Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 78: Temptation

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“Eight-hundred-thousand isn’t that great? I don’t even have a hundred thousand after taxes!” Zhang Siyi complained.

Smiling at Zhang Siyi, He Chengtian gave him a look that one gives to an unknowing child: “I thought someone with such a high IQ would have to be making a lot of money, otherwise Gu Yu’s genius is wasted. But you see now, even Mouse earns more than he does.”

Can people who have just entered the working force really earn a couple million in a year? Shen Hao is still an uneducated person and although he has paid for his lifestyle by himself, Zhang Siyi can’t admit that Shen Hao’s success was entirely due to his own determination and work.

Although Zhang Siyi didn’t believe him, he didn’t let it show on his face: “Where did you get so much money?”

He Chengtian smiled and said: “I mainly handle investments now. To be honest, we caught the trend at a good time. Eight years ago, in Haicheng when the housing market was extraordinarily good, my parents sold a few properties and made a lot of money. The family opened an investment company mainly to invest in banking and the stock market.” He Chengtian put his fingers to his lips mysteriously and confidently said: “I can tell you, my family income is in the range of twenty million a year.”

Zhang Siyi chin hung open. His family assets aren’t any worse than Fu Xinhui’s family. Thus, eight-hundred-thousand really is pennies in a bucket. In Zhang Siyi point of view, since He Chengtian used his family achievements to further himself, he didn’t understand why he could be so arrogant. Being under the influence of Gu Yu for so long, he can understand why He Chengtian wanted to boast now. However, having met someone who doesn’t look favorably at Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi felt a little despondent. He quietly sighed. Zhang Siyi could only comfort himself with his father’s words — money is not a measurement of a persons’ worth.

He Chengtian squinted at Zhang Siyi in thought: “I really didn’t expect your salary to be so low. If you don’t earn a hundred-thousand per-year, how do you survive in Haicheng?”

Hearing He Chengtian ask, Zhang Siyi is reminded of his own financial crisis. It feels as though an arrow has pierced his back, spraying blood!

He Chengtian quickly asked again: ”Do your parents give you any money?”

Zhang Siyi replied seriously: “I don’t spend my family’s money. I rented a house with my classmates. Well, it’s only the first year of working so the money isn’t enough, but I didn’t really expect it to be.”

Face full of sympathy, He Chengtian asks: “With so little salary, why are you still willing to work for Gu Yu?”

In his mind, Zhang Siyi isn’t working for Gu Yu and he wanted to argue with him, but He Chengtian also said: “You graduated University from the UK so your English must be very good. Recently, I lack an assistant who can speak both languages. Maybe you think working for me is no different than working for Gu Yu, but I’ll start you off with a two-hundred-thousand annual salary. Surely, you will be free to live the life you want then.”

Zhang Siyi was shocked by the amount He Chengtian offered: “Two-hundred-thousand? That’s too good!”

He Chengtian chuckled and said: “Yeah, I remember you were smart as a kid. Talkative too and you are also my High School alma mater. You certainly won’t let me down.”

Even though Zhang Siyi got a compliment, he felt skeptical. He couldn’t help thinking about the attitude of Gu Yu on his first day meeting him at the interview a half year ago. Both men were Directors in their respective businesses, but the difference between them was remarkable. In comparison to Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi thought He Chengtian was unsophisticated.

He Chengtian continued: “Also, with your kind face and simple look, it’s very suitable for going out to negotiate with people. After two years of experience working with me and you mature, your salary will increase to be more than two-hundred-thousand a year.”

Although Zhang Siyi is very keen to stick to the rules, he is very stressed about his financial situation that this temptation is just too big! He couldn’t help but feel his heart waver.

Moreover, the olive branch thrown out by He Chengtian is different from the previous proposal of Shen Hao. Since He Chengtian came from a distinguished background, his promise made Zhang Siyi feel like it was sincere. Unlike Shen Hao, who wasn’t serious growing up and whose educational background was less than exemplary, Zhang Siyi doubted his proposition.

