Assistant Architect Chapter 120: Merits

_____________________

In the evening, all the staff members arrived at the Sichuan restaurant. Like the previous inauguration dinner for Zhang Siyi, Gu Yu reserved a private room for them to dine and celebrate together. The raucous crowd happily raised a glass and congratulated Tao Fei. He beamed with joy and said: “Thank you! I’m very happy to join Borderless. My future is in your hands!”

After everyone made another toast, Gu Yu laughed and said: “Ok. Enough of being respectful. Let’s eat.”

Zhang Siyi: “……” What? Don’t be respectful and just eat?

Now that Boss Gu has set the bar for toasts, everyone was happy to be disrespectful and respect his instructions. With bouts of laughter emanating from the private room, they eagerly ate the food in a harmonious atmosphere. There was one exception. Feeling depressed, Zhang Siyi didn’t understand why the treatment was so different from his own. He was waiting to watch the show!

Since Tao Fei was the only person to join Borderless after him, tonight was the only reference Zhang Siyi had to use to compare the difference in treatment between them. Why were his colleagues in the past so eager to toast Zhang Siyi, but not Tao Fei? Was it because of his lack of professional experience at the time? Maybe it was because he was the only ‘Western’ member of the group? Their behavior is too abnormal!

Zhang Siyi decided to step forward and add some fuel to the low burning fire.

He poured himself a little wine, got up and said: “Tao Fei, it must be fate that we are working together now since we both graduated from a university in the United Kingdom and came home to China to work. Although I have been in the company longer then you, I only have a bachelor’s degree. In the future, I seek your guidance and hope to learn from you.” Zhang Siyi raised his glass towards Tao Fei.

Tao Fei listened and quickly stood up. He smiled at Zhang Siyi and said: “I heard that you also studied in the UK. I’ve always wanted to talk to you, but I didn’t find the chance. Is this the longest sentence you’ve ever said to me since I got into the company? Hahaha! I originally thought that you didn’t like me very much but it seems to be a misunderstanding…. This glass of wine must be drunk, and afterwards, we will become buddies!” Having said so, Tao Fei immediately downed his glass of wine.

Surprised, Zhang Siyi didn’t expect Tao Fei to be so forthright! He suddenly felt stupid for stressing over whether or not he had a secret love of Gu Yu. As Gu Yu said, sometimes Tao Fei’s temperament occasionally made people feel uncomfortable, but he is a good guy underneath his facade.

Since Tao Fei and Gu Yu are friends, Zhang Siyi should recognize their relationship for what it is. In addition, last night Gu Yu made it clear on his social media page that he has a lover and Tao Fei had nothing to do with it. Zhang Siyi breathed a sigh of relief. Now feeling better, he completely put down his guard and decided to get along with Tao Fei.

However, Zhang Siyi was still trying to provoke Tao Fei to drink. When one gives a toast, one has to pay respect to the toast itself and drink, otherwise it would be disrespectful. He thought his remarks would motivate the others to start a round of routine comments and flattery. After all, Tao Fei superior design ability is obvious and further requests for guidance from his colleagues should ensue.

As Zhang Siyi sat down, someone else had already started to pour the wine. Unexpectedly, looking at everyone, Tao Fei immediately interrupted the flow and asked: “I have heard that Zhang Siyi is the company’s mascot. Which one of you can tell me why?”

Distraction successful, the momentum to toast Tao Fei was lost. Bi Lele eagerly answered Tao Fei: “Ha-ha-ha, didn’t you see the huge poster at the company’s entrance?”

Zhang Siyi: “……” Damn! Can you not mention that black history!

Tao Fei glanced at Gu Yu: “I’ve seen it. I heard my brother took that photo of Zhang Siyi?”

Xu Jia explained the circumstance: “Yes, that’s right. The photo was taken during a project meeting. Zhang Siyi feel asleep and was caught by Boss Gu. He directed everyone to pose and he took the photo. Later, Gu Yu used it for the photo competition in the annual meeting and Zhang Siyi became famous in he company.”

Tao Fei: “That’s why?”

Du Rui laughed: “In fact, Auntie Four was popular in our group before the picture.”

Shifting his weight, Tao Fei raised his eyebrows and asked: “How popular?”

