Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 121: Selfie

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Even though Zhang Siyi couldn’t witness Tao Fei being drunk, watching him drink two more glasses of wine on Gu Yu’s behest, Zhang Siyi felt appeased. Gu Yu’s sharp tongue and witty nature can easily make people speechless. Ah-hah-hah!

The group dinner ended happily. As they left the restaurant to go home, everyone scattered. As Zhang Siyi was getting ready to leave with Gu Yu, Tao Fei suddenly stopped him: “Zhang Siyi, we will be on this trip together for one week. Make sure you pack properly and I’ll see you tomorrow at the airport ahead of schedule at nine in the morning!”

While Tao Fei was talking to Zhang Siyi, he was watching Gu Yu at the corner of his eye.

In the eyes of Tao Fei, Gu Yu has always been a super mature person, like an unbreakable rock, nothing seems to bother him. Including the last two disputes Tao Fei had with Gu Yu. Slamming the desk, Tao Fei felt so angry he could have exploded while Gu Yu remained indifferent and as calm as ever.

Tao Fei’s impulsiveness and temper are described as his personality, but most of the time it is a fatal flaw. He has offended people and even lost friends.

From the first time they cooperated in the design competition to working together now, over the years, Tao Fei has exposed his character defects more the once in front of Gu Yu. Even though he has had his fair share of outbursts, it never seemed to bother Gu Yu and as a result, getting along together made Tao Fei feel more relaxed.

If Tao Fei wanted to blow up, Gu Yu let him blow up. After the explosion and cool-down, the two would talk about the issue and continue to work. Gu Yu would never be rude or refuse to communicate with him because of a previous dispute.

Tao Fei knows Gu Yu’s black belly nature is no less than his own, but Gu Yu has an advantage that he does not have. Gu Yu can control his temper.

The person who can perfectly control his emotions is invincible. No one is a match for Gu Yu’s quick thinking and as a result his articulate nature renders Gu Yu impervious to other’s offensive. What better person is there to shield Tao Fei?

Although it bothers Tao Fei occasionally, he has to admit that most of the time, this absolute reason makes him want to worship Gu Yu on his knees. He has wondered if Gu Yu will ever be angry in his lifetime.

——Until now.

Yes, this time after returning home, Tao Fei was surprised at how much Gu Yu had changed. His sane and calm brother seems to have a weakness and a soft spot. Tao Fei has seen the corner of Gu Yu’s mouth rise in a smile for seemingly no reason. Gu Yu’s eyes have become gentle and sometimes he has caught Gu Yu gazing out into space. Why has he changed? Because of who?

Now, Tao Fei finally found his answer. Tao Fei moved his line of sight to Zhang Siyi and grinned. – Ah, brother, you asked me last night to delete my social media photos and suddenly you post a love photo. Today you requested the transfer of care for your ‘Little Apprentice’…… You let the cat out of the bag!

Regarding Tao Fei’s thoughts, Zhang Siyi was unaware of them. Now that they have said their well-wishes and drank the wine, he put down his defenses. He is even happy about Tao Fei finally calling him by his name correctly. With a gesture and a perky smile he said: “OK! See you tomorrow!”

When he returned home, Zhang Siyi quickly packed his things and brought enough underwear to last for a week. He has never been away on a business trip for so long and doesn’t know why Tao Fei requested a week. Is Tao Fei really going to just play and not research the project?

After Zhang Siyi gathered his things into a pile, he went to get his luggage, when he was packing his belongings one by one, he knocked off his sketchbook from the pile and it fell onto the floor.

Gu Yu was close by and came over to pick it up for him: “Would you like some help?”

“No. I’ll do it myself.” Zhang Siyi said while he was busy placing his cloths into the luggage. He looked up and saw what it was that Gu Yu picked up and suddenly reacted. He jumped up and cried: “Ah! Don’t look at that!”

It’s too late. Gu Yu has already opened he book and saw the picture on the first page of the sketchbook. His eyes opened wide in surprise. After a moment, he shrugged his shoulders and laughed: “Why are you drawing me?”

Zhang Siyi: “……” (o////o)

“Want to be as good as I am?” Gu Yu mockingly said.

