Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 91: Holding Hands

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Zhang Siyi felt like he was caught between the two besides him. He clearly explained his reasoning for refusing He Chengtian offer, but the way Gu Yu brought up the issue again, made him feel like he was being abducted. He didn’t want Gu Yu’s provoking statement to instigate any hard feelings between himself and He Chengtian.

After hearing what Gu Yu said, He Chengtian felt frustrated. He also began to doubt and question everything Zhang Siyi just told him. Didn’t he just say he didn’t accept because he likes architecture? Then why does it seem like the reason is because of Gu Yu? Also, this kid knew from the beginning that Gu Yu was Gu Yao sister, right? And he knew that Gu Yu was coming, even though he didn’t say anything himself, right?

Thinking of Zhang Siyi attitude, He Chengtian slapped his thigh in sudden revelation and came to a conclusion. That betraying brother! He must be aiming for Gu Yao himself!

Gu Yu’s abrupt statement easily unsettled Zhang Siyi’s and He Chengtian’s mood. Not paying attention to the film, both Zhang Siyi and He Chengtian were immersed in their own thoughts. In contrast, the culprit next to them sat on the soft theater seat and reclined comfortably with a happy face.

Unlike He Chengtian’s feeling of agitation, Gu Yu words caused a warm feeling to grow inside Zhang Siyi’s heart because his statement invoked the feeling of being wanted. Both Zhang Siyi’s heart and mind was full of Gu Yu and all he wanted to do was watch Gu Yu. Zhang Siyi couldn’t concentrate on the movie at all!

Sitting in close proximity of Gu Yu made Zhang feel drunk on his essence. The closeness of his breath…. The light fragrance…… He leaned in closer, and like a puppy, took a couple of deep breath to confirm Gu Yu was wearing cologne…… Even he wears cologne……

Zhang Siyi doesn’t mind the use of men’s fragrance. In the past he was prejudiced, but later, after living abroad, his attitude changed. He noticed many of the foreigners around him used men’s body spray. In particular, he remembered one of his architectural professors that came to class neatly dressed, with a hat and cane. His use of cologne made it very comfortable to be near him during the long days of class.

Since then, Zhang Siyi’s attitude towards men’s use of fragrance changed. The use of cologne was a symbol of someone with both financial means and social status, as well as personal care and charm. Even so, Asian body odor isn’t normally very strong. As long as one pays attention to personal hygiene, it is not necessary to put on men’s fragrance. This is the first time Zhang Siyi noticed Gu Yu wearing cologne.

An outdoor woody scent mixed with a hint of citrus wafted towards Zhang Siyi. Since he really liked the smell, he sniffed deeper. Because he had slept over at his house, he could identify Gu Yu’s natural body odor mixed with the fragrance. For this reason, Zhang Siyi greedily breathed in the surrounding air, trying to feel his essence for a long time and unbeknown to Zhang Siyi, he was getting closer and closer to Gu Yu in the process.

When he realized what was happening, he was already so close to Gu Yu that Zhang Siyi could simply place his head onto Gu Yu’s shoulder and rest. He glanced at his shoulder and the light reflected from the screen illuminated it enough to see the fuzzy sweater he was wearing; soft, warm and comfortable. With the rising heat in Zhang Siyi’s body, he had a sudden urge to lean on Gu Yu and rest his head. Fortunately, no one could see Zhang Siyi’s deep red cheeks in the dark theater.

In the past, not only has Zhang Siyi relied on Fu Xinhui shoulder to rest during a movie, but he also fell asleep leaning against Gu Yu during their first business trip as well as when they flew together on the plane. Once even, Zhang Siyi drooled on Gu Yu. Its very natural when the behavior is unconscious. However, why is it so difficult when one wants to do it deliberately?

Thinking of what to do, Zhang Siyi closed his eyes. Can he pretend to be asleep and then “accidentally” lean on Gu Xiao’s shoulder? ……No! It’s really hard to muster the courage. What if Gu Yu realized he was faking? Would he shun Zhang Siyi attempt?

