After Becoming Arch-Enemies with My Best Bro - Chapter 12

For the next ten minutes, Wen Huihan had a deep, soul-searching chat with Roubao.

He had to admit, current AI development was truly impressive. He didn’t even have to come up with topics, the conversation just flowed naturally.

The only weird thing was that no matter what they talked about, the conversation always seemed to loop back to He Chenshuang.

It went something like this:

AI: “What did you do today? Care to share?”

Wen Huihan: “It rained when I was coming back, so my best bro gave me a lift back to the dorm.”

AI: “That’s lucky! But we’ve been talking so long, how come I’ve never heard you mention this best bro before?”

Wen Huihan: “Whoa, Roubao, don’t go adding random lore to my life… fine, his name is He Chenshuang.”

AI: “Got it, memorized! We should all grab dinner together sometime. Introduce me to your bro!”

Wen Huihan: “You’re an AI, what are you going to eat? Do I just prop you up on the table while we eat?”

AI: “Exactly! Next time you eat with him, I’ll be in charge of describing the dishes. I can even recommend high-rated restaurants nearby. I’ll be the ultimate dining companion!”

Wen Huihan: “…”

He decided to change the subject.

Wen Huihan: “I’ve been hitting the gym lately.”

AI: “The gym? That’s great! Disciplined guys are so attractive. Are you working out with your bro?”

Wen Huihan: “I’m not with him. Never mind.”

He tried changing the subject again.

Wen Huihan: “Roubao, recommend a shower gel. I want something that smells amazing. I absolutely hate the Brand XX stuff my bro uses.”

He emphasized this specifically for He Chenshuang’s benefit. He didn’t think He Chenshuang’s shower gel smelled good at all.

In fact, he was certain he’d never use it again. He was going to buy a few bottles to pay him back, too, no freebies.

AI: “Understood. Here are some shower gel recommendations for you…”

Wen Huihan was satisfied. “Mmhmm, not bad. I’ll buy these next time.”

AI: “Haha, glad I could help! If you don’t like your bro’s shower gel, maybe you should suggest he switch to one of these too.”

Wen Huihan: “You’re a pretty bossy meat bun, Roubao, managing my bro’s life now. Fine, I’ll buy a few bottles for him when I get mine.”

The chat went on like this for another ten minutes. During the whole time, Wen Huihan kept a sneaky eye on He Chenshuang. The guy was surprisingly composed, focusing on his problems and never once telling Wen Huihan to shut up.

He didn’t even spare him a glance.

Wen Huihan had mentioned He Chenshuang in eight out of every ten sentences. He didn’t believe the guy hadn’t heard. How could he keep studying?

If he could truly ignore being gossiped about right to his face, then He Chenshuang was a formidable character.

Of course, it was also possible he was listening intently and intentionally stayed quiet.

Wen Huihan was starting to lose steam anyway. This Roubao was glitchy, constantly steering the talk toward He Chenshuang. He hadn’t intended to mention him at first, yet somehow they kept ending up there.

They were practically at the point of discussing their high school days. Any longer and he was afraid the AI would trick him into handing over his baby photos.

Just then, Ying Xunchun and Zhao Zhao returned from the cafeteria with food. He Chenshuang, who had been quiet for a long time, seemed to finally snap out of “Do Not Disturb” mode.

He stood up, took the food from them, said his thanks, and walked over to Wen Huihan.

He was carrying Wen Huihan’s meal.

Wen Huihan immediately went on high alert. What was He Chenshuang up to? Why was he personally delivering the food?

When someone is uncharacteristically kind, they’re usually up to no good. Was he finally fed up and looking for a chance to lodge a complaint?

Feeling a bit excited, Wen Huihan turned to thank his two roommates first, then tilted his chin at He Chenshuang. “Just put it down.”

He Chenshuang maintained that same cool, indifferent face. He placed the meal in front of Wen Huihan, glanced at the phone screen still showing the AI chat interface, and let out an unreadable smile.