When he turned to the second page, Gu Yu smiled happily. He read Zhang Siyi notes and plans. On the third page, Zhang Siyi noted the things he needed to do for his trip to Yunnan and made a list. Although his words aren’t poetic or neatly written, his work attitude is very serious.

Recognizing his effort, Gu Yu said: “Not bad,” then handed the book back to Zhang Siyi. “Keep at it.”

Blushing, Zhang Siyi snatched the book from Gu Yu and stuffed it into his bag: “I know!”

Moments later, Gu Yu went downstairs to the library and pulled out two books for him to read. When he handed them to Zhang Siyi, he asked: “Have you read these two books?”

Zhang Siyi looked them over. One book was “The Architect’s Twenty Years” and the other book was “The Eternal Way of Architecture”. He shook his head: “I haven’t read them.”

Gu Yu said: “These two books aren’t difficult to understand. Pick one to read while you travel.”

Since both of the books aren’t very thick, Zhang Siyi happily chose the former title and put it into his bag.

Gu Yu put away the other book and said: “Lets discuss the book after you finished reading it.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” (=皿=) Once reading becomes homework, it feels less wonderful.

When Zhang Siyi finished packing, he charged his camera and took care of the last few things he needed for his trip. Thinking about being separated from Gu Yu for a week, he went to Gu Yu’s room to sleep.

Originally, Zhang Siyi simply wanted to hold Gu Yu and go to sleep, but because of the alcohol, both were feeling emotional. Their simple kisses became greedier and eventually led them to help each other find release. Knowing Zhang Siyi had to wake up early to catch his flight, being considerate Gu Yu did not torment him much and both were fairly quick. After, Zhang Siyi leaned heavily on Gu Yu and fell asleep in his embrace.

Early the next day, they woke up in good spirits. Gu Yu was going to get up and help Zhang Siyi make breakfast and then drive him to the airport, but his offer was rejected. Zhang Siyi insisted: “I’ll take the subway myself!” Even though he is happy that Gu Yu was thinking of his needs, Zhang Siyi was also thinking of Gu Yu needs and knew that it was a rare opportunity for Gu Yu to be able to sleep in and rest.

About an hour before the airport check in, Zhang Siyi arrived. After twenty minutes, he still hadn’t seen Tao Fei!

Zhang Siyi called him and no one answered. He texted him:

“I’m at the airport. Are you here yet?”

……

             “There is only five minutes left for check-in!”

……

             “Where are you?”

……

[Crash]

……

….. Shit! He didn’t oversleep, did he?

Last night he was adamant about the time. Now who is the one that forgot the time?

Standing near the check-in window, ready to handle the formalities, Zhang Siyi was anxious and pacing.

Zhang Siyi was reminded of the time he went on his first business trip with Gu Yu where Gu Yu was standing at the check-in area waiting for him. Zhang Siyi at least spoke to Gu Yu while he was walking from the subway stop. Unlike now, Tao Fei that bastard, did not answer his phone!

Seeing the check-in time is approaching the end, Zhang Siyi felt panicked and thought he should call Gu Yu for help. However, he quickly dismissed the idea. Since he couldn’t rely on Gu Yu for everything, he needed to figure it out by himself.

Zhang Siyi’s patience was nearing his limit. He decided that if Tao Fei didn’t come, he would go through the registration procedure alone. Even if Tao Fei missed the plane, Zhang Siyi wouldn’t waste his ticket.

A minute before the airline staff closed check-in, Tao Fei appeared in Zhang Siyi line of site with a bag in tow.

With a sigh of relief, Zhang Siyi beckoned him and cried: “Hey! Hurry up!”

Tao Fei’s leisurely pace drove Zhang Siyi crazy: “I called you. Why didn’t you answer?”

Without emotion, Tao Fei pulled out the phone from his trouser pocket and quietly said: “Oh. Now I see. Why did you call me?”

On the verge of an emotional outbreak, Zhang Siyi placed his ID card heavily on the counter and could barely stop himself from yelling at Tao Fei: “Didn’t you say nine? You are late. One minute more, and you would have missed check-in!”

Tao Fei smiled and said: “It doesn’t matter if you come in forty-five minutes early. I am here now. Let’s go.”