As the yearning he had to be close to Gu Yu grew, the panic and stress of being rejected increased. This contradiction caused him to feel stressed. This is the first time Zhang Siyi experienced the suffering one felt when they liked someone. He realized his relationship with his ex-girlfriend wasn’t anything deep and that his first love belonged to Gu Yu.

Just as Zhang Siyi was hesitant, Gu Yu suddenly turned towards his ear and softly spoke to Zhang Siyi: “Sleepy? Then Rest here for a while.” He lifted his arm, reached around Zhang Siyi’s back and gently pushed Zhang Siyi’s head onto his shoulder.

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Like a mammal’s pheromones, the unique fragrance that belonged to Gu Yu overwhelmed Zhang Siyi. Shocked by Gu Yu’s action, Zhang Siyi sat still and lost his chance to refuse and escape. The loud thumping in his chest overshadowed the sound of the film.

Zhang Siyi was barely aware he whispered back “Hmm” as his thoughts were still focused on the sensations that he felt while Gu Yu’s hand was touching half of his face and wondered if Gu Yu’s palm was cool, or was his face too hot.

It felt so easy and natural to lean on Gu Yu. When Zhang Siyi thought of the thing he wanted and then for Gu Yu to react, like he had read Zhang Siyi mind, made him feel extraordinarily happy.

Because Gu Yu inexplicable “understanding”, Zhang Siyi once again fell into the labyrinth of thoughts……

Does Gu Yu really like him? ……

No, no, no. How could that be? Otherwise, why would his last text message be so cold? ……

But if Gu Yu didn’t like him, why is he so considerate? ……

Is he used to taking care of others as a Boss? Because he is a subordinate? …..

Shit! What Boss would let a same-sex subordinate lean on themselves while watching a movie!?

Even with his racing thoughts, Zhang Siyi could not extricate himself from Gu Yu shoulder. He wanted the wonderful feeling of being close to never end.

  ……

In addition to the three men sitting up front, there was a girl in the rear of the theater who wasn’t paying attention to the film. One girl probably didn’t notice anything. After all, the position of the two groups were far apart and when the lights went out and the movie started, all focus was turned to the screen and not to the three men ahead.

But Gu Yao, who had been keeping an eye on her brother and Zhang Siyi since they sat down, watched them take their seats and remember their position. During the film, every now and then, she took a peek in that direction.

There were two not so short men sitting in front of her with more than half of their heads showing above the seats from the back. Gu Yao watched Zhang Siyi’s head slowly get closer and closer to her brother. Suddenly, her brother reached around Zhang Siyi and directly pressed his head onto his own shoulder.

Oh my God! Gu Yao’s heart was about to jump out of her throat!

Still, she was somewhat uncertain if they were aware of the feelings they had for each other. If Zhang Siyi was a normal person, how was he so willing to accept a man’s shoulder to lean on? What was he thinking about?

After half an hour, Gu Yao witnessed her brother turning his head to look at Zhang Siyi more than once. Sometimes it was a quick glimpse, but at other times her brother stared at him for much longer.

Only being restricted to view the back of Zhang Siyi head, Gu Yao felt impatient. She wanted to see his movements and expressions. Her brother was watching him intently so why was there no reaction at all??

Huh? …… Wait a minute!

Did Zhang Siyi fall asleep? (⊙o⊙)

Having his head rest on the comfort of Gu Yu and feeling mentally exhausted, Zhang Siyi really did fall asleep. (=_=)

Unlike the last time he fell asleep during a movie, he woke up at the part of the film where everyone was looking forward to Cinderella turning into a princess for the ball.

Feeling groggy from his nap, Zhang Siyi woke up from a nightmare.

