Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 69: Lunar New Year

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Although the atmosphere at the dinner table eased a lot, Zhang Siyi can’t stand the evaluation of his friend by his Father. He is still upset with him, but he doesn’t want to make things difficult for his mother. After dinner, it is customary to eat melon and watch the Festival Gala and the Zhang family is no exception.

Zhang Siyi’s Father prepared a cup of tea early so he would be ready to watch the TV on time. He watched the news broadcast every night to see the president’s speech. Sitting at the table, Zhang Siyi is a little stiff and feels reluctant to go watch TV with his father. He finds the program ostentatious and would rather go to his room to watch American TV or anime.

Zhang Siyi was planning to sneak upstairs, but he was caught by his mother. She spoke to him in a low voice: “What are you doing going to your room alone? Why don’t you spend more time with your dad watching TV?”

Zhang Siyi muttered: “I have already spent time with him this afternoon.”

His mother didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry: “When was that? You are now living in another city so there is rarely an opportunity for a family reunion. You could make more of an effort on New Year’s. He has a sharp tongue but is soft hearted. You didn’t know, but earlier, the moment you left, he was lost.”

Remembering what his father said to his Grandfather while honoring his ancestors, he awkwardly went to the sofa and sat down. He took his phone out to check his social groups. He noticed an update on Gu Yu’s social page.

Gu Yu posted two new photographs. One was his New Year’s dinner.

Zhang Siyi used his fingers to expand the view for a closer look. The dishes looked particularly hearty: seafood hot pot, steamed pickles, fish braised with radish, fried rice, dumplings…… Looking at the images, he was reminded of the home-cooked meal Gu Yu prepared for him at his house last night.

Even though he was full of his own dinner, he swallowed a mouthful of saliva. The seafood hotpot looks extraordinarily delicious. Knowing deep down how content he would feel being there, he wished he was at Gu Yu house eating the seafood hotpot with him.

Swiping the screen to show the next photo, the image displayed was one with four hands put together.

Zhang Siyi recognized Gu Yu’s hand at a glance. His bones were distinct, and his fingers were slender. Even though they looked soft he knew they were, in fact, very powerful as he had felt them holding him while playing the balloon game during the annual meeting. (=_=)

Next to his hand is an equally beautiful hand that is smaller. He assumed that the hand belonged to Gu Yu’s sister. The other two are also recognizable. Mother Gu’s hand has traces of age and Father Gu’s hand is bigger and rougher looking.

He was about to move his thumb to get to the next picture when he saw a message at the bottom of the photo. “My father said he is missing two hands and will strive to add them before the following New Year’s.”

Looking at this message, Zhang Siyi unconsciously starting staring at his own hand holding the phone……

“……” What are you thinking Zhang Siyi!

Next to him, his father coughed lightly and suddenly asked: “Where is Gu Yu’s family home located?”

Feeling like his father discovered something dirty, Zhang Siyi quickly turned off the screen and nervously responded: “Hmmm? I don’t know! What’s wrong?”

Because of their recent argument and tension between them, Zhang Siyi’s Father cautiously and slowly said: “You need to thank Mr. Gu properly and give him a gift.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Go to Gu Yu’s and visit for the New Year? Why? Isn’t a phone call enough?”

His Father sipped his tea and said: “Aren’t your colleagues mostly outsiders? They don’t have the same circumstance as you do. Ningcheng is not a big city and since you and he are from the same area, you are connected. In addition to Gu Yu’s teaching and guidance, you have taken advantage of the convenience of being from the same town. No matter where he lives, now it’s time to show your gratitude.”

“This, is this appropriate?” Zhang Siyi didn’t understand this old custom. In foreign countries, they do not have the habit of giving gifts and greetings to teachers on New Year’s holidays. He always felt like this was just an excuse to give gifts without meaning. Now, it is a new era and Zhang Siyi felt that these old customs should be obsolete. However, knowing his Father’s strict character he dares not voice these thoughts out loud.”

