Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 133: Illness

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Zhang Siyi pressed his lips together and didn’t talk. Tao Fei grabbed some napkins from the table and threw them at him. He said: “Hey, if there is something to say, then say it. I also consider you a brother so there is no reason to hold it in!”

Zhang Siyi caught the napkins and threw them back. Finally, he couldn’t contain his feelings anymore and a torrent of complaints burst out: ”Yes, we are fighting! I told him that I wanted to stay up with you, but he disagreed. He said my work would be too inefficient if I stayed up late. I thought I was being considerate to him and told him to go back home, but he won’t talk to me. I don’t know what he wants!”

With an expression of ‘I told you so’ written all over his face, Tao Fei scoffed and said: “I knew it.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

While eating his food, Tao Fei helped Zhang Siyi analyze his situation: “I guess Gu Yu may be unhappy because you snubbed him.”

Raising his voice, Zhang Siyi frantically spoke: “But I am at work. I am not fooling around!  He told me he wants me to work alongside him as soon as possible. He is obviously a very rational and calm person, but when I work hard and then he says he doesn’t want me to. What is that? A double standard! I don’t think he wants me to be strong at all!”

Zhang Siyi wouldn’t normally voice his anger in front of Gu Yu. Tao Fei offered an ear so Zhang Siyi couldn’t help but vent his grievances.

Tao Fei sighed and said: “He might seem infallible, but when one falls in love, even he is simply a mortal. Besides, this is your love period!”

Zhang Siyi snorted and thought: they were only together for a month… What seven-year-itch. Day after day, he did not go home and Gu Yu did not talk to him. With pessimistic thoughts, Zhang Siyi felt like they were almost finished. Maybe after the project was over, they will actually break up!

With great care, Tao Fei warmly spoke to Zhang Siyi: “I’ll tell you something. I’ve known my brother for five years and during that time, he has always remained calm. Even in the face of my bad temper, he remained so collected. The only time I’ve never seen him get angry and out of control is because of you.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Tao Fei: “Like at the hotel in Jingmai Mountains… Well, I also deliberately provoked him, but I didn’t expect that he would really take the bait and kiss you in front of me.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Tao Fei: “At least his behavior is more normal now. Unlike previously, even though he was in his early twenties, he always seemed to live a lifeless life. Like a pool of stagnant water, he lived only by going through the motions.”

Tao Fei paused then said: “In the past few days, I can clearly feel he is in a bad mood. I often see him preoccupied with something and frowning with a heavy heart. Since you have your back to his office, you may never have noticed, but every time he left, he always paused and looked at you before moving.”

“Who knows what he is thinking…” Zhang Siyi took a sip of his hot and sour soup and felt the flavor mimicked his mood.

Tao Fei shrugged: “Although I don’t know what he was thinking, you will have to talk about it sooner or later. Since my brother is very proud, from my experience, it is not likely he will take the initiative to find you to talk. Take my advice and make the first step towards reconciliation. Maybe once you make the first move, he will come tumbling down from the top of the stairs!”

Stirring the remaining liquid in his soup bowl with his chopsticks, Zhang Siyi said with sorrow: “Why do I have to be first? I’ve already approached him a few days ago. Early in the morning I asked him if he was having a cold war with me and do you know what he said?”

Using Gu Yu cold tone and expression, Zhang Siyi imitated him and told Tao Fei what Gu Yu said verbatim. Although Tao Fei heard it, he didn’t sympathize with Zhang Siyi. Instead he gloated: “His character… Well, you are the one that likes him! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!”

Finishing the last few bites of dinner, Tao Fei calmly said: “Our project is almost done. It’s time for you to go back home.”

Being defiant, Zhang Siyi rebuked: “Now, in the middle of the night? I won’t go back. I’m staying up with you to work!”

