Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 115: Diary

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By the time they finished wiping off Townhouse and hung up their wet coats, it was nearly nine o’clock. While Gu Yu went out to the yard to feed the cats, Zhang Siyi went upstairs to bathe.

For the past two days, every time Zhang Siyi felt very aroused, Gu Yu would abruptly stop and as a result, Zhang Siyi couldn’t bear it any longer. Although he felt a little guilty, he used the time in the shower to find relief. While the warm water flowed around his skin, he closed his eyes and imagined Gu Yu was there with him. He recalled his sensual kisses and loving touches and soon his body responded.

Sighing, Zhang Siyi doesn’t understand what Gu Yu is thinking. When he was at his house last time playing Truth or Dare, Gu Yu said that he needed to masturbate every day. Now that Zhang Siyi was in front of Gu Yu, why doesn’t Gu Yu react? It was as if Zhang Siyi was the only one acting like a wild animal in heat.

Blow-drying his hair, Zhang Siyi was full of doubts and started feeling annoyed.  Since Gu Yu is so unresponsive, let him sleep alone tonight! Zhang Siyi has plenty of blankets in his room anyways. Just after leaving the bathroom, Zhang Siyi bumped into Gu Yu as he was heading into his own room.

“Did you finish bathing? “Gu Yu walked up to him and kissed him on the neck and ear and whispered: “Go to my room and wait for me. I’ll take a shower first.”

Zhang Siyi instantly set aside all his arrogance and restraint and obediently went to Gu Yu’s room. The bed was already made and this time, there weren’t two quilts, but one large one that was spread out for both of them. Zhang Siyi got into the bed and snuggled up with the blankets and quietly reprimanded himself: “No backbone.”

Lying on the pillow, Zhang Siyi could smell the essence of Gu Yu. Having him all around made Zhang Siyi heart to begin to stir and his body start to respond. Trying to keep his mind occupied with something else, he took out his phone and checked his friend’s social media news. The first entry he saw was the short video clip of him that Gu Yu’s posted with a love emoji. With his mind full of Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi face became even more red. Sighing, he put the phone away and examined Gu Yu’s room once more.

Zhang Siyi saw the jack-o-lantern was placed on his desk and cactus light was on his bedside table which was enough to prove their importance to Gu Yu. Remembering his message ‘Big Devil’, he rushed over to the cactus light, thinking he could retrieve it.

It was a bit of a hassle to undo a portion of his creation. He picked it up and looked straight at the bottom and saw traces of ware at the location where Zhang Siyi hid his note. Fuck! How can he find such a secret location?

Groaning, Zhang Siyi had nothing to say and pretending that he didn’t find anything, he put the lamp back just as he found it. The two black sketchbooks on the table he saw previously during his sleep over last year attracted his attention.

Under the pressure of curiosity, Zhang Siyi wanted to take a peek. Since it’s unethical to casually look through other people’s private things in case there are secrets, he felt reluctant.

However, when Zhang Siyi thought about ‘having a secret’, the more he couldn’t stop his impulse. Gu Yu isn’t an outsider. He is Zhang Siyi’s boyfriend. If he quietly looked at one page only, there shouldn’t be a problem, right? Besides, with Gu Yu’s workaholic nature, it is probably simply work related!

Convincing himself, he guiltily looked towards the direction of the door. Since he didn’t hear anything, he leaned back with a sketchbook in hand and slowly opened a corner to take a peek…. What he saw, froze him in his tracks!

It was Zhang Siyi. He saw a drawing of himself, to be exact…. by Gu Yu?

Not holding back, Zhang Siyi opened the book wide and looked at the image clearly. It was a sketch of Zhang Siyi laying on the table from Gu Yu’s perspective standing at the doorway of the conference room at the company. There was a line of writing on the side: “looks a bit cute sleeping” and the time and initials were noted: “2014.10.16 GY.”

Zhang Siyi thought carefully back. – What was I doing last year in mid-October? Was it before the provincial z city project? I was still drafting bathrooms and stairwells and parking lots all day long?

He turned the page of the book and saw that the contents were arranged in chronological order. Also, each page was accompanied by a sketch and a one or two-sentences to describe it.

