ASSHKHME Chapter 66

Chapter 66: Choice

Chen Zhuo paused his chewing, deeply surprised.

He didn’t expect to hear such a straightforward confession from Xie Yu, “Huh? Weren’t you straight at first?”

Xie Yu hadn’t said anything like that before, and he felt a little embarrassed after saying it, burying his head to eat chicken feet.

He mumbled, “I don’t know anymore, I’m just attracted to you. Hurry up and go to the study. Remember to report what Xu Qingyou told you later.”

Chen Zhuo lowered his eyes, seeing Xie Yu’s red ears, and reached out to touch them, feeling a bit hot.

He nodded with a smile, gently saying, “Okay, I’ll report to you later.”

Actually, Chen Zhuo didn’t like the feeling of having no secrets at all. He was used to being alone and couldn’t accept others trying to pry into his life, but if it was Xie Yu, it seemed like he could talk about anything, say anything.

This emotion was strange, making him feel uneasy.

But looking at Xie Yu’s appearance of burying his head in eating because of shyness, he felt like he could accept it.

Chen Zhuo lifted his foot and went to the study, his voice carrying an unnoticeable joy, “Qingyou-ge, what do you want to talk to me about?”

Xu Qingyou opened a drawer and pushed an application form in front of Chen Zhuo, “I remember you said that your dream is to become an architectural designer and you plan to go abroad for further studies, right?”

Chen Zhuo picked up the international exchange student application form, feeling a bit dazed.

The development of architectural designers in China is very limited, requiring a build-up of reputation and excellent resumes to be noticed.

Therefore, Chen Zhuo had indeed considered going abroad, and had a school he liked, but applying for a full scholarship was difficult, and his savings were not enough to support his expenses abroad. He had also considered working and studying part-time.

But…

But now he had emotional ties, friends, and his own social circle.

He was very satisfied with his current living environment, so this plan was put on hold.

He didn’t expect Xu Qingyou to suddenly bring it up. Chen Zhuo declined, “Qingyou-ge, this is too sudden, and I’m already an adult. You don’t always have to plan for me. I have to be responsible for myself.”

Xu Qingyou chuckled softly, “Jiangbei University has international exchange student slots every year. You need to apply for this based on your own ability, and with your current grades, there shouldn’t be any problems. The architectural industry is sluggish now, and there are broader platforms outside for you to improve. Don’t worry about living expenses, you can consider it a loan from me.”

Sending Chen Zhuo abroad to study was not a sudden decision, it was originally in Xu Qingyou’s plan.

Belonging to the architectural industry, his connections abroad could be used by Chen Zhuo, which could help Chen Zhuo avoid many detours.

But Chen Zhuo was always afraid of troubling him.

If he applied to foreign universities on his own, the expenses would be very high, and Chen Zhuo would definitely not agree.

Therefore, he had long planned to let Chen Zhuo go as an exchange student to experience the world and broaden his horizons.

When he first made plans for Chen Zhuo, he had no selfish intentions, he only wanted this little guy who had suffered so much to have a smooth future.

But now, even if Xu Qingyou didn’t want to admit it, his purpose was no longer so pure.

A long-distance relationship was too much of a test for two nineteen-year-old boys.

Xu Qingyou didn’t have any special expectations for a relationship with mutual love.

His parents had no love, but they had lived together for nearly thirty years, hadn’t they?

Those who pursued true love before getting married, the divorce windows in the Civil Affairs Bureau could form long queues every day.

Love is something that changes rapidly, if it’s there, it’s there, if it’s not, it’s not a big deal.

Xu Qingyou loved Chen Zhuo, but he didn’t force Chen Zhuo to love him, nor did he care who Chen Zhuo loved now.

He didn’t want to hurt Chen Zhuo in a radical way, but he could wait, wait until Chen Zhuo was willing to turn around and look at him.

Xu Qingyou would pave all the roads for Chen Zhuo. He believed that one day, Chen Zhuo would understand who was the most suitable person for him.

Chen Zhuo pursed his lips and looked up at him, “Why are you suddenly saying this?”

“It’s not sudden, it’s been my idea for a long time.”

Xu Qingyou got up and poured him a glass of water, saying slowly, “A few days ago, I talked to your department head about the students’ employment problems when we were having dinner. The architecture major is not like it was ten or twenty years ago. Do you know how many people in your department will eventually choose to change careers? Independent designers need a reputation, and there are too few platforms in China that can provide growth.”

Chen Zhuo wasn’t unmoved, he said hesitantly, “Qingyou-ge, I know you’re doing this for my own good, but I really haven’t considered this matter yet. I’ll think about it.”

“Of course, there’s no rush. International exchange students are for sophomores and juniors, you have a long time to consider, but Xiao Zhuo, sometimes there aren’t many opportunities to get close to your dreams. Don’t give up your career pursuits for other childish reasons.”

Xu Qingyou patted him on the shoulder and continued, “I know you don’t want to work for a company and want to open your own studio. This road is very difficult to walk. It doesn’t matter if you don’t go abroad to get some experience. The group is willing to be your stepping stone. Whatever choice you make, I support you.”

Chen Zhuo was very touched and didn’t know what to say for a moment. “Qingyou-ge, you’re too good to me. I don’t know how to repay you. Thank you for worrying about me.”

Xu Qingyou shook his head with a smile, “If you really want to thank me, don’t say anything about repayment. You know I don’t like to hear it.”

Chen Zhuo smiled, “Okay, I won’t say it in the future, but thank you, really.”

Xu Qingyou raised his hand and touched his soft hair, “Alright, take this application form first. I have to go to the company at four o’clock. If Little Xie is done eating, you can go back to school with him.”

Chen Zhuo nodded, “Okay.”

Before he turned to leave, Xu Qingyou suddenly called out to him, “Xiao Zhuo.”

Chen Zhuo turned back, falling into a restrained but warm embrace. It only lasted for two or three seconds before he was released.

Chen Zhuo looked at Xu Qingyou in confusion. Xu Qingyou smiled, “I just feel like you’ve gained some weight. Is the cafeteria food not bad?”

Chen Zhuo’s attention was diverted, and warning bells rang. He touched his face, “Can’t be, right? It’s only been… a month since I went to the gym.”

Xu Qingyou’s stern eyebrows softened, “Just kidding with you, alright, hurry up and take that freeloader outside away.”

Chen Zhuo walked out, “Ah haha, Xie Yu is just naturally friendly, we’ll leave right away. Ge, you’re busy, no need to see us off.”

The study door closed again, and the smile on Xu Qingyou’s face gradually faded. He turned his head to look out the window and sighed.

Chen Zhuo folded the application form and put it in his pocket.

Walking into the dining room, he found that Xie Yu had not only finished eating, but had also cleaned up the table and washed the dishes.

Even the leftover takeout was tidied up, clean and tidy.

Chen Zhuo raised his eyebrows slightly, “So well-behaved?”

Xie Yu snorted, “Didn’t you say Xu Qingyou is your brother? Shouldn’t I be more diligent? I can’t let you lose face, right?”

Chen Zhuo’s eyes smiled, and he lifted Xie Yu’s chin and kissed him, “Too conscious, let’s go, let’s go back to school.”

Being praised, Xie Yu felt great. He picked up the trash and walked out, looking back at the direction of the study, “Let’s go, isn’t Xu Qingyou coming to see us off?”

Chen Zhuo said, “He’s busy, it seems like he has work temporarily.”

Walking out the door and entering the elevator.

Xie Yu cleared his throat, reminding, “Ahem, shouldn’t you report? What did you two talk about just now?”