Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 5: Colleague

After Gu Yu left, Zhang Siyi couldn’t help but wipe the sweat off his brow. With the ups and downs, he felt like this morning was one long roller coaster ride. The personnel of the Human Resources department came over to give him a tour of the company’s offices. There was a special glass-enclosed discussion room, a reading area in the mini-library, a relaxed dining hall, a separate refreshment area, and even a few beds. He was surprised at the company’s fantastic working environment!

All throughout the tour, Zhang Siyi was grinning from ear to ear as he imagined himself utilizing the firm’s resources unconditionally. The sense of belonging and happiness welled up inside him.

“In the refreshment area, there was a coffee machine that provided unlimited coffee. Also, there were free cookies, various breads and milk. The company provides an ordering service at noon for lunch which is subsidized. You could also choose to bring your own lunch. The dining area had a refrigerator and microwave and other equipment for your convenience.”

“In accordance with the company’s Basic Rules and regulations, we ask our staff to work between 9am to 6pm. Lunch breaks are between 12:30pm and 1:30pm.”

Zhang Siyi nodded. Even though the company’s official business hours were from nine to six, it was still an eight-hour work day because of the hour lunch break every day. Perfect.

“However,” Miss Wang turned to him and shrugged. “The design department has special permission. The company supplied electricity and water for 24 hours a day for the department to function at all times. There is a fingerprint lock, so employees can gain access and work overtime without problems.”

Zhang Siyi listened to Miss Wang’s explanation and followed her to a door with the fingerprint lock. Opening it, he was taken into the design department which he briefly saw while exiting the elevators previously.

There was a large table at the side of the walkway where three people were seated together discussing a plan there. A leading female designer saw Miss Wang approaching with Zhang Siyi. An employee called out, “Hey the new guy”. She was wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses with a black and white business wear. She looked older, but her temperament seemed good. They were curious about Zhang Siyi. He smiled at them.

“This is Zhang Siyi, who graduated from the British Department of Architecture. Director Gu just recruited him as an assistant architect.” Miss Wang also pointed to the woman, “This is Child Labor, another master architect in the design department.”

……child labor? How can someone be called this? Zhang Siyi thought that he heard it wrong.

“Child Labor” shook hands with him and enthusiastically said: “Welcome to Boundless.”

Zhang Siyi: “Thank you.”

The two young people sitting on the side also smiled at Zhang Siyi: “Welcome.”

Child Labor signaled to the other two employees: “Time to get working. Let’s make sure we don’t pad other people’s pockets with our quarterly bonuses.”

Two young people: “…”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Arriving at an empty table near the corner, Miss Wang arranged a work position for him. On the left, there was a small, fat young man. On the right was a walkway. Behind it was a row of glass compartments. Zhang Siyi had no time to look at it. Miss Wang said: “Zhu Hongzhen, this is Zhang Siyi, a new employee. He will sit next to you, please take care of him.”

The young man was pretending to fiddle with the building model of the computer, and immediately turned around smiling: “Hello.”

Miss Wang looked at the watch: “It’s almost time for lunch. After eating lunch, come to me.” Zhang Siyi said thank you and Miss Wang left.

“Hey, my name is Zhu Hongzhen, nicknamed Piggy.” His desk-mate reintroduced himself.

Zhang Siyi shook hands with him. A girl who was facing him also slid over on a swivel chair: “Hello!”

“This is Bi Lele.” Pig took the initiative to introduce her then pointed at the young man next to Bi Lele who had his head down engrossed with drawing.” That is Yuan Zhicheng.” The named person looked up. Zhang Siyi smiled, and said hello.

Bi Lele grinned at Zhang Siyi. She teased him: “The front desk staff told me about a really handsome young man scheduled for an interview. We were curious, and they were right!” Several of the people there were of similar age so after introductions, they soon became familiar with each other.

