Chapter 90: Inquiry (1/2)

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By his reluctance to agree, and lack of communication, Zhang Siyi thought his hints were enough for He Chengtian to understand his intentions. Zhang Siyi didn’t expect him to continue asking about the job proposal. On one hand, he liked the sincerity that He Chengtian offered, but on the other hand, it made Zhang Siyi feel more embarrassed. He really had to say it straight to his face!

“Brother Tian,” Zhang Siyi put down his chopsticks, “Thank you for your invitation, but I’ve decided to continue to do architectural design.”

”Why?” He Chengtian was very puzzled. The workload is a huge gap. The salary is so poor. Zhang Siyi choose the harder path. Is he stupid?

It’s rare for Zhang Siyi to thoroughly explain his views so seriously. He looked at He Chengtian in the eye: “For the same reasons I told you last time. I like to do architecture. I know my income would be lower than if I accepted your offer, but I am fulfilled everyday by working in a field that I like. To be honest, I spent many years in University studying architecture and I don’t want that time to go to waste. Although five years is not long compared to my life time, it’s a very important beginning for me. From when I was a child until now, my Father always said I was a three-minute person. It’s only from my current situation that I understand what he was referring to and now I think he was quite right. An elder once told me, there is limited time in one’s life and there isn’t much time to select a different path for oneself. I’m already twenty-four. I can’t act like a child and stop just because there is a hill in front of me. This isn’t a small trifle. It is the first time I feel serious about something and want to pursue it. I want to grow in the field and make a difference and become a valuable person.”

After speaking for a long time, Zhang Siyi sincere words transformed the atmosphere at the table from a cheerful one into a solemn one.

He Xueying had her chin leaning on her ten interlocked fingers while listening to Zhang Siyi. Recognizing his passion, she had a newfound appreciation for him.

Now that she heard Zhang Siyi explanation, Gu Yao confusion with He Chengtian previous remarks were cleared. He wanted Zhang Siyi to change jobs. Looking at the earnest expression Zhang Siyi had, she understood why her brother liked him. He and her brother and her father are in a separate class of people.

Only He Chengtian was still frowning by the end of the speech. He was also moved by Zhang Siyi words however he had his own beliefs: “Maybe you are still too young to know that society can be very cruel. Many classmates of mine expressed their dreams just like you, but in the face of hardships, they crumbled. Few people can persist in their ideal career. In the end, everyone chose to get rich.” He Chentian sighed. Waving his hand, he said: “Since you have told me so, I understand you have made up your mind. I encouraged you to change jobs but I see that it won’t happen.”

Zhang Siyi is afraid his rejection will leave some friction between them. He hurriedly added: “I know that you have my best interest at heart. For so many years, you have not forgotten me. You think that I don’t know what this opportunity means, but I’m very honored for that offer. Perhaps after struggling for another two years, I will regret my decision. When I come crawling back to your door, please remember to give me a bite to eat.”

Being somewhat subdued, He Chengtian smiled at him.

An hour before the movie starts, they left the restaurant and the four of them decided to stop at the café near the cinema. Not ten minutes later, Gu Yu arrived. He was wearing an unbuttoned beige trench coat that Zhang Siyi has never seen before and a black cashmere sweater as well as snug fitting dark jeans with shiny, black wingtip shoes. He looked like a runway model; stylish and handsome.

Gu Yu looked around the café and saw them at a table then slowly walked over. Gu Yao spotted him, stood up and beckoned: “Brother, over here!”

His calm, cool, and collected approach attracted the attention of others near him. Zhang Siyi was watching him intently. Feeling dumbfounded, he never knew a man could be so attractive and sexy. His brain went blank. His heart, he didn’t know he had a heart! Since breaking through the psychological barrier of two men being together, the feelings Zhang Siyi had for Gu Yu intensified.

He Chengtian also recognized Gu Yu the moment he entered the café. He doesn’t need a good memory to remember the person who crushed him for three years in high school not only in academics but also as the high school idol. He felt the plethora of mixed emotions wash through him with a multitude of expressions to show for it; from horror to disbelief to composure and at the end to choke out the words: “This is……. Your brother!?”

Gu Yao smiled and said: “Yes. Let me introduce you to him. My brother’s name is Gu Yu.”

In the heart of He Chengtian existed a luxurious grass field, swaying in the gentle breeze, illuminated by the glow of a warm sun; both perfect and peaceful. However, now the ground was muddy, pitted and ruined as there was a stampede of horses galloping through his majestic field. He could only hold onto a lone tree still standing with all his might. Shit! Why does Gu Yao’s brother have to be Gu Yu!!! (╯‵皿’)╯(┻━┻

Gu Yu’s eyes swept over everyone and paused at Zhang Siyi’s dazed expression for a moment then turned towards He Chengtian’s body. He generously reached out and smiled: “No need to introduce, I know him. He Chengtian, isn’t it?”

Puzzled, Gu Yao didn’t move: “What? How do you know him?”

Not wanting to look any longer, Zhang Siyi quietly raised his hand to cover his eyes.

Relaxing his furrowed brows and maintaining his own dignity, He Chengtian stood up to shake hands with Gu Yu: “Yes is it. I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

Gu Yu’s appearance has captivated He Xueying attention. She asked: “Brother, who is this? How do you know him?”

He Chengtian couldn’t control his twitching facial muscles. He forced a smile: “High School classmates.”

Gu Yao: “…”Σ( ° △°|||)_

Gu Yu pulled a chair from the neighboring table over and sat down. He looked straight at Zhang Siyi and asked: “Help buy a cup of coffee and a latte for me.”

Zhang Siyi: “…ok.”