate when he could have used a professional architectural firm instead?”

Gu Yu: “At that time, no matter what design projects the various Firms were doing, the industry was run by a circle of businessmen and not real architects. It was a chaotic time with vague values. No one could distinguish the difference between good or bad design. They were only concerned over making money out of developing land fast and the housing market. In that type of environment, how many architects would retain the fundamentals of design? I also asked the Shanxi that very question. I had neither a degree, nor qualifications and was just a student in the architectural department so why come to me? He told me that previously, he did go to a design institute and asked the architect for a few examples. The architect asked how high the villa was, went to a database to find a five-story villa then removed the two bottom floors and handed it back with the original marked five-level floors. That type of thing had happened more then once. He felt a college student would be more knowledgeable about design then those muddy architects. In those years, since endless streams of money was flowing from large development contracts, design firms largely ignored small renovation projects like Shanxi’s.”

Zhang Siyi was surprised. No wonder Gu Yu’s Father told them last year about why the slowly stabilizing construction market was good for the industry in the long term. Only when the market slowly changed from a frenzy into a balanced state would real architects have a foothold.

After listening to Gu Yu’s story about 2008, Zhang Siyi temporarily interrupted him: “It seems that you made the most money in 2005.”

Gu Yu laughed: “Since 2005, the price of the house I bought has been increasing exponentially. I have earned an average of 1.8 million every year.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Speaking of which, He Chengtian’s family also got rich in real estate. The difference between them was that He Chengtian relied on his parents, and Gu Yu accomplished it on his own.

…… Oh! Why didn’t he live in the era of making easy money! Instead, he was born in the era of eating dirt! Aah!

Gu Yu continued: “At the beginning of 2008, because he liked my design work, Shanxi hired me again. A few of his friends were very enthusiastic about it so they invested jointly to develop a piece of land. He gave me the project to plan and design it.”

Zhang Siyi: “Fuck your luck!”

Gu Yu laughed: “At that time, it was graduation. When my thesis project was completed, I called my roommates to help design the villas with me. After finishing the project, I received more than 3 million in design fees. I didn’t have time to manage money, so I bought a house in the east third ring of the capital. Just after the purchase, a restriction on buying multiple homes was issued. You see my good luck?”

Zhang Siyi: “…… ” What’s there to say? Clearly, he is favored by God!(t_t)

Gu Yu: “During the two years I was studying for a master’s degree, I focused on my studies so I didn’t take as many private commissions. As I result I only earned one million.”

Zhang Siyi rolled his eyes at Gu Yu: ” Say, how much money do you have now!”

Gu Yu thought for a while and said: “All my assets add up to about 20 million.”

Zhang Siyi choked….. He secretly fantasized about a day in the future where he could make money and earn a reputation but Gu Yu was just too far ahead of him. What could he possibly do? No matter how hard he worked, it would never be enough!

Gu Yu patted his face and smiled: “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Zhang Siyi pretended to be dead: “You go away….. I already have a dog …”

Laughing, Gu Yu smirked and reached down to squeeze his sensitive part. Zhang Siyi yelped and instinctively jerked himself up into a ball. However, underneath Gu Yu, even though he twisted and kicked up his legs, Zhang Siyi’s attempts to throw him off were futile.

Gu Yu looked at him with amusement: “Are you not a dog?”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Knowing his fate was in the hands of Gu Yu, he felt even more agitated as it struck a nerve. If Gu Yu wanted him to live, he can live. If Gu Yu wants him to die, he dies.

Fully in his grasp, Gu Yu incited Zhang Siyi further. Not only did he tease him physically, he also bullied him with words: “How about marrying me as the daughter-in-law? As long as you are obedient, your husband will not only provide you with study materials, but also bring you delicious food.”

Zhang Siyi was getting angry. He lifted his leg and tried to wrap it around Gu Yu torso to pin him down without success. “You don’t understand! I don’t want your charity. I want to be the one who works hard to make a lot of money so I can support you!”

At Zhang Siyi’s unexpected remark, Gu Yu stifled a laugh, pausing momentarily. It didn’t last long however because he laughed out loud shortly thereafter.

Zhang Siyi flushed with shame: “What are you laughing at? Don’t you believe me?”