However, since they hadn’t seen each other for several years, Zhang Siyi did not understand why did He Chengtian offer such a good job opportunity?

Zhang Siyi questioned: “Can’t you find an assistant in Haicheng? The city shouldn’t lack any talented prospects.”

He Chengtian explained: “For a personal assistant, I need to find someone trustworthy. A suitable person is hard time find. Any talent is also shrewd, and you never know if they will really work in your best interests. The honest ones are all nerds that have no art for diplomacy and lack cultural experience. But you are different. You have both negotiation skills as well as international skills. We grew up together, and have a childhood friendship and as such, will have each other’s backs. Oh and….” He Chengtian suddenly came closer to Zhang Siyi ear and told him quietly: “My sister liked you when she was young, you know? She wrote about her secret love for you in her diary.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” He had no idea!

He Chengtian backed away from him and said with a smile: “She is still single and there’s quite a lot of men lining up to chase her.”

Zhang Siyi thought his sister was quite beautiful. Coupled with her current family background, it would be strange if there weren’t men chasing her.

He Chengtian snorted and said: “The problem is the background of the guys chasing her are unreliable. Its hard to find people you can trust, but you Sisi, we have known each other’s roots since childhood. Although you haven’t seen my sister for several years, I think its fate that brought us together. I’ll let you come work with me, not just to higher you, but to also consider the possibility of being with my sister; to train you as a future Brother-in-law.

“Brother Tian …” Zhang Siyi said feeling awkward and looking down. Why is he feeling shy at the prospect of a blind date?

Although he hasn’t thought at all about, He Xueying, He Chengtian attitude greatly satisfied Zhang Siyi vanity. He compared the two again and wondered why Gu Yu attitude about his younger sister was so different? One was being supportive and the other rebuffed; ‘you are still far away.’ Even so, he can’t stop himself from thinking about Gu Yu.

He Chengtian patted his shoulder and said: “Think about my offer.”

Shen Hao finished his rounds among the crowd passing out business cards. When he saw Zhang Siyi with, He Chengtian, he approached with exorbitant amount of enthusiasm: “Brother!” Since Their tables weren’t originally together, He Chengtian asked to switch with someone so he could sit with them during the wedding

Shen Hao and He Chengtian talked business for a while. They discussed their different connections and resources in the industry such as building materials merchants, acquaintances who are in the field and also to ask about investments to make money.

Knowing each other since childhood, He Chengtian can talk freely and promised to help Shen Hao. It seems to Zhang Siyi that Shen Hao isn’t here for the wedding, but to establish connections. Like Fu Xinhui said previously, now in society people need to expand their networks for new opportunities to make money. Hearing his two old friends, Zhang Siyi realized how important establishing a connection really is.

After the wedding began, the newlywed couple entered the venue to start the celebration. Shen Hao wasn’t idle. He had two mobile phone and answered them every few minutes. Zhang Siyi only heard parts of the conversations Shen Hao had: “By tonight? I’ll come over later”, “Do not fill the mud!”, “It’s still not enough paint? But you told me you had enough!” …….

Even at a wedding, Shen Hao has many business matters to think about. Watching him manage multiple conversations pertaining to different projects at the same time makes Zhang Siyi think Shen Hao doesn’t have it easy. He used to think Shen Hao was too arrogant and lazy. Compared with the former Shen Hao who was not serious and had no love to learn, the current Shen Hao has really changed a lot. He is mature, steady and bold. The impression Shen Hao left on Zhang Siyi previously made it seem like the millions he made came easy, but it is not the case. At least at the moment, Zhang Siyi saw how much effort and determination he had for his work.

He Chengtian turned to address Zhang Siyi: “Although you are in different sectors, you are both part of the construction industry. Sisi, you see Mouse has done very well so why not work on a project together?” He Chengtian glanced at Shen Hao and said: “Mouse, did you forget about your Brother even though you are in the same industry? You are here with silver and gold, but Zhang Siyi has nothing to eat in Haicheng”

Zhang Siyi: “……” What the hell! Is he so miserable?

