Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter: 21 Business Trip

__________________________

When Zhang Siyi returned home that night, it was almost ten o’clock.

As he was traveling on the subway, he received the booking information about his flight from the personnel department. The flight is at 7:05 tomorrow morning.

He threw himself on the bed feeling like the day was a dream. This morning, he was still struggling with his work content and how to address Gu Yu about it. Instead, he is going to travel with him tomorrow morning!

The phone buzzed. Zhang Si Yi saw a stranger’s ID and was about to delete it thinking it was more spam messages. Luckily, he caught a glimpse of the message – ” remember to arrive at the airport 45 minutes in advance, do not be late.”

Zhang Siyi glanced, quickly sat up, got out the business card that Gu Yu gave him during the interview and compared. It really is the number of Gu Yu!

He immediately returned the text. “Yes” then put the other party into his address book.

Arriving at the airport 45 minutes in advance means that he must arrive before 6:20. Thinking backwards that means with time for the subway, he must get up at 5:10 at the latest! Zhang Siyi dares not dawdle. He got up swiftly to rummage through his belongings to find his camera, then plugged it into the outlet to charge the battery. After, he went to the bath for a quick shower.

In the shower, he thought of another question: how long does it take to visit the area on this business trip? The project time is so urgent, can they come back that day?

After returning to the bedroom, Zhang Siyi grabbed the phone and sent a message to Gu Yu: “Will we spend the night there?”

After five or six minutes, the other party replied: “At least one night.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

He would have to bring a change of clothes!

Zhang Si Yi grabbed some underwear and t-shirts and stuffed them into a bag. He then realized if he ended up sharing a room with Gu Yu he didn’t want to be sleeping in just underwear. He also packed extra pants to sleep in. Zhang Siyi was so busy all day his body feel fatigued, but his mind is still racing. He felt really excited about the upcoming trip and couldn’t get himself to fall asleep. Already past midnight, Zhang Siyi habitually opened the phone and checked his chat groups online. He felt bored doing so. With swift thumb movements he entered in Gu Yu mobile phone number into the search page. There is an avatar of a calligraphy brush “Gu” and the “Quiet Zhiyuan” that he has in his office. That must be Gu Yu!

Zhang Siyi hesitated for a moment, then boldly clicked “add”. After a bit, the information page showed they were friends and could start chatting. Gu Yu passed the verification but there was no other reaction.

Zhang Si Yi’s heart jumped. Looked at the confirmation, then thought the polite thing to do is say hello to his superiors so he asked: “you are not asleep?”

Gu Yu: “I double checked the flight information, why don’t you sleep? Still online chatting with friends?”

Zhang Siyi: “…no, I am going to sleep.”

Gu Yu: “Oh, It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow so get to sleep. Don’t come complaining to me about how tired you are.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” he shouldn’t have added him to WeChat! ”

Good night!  Zhang Siyi lay down with his eyes closed for a while but could not fall asleep. The gossip factor in his mind was moving around excitedly – he just added Gu Yu’s WeChat and wanted to find out more about him.

He picked up the phone again, then shrunk back into his covers and opened Gu Yu avatar.

With a quick scan, Zhang Siyi’s hopes fell through. Gu Yu has made very few posts mostly related to architectural design or forwarding articles.

Only twice had he made a more private remark. Once was 1.5 ago, Gu Yu patted a roadside wildcat, described as “cute kitten”. Zhang Siyi can’t see his mood and state. The second time is a half year ago. He posted a picture of the cactus when small ball was still attached to it. Gu Yu’s description of them is “new life.”

Zhang Si Yi made a frown at the phone. It wasn’t very interesting, so he turned off the phone to sleep.

At 5 o’clock the next morning, the alarm woke up Zhang Siyi. He got up quickly, washed, grabbed his stuff, and hurriedly left. He didn’t have time to talk to Fu Xinhui.

At 6:10 in the morning, Gu Yu called Zhang Siyi and asked him where he was.

“I am out of the subway! I will be there soon!” Zhang Siyi grabbed the mobile phone and walked out of the subway station, but his luck wasn’t so great. The station near the airport was under construction. It looked like a disaster zone.

Gu Xiao seems to hear Zhang Siyi stumbling, indicating: “Go along the ground deformation seam, then turn right and turn again.”

Zhang Siyi: ”???”