Listening from the other room, Mother Zhang also agreed and interjected: “Your father is right! Gu junior is young, and I may have forgotten, but he is still your teacher at work! The industry you are in isn’t the same as your father’s because you are learning technology. A little apprentice should give thanks to their master and now is the time to celebrate. There is nothing strange about it.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Little, little apprentice o////o

His Mother went to look for a suitable gift then turned around to say: “Call him and wish him a happy New Year then ask him where he lives.”  

Zhang Siyi’s heart was in chaos. He managed to voice a simple reply: “Ok.”

Since he had wanted to go to the Gu home, he did not resist any of his parents’ proposals. He was rather excited about the prospect of going to his home because, in fact, it’s not that he wanted to visit the house, but he wanted to see Gu Yu.

Although they have not been separated for long, Zhang Siyi has no idea how many times he has thought about Gu Yu. In his mind he acknowledged a thought: “When I get along, I want to run all the time, but once I separate, I miss you all the time.” ….. This sweet, elusive mood.

Knowing there is another chance to see Gu Yu during the rest of the holiday, Zhang Siyi’s heart skipped a beat, but directly calling Gu Yu for his address put him in a bit of a dilemma. His emotions were and mess and he couldn’t think of what to say. After some time struggling, he decided to send a message in WeChat.

• Gu Yu, I wish you a Happy new year, by the way, where do you live?

… Hey, is it strange to directly ask for someone’s address? (=_=)

• Director Gu, the coming of the Year of the Sheep, I hope that your career will fly and dance, the spirit of the dragon will fly, the mood will be great, the dream is flying in the sky, the luck of the dragon is blessing, the wealth is good, the dragon is hooding, I hope your sheep year is more warm, career More smoothly…what place do you live in?

……(=_=)…… No, no, that’s too weird! Just ask!

“Boss Gu, can I ask where your address is? I want to spend two days celebrating New Year’s.”  Zhang Siyi repeatedly looked at the message and thought it wasn’t bad. Click and sent. After it was sent, he thought about the possibility of rejection and started to panic.

But fortunately, Gu Yu quickly replied, he asked: “My family has two Boss Gu. Which one are you visiting?”

Zhang Siyi: “You.”

Gu Yu: “Oh. You are still calling me ‘Boss Gu’ even when it’s not necessary.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Whaa… how can I be asking about your father? I don’t know your dad!

Gu Yu: “I won’t accept Boss. However, I will accept ‘Gege’ “ [smile]

Zhang Siyi: “………” Go to hell!

In just a couple of sentences, Zhang Siyi, blushing, was again bullied by Gu Yu.

After a while the mood relaxed. He thought it was useless to deal with Gu Yu in a polite manner. Since the other party wasn’t formal, then he didn’t have to be so polite. “Gege, I want to go to your home for the New Year. Give me your address!”

Just after sending this text, Zhang Siyi blushed and felt bashful. Why does it feel like he is flirting when using WeChat?

About four or five minutes later, Gu Yu texted back with the address and a serious message. “We won’t be home on the first of the month, but there is time on the third. Before coming, remember to say hello in advance.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Huh? So easily answered! Gu Yu reversal in tone surprised Zhang Siyi a little and realized: “I gave in too quickly!”

After a minute, Gu Yu sent another message: “Remember to give me my underwear back when you come. It was only supposed to be for the night and not more.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” (╯#°Д°) Gu Yu knew that he wore his underwear in the morning!? Why does it seem like I being reprimanded for taking his underwear? It has cum on it! Of course, I didn’t want to wear it for more than a second! Also, does he really want them back so badly? While dirty? During New Year’s? Ah, ah…

Zhang Siyi’s CPU was completely burnt out by this big string of problems. Paralyzed on the couch, two blank eyes staring at the ceiling, with a trace of smoke rising from his head. He didn’t have much time to think it over because he realized he had put the underwear under his pillow after his bath at noon. He bounded up the stairs and after a minute, shouting could be heard from Zhang Siyi room: “mom, Mom! MOM!!”

“Ah? – what? – What is it?” Zhang Siyi’s Mother walked upstairs to his room and saw him standing next to his bed, red faced and pointing to his pillow.

Zhang Siyi asked his mom: “Have you seen my underwear that were here?”

“I’ve washed them for you!” His mother looked at him silently, then said: “How can you put your dirty underwear under your pillow? This is a very bad habit.”

