Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 99: Effort

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Du Rui sent back a series of exclamation marks and asked: “What are you so excited about?”

The appearance of Tao Fei stimulated Zhang Siyi to the extreme. Not only did Tao Fei study in the UK and earn a Master’s degree, he is also a good-looking man from the same University as Gu Yu. Since the foothold he felt he had in Gu Yu’s heart was completely shaken, Zhang Siyi felt insecure. Even if he can’t obtain Gu Yu’s love, he didn’t want to be let go for lack of work diligence and talent.

Zhang Siyi was anxious: “Teach me the quickest way! Let’s work late! I’ll take you to dinner!”

With the repeated requests, Zhang Siyi was practically begging and as a result Du Rui relented: “Ok, Ok. Let’s finish the office building. When drafting the blueprints, you need to pay attention to the details of the project as it is very easy to make mistakes. As you gain experience, you will gain a few tricks and make things easier in the future.”

Under the guidance Du Rui, Zhang Siyi felt appeased. No matter how determined one is, a person must take one small step at a time. Now that he felt calmer, he focused his attention on his drawings and revised them as Gu Yu suggested.

While working to finish up what he was doing before eating lunch at noon, movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention. When he looked up and saw Gu Yu together with Tao Fei going downstairs, his stomach got caught in his throat. For his own lunch, he went to the dining area, grabbed a bento in a hurry and went back to his desk to continue drawing.

Zhu Hongzhen noticed Zhang Siyi acting strangely: “What happened to Zhang Siyi? Why is he so angry suddenly?”

Speculating, Bi Lele shrugged and whispered: “Maybe he feels pressured because of the new guy.”

Zhu Hongzhen rubbed his chin in thought: “It could be. Now he isn’t the only international student in our group!”

Zhang Siyi was trying to ignore their whispering, but when he heard his colleagues say they also thought there was competition, Zhang Siyi looked up at them desperately.

Choking back water, Zhu Hongzhen almost spit out his mouthful of liquid. They were casually talking, but is it really true?

Bi Lele was also caught off-guard by Zhang Siyi pitiful expression: “Don’t worry Auntie Four! You are our groups’ mascot. The new guy is too high-profile and definitely not as popular as you are!”

Zhang Siyi murmured: “Uh huh,” and went on to draw.

Zhu Hongzhen wiped his mouth and said: “You are working so hard, it’s going to make me embarrassed.” Zhu Hongzhen psyched himself up: “Draw more!”

Bi Lele: “Hey! It’s still a lunch break!”

Zhang Siyi knows that popularity doesn’t mean everything and the best people also have real talent and work ethic.  He recognized his colleagues’ contributions by the hard-working attitudes that everyone has in the group. If he doesn’t put forth his greatest effort, then what value does he have?

Thinking about the past two days, Zhang Siyi realized how much his mental state suffered while missing Gu Yu. Zhang Siyi gave himself a slap in the face and opened he social media page: “Working: I’m closed”

When he finished updating his social media status, he felt like he was able to temporarily shelf his feelings for Gu Yu and finally devote himself to his work without distractions. -If I can’t even manage drawing the blueprints well, what qualifications do I have to like him?

At 6:15 in the evening, the office staff in twos and threes, were packing up and getting ready to leave work.

When Gu Yu came out of the office, he saw Zhang Siyi’ empty desk. Even though his seat was vacant, his computer was still on: “What about Zhang Siyi?”

Zhu Hongzhen: “Well, he went to dinner with Du Rui. I think he is planning to work overtime.”

Gu Yu went to Zhang Siyi’s desk and looked at the progress he was making on in his computer. By two in the afternoon, the two planes were already finished and the previous problems have also been changed. He has been very focused.

Zhu Hongzhen peeked at Gu Yu while he was looking at Zhang Siyi work. Seeing the broad smile on Gu Yu’s face, he couldn’t help but think to himself: Hey, the Boss really has so much “love” for Aunt Four and the blessed fool has no idea!”

“Brother!” At this time, Tao Fei walked over to Gu Yu and warmly said: “Are you getting off work? Let’s go eat together. You covered lunch so I’ll get us dinner.”

Gu Yu straightened up and hesitated for a moment: “I’m going to stay at the office for a little while.”

Tao Fei: “Hmm? Didn’t you say you were on a business trip for four days, so why do you have overtime? It’s Saturday tomorrow. Why don’t you go home early tonight?”