Zhang Siyi didn’t understand Gu Yu directions at all. He noticed the temporary detour sign and walked faster. Finally, he saw the airport entrance and rushed over. Still holding onto the phone, he said “I’m here! Where are you?”

Gu Yu: “I am at the ‘departure level’, the junction of area c and d.”

Fortunately, Zhang Siyi was familiar with the airport and quickly went to the location with the fastest speed. He saw Gu Yu standing there.

Gu Yu was wearing a windproof jacket today with a black shirt inside, crocheted autumn scarf around his neck, retro black casual shoes, backpack in one hand and a mobile phone in the other talking. He doesn’t look like an architect, but like a college student instead.

Zhang Siyi waved his hand and rushed over. With a slight frown, Gu Yu hung up the mobile phone. The two of them hurriedly got in line to check in.

After a morning of anxiously, rushing around, Zhang Siyi sat down with sweat all down his back. He couldn’t move, and his calf leg started to cramp. It was only after the flight attendant pushed the cart for breakfast and a cup of instant hot coffee, that he could start to relax.

Gu Yu folded his scarf and asked slowly: “What did you want to tell me yesterday afternoon?”

Zhang Siyi stunned and reacted. Gu Yu was asking about the conversation they had not been able to continue yesterday.

He felt a little guilty. He was being cocky. After he saw all the talented colleagues working hard yesterday, he no longer felt so self-important. Everyone is better than him. Everyone is more capable than him, and more diligent and hardworking. What other qualifications does he have to be picky?

Zhang Siyi shook his head and found an excuse to put off the past indiscriminately.

Gu Xiao also did not continue to press, after a while, suddenly said: “I saw your circle of friends on the subway today.”

Zhang Siyi was shocked. Gu Yu looked through his postings? He tried desperately to remember if he sent anything strange and wondered if the work plan photos sent a few days ago be a little silly.

Unexpectedly Gu Yu said: “You have been to many places.”

“Oh…” Indeed, before he returned to China, he went to several countries in Europe and took photos and posted them to his social media account frequently. However, there isn’t much currently.  Zhang Siyi smiled twice and said, “It’s just a matter of walking.”

“Is there really a tortoise under the porch column of the Holy Family Cathedral? “asked Gu Xiao.

“Yes, a turtle or a tortoise.” Zhang Siyi, he replied. He remembers the surprise when he first saw the cathedral in Spain. The cathedral facades were so detailed and complex. The interior columns so magnificent and the whole space was spectacular. Gu Yu’s questions spurred Zhang Siyi on. He excitedly talked about his travels. 

Gu Yu listened to him carefully, smiled: “You seems to remember quite a lot.”

Zhang Si Yi suddenly a little speechless?

Gu Yu said again: “Although most of the posts have very boring content, but the photos you take are pretty good; composition ratio is good.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Gu Yu turned towards him and said: “But, to tell you the truth, you aren’t very photogenic. In the future, don’t take a selfie.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Gu Yu continued: “Besides, the frequency with which you have recently made posts have decreased. Overtime is good for you.

Zhang Siyi mad Chatting with friends is too much? Why does Gu Yu keep bringing this up? Zhang Siyi isn’t at the office, why does he have to endure his endless poison tongue ah!

He couldn’t help but fight back: “I also looked at your circle of friends.”

Gu Xiao provoked eyebrows: “Oh?”

Zhang Siyi: “Don’t you have a personal life other than work?”

He summed up the content of Gu Yu’s circle of friends. Is he just focused, or a boring person?

Gu Yu glanced at him and smiled and asked: “Do you want to know more about my private life?”

Zhang Siyi originally wanted to vomit, but I couldn’t think of it, “I just thought you would send something that was not related to work.”

Gu Yu nodded: “Yes, it’s just that you can’t see it.” He sighed slightly.

Zhang Siyi’s glanced at him. Oh? Is it a group of friends who have set up a separate group?

Sure enough, Gu Yu explained: “Private life is inherently private, and of course it can only be shown to intimate people. You are not my intimate person, why should I let you know what I look like in private?”

Zhang Siyi was dumbfounded. Gu Yu’s completely concise statement erected a clear boundary between them. A boss and his subordinate. Whatever misconceptions he had about being from the same high school were eliminated. He felt isolated.

Zhang Siyi had nothing to say, and sat there in a daze, with a strange sense of loss in his heart.