—- It turns out to be a drawing diary of Gu Xiao!

Zhang Siyi completely forgot about ‘peeking’ and wholeheartedly turned to the beginning of the book and looked through it without reservations.

Besides the images of Zhang Siyi, there were architectural sketches and reading notes. He flipped through the pages and only read the entries depicting himself.

The first notation appeared on September 11, 2014 when he hadn’t been at the job for long. There was an image of him looking at his phone with the description: “The foundation is poor, the work is not bad, the drawing is not focused, takes shortcuts. Shortcomings everywhere.” There is red circle around it, as if Gu Yu gave him a bad review.

Feeling ashamed, Zhang Siyi quickly turned to the next entry. It was the time he went on the first business trip with Gu Yu. The description said: “With him on a business trip to evaluate the site. On the plane ride over, my shoulder got wet.” The picture is from Gu Yu’s point of view with him sleeping on his shoulder drooling….  What a fool!

The next drawing is of the sand tea noodles: “After a long day walking around, I invited him to eat dinner. He tried to bite me! He-he. A happy single-celled fool. In the evening a friend called, Boyfriend? I teased him. He reacted decisively. Hey straight guy.”

Zhang Siyi: “….”

The next time Zhang Siyi appeared in the journal was the day the Child Labor group won the competition in the company.

“Group A lost the internal bid. He feels lost and his mind isn’t strong enough. ” The picture is a Chibi version with a drooping head … Gu Yu can also draw comics? It’s a very good portrayal!

Another two pages forward and the jack-o-lanterns appeared! “A pumpkin lantern given to me by him. Thought of a funny childhood. Hehe.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” Pumpkin son? (=_=)

Continuing onto more pages, the next entry is November 13, 2014, when there was a period of intense overtime. The image is Zhang Siyi with big black eyes, as well as the text: “I think this guy kind of likes me …”

…… What? Like Gu Yu? At that time? No way! How can Gu Yu think that?!

When Zhang Siyi turned over the page, the page was almost blank. There was only one English word written in the middle: “Upset.”  There wasn’t a time noted on the page. Was it the time of the dispute in the bathroom? Sure enough, on the next page the note said: “unexpected winning bid.”  Except for the disagreement in the toilet, there doesn’t appear to be other notes about feeling depressed at that time.

I didn’t think my words would make Gu Yu feel so bad…….  Zhang Siyi was a little guilty.

When the book was at the end, Zhang Siyi opened another sketchbook and looked at the first page. It was about they day they met at the train station in Ningcheng by chance. “It turned out that he was the little crying bag that loved to drool when he was a child. Fate is really wonderful.”

….. A little crying bag that loves drooling? What kind of adjective is this!

“It was an impulse to give him the tape measure as a birthday present, but he didn’t seem to like it.”

…… It was just an impulse? …… Who says I don’t like it? I was really moved!

There were two pages in December last year, both related to the Cactus:

• “Three months at work and hasn’t come to take care of the cactus I gave him. He really doesn’t care about work.”
• “The cactus is going to die. In order to win the prize, he switched it out. He isn’t being honest.”

The images on the pages are also of cactus. In addition, there are analysis charts and diagrams showing the differences between the old and new cactus. All of the reasons were explained to Zhang Siyi on WeChat.

“I want to hear him play the violin for me…”

……

Turning over the page, suddenly a slip of a dirty piece of paper fell from the book. Zhang Siyi gently reached over to grab it and opened his eyes in surprised: “Ah” – this is the note I left hidden in the base of the lamp.

“Gu Yu, you Big Devil! I wish you a happy 29th birthday. One day I will be even more powerful than you! (╰_╯)——ZSY”

Feeling a bit foolish, Zhang Siyi went to see what was on the page of the sketch book.

Gu Yu has drawn the cactus lamp carefully in detail. The words below the image say: “He just thinks of you at a goal, but you like him.”

While Zhang Siyi’s hands trembled and his heart jumped, he stared at the words on the page, no longer able to turn them.

It turns out that Gu Yu isn’t as calm and stoic as he imagined. He experienced the same days of emotional doubts and sufferings that Zhang Siyi had. Only, Gu Yu encountered them earlier than Zhang Siyi did. It always seemed like Gu Yu had everything under his control, but in fact, he had his own insecurities and sorrows. He was an ordinary, affectionate man who was deeply in love that was able to pretend otherwise.