With his ire provoked, Zhang Siyi hoped that this disaster wasn’t an indication of things to come!

Before boarding, Zhang Siyi saw Tao Fei take out his mobile phone …This narcissist, presumably he is taking a selfie again.

Tao Fei cloths today were exceedingly trendy with his accessories, short cropped jean jacket, black tight pants and doc martin boots.

While they went through security, people have been looking at them. Thinking Tao Fei was some kind of pop-star, one young girl took Tao Fei’s photo.

However, Zhang Siyi does not think Tao Fei looks like a star, but rather, he looks like a Male-Host!

In comparison, in order to facilitate the ease of movement while they travel for research, he specially prepared a pair of sneakers and easy to wear grey sweater and jeans. Well, Zhang Siyi silently comforted himself, at least he looked more like an architect. (=_=)

Without problems, they got on the plane and sat in their seat next to each other. Tao Fei fastened his seat belt and turned his head toward Zhang Siyi: “Hey, help me see. Is my face a little distorted in the lens?”

“Hmm?” Zhang Siyi foolishly leaned closer to Tao Fei in order to help him.

Tao Fei suddenly reached for Zhang Siyi as he got closer and put his arm around his shoulder. With their head together, he held up his phone and smiled. With the sound of a ‘click’, the two of them were photographed.

“Ah, great expression!” Tao Fei said and he showed the image on his screen to Zhang Siyi.

It took a moment for Zhang Siyi to register what just happened. Tao Fei was taking a selfie with him!

“Hey! What are you doing?” Zhang Siyi had a bad feeling……

Sure enough, Tao Fei quickly opened his social media page and uploaded two photographs. One image was the airport and the other was the photo with Zhang Siyi. Tao Fei wrote a note: “With my young coworker ready to play in Yunnan! [Sunglass Wearing Man]

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Hearing the flight attendant’s friendly reminder, Tao Fei immediately shutdown his phone and put it away.

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 120: Merits

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In the evening, all the staff members arrived at the Sichuan restaurant. Like the previous inauguration dinner for Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu reserved a private room for them to dine and celebrate together. The raucous crowd happily raised a glass and congratulated Tao Fei. He beamed with joy and said: “Thank you! I’m very happy to join Borderless. My future is in your hands!”

After everyone made another toast, Gu Yu laughed and said: “Ok. Enough of being respectful. Let’s eat.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” What? Don’t be respectful and just eat?

Now that Boss Gu has set the bar for toasts, everyone was happy to be disrespectful and respect his instructions. With bouts of laughter emanating from the private room, they eagerly ate the food in a harmonious atmosphere. There was one exception. Feeling depressed, Zhang Siyi didn’t understand why the treatment was so different from his own. He was waiting to watch the show!

Since Tao Fei was the only person to join Borderless after him, tonight was the only reference Zhang Siyi had to use to compare the difference in treatment between them. Why were his colleagues in the past so eager to toast Zhang Siyi, but not Tao Fei? Was it because of his lack of professional experience at the time? Maybe it was because he was the only ‘Western’ member of the group? Their behavior is too abnormal!

Zhang Siyi decided to step forward and add some fuel to the low burning fire.

He poured himself a little wine, got up and said: “Tao Fei, it must be fate that we are working together now since we both graduated from a university in the United Kingdom and came home to China to work. Although I have been in the company longer then you, I only have a bachelor’s degree. In the future, I seek your guidance and hope to learn from you.” Zhang Siyi raised his glass towards Tao Fei.

Tao Fei listened and quickly stood up. He smiled at Zhang Siyi and said: “I heard that you also studied in the UK. I’ve always wanted to talk to you, but I didn’t find the chance. Is this the longest sentence you’ve ever said to me since I got into the company? Hahaha! I originally thought that you didn’t like me very much but it seems to be a misunderstanding…. This glass of wine must be drunk, and afterwards, we will become buddies!” Having said so, Tao Fei immediately downed his glass of wine.

Surprised, Zhang Siyi didn’t expect Tao Fei to be so forthright! He suddenly felt stupid for stressing over whether or not he had a secret love of Gu Yu. As Gu Yu said, sometimes Tao Fei’s temperament occasionally made people feel uncomfortable, but he is a good guy underneath his facade.