He dreamt that he had become Cinderella in the film and Gu Yu was the prince. While wearing a ragged dress, he met the hunter Gu Yu in the woods while dressed handsomely, wearing a crown, and riding a white horse. It was love at first sight. Zhang Siyi wanted to kiss and hold him and hoped they could be together. Even though Gu Yu was kind he was also indifferent and left without ceremony. Zhang Siyi was torn apart. One day, with the help of a fairy, he changed from a plain figure into a shining beauty. He did not want to endure his torment any longer so he confronted Gu Yu and asked him: “Do you like me?” Gu Yu smiled at him but did not answer. His smile encouraged Zhang Siyi so he stepped forward and grabbed Gu Yu’s hand and asked: “Why not?” Gu Yu instinctively shrank back, but Zhang Siyi didn’t want to let him escape. He tightly held onto Gu Yu’s palm and said: “If you like me, do not let go of my hand!” Gu Yu peered into Zhang Siyi eyes and purposefully held his hand.

Feeling exhilarated, with his head bowed, he saw that his skirt had become a pair of trousers…. I am a man. No wonder Gu Yu does not answer him!

Ah, ah, ah … Zhang Siyi suddenly woke up by his bizarre dream. The story on the screen pulled him back to reality. Liking his wet mouth, he became aware of his drool. He hurriedly straightened up his back and stiff neck. When he went to wipe his mouth with his hand, he found something else that was thrilling. His hand was tightly clasped with Gu Yu’s hand!

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 90: Inquiry

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By his reluctance to agree, and lack of communication, Zhang Siyi thought his hints were enough for He Chengtian to understand his intentions. Zhang Siyi didn’t expect him to continue asking about the job proposal. On one hand, he liked the sincerity that He Chengtian offered, but on the other hand, it made Zhang Siyi feel more embarrassed. He really had to say it straight to his face!

“Brother Tian,” Zhang Siyi put down his chopsticks, “Thank you for your invitation, but I’ve decided to continue to do architectural design.”

”Why?” He Chengtian was very puzzled. The workload is a huge gap. The salary is so poor. Zhang Siyi choose the harder path. Is he stupid?

It’s rare for Zhang Siyi to thoroughly explain his views so seriously. He looked at He Chengtian in the eye: “For the same reasons I told you last time. I like to do architecture. I know my income would be lower than if I accepted your offer, but I am fulfilled everyday by working in a field that I like. To be honest, I spent many years in University studying architecture and I don’t want that time to go to waste. Although five years is not long compared to my life time, it’s a very important beginning for me. From when I was a child until now, my Father always said I was a three-minute person. It’s only from my current situation that I understand what he was referring to and now I think he was quite right. An elder once told me, there is limited time in one’s life and there isn’t much time to select a different path for oneself. I’m already twenty-four. I can’t act like a child and stop just because there is a hill in front of me. This isn’t a small trifle. It is the first time I feel serious about something and want to pursue it. I want to grow in the field and make a difference and become a valuable person.”

After speaking for a long time, Zhang Siyi sincere words transformed the atmosphere at the table from a cheerful one into a solemn one.

He Xueying had her chin leaning on her ten interlocked fingers while listening to Zhang Siyi. Recognizing his passion, she had a newfound appreciation for him.

Now that she heard Zhang Siyi explanation, Gu Yao confusion with He Chengtian previous remarks were cleared. He wanted Zhang Siyi to change jobs. Looking at the earnest expression Zhang Siyi had, she understood why her brother liked him. He and her brother and her father are in a separate class of people.

Only He Chengtian was still frowning by the end of the speech. He was also moved by Zhang Siyi words however he had his own beliefs: “Maybe you are still too young to know that society can be very cruel. Many classmates of mine expressed their dreams just like you, but in the face of hardships, they crumbled. Few people can persist in their ideal career. In the end, everyone chose to get rich.” He Chentian sighed. Waving his hand, he said: “Since you have told me so, I understand you have made up your mind. I encouraged you to change jobs but I see that it won’t happen.”

Zhang Siyi is afraid his rejection will leave some friction between them. He hurriedly added: “I know that you have my best interest at heart. For so many years, you have not forgotten me. You think that I don’t know what this opportunity means, but I’m very honored for that offer. Perhaps after struggling for another two years, I will regret my decision. When I come crawling back to your door, please remember to give me a bite to eat.”

Being somewhat subdued, He Chengtian smiled at him.

