Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 145: Chief Director

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Walking through the hall on his way back from the data area, the Chief Director spotted Zhang Siyi’s focused figure at his desk working diligently and felt relieved. He happened to bump into Gu Yu while in the restroom: “The young man you recruited last year looks very steady now.”

Hearing the Chief talk to him, Gu Yu was a little surprised. Thinking about the time spent with Zhang Siyi looking through his journal to discuss the various topics he wrote about at length made Gu Yu smile: “Well, he is very motivated now and has improved greatly.”

Director Gu: “I saw him present the landmark tower for the Yunnan hotel project. The ideas emboldened the spirit and the design was excellent. It seems he really has a natural gift. Gu Yu, you have a good eye.”

Gu Yu was quite taken back by the Chief’s comments. Most of the time, the Chief Director’s praise is at most ‘good’ or ‘very well’ and rarely admits to a design being excellent, let alone that a design could effect a persons’ spirit. It is the best compliment for a young designer with potential. After all, anyone can learn the process of architecture, but only those with inborn talent have the ability to design a building that touches the soul. Even though Gu Yu was feeling very happy for Zhang Siyi, he tried not to show it and relaxed his facial expression.

Washing his hands, the Chief looked at Gu Yu in the mirror and suddenly asked: “Young Gu, I remember that you don’t have a girlfriend, right?”

Gu Yu: “…… Hmm?”

Leaving his hands to rinse under the water, he continued: “At the beginning of X Firm, you worked for more then twelve hours a day. I heard that you studied and brought work home to do in the evenings. During the two years here at Borderless, you were always conscientious of the staff members needs and personally made yourself available during overtime if any problems rose but as a result, you were never home before nine at night. Even though your dedication is important year after year, you need to make plans for your own life. You are almost thirty years old without a family of your own.”

The truth of the matter can’t be revealed. If Zhang Siyi was a woman, Gu Yu could immediately tell the Chief Director that he was already seriously involved with someone so he need not concern himself over the matter of marriage.

Since relationships in the workplace are taboo, being an employee of Borderless was a problem and not only that, but a subordinate of a Director. If that wasn’t enough of an issue, the fact that Zhang Siyi is a man, was the real cause for silence. If he were to mentioned being gay, the more than fifty-year old Chief Director may not be able to accept this detail, so it isn’t a subject Gu Yu can openly speak about.

“Well, I understand.” Gu Yu politely evaded the issue and responded ambiguously.

The Chief dried his hands with a paper towel before smiling at Gu Yu: “We are having a party for Yanyan next weekend because she is coming home from abroad. When was the last time you visited your parents? If you have nothing else, come over for dinner.”

Slightly distracted and out of courtesy and respect, Gu Yu instinctively responded with: “Alright.”

After the Chief Director left, Gu Yu couldn’t help but wonder if the talk of a girlfriend coupled with visiting friends of the family were connected.

While he was eating with Zhang Siyi that night at home, Gu Yu discussed the issue in advance: “I may have to go to the Chief Director’s house for a luncheon next weekend.”

Surprised, Zhang Siyi asked: “You are going to the Chief’s house for lunch? Why?”

Taking a moment to think clearly, Gu Yu chewed slowly and explained the situation to him rationally: “The Chief Director and my father are old friends.”

Zhang Siyi was only aware of his position as the former vice president at X Firm. He didn’t know that the Chief Director Gu Senior were friends.

Gu Yu explained: “In the early years, Liu and my father worked together in infrastructure projects in Xi’an and later they went to Hainan to build.  They worked together for more than eight years. After my father went back to Ningcheng, Liu came to Haicheng where he was at X Firm for many years.

Zhang Siyi was surprised. He thought that Gu Yu’s father had always been an architect in Ningcheng.

Gu Yu smiled and said: “When I graduated from my master’s degree, Uncle Liu extended an olive branch and asked me to go to X Firm. It was the most famous design company in the eastern part of the country. I needed experience to test for my license and since Haicheng is also close to Ningcheng, it was convenient to live here and to travel as needed to visit relatives.”

Zhang Siyi: “Ah.”

Gu Yu: “When I first arrived in Haicheng, Yuanshan Garden villa renovations weren’t completed yet. The Director was very kind to me and politely invited me to his home for dinner for every holiday.

Teasing him, Zhang Siyi jokingly said: “Ah so you got your job through the back door!”