Zhang Siyi regretted not looking at these sketchbooks the time he stayed over last year. If he saw them earlier, would they have been able to get together sooner?

…… No, I didn’t realize that I liked Gu Yu at that time and maybe the information would have scared me.

Like a messy spilled bottle of five-spice, Zhang Siyi felt a myriad of contradictory emotions; love and heartache, happiness and regret.

Hearing movement at the door, Zhang Siyi quickly put the sketchbook back in place and leaned back in bed. He watched Gu Yu enter the room and close the door and locked it behind him.

A sudden feeling overwhelmed Zhang Siyi. The person he loves is in front of him and he is a man. Zhang Siyi doesn’t believe the normally stoic Gu Yu is unaffected by his emotions.

“Are you still awake?” Gu Yu smiled and lifted the covers to get into the bed next to Zhang Siyi. He teased: “You aren’t pretending to sleep today, hmm?”

When Gu Yu laid down, Zhang Siyi gathered up his courage to turn over on top of Gu Yu and grasp both hands.

Gu Yu: “……”

Zhang Siyi: “……” (o////o)

Despite his crazy heart, Zhang Siyi bowed his head and kissed Gu Yu gently on the lips then admitted: ” I just…… I read your sketchbook.”

Gu Yu was a little startled: “Hmm?”

Zhang Siyi kissed him again, whispering: “I’m sorry. I peeked at your diary without your consent.”

Gu Yu relaxed and looked at him affectionately and asked: “So?”

“……” – Strange, why is Gu Yu’s reaction not the same as my imagination. How is he so calm?

Zhang Siyi said: “I don’t think of you as a goal. I also like you very much.”

Gu Yu smiled and raised his arm to grab him by the waist and pull him close: “I know.”

Zhang Siyi trembled involuntarily…… No, no, obviously he is the one on top.

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 114: Gaze

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Zhang Siyi was wrong. He wants his heart back. Gu Yu doesn’t seem to understand the atmosphere at all! Bastard!  Damn it! Having been blown-off for the second time, Zhang Siyi was very angry. As he went to the table, he resisted the urge to smash the dishes. Gu Yu returned to the table a step ahead of him and picked up his mobile phone that was propped up against a soup bowl.

Huh? Zhang Siyi thought something strange was going on. Why would Gu Yu have his phone like…… Suddenly, Zhang Siyi realized the reason Gu Yu asked him to stand in a specific spot when he played. With intensity, he quickly reacted: “You just recorded it!?”

Smiling broadly and without a word, Gu Yu quickly handled his phone. His decisive movements and expression clearly proved Zhang Siyi’s speculation.

Thinking about his do-over at the start, Zhang Siyi felt embarrassed. Recalling his rushed confession ‘I like you’, Zhang Siyi could feel his ire grow. Finally, when he thought about the scene of his eager and excited ‘I will’ reply, feeling ashamed, Zhang Siyi instantly exploded!

“How can you secretly videotape me?!” Zhang Siyi reached out to grab the mobile phone.

“This is the gift you gave me. Why can’t I record it?” With the phone held tightly, Gu Yu raised his arm up high. Since Zhang Siyi was nearly the same height, Gu Yu didn’t have any height advantage when Zhang Siyi jumped. Gu Yu put his phone in his back pocket and like the annual balloon game, Zhang Siyi repeatedly tried to rush at him, but couldn’t maneuver himself to get the phone. Enjoying the physical attention, Gu Yu asked: “I just want to be able to watch it in the future. What’s the problem?”

Zhang Siyi hurriedly said: “It’s not only playing the violin, but also afterwards….”

Gu Yu caught Zhang Siyi by the wrists and pulled him close then kissed him gently on the lips. He smiled at him: “What happened afterwards? There is only a dog here who can’t say anything to witness the wedding and still, you aren’t going to allow me to make a video to remember it by?

Townhouse: “……”

Not waiting for Zhang Siyi to respond, Gu Yu spoke: “The video can not only be used as a memento, but also to leave proof. You personally said the words, so I will hold you to them.”