Gu Yu explained: “Under normal circumstances, when there are group members that stay for overtime, I also stay for a while and make myself available so there won’t be problems.

Tao Fei was astonished: “Oh my God! What are you? A Director? You’re a babysitter!”

Gu Yu: “……”

Witnessing the interaction between the stern Gu Yu and the high-profile Tao Fei, Zhu Hongzhen laughed out loud. It was the first time he saw someone dare address the boss in such an informal manner.

When Gu Yu had nothing to say, Tao Fei realized he stepped out of line and quickly followed-up: “Ok, OK. You still need to eat. Let’s go downstairs. I want to know what’s been going on with you these last few years!”

Gu Yu shook his head helplessly: “Wait a minute and I’ll grab my coat.”

As the two of them headed to the elevator, there was no end to Tao Fei’s happy chatter. Unexpectedly, when the elevator door opened, he saw Zhang Siyi and Du Rui inside with their meals. Gu Yu eyes brightened immediately.

As the doors opened, Zhang Siyi caught sight of Tao Fei with Gu Yu and he quickly averted his eyes. Gu Yu was about to greet him but was cut off by a respective bow and a duet of ‘Boss’ as Zhang Siyi and Du Rui quickly exited the elevator.

Watching Zhang Siyi’s back, Gu Yu frowned. Under the urging of Tao Fei, he hurried into the elevator and as a result, he did not have a moment to contemplate Zhang Siyi’s behavior.

When Zhang Siyi returned to his desk, he saw several red circles on his work in CAD on the computer. Concerned, he asked Zhu Hongzhen: “Piggy, who made these marks on my draft?”

Putting his arms above his head, Zhu Hongzhen yawned and stretched out: “Who else could it be? The Boss.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Since Gu Yu and Tao Fei were inseparable today, Zhang Siyi was feeling depressed. Even so, knowing Gu Yu spent time to look at his work, Zhang Siyi felt comforted.

Since he was working overtime by his own choice, Zhang Si Yi did not have the nerve to stay in the company for too long. Du Rui was also just a guide and would not stay too late. Cheer-up was waiting for him at home so at eight in the evening, Zhang Siyi gathered his belongings and went home.

When he got home, he walked the dog, imported a copy of his work from the office onto his computer and drew another two hours. After, he practiced the violin for another hour and at one o’clock in the morning, he went to bed. On a normal day, he would spend some time looking through his social media before sleeping, but because of his oath today, he resisted the urge to get his phone. Since the day was so busy, when his head hit the pillow and he closed his eyes, he fell asleep right away.

During the weekend, Zhang Siyi wasn’t idle. He woke up early like a work day to continue his progress on his plans. When an issue came up, he got in contact with Du Rui online to resolve it.

As it turns out, human potential is infinite. Working throughout Saturday and Sunday, Zhang Siyi finished the flat section and façade that was originally scheduled to take two weeks.

On Monday, when he returned to the office, he showed some of the other professionals the existing plan and humbly asked them for a review. Heading their advice, he modified the areas accordingly. Seeing how studious and savvy Zhang Siyi was, one of the older structural engineers was patient with his questions and offered his opinions. Afterwards, he patted Zhang Siyi on the shoulder and boasted: “This young fellow is so good and hard-working!”

The praise he heard from the gentleman was a small consolation, but he felt better none the less. With the appearance of Tao Fei, Zhang Siyi sense of crisis was at its peak. He felt irritated and depressed. All he could do was focus on work and forget about where Gu Yu was and who he ate with.

However, the days were not going as smoothly as he had imagined.

The end of March is fast approaching and its time to pay rent for the next quarter. Since he has not heard from Fu Xinhui, Zhang Siyi was very distressed. What were Fu Xinhui’s intentions? Was he coming back? What is the status of his rent? Is it a waste of money to live alone? As his anxiety grew, he decided to call Fu Xinhui directly.

Reminding Fu Xinhui of the issue of rent, he said: “Let’s meet tomorrow at night.”

Zhang Siyi had a bad feeling, but he couldn’t ask on the phone. He could only wait until he spoke with him face to face. Leaving work early, Zhang Siyi went to the hot-pot shop the two used to eat at to meet. Wearing a black hoodie and scarf, Fu Xinhui was thirty minutes late. Like a character in a spy movie, he looked all around the area to see if he was being followed.

