a.s.sistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 190: Honesty

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The reason why it was so easy to identify Zhang Siyi's phone was because his phone case was rather unique; Luffy from One Piece.

Yuan Zhicheng didn't react much: “Maybe he dropped it here?"

Bi Lele's mind was churning. She didn't think that was possible because a persons' phone was very private. If Zhang Siyi had dropped it, Gu Yu would be the first to give it back. Bi Lele wasn't one-hundred percent sure. It was possible they used the same case. However, thinking about it further, Bi Lele thought it was even more unlikely because that would mean they had a matching case, like couples do.

Bi Lele shook her head to snap out of her imagination and placed the file back over the phone. For a while, the phone continued to buzz. After five-minutes, Gu Yu stepped back into his office. Bi Lele spoke up: "Boss, your phone just rang."

Glancing in the direction of Zhang Siyi's phone, Gu Yu made a 'hmm' sound and didn't reach for it. His calm response made Bi Lele feel embarra.s.sed.

After talking about the project, the two of them left Gu Yu's office. Just as Bi Lele was about to close the door, she suddenly remembered something and turned back. She caught a glimpse of Gu Yu's movement that seemed strange. He had taken the phone buried underneath the file, opened his desk drawer, and threw the phone into it.

Without change, Gu Yu calmly asked: "Was there something else?"

"Before the Design Inst.i.tute's involvement, the client had other designs. Do we want to find out more about the preliminary plans?" Bi Lele asked.

Gu Yu replied: “No need. They are seeking a different solution. If you look at other's design ideas, they might inadvertently affect your own ideas. It is better to start fresh."

Bi Lele: “Ok then. I understand.”

Bi Lele returned to her desk and thought about what she had just witnessed. The likelihood of Zhang Siyi's phone 'falling' in Gu Yu's office seemed impossible. She turned to look at Zhang Siyi who was head down, concentrating on his work. She couldn't stop herself from imagining different scenarios……

From the drawer, Gu Yu reached for Zhang Siyi again. There was a strange number listed on the caller ID with an earlier time-stamp. At the same time, there were two recent messages sent in WeChat.

Bai Rui: “You can't fool me."

Bai Rui: “What two people? Why didn't you pick up when I called you?"

Laughing and snorting, Gu Yu immediately turned off the phone and put it back in the drawer.

When the work day ended, Gu Yu took out Zhang Siyi's phone and scrolled through the log. During the afternoon, Bai Rui attempted to make one phone call, sent one text message, and three messages on social media.

Bai Rui: “Are you ignoring me?"

Bai Rui: “I'll come to your office to find you.”

Bai Rui: "What time do you get off work?”

Alarmed, Gu Yu raised his brow. The directedness with which Bai Rui pursued Zhang Siyi, was surprising. Was Bai Rui that anxious to meet Zhang Siyi when they hardly know each other? It was a vast contrast to his own pursuit of Zhang Siyi.

Gu Yu quickly replied: “I don't have time to go out to eat dinner and don't come to my office. I hardly know you and it would be inappropriate for you to come meet me at work."

Bai Rui: “…”

As usual, Gu Yu met Zhang Siyi at their usual meeting place in the subway station. At the area near the twelve-car door, it was farthest from the stairwell. The chances of colliding with colleagues was slim. At peak times, even the last section of the car was crowded.

Looking out for Gu Yu like a hawk, when Zhang Siyi saw him, he excitedly rushed through the crowd to catch up to him. He put his hand out: "Mobile phone."

After Gu Yu returned his phone, Zhang Siyi read through the chat record. He started to panic: "He called!?"

Gu Yu: “Well, I didn't answer. Today, Bi Lele almost saw your phone on my desk so you should keep it with you now."

Zhang Siyi: “What should I do if I get another message from Bai Rui?”

Gu Yu: “It is better if you don't reply to him at all. The more you care about him, the more influence he has on you and the more you get swept away by his rhythm. If you don't care, he becomes nonessential. I took your cell phone away before to prevent you from being distracted at work.  Your emotions are too susceptible to suggestions and your mood is easily stimulated by others."

Gu Yu's lecture was right! Opening and closing his fist, Zhang Siyi felt like he was being led around by Bai Rui by his nose. However, when he looks at the dialog between Gu Yu and Bai Rui, Gu Yu is the one with the upper hand.

Gu Yu clapped Zhang Siyi on the back with his hand, laughing: “In short, learn to control it.”

Zhang Siyi clenched his fist and said: “Teach me!"

Since it was Zhang Siyi's turn to pick up Gu Yao today, he parted ways with Gu Yu after two subway stops. Gu Yu continued on the train to go home and make dinner. Just as he left, Zhang Siyi felt his phone vibrate.

Bai Rui: “What is wrong with having dinner together?”

Zhang Siyi: “…” Ignore him…. hold back.

Bai Rui: “I'm confused. Are you afraid of me?" [Smiles]

The veins on Zhang Siyi's forehead are popping out …. Endure!

