Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 124: Appear

_____________________

Located next to Dianchi Lake, it didn’t take long for the taxi driver to bring them to the hotel. Looking out the window along the way, there were green mountains and clear waters making them feel happy and relaxed. The picturesque landscape was completed by the day’s bright blue sky and fluffy clouds drifting in the light breeze. Getting out of the car, Zhang Siyi took a deep breath filling up his chest and then releasing it. He said: “Ah, fresh air! Ah, fresh air! So good!”

Squinting his eyes in the bright sun, Tao Fei said with emotion: “If the environment everywhere else was as good as it is here, then people would stop going abroad.”

After the luggage was removed from the trunk, the taxi left. Leaving the surrounding forest and lakes, the two walked inside the hotel to check-in. Inside the lobby, there was a fountain and many decorative motifs that perfectly integrated the exterior landscape into the interior space giving the hotel a romantic feeling. The elegance was enhanced by the butterfly motifs tastefully incorporated into the scenery of the interior.

Along the way to their room, Zhang Siyi make sure to take a few photos with his camera. The room was very large with all the luxurious amenities including a balcony that overlooked the lake.

Putting down his bag, Zhang Siyi walked out onto the balcony to take a few beautiful pictures of the lake. He secretly sent Gu Yu a message: “We are at the hotel!”

Immediately, Gu Yu replied: “Which hotel?”

Zhang Siyi: “Intercontinental Hotel in Kunming.” Afraid of any backlash form Gu Yu, he hurriedly added: “Tao Fei picked it out.” (&_&)

Gu Yu: “It’s very good.”

Seeing that Gu Yu didn’t have any negative remarks about it, Zhang Siyi breathed a sigh of relief and asked: “What are you doing? Did you eat yet?”

Gu Yu: “Well, I’ve already eaten. I’m reading a book now.”

Gu Yu: “I miss you by the way.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Suddenly, Tao Fei appeared from behind Zhang Siyi: “What are you doing?”

Quickly putting his phone down, Zhang Siyi’s face was flushed and replied: “Nothing.”

Tao Fei put his arm around Zhang Siyi shoulder and turned him around. While leaning on the balcony with a view of the lake behind them and standing side by side, Tao Fei reached out with his phone: “Let’s take a picture. Smile!”

Being caught of guard by Tao Fei, Zhang Siyi heart was in his throat. Before his brain understood what was going on, he was still in the midst of panic when he heard Tao Fei say smile and heard a ‘click’. Because of what Gu Yu said, he had slightly downcast eyes and looked like he was blushing under the comfort of Tao Fei.

When Tao Fei looked at the image, he couldn’t stop from laughing: “What’s this? You are so shy and It looks like I’m ready to pounce ha-ha-ha!”

Zhang Siyi: “……” You fuck off!

After unpacking their belongings, they went to the concierge to get a taxi. First, they had the taxi drop them off at the city center to eat famous Yunnan Cross-The-Bridge noodle soup.** Then they went to visit the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway. ** While out and about, they were leisurely strolling along the sidewalk talking and taking pictures just as if they were really like tourists out to play.

Coming upon a tea shop, Zhang Siyi couldn’t help himself and went inside to look. As soon as they entered, the enthusiastic man and women approached them and asked them if they wanted to sit and have tea and talk for a while. They also guaranteed that even if they didn’t buy tea, it wouldn’t matter.

Tao Fei wasn’t interested in the tea, but seeing that these two were locals, he wanted to chat with them about local customs so he grabbed Zhang Siyi and sat down.

“Is this your first time coming to Yunnan? Yunnan Pu’er tea is the most famous……”

As the older man introduced one of teas, Zhang Siyi made a polite bow and slightly nodded. He used his mobile phone to search this shop on the internet and compare prices. Seeing that the price of the tea is not outrageous, it is safe for him to enjoy the tea.