Gu Yu looked up at him arrogantly: “Do you really think I needed a back door?”

Grinning, Zhang Siyi immediately said: “There was no need. You only had to look towards your father for one. Hehe.”

Gu Yu: “…..”

On the surface, Gu Yu remained calm, however at heart, he wanted to die. He reached over and cut himself a piece of red meat from Zhang Siyi’s dinner plate. He coughed slightly and said: “The environment at Borderless is really good. If we were at a different company, we might not be so free.”

Since Gu Yu had a position at Borderless, he was thankful for the power that came with the office. That way, Gu Yu was able to approach Zhang Siyi and facilitate their relationship.

Squinting, Zhang Siyi questioned: “What festival is next weekend? Why did the director ask you over for dinner?”

Gu Yu joked: “I don’t know. Maybe he wants to introduce me to a marriageable girl.”

Zhang Siyi didn’t find it funny: “Really?”

Gu Yu smiled at Zhang Siyi and said: “Well, I am not sure. He asked me to consider my goals in life as I am near thirty and then invited me to dinner.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Gu Yu continued: “He has a daughter named Liu Yuyan who is one year younger than me. Her nickname is Yanyan. Ten years ago after high school, she went to France to study art and has since lived there to work.”

Hearing Gu Yu mention the Chief’s daughter, Zhang Siyi scrunched up his face and asked: “Have you seen her?”

Gu Yu: “We have met. I feel that she has a strong personality and is a very opinionated girl. The Chief mentioned today that she is returning to China and they are having a family luncheon for her and that I should come.”

Puffing up his cheeks, Zhang Siyi is ready to explode. Damn it!

….. The Chief really must be trying to set up his daughter with Gu Yu! Gu Yu is such good material as a son-in-law, who wouldn’t want to set him up with their own daughter!

….. Ahhhh, I hope Gu Yu won’t go! But I can’t say something so willful!

Observing Zhang Siyi facial expressions, Gu Yu was enjoying Zhang Siyi’s jealous behavior. Smiling he playfully asked: “Would you like to go with me?”

Zhang Siyi lost his appetite. Hearing Gu Yu ask, he felt nervous: “Ah?”

Gu Yu raised an eyebrow: ” I thought you would mind, so I will take you to meet Yanyan. When you see her family, I can introduce you properly to the Chief so he won’t have any strange ideas.”

Gu Yu was so candid and serious, Zhang Siyi was shocked senseless: “You, you… Are you crazy it!? I’m not going!!!”

Gu Yu raised his hand to block his stifled laugh and wide grin: “So jealous. I offered, but you dare not come. Are you afraid?”

Zhang Siyi: “……” If he really did go, would they still have a job afterwards?

Becoming serious, Gu Yu put away his smile and said: “Okay, ok… enough teasing. Actually, I wanted to explain the relationship between my father and the director and let you know that I have been to their home many times in the past and they have never suggested pairing Yanyan and myself. At the beginning of the year, I also heard the Chief complain about his daughter finding a foreigner boyfriend in France. She is probably already in a serious relationship.”

Feeling depressed, Zhang Siyi mechanically inserted a piece of meat into his mouth.

Gu Yu: “The good intention of elders is difficult to ignore. Since he didn’t say anything about it, I will wait and see what happens. I hope the invitation is simply out of concern.”

A few days later, Zhang Siyi was busy in the extreme that he felt like a never-ending spinning top and didn’t have time to ponder the issues revolving around Gu Yu’s dinner.

At the company during the day, Zhang Siyi was hard at work drawing for the hotel project. When he got home at night, he had to help Gu Yu make the itinerary for the company’s trip to Japan. They settled on going to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto with spare time to explore the surrounding area of the city.

Upon completion, Gu Yu transferred twenty yuan saying that it was an extra bonus for helping him make the plans for the trip.

Incredulous, Zhang Siyi looked at him with a blank expression on his face. – For thirty minutes, I got five-hundred. I diligently worked for many days researching cities and making plans and for all of that effort, Gu Yu only gave me twenty bucks! Fuck! Are you trying to teach me to make money through that special kind of service?

Seemingly reading Zhang Siyi mind, Gu Yu explained as a matter of course: “The itinerary can be done by anyone, but only you can perform that kind of service.”

Zhang Siyi was speechless.