A few minutes after entering the restaurant, Fu Xinhui relaxed a little. He removed his sunglasses and looked at Zhang Siyi: “I miss you.”

Zhang Siyi: “Poof!”

That’s a pretty good line.……

Fortunately, Fu Xinhui next questioned pulled the not-so-straight-man, Zhang Siyi, back from his misunderstanding: “Is Cheer-Up alright?”

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Zhang Siyi said: “Do you want to hear about me or the dog?”

“Do you want to hear the truth?” Fu Xinhui poured a cup of tea and said: “I want to hear what you have ben doing, but I want to hear about Cheer-Up more.”

Zhang Siyi: “…… You go to hell! I’m babysitting your dog!”  (╯‵皿’)╯(┻━┻

Pouting, Fu Xinhui dismissed Zhang Siyi: “You may not know my feelings very well. Like my own child, I planned to raise the dog for the rest of my life. He came into my life at my most vulnerable time and accompanied me every day. He gave me strength and warmth and now, I have to give him to another take care of. It’s really painful….”

Zhang Siyi was so angry that he said: “Fuck! I’m still at your side when you are the most difficult!”

Fu Xinhui sighed and said: “Dogs and people are not the same. People have more than one thing to devote their lives to. Dogs, on the other hand, are only at ease by their master’s side. Well, it is hard to explain the feeling of unconditional loyalty….”

Steam was practically bellowing from Zhang Siyi ears. He mocked: “You think that stupid dog is loyal? Forget it. The last time Gu Yu came to our house, the dog acted like Gu Yu was his master and best friend.”

Fu Xinhui said: “You took Gu Yu to our house?”

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 98: Tao Fei

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Rushing to drop off his things, Gu Yu entered and left his office briefly, then walked to the elevator, presumably, to meet the new person downstairs. Hearing the news, the office staff whispered amongst themselves.

“Yeah, spring time in the new year is the peak period of job recruiting.”

“But, isn’t the current industry not doing very well? How can the company higher new people?”

“My classmates have mentioned many layoffs in their own companies.”

“Yes, even at this company, there were two that left at the end of last year.”

“Why is there a new person being interviewed? Is one of us going to get cut?”

“There isn’t a rush with the recent projects so why do we need another group member?”

“In order to ensure the continuation of work flow and talent, the company will higher a new recruit to provide competitive pressure to help motivate the staff otherwise, under the stable environment, people may become complacent and lose their drive to work diligently.”

……

That’s right, the new prospective employee hasn’t even been hired yet and Zhang Siyi already feels the pressure! Since working at Borderless for more than a half hear, he hasn’t seen Gu Yu interview anyone. In Zhang Siyi’s mind, because the working conditions were very harmonious, he assumed the personnel will remain fixed and did not expect a new face to join the team.

With the threat to his territory, instinctively Zhang Siyi cursed the surname Tao. – Be unqualified…. Don’t get hired….… (&_&)

Continuing to gossip, the room was full of whispers and conjectures. Bi Lele suddenly asked: “Wait a minute. Usually, when someone is looking for a job, the personnel department comes to ask Boss when he has time in his schedule, right? But just now, the personnel department said the person already had an appointment. Did I hear that wrong?”

Zhu Hongzhen: “Well, I heard it too. Maybe it is someone the Director already knows.”

Since Zhang Siyi was the last person to get hired, he was on high alert. If there is a new recruit, does that mean the company is unsatisfied with his work? Thinking about it further, Zhang Siyi is remined of something Gu Senior said to him during New Year’s: It is not Gu Yu, but you who decides whether or not you can walk on this path.

If he is the weakest link in the group, even if Gu Yu wants him to continue to work, Zhang Siyi doesn’t have the right to stay. Along this line of thinking, Zhang Siyi pressure is even greater and as a result, he broke out into a cold sweat, put his head down and focused on his drawing. Ten minutes later, from the elevator, Gu Yu appeared with a tall, handsome young man.

When one of the female colleagues loudly exclaimed ‘so handsome’ the people around her looked up to see what the ruckus was about. Not surprisingly, it was the new recruit the personnel mentioned earlier with the surname Tao.

He had large eyes with deep sockets, a high nose, and long shoulder-length hair. Although he was a man, his facial features were unique with an attractiveness that was neither masculine nor feminine, both striking and sexy.