Feeling accused Shen Hao defensively said: “Did I forget him? I asked him when he returned to Ningcheng. He grew up learning and thinking better then me. I have long thought of us working together, but he said he wants to be in Haicheng. I don’t think he heard me at all!”

Shen Hao also complained about him……

Zhang Siyi retorted: “How have I not heard? The specialty that I am in isn’t really the same as yours. Even if I followed you, I would have to start from scratch.”

He Chengtian drank a mouthful of wine and sincerely advised: “Your salary is too low. I sincerely advise you not to continue in that field. You are smart. Since you haven’t been working for a long time in your career, it won’t be a problem for you to change. Some people work a thousand years and still can’t get ahead in life. Most people beg to have the opportunity you have. The most precious time for your career is in your youth, so you don’t have time to waste.”

Zhang Siyi struggled for a moment and said: “But I still like to do architectural design.”

“Like?” He Chengtian thought little of Zhang Siyi comment and sneered: “I like to eat. What is the cost of living in Haicheng? Are you going to rent an apartment for the rest of your life? Or are you going back to your parent’s house in two years?”

Speechless, Zhang Siyi was at a loss. There was a certain logic to He Chengtian thoughts and his heart wavered, he suddenly remembered what Gu Yu’s Father told him – your value does not depend on how much money others give you today. Thinking thus, Zhang Siyi calmed down a lot. Indeed, the low income is still a big problem and the conditions set by He Chengtian make Zhang Siyi feel excited. But Zhang Siyi must ask himself; is it just money that he wants to pursue?

Even his friend, Fu Xinhui, asked him the same type of question; if one day you have endless money, what would you do?

After the hardships of his studies at university and experiencing the stress of finding a job, more than once, Zhang Siyi has doubted his career choice. However, under the guidance of Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi enthusiasm for architecture has slowing been recovering. Recently, his love for architecture has been rekindled. Especially by the strong pivotal words of Gu Yu’s father.

What he wants is a sense of accomplishment that rises from deep within his core after drawing.

What he wants is a sense of camaraderie by working hard with like-minded people.

What he wants is a sense of joy that comes from the acceptance of a design into practice.

He still wants to get stronger.

He wants to work together, stand side by side with Gu Yu.

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 77: Childhood Friends

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“Sisi! What are you doing here?” The young man was pleasantly surprised.

Zhang Siyi was startled for a minute and was silent. He was searching through his memories for the name of the person standing before him. “Brother Tian?” The youth eagerly grabbed him and rubbed his head and patted his shoulder. Since the other person grew so tall, he felt like a baby chick, lost in the other person’s arms. However, Zhang Siyi is also excited to see an old neighbor who he hasn’t seen for more than ten years.

This young man’s full name is He Chengtian and like Shen Yu and Qu Xiao, they are all childhood friends who grew up with Zhang Siyi.

His sister, He Xueying, is also Zhang Siyi’s age. Even though He Chengtian is six years older and didn’t directly play with the younger children, growing up, the families often played with one another, so the younger kids also called He Chengtian ‘Brother.’

In Zhang Siyi’s memory, He Chengtian was tall and bold. As if he was the master of the area, he always had a group of boys following him around. Zhang Siyi had the privilege of playing a few role-playing games with the older boys. The good-looking boys played the Red-Army and everyone else played the Army-of-the-Rising-Sun. He Chengtian was always the leader of the Red-Army.

As for Zhang Siyi, Shen Hao, and He Xueying, they were naturally unable to participate in the war so they would play the part of helpless civilians. Their role was to get captured by the Army-of-the-Rising-Sun and then wait for the Red-Army to rescue them.

After being locked up, they would have to wait until rescue. Sometimes they had to wait less than thirty minutes, but other times it was over an hour. Being immersed in the game, they huddled together with their hands and feet tied up feeling tense. Once they heard the Red-Army yell for rescue, the mood quickly changed from restlessness into excitement. Often the young kids would play the part and would kick and struggle while calling out “Brother Tian, help us!”, “Save us!”