Tao Fei picked up the lid from the take-out container and slapped him: “Don’t use me as an excuse to escape. You haven’t realized it, but my brother has given me the look of death these last couple of days. Besides, I have to go back tonight and fix up this peach brother for tomorrow’s presentation.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Feeling helpless, Zhang Siyi packed up his things and went home.

In May, Haicheng has begun to heat up during the day, but it remains quite chilly at night. Often, the temperature difference between the two is rather wide at (30C/86F) and during the day and (10C/50F) during the night.

Having been inside these last few days with an interior temperature that was completely regulated, when Zhang Siyi stepped outside, he felt the bite of a chilly breeze.

He inhaled with a deep breath and sputtered out hot air quickly making his lips vibrate. The answer to the current unknown status of their relationship made Zhang Siyi hesitant. – Shit! I can’t take it anymore! The anticipation is killing me! I’m going to talk tonight! Who is the surname of Gu’s love?!

Taking a taxi back to Yuanshan Garden, Zhang Siyi had time to reflect on the last couple of days and standing in front of the door, he felt a little reluctant to speak up.

Zhang Siyi is neither afraid of being with Gu Yu nor his argument with him. What he can’t tolerate was seeing Gu Yu’s indifferent expression and lack of communication. The possibility of being ignored again is upsetting Zhang Siyi. What kind of love is there without concern?

Now that the moment is upon him, Zhang Siyi glanced at the time and saw that it was after midnight and decided he didn’t want to wake Gu Yu up. Instead, he was going to sneak back to his room to sleep. Making up his mind, he gently opened the door and tried to quietly head upstairs. Since he hadn’t seen Townhouse for a couple of days, the dog ran up to him excitedly and barked: “wuuf-wuuf.”

Startled, Zhang Siyi’s plan was ruined. He grabbed Townhouse by the ear and covered his snout and desperately ‘shushed’ him. The dog didn’t understand and thought his master was home to play. He started licking his hand and made more excited grunts.

Zhang Siyi wants to cry, but has no tears. Damn this little ancestor! You don’t want to join in the fun at this point!

The ‘little ancestor’ did not listen. In the dark, Townhouse pounced on Zhang Siyi legs and frantically rubbed. After an emotionally draining day, Zhang Siyi almost kicked the dog hard. Stupid dog! Gu Yu, why can’t the dog get fixed?! Every day, this is what he does. It’s too ridiculous!

It was hard to wait for Townhouse to settle down. While Zhang Siyi quietly walked upstairs, Townhouse also followed suit. Twice, Zhang Siyi shooed him down but finally, he was able to make the dog stay downstairs.

Since they were being so loud, Zhang Siyi was afraid that he woke up Gu Yu. As he reached the top of the stairs, he listened intently for any sound. When he didn’t hear the slightest movement, he laughed at himself for thinking Gu Yu would do anything other then what he has been doing already. Ignoring Zhang Siyi.

Not wanting to cause any further disturbance than he already created, he didn’t turn on the hall lights and instead, he used his phone as a flashlight. When he went to use the bathroom, he noticed Gu Yu bedroom door wasn’t closed. He was shocked to find it remained open!

Zhang Siyi quickly turned off his mobile phone and stood next to the door in a dilemma.

What did Gu Yu mean by leaving the door open? Usually, whether they sleep together or sleep separately, they would close the doors. Is it possible that Gu Yu was…?   Was waiting for him to come back?

Instantly, Zhang Siyi was warmed up by the idea. His heart was pounding in his chest, but after the long cold period, he was afraid of being so optimistic. While standing outside the door, he hesitated for five minutes. Finally, Zhang Siyi decided he would at least sneak a peek at Gu Yu and then go back to his room quietly.

Now that Zhang Siyi’s phone was turned off for a while, his eyes had adapted to the darkness. He crept into Gu Yu’s room and saw the quilt on his bed with a big lump on the side making a familiar outline. He didn’t know if Gu Yu was really sleeping deeply or simply silently lying still.