Nodding, Gu Yu put his fists against his lips and gently kissed them: “Umm, Hmm …”

Zhang Siyi snorted softly a looked away. Since Gu Yu was so much better than him, he knew he was bragging, but as a man, he also wanted to show-off his macho side.

Staring at the wall, Zhang Siyi suddenly felt Gu Yu pulling his pants down.

Zhang Siyi’s big declaration was so adorable that Gu Yu couldn’t take it anymore. Toppling him down and smirking he said: “Before you take care of me, let me take care of you.”

Zhang Siyi: “Hey! Ah … oh!”

Zhang Siyi protests were quickly squelched by Gu Yu’s lips as he passionately kissed Zhang Siyi. Their weekend began with hearty laughter and heavy panting.

Soon, their anniversary arrived and that night, after work, Gu Yu took Zhang Siyi out to eat for his favorite meal; a steak. When they arrived home after dinner, Zhang Siyi played the violin for Gu Yu. While the day went by without a hitch, the ring that he was expecting never came and as a result, Zhang Siyi felt a little lost.

At the end of April, Zhang Siyi finally received his formal acceptance letter and paperwork for Big A University. If an employee wanted to leave the company before the end of their contract period, a person must apply three months in advance to the personnel department. Now that his future at Big A was secure, Zhang Siyi officially handed in his letter of resignation and filled out the necessary paperwork.

During the May first labor-day-holiday, Zhang Siyi went back to Ningcheng together with Gu Yu. He needed to tell his parents the news about his acceptance letter and plans to study abroad.

After he explained, Mother and Father Zhang were shocked. His mother asked: “What? Why didn’t you say something before?”

Zhang Siyi scratched his head and apologized: “I wasn’t sure if I was going to get in, so I didn’t tell you sooner.” In addition to telling them he was accepted to multiple schools, he highlighted the famous Department of Architecture program that he was accepted to.

Knowing nothing about British Universities, Zhang Siyi’s parents took the information at his word. Most concerning for his parents was the method of payment: “How much will it be to earn a Master’s degree? You’ve only been working for two years. Do you have enough money? Do we need to prepare money as soon as possible to help finance it?”

_________________________

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 222: Money

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Concerned, Gu Yu immediately pulled Zhang Siyi upstairs to use the computer and reply to the email.

Since Zhang Siyi ignored the previous notifications, the deadlines have passed. Luckily, Big A University’s notice was issued later than the other two schools and thus, since the deadline hadn’t expired, he had ample time accept his admission.

As he filled out the acceptance form, Zhang Siyi excitement grew. The sudden feelings of happiness made him feel like he was on cloud nine. It hadn’t even occurred to him to discuss the problem of money before confirming his enrollment at Big A University.

Now that the acceptance form was completed, he used an online banking system to pay for his deposit. With his spot reserved, their minds were at ease. Zhang Siyi questioned Gu Yu: “When did you apply to Big A Uni?”

Gu Yu: “I started preparing after meeting with Xie Jiayu.”

Zhang Siyi was surprised: “After Christmas? Wasn’t that too late? How much time was there to prepare?”

Gu Yu: “Almost a week.” “

Fuck! It took him almost a month of hard work to prepare! Zhang Siyi wondered: “How did you complete it in one week?”

Gu Yu: “Well, all I needed to do was gather a few previous projects to assemble a portfolio and touch up on my English. I haven’t used English for a few years, so I was a little rusty. It took a few days to write my application.”

Learning how little effort Gu Yu had to put into assembling his application portfolio, Zhang Siyi wanted to scream. Damn! In contrast, Zhang Siyi spent countless hours mulling over appropriate choices that represented his work for his own portfolio. Why was the gap between them so large?!

Well, considering Gu Yu’s extraordinary accomplishments as a licensed architect that graduated from the top school with national awards, it wasn’t surprising how quickly he created his portfolio. For Gu Yu, the process of applying was rather like playing a game.

Gu Yu pinched Zhang Siyi’s face and smiled: “Actually, applying to the program at Big A was my Plan B. Originally, I thought I would find a job in England and directly work in the industry, but even though I don’t like to study and I don’t find school particularly challenging, I thought it would be fun to go to school with you.