Being used to the title ‘King of popularity’, Tao Fei was overshadowed by a young man who’s looks and ability were less then his. Tao Fei was quite curious about the reason.

Like a chorus in unison, everyone said: “He is the first international student in our group!”

“He is a quick study!”

“He is really helpful!”

“He is very good at hand crafting things!”

“Right, he also has the nickname ‘Youthful Energy.’”

“Every day, he works hard with a special spirit!”

“His photographic skills are very good. He captured most of the beautiful pictures in the competition!”

Lu Qiao touched his chin: “You may not, but I have seen Zhang Siyi give a presentation. He was really good and super handsome!”

“He can sing well, especially English songs!”

……

Zhang Siyi did not think that he had so many advantages in the eyes of his colleagues. It was very surprising: “The praise is too great. I don’t know what to say!” Zhang Siyi blushed.

Unknown to Zhang Siyi, his tendency to wear his emotions on his shoulder was one of his charms. It was especially true when you talked with him. Having a naturally expressive demeanor is like a character from a comic book; both vivid and endearing.

In fact, there is still a point that everyone can’t express. The reason why Zhang Siyi is so popular is the freshness and vitality he has injected into the quiet working atmosphere of Group A since he joined the company. The most obvious difference is Boss Gu as Zhang Siyi presence has caused him to act differently than Gu Yu had in the past.

For example, Gu Yu gave Zhang Siyi the cactus. He messaged everyone prohibiting them from helping Zhang Siyi in the beginning. When they went out to dinner, he had everyone toast Zhang Siyi and got him drunk. He set up the photo when Zhang Siyi was sleeping. Gu Yu went on stage to participate in the annual meeting activities and he also went with them to KTV.

Zhang Siyi did not know, since his employment started, how irregular Gu Yu’s behavior really was. In everyone’s perception, the past Gu Yu had always been cold, rigid, and unapproachable. Although he is less than 30 years old, he never acted in accordance to his age.

Since Zhang Siyi appearance, Gu Yu has changed invisibly. He not only maintained his prestige, but Zhang Siyi’s presence made Gu Yu even more human and as a result, Gu Yu was loved more by everyone. This is the real reason Zhang Siyi is liked by everyone.

It is unclear who said: “Here. Here. Respect our Mascot Aunt Four!” Everyone was in high spirits and raised their glasses to toast Zhang Siyi. Feeling embarrassed, it was more difficult to refuse and as a result, Zhang Siyi became dizzy drinking cup after cup. Clearly, he wanted to drive everyone to toast Tao Fei. How do it turn out to be like this!?!?

“Noooooo! I’ll get drunk again!” Zhang Si Yi quickly showed his weakness and begged for mercy.

Gu Yu smiled at the turn of events. Not letting things get out of hand, he interjected in a timely manner: ”Zhang Siyi has to travel tomorrow on a business trip. Take it easy. You don’t want him to miss his plane, do you?”

As soon as Boss Gu spoke, everyone could only laugh and give up.

Spectating the good show, Tao Fei was a bit upset when the excitement was broken by Gu Yu.

He poured a glass of wine and raised a glass to Gu Yu: “Boss, you can cause the team to be so harmonious and friendly. In fact, the most powerful person is you! In the past, we were classmates and now suddenly I have become your subordinate. For a while, I did not grasp the reality of the situation. I’m using this occasion to pay my respects Please take care of me in the future!”

With a glint in Gu Yu eyes, he raised his glass but did not drink. Instead he grinned and said: “Knowing our history, one must pay attention to professionalism. The last time you lost your temper, I did not have the chance to rectify the issue.” He raised his glass signaling Tao Fei to drink.

Tao Fei: “……” Fuck!

When Gu Yu saw Tao Fei drinking the wine, he narrowed his brow and said: “Tomorrow, My Little Apprentice will be in your care.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Not everyone in this room has heard Gu Yu jokingly call Zhang Siyi ‘Little Apprentice’. Tao Fei didn’t know who he was talking about, but as he considered the facts, the Little Apprentice must be Zhang Siyi. Since when did Zhang Siyi become Gu Yu’s Little Apprentice?

Watching Tao Fei, Gu Yu slowly picked up his glass and said: “I’ll finish first.”

Tao Fei: “….” Whoa! Why does it feel like I’m being threatened! (`_’)