Gu Yu saw him silent, after a minute, only a euphemism: “I also advise you to send less meaningless posts about food, clothing and shelter. Other than your mother, I think probably no one will remember what you ate a week ago. Life is not for others to see. The frequency of news-posts can only indicate a serious lack of self-identity.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Is this comforting? Why did he not feel comfortable, but more depressed?

The conversation was terminated. Gu Yu leaned against the seat and closed his eyes for the three hours flight. Both got up very early in the morning and the drone of the plane spurred people to sleep.

Until the announcer used the PA system to remind people to get ready for landing, Zhang Siyi was asleep. He didn’t know when he started leaning on Gu Yu and then to his horror, he saw that he drooled.

At that time, Gu Yu was already awake and was calmly turning pages of the magazine on the plane.

Zhang Siyi sat up straight, embarrassed. Gu Yu looked at him and said: “You are very keen to soil my clothes. Coffee, vomit and now saliva. Is there anything else in the future?” Gu Yu’s low voice has an inexplicable attraction. There is a smile in his tone, but he doesn’t know whether it’s ridicule or a joke. No matter what, Gu Yu’s harsh tongue always exists. The difference is, sometimes it makes Zhang Siyi irritated and other times, it lets him blush.

Zhang Siyi whispered a few “sorry”, scrambled to take paper towels for him to wipe. If Bi Lele knew drooled and slept on the Boss’s shoulder, he would never hear the end of it.

Getting off the plane, they got a taxi and went straight to the area of development.

On the road, Gu Yu casually talked with the driver and asked him if he knew that the government was planning to build in the eastern New Town area. The driver nodded and spoke with a Minnan accent: “It was on the TV news.”

Gu Xiao: “Do you know what they will build on this land?”

Drivers: “Others carry out the development. Our common people don’t understand. We just make ends meet with a house to live in.”

Gu Yu joked and asked: “If they build houses to live for you, do you think it is good?”

The driver smiled and shook his head: “It’s not good, there is a leading port. There is frequent flooding under heavy rain and it is not safe to live there.”

Gu Yu glimpsed it as they drove by. He and took out a black pocket recorder from his coat and continued asking him questions. Zhang Siyi took out the camera and hung it around his neck, adjusted the shutter and sensitivity, and took a picture of the road that the car passed. Sure enough, the site was very different from the photos he found. Many houses around the site had been demolished, and some areas had new buildings.

The taxi took a while to drive all the way around the 250 Hechter lot, then the two got out of the car. Zhang Siyi isn’t sure if it’s just the day or regular local climate, but it’s wet and gloomy out. Gu Yu opened the mobile phone map and starting walking into the property site with Zhang Siyi following.

There are many houses waiting for demolition at the scene. The internal roads are muddy and wet. The route is chaotic, and the living environment and life style are very poor.

Although Z City is a second-tier city, the degree of development here is not up to standard. It is no wonder that a lot of planning and development are needed.

Zhang Siyi has been taking pictures for more than two hours. Gu Yu occasionally would stop to talk to nearby citizens to find out more about the situation. Most of the questions asked were similar questions as what he asked the taxi driver.

It was hard to get from the southern border to the north border. Zhang Siyi has been tired and thirsty. His two legs felt fatigued. It’s not that he’s physically weak. When he and Fu Xinhui were traveling outside, they didn’t feel tired when they walked away for a day, but now it’s a matter of difference.

Gu Yu saw him looking tired. He checked the time and asked: “Hungry?”

“Hungry! Hungry!” Zhang Siyi’s eyes were beaming, and his stomach was hungry and waiting for Gu Yu to pay for food. Can I finally rest? Can I eat and have good business trip?

Gu Yu looked around and saw a biscuit stand not far away, so he bought two and handed one to Zhang Siyi: “Eat and continue taking pictures.”

Zhang Siyi： “……”

He now understands why yesterday, Gu Yu said that the phrase “Don’t cry”. He is fucking wanting to cry now!

It’s no wonder no one volunteered to go with Gu Yu on a business trip. The rest of the group was relieved. He was too stupid for getting excited all night and thinking that this trip was going to be great. Is this what the designer can do? It’s more tiering than an ox plow!

The two men squatted on the side of the road like migrant workers, eating the snacks and drinking mineral water that they got from the plane ride.

Zhang Siyi glanced at Gu Yu who is deep in thought and wondered why he can be so calm in this environment. After they finish eating, they continue their way.