With the faint illumination of the night light on the other side of the bed, Zhang Siyi maneuvered around to look at him more closely. When Gu Yu’s face came into view, he couldn’t look away. Even though they were at the office every day, it felt like he hadn’t been able to see Gu Yu’s face clearly for a very long time.

….. Damn it! I really fucking miss him!

Watching the movement in his chest expand and contrast with each breath, Gu Yu appears both harmless and fragile. Lying in bed sleeping, Zhang Siyi didn’t know why Gu Yu had a slight frown on his face. Looking at Gu Yu like this, he had the sudden desire to pounce on him, but his thoughts said he can’t…… They are still in a cold war! Angry at the thought, Zhang Siyi was uncontrollably bending down and reaching out, wanting to feel his face. It was a completely unconscious action. The moment Zhang Siyi’s fingers touched Gu Yu’s skin, he tightened his eyebrows and his eyes fluttered open.

Panicked, Zhang Siyi tried to react and escape, but Gu Yu was faster. He suddenly reached out and grabbed Zhang Siyi hand and stared at him. While he slowly loosened the grip on his hand, in a weak and hoarse voice, Gu Yu said: “You came back.”

Zhang Siyi wasn’t thinking so much on how unhealthy he sounded, because once he heard Gu Yu pleased voiced, his heart was a mess.

His hard-earned pride and self-esteem collapsed in an instant. Like a puppy who was forgiven by his master, Zhang Siyi sorrowfully looked at Gu Yu with all of his emotions in his eyes.

Gu Yu watched him then gradually relaxed his hand and tightened it again. He pulled Zhang Siyi into the bed with him.

Frantically kissing one another, Zhang Siyi fell on top of Gu Yu. With his mind becoming blank, he only felt what was in front of him in the moment. In the arms of the person he loves, he had nothing to worry about. He just wanted to feel the warmth of his lover and having spent the last several days apart, he wanted to rejoice in their reunion.

Gu Yu was also the same. Venting his emotions, Gu Yu wrapped his tongue around Zhang Siyi’s tongue, kissing him deeply and mercilessly bit his lips. Listening to Zhang Siyi muffled outbursts of pain, Gu Yu didn’t stop. His strength was so great and he kissed so fiercely that it seemed as if he wanted revenge for being left out during the past few days

Zhang Siyi was also very enthusiastic, but he still couldn’t match Gu Yu. He seemed to force Zhang Siyi to bear all of the resentment alone…. Slowly, Zhang Siyi recovered his senses and became aware of Gu Yu’s abnormal body temperature.

Not only was his mouth hot, but also his forehead, neck, shoulders…… Everywhere he touched, Gu Yu’s temperature was higher than his. He quickly realized the meaning of the hoarse voice that Gu Yu spoke with. Becoming anxious, Zhang Siyi freed himself from Gu Yu arms. Observing each other’s expressions, Zhang Siyi spoke first: “Are you sick?”

Gu Yu’s line of sight was a focused-on Zhang Siyi. Due to the intensity with which they kissed, gasping for air, Gu Yu was short of breath and did not speak.

Zhang Siyi went to touch his forehead but was caught by Gu Yu instead. Gu Yu placed Zhang Siyi’s hand to his lips and kissed his palm and then wrapped his tongue around his finger, inserted it into his mouth and sucked.

Quickly becoming peevish, Zhang Siyi demanded: “You quickly answer me!”

Gu Yu paused for few seconds before releasing him then he quietly said: “It’s nothing serious. Just a small cold.” Lowering the volume even further, he said: “I’m sorry, I didn’t hold back.”

At first, Zhang Siyi didn’t understand what Gu Yu meant by suddenly apologizing. Was he sorry that the cold war was over? Pausing for a moment, he quickly realized the truth and sighed. Gu Yu was afraid of infecting Zhang Siyi with his cold.