Noticing Zhang Siyi’s interest, the older man continued to tell him about the different kinds of tea available. Along with the cooked style of Pu’er tea he was tasting, the older man also prepared a sample of moonlight white, and red tea. Sipping his tea and nibbling on added snacks, Zhang Siyi was feeling really content. He had the urge to buy some tea.

Tao Fei was surprised: “Are you really going to buy some?”

Zhang Siyi: “I think it’s good to drink it.” In fact, he knows how to drink it because of Gu Yu influence. Knowing that Gu Yu and his father love to drink tea, he wanted to buy the tea for them.

Tao Fei bluntly said: “It is too inconvenient right now and this kind of tea is available online.”

The older man immediately responded to Tao Fei’s comment: “Hey, you can’t know for sure the Pu’er tea you buy online is really Pu’er tea. A lot of it is really just saliva tea that they only soak one side of the leaf then press them together making it very bitter. There is none of the mellow flavor of real Pu’er tea.”

As the older man took out a stack of papers, he continued: “Since many visitors to my shop are tourists, it is common to mail home the items purchased. If you don’t want to carry the tea with you, I can help ship it to your final destination. If it’s a gift, I can wrap and package it with a card and send it out for free.”

Since the purchase was without any worry, Zhang Siyi was excited to buy a variety of tea.

Tao Fei was speechless, but since Zhang Siyi was willing to do it, he didn’t stop him.

In the past, Zhang Siyi wouldn’t normally spend a lot of money on unnecessary things, especially a bunch of unknown teas, but now it wasn’t the same. Since he likes Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi was always thinking about ways to make him happy and was willing to spend extra money. Picking out gifts for the person you love made Zhang Siyi feel very happy.

While sipping and eating a snack, Tao Fei talked with the older couple about the areas culture and fun things to do. After spending two hours in the shop, they decided on where they needed to go next: Dali!**

The following day, as suggested, they visited the Expo Park and Haigeng Park. Zhang Siyi made sure to take a lot of photographs. In the evening, they returned to the hotel to check out and went to the train station to travel to Dali by the overnight train. For the first time in Zhang Siyi life, he was traveling by an overnight sleeper-car. In his excitement, he wasn’t able to sleep for most of the night.

Listening to the drone of the wheels on the tracks, ‘chuchk-chuchk-chuchk’, he wrapped himself up in the thin quilt and posted an image of his train ticket for only Gu Yu to see and wrote a note: “I miss you very much. I wish the person besides me was you.”

After arriving in Dali, they took the bus to the ancient part of the city. As suggested by the owner of the tea shop from the previous day, Tao Fei rented an electric car with Zhang Siyi and drove around on a self-drive-tour around Erhai Lake.

Since it was a weekday and people were at work, there was very little traffic on the roads and Tao Fei and Zhang Siyi were able to drive along the lake without worries. Along the way they stopped at Xizhou old town and Zhoucheng village** as well as various points on the roads to take pictures. Deciding to stay at a private inn, they enjoyed he sunset and sunrise of the Erhai Lake. The next day, with a fully charged car, they left the inn and drove back to the southern end of the lake to the bus station.

Previously, Zhang Siyi was apprehensive about going on the business trip with Tao Fei, but now with Tao Fei influence, he shed his reservations and really enjoyed touring the countryside. For the next part of their tour, they took a bus from Dali to Lijing** and stayed at the famous high-end hotel chain called Banyan Tree** which had villas with private pools. At three-thousand per night, the prices were even more outrageous.

With Tao Fei insistence to stay at the best hotels, Zhang Siyi has become numb to such prices. Twice he has proposed other hotels, but Tao Fei always insisted on the best location. In order to feel less anxious about the cost, Zhang Siyi changed his mind set from needing to pay for a room to thinking they were Tao Fei’s pre-paid rooms.

Being influenced by Tao Fei’s spending habits, Zhang Siyi also started to buy things without restraint. Looking around, there were many kinds of novelty products. He originally thought only Kunming sold Pu’er tea and didn’t expect other places to also sell the tea.