The two arrived at the leading port that the driver described. Sure enough, due to frequent flooding, the surface water system was bad. Although there was no rain, there were many potholes in the spot. Moreover, the leading port is the most important water system in the region, but the water quality is terrible. The oil and the phytoplankton are scattered all over.

Zhang Siyi took a photo and a heavy feeling came up.

Zhang Siyi can’t quite put his finger on the feeling. Yesterday while looking for photos online he was just a bystander looking into a field separated by time and space. He only regarded it as his work obligations. Perhaps it was the hopes of those residents who they spoke with or Perhaps it was the flood of dirty water, but now after a day of being in the space for real, he feels that he was not just an outsider. A sense of purpose wells up from the bottom of his heart.

Gu Yan stood on the side of the dilapidated river bank and called the people in the company. It seems that the boss of the landscape planning department also came to the scene to see. Hanging up the phone, the two went on. From the time of the flight to 5 or 6 in the evening, the two had not rested except for the ten-minute meal. After a day of non-stop, Zhang Siyi finally finished shooting the photos of the property before dark. At the last minute his camera battery was completely exhausted.

Gu Yu searched on his mobile phone to pick out a budget hotel in the liveliest place in the city center then let the driver know.  By the time they got out of the taxi to arrive at the hotel, Zhang Siyi felt his two legs were not his own.

Zhang Siyi has some complaints in his heart. If they are tired for a day, can they not live better? There is no shortage of money. Because the hotel has both a good location and price, there are no vacant rooms.

Originally, Gu Yu wanted to book two single rooms, but was told that they were all gone. Only standard rooms where left. At least the room was clean and comfortable.

Going into the room and putting his things down Zhang Siyi, feeling dizzy, instinctively went to the nearest bed. He miscalculated the distance and Instead of landing on the bed, he missed the edge by half his body length and slid down onto the floor with his hand grasping the sheets.

Gu Yu couldn’t stop laughing at Zhang Siyi.

__________________________________________

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 20: Patch

____________________

The biggest project Zhang Siyi has ever been connected to was a ten-thousand square meter commercial office building. All he has done on these projects is draw core functions and now suddenly, in front of him appears a hectare unit planning project. He was scared silly.

Tong Heyi said: “From tonight onwards for a total of two and a half days, the two groups need to compete to develop early plot analysis, and planning function positions. After seven days, the Board of Directors will evaluate the work and select a plan to move forward with.

Zhang Siyi was hit by a lightning. Time was already so tight. Why did they have to come out with two sets of plans? Can’t everyone work together to make one set? Everyone did not hear his inner roar and Instead were all eager to try. Thus, for the next 20 days Zhang Siyi witnessed twisted faces that were happy.

Gu Yu said: “The upcoming days will be very hard. Prepare yourself mentally for many hours of overtime.”

After explaining the basic situation of the project, Gu Yu and Tong Heyi respectively designated their respective project team leaders.

Gu Yu points to Ji Feiyu. He is only one year younger than Gu Yu. Although he is not a “one note”, he has relatively rich work experience.

Tong Heyi also chose a young man who looks more mature, called Peng Shuang.

The two groups are waiting for their respective division of labor. Tong Heyi suddenly looked at Zhang Siyi: “Hey, wait, the little guy, he is the British C graduate?”

Zhang Siyi stunned and hurriedly bowed. Tong Heyi extended her index finger and pointed for Zhang Siyi to join his team. He smiled and asked: “Since the analysis of the previous period is two groups of cooperation, do you want to work with Tom in our group? I think you will get along great.”

She was referring to a short foreigner with golden brown hair and grey blue eyes named Tom. Although he is a foreigner, he doesn’t stand out when mixed with a group of Chinese people.

Just listening to Tong Heyi and Gu Yu’s whole project Zhang Siyi wasn’t scared. Tom was just as arrogant as Zhang Siyi, but he did not understand Chinese, so he was sitting there silly and waiting for someone to translate. Zhang Siyi looked to Tom, forced on the enemy, and felt empathy……

Zhang Siyi was flattered and was trying to take up the olive branch that Tong Heyi had thrown, but he heard a voice saying, “No,” Gu Yu held his arm and refused for him without expression. “He is in my department, if he goes to group B, he will be lazy.”

Tong Heyi chuckled with a smile: “Hey, ok. Since it won’t work out.”