An hour before the movie starts, they left the restaurant and the four of them decided to stop at the café near the cinema. Not ten minutes later, Gu Yu arrived. He was wearing an unbuttoned beige trench coat that Zhang Siyi has never seen before and a black cashmere sweater as well as snug fitting dark jeans with shiny, black wingtip shoes. He looked like a runway model; stylish and handsome.

Gu Yu looked around the café and saw them at a table then slowly walked over. Gu Yao spotted him, stood up and beckoned: “Brother, over here!”

His calm, cool, and collected approach attracted the attention of others near him. Zhang Siyi was watching him intently. Feeling dumbfounded, he never knew a man could be so attractive and sexy. His brain went blank. His heart, he didn’t know he had a heart! Since breaking through the psychological barrier of two men being together, the feelings Zhang Siyi had for Gu Yu intensified.

He Chengtian also recognized Gu Yu the moment he entered the café. He doesn’t need a good memory to remember the person who crushed him for three years in high school not only in academics but also as the high school idol. He felt the plethora of mixed emotions wash through him with a multitude of expressions to show for it; from horror to disbelief to composure and at the end to choke out the words: “This is……. Your brother!?”

Gu Yao smiled and said: “Yes. Let me introduce you to him. My brother’s name is Gu Yu.”

In the heart of He Chengtian existed a luxurious grass field, swaying in the gentle breeze, illuminated by the glow of a warm sun; both perfect and peaceful. However, now the ground was muddy, pitted and ruined as there was a stampede of horses galloping through his majestic field. He could only hold onto a lone tree still standing with all his might. Shit! Why does Gu Yao’s brother have to be Gu Yu!!! (╯‵皿’)╯(┻━┻

Gu Yu’s eyes swept over everyone and paused at Zhang Siyi’s dazed expression for a moment then turned towards He Chengtian’s body. He generously reached out and smiled: “No need to introduce, I know him. He Chengtian, isn’t it?”

Puzzled, Gu Yao didn’t move: “What? How do you know him?”

Not wanting to look any longer, Zhang Siyi quietly raised his hand to cover his eyes.

Relaxing his furrowed brows and maintaining his own dignity, He Chengtian stood up to shake hands with Gu Yu: “Yes is it. I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

Gu Yu’s appearance has captivated He Xueying attention. She asked: “Brother, who is this? How do you know him?”

He Chengtian couldn’t control his twitching facial muscles. He forced a smile: “High School classmates.”

Gu Yao: “…”Σ( ° △°|||)_

Gu Yu pulled a chair from the neighboring table over and sat down. He looked straight at Zhang Siyi and asked: “Help buy a cup of coffee and a latte for me.”

Zhang Siyi: “…ok.”

Zhang Siyi got up and walked toward the bar to order the two requested drinks. He pulled out his wallet before he reacted. His sister was present, so why didn’t he ask her? Zhang Siyi went to get the drinks without question like a hypnotized person!

Although he doesn’t know why he reacted without thought, he felt extremely happy. This type of intimate request and response can only be freely asked by someone with a special relationship. (&////&)

With a happy face, Zhang Siyi leaned on the bar waiting for Gu Yu’s coffee. When the coffee was ready, he took it back carefully and put it in front of Gu Yu.

Gu Yu seemed anxious to hold the cup: “Thank You.” As he reached out to take it, Zhang Siyi didn’t have the opportunity to retract his hand. As their skin touched, a cold, hot feeling burst through Zhang Siyi like electricity. His fingers unconsciously flinched…. How…. what happened.… with one single touch, Zhang Siyi felt like he was going to burn up.

Oh my God! This is a terrible predicament. He wanted to escape from Gu Yu presence……. (o////o)

During the time it took Zhang Siyi to buy coffee, Gu Yu and He Chengtian made introductions and explained their history. Neither of them expected to have a sister and neither of the sisters would have guessed their brother were high school classmates. The world really is small!

When the only person that connected everyone together came back, he was very nervous, but seeing everyone getting along, he felt somewhat relieved. During their discussion, He Xueying learned that Gu Yu is Zhang Siyi’s boss.