Bai Rui: ” Are you afraid that I will poison you? Or, are you afraid that I will eat you?" [Smiles]

Zhang Siyi: “…” Don't reply! Hold back!

………… Aah, aah! I can't help it!  (╯‵□')╯(┻━┻

Zhang Siyi: “Who is afraid of you!!!"

Now that he broke his resolve, Zhang Siyi began to regret his impulsiveness.

As Zhang Siyi was scratching his head, Bai Rui sent a long message: "Zhang Siyi, I really think you are a very interesting person. I sincerely want to become friends with you. I don't have ulterior motives. I've tried to reach out many times, but you just ignored me, which make me feel frustrated. If you aren't afraid of me, do you hate me?"

Staring at the phone, Zhang Siyi tried to convince himself to simply ignore him, but putting his thoughts into action proved more difficult. He couldn't control his own nature especially when he saw how sincere Bai Rui was being.

After an inward struggle, Zhang Siyi finally gave in and frankly replied: “You are annoying.”

Bai Rui: “Why? Because of the two hundred dollars of coffee?”

Although his original ordeal with the coffee was irritating, Zhang Siyi certainly didn't mean to admit that.

Bai Rui: “Do you think I was deceiving Ren Mengyu's feelings?”

When Zhang Siyi saw his text, he immediately was filled with righteous indignation: “You knew it was cheating!?"

Bai Rui: “So, that's the reason.”

Zhang Siyi: “…..”  Since he ran to Zhang Siyi for a hook up while dating Ren Mengyu…… isn't that proof that Bai Rui was a jerk?"

Bai Rui: “I didn't intend to deceive her in the beginning. I really wanted to try dating her seriously.”

Zhang Siyi was a little confused. Can he really be with Ren Mengyu if he was gay?"

Bai Rui: “Before I met Ren Mengyu, I've dated one woman and two men."

Zhang Siyi: “…… ” The criminal record exposed! (=_=)

Bai Rui: “The first girlfriend made me realize that I am not purely heteros.e.xual and my first boyfriend helped me understand h.o.m.os.e.xuality correctly. The third relations.h.i.+p…. Well, I thought we would be together for a lifetime, but not long ago he left me to get married ans soon afterwards I met Ren Mengyu. I was earnestly trying to start a new relations.h.i.+p with her to get back on the straight path."

Reading Bai Rui heartfelt words, Zhang Siyi knew he wasn't really a bad person. Zhang Siyi sighed. The defensive barrier he kept up dropped instantly and he lowered his guard.

Bai Rui continued: “During this time, I've tried my best to cater to all her needs. I'll admit that I used her to get over my previous relations.h.i.+p, but I also knew she was using me. She liked the image of a good boyfriend I created for her. I've tried to share my hobbies with her, but she didn't seem to care. Our interests didn't really match so I couldn't devote myself into the relations.h.i.+p, but most of all, I still couldn't forget about my ex until now."

Thinking about being in Bai Rui's situation, Zhang Siyi can't imagine how devastated he would feel if Gu Yu left him to marry a woman, or vice versa. Even thinking about it made his heart ache. He started feeling a little sympathetic towards Bai Rui.

Bai Rui: “It was just happenstance that I went to your friend's reunion, because I was still hesitant with Ren Mengyu at the time and was thinking of breaking up. It was your talk to Su Yuan that let me reflect on my own cowardice."

“Ah? Why?” Zhang Siyi was somewhat confused. He gave some advice about architecture so Su Yuan wouldn't give up. What does it have to do with Bai Rui's relations.h.i.+p problems?

Bai Rui: “Although you were talking about the pursuit of her career, I saw your determination to move forward despite any obstacles and your wholehearted att.i.tude in everything. You said 'we can't change the world, but we can stay on our own path.' I know this all too well and you persuaded Su Yuan with such pa.s.sion that is was very touching.

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Bai Rui: “I didn't think I would be schooled by the youngest person at the time, hha."

Zhang Siyi was a little embarra.s.sed again. Wouldn't it have been better if Bai Rui talked about these things sooner? Then Zhang Siyi wouldn't have let his thoughts run wild.

Bai Rui: “I have already made it clear with Ren Mengyu yesterday. Although she is heartbroken now, we didn't date for long so she will be able to get over it quickly. If she wants to later, we can remain friends."

Sighing in relief, the weight Zhang Siyi felt on his shoulders was lifted.

Bai Rui: “When I added you in WeChat, I wanted to get your attention. I admit that I was thinking about teasing you because I am very curious about what kind of person you are." [Smiles]

After listening to Bai Rui's explanation, his 'smiles' doesn't seem so annoying anymore.

Bai Rui: “However, after talking to you for a few days, I found that you were different. Any time I tried to chat with you, you were too clever and redirected my attempts at getting to know you. It was upsetting."

After Bai Rui's deluge of honesty, he didn't have the heart to deceive him further and felt obligated to return the favor. He sighed and replied: "I'll tell you the truth. It's not just me you are chatting with. I have a boyfriend and sometimes he is talking to you.”

Bai Rui: “………”

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