Zhang Siyi had a moment to fly freely but was brutally swatted to the group by Gu Yu.

Then, Gu Yu and Tong Heyi discussed some details about the project background with the two than immediately began to distribute the work.

Zhang Siyi is a newcomer. Ji Feiyu does not know what work Gu Yu’s has in mind for him. After all this matter is urgent and everyone needs to use the time more efficiently. For this reason, he specially asked Gu Yu: “Boss Gu, what will Zhang Siyi be doing?”

Gu Yu: “Patch.”

Ji Feiyu: “uh…”

Zhang Siyi A little confused, patch? What the hell is that?

Gu Yu did not explain it and told everyone to get to work immediately. They will meet again at 9 o’clock that night.

Zhang Siyi didn’t think he was going to work overtime this evening! Out of the conference room, he whispered to Zhu Hongzhen: “What is the patch?”

Zhu Hongzhen looked at him sympathetically, whispered: “Miscellaneous work. You help where it is needed.””

Zhang Siyi: “…” status is so low, it’s better to do an analysis with Tom brother!

The task assignment soon came down, and Zhang Siyi was asked to find a map of the location of the project, from a wide range to a small range of progression, and to do basic gray processing, and then collect local historical and cultural information, summed up into the main points … Sure enough, it was all the chores that some junior high school students were capable of.

Once this information is collected, Zhang Siyi only needs to upload the information to the project team within the company. With the shared network, people who need information can access it for their own reference.

Since the job of the ‘Patch’ person is so fragmented, there isn’t much connection with each assigned task. Seeing everyone so busy, Zhang Siyi is curious about what the others are doing.

Taking advantage of a break, Zhang Siyi slid the chair over and looked at Zhu Hongzhen’s screen. He saw the other party building a base model. Drawing the model isn’t anything special but he only looked at the work for a minute and Zhang Siyi felt stupid.

Because the rate at which Zhu Hongzhen is building the model is so fast, Zhang Siyi is surprised. His fat hands move the mouse on the right and his left on the keyboard to create the model. In a blink of an eye, the blocks have risen as if growing on their own and establishing a forest. Zhang Siyi secretly admires the ability of his honest, fat desk-mate.

He watched for a while, then went around to see what Bi Lele and Yuan Zhicheng were doing. Bi Lele was quickly browsing a set of color matching tables. In the background her program was opened, and she was mumbling to herself “waterfront, riverside, coastal, water, water, water… light blue… …grey blue…”

“#…” She reported a set of color codes, repeatedly stressed, “blue, gray blue…”

On the side, Yuan Zhicheng, who was picking up an aqua, green color, looked up and glanced at the color chart on Bi Lele’s screen then scoffed, “tell me earlier”, threw the pen to his pencil case in order to find a few gradient blues, then continued to draw.

The project planned is for the “Riverside Special Economic Zone”. Zhang Siyi understands the main theme of this project is water and Bi Lele is currently working on color concepts.

The architectural design is the building itself. The finished product should represent the harmonious shape and function for the area. Just like a natural beautiful woman who has no need for makeup and costume to capture the eye. Therefore, its considered taboo for professionals to use fancy displays, and high-force text design. Its main color tone will never be more than a few. This kind of monochromatic aesthetic of black, white and grey is what many architects use. Also, presetting the main base color can significantly unify the pre-analysis charts and sketch tones to reduce duplication.

The simultaneous cooperation with Bi Lele and Yuan Zhicheng has been quite amazing. Zhang Siyi was mesmerized by Yuan Zhicheng ability to draw.

By only looking at the scenic photos Zhang Siyi found for reference, Yuan Zhicheng is quickly able to capture the essence of the images and incorporate it into the design plans. With a few pens’ lines and sweeping motions, a scene unfolds like magic. Light blue clouds floating in the sky with architectural perspective, shadows and highlights all give rise to a life-like interpretation of the project. There is no question the talent of the colleague who graduated from a fine arts school.

It is no wonder that Du Rui said his drawings were beautiful. Yuan Zhicheng’s picture were works of art to enjoy in a museum. Looking at them motivated Zhang Siyi to practice drawing.

Zhang Siyi asked, “You are drawing so many pictures at once. Are you going to use them all?”

Yuan Zhicheng didn’t have time to lift head, and he quickly said: “The more you draw the more you will have to pick.”

Zhang Siyi: “Isn’t that wasteful?”