Since Tao Fei and Gu Yu are friends, Zhang Siyi should recognize their relationship for what it is. In addition, last night Gu Yu made it clear on his social media page that he has a lover and Tao Fei had nothing to do with it. Zhang Siyi breathed a sigh of relief. Now feeling better, he completely put down his guard and decided to get along with Tao Fei.

However, Zhang Siyi was still trying to provoke Tao Fei to drink. When one gives a toast, one has to pay respect to the toast itself and drink, otherwise it would be disrespectful. He thought his remarks would motivate the others to start a round of routine comments and flattery. After all, Tao Fei superior design ability is obvious and further requests for guidance from his colleagues should ensue.

As Zhang Siyi sat down, someone else had already started to pour the wine. Unexpectedly, looking at everyone, Tao Fei immediately interrupted the flow and asked: “I have heard that Zhang Siyi is the company’s mascot. Which one of you can tell me why?”

Distraction successful, the momentum to toast Tao Fei was lost. Bi Lele eagerly answered Tao Fei: “Ha-ha-ha, didn’t you see the huge poster at the company’s entrance?”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Damn! Can you not mention that black history!

Tao Fei glanced at Gu Yu: “I’ve seen it. I heard my brother took that photo of Zhang Siyi?”

Xu Jia explained the circumstance: “Yes, that’s right. The photo was taken during a project meeting. Zhang Siyi feel asleep and was caught by Boss Gu. He directed everyone to pose and he took the photo. Later, Gu Yu used it for the photo competition in the annual meeting and Zhang Siyi became famous in he company.”

Tao Fei: “That’s why?”

Du Rui laughed: “In fact, Auntie Four was popular in our group before the picture.”

Shifting his weight, Tao Fei raised his eyebrows and asked: “How popular?”

Being used to the title ‘King of popularity’, Tao Fei was overshadowed by a young man who’s looks and ability were less then his. Tao Fei was quite curious about the reason.

Like a chorus in unison, everyone said: “He is the first international student in our group!”

“He is a quick study!”

“He is really helpful!”

“He is very good at hand crafting things!”

“Right, he also has the nickname ‘Youthful Energy.’”

“Every day, he works hard with a special spirit!”

“His photographic skills are very good. He captured most of the beautiful pictures in the competition!”

Lu Qiao touched his chin: “You may not, but I have seen Zhang Siyi give a presentation. He was really good and super handsome!”

“He can sing well, especially English songs!”

    ……

Zhang Siyi did not think that he had so many advantages in the eyes of his colleagues. It was very surprising: “The praise is too great. I don’t know what to say!” Zhang Siyi blushed.

Unknown to Zhang Siyi, his tendency to wear his emotions on his shoulder was one of his charms. It was especially true when you talked with him. Having a naturally expressive demeanor is like a character from a comic book; both vivid and endearing.

In fact, there is still a point that everyone can’t express. The reason why Zhang Siyi is so popular is the freshness and vitality he has injected into the quiet working atmosphere of Group A since he joined the company. The most obvious difference is Boss Gu as Zhang Siyi presence has caused him to act differently than Gu Yu had in the past.

For example, Gu Yu gave Zhang Siyi the cactus. He messaged everyone prohibiting them from helping Zhang Siyi in the beginning. When they went out to dinner, he had everyone toast Zhang Siyi and got him drunk. He set up the photo when Zhang Siyi was sleeping. Gu Yu went on stage to participate in the annual meeting activities and he also went with them to KTV.

Zhang Siyi did not know, since his employment started, how irregular Gu Yu’s behavior really was. In everyone’s perception, the past Gu Yu had always been cold, rigid, and unapproachable. Although he is less than 30 years old, he never acted in accordance to his age.

Since Zhang Siyi appearance, Gu Yu has changed invisibly. He not only maintained his prestige, but Zhang Siyi’s presence made Gu Yu even more human and as a result, Gu Yu was loved more by everyone. This is the real reason Zhang Siyi is liked by everyone.