Naturally, if the Hero rescued them right away, the game would end, so the boys often devised different scenarios to extend the game time and make it more fun. In order to make the rescue by the Red-Army more dramatic and heroic, it was necessary to vilify the Army-of-the-Rising-Sun. Thus, they would pick one or two innocent civilians and threaten their lives. Zhang Siyi remembers at this part of the game, almost always, the Army-of-the-Rising-Sun would pick He Chengtian’s sister, He Xueying to play the victim.

Once, Zhang Siyi and He Xueying were selected to be the victims and together. They had to kneel in front of the Red-Army with a plastic gun to their heads and listened to threats: “If you step any closer your people will perish!”

As the Hero, He Chengtian would rush in and shout: “For the victory of the revolution!” and the boys would all start to shout: “Brothers rush”, “Go! Go! Go!”. Of course, at this time the boys in the Army-of-the-Rising-Sun would do everything in their power to prevent the Hero’s. Even though the kneeling victims would always die, Zhang Siyi thought the anticipation of being rescued was very exciting. In the end, He Chengtian would always triumph over the Army-of-the-Rising-Sun and the last remaining survivor would get rescued.

Thinking about it, Zhang Siyi is a little bit surprised at how vividly he can recall his play-time memories. Those types of games seem rather stupid to him now. Since He Chengtian was also a very good student, he was the first role-model Zhang Siyi looked up to as child and it left a deep impression on him.

Unfortunately, in the year of Zhang Siyi’s elementary school graduation, the He family moved away to start a business. In the following years, Zhang Siyi’s father was promoted and the Zhang family moved twice. Therefore, in addition to Shen Hao, Zhang Siyi almost lost contact with all of his childhood friends.

Giving Zhang Siyi a noogie, He Chengtian laughed and asked: “How can you still be the same after so many years?”

Zhang Siyi broke free from He Chengtian’s arm and tried to fix his ruffled hair. He smiled and said: “Which hasn’t changed? My mom said yesterday that I am now fat with big bags and getting uglier.”

He Chengtian laughed and asked: “How are your Mother and Father? What are you doing now?”

Since they have known each other since childhood, Zhang Siyi didn’t hide his family background from him: “Well, my father is still the same and to a certain extent, can’t be promoted further. Anyways, he continues to negotiate with the other officials and every night he drinks his tea. Last year my Mother was promoted to chief doctor. She doesn’t have the night shift anymore so that’s positive, however, the hospital is always so busy, so it’s not like she has less work.”

He nodded and smiled and said, “Your family is still so low-key. Don’t say that I don’t understand.”

Zhang Siyi looked around and asked: “What about your sister? Why haven’t I seen her?”

He Chengtian shook his head: “Since they played together all the time as children, I was surprised to hear that my sister didn’t want to come when Qu Xiao called about the wedding. When I came back to the city to visit relatives, my mother thought I should come to the wedding at least since we grew up in the same neighborhood.”

Going back to Ningcheng to visit relatives? They don’t live here anymore? Zhang Siyi wanted to ask him about it and was about to ask, but before he could, He Chengtian said: ”My sister asked about you a few days ago. I didn’t know if you would be here since its been so many years.”

Having just experienced Qu Xiao forgetting about him, how can his heart not be moved when he heard that He Xueying, a young woman, remembered him? He is a young man after all! If he had known Qu Xiao was going to forget about him, Zhang Siyi, like He Xueying, wouldn’t have come to the reception.

He Chengtian asked: “What about you? I saw Mouse last year. He said that you went abroad to study. Have you graduated and returned now? Where are you working?”

“I recently graduated and I’m now back in China.” A little embarrassed, Zhang Siyi smiled and quickly took this opportunity to give a business card to He Chengtian. While taking is from his pocket and handing it to him, Zhang Siyi said: “I’m working in Haicheng now.”