Yuan Zhicheng: “Which drawing is a waste? The process of drawing itself is the creative aspect that stimulates us. Maybe the next picture will lead to more inspiration, right?”

Like the sun shining through dark clouds on a rainy day, Zhang Siyi is reminded of his college professors teaching. The soul of creativity is to just do. Design, work, draw, write, think… inspiration will follow.

As he spoke, Tom in Group B came over, and he smiled at Zhang Siyi, then said to Bi Lele in broken Chinese: “This, the picture, diagram.”

Zhang Siyi helped translate and Tom was very grateful. He immediately explained in English the drawing he completed was the green analysis map and the main street analysis map of the plot.

“Oh! I understand! Aunt Four, you are free? Can you help me scan Tom’s drawings?” Bi Lele handed the drawings to Zhang Siyi.

Zhang Siyi took the papers to the copier. Standing there while waiting, he flipped through the analysis chart of Tom’s drawing. After reading it, the only capital he was proud of was burned and beaten. Zhang Siyi felt woefully inadequate.

At 6: 30 p.m., the team leaders called the members of the project to the dining area to have dinner. Zhang Siyi put down the work at hand and went over to eat. Since most everyone felt pressured and rushed, they took their meals back to their desks to work while eating dinner.

Feeling like a small fry, Zhang Siyi’s isn’t in a hurry. Ji Feiyu passed him, nodded, then let him continue eating slowly.

After Zhang Siyi sat down, he saw Gu Yu and Tong Heyi together not far away. They were discussing the project while eating. The words “land and resources administration” and “government planning instructions” were all words that Zhang Siyi had never heard of.

Zhang Siyi was very upset. He felt like a small boat floating in the sea and the breeze takes him wherever it goes without purpose and meaning of existence.

Feeling dispirited, Zhang Siyi with his head down walked up to the bin to throw his trash away. When he looked up, he saw Gu Yu looking at him thoughtfully as if he had been observing him for a long time. His eyes were straightforward, examining. When the two men’s eyes met, Zhang Siyi was a little embarrassed, but Gu Yu calmly turned away.

Zhang Siyi felt like he had to sneak back to work. He knew that Gu Yu kept track of all his subordinates, but this was the first time he discovered that he was being watched. It made him feel very nervous.

… Is there something that I have not done yet? Is Gu Yu dissatisfied with his performance? Should he have taken his meal to his desk too? Zhang Siyi shook his head, and immediately took the initiative to find Ji Feiyu for more patch work.

At 9 o’clock in the evening, everyone gathered in the conference room for the meeting. Ji Feiyu and Peng Shuang led the discussion and reported to the group.

Zhang Siyi looked at the analysis of both the background and current situation of the project, as well as the city development of the current plot in just a few hours.  Not only has ten people almost completed half of the preliminary analysis work, but also made a power-point presentation thanks to Bi Lele. Zhang Siyi is so stunned!

At this moment, Zhang Siyi discovered that he was not on a small boat but a huge battleship lead by Gu Yu and Tong Heyi. All the talented people here were together for a common goal and ready to set sail.

Gu Yu continued some comments: “There is another problem. The city of Z is currently in a state of high construction. The photos that can be found online aren’t necessarily accurate. Since there are likely changes to the area, we need to go to the scene as soon as possible to conduct site inspections and document the area.” The crowd looked at each other, and everyone’s workload was so much currently, that they couldn’t spare any time at all.

Gu Yu frowned, looked at everyone in the group, then looked at the most idle person, Zhang Siyi and asked: “Do you have a camera?”

Zhang Siyi: “uhm yes…”

Gu Yu: “What brand?

Zhang Siyi thought that Gu Yu wanted to borrow a camera and immediately reported the model and lens: “Canon 5d2, ef24-105, ef70-200.”

A boy who understands photography exclaimed: “nouveau riche!”

Gu Yu nodded and said: “Go back home and prepare your camera and bag. You will come with me tomorrow morning and fly to the city. I’ll make a reservation for the ticket at night and tell you the time later.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

______________________________________

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 19: Rent

__________________

Four thousand a month, twelve thousand a quarter. — Shit. Why is the rent so expensive? ！

Only 9300 was deposited into Zhang Siyi account. Looking at his bank statement, he experienced an unprecedented state of anxiety. Even if he thought about it previously, the reality in front of him made him panic.