It is unclear who said: “Here. Here. Respect our Mascot Aunt Four!” Everyone was in high spirits and raised their glasses to toast Zhang Siyi. Feeling embarrassed, it was more difficult to refuse and as a result, Zhang Siyi became dizzy drinking cup after cup. Clearly, he wanted to drive everyone to toast Tao Fei. How do it turn out to be like this!?!?

“Noooooo! I’ll get drunk again!” Zhang Si Yi quickly showed his weakness and begged for mercy.

Gu Yu smiled at the turn of events. Not letting things get out of hand, he interjected in a timely manner: ”Zhang Siyi has to travel tomorrow on a business trip. Take it easy. You don’t want him to miss his plane, do you?”

As soon as Boss Gu spoke, everyone could only laugh and give up.

Spectating the good show, Tao Fei was a bit upset when the excitement was broken by Gu Yu.

He poured a glass of wine and raised a glass to Gu Yu: “Boss, you can cause the team to be so harmonious and friendly. In fact, the most powerful person is you! In the past, we were classmates and now suddenly I have become your subordinate. For a while, I did not grasp the reality of the situation. I’m using this occasion to pay my respects Please take care of me in the future!”

With a glint in Gu Yu eyes, he raised his glass but did not drink. Instead he grinned and said: “Knowing our history, one must pay attention to professionalism. The last time you lost your temper, I did not have the chance to rectify the issue.” He raised his glass signaling Tao Fei to drink.

Tao Fei: “……” Fuck!

When Gu Yu saw Tao Fei drinking the wine, he narrowed his brow and said: “Tomorrow, My Little Apprentice will be in your care.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Not everyone in this room has heard Gu Yu jokingly call Zhang Siyi ‘Little Apprentice’. Tao Fei didn’t know who he was talking about, but as he considered the facts, the Little Apprentice must be Zhang Siyi. Since when did Zhang Siyi become Gu Yu’s Little Apprentice?

Watching Tao Fei, Gu Yu slowly picked up his glass and said: “I’ll finish first.”

Tao Fei: “….” Whoa! Why does it feel like I’m being threatened! (`_’)

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 119: Shadow

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When they finally arrived inside their home, Zhang Siyi wasn’t given a moment to remove his shoes, as he was pushed hard against the door. Gu Yu grabbed his wrist in one hand and stroked Zhang Siyi’s cheek in the other. Gu Yu’s advancements took Zhang Siyi breath away.

While caressing the side of Zhang Siyi’s head, as if to make up for the time apart, Gu Yu forcefully kissed Zhang Siyi. After a moment of surprise, like a starved man at a buffet dinner, Zhang Siyi quickly responded to Gu Yu kissing with an even deeper more sensuous kiss. Desperate for each other’s attention, their lips parted momentarily for a gasp of air before tightly pressing them together again. He broke free from Gu Yu grasp and held onto him tightly. As Zhang Siyi continued to kiss Gu Yu deeper and more aggressively, Zhang Siyi felt like a different persona had taken control of him. Kissing wasn’t enough.

The two remained locked together until they heard a ‘woof’ and could feel Townhouse next to them. Returning to his senses, Zhang Siyi looked down at the dog and laughed. Gu Yu also laughed.

With watery eyes, he smiled and looked at Zhang Siyi and huskily whispered: “I missed you.”

Zhang Siyi’s heart beat violently. He never knew that such a simple admission of love would have such a strong effect on him. “I missed you too” Zhang Siyi said from the bottom of his heart. Everyday and every night he has thought of Gu Yu.

Zhang Siyi wanted to repent for all his wrongdoings towards his ex-girlfriend because he never really thought about her. For twenty-three years, until now, he didn’t understand what a real relationship was and realized how irresponsible he had been towards her.

Holding Zhang Siyi’s face Gu Yu kissed him on the forehead then released him. He said softly: “Let’s eat first.”

Zhang Siyi followed him into the kitchen like a small puppy.

Gu Yu opened the refrigerator to evaluate their food options. Now that it had been almost a week since their last grocery run, the food was almost all gone. He rummaged through the sparse items and found a pack of frozen dumplings. He asked Zhang Siyi casually: “Are you ok with dumplings?”