Not reading the card, He Chengtian was surprised when he heard the location of Zhang Siyi’s workplace: “You are also in Haicheng? After my sister went to high school, our family moved. Now I live in the central district. Where is your office building located?”

Upon hearing where he lived, Zhang Siyi’s jaw dropped. Considering the houses in the central district are worth tens of millions, it seems his family is doing astronomically well!

“The company I work for is also in the downtown area!” Zhang Siyi replied.

When He Chengtian looked at the business card he seemed puzzled then asked: “Are you also engaged in construction? Is this not the same as Mouse.?

Mouse is the nickname for their friend Shen Hao. Zhang Siyi felt depressed. He studied architectural design. Its not the same as a contractor in construction! And he was clearly studying architecture earlier.

When Zhang Siyi hurriedly explained the difference between the work that he does and Shen Hao’s type of work, He Chengtian nodded. “Now that you explained, I understand! In fact, one of my classmates is now a professional in Haicheng working in architectural design.”

Zhang Siyi curiously asked: “Who?”

“You probably don’t know him, but…” He Chengtian paused to think, “But not necessarily. This classmate is very legendary. He was the top student for the school entrance exam.”

Zhang Siyi’s mouth twitched: “… You’re not talking about Gu Yu, are you?

Stunned, He Chengtian asked: “How do you know him?”

Zhang Siyi pointed to his business card: “Gu Yu is a design director of Borderless. I work directly under him.”

Again shocked, He Chengtian glanced at Zhang Siyi’s business card and said: “This world is too small!”

Zhang Siyi nodded vigorously. The circumstances felt so mysterious: “Were you his classmate?”

He Chengtian explained: “Yes. Three years in high school”. He squinted his eyes. He casually mentioned his past and didn’t expect old feelings to swell up. Since he learned that Gu Yu is Zhang Siyi boss, he couldn’t help vent some bitterness: “Those three years with Gu Yu was my nightmare!”

Hearing He Chengtian talk about Gu Yu, he piqued Zhang Siyi interest: “Oh? Why’s that?”

He Chengtian sneered and said: “Why’s that? His grades were too good. He was always number one. Even on very difficult exams, his score would throw off the rest of the class’s grades. While he would continue to get a perfect score, the second place was behind by twenty to thirty points! Sometimes, I think he isn’t a person at all!”

Zhang Siyi remembered when he was in high school the teacher also repeatedly boasted about the top exam student from the school. In fact, he slowly got used to being far from the top model student. He tried to comfort He Chengtian.

In a very hateful tone, He Chengtian said: “That’s because you haven’t had to compete with him directly. You only listened to stories and have no idea how terrible the feeling of being second all the time is. Fuck! I was that second-place student no matter how hard I tried. He was always so calm and relaxed and never seemed to try. God damn it! “

 “……” The words of Zhang Siyi’s mother echoed in his head — don’t compare yourself to those that are blessed by God. (=_=)

Breathing slowly and methodically, He Chengtian tried to calm his grumpy mood: “At that time, I was being very naïve to be so obsessed over my scores. Everyone knows the results of the rankings don’t represent everything. But every time I think about it, I still feel…… Well, you may not know much about that feeling. After all, before I ran into Gu Yu, I could say I was the number one student and never had any competition. Because of him, after finishing my senior exam, I went abroad.

Hearing He Chengtian explain, Zhang Siyi instinctively shuddered. In fact, he knows quite well his friend’s feelings of being overpowered. He also experienced the kind of pressure Gu Yu exudes from his knowledge base. It makes Zhang Siyi feel inadequate.

He Chengtian looked to Zhang Siyi and inquired: “My former classmate is now part of the construction industry. How is he getting along?”

Zhang Siyi is not sure if there is some meaning behind ‘how’……

He Chengtian bluntly asked: “Do you know how much he gets paid?”