After ten days, the weekend Gu Yu was to go to the Chief Director’s home arrived. Since he was going to an elder’s home, Gu Yu couldn’t dress too casually. Looking over Gu Yu’s handsome appearance, Zhang Siyi took him into his arms, held him close and kissed him deeply than proclaimed his sovereignty: “Remember, you are mine.”

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 144: The Fun

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Thinking Gu Yu was angry, Zhang Siyi was surprised at Gu Yu’s heartfelt confession. Becoming emotional, Zhang Siyi didn’t know what to say. Instead, he reached out to touch Gu Yu’s heart. Although clothes separated them, Zhang Siyi could feel the steadfast heart of the man he loved. Not only could he feel his physical heartbeat, but the connection he had with his soul as well. Gazing into Gu Yu’s eyes. Zhang Siyi fell for him all over again.

Every day, his love grew stronger. From the beginning at the start of his confession in April, to the unexpected arrival in Lijiang, to the first big argument, and yesterday’s spat and reconciliation… It turns out that loving a person is unstoppable like the limitless graph of a positive quadratic function.

He will never be able to separate himself from Gu Yu during his life ever!

Reaching out and wrapping his arms around Gu Yu’s slightly larger body, Zhang Siyi pulled him into his embrace and held him close: “I know, I will learn to believe in you.”

The two men gazed into each other eyes for a moment before they kissed tenderly. Gu Yu reached out to caressed Zhang Siyi’s face and smiled: “Are you satisfied now? Do you have any more questions?”

 “No, I don’t. I believe in you.” Zhang Siyi gave Gu Yu a tight squeeze and then said: “I was a little curious about your past. That’s all.”

“I’ll tell you more about it later.” Gu Yu slid his finger to Zhang Siyi’s nose and bopped it: “Even though we are considered a pair as part of the game in the company, are you still getting jealous over Tao Fei and my Senior Sister? Are you unsatisfied?”

Suddenly, Zhang Siyi lifted his legs and wrapped them around Gu Yu’s waist, immobilizing him. Full of possessiveness, he said: “We are a pair! You are mine.”

Since Zhang Siyi’s ardor actions caught him by surprise, Gu Yu laid there stiffly. Gazing at him, desire grew and taking advantage of the situation he relaxed and used the weight of his head to place his lips onto Zhang Siyi’s lips and kissed him deeply.

With a racing heart and turning red, Zhang Siyi let out a “Mmm”. Before things went any further, he quickly released Gu Yu. He said: “We should finish making the plans,” and then Zhang Siyi pushed him away.

Leaning on his elbow and propping himself up, Gu Yu smirked and gave Zhang Siyi a funny look.

Sitting upright at the small table, Zhang Siyi was annoyed at himself. He wanted to know why, when Gu Yu made his desire clear, he acted like a young shy maiden every time. He is a man! Can’t he go back!? (ˋ_ˊ)

…… If I had known, I should have gossiped about the pumpkin. Then I might have seen his embarrassment instead!

As they continued researching destinations, they happily discussed their plans. The time flew by without them realizing it and it was time to wash and get some rest.

After lying down, Zhang Siyi checked his phone for social media updates and discovered a deposit of five-hundred yuan in his account. He clicked on the entry in his banking ledger for more information and found the money had been transferred by Gu Yu this morning.

“Hey, you gave me money? Why is it so much?” Zhang Siyi questioned strangely.

Gu Yu leaned over, embraced him and softly said: “Your behavior last night improved the quality of our lives so this is my reward.”

Zhang Siyi:“……” Ah! So good! More opportunities to make our quality of life better!

…… Wait a minute, Isn’t there something wrong with this way of thinking!? (=_=)

…… Shit! What is the difference between Gu Yu giving him money for yesterday’s activities and getting  paid for ‘that-kind-of-service’!?

……No, no, no. That can’t be true. Maybe Gu Yu didn’t mean it like that!

…… It shouldn’t feel so nice to get rewarded like this!

Feeling irritated, Zhang Siyi used his thumbs to quickly type on his mobile phone. After a moment, Gu Yu’s phone chimed.

Hearing the phone, Gu Yu let go of Zhang Siyi and reached over to the bedside table to pick it up. Seeing a notification from him he asked: “What’s this?” When he unlocked the phone and looked at the details, he saw that Zhang Siyi had sent him money; only fifty yuan.

