Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 96: Practice

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…… Eeehh? So fast !!!

Holding the phone staring intently at the screen, Zhang Siyi could not believe he was so quick to bring up the matter of driving.

Zhang Siyi replied quickly: “I have time, but do you really have nothing else to do?” As much as Zhang Siyi wants to see Gu Yu, he is afraid of taking over his private time.

Gu Yu: “I already told you, I’ll take you out to practice driving. Its better to seize the moment now and not procrastinate.”

Zhang Siyi: “Well, thank you, then I will see you tomorrow!”

The two agreed to meet at 8:30 the next morning and Gu Yu would come over to his house and pick him up.

Even though the appointment was early, Zhang Siyi was so excited to meet with Gu Yu that he would have agreed to almost anything.

When the person he likes payed attention to him….. Zhang Siyi put his phone aside and hugged his pillow then excitedly rolled a couple of times on his bed feeling ecstatic.

At the thought of Gu Yu waiting to eat with the mysterious person, Zhang Siyi felt heartbroken.

…… Is it really not me that he likes?

…… If Gu Yu didn’t like me, why is he treating me so well?

…… Why did he have me lean on his shoulder in the cinema?

…… And now, he invited me out to practice driving……

…… Are these really just out of the boss’s love for his subordinates?

With his heart feeling high and feeling low, Zhang Siyi buried his head into his pillow.

After a few minutes of thought, he remembered something and quickly grabbed his phone. He began to look through his message history on WeChat.

A week ago, Gu Yu’s “Hmm” made him feel like Gu Yu didn’t care for him at all and thus, led to his withdrawal. But, that “Hmm,” was it just be because of ……

Scrolling though the posting history…… Keep going, keep going, keep going.……

Ah! That’s it. ——

 [January 1, 2015 11:38]

Zhang Siyi: “Are you kidding me? This song is too difficult!”

Gu Yu: “You can practice it slowly in small sections. I am not in a hurry anyways. I’ll forgive you when you play it for me.”

    ………………..

Zhang Siyi: “…” Is this the reason? (￣_￣| | |)

Even though the cactus has recovered, Gu Yu won’t forgive him until he plays “Summer” on the violin? But when he asked, he wanted to know what he could do for Gu Yu to quickly forgive him. Its been three months, so isn’t the time no longer relevant? Or, is it just simply: “I’ll forgive you when I hear you play the violin” ???

Zhang Siyi once again smothered his face on his pillow and groaned.

Although he wanted to talk with Gu Yu about it, it was very late already. Besides, he already said goodnight to him and not to mention, the embarrassment he would have if Gu Yu knew how much he fretted over his previous ‘Hmm’ remark.

However reminiscent of Gu Yu’s straightforward character, Zhang Siyi is inclined to think about his own speculations. – Why does it always feel like I’m digging a hole for myself!?

Early the next morning, Zhang Siyi stood in front of the mirror with two huge dark circles under his eyes. He wanted to hit a wall!

After struggling with sleep last night, he got out of bed and started practicing the violin until three in the morning. Due to the disuse of muscles in his arms, his whole left shoulder, neck and both arms and wrists were sore. When he brushed his teeth, his arm trembled.   – Shit! If his hands are going to shake like that, how will I be able to hold the wheel and drive?

At 8:25, Zhang Siyi went downstairs five minutes earlier than planned and was surprised to see Gu Yu already waiting for him. He quickly trotted over and asked: “You are here already. When did you get here?”

Gu Yu wasn’t wearing the beige trench coat like yesterday. Instead he wore a warm-yellow jacket which gave him a much more youthful style. No one looking at Gu Yu would believe he was twenty-nine years old.

“Not long.” Gu Yu smiled: “Get in the car first.”

Fearing the circles under his eyes made him look older then Gu Yu, he rubbed his cheeks to try and put some life back into his tired face.

Getting into the front passenger seat, he asked: “What about Gu Yao?”

Gu Yu handed him a breakfast sandwich and said: “She is at home. She is getting ready to go back to school.”

Not expecting Gu Yu to bring him breakfast, Zhang Siyi was touched by the gesture. He gave him a warm thanks then asked: “Why didn’t she come?”

Gu Yu gave him a sideways glance: “Do you really want her to come?”

Zhang Siyi vigorously shook his head: “No, just curious.”