From the two of them, Zhang Siyi also learned about the structure of the different departments of Boundless. It totaled less than 50 people and 10 of which were specialized in structural and HVAC-related engineering. Less than ten were professional landscapes and Interior designers. The remaining 30 people were doing architectural design. Among the 30 people, there were three groups. Each group has its own head and Gu Yu lead the group that Zhang Siyi was in.

Zhu Hongzhen commented: “Our boss never recruits useless people, so you must have some talent.”

Zhang Siyi felt a little conscience and guilty: “I only just graduated.”

“You are the only person who has graduated from a foreign university in our group.” Bi Lele said.

“You all graduated from a domestic University?” Asked Zhang Siyi. Bi Lele and the others said where they graduated from and to Zhang Siyi surprised, they were all from elite educational institutions. Was he working with a group of school tyrants now?

“Which school did Gu Yu graduate from?” Zhang Siyi was very curious and whispered: “He is only a few years older and looks so young.”

“T University,” Bi Lele gave the answer from across the aisle. “He is a master of continuous accomplishments. After graduation, he first worked at X Design Institute. I have a classmate who worked together with Gu Yu during his internship. He learned fast on the job while also studying. During his time at university, he won many awards at various competitions for architectural design. It was the first time someone so young received the awards. He didn’t go abroad after graduating and went straight to work a X Design Institute. Two years later, he passed the nine-time examination directly, then applied at Boundless and was given the position of creative director. I think he’s at least twenty-seven or twenty-eight.”

Zhang Siyi was shocked. This person is too damn good. How can life be so smooth!

Zhu Hongzhen nods and says: “Our boss is really a God!”

Bi Lele looked around and whispered: “I heard Gu Yu’s real reason for leaving X Design was because of an older female architect’s pursuit of him. He couldn’t help but hide here.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Zhu Hongzhen: “…”

Zhang Siyi: “I thought that there were other foreign-educated graduates working here. How is it just me?”

“Our sister department is led by Child Labor.” Zhu Hongzhen pointed across the way in her direction,” She has a doctorate of architecture and leads a group of people who are all from international universities. Two of them are foreigners, one from Spain and one from Bulgaria. When it comes to the child labor group, Zhang Siyi wants to laugh a little. He asks: “Why would someone call her such a strange name?”

Zhu Hongzhen’s pursed his lips closed: “Hey, you may have made a mistake. It’s not her name.”

Zhang Siyi: “Ah?”

She is called Tong Heyi, and the ‘labor’ is the abbreviation of the construction engineer. It is the most commonly used name in our industry, so you would feel strange when someone called you ‘Zhang Gong’.”

Zhang, Zhang Gong, hehe…

Zhu Hongzhen: “In fact, our boss doesn’t like the formal title of director. Just follow our lead and call him Boss. OK?”

“I see,” Zhang Siyi replied while looking around: “Where is his office?”

Zhu Hongzhen pointed over his shoulder behind him: “It’s right behind you.”

“…” Zhang Siyi turned back and saw the name card of Gu Yu hanging on the back of the glass compartment door! He shrank his neck and turned back, summing up: “It seems that my position is a bit dangerous.”

Zhu Hongzhen nodded solemnly: “Yes, at work if you get discovered playing around by the boss, you will see the end sooner rather than later.”

Zhang Siyi: “No? I can’t do anything on the internet? Not even a little bit?”

“That depends on what you are doing online. Checking information is ok of course, but anything else….” Zhu Hongzhen did not say exactly but his cold tone made the implication even clearer. Zhang Siyi swallowed nervously.

“I didn’t think the boss was so strict. It seemed to me, he had much warmer relationship with everyone in the department.” Because of the mishap and reconciliation at the café, Zhang Siyi felt that the animosity towards Gu Yu was unfounded.

Zhu Hongzhen looked at him oddly: “Where did you get that idea?”

“It isn’t?”

