Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 220: Admission

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Since he really wanted to tell his mother, Zhang Siyi almost blurted out: Because I love her brother! You old rotten women, how can you not see it!

But how could he dare? Watching his mother’s heartbreak simply because he wasn’t with Gu Yao greatly impacted Zhang Siyi. He really didn’t want to hurt his mother’s feelings. As long as her smile could be restored, he was willing to sacrifice himself, but he would never sacrifice Gu Yu. He loved him so much, Zhang Siyi wasn’t willing to let him get hurt.

After all, the precarious situation could go either way, good or bad. Zhang Siyi sighed, moved closer to hug his mother, and said, “Ms. Zhang, why do you feel so bad? Your son doesn’t like Gu Yao.”

Ms. Zhang was amused by Zhang Siyi’s comforting deep tone. Pleased at how much her son had matured, she smiled and said: “She is such a good girl. Why are you so picky?”

Holding her gently, Zhang Siyi slowly shook her: “Now I’m picky? I want to find the person that I like for myself. Why should I allow someone else to choose for me?”

Zhang Siyi’s mother bopped Zhang Siyi on the nose: “Oooh, talking so big. Then what type of person do you like?”

As he thought about it, Zhang Siyi remained next to his mother. He started to explain slowly: “Tall. Gu Yao is a bit too short.”

Mother Zhang squinted: “How tall are you? Just one meter seven, right? When a girl wears high heels, she will match you well. You don’t want her to be too tall.”

Zhang Siyi didn’t rebuke her. Instead he continued: “I hope my future half works in the same industry as me so we have something in common.”

Zhang Siyi’s mother also didn’t agree: “Friend or enemy? What’s to keep you from fighting over who is right.”

Zhang Siyi was annoyed: “Am I choosing or are you?”

Mother Zhang coaxed him: “Ok, Ok… you pick…. Keep talking.”

Zhang Siyi: “They also have to be smart, wise and confident.”

“Find a smart woman and you won’t die from over eating…..” as a disapproving expression formed on Zhang Siyi’s face, his mother turned and smiled at him: “Well, a smart person will be good for you. You silly child, they will be able to help you take care of everything well. As long as she loves you, there won’t be any problems.”

“Hey” Zhang Siyi said then smiled. “They also have to look good; smooth skin, straight nose, big eyes, slender fingers….”

Hearing his description of his ideal person, feeling sorry for her son, Zhang Siyi’s mother turned to look him in the eye and solemnly shook her head.

Not taking it seriously, Zhang Siyi snorted. He bowed his head and added: “And I don’t like children very much. I’m not interested in having them in the future.”

Zhang Siyi’s mother laughed at him: “You are still a child yourself. How could you possibly know what you want in the future? Your thinking will change after another ten years.”

Zhang Siyi pouted: “Then wait ten years to ask me again.”

Maybe by then, homosexuality will be more open. Surrogacy and adoption were always possible. Anyways, there is always a way if one wanted.

After listening, Mother Zhang summarized his description with a finger on her cheek: “A tall, beautiful person that is smarter than you and working in the same profession….” She reached out and poked her son’s head:  “Zhang Siyi, wake up! Stop dreaming and come back to reality!”

Zhang Siyi raised his hand to block his Mother’s finger and debated: “But what if I actually found a person like that?”

Zhang Siyi’s mother sneered: “Come and show me. I’ll be here waiting.”

Feeling angry Zhang Siyi pursed his lips together in a straight line. If not for the fact that Gu Yu was a man, he would be able to tell her now and prove he wasn’t dreaming. What would she say then!

A few days later when it was time to return to Haicheng, Gu Yu came to Zhang Siyi’s house to pick him up.

Despite Zhang Siyi’s protests, Mother Zhang still prepared a bunch of delicious food for them to take. Gu Yu got out to help him pack everything into the car. Mother Zhang politely thanked him again, however, she no longer looked at Gu Yu as a future in-law.

As they settled into the car, Zhang Siyi’s Mother stood outside the glass window, said her goodbyes and reminded them to drive safe.