Hearing Gu Yu speak about how easy it was to apply and how school was too simple for him, Zhang Siyi wanted to vomit blood. Bastard!

At the same time, Zhang Siyi was very moved: “Are you alright with leaving a good company and job? What about leaving this villa?” Zhang Siyi looked around then grabbed Gu Yu’s hand and held it tightly to his chest and asked: “Are you really willing to come with me?”

Asking this very question, Zhang Siyi felt somewhat sentimental, but Gu Yu’s answer was even more precious: “What I can’t lose is you.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Smiling, Gu Yu took his hand and solemnly said: “Even if I left my job, as long as there was a will, work can be found again. But maybe while separated, I will lose you. There won’t be another Zhang Siyi. What should I do then?”

“There are so many other people better than me, how is that possible? I’m worried that you will be taken away!” Zhang Siyi threw his arms around Gu Yu’s neck and held him close to dispel his insecurities.

Unexpectedly Gu Yu tenderly replied: “You are able to be with women, but you decided to have a same-sex relationship instead. Knowing that you can’t have a normal life with me, we can’t get married, we can’t have a baby, and yet you still choose me, where else am I going to find someone as foolish as you?”

Zhang Siyi: “…” God damn! He is going to kill me to death with honeyed phrases and sweet words! (= 皿 =)

Seeing Zhang Siyi’s angry expression, Gu Yu reached behind his neck to grab his wrists then lowered them down in front of him and pecked his lips. Leading him up to the bedroom, they enjoyed each other’s love and warmth. The process of stimulating Zhang Siyi followed by the act of pacifying him, Gu Yu greatly enjoyed.

When Zhang Siyi woke up the next day on Sunday, he thought about the cost of going abroad. Laying on his side, snuggling in bed, Zhang Siyi lightly caressed Gu Yu’s body with his hand and asked: “Hey, do you have enough money for the two of us to study in England?”

Running around yesterday for business and then suddenly being called back home by Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu was exhausted. He was half-asleep when he heard Zhang Siyi. Gu Yu mumbled: “Yeh.”

Startled, Zhang Siyi paused momentarily before running his fingers down Gu Yu’s abdomen again and said: “But it will be almost two million for the both of us. Do you really have that much money?”

Preventing Zhang Siyi’s hand from wondering too far, Gu Yu gently grasped it within his own then closed his eyes to go back to sleep, too lazy to answer.

Not long after, he heard Zhang Siyi muttering to himself next to him: “…at least one million. Using my current annual salary of about 100,000, then at least ten years to be clear, oh and there is interest …”

Zhang Siyi had to accept the facts.  Since Gu Yu was planning on studying abroad together, he probably needed his own money and thus, Zhang Siyi thought he had to borrow money to afford tuition. Zhang Siyi took out his mobile phone and searched the Internet for special loans. He entered the amount and calculated the total with interest: “Shit! For a ten-year loan of a million with interest adds up to nearly four million…. Oh, my God, when will I be able to fucking pay it off!!”

Alarmed, Zhang Siyi harassed Gu Yu again but this time, he specifically handled Gu Yu’s most sensitive organ: “Boss, I can’t afford England. Maybe we shouldn’t go!”

Frowning, Gu Yu opened his eyes and said: “What nonsense are you saying?” He grabbed Zhang Siyi arm that was half wrapped around him and lazily replied: “I can’t just wait for you to graduate. In order to pay me back, you can simply work for me your whole life. I don’t mind.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

GU Yu’s explanation didn’t satisfy Zhang Siyi. Watching Gu Yu close his eyes to go back to sleep, Zhang Siyi pushed his back a little and pestered him further: “Don’t go back to sleep. First explain it to me. How do you have so much money?”

Using his hands to count, Zhang Siyi continued: “Your annual income isn’t just seven hundred thousand? Your standard of living is pretty high. With your new car that was worth half a million combined with needing expensive clothing, shoes, and accessories, the total amount exceeds your salary. Working for eleven years…… Five, ten, twenty… wait, are you going to take out all your savings to pay for us to go to school? What are we going to do after that!?”

Zhang Siyi nudged him again: “Yu! Yu! Wake up!!!!”