Zhang Siyi smirked and said: “Your service payment.” Feeling generous, he added: “Keep the change.”

Ha-Ha! Zhang Siyi thought he had the perfect idea. Now that each had given money, they were even. He can’t be the only one feeling like a rent-boy! Unexpectedly, Gu Yu suddenly smiled and asked: “Is my service only worth fifty dollars?”

Zhang Siyi put his phone on the bedside table and shrunk into the bed: “Fifty bucks isn’t enough?” Zhang Siyi still felt like yesterday, he lost in a big way.

Gu Yu muffed his laughter and said: “It’s enough. According to your math, the price of thirty minutes is five hundred dollars and the price for three minutes is fifty. I have no objections to the price.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Gu Yu pulled Zhang Siyi into his arms and nibbled on his ear. He whispered softly for only Zhang Siyi to hear: “I hope you can let me give you a thousand dollars for next time.”

Zhang Siyi: “………” Go to hell! (╯‵皿’)╯(┻━┻

Sleeping soundly until dawn, Zhang Siyi got up and arrived at the company early. He could hear his colleagues happily talk about Japan as they each arrived at work and walked to their desks. Thinking about yesterday’s research, he couldn’t help but smile at himself. -Hey, I’m the master who has the power to organized your ultimate itinerary!

In the morning, Gu Yu sent an additional message to remind everyone to work hard. If anyone didn’t complete their work beforehand, they would have to cancel their trip.

In reality, even if someone delayed their work, they would have to wait for the visa to come through and thus not worry about missing the trip. However, Gu Yu’s news gave them a sense of urgency. The group members became a little nervous so they quieted down and diligently went back to work with a serious attitude.

Being used to traveling from time to time, Zhang Siyi didn’t feel as excited about the trip to Japan as the rest of his colleagues did. Even if he hadn’t already traveled to many places, he didn’t have the luxury to think about the trip at the moment as he and Tao Fei were drowning in work to complete for their resort project. They will have made a report on the project on the eve of the tour.

In the beginning, after only a few months on the job, Gu Yu allowed him to specialize in small floor plan design for a short period. Now, combined with his experience inside luxury hotels, Zhang Siyi easily grasped the internal dimensions of these residential spaces. He knew what the ergonomic basis and size limitations were when designing the hotel villas. In addition, using his experience drawing blueprints for his office design, putting together the villa designs was like a sixth grader going back to do homework from fourth grade.

Zhang Siyi started with a villa shape according to what he saw and heard in Yunnan. In order to add local features and details to highlight his drawings, he repeatedly looked at both his own photographs from his trip to Yunnan, as well as rummaging through all of the classic villa design case books and reference materials from the company’s library to supplement his information and find inspiration for his design.

Once he took the time to figured out one of the villas, the rest of them were draw effortlessly. Quickly, more than half of the drawing was completed.

This is the most difficult phase of the whole design process because there are rules to follow. Once they are mastered, with experience, one can easily create improvements in a design within the scope of the regulations.

If the goal is to achieve a unique exterior building, one can’t copy motifs and ideas from other buildings then mechanically and loosely patch them together. Only by thinking about what inspires them, can one follow through with their own ideas to create a new building with their own characteristics and thus cultivate their own design aesthetic.

During this busy time, Zhang Siyi once again thought of the words Gu Yu’s father said to him this year:  “You must constantly arm yourself with knowledge and skills and mature as fast as possible. When you get there, you will know the fun of doing architectural design.”

Yes, in the tenth month of employment, Zhang Siyi finally realized the truth of his statement. After some accumulation of knowledge and experience, he finally felt the fun of doing design.

Gu Yu told him before that designing is like playing a game that utilizes the permutations and combinations within a limited set of rules to find the most effective solution. But Zhang Siyi doesn’t feel this to be true anymore. The higher architectural designers should be equivalent to magicians. Not only can they figure out the most utilitarian plan, they can also transform any ugly building into something magnificent and beautiful.

Just as the meaning of the English word architecture was originally defined as ‘master builder’, with enough accumulated knowledge and experience, an architect can build the world!

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 143: Coupled

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When Zhang Siyi was pushed to the floor, he instinctively struggled and resisted, but once Gu Yu lips met his own, he relaxed then passionately kissed him back. As he intertwined his tongue with Gu Yu’s, Zhang Siyi desperately wanted more. As if their intimacy wasn’t enough, he wanted to become one with Gu Yu.