Zhang Siyi waved his hand impatiently: “I know, Mom. You can go inside now.”

Sitting in the driver’s seat, Gu Yu reminded Zhang Siyi to fasten his seat belt, however, since he was busy talking to his mother, he hadn’t drawn the belt. As a result, Gu Yu leaned over him, reached for the belt strap and pulled it across his lap then buckled it for him with a ‘click’. As he straightened up, he rubbed Zhang Siyi’s head, laughed and said: “What’s the matter with you, you can’t fasten a seatbelt?”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

As Gu Yu finished, he leaned down one last time to look at Zhang Siyi mother through the car window and waved goodbye and said: “Take care Auntie, we’re off.”

It took a moment for Mother Zhang to came back to her senses. She hurriedly said:  “Oh, ah… call me when you arrive safely!”

Now that they were out of view, Zhang Siyi breathed a sigh of relief. He was uneasy and wanted to scold Gu Yu: “What did you do that for? It was too ambiguous!”

Gu Yu laughed: “Did you see your mother’s expression change? That was funny.”

When Zhang Siyi’s mother saw their interaction, her eyes suddenly widened with a burst of knowledge at the rather intimate scene she just witnessed. Her expression wasn’t suspicion or anger, but inquisitive and curious.

Zhang Siyi was speechless. Was Gu Yu treating his mother like she was an experimental subject?

He took the opportunity to tell Gu Yu about the conversation he had with his mother about his ideal type. Gu Yu laughed and said: “Relax. It won’t be too difficult to come out to your mother in the future.”

While encountering a traffic light, Gu Yu stepped on the brake and was listening to Zhang Siyi mutter to himself: “Technology will be more advanced in ten years. Maybe it will be possible for men to get pregnant and have kids too.”

Releasing the wheel momentarily with his hand, Gu Yu smacked Zhang Siyi on the back of his head. He couldn’t stop laughing: “Fool, what are you thinking about!”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Gu Yu teased him: “You want to have a baby for me?”

Zhang Siyi straitened his neck and replied: “Get out of here! You will have the baby for me!”

Gu Yu smirked at him and said: “With our positions? Who do you think will be the one giving birth?”

Zhang Siyi was irritated and was about to blow his top, but suddenly remembered something. He teased Gu Yu: “I heard someone ate a strange pumpkin as a child and was waiting for a son.”

Gu Yu: “…”

Seeing Gu Yu’s deflated expression, Zhang Siyi felt so triumphant and refreshed that he wanted to look up at the sky and cackle with glee. Finally, Gu Yu was caught speechless and it felt great!

Unexpectedly, his triumphant exuberance only lasted for a few seconds because Gu Yu had said something else: “Ah maybe, the pumpkin seeds have already been shot into your stomach.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” Bastard! !! !! (╯‵皿′)╯︵┻━┻

***

At the end of February, they returned to work and at the same time, Zhang Siyi began to pay close attention to his e-mail for acceptance letters as it was about the time many foreign Universities responded to applicants. Although he had decided to stay with Gu Yu, he was excited to hear back from them non-the-less. After all, being accepted into a Master’s program was proof of his ability.

On March 3 at 6 pm and 10 am UK time, Zhang Siyi received the first e-mail correspondence – Big-C University – unconditional admission notice!

‘Unconditional’ meant that he could go to the university without any further submission of work. Even as a foreign undergraduate, he no longer needed to submit proof of language proficiency. In addition, since he had enough post graduate working hours, there wouldn’t be any gaps that would impact his course work.

Less than a week later, on the night of March 9, Zhang Siyi received another admittance e-mail from Big-B University. It was also an unconditional admission.

Zhang Siyi was overjoyed at the news, but due to his own decision to stay, he couldn’t express his joy with Gu Yu. For the first time, he got himself into a huge contradiction of happiness versus pain.

There was only one more University to hear from which was the most prestigious. Now, Zhang Siyi wanted to be rejected because of his desire to stay. For if he was admitted, he would have to face an even more difficult decision.

Coincidence or not; Zhang Siyi didn’t know, but that night, as if Gu Yu was psychic, he suddenly wanted to know about the status of his applications: “Has any of the schools replied to your application yet?”