She paused, hesitating, but finally asked him: “Is this the reason why you were so anxious to take a bath at home? It’s no wonder you had that strange expression when you were with Gu Yu. I’ve been worried that it happens by just driving in broad daylight.… are you having a problem with your body?”

In worry, she hastens to say: “Don’t be embarrassed. You need to pay attention to this kind of problem while you are young, or it will affect your sex life later. Mom will take you to a male doctor.”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

He is wrong. He is really wrong. The real scary person is not Gu Yu, it is his mother! (t////t)

On February 18, 2015, Zhang Siyi, a sensitive young man, had spent his first unforgettable New Year’s Eve in his working life under the double torment of a young man named Gu Yu and an old rotten woman named Zhang Ruqin.

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 68: Honoring Ancestors

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Zhang Siyi’s heart stopped: “What do you mean: not-so-good?” He heard Fu Xinhui breathing heavily with exertion as if he was busy with something so he couldn’t talk right now. “Then you remember to call me back as soon as possible!” Zhang Siyi rushed to say, but Fu Xinhui never replied.

At first, Zhang Siyi wasn’t very attached to Cheer-up, but every day when he came home from work, Cheer-Up would come greet him and beg to be petted and thus changed Zhang Siyi’s attitude bit by bit. Even though Fu Xinhui is technically Cheer-Up’s owner, the dog didn’t treat Zhang Siyi any differently. Since it’s been two months since Fu Xinhui got the dog, the two men felt a little bit like parents, so naturally, when Zhang Siyi heard ‘not so good’ he began to worry.

“Sisi, what are you doing alone upstairs? Come down and honor your grandparents!” Zhang Siyi’s Mother yelled from downstairs.

“Coming!” Zhang Siyi yelled down in response. He sighed and put aside his thoughts of Fu Xinhui and the dog for the time being.

According to local customs, during New Year’s, the whole family would meet for a celebratory meal and honor their elders. In the past, Zhang Siyi would drive to his Grandfather’s home to celebrate, but because of cancer, it has been seven years since his passing. Due to grief, his Grandmother also passed away six months after his Grandfather. Now, they stay at home to celebrate and pay tribute to their ancestors.

Zhang Siyi saw his Father kneeling at the small shrine at home with incense sticks in his hand whispering in a low voice: “Father, thank you for your good fortune and the merits of our ancestors. The Zhang family is very good in both body and mind. You can rest assured. Also, Siyi graduated from abroad this year and found a job in Haicheng. He is working very diligently, and his career is taking off. If you and Mother know from beyond, then please bless his safety and protect him from bad people so his life can be successful and peaceful……”

Zhang Siyi seldom had the opportunity to hear his father prayers. He didn’t expect his scrupulous and demanding father to say such boastful words in front of Grandpa. Having argued with him just before, Zhang Siyi felt guilty. Looking at his back, he watched his Father insert the incense into the small shrine on the table then turn around. Suddenly, he felt a little awkward, like he was eavesdropping on his father. His Father’s stern face urged: “Hurry, down on your knees!”

Zhang Siyi: “…..”

After receiving the incense stick from his Mother, Zhang Siyi also kneeled and said: “Grandpa, thanks to you I am all right in body and mind, you can rest assured….”

Exasperated, Father Zhang abruptly gave Zhang Siyi a whack on the back of his head: “What are you saying? Speak properly!”

Zhang Siyi felt extremely depressed and thought: “How am I not saying it good enough? It’s the same as you!” Solemnly, he flattened his mouth and continued: “Anyway, I’m very good but I don’t have enough money to spend. Grandpa please bless me next year so my wages will increase, and I get more bonuses. Oh, and also, I hope I don’t get fired….”

Listening to Zhang Siyi’s bewildering prayer, the corner of his Father’s eye twitched. He wanted to reach out a slap Zhang Siyi into the ashes of the incense sticks, but with great restraint, his Father did nothing.

After worship, Zhang Siyi sprang up, patted his knees and launched himself upstairs like a monkey in the trees. In less than an hour, the hot dishes Mother and housekeeper have prepared will be ready for News Years dinner.

After sending a few messages to Fu Xinhui without receiving a response, Zhang Siyi couldn’t wait for his call any longer, so he called instead, but to his surprise, the other party’s phone was turned off! Zhang Siyi was so anxious that he was constantly looking down at his phone while hurrying to eat his dinner. His Father was getting angrier and angrier and glared at Zhang Siyi.

Zhang Siyi ignored his Father’s unstated criticism. He felt the phone suddenly vibrate in his hand. He looked down and confirmed it was Fu Xinhui calling. He quickly left his seat, walked to the side and answered the phone eagerly: “Hello? What’s the matter with you? Why did you turn the phone off? I’m worried sick. Do you know that?”

Watching Zhang Siyi nervous expressions and anxious movements, his parents turned to look at one another. An unspoken communication passed between them: His girlfriend?

Fu Xinhui: “Something has happened to my family.”

Zhang Siyi: “What happened?”

Fu Xinhui: “Before my uncle went gambling in Macau, he owed more than 20 million. He hid the truth from my father and borrowed money from a loan shark. Not long ago, the police came over to the house and arrested my uncle for fraudulent practices.”

Zhang Siyi: “But today is New Year’s Eve!”

Fu Xinhui: “The police don’t care if it is New Year’s Eve or not.”

Zhang Siyi: “So what’s going to happen now?

Fu Xinhui: “After, the debt collectors came to the house and smashed the door down looking for my uncle. We are hiding in a hotel for now.”

Zhang Siyi: “What? It’s your Uncle’s business, not yours. Why did they come to your house?”

Fu Xinhui: “I can’t tell you the specifics right now, but in short my Uncle used my father’s name. I heard those people have long been threatening to sue him, but he ignored it and continued doing things his own way. My Uncle provoked them, and they retaliated against our family……”

Zhang Siyi: “Oh My God! He’s completely screwing up your whole family!”

Fu Xinhui: “Yes…… Regardless, my Dad is urgently trying to get him out of jail.”

Zhang Siyi: “What!? To get out and keep hurting the family? That’s not helpful! Your dad’s making the situation worse!”

Fu Xinhui: “Hey, I don’t know what he is thinking.”

Suddenly remembering about the dog Zhang Siyi asked: “You said Cheer-Up wasn’t so good. Is he alright?”

“He is fine now.” Feeling down, Fu Xinhui’s responded in a hoarse voice. “Cheer-Up is confused and scared. Previously, my sister didn’t bother with him, but now, she is telling me to get rid of the dog. Even though his name is Cheer-Up, I haven’t actually cheered up.”

Zhang Siyi: “What? Is your sister that much of a cold-blooded animal that she demands you get rid of such a cute dog?”

Fu Xinhui: “Well… it’s not really like that. We were out in town and Cheer-Up ran off. I was worried and went after him and told my sister to go. But my sister was worried more about the entire situation, so she called for the bodyguard to follow. We saw one of the debt collectors grabbing Cheer-Up maliciously. Then the bodyguard went after the debt collector and beat him. Shockingly, my sister also ran over with a brick in hand…. That was the first time I saw her protect the family. She was speechless afterwards.”

After listening, Zhang Siyi was surprised: “That’s very different then what you told me about her. She said one thing, but in fact her actions were the opposite.” His attitude towards Fu Xinhui’s sister changed.

Fu Xinhui: “Yeah.”

Zhang Siyi: “…..”

Fu Xinhui: “I’ve been thinking if I have always misunderstood my sister. Maybe I thought her harsh words from the past sounded mean, but in fact were said in concern. Hey, I am pretty confused now. Have you eaten? You’re supposed to be eating now, aren’t you? Sorry to bother you.”

Zhang Siyi: “Don’t’ be so polite. Since you and Cheer-Up are well, then I am at ease.”

Fu Xinhui: “Well, you go and eat, we’ll talk later.”

Zhang Siyi: “Yes, you remember to eat yourself.”

Hanging up the phone, Zhang Siyi sighed. What a mess!

When his Mother saw that he had finally finished his call, she inquired: “Sisi, who’s on the phone? What have you been talking about for so long?”

Zhang Siyi couldn’t help but tell his parents everything about Fu Xinhui’s family situation.

Deep in thought, Zhang Siyi’s Father listened to what Zhang Siyi said and furrowed his brows. His Mother was also listening and sighed: “The rich family situation isn’t good for them. What are they doing now?”

Zhang Siyi: “They are staying at a hotel now and will have New Year’s dinner there.”

Mother Zhang shook her head: “With what has happened to them, its hard to think of eating.”

For a long time, his Father didn’t express his opinion on this matter. Suddenly he asked: “Is this the classmate you are renting a house with in Haicheng now?”

Zhang Siyi: “Well, yeah.”

With contempt, Zhang Siyi’s Father spoke: “Just pay attention to your own needs and don’t have anything to do with his family. Maintaining a minimal relationship with your classmate is alright, but his family is more trouble than its worth.”

After hearing what his father had to say, Zhang Siyi was livid. He rarely talked back to his father, but he couldn’t contain his emotions: “What is this ‘minimal friendship’? He is my BEST friend! When I had no money to pay for rent, he helped me willingly. Now that he is in trouble, it’s my turn to help. I can’t stand by idle and do nothing!”

His Father put his chopsticks down and fired back: “What did I say? I told you not to get in touch with his family. Did I tell you to ignore him? You said he needs help, but with what ability do you have currently that can help him?”

The self-esteem of any person who ‘does not have the ability’ will feel hurt. Zhang Siyi is no exception, especially because his father’s words were so true. Zhang Siyi face was black and blue with anger.

In a forceful voice, his father snapped again: “I’ll tell you, this kind of rich second generation doesn’t know what a setback is. He doesn’t know what true work ethic is. He doesn’t know how to move forward and rely on himself. You have been with him for so long, it is a miracle that you haven’t been corrupted too. His life is a waste!”

Zhang Siyi: “……”

Noticing the atmosphere becoming tenser and gloomier, Zhang Siyi’s Mother spoke up in a timely manner: “It is the New Year’s. Can you two stop quarreling? Sisi, you are being too sensitive. Your father did not say that you had to end your friendship. He is worried about you being implicated in the incident because you rent an apartment together. Now that his family is having problems, what are you going to do about your place? And you, Old Comrade Zhang, you see his rich friend be able to build relationships with others regardless of wealth or poverty is also a person worthy of respect. It would do well to speak more tactfully and not put on airs of an lieutenant master.”

Mother Zhang served them wine and a bowl of soup. Not uttering a word, father and son lowered their heads and ate their sweet soup.

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 67: Intimate

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After some time, they stopped at a service area along the highway for a bathroom break and food. Although Gu Yu asked: “Do you want to go in and eat or stay in the car?”, he did not wait for Zhang Siyi to answer. Instead, he fastened his seat belt then quickly followed up with: “Well, you’d better stay in the car. I’ll buy some food.” When he got out of the car, the cold wind blew and the stark contrast to the heated interior was unexpected.

Gu Yu’s sudden declaration surprised Zhang Siyi. He just assumed he would’ve had to go with him to buy his own food, but as it so happened, Zhang Siyi didn’t have to get out which was all the better for him. He didn’t want to move as the wet feeling between his legs was still there.

Gu Yu’s concern over the outside temperature was unanticipated. Even though he isn’t as delicate as a girl and can stand a little cold weather, the thoughtfulness Gu Yu showed him made Zhang Siyi feel like he was being cared for. He felt a little better.

Two minutes later Gu Yu called him on the phone and asked which foods he would like: “There are sausages, sesame cakes, dumplings… what do you want to eat?”

Since Jiacheng local specialty are dumplings, Zhang Siyi thought the best choice would probably be the meat dumpling: “I’ll have a meat dumpling.”

Gu Yu replied on the phone: “There are many different ones: egg, plum, dried…… which kind do you want?”

Zhang Siyi: “Egg yolk, meat dumplings!””

Gu Yu: “Ok. It will be a few minutes. I need to go wait in line.”