Zhang Siyi’s mutterings amused Gu Yu. Now completely awake, he quickly turned over and pinned the restless Zhang Siyi under his body then kissed him until he was teary eyed and breathless. He chuckled then said: “Who told you that I only make seven hundred thousand a year? And, who told you that I’ve only been working for eleven years?”

Zhang Siyi reacted swiftly and realized he made an error in his assumption. He remembered Tao Fei mentioning it to him that Gu Yu had earned money when he was in college and his roommates followed him to get rich.

However, in Zhang Siyi’s view, with his junior qualifications in college, even if the university could take a cut of the profits, it was unlikely that he earned more in the past than he does now, right?

However, the truth of the matter was really beyond his expectations.

Gu Yu thoroughly explained: “To be precise, I have been making money since my sophomore year in high school. At that time, the construction industry was very lucrative because cities and land were being developed rapidly, especially in the real estate market. At the time, my father was working on projects as a draftsman, and he took me along with him to learn. In college, because my peers knew I had experience, I often tutored my classmates on drawing and drafting in the evenings. Later, I was introduced to a real estate investor and used my 100,000 in savings to invest in a house in the city. The home is still there and have increased in value ten-fold.”

T, ten times … one million? Gu Yu’s remarks shocked Zhang Siyi silly!

_______________________

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 221: Concealment

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Unlike Zhang Siyi’s imagination, Gu Yu wasn’t moved by his words. Instead, he appeared to be displeased.

Last December, with excitement and determination, Zhang Siyi was in a rush to complete his application, but now, he seemed unconcerned. Since applying to a Master’s program wasn’t a simple matter, being accepted was worthy of celebration. Gu Yu thought Zhang Siyi would be more concerned over the outcome and since he wasn’t, did Zhang Siyi think he would be rejected?

Actually, Gu Yu sensed something wrong with Zhang Siyi recently. He thought perhaps, Zhang Siyi was feeling depressed because his results were negative. He wanted to make a joke about it to lighten the mood and comfort him. However, he didn’t expect Zhang Siyi, with his usual quick to anger personality, be unreactive. It made Gu Yu feel particularly strange.

Zhang Siyi didn’t want his outward expressions to reveal anything to Gu Yu so he quickly moved into Gu Yu’s arms, hiding his face. He joked: “Didn’t you say before that you were afraid I would run off with someone else while we were apart? If I don’t go, you should be happy, right?”

Stroking his head, Gu Yu combed fingers through Zhang Siyi hair and said: “I gave that example just to explain my sister’s concern, not my concern. Of course, I want to trust you….”

After Zhang Siyi lifted his head and looked up at Gu Yu,  Gu Yu tilted his head and gave Zhang Siyi a tender kiss on his forehead. He continued: “I told you to leave these problems for me to solve. You just need to concentrate on what you need to get done. Now that you have made the decision to get a Master’s degree, you must work hard to achieve it. Don’t keep needlessly changing your mind.”

Zhang Siyi tightened his arms around Gu Yu’s waist. Since he didn’t know what to say, he only managed to reply with ‘hmm’.  In his heart, he cried: but now, I want to stay!

Once Gu Yu discovered the truth, he would insist on Zhang Siyi going abroad and thus, Zhang Siyi wanted to keep it a secret no matter what.

Fortunately, the company has been very busy since the holiday, so there wasn’t free time to dwell on the status of the applications. The design department began work on multiple new projects at the beginning of the New Year and Gu Yu has recently had to travel back and forth for various business trips.

Zhang Siyi also wasn’t idle. For the latest project, he served as a team leader and for the first time, had four members in his group to manage. Enjoying his step forward, he adjusted his mindset and put the regret of not studying for RIBA part 2 behind him.

His initial excitement from being accepted quickly faded. Since the last University to send a notice hadn’t corresponded with him about his application for a long time, Zhang Siyi thought Big A didn’t intended to admit him. As a result, he gradually lost heart and forgot about it. In addition, Gu Yu hadn’t brought up the topic again. Because his regret hadn’t festered for a long time, the emotional stress wasn’t severe and thus, didn’t cut deep.

Busy as a bee, time flew buy and already spring was around the corner. The beginning of April is the time when everything starts to sprout back to life.