…… to become one?

When the idea popped into his mind, Zhang Siyi was startled. Strange. Yesterday, he felt ashamed and uncomfortable with their bathroom activities, but now, he was anxious to be connected with Gu Yu.

….. This feeling, born from love, let it be natural and heartfelt.

It was only a momentary thought and soon Zhang Siyi channeled his emotions into actions and expressed his desire.

With how detail-oriented Gu Yu is, whether he was thinking about work, his life or making his lover feel good, he made sure all aspects were thoroughly examined, thoughtfully processed, then put into action in the most beneficial way.

As if he was filling up a personal database, Gu Yu has patiently prodded all of Zhang Siyi sensitive spots and by paying close attention to his lover’s reactions, he could file away the most useful information to be used at a later date.

Zhang Siyi is different. Although Zhang Siyi was very enthusiastic about his sexual relations with Gu Yu now, perhaps it is as Tao Fei said; the influence of dopamine and hormones. No one knows what will happen when the effect passes. Will Zhang Siyi suddenly sober up and feel disgusted at his homosexual relationship?

Even after Gu Yu made a solemn declaration on the day of their confession, he gave Zhang Siyi the right to refuse. If Zhang Siyi hadn’t returned his feelings, he wouldn’t have forced Zhang Siyi. All Gu Yu can do is cherish every moment he had with Zhang Siyi and with the greatest patience, let Zhang Siyi deeply feel the enjoyment of being together.

Whether it is the muscles in the body or the brain, all of them have memory. In the future, Gu Yu wants Zhang Siyi to associate only the most pleasant memories through his body and spirit with their intimate time together. Gu Yu couldn’t tolerate any negative feelings, so he gradually and carefully exposed Zhang Siyi to male intimacy. Proceeding step by step, he took action and observed Zhang Siyi reactions to make sure there wasn’t a hint of revulsion.

Since Zhang Siyi was feeling so enthusiastic, he willingly surrendered himself and had no difficulties in repeating yesterday’s events on the floor with Gu Yu.

Afterwards, the two of them held each other for a long time, gently kissing and chatting. Zhang Siyi remembered the ‘real-fake-play’ that Tao Fei mentioned to him during the day and asked Gu Yu about it.

Gu Yu smiled and said: “He really knows me.”

Listening to Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi felt a tinge of jealousy: “He told me you two were considered a couple in college. Why?”

Gu Yu: “When I was at university the students would select the most handsome and beautiful person from the department in private as an idol couple. I don’t know how popular it was at your school.”

“Yes, in high school, but not abroad. It’s not popular in foreign countries.” Zhang Siyi caressed Gu Yu’s face and then pinched his cheek. Acting flirty, he was honest: “You are so handsome, you must have been the department’s idol.”

Smiling at him, Gu Yu grabbed Zhang Siyi’s restless hand and kissed him. He continued: “The most handsome and beautiful winners were often coupled together as a joke. When I first went to university, the department beauty was a senior. After she graduated, another girl took her place, but while she was kind and had a good personality, she couldn’t match the beauty of the previous senior. When she graduated, Tao Fei was in his first year. As you could have imagined, he was selected as the department’s most beautiful because he was more beautiful than the previous girl.

“Pfft…….” Tao Fei really has a face that allows men and women to regard him as an imaginary enemy!

Gu Yu continued to patiently tell Zhang Siyi about the time he spent with Tao Fei at school, including their experience in doing projects together. He also told Zhang Siyi about the many temper tantrums that Tao Fei threw.

With one casual question, Zhang Siyi wasn’t expecting such a lengthily and detailed explanation. He was really enjoying Gu Yu’s treatment. Laying next to each other on the floor, Zhang Siyi rolled onto his side to put his arm around Gu Yu and snuggled in closer to him.

The Gu Yu now was completely different from the Gu Yu who had played Truth or Dare with him. At that time in the past, Gu Yu often teased him and bullied him. Unlike before, it was so easy to ask questions and discuss various topics with him.

Like a kitten who poked his head into things, touching and scratching to confirm the safety of the environment, Zhang Siyi placed himself into Gu Yu’s secure world.