Panicking internally, Zhang Siyi tried to remain calm said nonchalantly replied: “Ah? I don’t know. I haven’t checked email.”

“It’s March. Didn’t you say before that foreign schools begin their enrollment now?” Gu Yu asked then quipped: “Or was it that your incompetency showed up and they turned you down?”

Even though Zhang Siyi was pretending to be calm, he broke out in a cold sweat and answered: “If I get rejected, then I’ll be able to stay with you.”

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 219: Attributes

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Gu Yu smiled then kissed his lips and said: “After dinner, I’ll teach you.”

As Gu Yu’s flirting enticed Zhang Siyi further, Zhang Siyi reached out to pull Gu Yu close. As their bodies pressed close together, they suddenly heard footsteps upstairs coming closer to his bedroom door. Zhang Siyi’s tender embrace turned into a forceful push. Frightened to death, Zhang Siyi stood up instantly and tried to calm himself.

“Sisi, are you there? Dinner is almost done.” As it turned out, it was only the housekeeper checking in. Once Zhang Siyi answered her, she went back downstairs.

It was a false alarm. Zhang Siyi let out a long breath that he was holding and went to lock the door. He must not let Gu Yu provoke him again.

Gu Yu asked Zhang Siyi if he had any pictures from his childhood. Since his family told Zhang Siyi all about his ‘black history’ and showed Zhang Siyi his childhood photos, Gu Yu wanted to see what Zhang Siyi was like as a kid.

“Yes!” Zhang Siyi wasn’t perturbed at all and immediately went to his closet to find a family photo album to show him. Since he was a cute child and didn’t have any current image to protect, unlike Gu Yu’s ‘male-god’ appearance, he didn’t have any past baggage to burden him.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he opened the closet door, with a ‘plop-plop-plop’, a large pile of haphazardly stacked books had spilled onto the floor!

The color of Zhang Siyi’s face changed and he wanted to block Gu Yu’s view, but it was too late.

Gu Yu stared at the fancy cover of a book with the title ‘What to do about becoming gay for the straight guy next door?’ …… “What is this? Is this your book?”

Zhang Siyi slapped his forehead and could hardly explain why there were gay romance books stored in his closet by his ‘rotten-mom’. He quickly defended himself: “They aren’t mine. They are my mother’s!”

As Gu Yu picked up the book that fell down and turned over to read, his expression brightened. He opened the book to a random page and took a moment to read. He looked up at Zhang Siyi with glee.

Zhang Siyi quietly glanced over and saw what he was reading ….. “As the smack of his ass reverberated in the silent room, he moaned. Was it pleasure……? If you don’t listen to me, I’ll spank you more…..”

“Shit! Don’t look!” Zhang Siyi face felt hot and he felt like he could explode. He snatched the book out of Gu Yu’s hands and stuffed it back into his closet. He didn’t want Gu Yu to get any more bed-play ideas!

Gu Yu gazed at Zhang Siyi with interest and stated: “So your mom likes this kind of play.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” (t皿t) Fuck! Why do I feel so ashamed!

Gu Yu laughed: “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Zhang Siyi: “Tell you what? Reality and this novel are two different things. My Mother still thinks of me and your sister as a future couple.”

In thought, Gu Yu held his chin for a moment and said: “This is different. If she can read these types of books, it proves she has a higher acceptance of homosexuality. However, in order to draw your mother’s attention away, we played a trick on her.”

Feeling distressed, Zhang Siyi said: “Well, I also feel like my mother is nagging me more about your sister.”

In order to temporarily give Zhang Siyi’s parent’s false hope and thus, wouldn’t interfere with Zhang Siyi’s love life, Gu Yu used his sister. Zhang Siyi didn’t know that all this was deliberately orchestrated by Gu Yu.

However, the situation wasn’t the same anymore. After experiencing the lessons learned from the Gu family, both of them have changed. The effect of the ‘lie’ was counterproductive because it would enhance intolerance. When the elders came to realize the truth, it may be even more difficult to accept because to them, the ‘fantasy’ was real. Instead, if they were straightforward to begin with, although the initial reaction might be difficult to bear, over time his parents could gradually change their opinions and accept reality.