Feeling hot, Zhang Siyi’s face was red as a tomato. Squirming, he tried to break free of Gu Yu’s grasp and proclaimed: “I wouldn’t cheat!”

Gu Yu also clamped down more firmly and didn’t let Zhang Siyi go. Fully taking advantage of his lover and enjoying it, Gu Yu continued: “Since you say so, why is your reaction so extreme? Why does it bother you? You are already mine.” Pulling him close, Gu Yu caught Zhang Siyi in his embrace and kissed him affectionately.

Zhang Siyi lost all reasoning when he heard Gu Yu proclaim ‘you are already mine.’  Zhang Siyi didn’t even know what the problem was and why he was fighting with Gu Yu. With the help of his kissing, soon, Zhang Siyi stopped struggling.

When Zhang Siyi calmed down, Gu Yu let go of him. He smiled and said: “Go wash the dishes. I have some other issues we need to discuss.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Carrying the dishes to the kitchen to wash, Zhang Siyi slowly regained his senses. Fuck!  What he is irritated with, is not the reason why Gu Yu is recording the video, but Gu Yu’s act of secretly recording a video without his consent!

…… Aaaaaaaahhh!

Even though Zhang Siyi complained about being secretly recorded, he couldn’t help but feel genuinely happy.  With a ‘crash’, a plate slipped and broke on the floor. Gu Yu voice could be heard from the living area: “Hey, take it easy. A broken plate will be taken out of our daily expenses. The penalty is five-hundred!”

Feeling exuberant, Zhang Siyi couldn’t stay angry for long. With Gu Yu’s reminder, he carefully washed the remaining dishes. However, a thought occurred to him. If Gu Yu needed to cover the expenses when they exceed four-thousand, then at worst, Zhang Siyi wouldn’t get a bonus. What is there to be afraid of?

…… Hehehehe! The benefits are too good!!

While Zhang Siyi was in the kitchen washing the dishes, Gu Yu was on the sofa looking at his phone again smiling brilliantly. He copied and edited a section of the video of Zhang Siyi saying “I will”. Gu Yu opened his WeChat app and was surprised to see Zhang Siyi’s latest post he made during breakfast: “I’m sorry for the wait.”

Laughing out loud, Gu Yu thought Zhang Siyi’s post was really cute. In response, Gu Yu uploaded his short video and added a statement: “I will hold your hand now and for a lifetime.” At the end of the sentence, Gu Yu added a love sticker then clicked to post it. Of course, this message is only visible to Zhang Siyi.

Wiping his hand dry, Zhang Siyi glanced over at Gu Yu sitting of the sofa and saw him smiling at his phone intently with warmth and charm. Observing his gentle expressions, Zhang Siyi felt like Gu Yu was acting…. sheepish? Can Gu Yu even become shy and embarrassed? Maybe, it’s just imaginary.

Sure enough, when Gu Yu looked up, the expression he had disappeared. He stood up and looked over at Zhang Siyi and said, “Go, take the dog, walk a little.” Gu Yu paused and spoke again: “Let’s take the dog out for a walk.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Yes. It has been a busy day and the dog hasn’t had any exercise yet. In his excitement and anticipation, Zhang Siyi’s mind has only been thinking about being together with Gu Yu sexually and ignoring other responsibilities.

Thankfully, Gu Yu is rather strict when it comes to responsibilities, and thus he can continue to do the sensible thing without impulses to disrupt his pace of life. Although Zhang Siyi feels that Gu Yu’s stringent behavior angers him sometimes, he also knows that if Gu Yu acted on impulse all the time, his personal life wouldn’t be so well organized and comfortable.

In this way, his behavior yesterday morning when he rushed to Zhang Siyi’s apartment at night was an anomaly as if he was possessed by aliens. (=_=)

With lingering resentment for being treated unfairly, Zhang Siyi went upstairs to change out of his formal attire into something more comfortable. Since it was raining lightly outside, Gu Yu held a large umbrella for both of them while Zhang Siyi held onto the dog leash.