When Zhang Siyi received a ‘little fox kiss’ message from Gu Yu that he really liked the tea that he sent, Zhang Siyi felt so happy and excited. As a result, nearly every day when he tasted something good, he bought a small gift and sent the package to Gu Yu.

Noticing Zhang Siyi address the package to Yuanshan Garden yet again, Tao Fei ridiculed him: “How many presents are you going to get Gu Yu?”

Turning red, Zhang Siyi faltered and said: “They aren’t all for him. I’m going to give them away when I get back home.”

Tao Fei looked at him with a broad smile and didn’t press him any further.

For four days, the two traveled to the surrounding heritage sites and tourist attractions like Wuhu, the old town of Shuhe**, and Shangri-La**. Returning to Lijiang, it was already the end of April and near the May holiday and thus, there was a surge of tourists to the area. As a result, when they returned to the Banyan Tree hotel, there were no vacancies. They booked a room at the second most expensive private inn for one night. Tomorrow, they were planning on flying to Xishuangbanna.**

Having visited so many different tourist sites the last few days, the initial excitement of traveling has faded and Zhang Siyi began to feel fatigued and worried: “Our trip is more than half over and we haven’t even started working yet.”

“What’s the hurry? It’s the May holiday.” Tao Fei said while coming out of the bathroom in a towel. Contrary to his image online, Tao Fei went to his bed and picked his toenails.

Zhang Siyi’s eyes twitched. If he didn’t know any better, being in Tao Fei’s shadow these past days traveling would make anyone think they were a couple. All of his photos posted to his social media were beautiful pictures of the both of them!

Lying in bed waiting for Gu Yu’s text message, Zhang Siyi frowned. During the week, Zhang Siyi had been communicating with Gu Yu everyday by sending photos and updating him on the status of the business trip. Normally, he checks for Gu Yu’s messages in the morning and in the evening, but today Zhang Siyi doesn’t know what is going on. Gu Yu hasn’t responded all day.

Quietly, Zhang Siyi moved outside the room to call Gu Yu, but he wasn’t able to connect as the phone went directly to voicemail. He didn’t know what to think. It wasn’t until midnight that Zhang Siyi heard the phone vibrate on the bedside table and received a message from Gu Yu.

Gu Yu: “I am in Lijiang. Where are you? I came to see you.”

Looking at his message, Zhang Siyi cried out: “Eh!”

Since Tao Fei was playing games on his mobile phone, he wasn’t paying attention and thought Zhang Siyi called him: “Yeh?”

As Zhang Siyi typed to Gu Yu, he spoke to Tao Fei: “Gu Yu… Boss Gu is here in Lijiang!”

Tao Fei jumped out of bed instantly: “What?”

Zhang Siyi was also shocked: “I didn’t know if what he was said was true or not. He asked me where we are staying and then he said he is coming to us now.

With a twisted expression of both excitement and fear Tao Fei swore “Fuck!” He quickly opened his social media and scrolled through all the posts and photos of ‘showing love’ he made during the business trip. -Ha-ha-ha, brother! You finally can’t sit still?! Even though tomorrow is the holiday, you couldn’t wait to get here tonight!

Both surprised and happy, Zhang Siyi got out of bed quickly and proclaimed: ”I’m going to go get him.”

Tao Fei waved his hand and looked at him in fascination: “Go ahead.”  -Hey-hey-hey! the next few days will be more fun!

Wearing only a pair of hotel slippers, Zhang Siyi impatiently rushed out feeling ecstatic – Why does Gu Yu have to surprise him every time!

Rushing out of the hotel, Zhang Siyi abruptly stopped his momentum and quickly looked for Gu Yu. Seeing him standing on the quiet stone road, an emotional wave of excitement and yearning washed all over him. Any anxiety and sadness from being separated dissolved in an instant. When their eyes met, there was only a moment before they both rushed towards each other to embrace.