“Oh…” Zhang Siyi promised Gu Yu he would not reveal his income, but the person in front of him was the most admired role model of his childhood. They probably won’t have contact with one another in the future, so Zhang Siyi thought if he reports a high income, then Gu Yu won’t be so disgraced. Zhang Siyi took a moment in thought then said: “I heard his annual income was more than eight-hundred-thousand.” Zhang Siyi completely did not expect He Chengtian’s reaction.

Laughing He Chengtian said: “Only eight-hundred-thousand! It seems he isn’t that great after all!”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Fuck! More than eight-hundred-thousand is not good? What the hell!? What is wrong with this society? Is money really that easy!?

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 76: Aquaintance

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“Ah! That should be it!” Zhang Siyi hurriedly looked at it and saw tooth marks all over the wood. Even one of the corners of a piece was bitten off.

Mother Zhang replied with a smile: “I couldn’t think of what the toy was when I saw the image on your phone, but I remembered you liked to chew on these wood pieces as a child.”

“……I liked the wood?” Zhang Siyi mouth twitched.

Mother Zhang answered him: “Yeah. I only recognized these pieces of wood and nothing else. Unless someone was paying attention to you, you always had them in your mouth.” She continued to rummage through the boxes and found more wood pieces. Sure enough, the remaining six pieces all had teeth marks on them.

Placing the pieces already found next to him, Zhang Siyi squatting next to his mother and helped look through the boxes: “Mom, why have you kept these wood block and old bottles for twenty years? Are they a family heirloom?”

“When I see these things, I think of you as a child and I didn’t want to lose them when we moved.” Mother Zhang explained then looked at her son with motherly affection. “With tender skin and big round eyes, you were so cute as a child. You were born to be loved!”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

His Mother pinched her son’s cheeks and continued: “When you cried it was the cutest thing. Your cry wasn’t loud and annoying like other children. Like a faucet, tears would run down steadily from your big eyes and you would purse your lips flat. Compared to other kids, you looked the most distressed, so who wouldn’t want to pick you up and give you a kiss!”

Feeling embarrassed by his mother’s affection, Zhang Siyi replied: “I am your son, of course you would only see and feel good.”

She snorted: “Now you aren’t as cute as you were when you were a child. With big ears and weight gain, you’re the ugliest you’ve ever been!”

…… Who could have said that to her own son!

His Mother squinted at him and said with pride: “But well, the early model is still in there. Shed a few pounds and compared to others, you aren’t far away.”

Zhang Siyi asked without thinking: “Compared to Gu Yu?”

Mother Zhang paused and said: “Listen to Mom’s advice, don’t compare yourself with those who are born to be blessed by the Gods.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” This is the pro-mother! The proper mother!

To complete the puzzle, the Kong Ming Lock needed eight wooden blocks to fit together. Even though they searched through the many storage containers, they could only find seven. “When you were a kid, you used to lose everything. If the piece isn’t here, then it was probably lost. “His mother said.

Zhang Siyi sighed. After so many years, he originally didn’t have any hope of finding it. He felt lucky to have found the amount of Kong Ming Lock pieces that they had.

After the two got up, Mother Zhang sighed and questioned him curiously. She softened her voice: “Why were you looking for this?”

Zhang Siyi lowered his head and said, “Guess who gave it to me?”

Mama Zhang: “Who?”

Zhang Siyi: “Gu Yu!”

Mother Zhang was shocked: “Really?”

“While I was at the Gu residence to celebrate New Year’s, Gu senior told me that we had met when we were children.” Zhang Siyi explained.

Mother Zhang reacted: “Oh, so that engineer was Gu Yu’s father?”

“That’s right!” Zhang Siyi nodded happily holding the wooden sticks and walked to the exit.

Zhang mother locked the warehouse, looking at her son’s back. She held her cheek and thought how sentimental the story was and like a fairy-tale, the two are destined by fate. (*/ω\*)

When Zhang Siyi returned to him room, he carefully cleaned the wooden pieces and took a photo of them to send to Gu Yu.

 Gu Yu: “……”

Zhang Siyi: “Hey.”

Gu Yu: “You still have it?”