Gu Yu’s ability to direct the flow of conversation is excellent. The stable and harmonious atmosphere is opposite of Zhang Siyi’s imagination. The only tension he could detect was the unconscious shaking movement that He Chengtian’s heel was doing that highlighted his anxiety and depression as he was looking back and forth between Gu Yu and Gu Yao. He Chengtian rubbed his forehead. Why must her brother be Gu Yu!

Since the movie is starting soon, the issue of tickets and seating came up again. Far apart from one another, there was a set of three tickets in the front and two tickets in the left rear. Who’s sitting with whom?

As the day initially was He Xueying’s invitation with Zhang Siyi, normally it would seem he and his childhood friends would sit together and a brother and sister pair should sit together. However, Gu Yao created this opportunity for her brother and He Chentian was watching Gu Yao with obvious intentions. Coincidentally, the two of them came up with the same idea…. Draw Tickets!

Gu Yu casually said: “I’ll hold them.” He held the five tickets out, and in a circle, everyone picked. Gu Yu took the last ticket. At the end of the draw, everyone showed their tickets at the same time. He Xueying and Gu Yao took the rear seat pairing and Zhang Siyi and He Chengtian draw seats in the front.

He Chengtian: “…” (=皿=)

He Xueying: “…” (=_=)

Zhang Siyi: “…” (=///=)

Gu Yao: “…” (=w=)

Knowing his ticket was one of the groups located in front, Gu Yu glanced at the middle position of the three and calmly said: “Let’s go in.”

When they were entering the theater, He Chengtian followed his sister inside and reached for her arm then whispered to her: “Here, change your ticket with mine.”

He Xueying turned a blind eye: ” Are you still afraid that your purpose is not obvious enough? Such resolute actions will scare the little girl away. Be patient!”

This person was certainly not his own sister! He Chengtian grumbled about her unwillingness to help him.

Inside the theater the girls sat down in the back row while the three men walked forward to find their seats. Almost everyone in the theater were either couples or chaperones accompanying little girls. The three men together walking through the theater and sitting down in a row attracted a bunch of curious eyes.

He Chengtian: “……” Why did I go out today? How did he get into this mess? Why is he sitting with two other guys watching “Cinderella”? And one of them was his most hated nemesis in high school? (O..o)

Zhang Siyi: “……” What happened to dating two girls? Why has it become a date with two men? (o..o)

After Gu Yu sat down, he took off his coat and put it on his hand. Before the movie started, there was a ten-minute preview with many commercials. The three men stared at the screen with no expressions, until the last half-minute of the previews. Gu Yu tactically said: “He Chengtian, I heard from Siyi that you wanted him to become your assistant.”

He Chengtian: “…”

After 10 seconds, Gu Yu looked at Zhang Siyi and smiled: “You won’t go, right?”

Zhang Siyi: “…” The advertisement ended and the lights in the house were dimmed to black. The permit for the release license appeared in the middle of the screen followed by the opening of Disney’s title. Looking intently at the screen in anticipation for the start of the film, the audience calmed down. Even if He Chengtian and Zhang Siyi wanted to say something, they couldn’t.

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 89: Scolding

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Moving off to the side, Gu Yao reached for her phone, but instead of calling her brother she opened WeChat to look at the social media circle of friends. She was looking for the post that Zhang Siyi mentioned and as she thought, there weren’t any new posts this week from her brother. She turned off her phone, adjusted her demeanor and returned to the table looking distressed. She asked: “Brother Siyi, I forgot to charge my phone last night and It just shut down when I tried to make a call. Can I borrow your phone?”

Her question pulled Zhang Siyi out of his reverie. Only half paying attention he said: “Uh, yeh sure.” He unlocked his phone and handed it to her without complication. On second thought, he realized that Gu Yao would be calling her brother on his own phone. Wouldn’t Gu Yu think it was Zhang Siyi taking the initiative to call him? Acting coy, Zhang Siyi could feel his face becoming flushed. (q//a//q)

    ……

Receiving his phone, Gu Yao smiled and moved over to the side. Her curiosity got the better of her and like before, she opened Zhang Siyi’s WeChat to forcibly peeked at the chat records between Zhang Siyi and her brother. She selected her brother’s avatar, opened the page and scrolled through the posts. Looking at the news through Zhang Siyi’s perspective, she saw:

Empty?