Wanting to prove his independence to his parents and not become a burden, Zhang Siyi months ago told them he won’t spend his father’s money. Even worried, Zhang Siyi doesn’t want to ask his parents for money now and he is embarrassed to speak with his classmates who also pay rent.

It’s just so hard. Jiang Hai and Fu Xinhui still rely on their parents. He doesn’t feel comfortable asking for Fu Xinhui’s help because Zhang Siyi has a job. He thinks it’s weird for a working person to borrow money from someone that doesn’t have a job.

Under the pressure of becoming a responsible adult, Zhang Siyi could not help but reflect on his carefree days while he was studying abroad. Even with the high cost of tuition, books, apartment rent, and living expenses, in those years, the silver credit card was just numbers.  Home was like an inexhaustible cash machine. While spending a lot of money, he never thought about what this number meant for his parents. He doesn’t know what it is like to be honest. As long as he graduated from college and if he had a foreign degree then making money was a matter of course. It was only now that he has learned that money isn’t easy to come by and that life is hard.

Going home from work, Zhang Siyi melded into the crowd on the subway. There is no excitement today. Thinking about his rent plus expenses and future cash flow issues, he sighed and felt exhausted. Life must go on. If he can’t move forward, then he only has his own incompetence to blame.

Flashing through the window, Zhang Siyi sees a series of advertisements as the subway zooms down the track. One catches his attention: Sea Merchants Silver Card – No annual fees, no handling fees, apply now! Having experienced the use of credit cards while abroad, he immediately sent a letter to MSC Bank when he got home. He used the card service center to make a consultation call and discovered he could apply for a silver card if he provided a formal work contract and proof of income. His short-lived relief was crushed. When he went to the bank with the relevant information, the representatives told him it takes three weeks to process. Zhang Siyi is going to go crazy. After two days, his rent is due! Biting the bullet, Zhang Siyi can only go back to Fu Xinhui and ask for help.

He decided to give Fu Xinihui six thousand first and keep 3000 for himself for living expenses. He specially invited him downstairs to eat at the small restaurant to eat and discuss things. Fu Xinhui calmly listened, tilted his head and said: “I have already payed the rent for you.”

The rental contract was signed by Fu Xinhui and the landlord. Therefore, Zhang Siyi and Jiang Hai were subletting the room and didn’t need to directly negotiate with the landlord.  Instead, they gave the rent to the Fu Xinhui.

“Ah? “Zhang Siyi stayed,” Why did you hand it in so early?”

Fu Xinhui said: “Generally, payment is due one week in advance.”

Zhang Siyi said: “So why don’t you say so earlier!”

Fu Xinhui looked at Zhang Siyi seemingly saying, ‘do you take me for an idiot?’ “I already knew from your previous payment history that you wouldn’t have money early this time. I don’t like to collect debts. Anyway, don’t worry.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” The feeling of being thoroughly seen through by his friend….

He hastened to make sure that he would pay off the rest of his rent when he was paid next month, and stressed that he applied for a credit card, so he will be able to pay it back as early as three weeks later.

“Well, whatever.” Fu Xinhui waved his hand.

Zhang Si Yi wiped the sweat from his brow. His nouveau rich classmate didn’t know the joys of the worry.

Because of the rent, Zhang Siyi began to subconsciously spend money conservatively. He wouldn’t blink at buying seven or eight specialty drinks at the convenience store. Previously he would buy what he felt like, but now he must make careful calculations and consider what to spend his money on. In order to save money, he decided he needed to start cooking his own meals.

As they say, from poverty to wealth is easy and from wealth to poverty is hard. Zhang Siyi is no exception. Such days made him feel like his current situation was a far cry from the image of an urban white-collar architect that he daydreamed about. But this is real life; cruel; helpless.

Zhang Siyi thought to find respite from his financial woes by looking for some variation at work. If he continued to paint more tedious core functions and parking lots, he will go crazy.

As Su Yuan mentioned, painting these types of details is not his specialty. He wants to do something that was more in line with his educational background.

Zhang Siyi decided, today, when he goes to hand in his assignment to the Director, he was going to muster up the courage to talk to him about his dissatisfaction with the status quo. Maybe Gu Yu will give him something else to do after listening to Zhang Siyi ideas.

“I’ve mentioned this place once before, how come you haven’t changed it yet?” “Gu Yu marked his drawings, eyebrow slightly frowned,” What are you thinking? I can tell you have been distracted today. Don’t you want to go home at night?”