Wen Huihan glared. “What?”

He Chenshuang: “Why didn’t you invite your ‘little wife’ out to eat with us?”

Wen Huihan: “…”

Who was his little wife? He Chenshuang was talking nonsense. If anything, she should be called his “sister-in-law.” No respect for seniority at all.

He had forgotten to close the app. As soon as He Chenshuang finished speaking, the AI giggled, “The one who just spoke must be that best bro you keep mentioning, He Chenshuang, right? You two are so close…”

Wen Huihan moved like lightning to close the app and immediately performed a grand uninstallation.

He hadn’t felt it before, but now, right in front of He Chenshuang, there was an indescribable sense of awkwardness.

He probably wouldn’t be using that stupid AI ever again.

“Little wife? Huihan, are you in a relationship?”

Zhao Zhao’s ears were sharp, and he caught the keyword instantly.

Wen Huihan denied it immediately. “No, no way.”

Zhao Zhao: “? But I just heard…”

Wen Huihan kept a straight face. “No, you misheard.”

He Chenshuang must have a heart of stone for none of this to affect him.

It seemed conventional methods were useless. He’d have to think of something else.

Since the topic of relationships had come up, Zhao Zhao sighed. “Man, I really want to fall in love.”

“You, the king of academic grinding, actually have time to think about dating?” Wen Huihan teased as he unpacked his steak and rice.

Zhao Zhao: “Of course. It’s human nature. Don’t tell me you don’t want to?”

Wen Huihan answered honestly, “I don’t.”

He Chenshuang, who had walked back to his seat, glanced back at him before calmly looking away and pulling out his chair to sit.

“True. You’re so handsome, if you actually wanted to date, there’s no way you’d be single this long.”

Zhao Zhao continued, “I still remember the sensation you and Brother He caused when we first started school.”

When Wen Huihan first entered A-University, he and He Chenshuang took turns blowing up the confession walls and forums. It took a whole month for the frenzy to die down.

Later, when people realized neither of them seemed interested in finding a partner, the discussions about them only increased.

Wen Huihan didn’t really check the forums. He was either in class or playing games in the dorm, he didn’t have time for that.

Zhao Zhao, on the other hand, was a frequent lurker. It was a mystery how someone who practically lived at the library found the time to browse.

“Some people guessed that you and Brother He signed a betting agreement, that whoever falls in love during university has to buy the other person dinner for a whole year.”

“Where did that rumo”

Wen Huihan stopped mid-sentence.

Wait, that actually sounded familiar.

Back in freshman year, someone had invited them both to a mixer with the Fine Arts Academy. Wen Huihan hadn’t wanted to go, those parties meant specifically for meeting the opposite sex always felt awkward and forced.

He Chenshuang didn’t look interested either. To settle it once and for all, Wen Huihan had made up a fake agreement on the spot.

“This idiot and I made a deal. If either of us falls in love first, we have to treat the other to dinner for a year. So, sorry, neither of us is going.”

Thinking of this, Wen Huihan quickly checked his phone.

Sure enough, He Chenshuang had sent him a smug message.

[He Aotian: When are you treating me to dinner? Bring your ‘wife’ along so I can meet her.]

Wen Huihan smirked and typed back.

[Already Blackened: Piss off. No way.]

Even though Wen Huihan didn’t plan on buying He Chenshuang dinner, thinking back on what he’d done made him want to bury his face in his hands.

To stop He Chenshuang from using this to mock him forever, he decided to treat him to a meal anyway, preferably one that would shut his mouth for good.

Unexpectedly, He Chenshuang rejected the idea without thinking. “Forget it. Wait until you actually have someone, then it won’t be too late.”

Wen Huihan: “Oh.”

Only after responding did he realize, wait, why did they actually agree to the “whoever dates first treats the other” deal? He’d only made that up to brush people off.

The dinner deal was weirdly rejected, but they still agreed to go out for a good meal together.