Gu Yu: “Have you ever thought about when you will tell them?”

Shaking his head back and forth Zhang Siyi despondently replied: “I don’t know. My parents and your parents aren’t the same. It won’t be so easy for them to accept our relationship.”

Gu Yu: “Shall we play it by ear and take is slow?”

Zhang Siyi: “I guess. “

Gu Yu nodded his approval. Since Zhang Siyi was going abroad, this way was also good. Once abroad, other than video-calls, Zhang Siyi wouldn’t have much contact with his parents and thus, giving them two years to slowly win their approval. Moreover, now that they knew Zhang Siyi’s Mother’s hobby, their ‘tactics’ had to change.

Gu Yu turned to look at Zhang Siyi in the eye and seriously said: “You have to find an opportunity to clearly articulate your relationship with my sister to your mother.”

Zhang Siyi: “Well, won’t she suspect something between us?”

A glimmer of light flashed in Gu Yu’s eyes. He grinned and said: “Exactly. It is to sow a seed of doubt.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

After Gu Yu explained the ‘mission’ to Zhang Siyi, it wasn’t long before they ate dinner and afterwards, respectfully said his goodbyes to the family and went back home. After all, in addition to living nearby in Ningcheng, Zhang Siyi was a subordinate and there wasn’t an appropriate excuse to stay overnight.

As the Spring Festival holiday drew to a close, Zhang Siyi’s father and mother went back to work. They only saw him when they returned home in the evening. Soon, while Mother Zhang started preparing his favorite dishes to bring back with him, she pestered him about his own return to Haicheng for work: “When are you going back to Haicheng?”

With his feet up on the cushions, Zhang Siyi was lounging on the sofa playing a game on his mobile phone. He casually replied to her inquiry: “Next Monday. This time, don’t make me bring so much back. I can’t eat it all.”

Mother Zhang: “Since you are driving back, why not bring a little more? Are you still going back with Gu Yu and his sister?”

Zhang Siyi: “Just Gu Yu.”

Mother Zhang wondered: “What about Gu Yao?”

Zhang Siyi solemnly said: “Gu Yu and I have an annual break that’s longer than hers. She’s already returned to work.”

Zhang Siyi’s mother frowned: “Then why didn’t you go back with her? You are home idle anyways.”

Zhang Siyi debated: “You should be happy that I stayed at home with you for two more days. Why are you trying to drive me away!?”

Mother Zhang smiled: “I’m happy that you are home, but Gu Yao is a young woman. How can she go back alone during the peak travel times? Is her brother not worried?”

Zhang Siyi: “Hey, it’s none of our business. Besides, Gu Yao had someone else to return to Haicheng with.”

Mother Zhang’s interest was piqued: “Who went with her?”

Zhang Siyi flatly stated: “Her boyfriend.”

Surprised, Zhang Siyi’s Mother jumped up and exclaimed: “What!? Gu Yao has a boyfriend!?”

Zhang Siyi shrank his neck and felt a little guilty. He immediately responded and said: “She’s so smart, and cute. Why can’t she have a boyfriend?”

She couldn’t hide the look of surprise on her face. Not wanting to believe what she heard, as if seeing him for the first time, Zhang Siyi’s mother stared into his eyes. In her mind, the meaning of life was greatly destabilized.

Gu Yao and Zhang Siyi are so well matched. If these two children aren’t in the Gu family’s radar, then why would they invite Zhang Siyi over to celebrate Chinese New Year? Why is Gu Yu so good to Zhang Siyi?

Mother Zhang inquired further: “When did she get a boyfriend?”

Zhang Siyi: “Recently. Her boyfriend is He Chengtian.”

Zhang Siyi’s mother frowned: “He Guoliang’s son?”