As Gu Yu was starting the car, Zhang Siyi had his mouth full of food and asked: “Where are we going to practice?”

Gu Yu: “In the suburbs where there are fewer people. The city area is very congested with traffic so it’s not a good place to start learning how to drive. By the way, did you bring your license?”

Zhang Siyi stopped chewing. Driver’s license?

Gu Yu: “???”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Fuck! How can he forget such an important thing!

Gu Yu stopped the car on the side of the road and raised his eyebrows: “No?”

Zhang Siyi mechanically swallowed, lowered his head, then called his mother: “Hello, Mom? Are you at home?”

Gu Yu: “…” You forgot it to bring it from Ningcheng?

(=_=)

Yes, Zhang Siyi’s driver’s license that he got six years ago was stored at home in Ningcheng while he was away. Yesterday, when he saw Gu Yu’s invitation to practice, he was so excited to accept that he completely forgot the most basic thing.

Fortunately, Zhang Siyi’s mother was at home and according to his instructions, she found his license in the drawer upstairs in his room. She asked worried: “Why do you want your driver’s license? It’s been a long time since you drove a car.”

Zhang Siyi: “I know. I’m going to go practice driving with Gu Yu. Help me with my license and mail it to the company!”

Hanging up the phone, feeling sorrowful Zhang Siyi said: “I’m sorry. I guess I will get it in a couple of days.”

Without a driver’s license, he can’t drive and if he can’t drive now, then does he have to go back home? But it’s only been ten minutes together with Gu Yu!

Zhang Siyi slumped in his seat with his head down, despondently holding his half-eaten breakfast sandwich, waiting for Gu Yu’s verdict.

Wanting to scold him, Gu Yu turned to look at him, but seeing Zhang Siyi’s helpless expression, he couldn’t bear to be harsh towards him. With a lengthy sigh, Gu Yu then said: “It’s Ok. We are out already so let’s practice in a parking lot.”

Zhang Siyi: “Eh?” He didn’t think things would turn out well. Today’s plans weren’t ruined!

Once again, driving on the road, Gu Yu sighed while shaking his head he flatly said: “I really don’t understand what goes on in that head of yours. It’s such an important thing and yet, you forgot.” The corners of his mouth twitched as though Gu Yu was laughing at Zhang Siyi’s stupidity.

Zhang Siyi stole a glance at Gu Yu then continued to eat the rest of his sandwich silently.

Since Zhang Siyi didn’t have his driver’s license, there was no need to drive farther away to the suburbs. Gu Yu found a parking lot nearby then let Zhang Siyi change seats with him.

Pointing out the controls, Gu Yu simply explained how to operate the car. Since the transmission is fully automatic, it is much easier to drive then the manual transmission car he learned from in the past. All he needs to keep track of is the accelerator and break peddle.

Slowly pushing on the gas, Zhang Siyi drove around the parking lot to get a feel for it. Next, he practiced parking in a space. During this period, Gu Yu kept his hand on the emergency break incase there was a problem with the accelerator. He spoke up: “Go ahead and park. Stop and take a look in the mirror.”

“Oh, good.”

“The steering wheel turned too early, back, again…… One turn, that’s it. back, back, yeah, that’s good.……”

“…..”

“Back out and we can move to another space. Do it again from a different angle.”

“………..”

“Okay, very good. Next, try it in reverse. Remember to look at the rearview mirror…  Slow down, don’t be too fast… That’s it.  Ok, go back to the steering wheel, ok…”

 “……………….”

“Ok, shift it to reverse and try it again…. Ok, yeah that’s good, stop!”

“…………………………..”

“Let’s find another space……” Gu Yu pointed: “Over there, the one between the two cars.”

“Those two cars? Don’t I need to practice parking without a car next to me?”

“You’ve had enough practice now, what are you afraid of?”

“What if I hit the car?”

“Then you’ll die.”

 “……! ”

“Oh, you pulled in smoothly. It’s good. Go out and look for a smaller spot.”

“………….!!! ”

Since he hasn’t driven for so many years, it was very stressful. With a racing heart, Zhang Siyi could feel sweat sliding down his forehead. He just finished parallel parking and felt completely exhausted. Shit! The pressure is too great!

Under Gu Yu militant guidance, he had Zhang Siyi practice almost all the different ways to park. Even so, Gu Yu still felt like it wasn’t enough. He asked Zhang Siyi to return to previous spaces and try again from start to finish at a faster pace. He spoke: “With continued practice, you will become proficient in no time and with determination, you will be able to do this will your eyes closed…… Hey, why are you shaking every time you turn the steering wheel?”