At his desk one morning, Zhang Siyi received a phone call from a client confirming he received the necessary details that was requested via email about the current project. When he opened his mailbox to check, while the new material wasn’t present in his inbox, instead, there was something else that immediately caught his attention. Zhang Siyi was shocked.

Since he recognized the address of the sender, he immediately opened the message. There was an extremely eye-catching word as the header: Congratulations……

Reading the message, his heart quickened suddenly. The pounding in his chest got louder and faster, making him break out in sweat and his brain freeze. As the realization of the message sunk in, his excitement grew, and he became detached from the present. An urgent voice on the phone brought him back down to earth: “Hello? Mr. Zhang? Are you there?”

Out of his reverie, Zhang Siyi coughed and quickly resolved the client’s phone call and hung up. He opened the link in the notice and read the full statement, word by word, several times.

Holy shit! He was accepted! (=口=)

Oh My God! What to do!

He was admitted to the Big A University’s RIBA Part 2 course!!! ~ \ (≧ ▽ ≦) / ~

Aah! aah! aah! aah!……

However, even though he had terrific news, Zhang Siyi couldn’t express his excitement to anyone. He looked around to check if people had seen him. Everyone was focusing on their own work so no one had seemed to notice. Gu Yu wasn’t in the office as he was away on a business trip in Tianjin for another two days.

It took a great deal of effort for Zhang Siyi to suppress his desire to scream in excitement. At noon, using the bathroom as a private space, he rushed into a stall, sat down on top of the toilet seat and grabbed his mobile phone from his pocket. He sent his friend, Fu Xinhui, a message.

Zhang Siyi: “Aaaah! Heartless Han!”

Zhang Siyi: “Where are you!?!?!”

Zhang Siyi: “I got accepted to the RIBA part 2 program at Big A University!!!!!”

With a string of exclamation points, it wasn’t long before Fu Xinhui replied to Zhang Siyi’s message. He followed up with a statement: “No way! That’s awesome!”

 Zhang Siyi: “Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!”

Through the texts, Fu Xinhui could tell just how excited Zhang Siyi was. He replied cheerfully: “Will you go this year? When are you planning to leave?”

Reading Fu Xinhui’s message, Zhang Siyi was woken up from his dream and couldn’t prevent himself from feeling sad: “I don’t intend to go.” [Cry]

Fu Xinhui was surprised: “What!? Why not?”

Zhang Siyi: “Well… I don’t have the money….. sniff.”

Of course, he couldn’t tell him the real reason was because he didn’t want to leave Gu Yu behind. Although the lack of money was one reason, if he told him the full truth, Zhang Siyi thought Fu Xinhui would ridicule him.

Even though Gu Yu offered to support Zhang Siyi on his endeavor, Zhang Siyi felt like the sum of money was putting too much of a burden on Gu Yu’s shoulders. He continued to feel it wasn’t appropriate.

Moreover, even though getting a Master’s was a method of quickly improving themselves in a short period of time, Zhang Siyi also understood the fact that it wasn’t necessary to go abroad to grow professionally. With careful consideration based on his own income and needs, he thought he was making the most mature and practical decision.

Fu Xinhui hurriedly said: “It’s a bummer that you can’t afford it!”

Zhang Siyi was depressed: “I can at least afford the application fee!”

Fu Xinhui: “…”

However, Fu Xinhui has been friends with Zhang Siyi for a long time and knew how head-strong he was. Zhang Siyi always tried to solve his problems by himself. He wouldn’t even ask his parents for help with his finances.

After a moment of silence, Fu Xinhui said: “It’s such a pity to let this good opportunity go to waste. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of money right now otherwise I would invest in you.”

Zhang Siyi was moved to tears. Even though they have been separated for a long time, Fu Xinhui’s words of support let Zhang Siyi know how special of a friend he truly was.

Zhang Siyi replied: “Don’t say that. I couldn’t help you when your family had the accident.”

Fu Xinhui: “You helped me with my dog! Heh!”

Zhang Siyi: “That doesn’t count!”

Still in the bathroom, Zhang Siyi continued to chat with Fu Xinhui to catch up with the respective news in their lives. Even though he felt better after talking to someone, the excitement of being accepted didn’t subside. Soon, Gu Yu returned home from his business trip and from time to time, saw the joyous and proud expression flash on Zhang Siyi’s face. Even when doing mundane things, like taking off his shoes, Zhang Siyi would unexpectedly laugh in delight.