“Yeah, our former neighbor. Now, they live in Haicheng. Last year, when I attended Qu Xiaomiao wedding, I bumped into him.” Watching his mother turn paler and paler, Zhang Siyi felt even more guilty. He didn’t have the nerve to tell her that he personally set them up. Instead he said: “Hey, I already told you before that we are just friends, but you never believed me.”

Sitting on the couch with a blank face, Mother Zhang’s heart cooled down a bit. She remained silent for a long time before quietly asking, half to herself: “Is it because our family’s economic conditions aren’t comparable to that of the He Guoliang’s family?”

Listening to his mother’s self-reproach, Zhang Siyi choked up. Anxious to justify the situation, he quickly defended her: “No Mom! Gu Yao isn’t such a shallow person!”

Mother Zhang looked up at her baby boy and sadly said: “But you are so good. Why doesn’t she like you?”

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 218: Genetics

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At the tone of her voice, He Chengtian became obedient and said: “Ah, OK. If you say so.”

Watching He Chengtian stuff his phone into his trousers, Zhang Siyi tried to coax him: “Don’t be so stingy Brother Chengtian! Its thanks to me that you are together. Good things are good to share.”

Gu Yao stopped him and said: “Unless you show us the video of your confession to my Brother too!”

“How did you know I made a video?” Zhang Siyi froze momentarily in surprise then snapped his head to Gu Yu and stared at him imploringly. He questioned: “Did you tell her?”

Gu Yu replied calmly as if it wasn’t a problem: “Didn’t she ask you to play the violin for her before? Since I didn’t let you play, I let her watch the video instead.”

Zhang Siyi turned red. He was embarrassed and angry: “That’s not something to show to anyone else!”

Gu Yu consoled Zhang Siyi and said: “Well, I only let her see a short clip.”

Shocked at the news, He Chengtian stared at Zhang Siyi: “No way! I didn’t think Zhang Siyi confessed to Gu Yu first!”

Zhang Siyi: “…” (= 皿 =)

As the topic of conversation become more heated, Gu Yu stared at his sister and said: “It’s only been a few days since dating He Chengtian and you are helping him already. Have you forgotten about your brother so easily?”

He Chengtian held Gu Yao’s shoulders and said: “Sooner or later we will be together. Isn’t it only natural that she helps me?”

Gu Yu grabbed a nearby triangle ruler and pretended to hit He Chengtian: “You aren’t married yet. Don’t try to force my sister or I’ll drive you out now.”

Scared, He Chengtian immediately released his ‘pig-groping’ hands from Gu Yao’s shoulders. Feeling wronged he complained to Gu Yao: “How come your brother is always bullying me!”   

Gu Yao looked at He Chengtian and sighed: “My brother also bullies me like this. You will get used to it soon enough.”

He Chengtian: “……..”  Holy shit!  What kind of treatment is this? According to the situation, he has no standing in the family at all!

……

From time to time, bursts of laughter could be heard in the living room. Father Gu quietly looked out of the kitchen to peek at the juniors in the living room. He saw Gu Yu pull Zhang Siyi onto his lap and whisper something in his ear causing Zhang Siyi to smile brightly. Across from them, the young man who just came was sitting together with Gu Yao. Both of them had sweet expressions on their faces.

The four of them quarreled from time to time, but even so, clearly all of them were very happy.

For another minute, Father Gu watched the scene with an indescribable feeling in his heart and couldn’t stop himself from smiling. Returning to the kitchen, he continued stir-frying the vegetables. Feeling content yet with a sense of loss in his heart, he sighed and thought: “The children are all grown up now…..“

When Mother Gu heard her husband’s sigh, she wiped off her hands then walked around behind him. From behind she gently wrapped her arms around his waist and slowly put her face on his back.

Father Gu turned his head and jokingly said: “What’s left? An old husband..….” Pausing halfway through his sentence, he saw his wife looking up at him. She raised her hand to stroke his head. With the palm of her hand, she wanted to tell Father Gu that he needn’t be sad of the future. She will be there with him to experience the rest of their lives and grow old together.

Moved, Father Gu was speechless; love for a wife, love for children, and happiness for a son and daughter. What else was there?

After lunch, the four of them went to see a movie and in the evening, He Chengtian said his goodbyes before heading home.