_________________________________

T/N: **Cross-The-Bridge Noodle Soup:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossing-the-bridge_noodles

Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway: https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-china-yunnan-province-kunming-golden-horse-and-jade-rooster-archway-23448575.html

Dali: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/yunnan/dali/

Zhoucheng village: http://www.absolutechinatours.com/UploadFiles/ImageBase/zhoucheng-ancient-town.jpg

Lijiang: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijiang

Banyan Tree Hotel: https://www.banyantree.com/en/china/lijiang

Shuhe: http://www.visitourchina.com/FileUpload/Guide/Picture/140328101605_5032.jpg

Shangri-La: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dztDH3CxM3w/maxresdefault.jpg

Xishuangbanna: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/yunnan/xishuangbanna/

____________________________________

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 123: Master’s Degree

__________________

Unlike the stoic Gu Yu, it was easy to talk to Tao Fei. Having similar experiences abroad, the two became close very fast. Tao Fei asked: “Is your degree recognized by RIBA? Are you qualified to study for Part 2?”

Zhang Siyi nodded: “Yeah.”

RIBA is the Royal Institute of British Architects. To become a certified RIBA architect, one must receive an undergrad degree from a RIBA-certified University which is three or more years of study for Part 1. Part 2 is a two-year program for a Master of Architecture and a specific Part 2 RIBA exam.

Domestic universities are not able to provide such certification. In other words, this road is only open to students who are undergraduate students in a certified university in the UK.

Tao Fei said with emotion: “The license is really good. I also want to take the exam for Part 2.”

Although Tao Fei has a master’s degree in the United Kingdom, it is not a pure Master of Architecture and thus, he is not eligible for a RIBA license. His degree is a hybrid architectural degree that incorporates sustainable development and research.

Zhang Siyi said: “Don’t you have a Master’s degree?””

“Yes, but I don’t have the prerequisites for a RIBA license.” Tao Fei looked at Zhang Siyi and asked: “When will you go back to England to study for Part 2? I remember you can apply to a Master’s program after 1 year of work experience.”

Zhang Siyi: “Yes, but I haven’t thought about whether or not to continue to study for a master’s degree.”

Tao Fei was surprised: “Why? Don’t you want to continue designing in the future?”

Zhang Siyi scratched his head and said: “Yes, but I think I can learn a lot from my work now.”

Especially under Gu Yu who was like an inexhaustible treasure trove of knowledge, Zhang Siyi felt like he has learned more under his guidance then he had in school and thus hasn’t felt pressured to continue his studies.

Tao Fei said: “If you want to continue in this field, you must get a Master’s degree. In order to get an Architecture license, you have to take the test one day sooner or later.”

Zhang Siyi thought for a moment and said: “Can’t I take the test in China?”

Widening his eyes in surprise, Tao Fei scolded him: “Are you stupid!? Taking the domestic test after getting a degree from the UK is a waste of your RIBA Part 1 education!”

Zhang Siyi didn’t fully understand: “Isn’t a foreign certificate in China useless?”

Tao Fei was quick to set Zhang Siyi straight: “How can it be useless! Although China has its own architect certification, the difference between the two is enormous. Chinese certificate isn’t recognized by foreigners, but a RIBA license is different. It is the gold standard and is recognized globally with international influence. The status of an architect with a RIBA license is very high.

Tao Fei continued to earnestly advise Zhang Siyi: “Now is not the era of self-taught geniuses like the prize-winning architect Tadao Ando or the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano! You think you can get ahead in this industry without further study? Even Gu Yu went to graduate school right after his undergraduate work. The market has a threshold. With no license and education, even if you are so fucking awesome, people will not look at you!”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

“A lot of domestic architects want to earn a RIBA license, but aren’t qualified. You are fortunate to have that qualification so you should cherish it!” Tao Fei shook his head and looked at Zhang Siyi like he was an idiot.

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Tao Fei reiterated: “After graduation, there were many of my classmates that went to the United States or Japan to continue with a Master’s program. Even though the construction market in the two respective countries isn’t as good as it is in China, the Master’s degree with a foreign license is better than getting a domestic one. Even Professor Zhang Yonghe of Peking University is a registered architect in the United States!”