Cactus?

Tape measure?

    ……(⊙口⊙)……

What’s all this? Why has she never seen this information before!

Quickly realizing the truth of the matter, Gu Yao’s understanding of her brother completely changed. She didn’t expect her perfect, black-belly, and invincible brother, to be so lovesick! Oh My God! He sent all this WeChat information to Zhang Siyi privately!

Gu Yao covered her chest and took a deep breath to settle her heart. If a boy did such a romantic gesture for her, she wouldn’t be able to resist. But to drag it out… It’s stupid! Shit. Why can’t he just be blunt? Previously, Ga Yao only speculated that her brother might like Zhang Siyi and now she is 100% certain.

She sighed. Although she complained about her brother’s approach, on second thought, she understands that the situation isn’t so easy. After all, Zhang Siyi was raised as a normal boy. How would he respond with the knowledge of being the object of love from another man? In order to gauge Zhang Siyi’s limits, Gu Yu can only endure it himself and carefully test Zhang Siyi time and time again. Also, a rash confession isn’t in her brother’s character. He would never risk exposing himself unless he was absolutely positive.

Gu Yao was happy for her brother because he was able to fall in love, but she also felt sad for the immediate situation; her brother’s one-sided love. It was hard enough to find ‘normal’ love, let alone the love from the same gender.

It’s common for little girls to fantasize about perfect love just like in a fairy tale. The prince and princess will be happy together forever. Gu Yao is no different. Although she isn’t a little girl anymore, she believes true love is the greatest blessing one could achieve in their lifetime. Is it so wrong for her brother to love Zhang Siyi? If her brother could be with him then she will cheer for them on the side. Feeling good about her decision, she felt joyous tears on her cheeks. She laughed and pulled herself together. Closing the app, she dares not delay anymore and called her brother.

The phone rang three times before her brother picked it up: “Hello?”

Hearing her brother answer the phone, she doesn’t know if her recent thoughts have changed her perception, but this greeting her brother gave was unlike anything she heard when she normally called her brother. The gentle and joyous tone was overpowering.

Gu Yao: “Brother, it is me!”

Gu Yu: “…… Oh, what’s going on? Are you with Zhang Siyi?”

The two degree drop in tone just now…. It wasn’t just Gu Yao’s illusion! She hastened to explain the current situation. She told him about the date, utilizing her three tickets that has expanded to four, and now his invitation. They talked for more than a few minutes.

After Gu Yu listened to his sister’s synopsis, he replied: “You mean to tell me that Zhang Siyi had a date with friends which you invited yourself to join and even included me into this scenario?”

Gu Yao: “…” Why does it seem like her brother is a little angry?

Sure enough, in the next second Gu Yu addressed her more formally: “Gu Yao, first I have to criticize your behavior as it was rather rude.” Taken by surprise, Gu Yao shrunk her neck down and lowered her head. She listened to Gu Yu’s continued scolding: “Since Zhang Siyi didn’t take the initiative to invite you, how can you just butt into his affairs like that? Not only do you not know his friends, but you also have not known him for very long. Are you saying that in such a short period of time your relationship with Zhang Siyi is better than mine?”

Gu Yao: “…” She heard the tone of the last part…. So thick with contempt and resentment.

Gu Yu: “You are supposed to be an adult that will soon enter society. Why are you still acting so brash? It’s not sensible.”

This time Gu Yao really wasn’t pretending. To receive her brother’s scolding for working hard on his behalf for what her heart believed in, she felt wronged. Feeling sorrowful, tears fell: “Brother……” Having grown up with her brother’s criticism since childhood, like a conditioned reflex, she didn’t argue with him.

Gu Yu paused and then spoke to her gently: “Okay, then. There is no need to delay lunch so I will come over later for the movie. I hope you can adjust your behavior and learn something from this incident.”

The change in her brother’s tone made Gu Yao feel relieved: “Yes. I know.”