Naturally, Gu Yu  picked up on Zhang Siyi’s emotions. For the past two weeks, he had been waiting for Zhang Siyi to tell him the reason, but he said nothing about it. Knowing that his lover was hiding something from him, Gu Yu felt very uncomfortable.

However, he knew he couldn’t say anything because he himself also made a calculated decision and hid something from Zhang Siyi. The problem lay with Zhang Siyi’s acting skills; they were too lame! Even though he didn’t say anything, his body language was broadcasting: I-have a-secret-so-come-and-ask-me-about-it.

After two more days, during lunch break, Gu Yu exited his office and saw Zhang Siyi’s desk empty with his computer still on. He must have gone with his colleagues to eat lunch. Deciding quickly, he went to Zhang Siyi’s computer and tapped the keyboard, used the mouse and selected his mailbox. Sure enough, this little fool let the browser auto-fill his name and password.

Even Gu Yu admitted his method was a bit despicable. However, how could his sweetheart play a game with this old fox? When the mail opened, he quickly scanned it and not surprising, all three universities sent Zhang Siyi a letter of acceptance!

The corners of Gu Yu’s mouth rose while he wondered. Why hadn’t Zhang Siyi told him about it? Was he also waiting until April 18^th to tell him the good news? Yes, that day was their one-year anniversary from the time Zhang Siyi played the violin and confessed. Gu Yu also had a secret to tell Zhang Siyi.

With the warm expectation in his heart, Gu Yu smiled broadly. He felt excited over the prospect. He shut down the webpage and left his desk how it was as if no one tampered with it. He wasn’t in a rush to expose Zhang Siyi and regarded the news as if nothing had happened.

What Gu Yu didn’t know, was that Zhang Siyi wasn’t going to tell him about it at all. Zhang Siyi worked very hard to suppress his joy and continued to pretend to be depressed.

During the weekend, Gu Yu went on another business trip and since Gu Yao has been dating He Chengtian, she has gone out every weekend with him and thus, hadn’t been home. Zhang Siyi was left home alone with the dog.

Laying on the coach and facing an empty living room, he sighed and sighed, like the loss of a first love. After all, because he wasn’t a good liar, Zhang Siyi had been torturing himself all month long.

He was flipping through an architectural book to pass the time when he heard someone knock at the door. Zhang Siyi got up to open it and see who was there. The post came to deliver a registered letter.

The postman asked: “Does Gu Yu live here?”

Glancing at the large envelope that was encased in plastic in the mailman’s hand, Zhang Siyi was startled momentarily then nodded: “Yes. I’m his roommate.”

The postman asked: “Is he in?”

Zhang Siyi: “No. He’s away on a business trip. I’ll sign for him.”

Only when Zhang Siyi showed the postman his ID card was he allowed to sign and collect the envelope. Holding it hand, he brought it into the living room. As he walked, Zhang Siyi was trying to send a text message to GU Yu about it. However, when he saw the address, he stopped what he was doing…. From Big-A University in England?

Zhang Siyi was stunned silly. His thoughts were a mess…… Wait, was this letter meant for me? Did I make a mistake on the application so it’s addressed with the wrong name?

No. Foreign schools will only mail formal acceptance letters when the prospective student confirms their enrollment. That way, their spot could be filled by another applicant. If they don’t reply by a certain deadline, the institution automatically withdraws the admission.

Since Zhang Siyi hadn’t responded to any of them so far, it was impossible for him to receive a formal letter of acceptance on paper.…… So, what’s going on with this letter? Was it really mailed to Gu Yu?

Zhang Siyi was really puzzled and wanted answers. He couldn’t stop himself from getting a scissor and opening up the envelope carefully. He removed the outer envelope and looked at the folder inside.

A large black and white logo was printed on the smooth, glossy cover. As his fingers gently stroked the front page, Zhang Siyi’s whole body felt excited. His blood was boiling and at this moment, he firmly believed that the letter was sent to him. Gu Yu’s name was just an error.

With this in mind, Zhang Siyi couldn’t wait to tear open the inner envelope. From within, he pulled out a thick packet of papers with an admission announcement on the front page.