While watching Townhouse walking in the rain in front of him, Zhang Siyi was reminded of the past when he walked the dog with Fu Xinhui. Ironically, he never wanted to go with Fu Xinhui in fear of looking more gay to outsiders and now, he actually became gay! The only difference now is that he is living with Gu Yu and not his friend. Jesus Christ, if time had returned to six months ago, he would never have believed in this development ….

Not only walking the dog, Zhang Siyi is out strolling in the rain. Normally, Zhang Siyi dislikes going out in the rain because he doesn’t like getting his clothes wet especially how the water splashes on the back of his legs. He always thought it was too troublesome.

However, now that Gu Yu is by his side, he feels differently. The nasty spring rain and leisurely walk has become romantic in Zhang Siyi’s eyes. Occasionally, Townhouse picked a tree to mark, and then carry on. After pausing momentarily, the two continued on their relaxing stroll without a care in the world. Zhang Siyi’s only regret is that they can’t hold hands.

Sighing, he looked around and saw many pedestrians out and about near the tavern close by. Unlike the times he was with his friend, why has no one come to ask them if they are a pair? ╭ (╯_╰) ╮

Finally, as they turned around to walk back to the villa, Gu Yu brought up the topic he wanted to discuss: “Siyi, we are together now, but there are few things you have to know and I want to tell you about them in advance.”

Zhang Siyi: “Hmm?

Gu Yu: “First of all, on the outside, especially in the company, we still have to keep a distance and maintain a normal look.”

Zhang Siyi was shocked……. Their relationship can only be a secret love?

Office romance is not encouraged and, in many companies, it is prohibited even among heterosexual couples. While there might be leeway between a man and women coworker, there certainly would not be between a Director and a subordinate in a relationship, let alone that they are both men. No matter what, they would incur huge criticism which could influence the public heart and team morale.

Feeling a little despondent, Zhang Siyi said: “Hmm.” He paused and then asked: “What about the fact that we live together? Is that a secret too?”

Gu Yu: “It is best not to take the initiative to talk about it with colleagues.”

Zhang Siyi frowned: “But that day in the elevator, you have already told Tao Fei.”

Gu Yu explained: “Tao Fei is not an ordinary employee. He is my classmate and friend. In the future he may come to our house to visit. If we are secretive about it now, later if he comes to the house, it will seem suspicious. It is better to say something upfront so he won’t think much about it later.”

Zhang Siyi: “Oh……”

Gu Yu: “If you are asked by others, don’t deliberately conceal it and just try to stay calm.”

When he and Fu Xinhui rented the apartment together, even when the two had no intimate relationship with one another, they were always being misunderstood. Now that he lives with Gu Yu, he can’t show his true colors. In short, the time has come to test his acting skills!

O (￣ヘ￣o)

Gu Yu smiled at him affectionately then he changed the hand he was using to hold the umbrella. With his newly freed hand, he reached behind Zhang Siyi and rubbed the back of his head as a token of comfort. He continued: “Second point. You can’t gaze at me seductively.”

It was a little difficult for Gu Yu to tell him this. Zhang Siyi felt embarrassed when he heard Gu Yu: “When have I ever done that?”

Incredulous, Gu Yu looked at him both funny and helpless: “If you remember last Wednesday when I came to the office in the morning, you were gazing at me with such intense yearning that it was too much!”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

“Don’t ever do that again.” Gu Yu coughed lightly then added: “Only in private.”

Zhang Siyi quietly looked at Gu Yu and saw his ears turn red. Oh My God! Gu Yu is shy? He really blushed! Zhang Siyi felt like he discovered the New World and his heart was very excited. He boldly asked: “How do you feel when I gaze at you?”

Gu Yu pretend to be calm: “Nothing.”

Feeling vexed, Zhang Siyi snorted: “Since it is nothing, then I’ll gaze at you in the office at any time I feel like it.”

Gu Yu glared at him: “I won’t be able to get any work done!”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha! Zhang Siyi smirked and felt full of accomplishment at causing the normally calm and rational Gu Yu to be so flustered.

Grinding his jaw, Gu Yu pinched the back of Zhang Siyi’s neck hard and firmly threatened: “If you dare do that, I will make you work until there is no time to eat.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Shit! It’s personal!

Gu Yu slapped the back of his head lightly and said: “Don’t be naughty, ok?”