“I, I …” Blushing, Zhang Siyi felt embarrassed. He faltered and looked at his sore arms and didn’t know how to explain: “Yesterday, I did a lot of back and forth arm movements… they are a little tired.”

Gu Yu looked at him strangely for a minute in thought, raised an eyebrow then asked: “How many times?”

Zhang Siyi: “……”   (╯‵皿’)╯(┻━┻

It was noon when Gu Yu decided Zhang Siyi had enough practice and thus, they returned to their original positions. Exhausted, Zhang Siyi sunk back into the seat and felt like his entire arm was useless.

Gu Yu: “I didn’t think you would be able to drive so well so quickly.”

Feeling like Gu Yu was always criticizing him and rarely ever getting complements, Zhang Siyi was flattered to hear his praise. Zhang Siyi replied modestly: “Well, it’s just parking. I haven’t driven on the roads yet.” With his humble words, his heart was floating and Zhang Siyi was feeling very happy.

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 95: Old Chiang

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Feeling rather giddy from the wine, the five of them were relaxing haphazardly on the large couch after the meal. Sitting next to each other close and laughing, He Xueying and Gu Yao were watching a variety show on the phone. Although there was friction between them in the beginning, now they acted like best friends. No one would have guessed that they met for the first time earlier that day.

He Chengtian spoke with Old Chiang. He was curious about his experiences and reasoning for opening the restaurant.

Since hearing that Gu Yu and Old Chiang were dorm-mates, Zhang Siyi also wanted to hear more from Old Chiang. When Zhang Siyi learned that Old Chiang and Gu Yu were the same in that they both were the provincial college entrance examination champions, his eyes bulged and his jaw dropped in shock. Having the construction industry loose such a valuable talent made Zhang Siyi feel regretful and felt disappointed that he was hiding in the corner of this uninviting city and was no longer in the construction industry.

Explaining the history of the restaurant, Old Chiang spoke: “It may be from those days as a child growing up with martial art movies and novels. Like being part of a secret society, what child didn’t want to open a tea house for the masters and heroes?”

Laughing, He Chengtian nodded and agreed. The struggling hero was always the most fascinating. But, as he grew up and matured, those ridiculous ideas slowly disappeared and instead pursued fame and fortune.

He Chengtian believed that without money, one could not achieve their dream. He would always ridicule those people with dreams by saying one could not achieve anything without money. With money, a person can be the top dog and could handle any matter and do what they wanted.

One may think that they have reached the desired status that money can bring, however there will always be people with more money. Moving forward in perpetual motion, He Chengtian didn’t know where the end was.

By the reinforced ideals of Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu and Old Chiang, at this time, He Chengtian finally became confused. He couldn’t help asking Old Chiang: “If you don’t make money by opening this restaurant, where does your main income come from?”

Unlike Gu Yu, Old Chiang was more modest and leisurely explained. He and Gu Yu graduated with an architectural license the same year. After the exam, Gu Yu went further in the industry to become a director at Borderless while Old Chiang wanted to step back from the industry and opened this restaurant.

In the earlier years of the domestic construction industry, in order to get the qualifications for a project, an unlicensed person could borrow a license from an architect for a fee. Even if an architect does not have active building projects, one could earn tens of millions from just the fees alone. However, in recent years, there were two forces that have led to the decline of borrowed licenses. One, because of the increased number of graduates and licensed architects active in the field. Two, because industry standards have changed and many have banned the use of barrowed licenses.

Zhang Siyi had heard of borrowing licenses before and immediately asked: “How much can you earn from the fees now?”

Old Chiang looked at Zhang Siyi with interest. He heard Gu Yu’s intimate tone when introducing Zhang Siyi as his “little apprentice” in the company. During dinner, he saw Gu Yu watching Zhang Siyi from time to time and as the evening progressed, he felt Gu Yu’s behavior was unusual. When has the arrogant Old Four ever been so concerned about a person?

Old Chiang thought to himself: Since Zhang Siyi is Gu Yu’s apprentice and because I was his classmate, then doesn’t that make me Zhang Siyi’s uncle? Ha-ha!