The next day, Zhang Siyi went home as well. His parents weren’t back from vacation yet. As a result, before the end of the month, he went to his uncle’s house to offer his New Year greetings and at the beginning of new month, he went with his uncle’s family to visit distant relatives.

After a week went by, Zhang Siyi’s Father and Mother were expected to arrive home. The housekeeper officially returned to work.

In order to reciprocate the Zhang family’s good will over New Years, Gu Yu specifically prepared a few gifts for Zhang Siyi’s parents. Since their relationship was accepted within his own family, he needed to seize every opportunity to make the Zhang family accept him as well.

“Ah, The Younger Gu is here! Come in and sit down!” Mother Zhang greeted him with delight at the door then inquired: “Your sister didn’t come?”

Gu Yu replied: “She went out with friends.” Handing the gift box to Zhang Siyi’s mother, Gu Yu smiled and formally greeted her. “Auntie, Happy New Year. You were so kind preparing so many gifts for my family. My parents were rather surprised and a little embarrassed. They wanted me to return the favor.”

Like a blooming flower, Mother Zhang smiled broadly from ear to ear: “Our families are so familiar there is no need to feel embarrassed. Next time, your parents must come over for dinner so we can get to know each other.”

Gu Yu said without hesitation: “Okay.”

Since Gu Yu attitude was so good, Mother Zhang became even more optimistic about the marriage between the two families. She warmly welcomed Gu Yu into the house and said: “Don’t mind the mess. We are unpacking right now from our vacation so our house is a little messy.”

Sure enough, when Gu Yu went inside, he saw a huge, dazzling pile of things scattered about the living room.

Zhang Siyi’s parents were both happy and tired from their trip. While his mother grabbed her phone to show Zhang Siyi and Gu Yu her photos, she asked the housekeeper to brew some tea for them to drink.

Gu Yu was patient while Mother Zhang scrolled through the photos. From time to time, he commented with pleasantries like, ‘The scenery is really good’ and ‘Auntie, that dress color is very good on you…’ At his words, Zhang Siyi’s mother smiled even more.

After hearing him, Father Zhang proudly said: “It’s not just the camera that captured her well. I taught her to pose.”

Zhang Siyi’s mother smiled and said: “You’re the best at it. “

Gu Yu nodded: “Uncle has a good eye for composition.”

Zhang Siyi: “…..” What composition? The aesthetic of a rural entrepreneur! Watching Gu Yu win the best actor award, Zhang Siyi snickered.

In fact, Zhang Siyi has already seen the photos before as they were posted to his Mother’s social media page. He had no patience to join in their conversation so he went over to the pile of stuff to see what his parents brought back.

On the corner of the sofa, there was a bundle of something big leaning on it. Curiosity got the better of him and Zhang Siyi went over to touch it. He mumbled ‘it’s hard…’ and then asked more loudly: “Mom what the hell is this?”

Mother Zhang put away her cell phone and came over then said: “This is a latex mattress!”

“What the hell is a latex mattress?” Zhang Siyi tried to lift it, but it was quite heavy. “How did you carry it around and bring it back? It’s too heavy!”

“Why would we carry it? We hired a shipping agency to help us send it home,” Zhang Siyi’s mother said as she searched for a pair of scissors. As she pierced the plastic covering with the scissor and tore it open, the compressed mattress immediately expanded from within: ”Touch it! Isn’t it soft? It’s pure natural latex.”

Touching it, Zhang Siyi thought it really was soft: “How much was this thing?”

Zhang Siyi’s mother showed him a receipt: “This amount.”

Zhang Siyi: “Eight hundred?”

Mother Zhang corrected him sternly: “What are you looking at? It’s eight thousand!”

Zhang Siyi was shocked: “Shit! Eight thousand for a mattress! It’s so expensive?”

Next to them, Zhang father explained: “This mattress is very good. It’s a natural product made of rubber sap and is good for your body. It’s insulating in the winter and cool in the summer.”