Zhang Siyi blushed: “Ok”

Gu Yu added: “Third issue, although I have feelings for you, at the office I have to guarantee fairness.  If you don’t do well, I will still criticize you. I have even stricter requirements for you now then compared to the past so you must be mentally prepared.”

Zhang Siyi was very surprised. There are no benefits?  Why are the requirement even more stringent? What kind of vendetta is this?!”

Gu Yu quickly answered the doubts in Zhang Siyi’s heart: “I know you have worked very hard, but there are times I wish I could just directly upload my knowledge into your head. More than anything I want to be able to work shoulder to shoulder with you.”

Now feeling his heart warming, all of the anger and anxiety Zhang Siyi felt was completely washed away by Gu Yu’s statement. Zhang Siyi quietly nodded: “Hmm.”

Since Gu Yu finished explaining the three main points of contention, Gu Yu was able to relax.

Returning to the villa after walking the dog, Gu Yu took out a large towel from the coat closet and used it to wipe off the water and dirt from Townhouse’s feet and hair.

Watching Gu Yu’s tender and meticulous care of Townhouse, Zhang Siyi felt that this stepfather is giving better care to the dog than his own righteous father. If Fu Xinhui found out how good of care the dog is receiving, he would probably be moved to cry.

However, Zhang Siyi couldn’t imagine what kind of expression Fu Xinhui would reveal if he knew that Zhang Siyi was in a relationship with Gu Yu.

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 113: Confession

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Slightly annoyed, Zhang Siyi went upstairs into his room to change. He specially prepared a white tuxedo and silver-grey shirt to play the violin in. He looked super handsome in it, but now some of the excitement was gone. All of his efforts have been seen through by Gu Yu. – Obviously, I wanted it to be a surprise for him, but he made it like this…… Why does that guy always give people the feeling that ‘everything is under control’? …Damn it!

Zhang Siyi tied his bow tie and used a little bit of cologne around his neck. Looking at himself in the mirror, he slapped his cheeks once and gave himself a pep-talk: “You’re going to confess! Be happy and don’t make it look like Gu Yu owes you 500 bucks!”

Now ready, Zhang Siyi held his violin under his arm and slowly walked downstairs. The closer he got to Gu Yu, the faster his heart beat. – Ah, I still feel so nervous!

Originally, Gu Yu wasn’t taking the situation very seriously, but when he saw how handsome Zhang Siyi was in formal attire walking down the stairs he froze, dumbfounded.

Timidly, Zhang Siyi set up near Gu Yu with his violin and turned to look at him shyly, ready to play.

Unexpectedly, Gu Yu suddenly raised his hand and motioned to the right and said: “Can you stand a little more to the right?”

Grumbling, Zhang Siyi moved two steps to the side. – ….so controlling. Does it matter where I stand!

Zhang Siyi whispered: “I’m going to start playing now.”

Gu Yan looked at him intently: “Hmm.”

Zhang Siyi took a deep breath and began-

“The chatter, the quack, the quack …” Bad! Bad!

Playing the first section of the music, Zhang Siyi didn’t have a sure grasp of the beat!

However, as a layman, does Gu Yu hear it? Continue? “Quack, chatter, Quack…”

Carefully looking up, Zhang Siyi wanted to see the expression Gu Yu had on his face. What he saw didn’t look good and as a result, Zhang Siyi started to panic; heart racing, shortness of breath, hands shaking. Finally, the sound stopped: “Hey!”

Gu Yu: “……”

Zhang Siyi: “……” (o////o)

Turning red, Zhang Siyi felt embarrassed. After being silent for a moment, he said: “That doesn’t count! It was just a warm-up!”

Trying to hold in his laughter, Gu Yu snorted and smiled twice.

Now angry, Zhang Siyi said: “Don’t laugh! Don’t look at me!”

Gu Yu raised a fist to cover his mouth for a moment then forced a smile and encouraged him: “Just relax and don’t be nervous.” He paused and then continued: “Since you are playing for me, how can I not watch you?”

Zhang Siyi knew he was making an unreasonable demand, but he couldn’t help blurting it out when he saw how much Gu Yu was laughing at him!