Feeling happy for Gu Yu’s concern, but feeling distressed over his illness, he clung to Gu Yu’s hand, leaned down and kissed him on the lips. He said: “Never mind that. When did you get sick? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Gu Yu normally stoic demeanor made Zhang Siyi feel like Gu Yu was invincible. Even if there was something a little off, Zhang Siyi would never think of the possibility of Gu Yu being sick. Now he finally understood why he didn’t wake up earlier with so much noise when Zhang Siyi came back home. Gu Yu was probably too weak from illness that he didn’t hear anything.

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 132: The Cold War

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Since his heart and mind were occupied with thoughts of Gu Yu and despite Zhang Siyi initial determination to stay, he wasn’t able to fully concentrate on his work. By midnight, all of his attention was on his phone as he was expecting a good night message from Gu Yu. However, after Gu Yu left the office, there wasn’t a single update on social media or any text messages.

With only four subway stops between them, they obviously live in the same city. However, emotionally they were far apart. Due to their dispute and since Gu Yu left the office without saying goodbye, Zhang Siyi felt wronged. As long as Gu Yu sent a ‘good night’ or ‘don’t stay up too late’ message to him, Zhang Siyi wouldn’t have the guts to stay any longer, but neither Zhang Siyi or Gu Yu sent any messages.

Feeling very depressed, Zhang Siyi tried to psych himself up. – Stop acting like a lovesick little girl! Work hard and catch up to Gu Yu.

Zhang Siyi forced himself to stop thinking about Gu Yu and focus on the work. Otherwise, his overnight stay would be meaningless. Fortunately, the work on hand was indeed a lot. Like the time during the period of jealousy when Tao Fei first came to Borderless, once he set his mind to it, he thought about nothing else.

The design concept is only a small portion of the work that Zhang Siyi and Tao Fei have to complete. In addition to the concepts, they have to build a power-point presentation. Through 3D renderings, different elevation details, and landscape maps, they have to create an enticing story from start to finish that showcases the work in the best way in order to convince Party A to move forward with the project.

It wasn’t until three in the morning that they went to sleep. Zhang Siyi was reminded of his university days when he also stayed up late to finish his projects. Unlike previously when he had to work alone, he now was working alongside a colleague and as a result, Zhang Siyi was enjoying the experience and felt invigorated.

Zhang Siyi’s only regret was his disagreement with Gu Yu. Even though he didn’t understand what happened, it was very clear that this state is definitely not normal. After laying down, he took out his phone again. He uploaded a picture of the nightscape from the office window and posted a public statement in WeChat: “Struggling.” The main motivation for posting his picture isn’t for outsiders’ praise, but to see if Gu Yu was listening.

The next morning, he woke up at 8:50 and went to wash his face in the bathroom. On the way, he bumped into Xu Jia and Bi Lele who were just arriving at work. They asked: “Aunt Four, did you stay overnight at the company?”

Still tired, Zhang Siyi yawned and nodded.

Xu Jia: “You and Peach Brother have been working hard recently. Yesterday, I went to look at your general design. It’s super cool!”

Hearing the praise, Zhang Siyi’s mood perked up: “Ha, really?”

Bi Lele said: “I’ve seen it too. When is the presentation? The boss asked me to help you develop the power-point presentation if I have time.”

Pleasantly surprised, Zhang Siyi said: “That’s great! The report is on Friday. Are you free on Wednesday or Thursday?”

Bi Lele shrugged her shoulders and said: “I think I might have some time.”

Zhang Si Yi patted his chest and said: ” Whatever you want to eat, you can choose!””

Satisfied with Zhang Siyi’s offer, Bi Lele nodded. “Send me all the work and I’ll arrange it for you in advance.”

Feeling happy, Zhang Siyi exclaimed: “Ah, you are so good!”

Bi Lele smiled narcissistically: “What did you say? I don’t think I heard enough….”

With sugar in his mouth, Zhang Siyi boasted: “You are the most beautiful. Your hair is like soft clouds in the sky and your eyes are like the sparkling moon reflected in the water….”

Bi Lele: “Poof !!!”