“Because he himself has strict principles, he expects everyone else to follow them as well. It’s not easy following a talented genius,” Zhu Hongzhen said bitterly. “You have been warned. It isn’t a wonderful experience working under his hands. You will understand after a while.“

Yuan Zhicheng, who hasn’t spoken yet, heard this and suddenly looked up at Zhang Siyi, his eyes were blue, and his smile was bleak: “Welcome to the group of hard work.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Bi Lele, who had a look of ignorance, had quietly shut her mouth when her colleagues complained, and sighed with a look of ‘pain and happiness.’

At lunch time, Zhu Hongzhen had reserved the company’s lunch. Others had brought their own and thus, Zhang Siyi could only go downstairs and find a restaurant.

Because the office building was in the commercial center, there were many very good restaurants nearby. However, except for the convenience stores such as 7-11 and Rosen, they were a bit pricey. Even so, most of the restaurants were acceptable.

In celebration of his new job, Zhang Siyi wanted to treat himself to a nice meal instead of a convenience store’s lunch. He chose a Japanese restaurant that looked like it had many patrons. Zhang Siyi lined up in queue and waited to be seated. At this time, he took his phone out to check his messages. He wanted to let his friends know about the good news.

Two hours had passed since Zhang Siyi sent the two crying emojis in chat. There were hundreds of messages in the discussion group.

At first, his friends were anxious and didn’t know if they should ask him for details about the situation. Fu Xinhui even gloated about it, but since Zhang Siyi stopped responding he stopped chatting. Everyone began to comfort Zhang Siyi. Others wondered if he couldn’t read the messages. Eventually the topic moved onto something else. When Zhang Siyi opened the phone, his friends were eager to discuss the future development of the Chinese construction industry in the group.

He clicked Fu Xinhui icon to look at some private messages. There were several unread messages on the top.

Fu Xinhui: ” What’s the matter? Are you feeling alright?”

Fu Xinhui: “We were just joking around.Don’t get caught up in that.……”

Fu Xinhui: “Sorry, I shouldn’t have laughed at you, don’t be sad, come back I’ll invite you to dinner!””

Fu Xinhui: “Don’t worry about money. I’ll treat you.”

……

Zhang Siyi sent a message to Fu Xinhui: “Fuck you, Crow mouth! I got in!”

He then went to the chat group and sent an update: “I got the job”

____________________

next chapter >>

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 4: Hiring

This string of questions made Zhang Siyi even more on edge. Before seeing Gu Yu, he had thought the job was his and had planned out what he was going to say about his salary. Now, he was drawing a blank. He didn’t have any answers in mind for Gu Yu questions.

However, since the Director asked the question, Zhang Siyi had to answer. Besides, the situation had become so embarrassing that he didn’t think it could get any worse than it already was. He might as well just say his honest opinion and let Gu Yu decide its worth. With a deep breath, he said: “Actually, it was influenced by an alumnus of my high school.”

Gu Yu: “Oh?”

Zhang Siyi: “When I was in high school, there was an alumnus who had studied architecture at the University of T. He went back to my alma mater and give us an inspirational speech. He was ranked number 1 in the class of our local college entrance examination and was admitted to the Department of Architecture with the second highest score in the province. He said something at the time and left a deep impression on me.”

Zhang Siyi has always liked architecture. As a child he dreamed of having the title of an architect. He once thought that it was his life’s goal and that his destiny was given to him by god to help build his motherland. Hearing this alumnus speech greatly reinforced his feelings so naturally, he sought a course of architectural study at a university.

Indeed, at home, construction is one of the most desired courses of study at any university, especially a school as prestigious a school as T University. This was inevitable. During a certain period of time, development of land and large-scale construction projects were at its peak in the country. All localities were engaged in construction. Because of the media’s exaggerated reports on the employment prospects and salary of the construction industry, many students rushed to the architectural field of study. The high demand for architecture in society forced Colleges and Universities to open architecture departments. Even many literary and film works have shaped “architects” into life-winning heroes.

However, once he got involved in this field, Zhang Siyi discovered the reality, It was one fucking huge pit!

Gu Yu was silent for a moment in thought then smiled suddenly: “This is the reason why you pursued a career in architecture?”