Zhang Siyi snorted and relaxed his face. He took a deep breath and adjusted his mindset. Then, he focused on his goal. He began to play again. “Summer” is not a very lyrical song. On the contrary, it is a very anxious sounding piece with intense rhythms and very few slow smooth tones.

Zhang Siyi tried to find the same comfortable feeling he had while practiceing at home. He played this song for a month every day for two hours and must have practiced the song four to five hundred times already. As a result, his muscles would remember the series of movements necessary to make the music sing.

Gradually he relaxed and immersed himself into the music. Ignoring external factors, he plunged himself deeper into the sound. Like a trance, his mind was able to let go and only focus on his purpose.

His long-prepared gift for Gu Yu. He poured all of his feelings for the man into the music. From innocent worship, to an ignorant heart, and finally to feverish love….

In order to show his true feelings, more than once, Zhang Siyi has fantasized about standing in front of Gu Yu playing this song for him. — Gu Yu, do you hear that? I like you! I like you the most! Super like you!

Getting swept away by the emotional atmosphere, Zhang Siyi involuntarily raised his eyes to look at Gu Yu. When their eyes met, there was an instantaneous burst of energy, like a magnetic force pulling them tightly together.

Gu Yu was intently watching Zhang Siyi, hot with affection and a desperate desire. It was a look that Zhang Siyi has never seen before.

“………….Urala – Urala – Uralala!”

With the last ringing note, Zhang Siyi made a handsome finishing action with his bow. He finally managed to play the whole piece for Gu Yu. He gasped for breath and lowered his instrument and bow. Unable to move, Zhang Siyi’s line of sight was fixated on Gu Yu.

Gu Yu set his glass down and stood up. While gazing into the depths of Zhang Siyi eyes, he slowly walked towards Zhang Siyi and stopped in front of him with an only single step between them.

Until Zhang Siyi breathing subsided, the two of them stared at each other for a long time. Gradually, Zhang Siyi ‘woke-up’ from playing the music and returned to reality.

Gu Yu’s eyes were like two fires burning with emotion. Zhang Siyi wasn’t sure if Gu Yu felt the same desire as he did.

Feeling shy, Zhang Siyi timidly proclaimed: “I …”

As he said the first word, Gu Yu suddenly reached out and grabbed Zhang Siyi chin and lowered his lips onto Zhang Siyi’s and kissed him then urged him in a low sensual tone: “What is it?”

Zhang Siyi: “I… I really like you…” (o////o)

Zhang Siyi didn’t intend to confess just yet. He wanted to ask Gu Yu how his performance was to reconcile the tense atmosphere. However, with Gu Yu kiss, his brain short-circuited and thus, blurted it out.” (&////&) –Aaah! Not cool! The confession felt too early!

After hearing Zhang Siyi’s confession, Gu Yu gently took his violin and set it aside. Like yesterday, he wrapped his arms around Zhang Siyi and embraced him tightly then kissed him. First on the forehead, then a peck on his nose, and finally a soft kiss on his lips. Zhang Siyi’s fried hair was appeased by Gu Yu’s series of kisses. Even so, Zhang Siyi still felt wronged. – Why did Gu Yu ask me ‘what is it’ instead of telling me how good I am!

Just as Zhang Siyi was going to say something, Gu Yu suddenly kissed him deeper with vigor and faster with more urgency; parting his mouth, feeling his tongue, sucking his lips, kissing without restraint and leaving Zhang Siyi powerless. By the time Gu Yu released him, Zhang Siyi couldn’t remember what he was so upset about.

Sweeping Zhang Siyi hair off his forehead with his fingertips Gu Yu’s looked right into his eyes and softly said: “Listen, Zhang Siyi, I like you very much. Maybe I like you more than you think.”

As he heard Gu Yu admit his feelings, a booming ’gong’ sound went off in Zhang Siyi’s head. Finally, he heard what he wanted to hear!

However, Gu Yu suddenly turned and took a step away from him with worry: “But I am also very scared. I am afraid that you aren’t serious like the way you treated your ex-girlfriend or when you impulsively said you would quit architecture. I don’t know how you define ‘like’ and I don’t know how you measure your feelings. I am afraid that the ‘like’ in our hearts isn’t the same.”

