Chapter 93: Guests (2/2)
“Lead the way!” He Chengtian wrapped his scarf and carefully bypassed a few vendors selling vegetables. He couldn’t help but complain: “This place is really dirty.”
Continuing to walk, Gu Yu didn’t say anything else. He led the group through a residential area without markings and pulled out his phone to dial a number: “Old Chiang, we are almost there…. Well, Yes. A total of five people…… It’s ok, take your time.…We will sit down….”
Wondering if they were going to someone’s house to eat, Gu Yu continued to guide the group through the residential area until they came to the back of a partially demolished broken factory. …… What the hell! There are restaurants open in the vicinity of a condemned building? How can this be the best place in Haicheng to eat?
Grabbing her brother’s wrist, Gu Yao asked in disbelief: “Brother, is it really here?”
Gu Yu acknowledged her with a “hmm” then patted her back and naturally held her hand protectively as a caring older brother would do.
Walking behind them, Zhang Siyi saw their interaction and suddenly became very envious. He looked at his own left hand and wished he could hold his hand with Gu Yu’s again.
Zhang Siyi thoughts were interrupted when He Chengtian put his arm around Zhang Siyi shoulders and pulled him closer. He whispered to Zhang Siyi: “Hey. You seem to have a very good relationship with Gu Yu.”
Zhang Siyi: “……”
Squeezing Zhang Siyi even tighter in an uncomfortable way and gnashing his teeth, He Chengtian said: ”You didn’t want to change jobs because of him, right? Did he threaten you? Or do you like his sister? Are you hoping to ger her by being close to her brother?”
Zhang Siyi: “…………” This is nothing!? (=_=)
Zhang Siyi: “………” ? (=_=)
Zhang Siyi: “…” What’s all this about!?(=_=)
Although Gu Yu was one important part of his decision, it’s not something he can say. Zhang Siyi took a deep breath and plaintively said: “Honestly, what I told you previously is the truth. I have nothing to do with his sister!”
He Chengtian squinted at him: “You really aren’t interested?”
Zhang Siyi raised his hands in surrender: “I’m not! I swear!”
He Chengtian raised his eyebrows: “His sister is so cute how can you not like her?”
Maybe a normal straight man would think so, but no one could guess that the person he likes is not the sister, but Gu Yu himself. The irony of the situation amused Zhang Siyi. Without hesitation, he replied with a wry smile: “She is pretty cute, but she’s isn’t my type.”
Hearing Zhang Siyi straightforward remarks, He Chengtian suddenly released him and thought Zhang Siyi was once again his childhood friend he always had. He reached out a ruffled up his hair like one would do to a younger brother. He laughed out loud: “Okay…”
As it so happened, at that moment, Gu Yu had turned to look at Zhang Siyi. Witnessing the interactions between the two, Gu Yu wasn’t expecting to see He Chengtian in such a good mood. Gu Yu furrowed his brow. If looks could kill, two cold, sharp daggers would have stabbed He Chengtian in the chest.
He Chengtian instinctively felt a coldness around him like someone was watching him with malicious intent. With a stiff smile, he slowly released Zhang Siyi…. What’s going on? Why did I feel so threatened? (O..O)
After walking for another ten minutes, they finally arrived at the place. Inspecting the scene before them, they were very surprised at the idyllic Chinese courtyard located in the middle of nowhere.
Along a six-meter-long fenced wall, there was a thatched rustic door in the middle with two orange lanterns hanging on either side. A poetic phrase was written on a plaque beside the door welcoming guests.
Surveying the surroundings, Zhang Siyi noticed the courtyard was built between the gaps of he broken factory buildings. The simple exterior wall was about three-stories high and was crafted to look like the natural surrounding environment.
Like a rare flower blooming at the site of an ancient castle in ruins, the courtyard was a stark contrast to the dirty areas with dilapidated buildings and broken windows that they walked through.
Gu Yao carefully stared at the words then turned her head to asked her brother: “Did you write this?”
“Let’s go inside.” Gu Yu didn’t answer his sister question and instead, pulled on the rope for the bell that was hanging beside the door. With a “jingle” that gently sounded, Gu Yu pushed open the door and led everyone down a cobblestone path.
Under the illumination of the lanterns, everyone saw many withered vines, both long and short, growing from the top of the wall downwards, in clumps. There were additional planters inside the courtyard. When spring time comes, sprouts will give life to the seemingly dead looking garden.
As they approached the main entrance, the door automatically opened from the inside. A stoutly built, bald-headed young man greeted them and smiled: “You made it!”
Gu Yu smiled: “Old Chiang, I’ve come again to disturb you.”
The young man known as “Old Chiang” said: “I’m glad you brought guests with you. Please come in.”