Like Zhang Siyi’s first day at the company, the young man was given the tour of the area. However, unlike Zhang Siyi, the young man’s tour guide was Gu Yu making Zhang Siyi feel that this other person was more valued them himself. Noticing the difference in treatment, Zhang Siyi started to feel irritated.

As they slowly approached, Zhang Siyi could hear Gu Yu talking: “This is the work area of our group. There are currently eleven and with you, that makes twelve.” Gu Yu stopped and announced to everyone: “This is Tao Fei. He is an undergraduate of T University and a Master’s degree graduate from the UK. He will start today and join Group A.”

“Wow, another international student!”

“Like Auntie Four, he is also from England……”

“Undergraduate is big T. So, he is Gu Yu’s classmate?”

“No wonder the interview time was so fast. It turns out that it’s someone the Boss knows.”

With a broad smile that accentuated his good looks, Tao Fei raised his arm and in a wide gesture greeted everyone: “Hi”

With his outgoing personality and gorgeous looks, several female staff members were openly staring at him. Winking at them, Tao Fei made the women burst into laughter, lightening up the mood. His disposition easily made people feel comfortable and as a result, everyone was very friendly towards Tao Fei. Only Zhang Siyi frowned and felt threatened.

Gu Yu was in the process of showing Tao Fei to his desk, when he suddenly asked: “Brother, where is your office?”

Using his finger Gu Yu pointed in Zhang Siyi direction: “Over there.”

Tao Fei asked Gu Yu: “Can I sit closer to you?”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Siyi nearly exploded. Fuck! The person close to Gu Yu is him! What does he want? A fight the first day!? (`Δ’)

Finally, after so many days apart Gu Yu noticed Zhang Siyi sitting at his desk for the first time today and did not expect to see him looking so angry.

Fortunately, Gu Yu easily explained: “The seat closest to my office is filled.”

Tao Fei looked a little sad. Gu Yu continued: “Even though other employees don’t want to sit under my eyes, you want to get closer to my office. Oh, I will warn you in advance, I won’t talk to you about private matters.”

These words were spoken in front of everyone in a manner that is made clear. Gu Yu won’t be treating Tao Fei differently even though they knew each other in University.

Tao Fei did not care, but also joked: “Oh, I’m so afraid.”

Laughing out loud, Gu Yu said: “Fear is good. Someone has already given me the nickname Big Devil, so you better watch out.” As he was talking, he glanced at Zhang Siyi quickly.

Tao Fei: “Hey! Who said that?”

Group A: “…” They also want to know!

Zhang Siyi froze in his seat and shrunk down to make himself seem smaller. Months ago, he felt he was being unfairly treated and called Gu Yu a ‘Big Devil’ in private, but he never told anyone. He wrote it on a small piece of paper that was buried in the cactus lamp he gave him. Did Gu Yu possibly find it?

Making arrangements to sit near Ji Feiyu, Gu Yu commanded Tao Fei: “Get organized. When you familiarize yourself with the office, come to me. I have received a project recently that is very suitable for you to do.”

Tao Fei exaggerated the pretense: “Wow, a project on the first day? The pressure is great.”

Gu Yu picked up his eyebrows: “Don’t be stupid.  I didn’t invite you here to be a wall-flower.”

That said, everyone has already witnessed the importance of this person in Group A by Tao Fei’s attitude. Although the age gap between Gu Yu and his subordinates isn’t large, as his position as a director, he has always maintained a certain level of distance between himself and his group members. Even though Tao Fei said ‘fearful’ and ‘pressure is so great’, with his playful attitude, it is clear he doesn’t completely treat Gu Yu as the boss.

The more he listened, the more Zhang Siyi felt uncomfortable.

After an hour, Gu Yu returned to the office. Looking like he was deeply in thought, Gu Yu came out of his office for a glass of water and when he finished, he turned and stepped forward towards Zhang Siyi. He whispered, “How is your design going?”

Feeling irritated and depressed, Zhang Siyi nearly jumped out of his seat in surprised when he suddenly heard Gu Yu’s voice close to his ear. He quickly let him see the results of his work these past few days.

