Assistant Architect

Chapter 4: Hiring

This string of questions made Zhang Siyi even more on edge. Before seeing Gu Yu, when he thought he would be hired, he was thinking about his salary but now, he didn’t have any answers in mind for Gu Yu questions.

But since Gu Yu asked the question, Zhang Siyi also had to answer. Anyway, the situation has become so embarrassing that it can’t get any worse than it already is. He might as well just say his honest opinion and let the opposite party decide its worth. With a deep breath, he said: “Actually, it is influenced by one of my high school graduates.”

Gu Yu: “Oh?”

Zhang Siyi: “When I was in high school, there was an alumnus who had studied architecture at the University of T. He went back to my alma mater and give us an inspirational speech. He was ranked number 1 in the class of our local college entrance examination and was admitted to the Department of Architecture with the second highest score in the province. He said something at the time and left a deep impression on me.”

Zhang Siyi has always liked architecture. As a child he dreamed of having the title “Architect”. He once thought that it was his life’s goal. That his destiny was given to him by god to help build his motherland. Hearing this alumnus speech greatly reinforced his feelings so naturally, he sought a course of architectural study at a university.

Indeed, at home, construction is one of the most desired courses of study at any university, especially a school as prestigious school as T University. This is inevitable. During that period, development of land and large-scale construction projects were at its peak in the country. All localities are engaged in construction. Because of the media’s exaggerated reports on the employment prospects and salary of the construction industry, many students rushed to this field of study. The high demand for architecture in society forced Colleges and Universities to open architecture departments. Even many literary and film works have shaped “architects” into life-winning heroes.

However, once he got involved in this field, Zhang Siyi discovered that the reality is one fucking huge pit!

Gu Yu was silent for a moment in thought then smiled suddenly: “This is the reason why you pursued a career in architecture?”

Zhang Siyi did not expect him smile. Twice now he thought Gu Yu had a cold attitude and thought very little of him, however in this moment his faint smile let Zhang Siyi feel warmth, like the warm spring breeze melting winter’s ice and snow.

The other person’s expression is softer, and Zhang Siyi feels a little easier... Maybe this is a good start?

Gu Yu looked directly into Zhang Siyi eyes and asked: “Do you still remember what he said?”

Zhang Siyi: “Ah, that... I don’t remember...”

Because of all the many hours staying up late studying, drawing and building architectural models endlessly in university, Zhang Siyi also feels confused about his original intention. Especially when the construction segment of the economy has changed so drastically in a couple years. Looking for a job has become very difficult. He doubts whether his career choice is correct or not. As for the words that the alumnus said a few years ago, they are but a floating feeling without any effect on Zhang Si Yi’s heart. While thinking deeply about his changing sentiments he said, “But I felt that the senior was very cool at that time, so I always used him as an example.”

Gu Xiao looked at the resume on hand and said: “But you did not enter T University.”

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Zhang Siyi: “...”

T university is the highest institution in the country. It is not a place for the casual person to apply. More than that, all the old eight schools that are famous in the country, have impossibly high admission score standards. Even if Zhang Siyi high school grades are acceptable, the score needed to apply is beyond his ability. Zhang Siyi isn’t willing to go to an ordinary school, so he asked his family to study abroad.

Zhang Siyi inhales, exhales, inhales, exhales... ok, calm!

“Um, I thought I would go abroad to study architecture because it will make my horizon broader and give me more opportunities for the future,” Zhang Siyi said cautiously. “I heard that China’s current architecture education system is completely borrowed from the West, so it is better to study from the original source. “

Gu Yu seems to be endorsing this answer, nodding slightly.

This little action let Zhang Siyi’s confidence grow and continued to answer Gu Yu’s questions and explained why he would choose to send his resume to Borderless. He used nothing more than the summaries written by netizens on the forums.

Finally, when it comes to career planning, for everyone who pursues the career of “architect”, the primary goal is undoubtedly to obtain a personal license. Only then can the “architect” be truly counted. The title “National Level Registered Architect” is almost the highest proof of identity for domestic architects.

But the title is not something that casual cats and dogs can earn, and strictly speaking, any unlicensed building practitioner is called a designer.

Beginning graduates of architecture, such as Zhang Siyi, are only Junior “Assistant architects” who can apply for the job, by definition, can become apprentices. By diligent hard work alongside licensed architects can they improve and become architects themselves.

Different countries also have different criteria for judging the qualifications of “architects”. In China, obtaining an architect license requires a professional academic background, and a designated field of work. Once that is obtained then they are eligible to participate in the national unified qualification examination, but this test is divided into nine grades. It is not simple to pass. It is said that many practitioners spend years, even decades working on the test. Therefore, seeing that Gu Yu with the title of architect can only mean he is an especially gifted genius.

Zhang Siyi is an undergraduate of the accepted architectural education standard in the UK. His qualifications are recognized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). If you want to apply for a RIBA license in the future, you need to supplement your relevant design work with related experience plus the completed architectural works. It is only the British professional judgment requirements that are more stringent than domestic ones. Some people get a license when they are in their 40s and 50s, and they can only be regarded as a “young” architect in the RIBA circle.

Architecture is a long road. Therefore, many people have turned around in the middle. Fu Xinhui and Jiang Hai are such examples who originally went abroad to get a “foreign education” and now will pursue other career paths. Influenced by them, Zhang Siyi is now also confused and hesitant. I’m afraid the only one of them who is most likely to be an architect is Su Yuan.

