Assistant Architect

Chapter 2: Job Hunting

Almost all of the cover letters he sent came to naught. Only one German foreign firm had returned with an e-mail gently explaining to Zhang Siyi that all the positions at their firm for interns and assistants were already full for the year.

Yes, it is already August. The better companies have long been full. He was so stupid for giving into Fu Xinhui encouragement to travel and have fun in Europe for one month after graduation knowing that the domestic construction market is experiencing a low period. Three to Four percent of people in the business are suffering from laid-offs and pay cuts. Some companies can’t afford to pay their existing staff, let alone to hire new people.

Although not as prestigious as Cambridge or Oxford, Zhang Siyi graduated from a university with a famous architectural program in the United Kingdom. However, these names add little value to a student with an undergraduate degree which can only be used as a small stepping stone for Zhang Siyi’s job search. Since most developed countries construction market peak has passed, Zhang Siyi thought returning home was the only way forward with his career.

However, because of the current saturated domestic environment, the door that he thought was once open has now been slammed in his face.

He is competing for a position amongst all the graduates of architecture from the old eight schools in the country as well as graduates from other famous universities. Then there were people like Zhang Siyi who are forced to find the leftover scraps.

In fact, if Zhang Siyi chose something else, it would be quite simple to get a job, especially in a big city like Haicheng. Many travel agents or leather product companies will welcome him because you can go directly to the job with little training.

He didn’t know getting an Architectural degree would cost so much and become such a burden. While he was studying, he didn’t think so all the time. It was just that there were a lot of miscellaneous expenses such as various specialized pens for drawing, artist markers, materials to make models, printing fees, etc... used in the learning process. Even with his amounting debt, he can’t abandon his hard work!

Why did he want to study architecture in the first place? Zhang Siyi may have forgotten. Perhaps, just because it sounded cool.

Because of the lack of academic qualifications and professional ability, Zhang Siyi only wants to update his portfolio. After all, looking back at his lower grades with the eyes of a graduate, almost all of them can only use the word “shit” to describe them. So, during this time, he was working hard retouching his designs to see if he could make his work more appealing.

This is his last bet. If he still can’t make things work at his current level, he can only rush back home and ask his family to let him go study abroad for a master’s degree...

Grasping his head in worry, Zhang Siyi was about to start work when he felt his stomach protest.

One great thing about returning to China is it’s so convenient and cheap to eat. Zhang Siyi stayed in the UK for four years and ate enough hamburgers and fries for a lifetime. When he came back, he fell in love with Haicheng and never wanted to go back.

He ordered takeout and returned to his room to wait for the food. When he finished eating, he started feeling sleepy... Since it was early in the morning a little nap first, then work later. Zhang Siyi comforted himself and slept, but when he woke up, the sun was already starting to set below the horizon.

He glanced at the time and secretly swore then quickly climbed out of bed to wash.

In the living room, one of Zhang Siyi’s roommates is glued to the couch playing games with the mobile phone. Yes, he is Fu Xinhui. The one who was suspected of being gay in the dispute between Zhang Siyi and his girlfriend this morning. His other roommate is Jiang Hai. The three of them were classmates in the UK while they were studying. There were more than ten students from mainland China in his architectural program who have returned to the country and plan to find their jobs in Haicheng.

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“Are you awake?” Fu Xinhui looked up at Zhang Siyi and asked lazily. “What do you want to eat for dinner?”

“...I feel like I just ate so I’m not hungry.” Zhang Siyi went into the washroom with a heavy heart. His thoughts seemed to echo his girlfriend this morning. Repeatedly questioning the phrase “What are you doing all day?” Yes, what is he busy with? How do you feel not doing a single thing all day long?

“Just eaten?” Fu Xinhui asked.

“Well, I went out in the morning. Did you think I never got up?” Zhang Siyi snapped. “Although I woke up at 2 in the afternoon, I just wanted to say that I started earlier than you. What about the pizza from last night.”?

“......” Is this guy proud to sleep until so late? “No, I am so hungry. What about the seafood place downstairs? I just looked at the reviews and found positive comments about the lobster dinner. Can you go?”

When Zhang Siyi heard the “lobster”, his stomach seemed to be a bit hungry. Once again, he thought about this morning’s breakup event. The depression and regrets in his heart gradually came back, so he wanted to eat something to eliminate it.

“Well, is Jiang Hai back?” Zhang Siyi asked.

Among the three, Jiang Hai was the only one who transitioned smoothly to a job after graduation. However, his achievement wasn’t due to his own effort. Someone in the family had arranged it early so he now worked in a real estate company.

“I just sent a him message, he is working overtime.” Fu Xinhui said.

“No? More overtime work! How many days has he added this week? I thought that Jiang Hai never worked overtime.” Zhang Siyi finished getting ready and casually wore a pair of slippers to go downstairs with Fu Xinhui.

“I don’t know why a graduate is so anxious to work long hours. Cherish your youth and take it easy!”

When Zhang Siyi heard this, he became angry: “Don’t say that! I went to Europe to play with you instead of looking for a job, and now compared with Jiang Hai, my fortune has reversed.

Fu Xinhui shook his head and said: “You aren’t thinking straight.”

Frustrated, Zhang Si Yi shouted back: “Young masters don’t have to worry about food and shelter so don’t talk to me about what my mental state is!”

Fu Xinhui is a naive, typical rich second generation with several big companies, owned and operated by his family. It is obvious that such a young master who has enjoyed the blessing of money can rent a house with them and enjoy his time.

Fu Xinhui sings enchantingly: “Come on~ Happy~ ... Anyway, there is a lot of time....”