For the first time in front of Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu has revealed an unconfident side. Surprised at the revelation, Zhang Siyi was anxious to appease Gu Yu and tell him how serious he really was.

But Gu Yu held his lips and stopped him: “Hear me out.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

“Zhang Siyi, I’ll tell you what my ‘like’ means. The feelings I want aren’t children’s feelings, but the emotions of an adult man. I hope you and I have the same direction in life and professional pursuit. This feeling isn’t like a simple platonic one or spiritual love, but a physical and sexual one.” With his hand, Gu Yu reached out and caressed Zhang Siyi’s cheek. Gu Yu moved his hand down the side of Zhang Siyi face, onto his shoulder, along his arm, and into his hand. Gu Yu grasped Zhang Siyi’s hand and entwined his fingers together into a tight fist. “Your spirit, your heart, and your body. I want them all.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Gu Yu: “I know that you have talked about your girlfriend before and lived your life as a straight man. If you are simply curious and wanting to try something different with me, then I will advise you to give up now. Not only do I want to be together now, but in the future as well. I want to be with you and work with you for a lifetime.”

Not expecting such an earnest and committed confession from Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi felt like he was struck by lightning.

If he hadn’t watched the move last night, he might feel panicked right now. Life is long so how is it possible to make an important life altering decision in an instant? Fortunately, Zhang Siyi has already thought about this issue and thankfully, Gu Yu’s thoughts matched his own.

Trying to comfort and pass on his determination, Zhang Siyi held on to Gu Yu hand and tightened his grip.

Smiling at Zhang Siyi gesture, Gu Yu raised his other hand to touch Zhang Siyi cheek: “Fool, this road is not easy to walk; pressure from society, pressure of family, pressure of the future…. Many things aren’t as simple as you expect. If you have any doubts in your heart, I won’t start a relationship with you now. I don’t want you to have regrets.”

Zhang Siyi freed his hand quickly and wrapped both of his arms around Gu Yu’s waist and vigorously shook his head: “I have no doubts!  I won’t regret being with you!”

Widening his eyes in surprise at the speed with which Zhang Siyi answered, Gu Yu was worried he answered too rashly and hadn’t carefully thought about it. Watching the devotion and determination in Zhang Siyi eyes, Gu Yu felt moved.

After all, in the face of such a straightforward, passionate and devoted lover, no one can refuse. If Zhang Siyi really hesitated, even for a second, he may regret it.

Like a gentleman saying his wedding vows, Gu Yu held both of Zhang Siyi hands and seriously asked: “If you’re ‘like’ is the same as mine and you are willing to believe in me, then no matter what obstacles we face in the future, I won’t let go of your hand.  I will try to make you happy for a lifetime… Will you be with me?”

Zhang Siyi clung to Gu Yu and looked at him eagerly and replied three times: “I will! I will! I will!”

Breathing a sigh of relief, Gu Yu tenderly pulled Zhang Siyi into his arms and embraced him tightly.

They hadn’t spoken for a long time, then Zhang Siyi anxiously asked: “We…. Are… together now?”

Gu Yu smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek then softly said: ”The music was very good. I liked it a lot. Will you play another piece for me?”

“Hmm …” Zhang Siyi buried his face in Gu Yu’s shoulder and groaned. He was feeling shy about his own ardent ‘I will’ admission for fear that Gu Yu won’t want him.

Gu Yu: “The way you look today was very handsome. I was captivated, especially playing the violin.

Zhang Siyi felt that his heart suffered a million-volt electric shock. – Shit, I thought Gu Yu was a boring man who didn’t understand the ceremony. I didn’t expect him to say such sweet words!

Zhang Siyi thought Gu Yu’s compliments were at his limit, but he heard something else that almost gave Zhang Siyi a heart attack!

In a low provocative tone Gu Yu leaned in close a softly said: “You know…… From the moment I saw you walk down the stairs….  I wanted you.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Since Zhang Siyi thought the atmosphere is very good right now, he thought that kind of thing was possible. Although he was nervous, he was looking forward to being passionate with Gu Yu.

However, Gu Yu suddenly let go of him and said: “But first, you should wash the dishes.”

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

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T/N: The violinist David Garrett playing the 3^rd movement of Vivaldi’s Summer: