Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 60: Brother

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Since he was directed to work in succession, Zhang Siyi was too embarrassed to leave the kitchen so he stood by fearing that Gu Yu would ask him for more help.

There isn’t a lot of food; a few green vegetables, a potato, three eggs, some pork, a tomato and some herbs. Zhang Siyi can’t imagine what you can make with so few ingredients.

Gu Yu took the potatoes in his hands, contemplating his next move and said, “Cooking and designing are similar. It’s just a game of combinations and permutations.”

Zhang Siyi: “???”

Gu Yu picked up the kitchen knife and started cutting the potatoes into pieces. He spoke: “There are so different ways to use the ingredients one needs to decide what is the best use of the resource, so none is wasted. Zhang Siyi, if you are the chef with these ingredients, what would you do?”

Mind void of any answers, Zhang Siyi looked blankly at him. There is a relationship between food and design? Is this a test? As the past has proven, Zhang Siyi suspected this is some sort of test. In order to avoid digging himself a huge pit, he wants to say: “You are so good, then you do it!” …Yes! He can say that!

However, Gu Yu asked, and Zhang Siyi could only obediently answer. He contemplated the question for a few moments and thought of simple dishes then reluctantly said: “Tomato scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, fried vegetables, braised pork.” It seems that the ingredients can only do this.

“That’s all you can do with these little ingredients.” Gu Yu smiled and commented: “Is it really good to make tomato scrambled eggs with only one tomato and three large eggs?”

Zhang Siyi: “….” It doesn’t matter how suitable it is, you can still eat it!

Gu Yu cut the potatoes, took the pork belly and put it in his hand and measured it. He said: “If the meat is thoroughly cooked, it will shrink. If it was a different cut of meat it would be the same size.” Gu Yu circled a rice bowl.

Zhang Siyi saw Gu Yu looking at himself grinning as if Gu Yu was ridiculing him. Zhang Siyi wanted to scream. You said that you are doing it for me!

Gu Yu put the meat on the cutting board. With a kitchen knife he cut four quarters, and then cut the remaining three-quarters into pieces, and the potatoes seemed to be exactly one to one. Then he sliced the quarter of the meat he measured and placed it next to the evenly beaten eggs. Finally, he cut the tomato into small pieces and put it in a small bowl then placed it next to the egg. Watching Gu Yu Zhang Siyi still doesn’t understand completely.

While he was prepping the ingredients, Gu Yu put a pot of water on the stove to boil. From the top of the cabinet, he took out a box of starch and gave it to Zhang Siyi.

“Hey, do you want this to thicken or use it to coat the meat?” Zhang Siyi asked.

Gu Yu gawked at him: “You know all this?” Looks like you can cook, too.

Zhang Siyi: “……” Shit! Exposed!

Gu Yu was very happy and handed him the boiled meat piece directly to him: “I’ll leave the coating to you.”

Starch has the effect of tenderizing meat. If the raw meat is coated in starch and then fried, the taste will become smoother and more tender. However, too much on the meat will cause the starch to become a paste wrapped around the meat and thus ruining the taste.

At Gu Yu’s command, Zhang Siyi clenched his jaw and felt that he was way too comfortable at telling him what to do.

With a ‘sizzle’, Gu Yu began making the first dish; fried eggs with minced meat.

The strips of meat that was coated in starch was placed on the bottom of the pot to be fried crispy. Then, green onion, cooking wine and soy sauce was added to the pan. Lastly, half the egg liquid was dropped into the pan and the kitchen was overflowing with a pleasant aroma.

When Zhang Siyi turned around, he saw Gu Yu turning the pot to flatten the eggs, and the expression of concentration was the same as when he was designing. Even though it was hot, and the kitchen became smoky, the scene before Zhang Siyi made him think that Gu Yu looked gentler and more amiable.

The golden minced omelet was placed on the side of the pot, but Gu Yu didn’t stop there. He grabbed the meat prepared by Zhang Siyi to make the next dish and started braising the potato slices.

 Watching him for a little while, Zhang Siyi couldn’t help but ask: “When did you learn to cook?”

The roar from the range hood was loud and Gu Yu did not hear clearly. Zhang Siyi got closer and asked again.

Gu Yu smiled and said: “From an early age.”

Zhang Siyi: “How young were you?”

Gu Yu: “In Junior high school. My parents were very busy at that time, so I did my own cooking.”

Zhang Siyi was shocked. At such a young age he was already self-reliant. Not only was Gu Yu cooking for himself every day, but he also took the number 1 position in high school and entered Big T University. Compared to himself, as a child with nothing to worry about, there was never anything for him to do!

Gu Yu said again: “I have a younger sister that is one year younger than you. When I was in junior high school, she was only in elementary school. She had to rely on me to cook for her.”

Zhang Siyi gawked: “You have a sister!? What about your family?”

Gu Yu: “Yes. My parents were fined a lot of money, so I always joked that she was buying food to deliver.”

That being said, Zhang Siyi found that when Gu Yu mentioned his sister, both his tone and expression were gentle.

None of these dishes added vinegar, but Zhang Siyi smelled something sour… Why didn’t he have a big brother like Gu Yu?

Zhang Siyi asked: “So, what is she doing now?”

Gu Yu: “My sister? She is still in college.”

Zhang Siyi: “Where is she studying? What program?”

This time, Gu Yu did not answer right away. He put in some garlic and stirred the green vegetables before turning his head to look at Zhang Siyi. He asked, “I am so curious. Do you want to be my brother-in-law?”

Zhang Siyi： “…………” Fuck off!

Finally, with the rest of the egg and tomato, Gu Yu made a small bowl of tomato soup for two.

In less than an hour, three dishes and one soup were brought to the table by Zhang Siyi. The seemingly too few ingredients were transformed into a hearty meal prepared by Gu Yu.

Zhang Siyi looked at the table covered in fragrant food. Mouth salivating, stomach rumbling; can’t wait to eat: “Boss! Come eat”

Gu Yu washed his hands, suddenly remembered what, and from the cupboard under the bucket he removed an old wine jar.

Outside the kitchen, Zhang Siyi did not wait for his response and instead ran back over and asked: “What are you doing?”

He saw Gu Yu put a small pot on the gas stove and ignite it. There was a slight smell of distiller’s grains in the air, and it gradually became thicker and thicker.

“What did you just call me?” Gu Yu asked.

“Ah?” Zhang Siyi was curious about what he was doing so he wasn’t really thinking about it deeply. With a half-hearted reply he said “Boss?”

While holding the handle of the pot, he wasn’t is a hurry to adjust the stove temperature. He raised is brow: “In private you are also calling me Boss?”

Zhang Siyi: “Ah? Isn’t that your name? Than what do I call you?”

Watching Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu grinned with a faint smile and stated: “Call me Gege**.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” …..o////o…..

When Gu Yu says such things to him in all seriousness Zhang Siyi is confused. Does he really want to be called brother? Is he flirting? Or is he joking? What does he really want? Zhang Siyi felt uncomfortable and blushed than changed the topic: “What are you cooking?”

Trying to change the subject in this way is too obvious. Gu Yu saw him turn bright red, but luckily for Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu didn’t continue to tease him and answered truthfully:” Since its cold, I’m preparing a hot drink for us to warm up.”

Zhang Siyi inhaled deeply through his nose and smelled the wine. His eyes were getting brighter and brighter: “What kind of wine is this? It smells good! What supermarket is it from?”

Gu Yu: “It’s homemade rice wine made by me.”

Zhang Siyi looked at Gu Yu like a rare animal and was surprised: “You can still make wine?”

“What’s so hard about making rice wine? It can be brewed with glutinous rice and koji.” Gu Yu briefly told him about the process of brewing rice wine, what type of rice, cooking, cooling, mixing….. A process for people who have not been exposed to brewing at all is extremely complex. However, in Gu Yu’s view it’s as easy to do as making rice with a rice cooker. So simple!

Zhang Siyi is really curious: “You are usually very busy with work staying late in the company. Where is there so much time?”

Gu Yu took the stained chopsticks and dipped them into the wine to test the temperature again. He turned off the fire and answered Zhang Siyi: “I’m not chatting with friends online.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

This man really does not forget to point out his faults all the time! Since he got to work, he rarely chatted with his friends on social media anymore!

Finally, it’s time to eat dinner. Gu Yu took two small glasses out and poured the wine. He put the hot pan on a wood block on the table and a handmade cotton pad was used to keep the wine warm.

After gently tapping the glasses for a toast, Zhang Siyi was going to say a few words of thanks, but he didn’t expect Gu Yu to immediately drink the whole glass.

“Hey, the temperature is just right.” Gu Yu whispered.

Well, Zhang Siyi is not convinced. He put the wine glass to his lips to test it. The temperature of the wine is slightly higher than that of his tongue. Swallowing the wine, it tastes sweet and intoxicating. When the cup goes down, only the limbs are warm. After a few more words, it seemed like Gu Yu didn’t want to talk while eating, so Zhang Siyi quietly ate his meal.

Initially, Zhang Siyi thought he would be very nervous eating with Gu Yu. He didn’t expect the atmosphere to be so relaxed.

This is quite different from the ease of eating with Fu Xinhui. When together with Fu Xinhui, they will talk a lot about things. It is better to say that they are eating through the process of talking.

However, eating with Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi feels that he is enjoying the meal itself. With every sip of wine, he drinks and every dish he tastes he is over filled with happiness.

Regardless of whether the insulation in the old house is very good or not, Zhang Siyi can hear the howling wind outside. When the north wind gusts, it whistles through the gaps between the houses. But their environment in which they were located was so warm that even the expression on Gu Yu face was warm and beautiful. When he met the other person eyes, it was like he could see through time.

This is his first time in half a year to experience this feeling. He didn’t when Fu Xinhui and Jiang Hai rented a house together. He didn’t when he got payed the first time. He didn’t when he received his first bonus.  Although he is optimistic, in his heart, he always felt restless and uneasy.

For the first time, he felt calm and stability and it was because of the simple meal that Gu Yu cooked for him. At this moment, it seems that no matter how windy and rainy outside, as long as he is with Gu Yu, he will not be afraid of anything.

Immersed in the sense of security, Zhang Siyi didn’t want this moment to end.

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The author has something to say: [Flower arrangement.]

 Last night had a dream, dream to Gu Xiao Hand pinch a piece of cake tease four aunts, four aunt jumped feet up to eat, after eating put gu Xiao’s hand licked again … Be sweet and silly.

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T/N:  gege : (哥哥) The direct translation to English is elder brother but there are deeper implications to the word not culturally equivalent in English. Not only does it mean Brother in Chinese, but in the context of the novel, the word also means a mature and handsome man, wanting an emotional connection, adoration….  Similar to ‘Oppa’ in Korean, girls can call a boyfriend Gege.

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 59: Assistant

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Feeling ecstatic, Zhang Siyi’s face was hot and his heart was sweet. He rushed over to get into the car with Lu Qiao following. Gu Yu gently patted Lu Qiao shoulder and encouraged him: “You have done very well.”

Lu Qiao clasped his hands into one fist and with a praying motion he looked brightly at Gu Yu: “Then we have a holiday tomorrow?”

Nodding, Gu Yu said: “Let’s go! When we get back to the company will be able to pack up things in the afternoon.” Lowering his voice, he said: “In fact, every employee who stays until the last day can get a red envelope of 500 yuan with approval. I’ll let them give it to you in advance.”

“Yeah!” Lu Qiao excitedly jumped into the car and punched Zhang Siyi in the shoulder.”

“Ow! ow!”…… You’re crazy!”

As usual, the Chinese meal destination was arranged by the City officials and unlike previously, they went to the local hotel located in the center of the city. Perhaps for the Secretary, the feast in the hotel is more formal and classier, ​​but Zhang Siyi, who is used to eating at hotels, feels that the meal isn’t as good as a homemade one.

After the meal, they rushed back to Haicheng and arrived at the company in the evening. Lu Qiao was first to pack up his things and receive the red envelope for New Year’s then he said goodbye to Zhang Siyi. The added holiday days are counted after the year and the next meeting won’t be until after the Lantern festival.

While packing up his desk, Zhang Siyi was thinking about Gu Yu proposition and payed attention to the movement behind him. Does he discuss his stay over with Gu Yu? When does he go to his house? Do they eat dinner together? Where will he sleep? Does he need to bring anything? And so on. He has been waiting for Gu Yu to come out first so he can ask in a more roundabout way.

When Gu Yu left his office, he saw Zhang Siyi motionless at his desk: “Why haven’t you gone back?” Zhang Siyi hurriedly got up, opened his mouth to say something. Gu Yu didn’t give him the chance to respond. He raised his eyebrows in question: ”Or do you want to come home with me today?”

Zhang Siyi: “… I didn’t!”

Why can this guy say such flirtatious things without batting an eyelid!?

Gu Yan smiled and walked with Zhang Siyi together out of the office. He said: “Go back home and rest in the evening. Tomorrow get up and pack your luggage then clean the house. Since the holiday time is long and the weather in Haicheng is humid, make sure to wash and pack up the linens so they will be ready to use when you return.”

Zhang Siyi listened in silence, inexplicably feeling that Gu Yu’s words were beyond the scope of a boss’s concern, but more like a close brother, or a master… cough. “I know.” He commented, interrupting him.

Gu Li immediately stopped. He didn’t realize he was talking to Zhang Siyi. He smiled and said: “I have forgotten that you have lived here for so many years and your self-care ability should still be there.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

As the two entered the elevator, Gu Yu continued: “I have a younger classmate, who is very smart, but an idiot. Last year, he graduated and went to Haicheng to rent a small house. The winter months aren’t like the capital. He doesn’t pay much attention to personal hygiene. Last year, he returned to his hometown of Shandong. When he came back, he called me and said that his family’s quilt pillows were all hairy and green.”

Zhang Siyi: “Hey!”

Thinking of the scene, convulsing, Gu Yu laughed out loud.

Zhang Siyi was also laughing at the same time. Seeing Gu Yu like this, Zhang Siyi knew that his concerns are not only directed at himself. Zhang Siyi thinks he probably is like this with everyone.

Exiting the building, Gu Yu said: “OK, when you are finished tomorrow, give me a call,” and waved his hand goodbye to him.

Zhang Siyi returned home and went downstairs with Fu Xinhui to eat and talk about the New Year’s plan.

“When are you going back to your own house? You’re supposed to be there for the new year, aren’t you?” Asked Zhang Siyi.

Fu Xinhui: “Of course. I went back yesterday, but we haven’t had our meal yet, so I waited for you.”

Zhang Siyi smiled and said: “What are you, my mother? You didn’t need to wait for me. What about Cheer-Up?”

Fu Xinhui glanced at him and addressed him without reproach: “I’ll bring him with me by car.” Although his sister hates dogs and his mother has some allergies he is uncertain. However, since Cheer-Up is still small, and he isn’t shedding much, Fu Xinhui thinks it’ll work out fine, especially if dog stays in his room.

After he finished his thoughts, he asked about Zhang Siyi’s plans. When hearing Zhang Siyi was going back with Gu Yu to Ningcheng, he didn’t say anything about it. He only nodded and offered a toast: “Happy New Year in advance!”

Zhang Siyi raised his Cup: “Well, Happy New Year! Wishing us all the best in the coming year!

Early the next morning, while Zhang Siyi was still asleep, Fu Xinhui took Cheer-Up and left first. Like Gu Yu said, he cleaned up everything. After hanging up his washed clothes and bedding to dry on a rack in the living room, it was three o’clock in the afternoon. At this point, he felt is was still too early to call Gu Yu. Instead he checked over the apartment once more then rummaged through his closet to take out his most handsome and expensive down jacket. Thinking about New Years, he went to take a hot bath. When he was finished it was close to five o’clock, almost time for dinner and a good time to call Gu Yu.

When the phone rang twice, it was connected, and Zhang Siyi said he was all packed and ready to leave.

Gu Yu asked: “Do you have a lot of luggage? Do you want me to pick you up?”

Surprised Zhang Siyi replied: “No I have a roller-suitcase. I’ll take a taxi over.”

Gu Yu: “OK, I send the address to you over WeChat.”

Zhang Siyi opened the phone and looked at the message he sent: “xxx road xx get far Mountain Garden 28.”

Zhang Siyi opened the phone and looked at the message that Gu Yu sent him: “Zhong Road xx, 28 Yuanshan Garden”

Shit! Yuanshan Garden? Isn’t that the famous villa area of ​​Haicheng?

Last time, when Gu Yu mentioned the area where he lived, Zhang Siyi vaguely associated it with Yuanshan Garden. I didn’t expect it to be there!

The section of the garden was built in the 1920s and 1930s. It belonged to the border crossing area and there were many foreign nationals and celebrities living there. The villas of Yuanshan Garden combine Chinese style with national architectural styles. There are some unique features. Some of the celebrities’ former residences have been developed and reorganized into local cultural and tourist attractions. They are also open to the public. This street is often used as a backdrop in photography shoots and films.

However, most of the houses there belong to the government. They are leased to merchants or commercial businesses by the government. Even if they have money, they may not be able to live there. Remembering Gu Yu mentioning it’s his friend’s house, Zhang Siyi is surprised. Does Gu Yu’s friend have such a background?

Soon the taxi came, and he was on his way. Gu Yu sent him a message. The house isn’t easy to find, so he will wait outside on the street for him.

All the way from his place to Gu Yu’s, Zhang Siyi follows the navigation. His curiosity is piqued. After the last turn, he sees Gu Yu wearing a blue-grey coat standing on the side of the road in the distance. Behind him is a is a Chinese-style mansion with French neoclassical style. The pure white walls, exquisite wall columns and engraved line corners make the perfect scenery for a perfect picture of the most handsome person.

Seeing Zhang Siyi getting out of the care, Gu Yu waved at him. Following Gu Yu, they finally arrived at building 28. The Shikumen style entrance is very small and crowded in the middle by the two adjacent buildings so it’s difficult to find.

After entering the gate, there was a small yard with moss climbing up the stone walls and a stone road. At 5 o’clock in the evening, it was a little dark. Zhang Siyi looked around in a circle and vaguely saw a big water tank in the corner of the yard. Nothing else was clear. Gu Yu has already opened the door to greet him. Entering the door to change shoes, Gu Yu put on a pair of elegant cotton ones and passed another to him. He took his suitcase and placed it on the wall.

Zhang Siyi is like a cat who tentatively enters new territory. He is in deep thought and curiously asks: “What about your friend?”

Gu Yu said: “What friend?”

Zhang Siyi: “I thought you told me you were living in a friend’s House.”

Gu Yu crossed his arms and replied: “The house is his, but he doesn’t live here. I live alone.”

Zhang Siyi： “……”

Gu Yu took off his coat and hung it on the hanger. He turned to go inside: “OK, come in, don’t be like a thief standing in the door.”

Zhang Siyi： “……”

Unlike Zhang Siyi’s imagination, this old villa is not a stepping stone that will squeak with muddy gray walls that have not been painted for a few years. It looks like it has been renovated recently.

The floor is covered with carpets, and the plain fabric sofa in the living room has no TV. Instead, it is a row of bookshelves. Standing on the side of the warm-colored floor lamp, the color layout of the space is very comfortable, and it comes from the designer’s hand.

There are a few reeds and cattails in the black long bottle in the corner, which is quite beautiful.

Zhang Siyi turned his head and found a calligraphy word hanging on the wall. It was the first part of the sentence that was hung in Gu Yu’s office. Seeing these words, his tension suddenly increased. It remined him of standing in Gu Yu office waiting for his evaluation and criticism of his own work. It didn’t make Zhang Siyi particularly feel relaxed. He hasn’t quite digested the fact that, Zhang Siyi is completely inside Gu Yu’s territory. Thinking he is surrounded by all things Gu Yu; his heart is racing again! o////o

He doesn’t know what temperature the room is, but he is feeling hot. He put his schoolbag down and unzipped his jacket while silently scolding himself: “Stupid, this isn’t the office. Gu Yu is not your boss. Think of him as an ordinary friend. Stop being so nervous!”

Gu Yu washed his hands and slowly rolled up his high sleeves while watching Zhang Siyi and asked: “What do you want to eat? Can I cook for you?”

Zhang Siyi: “………”

So good, so gentle, the tenderness, such care…… Zhang Siyi feels the full force of Gu Yu’s charm.

“I, I… will it be too much trouble for you? We can eat outside instead.” Zhang Siyi stammered.

Gu Yu replied: “These two days, the restaurants outside have been closed. Anyway, I have some ingredients in the refrigerator. If you don’t mind…”

“I-I, of course I don’t mind!

Zhang Siyi was anxious to take a stand. Gu Xiao nodded, smiled and asked: “Then you sit on your own for a while?”

Zhang Siyi politely: “Do you want to help?”

Under normal circumstances, Zhang Siyi felt that the host would refuse the help of the guests. I didn’t expect Gu Yu to simply bow down and said, “Well, then come over and help me wash the dishes.”

…. What!? I’m just saying it to be polite! Motherfucker!” …… Damn it!

Zhang Siyi took off his hat and jacket and walked over to the kitchen. Since the kitchen was not equipped with warm water equipment, his hands were frozen after washing the dishes for ten minutes.

When his hands started to warm up again after finishing the wash, Zhang Siyi felt like it was almost OK. However, Gu Yu did not give him a break and handed him three eggs: “Break the eggs.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” (╯#°Д°) How can you do this! Aren’t you supposed to cook for me?

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Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 58: Assistant

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Having only discussed Lu Qiao’s plan while they were in the car before arriving, Zhang Siyi was very worried he wouldn’t be able to present the plan to its full potential. His impression of the experience today was relatively profound.

Reporting on actual work is very different from presenting projects in University. While studying, the professor will pay great attention to the design ideas and process in order to guide the student’s thought process in the right direction. However, officials are more concerned with the product and the costs associated with it. It’s apparent that many times a decision is solely based on personal preferences and not based on its appearance or something that is practical and efficient. But no matter what, Zhang Siyi keeps in mind the words that the teacher said during his study; if your speech can’t attract your audience, then your design is equal to failure.

Zhang Siyi was very attentive to his audience while making the presentation. While each image was being projected, he made proper eye contact with the officials and looked for any reactions from them. If they seemed slightly distracted, Zhang Siyi could guess it wasn’t as interesting, so he would quickly move onto the next image. With this method, the audience was in rapt attention and he successfully introduced both design plans without interruptions.

Just after speaking, the directors did not directly express their views. First, they asked Zhang Siyi questions. The first two questions were raised by the Secretary for the Construction Bureau. They were directed at Lu Qiao and Zhang Siyi’s plan. The problems were simple, so Zhang Siyi answered them one by one without problem, but then Secretary Wang asked a difficult question that stumped him.

Director Wang took the a-shaped office building designed by Zhang Siyi and frowned. “I feel that this is not high enough. Can you make it higher?”

Hearing Secretary Wang’s amateur question, Zhang Siyi wanted to vomit blood. He feels extremely irritated, but Zhang Siyi knows that the Secretary isn’t trying to purposely antagonize him. He had the greatest urge to drop the whole notebook of plans on the man’s fat, bald head. Thinking to himself: “Your fucking building area is so big! I already gave you several additional layers and it’s not enough! How high do you want it to be!?”

Zhang Siyi took a deep breath to center his thoughts. Just as he was about to say, “can’t”, Gu Yu interrupted him unexpectedly: “Yes”.

 “…..” Are you fucking kidding me!? (╯#°Д°)╯

They have already discussed this point during the design phase at work. Can you increase the height? Impossible! Director Wang immediately turned to Gu Yu and looked forward to his answer.

Zhang Siyi noticed Gu Yu’s pretending to turn over the task book deeply, and then looked up at them and asked seriously: “Is the three thousand square meter maximum size of the building necessary? Since the building requirements are created by yourselves, can we increase the size? If you can, then it can definitely be taller!”

Zhang Siyi: “….”

Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! He didn’t expect Gu Yu to put the ball into Secretary Wang’s court by changing the conditions. Originally, he thought Gu Yu had a different resolution. Ha-ha-ha! He wants to pat Gu Yu on the back for being so witty.

Secretary Wang thought for a moment: “No. The area of the building is already large enough. Not counting the post office and bank, there are roughly one-hundred people using this office building.

Zhang Siyi heard and was shocked!

Before making this plan, Gu Yu asked Zhang Siyi to check the per capita construction area index of the relevant spaces and government offices at all levels. Since the state has regulations, the office area at the bureau level must not exceed 24 square meters per capita and on the smaller end, the use area is 18 square meters. It is impossible for all the 100 people mentioned by Secretary Wang to be directors. Most ordinary employees can only enjoy an office area of ​​5 square meters per person. Well, even if it is calculated according to the director’s standard, 100 people multiplied by 24 squares is 2,400 square meters which is still less than 3,000.

Mahler Gobi, is this chief Wang the mother of Satan? For an exorbitant large area to make even larger is preposterous. It’s too difficult to live and work in that environment. No wonder C-City is an empty city. The source is here!

Gu Yu appears so calm, Zhang Siyi wonders if he is also mentally calculating and assessing the situation. After listening to Secretary Wang, Gu Yu asked puzzled: “It’s unreasonable with less than one-hundred users occupying more than three-thousand meters. According to your staff configuration and our current office floor Planning, at least seven or eight floors are empty.”

Secretary Wang chuckled out loud: “So, after it is built, let’s advertise and rent it! When the first few layers are rented, we can occupy the top!”

He pointed to the a-shaped scheme, and finally gave the first opinion today: “I think this program is quite good. I like it very much. A is the first letter in the English alphabet and it means good. The top of the A is small. When there are many independent offices, there is less room for each.

Gu Yu nodded and said: “Does the government have enough of a budget to cover the cost of this office building? The height of our design has reached the limit of the secondary fire rating of the civil office building. According to the regulations, this should be the most economical way. If Secretary Wang wants it to be a little higher, then the whole building will have to be built according to the first-class fire resistance requirements of a type of high-rise building. It is necessary to increase the cost. If you feel that this is acceptable, the design is very flexible. We can add steel columns directly to the floor and give you an intermediate overhead….”

“No, no, no,” Secretary Wang wiped his sweat and interrupted Gu Yu. He strained a smile: “This is already the most economical way. Why didn’t you say so earlier!”

Gu Yu smiled and continued: “You did not ask. Secretary Wang, we must design it to be the most suitable for your standards.” He said, pointing to the slide. Zhang 3d’s overview map and explained, “In fact, when this fifteen-story building is built, it will look much higher.”

Secretary Wang: “Eh, why?”

With his excellent salesman skills, Gu Yu continued to explain: “I will give you an example. When you stand on the ground and look up at a skyscraper, do you think it is tall? The higher the building is, the more the top appears smaller as if it pierces the sky, right?” While talking, Gu Yu raised his hands a little part with his palms facing each other. He slowly tilted his fingertip inwards to touch and become an A-shape.

Director Wang nodded again and again: “Yes, yes, this is the truth!”

Maintaining his hand position, Gu Yu smiled: “The bottom of our design is much bigger than the top. When you look up at the building, the natural A-shape effect will superimpose itself onto the engineered A-shape effect making it appear even taller.

At this moment, Director Wang has been completely taken away by Gu Yu’s thoughts. He suddenly realized: “It turned out to be the case!”

Listening on the side, Zhang Siyi admired Gu Yu’s art of speech.

From the very beginning, Gu Yu repeatedly proposed conditions that they couldn’t change. Then when the officials felt hopeless, he suddenly gave them an alternative solution which made the atmosphere turn around. Secretary Wang also followed suit.

Zhang Siyi thought carefully. If you change the order of the propositions, the officials probably wouldn’t have been able to accept it. If the visual effect was proposed first, the officials might not want something perceived as false. However, when they were backed into a corner by Gu Yu questions, they naturally would feel upset and thus, an alternate resolution is achieved.

Gu Yu said to Wang, “When it is completed, if Secretary Wang feels that the height is still not enough, we can add a little extra height to the top of the building with a LED advertising screen or something like a large steel frame cap. These aren’t counted in the structural height”

Secretary Wang put a smile on his face and picked a plan on the spot: “OK, do it according to this plan!”

Zhang Siyi was staring intently at Gu Yu and felt his admiration grow.

“And who’s is it… Mr. Zhang!”, laughing, Secretary Wang’s voice pulled back Zhang Siyi’s thoughts: “And to think Mr. Zhang was so nervous. You have a promising future!”

Zhang Siyi: “….”

The atmosphere in the conference room was relaxed at once. Everyone stood up and shook hands and thanked each other.

Secretary Wang touched his stomach: “Gu Yu, you have made a long and hard report to us without a break for two hours. Bring your assistants and let’s go have a meal together.”

Several leaders went downstairs first. Lu Qiao picked up the notebook brought by the company with the help of the secretary. Seeing that Zhang Siyi was still sitting on the side, he walked over and touched his elbow: “So?”

“I…” Zhang Siyi pointed to his nose, and later he said, “They chose my plan?” (⊙_⊙)

Lu Qiao nodded: “yes!”

Zhang Siyi: ” % ￥#@……”

(#°Д°) …… (⊙_⊙) …… (≧w≦)

No, no, he needs to calm down! (&_&)

Ah, ah… I can’t calm down completely!!! ~\(≧▽≦)/~

Although Secretary Wang was an idiot, his plan was chosen!!!

Wait, if Zhang Siyi own plan is selected, does it mean that Lu Qiao’s plan fell short? Will he be upset?

Zhang Siyi quickly put away his proud smile, pretending to ask Lu Qiao modestly: “Well, I was super nervous, do you think I spoke well?””

Lu Qiao gave a thumbs up and seriously praised him: “It was really great! I really admired you. Fortunately, the boss let you go up for me. You won the battle and this old lady was willing to go down!”

Seeing Lu Qiao positive spirit and acceptance, Zhang Siyi smiled again. He excitedly grabbed Lu Qiao’s shoulder: “Then we can work on the details of my project together!”

Lu Qiao’s small body was shaken by Zhang Siyi, and he wrinkled his face in pain: “The king is defeated and willing to serve you!”

The two talked and laughed in the underground parking area. Gu Yu stood by the car waiting for them. He held his arm and smiled at Zhang Siyi’s direction, urging: “The little assistant, how slow! Hurry it up. Let’s eat.”

Zhang Siyi: “….”

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