Zhang Siyi did not expect him to smile. Twice now he thought Gu Yu had a cold attitude and thought very little of him, however in this moment his faint smile let Zhang Siyi feel warmth, like the warm spring breeze melting winter’s ice and snow.

Watching Gu Yu’s expression soften, Zhang Siyi felt more comfortable. Maybe this was a good start?

Gu Yu looked directly into Zhang Siyi eyes and asked: “Do you still remember him and what he said?”

Zhang Siyi: “Ah, that… I don’t remember…”

Because of all the many hours staying up late studying, drawing and building architectural models endlessly in university, Zhang Siyi also felt confused about his original intention. Especially when the construction segment of the economy had changed so drastically in the last couple of years. Looking for a job has become very difficult. He doubted whether or not his career choice was correct. As for the words that the alumnus said a few years ago, they are but a floating feeling without any lasting effect on Zhang Siyi heart. While thinking deeply about his changing sentiments he said: “But I felt that at the time, the senior was very cool, so I always used him as an example.”

Gu Yu looked at the resume in his hand and said: “But you did not enter T University.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

T university was the most prestigious institution in the country. It wasn’t a place for the casual person to apply. More than that, all of the old eight schools that were famous in the country, have impossibly high admission score standards. Even if Zhang Siyi’s high school grades were acceptable, the score needed to apply on the national exam was beyond his ability. Since Zhang Siyi wasn’t willing to go to an ordinary school, he asked his family to study abroad.

Zhang Siyi inhaled then exhaled. Inhale…. exhale… ok, calm!

“Um, I thought I would go abroad to study architecture because it would broaden my horizon and give me more opportunities for the future,” Zhang Siyi said cautiously. “I heard that China’s current architecture education system was completely based on the West, so it’s better to study the subject from the original source.”

Nodding slightly in agreement, Gu Yu seems to like his answer.

His little action let Zhang Siyi’s confidence grow and in response, he continued to answer Gu Yu’s questions enthusiastically. He explained why he choose to send his resume to Boundless by using nothing more than the summaries written by netizens on the forums.

Finally, when it came to career planning, for everyone who pursued the career of an architect, the primary goal was undoubtedly to obtain a personal license. Only then can a proclaimed architect be truly counted. The title “National Level Registered Architect” was almost the highest proof of identity for domestic architects.

But the title is not something that casual cats and dogs can earn, and strictly speaking, any unlicensed building practitioner is called a designer.

Newly graduated student of an architectural program, such as Zhang Siyi’s, were only called “Assistant Architects”. By default, when they apply for a job, they become apprentices. By diligent hard work alongside a licensed architect can they improve their own skills and become architects themselves.

Different countries also have different criteria for judging the qualifications of an architect. In China, obtaining an architect license required a professional academic background and a designated field of work. Once that was obtained then they were eligible to participate in the national unified qualification examination. However, the test was divided into nine grades. It was not simple to pass. It is said that many practitioners spent years, even decades working on the test. Therefore, seeing Gu Yu with the title of architect can only mean he was an exceptional person; a gifted genius.

Zhang Siyi was an undergraduate of the accepted architectural education standard in the UK. His qualifications are recognized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). If you want to apply for a RIBA license in the future, you need to supplement your relevant design work with related experience plus the completed architectural works. It is only the British professional judgment requirements that are more stringent than domestic ones. Some people get a license when they are in their 40s and 50s. In the RIBA circle, they were regarded as being ‘young’ architects.

Architecture was a long road. Therefore, many people have turned around in the middle. Fu Xinhui and Jiang Hai were such examples. They originally went abroad to get a foreign education but now, they pursued other career paths. Influenced by them, Zhang Siyi was also confused and hesitant. It seemed like the only one out of their classmates that was most likely to actually be an architect was Su Yuan.

“I don’t have any particularly long-term career plans,” Zhang Siyi said frankly, “and now, I’m just looking for a way to help me continue to grow and learn as well as to accumulate a bit of experience, and plan for the future.”