Seeing Gu Yu hold the mouse directly, Zhang Siyi started to move out of the way, but Gu Yu reached out and held his shoulder: “You sit.” Gu Yu leaned in close and used his other hand to tilt the monitor. As he reviewed Zhang Siyi work, Gu Yu’s hand never left his shoulder. Zhang Siyi sat motionless, neither pushing him away, nor shrinking from his touch. Only his heart was pounding nervously.

Since he spent several months learning by working on bathrooms and parking lots, there were very few problems in his current design. As Gu Yu quickly flipped through the drawings, he marked where the few issues were and he also had a few questions.

As Zhang Siyi twisted his body to reach over and grab a pen and paper to write notes, by this action, he expected Gu Yu to let go of his shoulder, but he did not and Zhang Siyi felt a bit uncomfortable.

While Gu Yu was reviewing his work, Tao Fei came over. “What are you doing? Oh, you even come personally to review work progress.” Tao Fei stood behind Zhang Siyi and said coldly: “The Director must be tired.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Gu Yu removed his hands and stood up: “Do you have experience drawing blueprints?”

Tao Fei crossed his arms and said: “Have you forgotten our five internships? It’s all I drew for three months that I wanted to vomit… I’m so happy to be a graduate now.”

Gu Yu smirked and did not respond to Tao Fei’s evaluation: ”I know you have the foundation, but in the interview I did not ask. I am worried that you will be unable to meet the domestic needs after returning from University.”

Tao Fei smiled and said: ” What interview? We are acquaintances. Stop being so serious.”

Gu Yu said: “I always have to go through the formalities,” then suddenly, he reached out and squeezed the back of Zhang Siyi’s neck. Gu Yu whispered to him: “Continue drawing,” then turned and signaled Tao Fei to follow him to his office.

With his neck stretched out like a goose, Zhang Siyi sat in his seat frozen. Even though the uneasiness caused by Tao Fei presence slightly decreased by Gu Yu’s intimate gesture, Zhang Siyi heart surged in another direction. Shit! Why did he have to pinch his neck! (q////q)

Getting ready to work on his design again, he refocused his attention. However, he suddenly heard a burst of happy laughter in the office behind him. He didn’t know what Tao Fei and Gu Yu were talking about.

……Was that related to work? Zhang Siyi has never heard such a happy sound coming from Gu’s office before. The brief taste of sweetness that quickly turned sour ignited Zhang Siyi’s competitive spirit.

Opening the company’s message system on his computer, Zhang Siyi clicked on Du Rui icon and wrote: “Du Rui, will you help me? I want to finish the blueprints in two weeks!” (╰皿╯)

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 97: The Photo

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“Now that you can park the car, driving on the road will be the easy part.” Gu Yu said, then he turned to address him: “What do you want to do for lunch?”

In order to express his gratitude, Zhang Siyi offered: “I’ll treat you to lunch.”

Eyeing him once over, Gu Yu was skeptical: “You are going to treat? Do you have enough money?”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

His March paycheck was already used to pay his credit cards and Zhang Siyi was still overdrawn. Although he really has no money, does Gu Yu have to be so blunt!? At most, he could make up the cost by not going to restaurants and eating cheaply for the next few weeks.

Seeing Zhang Siyi sullen expression, Gu Yu knew he hit a soar spot. He smiled and said: ”I remember you mentioning you can cook, right? Why don’t we buy something to make for lunch?”

Since Fu Xinhui isn’t at the apartment, Zhang Siyi thought Gu Yu’s idea was feasible: “Yes, I can cook, but all I know how to prepare are ordinary meals. Don’t expect it to taste like Old Chiang’s.”

Gu Yu smiled: “Your place or mine?”

Zhang Siyi: “My place.”  He was the one who invited Gu Yu so naturally it has to be prepared in his own home. Luckily it isn’t too messy yet as it has only been a week since he came back home.

Gu Yu asked: “Is your roommate home? Should you let him know in advance?”

Zhang Siyi: “It’s okay, he’s not home.”

It did not take long to drive back to Zhang Siyi’s residence. After parking, they walked to a nearby supermarket to buy groceries. Walking through the aisles together, Gu Yu was quiet and let Zhang Siyi pick out the ingredients for the dishes he had in mind.

Even though Gu Yu has been to his apartment building a bunch of times, this is the first time Gu Yu has stepped through the door.

The two of them brought the bags of groceries upstairs. As they opened the door, a yellow haired medium-sized dog, rushed over, panting ‘ha-chee-ha-chee’. Wagging its tail, the dog was not afraid of strangers.

