Assistant Architect

Chapter 166: Caught

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Feeling startled when he heard Lu Qiao statement, Zhang Siyi’s turned pale.

…… Gay? Is Lu Qiao talking about him? How does he know?

While Zhang Siyi was turning to look at Gu Yu, Gu Yu was also turning to look Zhang Siyi. Both of their expressions were very complex.

Since Lu Qiao crying clearly indicated that in some way, he has felt wronged, Zhang Siyi felt confused. Thinking about it, he tried to understand what the problem was. What did being gay have anything to do with Lu Qiao? Did someone hurt him?

Although Gu Yu and Zhang Siyi were always worried about the possibility of being discovered, coming upon someone by accident and hearing a monolog about their relationship felt strange.

Lu Qiao sobbed twice and continued venting his complaints: “Why am I being bullied over being from the country and yet no one says anything about him? I can’t compare. They act like he is the pride of heaven, but he is gay! Why doesn’t anyone find it strange?”

After listening to what Lu Qiao just said, the two were even more confused, especially Zhang Siyi. Who bullied Lu Qiao? Who is the pride of heaven?

Considering his relationship with Gu Yu, Zhang Siyi figured Lu Qiao must be talking about himself, but where did Lu Qiao ever get the idea that he was the pride of heaven? Zhang Siyi doesn’t remotely feel like he is comparable to Lu Qiao’s delusion.

At the same time, Gu Yu was looking at Zhang Siyi questioningly. He was thinking about any conflicts Zhang Siyi might have had with Lu Qiao.

Seeing Gu Yu’s slightly raised eyebrow, Zhang Siyi quickly shook his head to refute. He felt his friendship with Lu Qiao was good.

Although, looking back at the last few days, perhaps Lu Qiao was a bit alienated. Being immersed in romance, Zhang Siyi’s heart and mind were occupied with thoughts of Gu Yu. In addition, traveling with a strict touring schedule created little time for Zhang Siyi to think about anything else.

After another minute passed, Lu Qiao sniffled and choked out more grievances: “He is so well liked by everyone. He has such a good family. Even his father is a government official. The boss also likes him very much…… And I’m just a loser. What makes him so different? Why can’t I compare with him? What other qualifications do I need?”

Since Lu Qiao mentioned a father who was an official, Zhang Siyi face changed. His suspicion was confirmed as Lu Qiao was the only person with whom Zhang Siyi told that fact to.

Now that Zhang Siyi knew he was the main character of Lu Qiao monolog, Zhang Siyi felt an indescribable feeling of discomfort. Broadening his thoughts, he wondered if he really did do something to provoke Lu Qiao and thinking back, he replayed some of the details.

There was that time he was with Lu Qiao and spoke without thought about the cost of living while studying in Europe. After hearing about it, Lu Qiao seemed unsettled and had made a comment at that time about his father being a corrupt official. Although he felt a disgusted over Lu Qiao’s remark, Zhang Siyi didn’t let what he said bother him as he knew there were always some form of hatred towards the wealthy from the poor. Even if Lu Qiao might be a little cynical, his nature wasn’t bad.

Moreover, Zhang Siyi thought Lu Qiao regarded him as a friend. Why else would he suggest being roommates for the trip? And thus, being a friend, he let the issue pass as a joke. The last thing that Zhang Siyi expected was Lu Qiao talking about him behind his back. It made him feel both angry and sad.

Perceiving the changes in Zhang Siyi’s emotional states, Gu Yu gently held Zhang Siyi hand to comfort him.

Zhang Siyi was trying to listen to what else Lu Qiao has to say, but in Gu Yu’s firm grasp, he was being pulled out from hiding. Even though Zhang Siyi was quite resistant, he couldn’t fight against Gu Yu strength.

“…!!!…” –Wha..wait, are you confronting Lu Qiao?

Lu Qiao was crying, but suddenly heard the sound of footsteps.

Now alerted, while wiping the tears from his face, he looked up to see who was near. When he saw who it was, he was stunned and his mind went blank.

…… They heard him; he was caught……

Noticing Gu Yu’s stern and expressionless face, Lu Qiao’s first thought was: ‘I’m going to be fired. Do I need to leave Japan now?’

Looking away from Gu Yu’s line of sight, Lu Qiao looked to Zhang Siyi and noticing his slight frown, Lu Qiao felt ashamed suddenly for what he said. Lu Qiao’s predicament exposed his own fear of homosexuality. Subconsciously, Lu Qiao tried to make himself smaller by shrinking back. All he wanted to do was disappear.

As Gu Yu approached Lu Qiao, he let go of Zhang Siyi hand half way and said: “You go inside first.”

Zhang Siyi: “What?”

Gu Yu clarified: “Go upstairs. I will talk to Lu Qiao.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

Gu Yu’s tone was pragmatic and unemotional. Zhang Siyi felt like a character in a martial arts movie before a big showdown. In any case, Lu Qiao wasn’t the only one feeling embarrassed. Since Gu Yu’s proposal was reasonable, Zhang Siyi nodded. He eyed Lu Qiao on the ground briefly before he went inside.

Gu Yu walked slowly to Lu Qiao and bent down. He reached out his hand and said: “Get up.” Even though his face was expressionless, and his voice was flat, Gu Yu exuded a gentle feeling.

Feeling like he was about to cry from embarrassment, Lu Qiao ignored Gu Yu’s offered hand and picked himself up in an effort to maintain his dignity.

Gu Yu lead him to the slate bench that was in the garden for tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery and sat down next to him.

Lu Qiao’s heart was mess. Since he discovered the secret between Gu Yu and Zhang Siyi, he thought his Boss must be angry with him and as a result, will probably get fired…. Anyway, as he failed to integrate with his colleagues, no one really knows him so It won’t matter if he left…… Since Lu Qiao’s thoughts didn’t seem to bother him, he simply thought it would be a good thing to go to another company.

Gu Yu spoke up and said: “I understand you.”

In an instant, Lu Qiao’s tears fell.

In fact, when Lu Qiao thought about it more carefully, there was no real reason for Gu Yu to say ‘I understand you’ when he hadn’t said very much. There were many more issues bottled up inside. Even so, when he heard Gu Yu’s calming voice, he felt like he was redeemed. He choked back his tears and said: “Boss….”

Gu Yu sighed and said: “I’m sorry.”

Tears continued to flow down his cheeks like a sorrowful child. In the last few days, Lu Qiao didn’t understand what was happening to him. Why were his feelings so dark and his attitude full of despair?

Gu Yu said: “I am apologizing for inadvertently hearing your monolog. Zhang Siyi and I weren’t trying to eavesdrop.”

Although he was in the wrong, Gu Yu’s attitude made him feel warm. He respected his boss and valued his guidance. His simple apology made Lu Qiao feel respected.

In fact, he was reluctant to leave Borderless. He had been working at the company for over a year and liked the work and his colleagues. In addition, Lu Qiao felt that Gu Yu was the perfect Boss…. But, why would he be gay!? Did Zhang Siyi seduce him?

“So now, can we talk about what you just said calmly?” In a businesslike fashion, Gu Yu looked at him and said: “In an equal capacity, rather than a boss to his subordinate.”

Lu Qiao timidly looked back at Gu Yu. The kind of strength and stability that Gu Yu exuded made Lu Qiao involuntarily nod.