Thinking of Gu Yu’s abnormal tone when he first mentioned the Department’s most beautiful, laying on the floor Zhang Siyi asked:” Where you also a pair with the senior sister?”

After laughing out loud, Gu Yu turned his head to gaze at Zhang Siyi and said with a smile: “We were only friends. There was nothing more.”

Gu Yu gaze and smile made Zhang Siyi feel like Gu Yu read his thoughts. He knew that there was nothing, but since he didn’t know anything about Gu Yu’s previous 28 years, he couldn’t stop himself from asking about it. “Tao Fei also mentioned during your sophomore year, you participated in many competitions with your seniors…. Was that girl involved?”

Gu Yu looked at him funny. However, he answered him honestly “Yes.” Gu Yu didn’t feel he had any past deeds that he needed to hide from Zhang Siyi. Anyways, any information that Zhang Siyi tried to dig up, would be sincerely given.

Being possessive, Zhang Siyi said: “Oh? That school sister was very good and treated you so well!”

Gu Yu saw Zhang Siyi’s prostrate chin with a jealous expression on his face and couldn’t help but smile broadly at him. The jealous person eats vinegar, but the target of jealousy eats honey.

“Yes, she was very kind to me.” Gu Yu frankly and nonchalantly explained: “When I first entered school, she lent me her study notes. As we got closer, she shared all of her knowledge of architecture including design materials and books. We competed together in the first competition of my college career and it was from a party at her place, that I connected with people in the industry. When she graduated, she also sent me more than 300 very good professional books.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”  -Why is she so good to Gu Yu! Does she like him!

Gu Yu looked directly at Zhang Siyi and continuously praised her: “She is very smart and beautiful, warm and generous, knowledgeable, understanding and one of the best friends I know.”

Zhang Siyi: “!!” Unbelievable! He thought so deeply for her and summed up so many advantages! Gu Yu clearly said he didn’t have relations with any girls that were close to him, but was he deluding himself?

Gu Yu added: “She went to Yale after graduation and graduated the year before I did. She now works in a famous American architectural firm. Even after all his time, we are still friends and remain in contact with one another.”

Zhang Siyi: “!!!!” No! He’s losing his cool! He’s going to be jealous! He’s going to blow up!

Gu Yu smiled wickedly and suddenly pulled Zhang Siyi chin closer. He lowered his head and lightly pecked Zhang Siyi on the lips: “But I don’t like her. I only like you.”

Zhang Siyi: “………” (t////t) Toying with me! Too foul!

Wishing to see both Zhang Siyi’s angry pent-up expression as well as his eyes of devotion, Gu Yu teased him mercilessly. As he played around with Zhang Siyi’s emotions, Zhang Siyi expressions rapidly changed and Gu Yu was rewarded. With both hands on his own abdomen, Gu Yu laughed boisterously on the floor next to Zhang Siyi. When he calmed down, he propped himself up on his elbow and said: “Little fool, let me tell you a secret.”

Zhang Siyi:“…… Hmm?”

Gu Yu leaned down and said: “When we became a couple, I told her about our first time. She is happy for us and said she wants to meet you when she returns to China at Christmas.”

Blushing deeply, Zhang Siyi said: “She knows you are gay?”

Gu Yu: “Well, more than that. She is the first friend that I came out to.”

Zhang Siyi was a bit surprised: “Oh?”

Gu Yu: “I started to doubt my sexuality when I was in high school, but I didn’t confirm it at that time. I just deluded myself into thinking that I was simply a cold person with no genes for love. After going to college, there were many instances of desire that welled up from within me, but it was very confusing and painful at the time since I was only ever attracted to men. There was this one time I was talking with her and I ended up inadvertently confiding in this matter. She not only did not discriminate against me, but she also helped me evaluate and accept the truth about myself…… To be honest, to have met her at such a difficult period of my life was very fortunate.”

This was also the first time that Zhang Siyi had listened to Gu Yu explain the history of his sexual orientation.

Since Gu Yu was the highest ranked student in the school and with his handsome features, Zhang Siyi assumed there were many cultural expectations from his peers that were placed on his shoulders. Knowing Gu Yu’s personality, when he discovered his sexual abnormality, he probably went through a period of self-torment and denial. Zhang Siyi can’t imagine how difficult a period it must have been for him.