As he finished speaking, a “buzzing” sound was heard. Startled by the phone vibration noise, Zhang Siyi, jerked his hand and touched his pocket thinking he has a call. However, the call wasn’t for himself. It was Gu Yu’s phone.

Gu Yu looked at the phone, frowned and said to Zhang Siyi, “Sorry, I’ll be a moment,” and picked up the phone from the table to take the call outside.

Zhang Siyi breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed his tightly wound nerves. He also took out his mobile phone to look at his messages and saw dozens of unread notes in the WeChat group that consisted of his college friends:

——————————

Su Yuan: “Is little Yi going to the interview?”

Jiang Hai: “He left early in the morning. He was in the bathroom for so long, I didn’t get the chance to shower. [Hides]”

Fu Xinhui: “Why not come to my room? I have a separate bathroom.”

Jiang Hai: “Oh, I forget. Are you awake?”

Fu Xinhui: “I can’t sleep. Him going to the interview made me nervous.”

Ren Mengyu: “Why do I feel that you are getting more and more gay.”

Fu Xinhui: “…”

Su Yuan: “When you are going to get a job, Fu Xinhui? You are still unemployed even though you have returned to Haicheng.”

Fu Xinhui: “Ah, I’m not in a rush. What’s the hurry?”

Su Yuan: “Don’t say that! I graduated with you. It’s disgraceful.”

Fu Xinhui: “…”

Su Yuan: “I wonder if Little Yi got the job.”

————————-

Zhang Siyi quickly scanned over the messages and he couldn’t help but type a brief word to the discussion group: “Nothing.”

The group soon exploded and asked him what happened. Zhang Siyi saw that Gu Yu was back, and he had no time to explain. He only sent two crying expressions and quickly put the phone away.

After sitting down again, Zhang Siyi noticed Gu Yu was slightly frowning. He was a little unsure of himself and couldn’t tell what the Director was thinking based on his expression. Insecurity was starting to develop inside of him. Was his interview going well thus far? Did he say something wrong? Even though he thought his performance seemed to be going well, he was starting to lose hope. Also… that cup of coffee.

Gu Yu opened the portfolio collection brought by Zhang Siyi with one hand and squeezed the bridge of his nose with the other. After a long period of time without talking, he sat there and looked carefully. He did not ask Zhang Siyi any questions.

Keeping silent, Zhang Siyi dare not speak, but his eyes involuntarily followed Gu Yu’s movements, watching him very intently.

His hands were very beautiful. Not too big or small. His wrist bones were distinct and his fingers were slender. They look unyielding yet soft. His eyelashes were also very long. When he looked down at the papers, they hovered over his eyes like two small fans. And his skin…. so smooth…. Zhang Siyi was extremely puzzled. How can someone so young be a director?

While looking at him intently, Gu Yu suddenly looked up at Zhang Siyi. Zhang Siyi immediately sat up straighter. Feeling distraught he started sweating. The anticipation building up inside his heart overwhelmed him. He couldn’t take it any longer. What was the verdict?

Gu Yu took a pen and gently pointed at the book and asked: “Can you work overtime?”

“Ah?” Zhang Siyi said, stunned. His mind couldn’t help but replay the words that Su Yuan said last night – even if the interviewer asks you something you rather not do, you have to say ‘yes’.

Attitude check: You are willing to learn… Is this the turning point? There is a chance? Zhang Siyi hurriedly replied: “Yes!”

Gu Yu looked at him and smiled: “There are a few basic concerns. You can’t be late…”

Zhang Siyi was happy in his heart and nodded again and again: “I won’t be late!”

Gu Yu: “The things you agree to must be done without exception. If you don’t understand something, please ask. Don’t make your own assumptions.”

Zhang Siyi’s nodded his head vigorously: “Yes, yes!”

Gu Yu said the last point: “You can’t chat with friends online while you are at work.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” So he had heard yesterday!

Gu Yu raised his eyebrows: “Can you do that?”