Mother Zhang followed up with: “Yes, you see, a third of your life is spent sleeping. It is important to have a quality mattress. What is 8000 when you sleep for a lifetime? In ten years, its just 800 a year.”

Zhang Siyi squinted and said: “Is this what the sales person told you?”

Mother Zhang replied: “Yeah.”

Speechless, Zhang Siyi pressed his lips in a line then said: “Did you guys get scammed?”

Zhang Siyi’s mother smiled and chuckled: “You don’t know how happy it was to be able to buy and buy and buy! This time, your father was very generous. When I wanted to purchase something, nothing stopped me! Oh yeh, I also bought a 10,000-yuan crocodile leather belt for him!”

Zhang Siyi: “…..”

Rummaging through the suitcase, Zhang Siyi’s Mother wanted to show the belt to him. Zhang Siyi couldn’t bear to look at it and said: “Mom! Don’t buy crocodile skin! A crocodile is a rare animal! No harm would come to them if people didn’t buy crocodile products! And this stuff is so expensive!”

Zhang Father hummed: “I told her not to buy it, but she bought it anyway!”

Mother Zhang  hushed her husband and said to Zhang Siyi: “This belt was discounted. I got it for 1,800, hehe.”

Zhang Siyi’s mouth twitched: “… A fake, huh?”

Mother Zhang glared at him and proclaimed: “How could it be fake!”

Zhang Siyi touched his chin in thought and said: “Well, whatever. At least it’s made out of leather. Dad must look pretty cool in it.”

Next, Zhang Siyi’s Mother showed them all of their ‘spoils of war’ during the trip. Among them, she pulled out various luxury goods like clothing and jewelry, as well as consumables such as coconut sugar, durian crisps, and special coffee beans. When his mother pulled out more then a couple bags each, Zhang Siyi and Gu Yu sat dumbfounded.

By the amount of stuff, they purchased, Zhang Siyi thought it was obvious they were taken advantage of. However, Zhang Siyi Mother didn’t seem to care. She didn’t want to regret missing the opportunity to shop while abroad.

Zhang Siyi couldn’t stand it anymore. He didn’t want to argue with his mother, so he tugged on Gu Yu and went upstairs: “You haven’t been upstairs, right? I’ll take you to see my room.”

Mother Zhang was busy: “Yes. You show Gu Yu around the house. We have to hurry up and put things away. Tomorrow, father and I have to go to work.”

Gu Yu: “Uncle and Aunt are very busy so you don’t have to worry about me.”

Zhang Siyi’s mother responded with a smile and asked Gu Yu whether or not he wanted to stay for dinner. Gu Yu politely accepted Mother Zhang’s invitation and as a result, she asked the housekeeper to set the table for one more.

Zhang Siyi took Gu Yu into his room and closed the door before saying: “My parents are too stupid. They were probably cheated out of money.”

Gu Yu laughed: “The money they spent made them happy. Don’t rain on their parade.”

Feeling helpless, Zhang Siyi sat down on the bed and sighed: “Well, I can’t control what they spend their savings on. It’s their money after all.” At least, being finically independent of one another, they didn’t burden each other further.

Looking around the room, Gu Yu noticed Zhang Siyi’s room was twice as big as his. Even his bed was bigger. Teasing him, Gu Yu grinned and said: “ Little Emperor, your room is very nice.”

Zhang Siyi playfully pulled Gu Yu onto his bed with him. Lying on their sides, with Gu Yu’s arms wrapped around him, he nibbled on Zhang Siyi’s earlobe and teased him: “Now I know, being fooled is genetic.”

Zhang Siyi: “….! “

Turning over and positioned in each other’s embrace they kissed passionately. On his back and panting, Zhang Siyi gasped for breath and asked: “Do you want to stay over tonight?”

Gu Yu raised an eyebrow: “For what reason?”

Zhang Siyi raised his leg and wrapped it around Gu Yu waist, saying: “Using your professional knowledge to teach me.”

Laughing out loud, Gu Yu thrusted his hips towards Zhang Siyi’s inviting posture: “This expertise?”

Zhang Siyi’s face flushed: “I’m talking about architectural expertise!”

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