“You still have a dog?” Gu Yu was surprised.

Feeling self-conscience Zhang Siyi explained: “My roommate got the dog, but since he isn’t here, I am taking care of him.”

Gu Yu readily rubbed Cheer-Up’s head. The dog excitedly raised his head and licked Gu Yu’s hand.  His jerk reaction was to pull his hand away, however, the dog’s action reminded Gu Yu of Zhang Siyi’s habit of drooling on him. (=_=)

After bringing the bags into the kitchen, Zhang Siyi started to unpack them. He said: “You can sit down.”

Gu Yu poured himself a cup of fresh juice and went to look at the apartment: “Does this apartment have three bedrooms?”

Zhang Siyi: “Originally, I rented the place with two other classmates. One of whom got a girlfriend and moved out to live with her at the end of last year.”

Gu Yu nodded and asked: “Now that it is two people, do you split the rent?”

“No. He pays more and I still pay my original agreement…. I still feel bad about it. I’ve wanted to talk to him about living someplace else, but recently, something has happened to him at home and I am unsure what his future plans are.” Zhang Siyi sighed.

Gu Yu took a sip of juice and asked: “What happened to his family?”

Zhang Siyi: ”It’s a long story and I’m not quite sure of the details.” Zhang Siyi told Gu Yu some of the history that he knew. He continued: “Fu Xinhui was afraid his situation would affect me, so he stopped living here for the time being.”

Gu Yu did not make any comments about Fu Xinhui and instead, he turned around to the living room and asked: “If he doesn’t come back, what are you going to do?”

It was obvious how distressed Zhang Siyi was by looking at his face. Zhang Siyi replied: “I don’t know. Maybe I can find somewhere to live on my own. I’m waiting for him to contact me about his situation.”

Zhang Siyi turned around and headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch. Remembering the time he was at Gu Yu’s house, he also wanted to make Gu Yu come help him, but Gu Yu is his boss and he is a subordinate…… Well, he doesn’t have the guts!

Coming over to Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu asked: “Which room is yours?” Gu Yu did not offer to help and asked: “Mind if I look around?”

Out of shyness, he was a little resistant to let Gu Yu into his private space. However, when he was at Gu Yu’s house, Gu Yu graciously let Zhang Siyi into his own bedroom, and thus he couldn’t say no. “Alright. It’s the one across from the living room.” Zhang Siyi was chopping vegetables on the chopping board wondering what type of mess was in his room. – I don’t think I made my bed this morning…. Was there anything I needed to hide?  (&_&)

Entering the threshold of Zhang Siyi’s private space, Gu Yu looked around. His bed was unmade and there was a single sofa with a pile of clothes on it. Shaking his head Gu Yu voiced a quiet: “Tsk.” Seeing the violin case leaning against his bed, Gu Yu eyes lit up and walked over to look at it carefully…. He is still practicing?

Across the room was a desk next to a window and on the windowsill was a cactus. In order to inspect the plant further, Gu Yu approached the desk and as he leaned in closer, he bumped Zhang Siyi’s laptop that was on the desktop. Since the computer was in sleep mode, the movement caused the notebook screen to lite up.

Gu Yu glanced at it and froze.

His expression went from astonishment to puzzlement and then, the corners of his mouth lifted in a wide grin. “Fool …”

Looking at something, Gu Yu felt a sense of indescribably joy.

In the middle of the computer screen, there was a small window opened with a music score that was labeled “Summer.”

Gu Yu’s attention is not on this score but instead, on the picture behind it.

Gently clicking on the window to minimize it to the bottom, the screen background was in clear view.   

Last year…. The image Zhang Siyi stole…. The photo of Gu Yu.

“Cccch!……” The steam rose as Zhang Siyi poured the water in the pan to deglaze it then frantically picked out the meat. He grumbled to himself: What is Gu Yu doing in my room…. ? Why didn’t he come help me!

Just as Zhang Siyi was grumbling, Gu Yu appeared in the kitchen. He had his arms folded and was leaning on the doorframe with his weight on one leg. “Would you like me to help?”

Zhang Siyi immediately responded: “Yes, thanks!”

When Gu Yu came over, he took a bowl and helped him deal with the meat in the water: “Tsk. Are these meat slices or chunks?”