Although, a feeling like he had signed a treaty of shame lingered, Zhang Siyi replied: “Yes. It’s not a problem.”

Gu Yu closed his portfolio and got to the point: “The wages of new graduates is 8000 and there is a probationary period for one month. The salary is 5000 after tax. The bonuses are dependent on the project and a pay raise is possible after your six-month performance evaluation….”

Ah, ah….  Zhang Siyi’s heart had been exploding in excitement like fireworks. It didn’t matter to him how much money the offer was!

“If you can accept it, start working today.” Gu Yu pushed the book back to him and stood up.

“Ah? “Zhang Siyi stayed seated and questioned: “Today?”

Gu Yu took a moment, then looked at him in the eye: “Do you have something planned for today?”

Zhang Siyi quickly shook his head: “No, nothing!”

He was thrilled. To think, Gu Yu didn’t discriminate against him from yesterday’s catastrophe was amazing. He didn’t know how to thank him for being so kind and generous with his employment opportunity.

“That….” Zhang Siyi called out to Gu Yu, who was about to leave, blushing. “Yesterday… I am really sorry.”

Gu Yu paused for a moment before answering: “If you care so much, you can get a deduction in wages.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

____________________

next chapter >>

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 3: Interview

“What are you doing in the room alone?” Fu Xinhui, who heard the noises from the other room, shouted from the hallway.

“Ah, ah…” Zhang Siyi yelled and opened his door. While he was flailing his arms around in excitement, he went to pounce on him.

As his hands were full, Fu Xinhui maneuvered himself to avoid Zhang Siyi.

A voice suddenly came from the front door and asked: “What are you doing?” Jiang Hai held the key in his left hand while holding a convenience store lunch box in his right hand and looked at them with a strange expression.

Fu Xinhui: “…”

Zhang Siyi excitedly rushed to Jiang Hai cheering: “I received a response from a job inquiry! I am going to a job interview!”

“Really?” Jiang Hai followed him inside, smiling broadly and inquired: “Which company?”

“Boundless Architecture Design!”

The three of them gathered around the coffee table to talk. Since Jiang Hai had an arranged job, he wasn’t familiar with other architectural companies other than the domestic Design Institutes. He asked: “Is that place good or not?”

In thought, Fu Xinhui let out an audible ‘hmm’: “Neither have I heard of it nor did you hear back from them for so long. Doesn’t that mean it’s a bad company that nobody applied to?”

Zhang Siyi was so angry at his friends that he quickly set them straight. He showed them the background information of Boudless and its evaluation from critics online.

Jiang Hai said: “It sounds very good. When is the interview?”

With this reminder, Zhang Siyi immediately became anxious. He slapped his forehead and said: “It’s in three days. What should I do in the mean time? I am so nervous. What questions do you usually ask during an interview?”

Fu Xinhui chuckled and joked: “You look so handsome; it shouldn’t be a problem!”

Zhang Siyi: “Seriously?… that’s not funny.”

Jiang Hai scratched his head and said: “I haven’t interviewed yet so maybe ask Su Yuan for help?”

Su Yuan was one of the girls who returned home during the same period as them. Her professional achievements were considered the best among several people and her career path was nicely planned. While Zhang Siyi was still traveling around with Fu Xinhui after graduating, she had been offered a starting position with a British design firm in the Haicheng branch. They were not Chinese, but they were very friendly with each other.

Zhang Siyi slapped his thigh and rushed back to the room to get his iPad. He quickly made a video call to Su Yuan.

“Hello!” Once connected, Su Yuan’s passionate voice came from the other side. “Little Yi, what’s up?”

In the video, the girl wore a short black dress. She talked to them with a mobile phone in one hand and moved the strap of the chain bag in her other hand out of the way, revealing a mature intellectual beauty.

Before they became classmates, Su Yuan studied English for two years at a domestic university. Than, she transferred to an architecture program abroad and thus, she was two years older than Zhang Siyi. As a result, she usually called him by a nickname “Little Yi”.