Zhang Siyi: “I just found it with my mom in the warehouse. She didn’t throw away all of my old things.”

Gu Yu: “It seems like Auntie is very nostalgic.”

Gu Yu: “But why did you look for it?”

Suddenly, Zhang Siyi’s heart became a little chaotic and he didn’t know how to respond. He didn’t know why he went in search for the toy. Since it was the first gift Gu Yu gave him, he instinctively wanted to search for it and after finding it, he wanted to share his feelings with him.

Zhang Siyi: “No reason. I just wanted to look.”

Gu Yu: “Without the last piece, it can’t be assembled.”

Zhang Siyi: “You could tell what was missing?”

Gu Yu: “I played with it for two years. Of course, I remember how to assemble the Kong Ming Lock. If you don’t place the pieces in the correct order, it won’t work.”

Since Gu Yu remembered the exact pieces, Zhang Siyi has a flash of inspiration. He could search online for wood and carve the missing piece!

Before he was able to relay his idea to Gu Yu, Gu Yu asked: “Why are there dents on the wood? It looks like a dog gnawed on them.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” Damn! Even with such a small photo, he can see the tooth marks. Just how big did Gu Yu expand the photo on his screen to inspect it?

Gu Yu: “Aren’t those your teeth marks?”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Gu Yu: “I’m guessing those are your marks. I remember when you were a child you loved to drool, and your face was always so wet and dirty. Once, you pounced on me and I tried to help clean you off, but instead, you stuck my hand in your mouth and licked me.”

Zhang Siyi: “………” Don’t say it anymore!

Zhang Siyi’s heart couldn’t take this new information. He quickly pushed the wooden blocks to the side and lay his head on his desk to bury his face. He didn’t want to accept his past actions.

Next to him, his mobile phone was buzzing, but he ignored it.

Gu Yu sent him a message: “What’s wrong, still embarrassed?”

Gu Yu: “Are you there?”

Gu Yu: “[Little Fox squinting]”

Zhang Siyi felt the heat rise and sent Gu Yu an ‘angry kitten’ emoji.

Gu Yu immediately replied with a ‘little fox touch head’ expression.

“…..” What to do. This back and forth of sending expressions like this is…… like he is falling in love!

While holding the phone giggling, Zhang Siyi couldn’t stop himself from sending emojis like he was addicted. His mind was full of Gu Yu.

“Sisi! Dinner!” His mother called from downstairs.

Zhang Siyi thoughts were interrupted by his mother’s shouting. Feeling like he was doing something wrong, he turned off the phone in panic. “Ahhhhhhhh” He isn’t gay! Why does his think about that man every day!? He must be sick!

After dinner, Zhang Siyi wondered what Fu Xinhui was up to as he had not made contact for a couple of days. Thinking about the film he watched with wolves that reminded him of Cheer-Up, he wanted to give his friend a call and learn more about his situation.

Fu Xinhui’s voice was a little haggard: “Cheer-Up is alright, but my family isn’t very good.”

Zhang Siyi: “what?”

Fu Xinhui: “Do you remember when my sister helped me find the dog, and the bodyguard hit someone?”

Zhang Siyi: “I remember, what’s going on?”

Fu Xinhui: “Well, that person is in intensive care now with a head injury. The family deliberately provoked a fight to use as a basis to sue us. The police investigated for two days and the bodyguard that beat that person has been taken away. Because of the brick, if the bodyguard was arrested, then isn’t it to be expected that my sister would also be arrested?”

Zhang Siyi: “Did your sister say anything?”

Fu Xinhui: “Since there are video cameras outside the house, there is evidence that the bodyguard beat the man, but my mother deleted those videos. If they press the matter, then it is also a crime for covering it up.

Zhang Siyi: “Shit! Then why don’t you say those people broke into the house first?”