“I don’t have any particularly long-term career plans,” Zhang Siyi said frankly, “and now, I’m just looking for a way to help me continue to grow and learn as well as to accumulate a bit of experience, and plan for the future.”

Just now, a “buzzing” sound can be heard. Startled by the phone vibration noise, Zhang Siyi, jerked his hand and touched his pocket thinking he has a call; however, the call isn’t for himself. It is for Gu Yu.

Gu looked at the phone, frowned and said to Zhang Siyi, “Sorry, wait a moment,” and picked up the phone from the table to take the call outside.

Zhang Siyi breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed his tightly wound nerves. He also took out his mobile phone to look at his messages and saw dozens of unread notes in the WeChat discussion group of college friends:

——————————

Su Yuan: “Is little Yi going to the interview?”

Jiang Hai: “He left early in the morning. He was in the bathroom for so long, I didn’t get the chance to wash up. [Hides]”

Fu Xinhui: “Why not come to my room? I have a separate bathroom.”

Jiang Hai: “Oh, I forget. Are you awake?”

Fu Xinhui: “I can’t sleep. Him going to the interview made me nervous.”

Ren Mengyu: “Why do I feel that you are getting more and more gay.”

Fu Xinhui: “...”

Su Yuan: “When you are going to get a job? You are still unemployed even though you have returned to Haicheng. Fu Xinhui”

Fu Xinhui: “Ah, I’m not in a rush. What’s the hurry?”

Su Yuan: “Don’t say that! I graduated with you. It’s disgraceful.”

Fu Xinhui: “...”

Su Yuan: “I don’t know if Little Yi got the job.”

————————-

Zhang Siyi quickly scanned over the messages and he couldn’t help but type a brief word to the discussion group: “Nothing.”

The group soon exploded and asked him what happened. Zhang Siyi saw that Gu Yu was back, and he had no time to explain. He only sent two crying expressions and quickly put the phone away.

After sitting down again, Zhang Siyi noticed Gu Xiao is still slightly frowning. He is a little unsure of himself and can’t tell what the other side of this expression is thinking. Insecurity is starting to develop inside him. Is his interview going well thus far? Did he say something wrong? even though his performance seems to be going well, he is starting to lose hope. Also... that cup of coffee.

Gu Yu opened the portfolio collection brought by Zhang Siyi with one hand and squeezed the bridge of his nose with the other. After a long period of time without talking, he sat there and looked carefully. He did not ask Zhang Siyi any questions.

Keeping silent, Zhang Siyi dare not speak, but his eyes involuntarily followed Gu Yu’s movements, watching him very intently.

His hands are very beautiful, not too big or small. His wrist bones are distinct, and his fingers are slender. They look unyielding yet soft. His eyelashes are also very long. When he looks at the book, they hover over his eyes like two small fans. And his skin.... so smooth.... Zhang Siyi is extremely puzzled. How can someone so young be a director.

While looking at him intently, Gu Yu suddenly looked up at Zhang Siyi. Zhang Siyi immediately sat up straighter. Feeling distraught he started sweating. The anticipation building up inside his heart overwhelmed him. He couldn’t take it any longer. What is the verdict?

Gu Yu took a pen and gently pointed at the book and asked, “Can you work overtime?”

“Ah?” Zhang Siyi said, stunned. His mind couldn’t help but replay the words that Su Yuan said last night – even if the interviewer asks you something you rather not do, you have to say ‘yes’. The attitude: You are willing to learn... Is this the turning point? There is a chance?

Zhang Siyi hurriedly said: “yes!”

Gu Yu looked at him and smiled: “There are still a few basic concerns. You can’t be late...”

Zhang Siyi was happy in his heart and nodded again and again: “I will not be late!”

Gu Yu: “The things you agree to must be done without exception. If you don’t understand something, please ask. Don’t make your own assumptions.”

Zhang Si Yi’s head nodding vigorously: “yes, yes!”

Gu Yu said the last point: “You can’t chat with friends online when you are work.”

Zhang Siyi: “...” So he heard it yesterday!

Gu Yu raised his eyebrows: “Can you do that?”

Zhang Siyi: “yes, not a problem.” Although, there is the feeling of signing a treaty of shame.

Gu Yu closed his portfolio and said directly: “The wages of the new graduates are 8000, the probation period is one month. The salary is 5000, before the tax. The bonus is dependent on the project. A pay raise is possible after your six-month performance evaluation....”

Ah ah, Zhang Si Yi’s heart has been crackling fireworks, no matter how much money!

“If you can accept it, start working today.” Gu Yu pushed the book back to him and stood up.

“Ah? “Zhang Siyi stayed,” today?”

Gu Yu took a moment: “Do you have something today?”

Zhang Siyi quickly shook his head: “No, nothing!”

He was thrilled. To think that Gu Yu didn’t discriminate against him from yesterday’s catastrophe is amazing. He doesn’t know how to thank him for being so kind and generous in his employment.

“That....” Zhang Siyi called Gu Yu, who was about to leave, blushing. “Yesterday, I am really sorry.”

Gu Yu paused for two seconds and said, “If you care so much, you can get a deduction in wages.”

Zhang Siyi: “...”