At this time, another smiling face with beautiful eye makeup and a lip gloss, squeezed into the small window of the video. This was their other female classmate, Ren Mengyu. Upon her return, she also stayed in Haicheng. “Hello there!”

“What are you guys doing?” Zhang Siyi asked.

“Just after work, our classmate Xuan Xuan invited us out to go clubbing.“ Su Yuan laughed.

“Sounds like fun!” Fu Xinhui and Jiang Hai also came over to the iPad to say hello.

“Oh, of course, do you want to come out and have a drink?” Ren Mengyu warmly invited.

Thinking of his interview, Zhang Siyi quickly refused, indicating that he had a purpose to his phone call with her. He told her about the interview appointment with Boundless. Su Yuan was shocked: “Wow! I also sent my resume to Boundless but they never responded to me.”

Zhang Siyi glanced at the two ignorant buddies. See, I told you! This company was amazing. I wasn’t bragging.

After a few laughs, Su Yuan returned to the topic at hand: “In general, by scheduling an appointment, it meant they already recognized your work. If your portfolio presentation was good the interview goes well, there shouldn’t be a problem. Some overseas studios prefer to let a foreigner do the interview in order to gauge how good your professional English communication skills were. They already had an advantage.” Su Yuan shrugged. “In my opinion, going to the interview was just procedure. They will talk about your salary and work expectations, nothing else.”

Zhang Siyi was still very nervous. He wasn’t as composed as Su Yuan so naturally he couldn’t emulate her calm and professional disposition.

With encouragement, Su Yuan said: “Relax, you are a new graduate fresh out of school. Do you think they recruited you to be the backbone of the firm? No! What they want is cheap labor and the willingness to work hard. You’ve already knocked on that door, so just act like you can do anything. The most important thing for you is attitude! No matter what the interviewer asks you to do, you have to say ‘yes’, even if it’s something you rather not do. It’s important to express your willingness to learn. They are also taking a gamble on a new graduate from college. It will be up to your own power whether you will become a rock or diamond.”

Zhang Siyi was inspired by her words: “Yes, thanks for guiding me!”

Su Yuan waved her hand and smiled. “You’ll do fine. Don’t worry so much!”

Filled with inspiration, Zhang Siyi was so excited that he had a hard time falling asleep. Even though he eventually fell asleep in the early hours of the morning, he woke up early. He was sleepy, but thinking of the interview, he was determined to make a good impression. He quickly got out of bed and jumped into the bathroom to wash thoroughly… soap, shampoo, shave. For the better part of an hour, Zhang Siyi fussed with his hair and clothing choices. He wanted to make the best impression possible during the interview. The last time he spent this much energy on his appearance was two years ago when he went to meet a girl.

Finally, looking at the radiant and handsome young man in the mirror, Zhang Siyi whistled. His long-lost confidence bloomed from the bottom of his heart.Let’s do this!

The office was in the center of Haicheng City which was only 20 minutes away from his apartment by subway. It would be extremely convenient if he worked there in the future. Since this advantage made Zhang Siyi really happy, it made him look forward to his interview.

There were many people nearby all rushing to their destinations. Arriving at the building, Zhang Siyi looked up at the 100 meters tall facade. He could see the Boundless logo on one of the floors. Looking at the white-collar elite who rushed to the entrance, Zhang Siyi opened his arms, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath of the city’s dirty morning air. Soon he will become a member of these offices and work every day from 9 to 5. Thinking thus, Zhang Siyi was filled with happiness.

Because it was the morning rush hour, there were many people coming and going. The elevator seems to stop at every floor in the building. Finally, at the floor where the Boundless offices were located, the elevator door opened to reveal a large glass wall with a plant display.

Zhang Siyi was startled. The whole wall was built from glass creating a lattice frame and on almost every shelf, lay a plant. There were plants seemingly of every variety. Herbal plants, conifers, succulents, small sparse plants, fat fleshy ones… There wasn’t any particular pattern to them, but the plant display created a visually pleasing, modern art piece.

