Assistant Architect Chapter 4

Assistant Architect by Xi He Qing Ling

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Chapter 4: Hiring

This string of questions made Zhang Siyi even more on edge. Before seeingGu Yu, when he thought he would be hired, he was thinking about his salary butnow, 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 bee so embarrassing that it can’t get any worse than italready is. He might as well just say his honest opinion and let the oppositeparty decide its worth. With a deep breath, he said: “Actually, it isinfluenced by one of my high school graduates.”

Gu Yu: “Oh?”

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

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

Indeed, at home, construction is one of the most desired courses of studyat any university, especially a school as prestigious school as T University.This is inevitable. During that period, development of land and large-scaleconstruction projects were at its peak in the country. All localities areengaged in construction. Because of the media's exaggerated reports on theemployment prospects and salary of the construction industry, many studentsrushed to this field of study. The high demand for architecture in societyforced Colleges and Universities to open architecture departments. Even manyliterary and film works have shaped “architects” into life-winningheroes.

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

Gu Yu was silent for a moment in thought then smiled suddenly: “Thisis 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 attitudeand thought very little of him, however in this moment his faint smile letZhang Siyi feel warmth, like the warm spring breeze melting winter’s ice andsnow.

The other person’s expression is softer, and Zhang Siyi feels a littleeasier… Maybe this is a good start?

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

Zhang Siyi: “Ah, that… Idon’t remember…”

Because of all the many hours staying up late studying, drawing andbuilding architectural models endlessly in university, Zhang Siyi also feelsconfused about his original intention. Especially when the construction segmentof the economy has changed so drastically in a couple years. Looking for a jobhas bee very difficult. He doubts whether his career choice is correct ornot. As for the words that the alumnus said a few years ago, they are but afloating feeling without any effect on Zhang Si Yi’s heart. While thinkingdeeply about his changing sentiments he said, “But I felt that the seniorwas 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 enterT University.”

Zhang Siyi: “…”

T university is the highest institution in the country. It is not a placefor the casual person to apply. More than that, all the old eight schools thatare famous in the country, have impossibly high admission score standards. Evenif Zhang Siyi high school grades are acceptable, the score needed to apply isbeyond his ability. Zhang Siyi isn’t willing to go to an ordinary school, so heasked 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 willmake my horizon broader and give me more opportunities for the future,”Zhang Siyi said cautiously. “I heard that China’s current architectureeducation system is pletely borrowed from the West, so it is better to studyfrom 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 answerGu Yu’s questions and explained why he would choose to send his resume toBorderless. He used nothing more than the summaries written by netizens on theforums.

Finally, when it es to career planning, for everyone who pursues thecareer of "architect