If Zhang Siyi hadn’t known Gu Yu was gay, if he didn’t learn that Gu Yu liked him, if Gu Yu never reached out his hand and held onto him, Zhang Siyi wouldn’t have considered a relationship with another man. Zhang Siyi grabbed hold of Gu Yu and clung to him dearly giving rise to a feeling of mutual salvation. From now on, Gu Yu is his and he will never let go.

Hugging each other silently, Zhang Siyi’s curiosity got the better of him and asked: ”When you were in college who was it that you lusted after?”

Gu Yu: “At our college the students needed to take a physical education elective so I chose a course in the International Standard of Ballroom Dancing. There was a boy in the class with a similar physique as yours. Every time he danced, his shirt wouldn’t stay tucked into his pants and as a result his flexible waist was exposed.” Gu Yu’s hand unconsciously moved to Zhang Siyi’s waist, caressed him and smiled.

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Dodging Gu Yu’s movement, Zhang Siyi hurriedly asked another question: “Why didn’t you go after the boy? “

“He wasn’t as handsome as you are.” Gu Yu finally said something that made Zhang Siyi feel happy, but he didn’t have more than a moment to think about it because Gu Yu examined Zhang Siyi from head to toe and then said: “I bet the twists you do will be more attractive than his.” He reached out a grabbed Zhang Siyi sides and tickled him.

Zhang Siyi: “…”  Shit, Gu Yu’s eyes are so intense. Zhang Siyi twisted and wriggled from his grasp then squinted at Gu Yu and imagined him doing those sultry dance moves……  Fuck, he is going to have a nosebleed!

Zhang Siyi adverted his gaze, and looked down at Gu Yu’s chin than changed the subject once again: “When you were still at the other Architectural Firm, I heard you were chased by a female designer that was eight years older than you.”

Gu Yu said: “You know all of this?”

Zhang Siyi let out a “humph” and said: “Who is the one that’s so famous.”

Gu Yu pinched his nose: “It seems that you secretly asked a lot about me.”

Zhang Siyi wrinkled his face: “Who asked? The information was passed along by colleagues in the company.”

Gu Yu suddenly propped up himself and raised his eyebrows : “Who is spreading gossip? Too much play time and not enough work. Is that it? I’ll have to find out who it is and severely punish them.”

Zhang Si Yi was shocked. He was afraid of involving Bi Lele and himself. He hurriedly replied: “I don’t remember.”

As soon as he gave it more thought, Zhang Siyi felt that there wasn’t something right. Gu Yu’s responded very normally and yet, asking this was a problem? There must be something fishy going on!

Zhang Siyi immediately bulged his face: “Is there something you are hiding?”

Gu Yu deliberately baited him and seeing how easily Zhang Siyi bit, he decided he needed to set him straight: “Are you so gullible that you would listen to gossip?”

Zhang Siyi is a little guilty: “I, I do not.”

Gu Yu paused and explained: “When I was in X Firm, there was indeed a female designer who was older than me and expressed interest in me. I also explicitly rejected her. The female designer is a very good person, but some rumors spread saying she couldn’t take the rejection, started stalking me and as a result, I had to leave the Firm and come to Borderless. It is just gossip. I don’t know which version you have heard, but I’m very disgusted with those rumors. I have zero-tolerance for such behavior and I expect my subordinates to do the same.”

Zhang Siyi not only felt guilty for his own behavior but also, he felt worried for Bi Lele. Indeed, Bi Lele’s understanding of Gu Yu is not as good as his so how can he use it to question Gu Yu?

Watching Zhang Siyi’s diminutive bow and expression, Gu Yu knew Zhang Siyi was sorry. Gu Yu grabbed his hand and pressed it on his heart and softly and tenderly spoke to him: “Zhang Siyi, listen, I can tell you the answer to any question you might have, but you have to learn to trust me. I’ve told you that I like you. Only you. I’ve said I didn’t like girls before. I really don’t. I’ve said that I want to be together with you for the rest of our lives. I really do. I’ve mentioned this before. Being together is a difficult path to take in life. The hardest part about it, isn’t us, but the pressure and ridicule from outsiders. A large part of the issue is the gossip and slander of others. If you are so easily influenced by others’ comments and views, then even I can’t protect you…. Which is why I sincerely hope that from this moment on, you can learn to strengthen yourself and put an end to all external factors that may affect your mood, and personally feel for yourself how much I love you.”

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