Zhang Siyi: “...”

When they arrived at the restaurant, they ordered food then Fu Xinhui suddenly asked, “Where have you been all morning?”

Zhang Siyi poured a beer and said: “I broke up with my girlfriend.”

Fu Xinhui was surprised: “You ran out early in the morning to break up?”

“I didn’t go intending to breakup,” Zhang Siyi sighed. As he retold the events one by one from the morning, Fu Xinhui became more irritated. Filled with indignation Zhang Siyi asked, “I really don’t understand why she suspects something between us. Do we act gay? Not! Do you think there is something wrong with her?”

“Hmmm...” Fu Xinhui intently stripped the lobster and put it on Zhang Siyi’s plate. “You aren’t thinking about her now, right?”

Zhang Siyi naturally ate the lobster and was silent.

Fu Xinhui looked up and said: “Are you regretting it?”

Zhang Siyi bowed his head: “It’s been two years after all. If it wasn’t for me during this period, her temper wouldn’t have become so bad.”

Fu Xinhui enlightened him: “Girls, they all want to spend time with you. You are used to acting differently when abroad, but she is looking forward to seeing you return to the country and be gentle with her. Now she sees the difference between her ideal and reality. The gap is definitely not acceptable for her.”

As a result of Fu Xinhui’s analysis, Zhang Siyi became more and more guilty: “What should I do......? Explain it better...? Try to save our relationship?

Fu Xinhui asked: “Do you think you have time to manage her needs?”

Zhang Siyi frowned: “Hmm... it would be better to wait for me to find a job first.”

Fu Xinhui smiled: “You are too naive. Look at Jiang Hai. Do you think there will still be time after work? Your girlfriend was originally a character that liked to accompany people. This profession is destined to cause her emotional stress. She won’t ever feel satisfied.

Zhang Siyi: “...”

Fu Xinhui: “But it is not good for me to make this decision for you. Think about it yourself.”

”You’re right, I’m in the mood to find a job now,” Zhang sighed, with emotion,” and I feel very tired when I’m with her recently. It’s not so easy being together with her. Zhang Si Yi thought about his girlfriend’s speculations, joking, ” I want to really be gay, it’s so much easier being with you.”

Fu Xinhui:“......”

When he returned to his room, he thought about sending a text message to his girlfriend detailing his thoughts that were discussed with Fu Xinhui as well as further explaining his current exhausted state. He thought if both sides can step back for a little, they can continue to be together and not officially break up.

He took a long time editing his txt message. He finally sent it out after modifying it several times back and forth for 30min. He still held onto some hope that his relationship with his girlfriend would work out.

Not one minute passed when Zhang Siyi felt the phone buzz. He didn’t expect the other party to write back so soon....

“There is no need to explain more. I thought about it in the morning.”

“Your profession is just too abnormal. I really have had enough, Zhang Siyi, maybe we really don’t fit together.”

Let’s end it.”

Three text messages connected to three phone vibrations. These three combos let Zhang Siyi once again realize the rhythm of the first “sonata” in the morning.

After reading the messages he collapsed on his bed like a dead dog. At this moment, the phone vibrated again. Zhang Siyi thought that it was a girlfriend – wait a moment – noooo.... Now an ex-girlfriend who sent something else to complain about, but to his surprised, it was a push notification on his mobile phone for new E-mail!

Zhang Siyi bounced from the bed and rushed to the computer to open his Email...

Re: job hunting Zhang Siyi

With shaking hands, Zhang Siyi opened the mail.

————————–

“Hello, Mr. Zhang,

Thank you for your letter, our architects have browsed your resume and portfolio, and are interested in further communication with you. If you are still looking for a job, please bring a paper version of the collection on August x-x. The interview at the company will be before 10 am.

Tel: ***

Address: ***

If you have any questions, please call Miss Whang in the Human Resource department.

Borderless Architectural Design Firm. Co “

——————————–

Ah, oh oh oh oh oh yeah...!

Zhang Siyi jumped up from the chair excitedly, holding his head and screaming madly – he finally received an interview email!!!

But, wait a minute... Which company is Borderless?

Zhang Siyi sent out too many resumes to keep track of them all in this period, so he doesn’t remember the details. Because of his background studying abroad, the only known example of the job is based mostly on foreign designers’ private firms where the general welfare is good. The working atmosphere is relatively relaxed and there is no need to work overtime.

The biggest avenue forward is in the carrier building group and Design Institute. Working for them in key branches would be a big addition to his resume. If they don’t give him an opportunity, Zhang Siyi thought to apply to the small construction companies that are Chinese-foreign joint ventures. Tiny company ventures aren’t popular and are too risky to apply.

Borderless is the company on the first batch of resumes that Zhang Siyi’s sent. At that time, his goal was ambitious, so he picked the best. Zhang Siyi excitedly checked the Internet and quickly recalled that Borderless was a subsidiary of a large-scale design institute in China a few years ago. It was mainly an elite team of young designers, both domestic and foreign.

Compared with foreign firms, Borderless is more grounded and has a strong background. Even if it is a domestic company, the designs of its projects aren’t rigid or dull at all. In recent years it has become the first choice for many architecture graduates.

“Hmm... I see that the threshold of this company is extremely high, and it is rarely publicly recruited so how can I suddenly receive an email from them?”

Zhang Siyi is both nervous and excited. When he originally looked at the relevant website data for an application, he thought he would take a chance and apply even though he wasn’t expecting anything. He didn’t know it could be so long before he would receive a reply ... Is this the legendary darkest hour?