Listening next to them, Xu Jia burst of laughter. As the three were flirtatiously chatting happily, Gu Yu suddenly appeared. The two girls stopped their giggles in a timely manner and jointly bowed slightly: “Boss.” Only Zhang Siyi was trying to say hello, but Gu Yu simply glanced at him and turned away.

At that moment, the sense of loss that Zhang Siyi felt was overwhelming. Feeling depressed, he slowly walked downstairs to the convenience store to buy breakfast. Along the way, he checked his social media page. There were many people that commented on his status and as expected, his close friends all told him to go to sleep early and take care of himself. The one person he wanted to see wasn’t among the list of people that sent him comments.

Now, Zhang Siyi is 100% sure that Gu Yu is angry, but he doesn’t know why. – Was simply because I stayed overnight with Tao Fei? But that doesn’t make sense. And besides, unlike what Gu Yu was saying, we got a lot of work done. It wasn’t inefficient at all!

Swallowing the last bite of his breakfast sandwich, Zhang Siyi knocked on Gu Yu’s office door and then entered.

Gu Yu was busy looking at the data on his computer screen.  When he looked up and saw Zhang Siyi, he frowned: “What’s the matter?”

Getting straight to the point, Zhang Siyi folded his arms and questioned firmly: “Are you in a cold war with me?”

Looking away from Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu remained silent. Then he spoke: “This isn’t the place for such discussions. Go out to work and finish your project first.”

With a flushed face, Zhang Siyi left Gu Yu’s office angrily. After he mustered up the courage to approach Gu Yu, he didn’t expect him to be so emotional closed and be shut-out right away. What’s more, Zhang Siyi didn’t understand how Gu Yu could act so calmly in lieu of their disagreement.

Zhang Siyi snickered at himself. He knew Gu Yu’s principles and he warned Zhang Siyi ahead of time that there was a difference between their public office relationship and private one. Being impulsive, he ran to Gu Yu feeling wronged and wanted an immediate resolution. It was his own stupidity. – If its personal, why isn’t he mad now? But I know he is angry, then… What’s wrong with me staying up late for work?!

Although Zhang Siyi wasn’t bold enough to slam Gu Yu’s office door, his inner turmoil wasn’t any less. Returning to his desk, he roughly pulled back his chair and sat down. Zhu Hongzhen was startled:  “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing!” Zhang Siyi was like a gunpowder keg exploding his heart. – Fine, if you ignore me, I will ignore you. Who is the stubborn one?!

Angry, Zhang Siyi worked for the rest of the day feeling increasingly resentful. The only bright spot in Zhang Siyi day was the thought of being able to see Gu Yu at the office. However, unbeknownst to Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu left the office at 5 o’clock without telling him.

Still feeling confused over their dispute, Zhang Siyi was looking forward to seeing Gu Yu at the end of the day to talk. After waiting an hour after the official work day ended, he finally turned around to talk to Gu Yu and what he saw was completely unexpected. The office was locked and the lights were out.

In the moment he realized that Gu Yu was gone, Zhang Siyi felt a sudden suffocation and sorrow. Tears welled up, but before they found release, he covered his face. Pressing down the grievances that came up from his heart, he held back his tears, and rubbed his face hard. Thinking of this morning’s conversation when Gu Yu said to leave and finish work first… – Is it possible that Gu Yu wasn’t planning on talking to me until the project was completed?

Sure enough, for the next two days, Gu Yu did not say a word to Zhang Siyi and Zhang Siyi did not talk to Gu Yu. The cold war continued.

A day before they were scheduled to report their design concept, Bi Lele started helping them typeset the power-point presentation. Also, Zhang Siyi work load had gradually been reduced. As the days unfolded, he didn’t think one could be so obstinate.

In the middle of the night, Zhang Siyi and Tao Fei ordered take-out and ate in the office. Having pulled all-nighters for a few days, they appeared haggard. Especially Tao Fei who had deep dark circles under his eyes. Looking more like a beast, it was hard to imagine he was normally a beautiful peach.