Through the glass and gaps between the pots, you could faintly see the internal office space. The neatly arranged beige tables were equipped with computers and at each of them, an employee in twos and threes, worked intensively.

… ah ah, it’s so cool!

After turning left, at the end of the green corridor, Zhang Siyi saw the awe inspiring, red logo of Boundless painted on pure white. Along the wide wall, straight to the end, Zhang Siyi saw small black words below the characters in a row: “The Pursuit Is Endless”

Zhang Siyi’s heart instantly soared. Looking so happy and excited, one would think Zhang Siyi was in love.

Further inside was the entrance to the office. Zhang Siyi regained his senses and approached the front desk asking about his appointment. The receptionist enthusiastically took him into a small conference room and poured him a glass of water and courteously said: “Please wait a moment. I will inform the personnel department.” Half a minute later, Miss Wang from Human Resources came over to greet him. She told him that one of the directors will be doing the interview and that he would arrive soon.

Zhang Siyi nodded and expressed his gratitude. While waiting for the appointed time, he thought about all that had transpired lately. He imagined which array of questions that the director would ask. Once again, he thought about Su Yuan’s words and desperately tried to encourage himself.

“Knock, Knock.” The sound of fingers tapping the glass door pulled Zhang Siyi back from his thoughts. He turned his head and saw a tall, thin young man standing at the door. Leather casual shoes, gray casual pants, white t-shirt, open cotton sweater…. Wait a minute, this…. this person looks familiar!

Ah… yesterday morning…  in the cafe….  coffee …  He seemed to be -that- handsome guy!

…Oao! Oao! Why was that person here!?!?

With a blank expression, he glanced at Zhang Siyi and slightly bowed his head in greeting. Then he gestured gracefully, as if they were only meeting for the first time.

… Has he forgotten?

“Hello, my name is Gu Yu.” The opposite young man took out a business card and offered it to Zhang Siyi. Then he officially took out a pen and said: “Introduce yourself.”

Zhang Siyi glanced at the words on the business card –

Gu Yu

National First-Class Certified Architect

Creative Design Director

Compared with Zhang Siyi’s inner turmoil, the man sitting across from him looked very calm. He slowly opened the file in his hand and asked: “You are Zhang Siyi, right?”

“Uh, hello……. Director Gu?” Zhang Siyi couldn’t believe that this person was an architect. A fucking director, no less! He didn’t appear to be much older them himself. Why was the director so young?? At each title Zhang Siyi eyes bulged.

Zhang Siyi’s mind was suddenly full of his conversation with his ex-girlfriend from the other day. Because of the comments she said, Zhang Siyi assumed that he had left a very bad impression on the director sitting before him. Plus, the coffee……

For a moment, he saw his original dream job coalesce into a large bubble and float away only to ‘pop’ right in front of him.

If, last night, the Lord let him experience the joys of heaven, then now, Zhang Siyi deeply tasted something bitter, in the pits of hell. It only took a moment to fall from the clouds to the bottom of the valley. He suddenly felt like his job wasn’t going to happen.

When Director Gu looked at him, Zhang Siyi immediately sat up straighter, and stiffly said: “I, my name is Zhang Siyi. I graduated from the British Department of Architecture.”

Gu Yu used the end of the pen to point at the printed material on the table, that is Zhang Siyi’s resume: “I know. Tell me something else.”

“…”  …. something else? Say what? The situation was a complete mess.

Gu Yu put down his pen, picked up his arm and leaned back on the chair. He looked at Zhang Siyi up and down. He commented: “You cleaned up.”

Zhang Siyi: “…” he really remembered!!!

Director Gu raised his eyebrows: “Why don’t you say something about your girlfriend?”

Zhang Siyi was now despondent and wondered if he was making a joke. But if that was the case, why didn’t his tone convey a joke at all?

Gu Yu waited for a moment, looked at Zhang Siyi’s helpless face and sighed. He asked another question: “Why did you study architecture? Why did you send a resume to Boundless without a clear goal?”

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