Fu Xinhui paused and said: “I’ll tell you the truth. My uncle got into a big mess and now there are people watching the house. I don’t know what my dad is going to do……”

The only knowledge of those types of scenes that Zhang Siyi has, is from TV and the movies and he never thought that it would happen in real-life. The family is not good. He couldn’t help but think of his father’s New Year’s Eve prophecy. Worried for his friend he asked: “Why didn’t you tell me the other day?”

Fu Xinhui sighed and said: “You have enough things to worry about that I don’t want to cause you more stress. Rest assured, I am safe. My dad has invited more than a dozen bodyguards so now everyone has someone protecting them. I’m afraid they will target you, so for the time being, I won’t be coming back to the apartment we rented.

Zhang Siyi is very uncomfortable: “Nonsense. I am your friend. Tell me how I can help you!”

Fu Xinhui smiled and said: “I’m not dissing you as a friend. This is a family matter and something ordinary people can’t get involved in. However, I do have something to trouble you with.”

Zhang Siyi: “What trouble is not troublesome. If there is something, just say it!”

Fu Xinhui: “It’s too chaotic here and I don’t have the energy to take care of Cheer-Up. I want you to take care of the dog for a while.

Having a sense of responsibility, Zhang Siyi readily agreed: “Of course it’s no problem! Cheer up is our dog!”

Fu Xinhui felt relieved: “That’s good. When will you get back? I’ll bring Cheer-Up to the apartment ahead of time.”

Since he hasn’t decided yet, Zhang Siyi didn’t have a time planned. He told Fu Xinhui to check WeChat as he will confirm a time later. After Zhang Siyi repeatedly reminded his friend to pay attention to his safety, he reluctantly hung up the phone.

In contrast to Fu Xinhui difficult times, the wedding of Zhang Siyi childhood friend, Qu Xiao, was the next day. He temporarily put down his troubled thoughts of Fu Xinhui and raised his spirit for his friend’s joyous occasion.

In the evening, Shen Hao came to pick Zhang Siyi up in his BMW. As a successful person, he is wearing a stylish suit, whereas Zhang Siyi wore a down jacket and jeans. The contrast made Zhang Siyi feel like an idiot.

The most critical thing that Zhang Siyi brought with him is the one thousand-eight-hundred red envelope in his pocket. It is half of his life!

Since Qu Xiao married a very rich man, the wedding in Ningcheng is being held at the best hotel in the area. When there are thousands of dishes to feed eighty tables full of guests, that is what’s called, deep pockets. The hotel was very clean, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. When he arrived, he saw a row of luxury cars lined up outside. Zhang Siyi has not seen such an occasion and when he thinks about the gap between himself and Shen Hao, he can’t lift his head.

Shen Hao pulled him to the door of the banquet hall and went to congratulate the new couple. Zhang Siyi saw Qu Xiao in her white wedding dress looking delicate and beautiful standing radiantly with her new husband.

“Qu Xiao, congratulations!” Shen Yan pulled Zhang Siyi over and patted his shoulder. “Who is this, do you remember?”

Wide eyed, Qu Miao stared at Zhang Siyi puzzled. In his jacket in jeans, he still looks like a student. “This, this is not …”

Shen Hao: “It’s Zhang Siyi!”

Qu Xiao suddenly realized: “Ah, Zhang Siyi! I’ve met too many people today that I can’t remember any more names.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Fuck, sure enough, I should have found an excuse not to come. We haven’t seen each other in ten years. Who recognizes who!

Qu Xiao received the red envelopes of the two people and her attitude towards Zhang Siyi was even more perfunctory. Only the bridesmaids who greeted the guests were eager to them in and sit down. Zhang Siyi became Shen Hao’s little valet.

Compared with Zhang Siyi, Shen Hao has behaved quite spirited. To make contacts, he gave every person a business card that he purchased from a card shop. Printed on the card was a high-sounding title of a Boss of a certain family-company.

Zhang Siyi looked around the room and didn’t see anyone he knew. More and more, he is regretting his decision to come.

Much to his surprise, from behind, he felt someone pat his shoulder. When he turned around, he saw a young handsome man in formal attire smiling at him.

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