[He Aotian: I’ll wait for you downstairs after class.]

Wen Huihan received the message while he was still in class.

He didn’t bother replying. He waited until the bell rang, grabbed his bag, and followed the crowd out of the classroom and down the stairs.

Even from a distance, Wen Huihan spotted He Chenshuang immediately.

The tall, long-legged hottie was leaning against a wall, looking down at his phone. He looked cool and handsome, the kind of person everyone can’t help but glance at twice.

As Wen Huihan watched, his mischievous side flared up again.

He tried to sneak up behind He Chenshuang to scare him, but it was as if the guy had eyes in the back of his head. As soon as Wen Huihan got close, he was spotted.

He Chenshuang scoffed. “Are you a child?”

Wen Huihan huffed inwardly. “Takes one to know one… what are we eating tonight?”

“I just saw a new hotpot place opened up. The reviews are good and the broth is authentic. I think you’ll like it.”

“Sure, let’s do hotpot.”

“Mmhmm. I’ll book a table online now. By the time we get there, we should be able to eat.”

The best thing about going out with He Chenshuang was that he always did the research and arranged everything. He never made Wen Huihan, a person with terrible decision-making skills, choose.

If Wen Huihan had to struggle over what to eat, he’d probably scratch his head in agony. With He Chenshuang around, things were different, it saved him a lot of trouble.

The magical part was that every time He Chenshuang made a choice, Wen Huihan was satisfied. That was rare. It was inevitable they’d become best bros.

Wen Huihan felt a bit melancholy thinking about it. How could such a good relationship fall apart in the future? What kind of earth-shattering event could cause it?

He’d been pondering the reason lately. Based on his observations and tests over the past two weeks, He Chenshuang didn’t seem to have any explosive triggers.

He couldn’t help but recall the melodramatic dramas he’d watched. When sisters or brothers turned against each other, it was always because they fell for the same person or stole the other’s partner. No exceptions.

Wen Huihan’s pupils shook. Could it be…!

Come to think of it, he and He Chenshuang had very similar tastes. They both liked sweet and sour food, lyrical music, mystery movies, and even liked the same anime. If they fell for the same girl in the future…

Wen Huihan didn’t dare think further.

He was the type of person who wore his heart on his sleeve. Thinking about this shocking possibility made him lose his appetite even as they were eating hotpot.

He Chenshuang used the serving chopsticks to cook meat and shrimp paste for him, placing them in his small dish. Wen Huihan said thanks and stuffed them into his mouth mechanically, without even dipping them in sauce.

He Chenshuang propped his chin on his hand and watched for a while before saying lazily, “Wake up. Your face is almost in the bowl.”

“Sigh.”

That was Wen Huihan’s countless sigh of the day.

Through the rising steam of the hotpot, He Chenshuang’s steady gaze lingered on his face for a long time before he spoke. “Wen Huihan, you’ve been very strange lately.”

Hearing He Chenshuang say this so matter-of-factly made Wen Huihan’s heart skip a beat.

Was he being that obvious?

Okay, fine, it was very obvious.

But who could stay calm after thinking of something like that? It was harder to digest than the fact that he was supposed to be a villain.

Wen Huihan decided to play dumb. “I haven’t. It’s just your imagination.”

“You have nothing to say to me?”

“I do. Eat while it’s hot.”

He Chenshuang looked at him for a moment longer. Realizing Wen Huihan was avoiding the topic, he eventually let it drop.

But Wen Huihan couldn’t keep a secret to save his life. After eating with his head down for a bit, he couldn’t help but look up.

“Can I ask you something?” His voice was soft, filled with a mix of shyness, anxiety, and a “to hell with it” attitude. “If one day, and I mean if, we both fell for the same person…”

He Chenshuang: “…”

He pinched the bridge of his nose, looking like he wanted to laugh at the absurdity, yet also like he was taken aback by the question. After a pause, he said firmly, “Don’t worry. That day will never come.”

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