Amused by his own thoughts, Old Chiang said to Zhang Siyi: “It’s not as good as it used to be. The average is between seventy to eighty thousand a year. For the time being, I rely on this income only.” Old Chiang waved his hand to dissuade him and said: “But don’t use my lazy methods as your role model. Everyday, I just sleep and eat and as time passes day after day there is no future. Make sure you follow your director. He is more promising then I.

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Nearby, Gu Yu was listening while sipping his wine and said: “So you admit to your lazy business. I wish the restaurant had closed earlier so you could come out and get down to business.” Angry, Old Chiang picked up a peanut and threw it at Gu Yu. As he put up his hand to catch it, Gu Yu smiled and said: “But with your cooking skills, to be an architect is also a real pity.”

Listening to Gu Yu speak, Zhang Siyi picked up on some of the nuances in his speech and secretly thought: He admires Old Chiang’s freedom, but regrets his talents are wasted.

Since he wasn’t on the same wave-length as them, He Chengtian remained confused and asked: “Is seventy to eighty thousand a year enough income to run the restaurant?””

While eating peanuts, Old Chiang continued to peel them and toss the shells at Gu Yu: “Not always.”

He Chengtian was surprised: “Did Gu Yu invest in this restaurant?”

Old Chiang grumbled: “Even with good interest, how can this cheapskate invest in me?”

Hearing Old Chiang harsh words towards Gu Yu put He Chengtian in a good mood. In spite of Gu Yu, He Chengtian took out his business card and offered an olive branch: “Your restaurant is so good it would be a shame for it to close. If you have difficulties in the future, you can find me and I will make an investment.”

Old Chiang put down his peanuts and hurriedly accepted the business card: “Wow, Old Four. You are a high school classmate of this big boss!?”

Maintaining his original posture holding a glass of wine, Gu Yu scoffed: “Yes. He is the local tyrant. Quickly, hold his thigh.”

He Chengtian: “……”

Zhang Siyi’s cheeks were red from the wine and curiously asked: “Why is Gu Yu called ‘Old Four’?” Zhang Siyi always felt that his own nickname ‘Auntie Four’ strangely matched. Moreover, since Gu Yu also knows the nickname that his colleagues gave him, will if feel weird to hear the reason? Zhang Siyi discretely turned to look at Gu Yu and found that Gu Yu was already watching him. Scared, he quickly turned away to avoid eye contact.

Chuckling, Old Chiang smiled at him: “There were four people in our dormitory room. Since he was one year younger, all of us called him Old Four.”

Zhang Siyi wondered: “He is a younger than you?””

“Well, according to the Gregorian calendar it is a small year.” This time He Chengtian answered. He looked at Gu Yu and said: “But I remember your birthday is in January, right? According to the lunar calendar, it is the same.”

Gu Yu raised his eyebrows in surprise and looked at him: “You must have been paying close attention to me all those years ago if you remembered my birthday.”

He Chengtian: “……” Shit! Every year you got more birthday love letters and gifts than me. How can I not know?

He Chengtian didn’t want to talk to Gu Yu, so he continued to talk with Old Chiang about life. Under the influence of the very relaxed atmosphere, He Chengtian asked about his emotional life: “If you are here alone every day without making money, aren’t you worried about marriage?”

Taking his time to respond, Old Chiang replied: “People who like my way of life will naturally be attracted to my values and even if my three meals a day are light, they will choose to be with me.  What would it mean to be together if we only married for financial reasons and didn’t hold the same views? Yes, there are exceptions in the world, but I think feelings are more important.”

As a “secular” person, He Chengtian listened to this speech and silently burst into tears in his heart.

Relaxing until nine in the evening, Gu Yu proposed to leave. Since the atmosphere was as comfortable and cozy as one’s own home, everyone was reluctant to get up to leave.

Gu Yu pulled out a stack of money to pay, but even though Old Chiang called Gu Yu a cheapskate, he unexpectedly refused: “Forget about it.”

Gu Yu hesitated for a few minutes but finally relented: “Sooner or later, you will have to close.”

Old Chiang: “…..”

Getting ready to depart, they put on their coats, scarves and hats and said goodbye. Staggering together out the door, the unanticipated chilly wind was an obvious contrast to the warm and welcomed interior.

A hundred meters away, Zhang Siyi turned his head to glanced back at the entrance. As if the time spent in the restaurant was only a dream, the sign and two lanterns that welcomed them previously, were completely hidden in darkness. The satiated feeling in his stomach and the warmth he felt from the wine reminded Zhang Siyi that the evening wasn’t just a mirage.