Apart from being worn out, both of them expressed relief for this is the last night before the reporting day. Everything is near completion and they are very confident with their concepts and design plans.

Eating quietly, Tao Fei broke the silence: “You and my brother had a fight?”

Zhang Siyi retorted: “No.”

Tao Fei smirked and said: “Even though you said no, I can tell. Is it because you are working overtime?”

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 131: Slice of Pie

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In a flash, the May holiday was officially over and on May third, the three men flew back home to Haicheng. After arriving at their apartment, while Gu Yu went to pickup townhouse from the pet hotel, Zhang Siyi organized his photographs. He separated all sixteen-gigs worth of photos into folders with labels and notes.

Even with a few embarrassing moments, Zhang Siyi thought the trip was a great success. The amount of information that he gained from staying at high-end hotels was a one-of-a-kind experience. He really valued his learning experience through his on-site viewing of the various cultural villages and especially Dai architecture.

All he can hope for now is that the project pass otherwise he going to be in debt and owe Tao Fei a lot of money! (=_=)

Seeing Zhang Siyi work so diligently, Gu Yu smiled. Given the late hour and how tired they were from their journey and the fact that they had to return to work tomorrow, Gu Yu and Zhang Siyi stayed in their own rooms for the night.

Early the next morning, Zhang Siyi went to work with the project in mind and determination to see it through. As soon as he arrived at the company, Tao Fei told him to meet him in the conference room. Hearing the fast speed in which Tao Fei spoke and in such a serious tone, Zhang Siyi thought something was wrong.    …… Is it possible that Tao Fei also felt the pressure of ‘hotel expenses’? (=_=)

For the early stages of development of this project, there are only two of us. The first report is on May 15. Since Party-A will personally come to our company we won’t have to travel and thus, we have a total of eleven days to come up with a preliminary conceptual design which includes site planning as well as tourism design and architectural concept design…”

Zhang Siyi: “What is tourism design?”

Tao Fei: “Tourism design is specialized content that specifically aims to provide tourists with services. For example, at Jingmai Mountains. There were various supporting attractions around like Pu’er tea factory or visiting the ancient village and Lahu Family stockades. Not only do tourist want to visit a place, but they want to experience the place and make lasting memories as well. Architects design the environment by providing concepts for the supporting facilities and attractions. With regards to the implementation of tourism design, we don’t have to worry about it. There are travel design companies that specialize in building the content.

Zhang Siyi nodded: “Got it.”

Tao Fei: “Our mission isn’t easy. There are more than one-hundred hectares of site planning to do that cover a comprehensive high-end hotel concept design with twenty or more single high-end tourist villas. In addition, there is a green tea garden landscape design, a lookout tower landmark and other attractions.”

Hearing ‘more than one-hundred hectares’, Zhang Siyi realized the urgency of the matter. Although the land mass is half the size of the Z-City project, the Z-City plan utilized many people and 20 days to accomplish the proposal. With only the two of them to devise a concept and make a plan, will elven days be enough?

After Tao Fei finished speaking, he slapped the table with his hand and said: “Time is tight!”

Knowing the task at hand, Zhang Siyi balked and spit: “Who was the one that said it can be done in three to five days!?”

Tao Fei gave him a sideways glance: “We have three to five days of drawing but ten days to plan.”

Not feeling assured, Zhang Siyi looked at Tao Fei skeptically.

Noticing Zhang Siyi skepticism, Tao Fei explained: “We have to provide the concept of the entire plan, but we don’t have to draw the whole thing. Just one slice of pie.”

Zhang Siyi: “Aaahh!” Unexpectedly, Tao Fei ‘profound’ solution was to draw a slice of pie!

Zhang Siyi angrily said: “Are you kidding me? Isn’t it foolish to only draw one part?”