Having been scolded severely by her brother, she had a hard time adjusting her mood. Returning to the dinner table, Gu Yao handed he phone back to Zhang Siyi and sat down with her head down and an unhappy face.

He Chengtian saw her and was concerned: “What’s the matter?”

Gu Yao wanted to pretend that she was calm and said “Nothing” but with the pitiful face and teary eyes she is unknowingly showing, no one believed her.

Zhang Siyi watched her as she sat down and gently asked: “What did your brother do?”

Gu Yao looked at Zhang Siyi at a glance. Ah! He really understands! Now with Zhang Siyi’s question, she really couldn’t help herself and unloaded some of her grievances: “Well, he said I don’t know you well enough and shouldn’t have interjected……” Blinking, Gu Yao realized her behavior was out of line and not something righteous. With guilt she apologized: “I’m sorry.”

The three of them were stunned. He Chengtian spoke first: “Why is your brother so strict? What do you have to be sorry about? Since you are here, we can get to know each other and become friends.” Saying thus, He Chengtian said it to comfort the girl. Gu Yao’s ability to apologize for her own mistakes made He Chengtian like her more.

From the beginning, He Xueying only politely greeted Gu Yao and payed no attention to her. After hearing her explanation, the traces of jealousy hidden in her heart also vanished. He Xueying smiled at Gu Yao: “We are all from the same city. If not for Zhang Siyi, we would have never met. It must have been what fate wanted so don’t think about it so much!”

Since the two siblings offered comfort to a near stranger, he felt relieved that there wouldn’t be any animosity between them. Now, he only cared about one thing: “Is your brother coming?”

Gu Yao’s mood improved a lot: “Well, he will join us later for the movie.”

He Xueying nodded: “Then there is no need to change tables.”

Although he had butterflies in his stomach, Zhang Siyi breathed a sigh of relief. He is both afraid and excited to see Gu Yu

Thinking of the battery problem Gu Yao had with her phone, He Chengtian was attentive to her need so he took out a charging cable from his bag and asked her: “Your phone is an Apple model, right? You can use this if you need to.”  

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Gu Yao accepted the offer and used it to charge her nearly full battery in her phone. (=_=)

Zhang Siyi was still struggling over the issue of whether or not he needs to tell He Chengtian who Gu Yao brother is. However, he can’t bear to break the harmonious atmosphere, so he set aside his thoughts.  -Ah forget it…. Eat first, then worry about crossing that bridge later.

Abundant and loud laughter could be heard from their table during their lunch. They reminisced about their childhood adventures including the role-playing games they had played. Who was it that broke their leg? Who was the one who fell and chipped a tooth? Listening quietly, Gu Yao also laughed at the stories alongside them.

Remembering Qu Miao’s wedding, Zhang Siyi was curious: ”He Xueying, why weren’t you at Qu Miao’s wedding?”

He Xueying smirked: “Qu Miao’s wedding? She has hated me since we were kids. Other than showing off her new husband, there was no reason to invite me.”

Not only was Zhang Siyi a little surprised, but so was He Chengtian who seemed to have heard this for the first time.

Zhang Siyi asked: “Weren’t you guys always playing together as kids?”

He Xueying scoffed and looked at Zhang Siyi and said: “That was only for appearance sake. I grew up better-off then her family and with my brother as play-mates, I was always sounded by a group of boys. I remember she used to be so angry with me all the time. She was just pretending to be a good friend. I think she…… Well, the world of young girls is hard to understand. It’s all in the past now so it’s not worth talking about any longer.”

Listening to gossip piqued Zhang Siyi interest and although he wanted to hear more, his phone’s vibration tuned his attention elsewhere. Gu Yu sent him a new text message: “Gu Yao said her phone’s battery was dead and she forgot to tell me the theater address. Where are you?”

After Zhang Siyi texted the address, Gu Yu returned with “Great.” Looking at both his current response and his previous “hmmm” text, Zhang Siyi felt excited and anxious.

Changing the subject, He Chengtian asked Zhang Siyi about his proposal: “Sisi, have you thought about my offer?”

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