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Siyi had been watching the multitude of people exit the service area. When Gu Yu appeared, he unconsciously stared at him and followed his figure. Even though he is so far away among the crowd and can’t see his face, he can spot Gu Yu figure easily. The figure walking with the flow of all the people is brighter and more distinct than anyone else. His increasing pounding in his chest has reminded him of last night’s game and Gu Yu’s question about heart-warming moments.

To be moved this much with just a vague sense of Gu Yu figure in the distance, he doesn’t understand what kind of feeling he is holding onto Gu Yu. It’s neither about Gu Yu professional demeanor, work ethics and charm nor is this about youthful idol-worship. In the past, he could have used excuses to explain or delude himself, but no longer. He didn’t want to think about it anymore.

His reluctance to think about it in more detail is perhaps because he has lived his life as a straight man for twenty years and liking the same sex is a subversive view, so he doesn’t want to face the facts.

The door opened and Gu Yu came inside with a chill. With a long sigh of relief, he sat in the car. With care he peeled away the wrapper and handed the dumpling to Zhang Siyi. Gu Yu wasn’t in a hurry. As he turned to Zhang Siyi to give him his dumpling, Zhang Siyi immediately withdrew his sight. “Hey, you want the egg yolk meat, right?” He also reached to the side into another bag and took out a cup of hot soy milk. He leaned over and gave them to Zhang Siyi. “Eat while it’s still hot.”

Holding the hot food, his hands warmed up. Gu Yu’s intimate words and actions caused a warm feeling deep within Zhang Siyi to grow, but when he thought of the game last night, with the evidence between his legs, being repeatedly teased and bullied by Gu Yu, his heart took a dive….  Ah-ah! Really annoying!

The rest of the drive was uneventful. They made good time and arrived at the outskirts of the city of Ningcheng before 11 o’clock. Zhang Siyi mother was waiting at the park-and-ride. When she saw her son, she was delighted and got out of her car with gifts. She took the gift box to Gu Yu. “Mr. Gu, thank you for bringing Sisi back. Driving the car for so long must be really hard!”

With some embarrassment, Gu Yu waved his hand in refusal: “Mrs. Zhang, you are too kind. It’s on the way so it’s not a problem. Without him, I would have to drive alone.”

Zhang Siyi’s Mother nudged Gu Yu with the packages and insisted: “Don’t be so polite. I will agree to nothing less than your acceptance. Here, this is for you.” While Gu Yu smiled and received the packages reluctantly, he glanced over at the car from which she came: “Today is so cold. Next time, I will drive him directly to your house. You won’t have to come pick him up again.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” Next time?

Mrs. Zhang chuckled and said: “But it’s already so far. How can you bring him to the house? In addition, it’s already lunch time and I think your family is probably waiting for you. My short trip from home is not more than fifteen minutes, so you don’t have to worry about me. Because of the holidays, everyone is so busy. This is a special time to spend with your own family, but next time you must personally come to my house and visit and have a meal.

Nodding, Gu Yu smiled and said: “Yes I will.” With such a reasonable, generous, and enthusiastic mother, it was difficult to refuse.

After chatting for a little while, Zhang Siyi’s Mother noticed her son standing to the side, carrying a bag in silence. She eyed him: “You silly boy! Standing there doing nothing…… Say something!”

“Ah” Zhang Siyi reacted suddenly to his mother’s words. Red faced he said: “Thank you for today. You are welcome to visit my house anytime.”

Gu Yu looked at him with a smile and said, “Well, I wish you a happy new year in advance.”

Zhang Siyi: “…… You too.”

When Zhang Siyi arrived back home, he quickly ran upstairs.

“Hey! What are you doing in a hurry? Let’s put away the things first and have lunch!” Zhang Siyi’s Mother yelled up the stairs.

Zhang Siyi: “I, I, I’ll take a quick fifteen minutes shower first! I’ll be quick.”

Zhang Siyi’s Father was warming his hands holding a hot cup of tea. He was about to get up and call the housekeeper to start the meal, but he heard them yelling so he sat back down with a frown: “What happened? Did he get carsick? Why is he taking a shower now?”

Mother Zhang rubbed her hands together for warmth: “No. Sisi looked fine. We took longer because I had a short talk with Gu Yu. He dropped Sisi off in a Lexus. He said Gu Yu bought the car with his own money! He is so young but can afford a car like that. He is really good!”