Tao Fei raised an eyebrow: “How is it foolish? The more detailed the slice is, the more attractive it will be and thus more tempting. Gu Yu said there are other companies vying for the bid on this project. If we present the entire plan and they decide they don’t like it, it is our loss of time and money.

Zhang Siyi: “…… That kind of thing…… is it alright?”

Tao Fei explained: “Of course, using a loop-hole is nothing new in the industry! So, lets plan a beautiful pie and draw a slice for the first time. Since the purpose of our slice is to showcase our design concept, it doesn’t matter if we finish the whole pie. Let them take a bite of our delicious pie. When they sign the contract and give us money, we can continue feeding them the whole thing.”

Zhang Siyi shook his head in disbelief. It’s really fucking sneaky! However, knowing that this black heart fat peach used his schemes on others made Zhang Siyi grin in delight. (≧▽≦)

Tao Fei: “Well, since it takes time and energy to draw a big pie, lets divide the responsibilities. I’ll work on the site planning and you determine the design concept for each section of the map.”

The design concept for each section of the map is a visual aid to show Party A the designer’s intentions for the entire plan. By including specific drawing details, color schemes and photographs, the designer can illustrate the plan without having to draw the whole thing. Once vetted, the designer can use Party-A comments and direct the overall plan in a better and satisfied direction.

After the division of labor, Tao Fei suddenly looked up and stared at Zhang Siyi with an imposing manner: “This project must be won!”

In seconds, Zhang Siyi knew what he wanted to express. He reached out and firmly said: “We will win!”

As comrades-in-arms, with a handshake they silently agreed. All for the hotel expenses!

Over the next period of time, both Tao Fei and Zhang Siyi began to work like a dog.

Surprisingly, Tao Fei’s workaholic mode was more severe than Gu Yu’s. In the first two days of developing the plan, they worked overtime until nine o’clock. On the third day, because Tao Fei didn’t want to be interrupted during his design phase, he brought his toiletries from home in order to stay overnight at the company.

The stability of food from the company’s bento at lunch and through the various take out places for dinner with late night snacks provided by the twenty-four-hour convenience store, Tao Fei was able to work through his ideas for eighteen hours without interference.

Influenced by Tao Fei’s determination and enthusiasm, Zhang Siyi also wanted to stay in the company overnight to work on the project. However, he is now a family man and can’t only do what he wants all the time. Every evening at ten o’clock, Gu Yu appeared at his desk to urge him to go home and sleep.

After a week of overtime, on May 11, Tao Fei’s plan was nearly finished. Excited, Zhang Siyi met with Tao Fei to discuss the plans. He pointed to various drawings and explained: “This is the villa area. Since it is built on the mountain, each villa will have a different layout depending on the terrain. Here, we can build an infinity-edge swimming pool so the countryside is connected with the skyline.”

Visualizing Tao Fei explanation in his mind, Zhang Siyi was really excited: “Great!” As he listened intently, he saw the road map of the pastoral countryside as if he had found a new world. Looking at the plan and realizing something, he confirmed it and asked: “Hey, is this the shape of the gourd?”

Tao Fei said: “Ha-ha, yes. Since there is a Lahu stockade nearby, I used the elements of the gourd. What do you think?”

Zhang Siyi: “Awesome! In fact, I think you can also use the gourd as street lights.”

“Well, write it down first and then let party A decide.” Tao Fei turned to ask Zhang Siyi: “How is your lookout tower design coming along?”

Sitting with his pile of design work and notes, Zhang Siyi took out the folder that contained his three different tower design concepts. Showing it to Tao Fei, he explained: “Using local materials and influenced by Dai architecture, the first concept is Bamboo House. I originally wanted to make a traditional tower, but decided to change the shape into something more like a gazebo and include a surrounding pond. With lotus flowers planted in the water and a surrounding fence, it creates an illusion of our homeland.

In thought, Tao Fei touched his chin: “Yes, the feeling of the tower makes me think of Toyo Ito’s designs.”

As if Tao Fei accurately read Zhang Siyi’s thoughts, Zhang Siyi was really excited: “Yes, that’s right. I was inspired by Toyo Ito’s designs and used the Dai usage of bamboo as textures for the building’s exterior.”

Tao Fei smiled at him: “I used to look down on you, but in fact your design concepts and thought process are very good!”

“Hey!” Zhang Siyi reactively pushed him on the shoulder then continued: “The second design concept is derived from the peacock’s feathers. The lookout tower is like a proud peacock, arrogantly standing tall. The tower body can be framed out with wood, but layered on top of it would be the fan shape of the peacock’s tail like broad fish scales….”

With Tao Fei’s repeated recognition of his abilities, Zhang Siyi was even more excited. It is the first time Zhang Siyi thought that doing architectural design is really fun!

As they were discussing the finer points of their concepts, Gu Yu came over from his office and interrupted: “Zhang Siyi, get ready. It’s time to go home.”

Having said so, Gu Yu returned to his office to gather his things. Because their momentum was suddenly broken, Zhang Siyi felt a little irritated. Putting his papers down, he went into Gu Yu’s office and said: “Boss, I want to stay up with Tao Fei and work on the project tonight.”

With a blank expression Gu Yu responded: “No.”

Confused, Zhang Siyi asked: “What? Why?”

He wasn’t expecting Gu Yu to disagree. Doesn’t it make all Bosses happy to have energetic and diligent subordinates? Keeping his public and private life separate, Gu Yu wouldn’t be jealous of this kind of thing, would he? Zhang Siyi wouldn’t be spending his night with Tao Fei in the same room!

“No, means no.” Gu Yu’s answer is a little overbearing. “The Yunnan project progress made thus far is very good. At this time, there is no urgent need to require two people to work overtime and stay up all night.”

Rubutting him, Zhang Siyi hurriedly said: “But we are going over our design ideas right now. If I stay for a couple days, we can prepare a better report.”

Gu Yu frowned: “It is not enough to work overtime until 10 o’clock every night? In order to wait for you, I had to change the time we walk to dog to the mornings.”

Specifically, in order to let Zhang Siyi sleep, Gu Yu got out of bed thirty minutes earlier to walk to dog alone. Zhang Siyi abandoned him in favor of staying up with Tao Fei. Moreover, if he stayed up so much, how efficient could his work actually be?

Wanting to persuade him further, Gu Yu was about to say something, but Zhang Siyi interrupted him instead: “Don’t mind me. Go on ahead without me.”

Started, in a flash a myriad of emotions appeared on Gu Yu face; surprise, dismay, anger. In the end, he only said: ”Do what you want.” Not giving Zhang Siyi any time to react, he immediately grabbed his briefcase, and left.

Suddenly, Zhang Siyi regretted his decision a little. He was caught off guard by Gu Yu’s cold demeanor. However, he didn’t know what it was that he said that was wrong. He thought he was being considerate by allowing Gu Yu to go home without him instead of taking up his time. Was that a mistake?

With a despondent expression, Zhang Siyi returned to Tao Fei to further discuss the project plans.

Noticing the change in behavior, Tao Fei asked: “What happened?”

Zhang Siyi quietly spoke to Tao Fei: “I told Gu Yu that I would stay up late with you and work overtime at night.”

Tao Fei snorted: “What? If you want to go back, you should go back. I’m a single dog so it doesn’t matter if I stay overnight in the company or not, but you aren’t the same. Where is my brother?”

“He already left.” Zhang Siyi said feeling wronged.

Tao Fei: “…..”

Clenching his teeth, Zhang Siyi stubbornly said: “I’m not going back. Since we work together, I ought to be able to share the joys and sorrows of the project with you. It is just a few more days.”

Speechless, Tao Fei looked at Zhang Siyi in surprise. Feeling touched by his admission, Tao Fei wrapped his arm around Zhang Siyi shoulder’s and said: “Let’s go!”

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