———–

Mr. Gu Yu

Yuanshan Garden, Haicheng

A. R.xxxxx

12march2016

———

To his surprise, the notice was clearly addressed in pinyin to Gu Yu. Unmoving, Zhang Siyi stared wide-eyed at the name of the addressee and as if the sound of a large copper bell animated him, he reacted. It really was an admission notice for Gu Yu!

Capturing the important points of the letter, he quickly read through the body of the text. Essentially, it was an acceptance letter to a professional 16-month program called: Architecture and Future Urban Planning. It was different from his own application!

No way !

(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

Shit !!

┻━┻︵╰(‵□′╰)

Aaaah! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Aaaah !!!

┻━┻︵╰(‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

What the hell did Gu Yu hide? !!!!!!

Collapsing on the sofa, Zhang Siyi immediately took out his mobile phone and sent a series of nonsense expressions to Gu Yu. He didn’t have the right words to clearly articulate the surprise he felt at the newly discovered news and his turbulent yet euphoric feelings.

In WeChat, Gu Yu answered him with a question mark. Immediately, Gu Yu called Zhang Siyi back.

After Zhang Siyi was connected: “Hey …”

Gu Yu: “…”

Gu Yu: “What happened?”

With the adrenaline surging though his veins influencing him, Zhang Siyi almost shouted at Gu Yu with an accusatory tone. Instead, he loudly said: “Why didn’t you tell me you also applied to a program at Big A University?”

Gu Yu breathed a sigh of relief. What else could he do when his lover was leaving? A bit irked at Zhang Siyi’s discovery in advance, he replied: “I wanted to surprise you.”

Zhang Siyi: “Surprise my ass. I’m so upset with you!”

Gu Yu: “…”

Zhang Siyi: “I didn’t tell you but, did you know, I was also admitted to Big A University?”

Gu Yu smiled: “I know.”

His ire was rising and Zhang Siyi felt like vomiting blood. The anger in his voice was evident. Speaking even more loudly, he demanded: “Why would you know that?”

Gu Yu: “…”

Frantically, Zhang Siyi continued to loudly shout in the phone and blast Gu Yu: “Then do you know why I didn’t tell you? Because I don’t want to go! … don’t want to be separated from you! …  don’t want a long-distance relationship! … don’t want to sleep alone! … don’t want to leave you alone in China! …  don’t want to know what missing you feels like! Did you know? I don’t want you to know how guilty I’ve felt.”

Choking back tears, Zhang Siyi roared on until his voice couldn’t withstand his outburst and cracked. Breathing heavily, he suddenly stopped and felt numb.

Gu Yu was silent on the phone for a while. Slowly, he answered him: “I know.”

Who says, boys don’t cry? Tears gushed out of Zhang Siyi eyes uncontrollably: “You…you come back now! I want to see you!” Zhang Siyi rubbed his tears away, so happy to be going crazy.

“Alright. I’ll change my plans and come back.” He heard Gu Yu say in a comforting tone.

With the last vestige of the construction site still lingering on his body, six hours later, at the door, Gu Yu appeared in front of Zhang Siyi.

They were each other’s site-for-sore-eyes. Excited, they eagerly embraced the person they loved. Both of them reached out and using their fingers to glide through their hair, they caressed each other’s head, their ear, their cheek and kissed violently and passionately as if it was rain during a long drought.

It was never enough. As if he was subjugated by a deadly poison and the antidote was the person in their arms, every hug, every kiss, every skin contact, could make their spirit produce the ultimate pleasure and relief.

Knowing how irrational and irresponsible his impulse was to make Gu Yu come back home. Zhang Siyi felt guilty and apologized: “I’m sorry I messed up your work.”

Gu Yu gazed at Zhang Siyi with burning affection. Holding Zhang Siyi’s forehead to his own, he said: ”It doesn’t matter. We were almost done anyways.”

Zhang Siyi tentatively asked: “Are you really planning on going with me?”

Gu Yu glanced at the envelope still lying on the coffee table and said: “My acceptance letter has arrived. What do you think?”

In his arms, Zhang Siyi remained silent for a few seconds until he realized a small detail: “Fuck, I haven’t responded to Big A University yet!”

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