After listening more, Zhang Siyi’s interest with stimulated: “Really?”

Tao Fei: “Of course it is! I’m telling you, relying only on your work in the field will limit your promotion prospects. If you want to get ahead or make a name for yourself, it is better to plan ahead as soon as possible.”

To help illustrate his point, Tao Fei handed Zhang Siyi his business card. Comparing the two, one title is assistant while the other is Master of Architecture. Zhang Siyi couldn’t help but ask: “It’s only the first year of work and your title so advanced while I’m just an assistant architect!”

Tao Fei said: “Ha-ha! Now you see! Even though it is the first year of work, my qualifications are higher than yours!”

Zhang Siyi: “…” Thinking about it, who would write the number of years of work experience on a business card?! It’s just the way things work in real life! Damn it!

This fact and Tao Fei remarks left Zhang Siyi deep in thought. For the first time he began to question his future path and think about returning to the UK for a Master’s degree.

If he had the title of “Royal British registered architect” on his business card, wouldn’t he be more powerful than Gu Yu? Shit! Just imaging it, Zhang Siyi was getting a little excited!

Having discussed some of the finer points of a British architectural education, Zhang Siyi and Tao Fei acted like they were old friends. As they were approaching their destination at the Kunming Changshui Airport, they finished their discussion about the domestic industry situation and got ready to land.

Now that they were in the southwest part of China, the weather was completely different. While Zhang Siyi took off his jacket and stuffed it into his carry-on bag, Tao Fei took off his denim jacket and tied it around his waist. Together they headed through the airport to the luggage carousel and picked up their baggage.

Zhang Siyi suddenly remembered and asked Tao Fei: “Where are we going next?”

Tao Fei glanced at Zhang Siyi: “I don’t know.”

Shocked, Zhang Siyi’s jaw nearly fell off: “What? I’m confused. What do you mean you don’t know?

Tao Fei stared at him and smirked: “Aren’t you the ‘Assistant’? Shouldn’t you have made plans beforehand?”

Zhang Siyi: “…” – Assistant? Fuck you! Who took whom on the business trip!? This guy is really not dependable!

As they pushed the luggage towards the exit, they quarreled.

Zhang Siyi: “Wasn’t it your idea to go on this business trip first?”

Tao Fei: “I told you, I brought you here to play!”

With a dubious expression, Zhang Siyi questioned his motives: “Eh? Are you fucking kidding with me!?

Tao Fei squeezed the bridge of his nose and squinted his eyes at him: “Since there wasn’t a specific place to go, I just let the personnel book tickets to Kunming.”

Freaking out, Zhang Siyi shouted at him: “I thought you came to Kunming for other purposes Ah!”

Tao Fei said with a sigh: “Ok, Ok. Stop arguing. Let’s find a hotel first.”

Taking out his phone to open a travel app, Tao Fei was momentarily distracted by WeChat and instead checked his messages: “Wow! More than 30 new messages ha-ha-ha!”

Zhang Siyi also got his phone out to see what Tao Fei’s friends posted.

A: “What company are you in? Are all your coworkers so cute?”

B: “Going out to play again! So envious and jealous! Feel my hateful vibes!”

C: “Didn’t Brother Gu go with you?”

D: “The young guy is so handsome!”

E: “Fat peach, are you bullying him? Look at his surprised face.”

    ……

Out of so many responses and ignoring the latter part of the sentence, Zhang Siyi focused on the keywords ‘fat peach.’ Your nickname is Fat Peach? Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha …… “

With veins bulging from his forehead in anger, Tao Fei said: “Take a hike! Call me the peach elder brother!”

Zhang Siyi grimaced and remained silent.

Tao Fei: “…”

Continuing to look at his phone frantically, Tao Fei seems a little strange. Why didn’t Gu Yu reply?

Not wanting to wait until Tao Fei stopped obsessing over his phone, Zhang Siyi interrupted him: “Stop looking at your phone! Let’s go downtown to get something to eat. I’m starving to death!” After making the decision for both of them, Zhang Siyi stepped to the sidewalk to hail a taxi.

When they got into the taxi, Tao Fei asked the driver: “Mister, what is the best hotel in Kunming?”

Surprised at Tao Fei question, Zhang Siyi started to fret. – Tao Fei wants to stay at the best hotel?

Thinking about the cheap motel that Gu Yu took him to on Zhang Siyi first business trip, he suddenly felt that Tao Fei was out of his league.

The driver enthusiastically answered Tao Fei. He quickly checked out the hotel online then finally told the driver: “Ok. Drive us to The Intercontinental.”

Zhang Siyi glanced at Tao Fei and checked the price. The standard room was more than a thousand a night. He couldn’t help but worry: “Won’t it exceed the reimbursement cost?”

Employees have a reimbursement limit for travel on business related trips. Although Tao Fei is responsible for the project, he isn’t the design director and has no control over this aspect of the business trip.

Tao Fei patted him on the shoulder: “Don’t worry. I asked my Brother and he said that when we work on this project we can stay at any hotel, no matter the expense.

Eyes twitching, Zhang Siyi replied: “But we haven’t started the project yet! How can you be so sure? What if it’s not the case?”

Tao Fei shrugged: “Then we can share the cost.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” Who the hell is going to share with you! (╯‵皿’)╯(┻━┻

Tao Fei added: “Your salary shouldn’t be any higher then mine, right? I accept installment payments with an interest rate of 3.5%.”

At a loss for words, Zhang Siyi collapsed in the back seat…

After a while, Zhang Siyi wondered: “How much is your salary?”

Tao Fei’s replied as matter of fact: “It’s only ten-thousand per month. It’s very pitiful, but my Brother said there are also project bonuses.”

What!? Zhang Siyi was totally shocked. Tao Fei’s salary is twice that of his. He is still a small fry! No way! He must have a Master’s degree! He’s going back to the UK for a Master’s!!!

_____________________________

T/N: FYI: Haicheng, where the characters live and work has a similar latitude as New York City. They traveled to Kunming, Yunnan province which is in the SW of China and has a latitude a little more south then Florida.

_____________________________

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 122: Riches

____________________

Zhang Siyi broke down and said: “You posted it online!”

Tao Fei shrugged: “Why can’t I? Is there a problem?”

Zhang Siyi: “At least you could have told me ahead of time!”

Tao Fei’s behavior made him instantly think of the selfies he posted on his business trip with Gu Yu. Did Tao Fei also catch Gu Yu by surprise?

In contrast, when Gu Yu was “spoofed”, his expression was still so handsome while Zhang Siyi looked stupid in the photo. What’s more, Tao Fei was laughing when the photo was taken. At least, let him laugh too!?

…… Wait, that’s not the point! The point is, why did you post my picture online without my permission!

Tao Fei smirked and put his arm around Zhang Siyi’s neck: “What’s the point of the surprise if you know ahead of time!”

Zhang Siyi twisted his shoulder and tried to shrug off Tao Fei’s arm – is this a surprise? Clearly, it’s to make me angry!

Squeezing his arm, Tao Fei held Zhang Siyi’s neck tighter and asked: ”Why are you so angry? Don’t be so stingy! My brother took your silly photo and displayed it at the main entrance of the company and you weren’t angry. I only posted it to my circle of friends……”

Zhang Siyi never said he wasn’t angry. Why do you think I was never angry? In fact, I was livid! If not for respecting and being together with Gu Yu, I think I would be planning my vengeance now!

Tao Fei smiled and continued to explain: “And my friends don’t know you. Why do you care so much about what other people think? Oh, I almost forgot. Does it bother you if my brother sees them?”

Zhang Siyi could feel his ears turning red. He refuted: “Of course not!”

In fact, he does mind a little. He is afraid if Gu Yu sees, he will misunderstand. But on second thought, Gu Yu blocked Tao Fei’s social media page so he might not necessarily see them.

Moreover, even if he did see it, Gu Yu knew what kind of person Tao Fei was. Unlike Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu is so rational and calm, would he even get jealous?

With such a thought, Zhang Siyi’s heart breathed a sigh of relief.

Even so, Zhang Siyi was still angry with Tao Fei’s antics. He doesn’t really mind photos being put online, but he wishes Tao Fei was less spammy and more sincere.

Watching Zhang Siyi reaction, Tao Fei continued: “We are traveling together for a week on our business trip. How are we going to get along if you make a fuss all the time? I’m planning on taking a lot of photographs”

Clearly, the topic about the photographs is something Tao Fei wanted to discuss with Zhang Siyi. He wanted to smack Tao Fei, but upon seeing his positive attitude and smile, Zhang Siyi sighed helpless. In a serious manner, he laid out some ground rules for Tao Fei: “You can take photographs, but don’t lie to me, don’t take candid ones and make sure I look good in them or else I will think you are messing with me!”

Tao Fei chuckled: “Ha-ha-ha! That’s what bothers you?” He patted Zhang Si Yi’s shoulder: “OK, I understand. Next time I’ll make sure you are super handsome!””

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Since Zhang Siyi slept really well throughout the previous night, he wasn’t feeling sleepy at all and thus, he thought he should utilize his time to read. He grabbed the book that Gu Yu gave him from his bag.

Tao Fei glanced at the book and asked: “Hey, how come you are reading that book?”

Zhang Siyi: “… What’s wrong with this book?”

Tao Fei: “I read it during my sophomore year at university.”

Although he shouldn’t feel surprised, Zhang Siyi was caught off guard. He never asked Gu Yu about his time at university and since Tao Fei was also a graduate of big T, he was curious: “What was the course work like at big T?”

Tao Fei wrinkled his face as if he had thought of something painful: “Undergraduate…. Ah, those five years were simply hell.”

Now given the opportunity to talk about himself, Tao Fei had no qualms gushing about his years in University. He continually spoke to Zhang Siyi about the difficult learning process of the early stages of the course work. For two years, day and night, they had to practice fundamental fine art skills like sketching and watercolor painting which were skills that science and engineering students rarely had prior exposure to. In addition, the text books were difficult to understand. Even if the material discussed was a struggle to grasp, one had to keep going forward, otherwise a person would fall too far behind. By the third year, in addition to written history, the course work was focused on learning computer software and how to transform your ideas into computer models. Finally, during the fifth year, an internship was an available option to gain office experience, but the most tragic aspect to it all was that the income earned was totally out of proportion to the investment!

“Anyway, in those years at T-Big University Architectural department I basically did not have a weekend to myself at all. I even had to work and study during the winter and summer vacations. Everyone else was doing the same, so there wasn’t really anything to complain about.” Tao Fei summed it up and shrugged.

Zhang Siyi was shocked and remembered his experience of studying abroad. Although he thought he was very busy, it was a far cry from Tao Fei. At least he still had time to watch movies and even go out during the holidays. The contrast between student expectations and course work from their respective universities was so different that it was no wonder that Zhang Siyi felt like he had never learned anything at school when he first joined the company.

“Was it the same for Gu Yu?” Zhang Siyi asked.

Tao Fei glanced at Zhang Siyi: “Almost, but he isn’t the same as ordinary people.”

Zhang Siyi: “He isn’t the same? What do you mean?”

Tao Fei crossed his arms and said: “Although designing is very fun, most of the architecture students are very poor. In short, there is no time and place to make money.”

Understanding the situation, Zhang Siyi nodded in recognition. Tao Fei also wanted to make money, but didn’t know how costly an architectural education was.

Tao Fei followed up and said: “But my brother is an exception. He is particularly rich!”

Zhang Siyi: “…… Did he earn it himself?”

“Yeah!” Tao Fei said with envy and jealousy. “His professional achievements are very good. Sophomore year he joined a team with his seniors who entered a design for the competition and won the grand prize. His teammates also came from families with construction and architectural backgrounds, but unlike Gu Yu, they went abroad to further their studies leaving Gu Yu alone to reap the benefits of winning the award. When I was at school, he was already a junior. At that time, even the teachers would mention him and joke; if you need good architect cheaply, find the junior in the third year for the job.

Zhang Siyi: “Why does he sound more like a contractor?”

Tao Fei cried: “He wasn’t a contractor! In addition to being a top student, he was very connected in college and relied on those relationships to open doors that normal students wouldn’t have access to. He participated in many competitions during university and most of the time he got first place. In fact, many architectural design competitions were organized by design institutes in order to think of cheap creative design and mine new talent. Through those events, Gu Yu went to many rich parties and made further connections. I don’t know how he had the time, but he did private work while taking care of his studies.

Zhang Siyi: “How much can one earn by picking up private work?”

Tao Fei: “It depends. During my senior year at University, I worked with my mentor for the first time and earned eight thousand a month. I thought that the money was good. Later, I had an opportunity to work with my brother for one month and we made a residential plan together.  I got paid fifty-thousand at that time!”

Zhang Siyi: “!!!”

Tao Fei: “There were rumors that he could afford a house in the capital city center after graduation. Since I thought people were just bragging and making up stuff, I didn’t believe it at first. It is said that when he was a senior at school, a nouveau riche gave him a one-hundred-thousand-yuan design fee for a villa in cash. At that time, tuition was only five thousand a year and monthly expenses were only one thousand. The concept of having one-hundred-thousand was unbelievable. Like winning the lottery, one day in the courtyard, some people saw him screaming. With his handsome face, it was like a scene out of a movie.”

Imagining it, Zhang Siyi unconsciously smiled.

Tao Fei: “It wasn’t just him. Even his roommates from the dorm benefited. I heard they were ordinary people in the beginning, but after the competition, they began to wear designer merchandise and ate at first class restaurants.”

Zhang Siyi gave a hallow laugh: “Is it possible that when one person gains enlightenment, his followers also profit? Ha-ha-ha.……”

Tao Fei sighed: “Anyways, I feel that some people are lucky and born to be rich.”

Being remined of his conversation with He Chengtian, Zhang Siyi’s mouth twitched. He still remembered the comment Bi Lele made some time ago about Gu Yu rejecting a job offer with a million salary. Now, Zhang Siyi finally understood why Gu Yu did so; because he isn’t short of money! Ah!

Hey, Zhang Siyi is looking forward to following Gu Yu to the heavens! He wants a lot of money too!

Tao Fei looked at Zhang Siyi and asked: “What did you study abroad?”

Thinking for a moment, Zhang Siyi felt ashamed of the difference and said: “The basic courses are similar, but I wasn’t required to practice fine art skills and we didn’t read so many books. I didn’t have an internship during the summer or winter vacations, let alone private work experience.” (=_=)

Not only that, but because he went abroad after graduating from high school, he couldn’t adapt to the pure English teaching environment at the beginning of his studies. The language problem alone made him fall behind the local students.

Since Zhang Siyi didn’t understand the professional terms, he was in a fog everyday during his architectural history class during the first semester. He had to record the professor’s lesson and play back the recording slowly to understand what was being said. It wasn’t until his second year in University that his English became fluent enough for his classes.

Relating to Zhang Siyi point, Tao Fei excitedly said: “Ah! Me too! Even though I scored a 7.5 on the IELTS, I didn’t understand half of my classes at first. Would it kill the professor to speak a little slower!”

Tao Fei’s exaggerated description almost made Zhang Siyi spit his drink out in laughter: “It took time to adjust to the speed of spoken language. In my second year when I finally could comprehend everything, I switched to a German professor who spoke English with a thick accent. Even the local students had a hard time understanding him, let alone a Chinese one!”

Tao Fei boisterously laughed: “Yes! Yes! I had a similar experience but the professor was Spanish! I became stupid once again. Ha-ha-ha-ha!”

__________________________________