Zhang Siyi: “Meat slices!”

Gu Yu: “The meat is so thick? Are you going to fry or stew?”

Zhang Siyi: “Fry … Its twice cooked.”

Gu Yu: “Ah, it turns out that, not only can you really cook, but you can also do the dishes!”

Zhang Siyi: “……”  Don’t fucking help!

With the help of Gu Yu frying two dishes, after ninety minutes, Zhang Siyi finished three courses and one soup. When the meal was finished, Zhang Siyi didn’t want to move at all, but Gu Yu conscientiously got up and went to wash the dishes. Zhang Siyi was watching Gu Yu slowly rinse a plate and it seemed like he was deep in thought and was about to say something serious to him.

Gu Yu’s phone suddenly rang. He stepped aside to answer it and Zhang Siyi wanted to listen:

“Now? Where are you? ……”

“No, I’m resting, at a friend’s house … ” Gu Yu turned his head and looked at Zhang Siyi.

Only hearing parts of the conversation Zhang Siyi said: “Do you have work? It’s alright. You should go.”

Gu Yu frowned. He replied to the person on the phone: “Well, wait a minute, I’ll come over now.”

Hanging up the phone, Gu Yu turned to look at Zhang Siyi in the eye and then explained: “A friend of mine wanted to talk privately about a project.”

“Oh.” Zhang Siyi nodded. Unlike the past, when Gu Yu directly dropped what he was doing for business, Zhang Siyi isn’t sure why now, Gu Yu was explaining his private affairs to him.

Gu Yu put on his coat and shoes and said: “Well, I’ll head out.”

Zhang Siyi lowered his head and said: “I’ll walk you out.”

Even though Gu Yu replied “No need,” he was still standing at the door.

Noticing Gu Yu’s motionless, Zhang Siyi was a little puzzled and looked up at him to see Gu Yu watching him closely.

“You…” Gu Yu originally wanted to ask Zhang Siyi, ‘Is there something you want to tell me?’ However, only a simple word was spoken and instead he rubbed Zhang Siyi’s head like it was the most natural thing to do.

Frozen in place, his face quickly turned red. He felt hot.

Watching Zhang Siyi with affection in his eyes, Gu Yu spoke three words with the most gentle and intimate tone: “See you tomorrow.”

Zhang Siyi’s mind was blank and only robotically replied: “Ok, see you tomorrow.”  Thirty minutes later, he returned to earth. (o////o)

            ………..

The weekend came to a close and Zhang Siyi went to work on Monday. Due to continued fatigue, his hand still trembled while working on his drawing. After Gu Yu left his home, he went crazy and practiced violin all afternoon.

Even though he didn’t know why Gu Yu was not at the office on Monday, he guessed it was related to the phone call he received yesterday concerning a friend. Zhang Siyi didn’t feel bad. All he had to do was thinking about yesterday’s ‘touch head’.

Sure enough, in the afternoon when he went to use the restroom, he quickly checked his social media and saw Gu Yu’s post. There was a photo of a foreign market and it was labeled “business trip.”

Zhang Siyi couldn’t stop himself and replied: “Where have you been?”

Based on past examples, he wasn’t expecting a quick reply. However, by the time he was done using the restroom, he saw another message from Gu Yu.

Gu Yu: “Don’t use social media during office hours.” [Smile]

Zhang Siyi: “……” Don’t you brush your circle of friends when you’re on a fucking business trip!

Even after three days, Gu Yu did not come to work. His construction plan encountered a few snags and with Du Rui help he thought he fixed them. Although Zhang Siyi already knew his whereabouts, he was tortured by the sudden desire to see him. What, “See you tomorrow?” Ha! Liar!  (t_t)

It wasn’t until Friday morning that Gu Yu came back to the company. He was carrying a suitcase, wearing a coat, and with dark circles under his eyes. It was clearly evident that he had returned to the office straight from the airport.

While Gu Yu was walking to his office, Zhang Siyi looked at him with excitement and adoration. He wanted Gu Yu to acknowledge him, but unexpectedly, Miss Wang of the personnel department came over: “Director Gu, there is a young man named Tao Fei in the reception room saying he has an appointment with you for an interview today.”

“Yes. Tell him to wait another five minutes for me.” Gu Yu replied and rushed into his office without a glance towards Zhang Siyi.

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