Even though Zhang Siyi attention wasn’t on eating at the moment, he answered: “Yes.”

Gu Yu also found a couple of eggs and some shrimp. Together with a few vegetables, he set up a pot to boil in order to make soup. Like a married couple wanting to know what their loved one was up to while they were away, Gu Yu asked Zhang Siyi about how things have been and what he had been eating the last few days. As the water heated to boil, Zhang Siyi took a few minutes to answer Gu Yu.

Smelling the vinegar that Gu Yu used to dress the dumplings, Zhang Siyi was reminded of Tao Fei posting on his social media and asked: “Why did you and Tao Fei wear a suit when you reported the project?”

Gu Yu handed one of the bowls of dumplings to him: “It’s necessary on formal occasions.”

Zhang Siyi grabbed two sets of chopsticks from the drawer and walked to the table with his bowl: “How come I didn’t see your suit when you got back?”

“I don’t like the extra luggage so I used a courier service.” Gu Yu sat down and picked up his chopsticks ready to eat then asked: “How did you know I wore a suit?”

“I added Tao Fei’s to my WeChat contacts today and saw photos of you on his social media page.” Zhang Siyi didn’t want to sound jealous, but he couldn’t help complain a little!

Listening to Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu took out his phone from his pocket to see what he was referring to. Looking down at the phone, Gu Yu frowned.

Zhang Siyi asked: “You haven’t seen it?”

Gu Yu put the phone on the table and as calm as ever, he said: “I’ve blocked him.”

Although Zhang Siyi initially felt irritated by Tao Fei WeChat posts, when Gu Yu mentioned Tao Fei being blocked, Zhang Siyi felt reassured. Laughing and smiling he asked: “Why did you block him?”

“He posts stupid things every day. It’s annoying.” Gu Yu frankly said.

 “……” Tao Fei’s self-portraits were described as “stupid stuff” ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Zhang Siyi’s dark feelings were overthrown by Gu Yu words. What beautiful peach? He was tossed aside.

After eating, Zhang Siyi cleared the table and went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. He saw Gu Yu pick up his phone again and noticed his thumb move continuously over the screen. Zhang Siyi didn’t know who he was chatting with. When he was finished washing the dishes, Gu Yu pocketed his phone and they grabbed Townhouse’s leash.

While walking the dog, the two caught up on office related issues and stopped here and there to let Townhouse mark a tree. Suddenly while standing, Gu Yu grabbed Zhang Siyi and pulled him close face to face. Gu Yu continued to position himself and stepped slightly to his left then leaned forward.

Zhang Siyi wasn’t sure what was happening then he watched Gu Yu pull out his phone from his trousers and take a photo of the shadow on the ground. Zhang Siyi glanced down and realized with pleasure what Gu Yu was doing. It looked like the shadow of the two people together under the streetlight were kissing! Feeling hot all over, Zhang Siyi never would have thought Gu Yu was capable of doing such a romantic thing.

Catching a glimpse of Gu Yu continued concentration on his phone, Zhang Siyi guessed he was uploading the image to his social media page. Thinking he would send it to Zhang Siyi alone because of Gu Yu conservative nature, he didn’t react much. He smiled and said: “I saw you take the picture so it won’t be a surprise to receive it.” As they say, love makes people do stupid things. Has Gu Yu also become silly?

Gu Yu grinned at him and said: “I have made it public.”

“What!?” Zhang Siyi was shocked. He quickly pulled out his mobile phone and opened WeChat. He really saw the photo taken by Gu Yu at the top of the circle of friends.

In addition to the photo, Gu Yu also wrote something sentimental: “Love has arrived.”

Zhang Siyi couldn’t believe it. He grabbed Gu Yu phone to look at it for himself and confirm it. He really did make the image public.!

In just a few seconds, there are already a row of ‘likes’ below the photo. They are all from people Zhang Siyi doesn’t know. The number of new messages at the top is still increasing at a rate visible to the naked eye. Knowing Gu Yu’s personality, this type of news is exceedingly exciting for people that are friends with him.

“You’re crazy!” Zhang Siyi flushed bright red and his heart couldn’t stop pounding in his chest: “You said we had to keep our relationship a secret.”