Walking back passed the old buildings and residential area, the five of them returned to the world. Afterwards, He Chengtian also had some thoughts. Shit, it was supposed to be Gu Yu treat, but in the end, Gu Yu spent nothing and he dug himself a huge investment pit! How is it possible!?

In the evening, Zhang Siyi took a shower and lay in bed and reflected on what happened during the day. Feeling a little uncomfortable about the day’s ‘date’, he privately sent He Xueying a message of apology on WeChat. He also thanked her and promised to take her out for dinner alone.

He Xueying quickly replied: “You are welcome. It had been so long since we saw each other and I had fun meeting new friends. I am very happy.”

Seemingly like an afterthought, she added: “I exchanged information with Gu Yao and invited her over next week. Do you want to come too?”

Thinking of her enthusiastic attitude when inviting him to practice driving, Zhang Siyi was hesitant: “I’m busy next week. Maybe some other time.” After chatting with her for a few more minutes he hung up and threw his phone to opposite side of his bed then raised his hands to cover his face.

After today, Zhang Siyi discovered a terrible fact. His attempt to divert his attention away from same sex pairings by looking for a girlfriend by normal means, completely failed! He Xueying could never be in his heart. The instant he saw Gu Yu dressed in his jacket, Zhang Siyi was only focused on him. His eyes feasted on GU Yu’s handsome appearance. He indulged in the essence of Gu Yu’s. The yearning he felt from the warmth of Gu Yu’s touch……

He never thought he would get in so deep that he would feel like he could never come back.

Sighing, Zhang Siyi heard the buzzing of the phone’s vibration and sat up to reach for his phone. He saw the new message —-

Gu Yu: “Are you free tomorrow? Let’s go practice driving.”

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 94 Extra: [Small Theater] 003: First Love article – Gu Yu

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The permit for the release license appeared in the middle of the screen followed by the opening of Disney’s title……

Seemingly absorbed in watching the film, Gu Yu looked straight ahead with no expression on his face. In fact, his thoughts were not at all on the film. He doesn’t know when it started, but as long as Zhang Siyi is around him, he isn’t able to concentrate on other things.

Aware of Zhang Siyi slow body movements, Gu Yu is motionless. Maybe this guy is sleepy. Just like the first time they traveled together, he was looking forward to Zhang Siyi using his shoulder to lean on.

At that time, he thought Zhang Siyi was trouble. Since the moment Zhang Siyi fell asleep on him, Gu Yu never pushed him away. Afterwards, he never could understand how he endured the trip with Zhang Siyi drooling on him.

However, since that time in only a couple of months, Gu Yu mood changed so much so, that he never would have guessed that one day, he would crave another opportunity for Zhang Siyi to lean and drool on him again.

Gu Yu thought: I like this person and it may be the only problem in my life I can’t solve!

Unfortunately, this time, the fool was leaning half way, but never put his head on his shoulder.

After some time, Gu Yu couldn’t take it any longer so he reached up and gently pressed Zhang Siyi’s head to his shoulder and whispered: “Sleepy? Then Rest here for a while.”

He was worried that the fool would refuse, but thankfully, Zhang Siyi really was sleepy and he submitted easily. Like a puppy, he felt Zhang Siyi move his head up to the crook of his neck and snuggled there to sleep.

Gu Yu frequently turned his head and watched Zhang Siyi in his defenseless sleep. The tenderness in his heart was almost full.

Having the person, you like be dependent on you is the most wonderful feeling in the whole world. Gu Yu thought this feeling was even greater than when a building he designed was built.

Seeing Zhang Siyi’s hand on his knee, with so much desire, Gu Yu couldn’t control himself and lightly touched his hand. He didn’t expect, upon contact that Zhang Siyi would take the initiative and hold him.

The movement startled Gu Yu and instinctively, he tried to retract his hand. However, Zhang Siyi only held on tighter and wouldn’t let him go.

Thinking Zhang Siyi woke up, Gu Yu turned and stared at him. His heart nearly burst from his chest. Moving his jacket, Gu Yu regained his breath, and slowly maneuvered his fingers to interlock with Zhang Siyi’s.

God knows, at that moment, how much he wanted to kiss him…

[End of 003]

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