“…” Zhang Siyi had just gathered a little courage to be taken away by Gu Yu’s remark.

“Take it and fix it.” “Gu Yu returned the picture to him with no expression on his face

Silently retreating, Zhang Siyi took the picture, and wanted to cry without tears.

After returning to his desk, Zhang Siyi mulled his thoughts over and decided to bring up the topic with Gu Yu again. One needs to fight for their beliefs! Half an hour later, Zhang Siyi with a modified drawing, a deep breath and soft knock on the glass door, he went to see Gu Yu.

“Come in.” The indifferent and cold voice came from inside. Zhang Siyi’s heart went into his throat, pushed the door open.

“Finished?” Gu Xiao lifted his head from his work with a serious expression on his face. He has already changed the work twice. If there is still something wrong, then he is a failure. Zhang Siyi obediently gave him the drawings. Gu Yu glanced at them and finally nodded his head: “yes.”

Gu Yu rubbed the bridge of the nose and his expression relaxed slightly: “OK, go back and take a good look on your own. It is such a simple thing, and the next time…. I have no patience to teach you repeatedly.”

Zhang Siyi “……”

Gu Yu sees that Zhang Siyi is still sitting and not walking. He looks up again: “What else?”

Zhang Siyi face flushed: “Gu Yu, I have something I want to talk about….”

Gu Yu put down his pen and crossed his arms: “and?”

Zhang Siyi: “I …”

The internal phone on Gu’s desk suddenly rang. He made a slight gesture and picked up the phone: “Now? Well. Ok, I’m coming,” and hung up the phone. “I have to go to the Chief’s office. We will talk about it later.” Gu Yu stood up to leave.

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Zhang Siyi returned to his seat, hanging his head, looking exhausted. If one looked closely, one could see his inner soul gently rise out of his body.

Just then, from across, Bi Lele suddenly said: “There is big project coming!”

Zhu Hongzhen is curious: “What big project?”

With antennae on her forehead detecting, Bi Lele is like a bee that smells flowers. She is excited: “The heads of the departments. Both Boss and Child Labor of the landscape group are headed in the same direction! She turned back to him. “I just saw you return from Gu Yu office. Did you hear anything inside?”

Zhang Siyi held up his heavy head and confused: “Ah, Gu Yu said that the Chief is looking for him.”

Anyways, what does it matter to him. He is a small fry and will spend the rest of his life drawing parking lots, stairs, toilets….  Just as Bi Lele suspected, a few minutes later, they came to summon the staff for a meeting.

Gu Yu ordered nearly half of the group to come to the conference room, including Bi Lele, Zhu Hongzhen and Yuan Zhicheng. Finally, with a last glance around the room his eyes fell onto Zhang Siyi and paused, then said, “Zhang Siyi, you are coming too.” He froze for three seconds. As if the concubine, who had been snubbed for a long time, had been turned over by the emperor, Zhang Siyi hurriedly stood up, both excited and frightened. With a thumping heart, he grabbed a pen and paper then went to the conference room with everyone.

After sitting down, in addition to their Group A, half of the meeting room was full of faces he was less familiar with. With the arrival of Tong Heyi, he confirmed that the other half were members were from Group B.

What kind of project is it, that you need more than 10 representatives from each group for a meeting? Newcomer Zhang who has been in the job for less than two months, is witnessing a huge event for the first time.

Both Gu Yu and Tong Heyi stood in front of everyone holding a stack of papers in their hands. They simply made an opening statement.

Gu Yu said: “We have just been invited to a bid for a large-scale planning and construction project, located in the economic area of the eastern new district of Z City, F province, with a planned area of about 250 hectares.” The participating competitive bidding units of this project are all well-known large design institutes in the country, because the X house for some reasons cannot participate, the lack of access as a substitute for the invitation, today was notified, so our time is very tight, the bidding date in the middle of next month, from the understanding of the project to the bid review, only 2 weeks … “

There was an uproar under the seat, and there were a few seconds of talk, and there was tension and excitement.

Only Zhang Siyi has a blank expression on his face. Wait, 250 hectares? 1 hectare seems to be 10000 square meters, that 250 hectares is 250 … 0000 square meters? What!?

This is the area of more than 300 football fields! Borderless is an architecture firm not a construction business. Why take on such a huge construction project? What the hell is going on?

__________________________________