Zhang father lowered his eyes and turned the newspaper away from his face and said: “Making money is not a good measure of whether someone is good or not. The key is a persons’ intelligence and stability. Since he can be as rash as you are, he is definitely your son, but I know with guidance and patience he will become well-grounded.

Mother Zhang smiled: “If I am so hot tempered, then weren’t you rash for marrying me? As soon as we look at our good fortune in life, we are free from worry and can look forward to our next life.”

Zhang Siyi’s Father coughed once and went back to reading his newspaper. Even though he didn’t say anything, his expression was full of pride.

Even though Zhang Siyi showered in record time, the nerves that had been tense all day relaxed. He dried himself off and got dressed. Picking up the dirty cloths, he looked at the garment that caused so much shame and felt irritated. He was trying to deal with it when he heard his Mother shouting: “Sisi! Are you ready? The food is getting cold!” Blushing, Zhang Siyi hurriedly shoved the soiled underwear under his pillow then went downstairs.

Since it was early enough in the day, the meal for lunch was relatively simple. When his Father asked him about work, Zhang Siyi finally had something to brag about. He told him about the various tasks and project related work he has completed. He especially went into detail about the C-City project, however they ended up in a debate.

Zhang Siyi’s Father was quite dissatisfied with Chief’s style of city planning. He feels that there is nothing to be proud of by the decisions made by the candidates to over-development the area. Since it is the first independent project Zhang Siyi has done since joining the company, it means a lot to him. Not only is it his first project, but Zhang Siyi’s result was also due to the competition with his peer. In private, they debated about the situation in C-City, but he is only an architect and not a politician. He can only make the best design under the existing conditions and can’t interfere with the political and upper decision-making. His Father’s disdain made Zhang Siyi feel very depressed. Internally he thought: “Can’t he just affirm my efforts and achievements?”

After the meal, his father asked him to watch the political news with him. Even though Zhang Siyi didn’t want to, he couldn’t refuse his Father’s request. However, because he was angry with his father, he didn’t have anything positive to say and they ended up bickering more. Since Zhang Siyi so rarely argued with his Father, he stared at him in wonder. Originally, his Father wanted to establish a connection with Zhang Siyi, but his fatherly image crumbled: “You’re stupid. You think politics are so simple!” With that, the conversation abruptly ended. It’s no use talking to a wall.

Not caring how his father felt, Zhang Siyi snorted and left the living room. His freedom was won, and he went upstairs to his bedroom happily, eager to check-up on his friends and colleagues on social media. They are all at home and there is an endless supply of news to read from the various chat groups he is in.

Lu Qiao posted pictures of his hometown and Bi Lele took photos of herself at a shopping center with her girlfriends. Zhu Hongzhen’s hometown was in the north so there were pictures of the snow fortress he built as well as photos of him outside wrapped up in snow. Zhang Siyi made sure to send positive comments to his colleagues. He also checked up on his other friends. They were exchanging information about their year-end awards, wages, and the current industry situation.

Su Yuan: “Oh, my God! We only received a half-month’s salary for the end-of-the-year bonus! So little! I want to change job!”

Ren Meng: “In my small company, you don’t get anything!”

Jiang Hai: “We also made less this year. I heard from a senior that in the past his year-end bonus was equal to a year worth of salary! When will the industry’s low tide pass? Otherwise there won’t be enough money to marry a wife!” Because of his steady relationship with Tian Jiang, she was also in the chat group.

Tian Jiang sent a laughing expression into the chat: “It’s simple! You come to our house. Son-in-law.”

Jiang Hai: “…”

When seeing their cute banter, Zhang Siyi is reminded of Fu Xinhui’s situation at home with his own brother-in-law. Seeing no messages from Fu Xinhui in the chat group, he started to feel a little worried and sent him a private message. “Hey! Are you at home? How’s it going? How’s Cheer-Up?” After a long time, Zhang Siyi received a voice message from Fu Xinhui. The background was very noisy: “Not so good. I can’t chat now. I will call you later to elaborate.”

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