Gu Yu recovered his phone from Zhang Siyi’s grasp and said: “It’s just a shadow. No one can recognize who the people are.”

Zhang Siyi looked at his own phone and inspected the image again. Since the image was taken at an angle with the streetlight, their shadow was stretched out very long. The top of the shadow was a little blurry and aside from the height of the people being slightly different, it was really difficult to tell who was who. The one thing for certain, is that Tao Fei is definitely not among the two people in the image as the two people in the photo have short hair.

Gu Yu rubbed Zhang Siyi’s head and smiled: “Are you still jealous?”

 “……” Zhang Siyi puffed up his face: “Who is jealous.”

Gu Yu laughed and said nothing. With Townhouse in tow, they walked back home.

After Zhang Siyi’s initial surprise, he slowly calmed down. His heart floated with a sigh of relief: “Aren’t your parents going to see it?”

Gu Yu took a deep breath of cool air and looked up at the sky slightly. He said calmly: “They will see it sooner or later. They may not know that you are a boy for a while. My dad is a smart person and he will be able to figure it out eventually. With time, a family can overcome anything. Don’t be afraid. We will take it one step at a time together.”

“Hmm” Zhang Siyi said and looked down at the road: “Actually, your sister has already guessed that you are gay.”

Gu Yu froze momentarily: “Hmm?”

Zhang Siyi slowly recounted what Gu Yao had said to him when he chatted with her about Gu Yu. At the end, Zhang Siyi was embarrassed to admit: “It was from her that I found out you might like me……”

Now, Gu Yu understood what had happened that day and why Zhang Siyi was like a changed person.

Zhang Siyi paused and said: “She also said that no matter how you choose, she will support you and bless you.”

Gu Yu was silent for a long time. With a content sigh he mumbled: “Silly girl….”

Zhang Siyi raised his hands and proclaimed: “So, you can tell your sister about us!”

Gu Yu turned to look at him and smiled. “Stupid, she already knows.”

Zhang Siyi: “…… Huh?” Σ( ° △°)

After returning home, Zhang Siyi took out his mobile phone to view the shadow picture once again. Unsurprisingly, Gu Yao sent a message to the trio chat group that was created by her brother months ago.

Gu Yu: “Congratulations!”  [Snickering]

Zhang Siyi: “……” Shit! It turns out, he was the only one who’s been kept in the dark!?

Zhang Siyi: “You always knew?”

Gu Yu: “Since last month.”

Gu Yu honestly confessed to Zhang Siyi about peeking at his mobile phone.

Zhang Siyi said: “When I asked you before, why were you still playing dumb?”

Gu Yu: “Who was the one that was dumb?”  ╮ (╯_╰) ╭

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Seeing the 100-yuan red envelope dangling in front of them, the two immediately forgot why they were quarreling. Zhang Siyi snatched 93% of the amount and Gu Yao only was able to get 7%.

Zhang Siyi: “Muahahaha!”

Gu Yao: “Hey! The administrator is playing favorites!”

Gu Yu looked at the two of them in the group, smiled and shook his head.  As compensation, he privately gave Gu Yao a 100-yuan red envelope. She wanted to tease Zhang Siyi and was about to take a screenshot and send it to him but her brother’s message stopped her: “Don’t bully your brother-in-law.”

Gu Yao: “……” A 100 yuan a bribe? Ah! What is this sweet and sour feeling?! My heart hurts! My Brother is no longer her own brother!

Gu Yao whined: “But brother, don’t you think making the photo public was being too risky? I broke out in a cold sweat for you!”

Gu Yu gave her a red envelope and said: “You might have to provide some cover in the future.”

Any annoyance she felt was easily brushed aside not by Gu Yu’s sugar-coated words, but because she genuinely wanted to help her brother: “Don’t worry! This younger sister will spare no effort to pave the way for you and Brother Siyi’s future!”

…….

Since Tao Fei had been in the company for a month, he was officially welcomed to join the company. The night before Zhang Siyi’s business trip to Yunnan, Gu Yu organized another group dinner. Zhang Siyi remembered what happened during his welcome party and was eager to see how Tao Fei would fare during his.

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