Can't Shake Off My Arch-rival After Falling in Love Online - Chapter 8

The apartment you rented is beautiful

Shu Xing stared blankly at Xi Yang’s departing back. For a fleeting moment, he felt that Xi Yang’s physique was remarkably similar to Yu Hui’s.

When Shu Xing first added Yu Hui as a friend, he had seen a photo in his Moments. It was a silhouette of someone on horseback, back turned against the setting sun. In the photo, Yu Hui appeared tall with long, lean, and powerful legs pressed against the stirrups; his slim-fitting clothes clearly revealed the thick muscle lines of his arms.

Yu Hui was not the stereotypical “otaku” often rumored online. From the photo, he looked like a cool, handsome guy who exercised regularly.

Although Shu Xing had never seen a clear photo of Yu Hui’s face, that single image in his Moments provided plenty of room for imagination. Combined with Yu Hui’s status as a “rich second generation,” Shu Xing had always felt he had landed a top-tier “tall, rich, and handsome” catch.

However, this remained within the realm of Shu Xing’s assumptions. He never dared to ask for a face reveal, fearing that Yu Hui would demand one in return.

Once an absurd thought takes root, it snowballs. With a heart full of doubt, Shu Xing clicked on Yu Hui’s Moments. The other person had not posted a photo in a long time; his status was set to “visible for the last three days.” If he remembered correctly, Shu Xing had not seen Yu Hui post anything since he started university.

I must be overthinking it, right? Yu Hui and Xi Yang were two people who had nothing to do with each other. Their personalities, attitudes, and tones of voice were completely different.

There are plenty of people in the world with similar builds. He could not just project Xi Yang’s face and body onto every rich, handsome guy he encountered.

But why did Yu Hui say he had an appointment to see an apartment, and Xi Yang happened to be going to see one too? Was today some kind of auspicious day for house hunting?

Furthermore, when he messaged Yu Hui earlier, Xi Yang’s notification tone had gone off at the exact same time.

Could such a coincidence really happen?

Beside him, Cheng Xinyu noticed Shu Xing’s distraction. He poked Shu Xing in the waist with his elbow and asked, “Xing-mei, what are you thinking about?”

Shu Xing snapped back to reality and murmured, “Xinyu, why is Xi Yang going to see an apartment?”

Cheng Xinyu took it as a matter of course. “Xi-ge probably is not going home again this summer. Since finals are coming up, he is renting a place in advance so he can move in as soon as vacation starts!”

Xi Yang was a local, so there was no reason for him not to go home during the holidays. Shu Xing frowned, uncharacteristically probing into Xi Yang’s business. “Why does he not live at home?”

Cheng Xinyu suddenly leaned in and explained in a low voice, “Have you not noticed he does not even go home on regular weekends? Xi-ge has some conflict with his family. It was the same last year; he lived outside during winter and summer breaks. It seemed like he barely even went home for the New Year!”

Cheng Xinyu seemed afraid that Shu Xing might accidentally hit a nerve, so he added a specific warning. “Hey, just act like you do not know! Do not go poking at people’s sore spots!”

Shu Xing nodded. “I am not that bored.”

So it was just for a summer rental. Scared him to death. Shu Xing almost thought Yu Hui and Xi Yang were the same person. It was just a coincidence; they both had appointments to see apartments. Today really must be an auspicious day.

Besides, how could Xi Yang possibly be Yu Hui?

Yu Hui always called him “baby” so sweetly and was so considerate. They had even voice-chatted before! Yu Hui’s gentle, deep voice was nothing like Xi Yang’s cold, icy tone!

He was definitely overthinking and being paranoid.

Yu Hui was very efficient. Within two days, he messaged Shu Xing to say he had finished renting the apartment and included a transfer of 5,200 for “living supplies.”

Looking at another transfer, Shu Xing could hardly keep the smile off his face. His shallow dimples appeared, and a hint of a small canine tooth peeked through his lips.

After accepting the payment, he sent a “Thanks, baby,” and Yu Hui replied almost instantly.

Yu Hui: [Baby, I chose the best mattress for the new home. It is very soft. The facilities are all complete; you can move in today!]

With finals approaching, Shu Xing was busy reviewing and had no time to move. He could only use “being busy with work” as an excuse to delay his move-in date.

Thinking about moving into the new apartment soon, Shu Xing’s mood had been exceptionally good lately. However, once final exams were over, the school issued a new announcement: a temporary notice that dormitory assignments would not change next semester. Roommate configurations would remain as they were.

Shu Xing’s face fell when he saw the announcement; his good mood vanished instantly. Many class activities were organized by dormitory units. The thought of continuing to be roommates with Xi Yang made him feel uncomfortable all over.

Fortunately, Yu Hui had paid a full year’s rent for Shu Xing’s apartment. Starting next semester, he would not have to live in the dorm anymore; at least he would not have to see Xi Yang’s face every day.

However, He Wennan and Cheng Xinyu were overjoyed by the announcement, shouting that it was “destiny.”

Shu Xing looked at the announcement in the school’s WeChat group, switching back and forth between his main and alt accounts, unable to find anyone to vent his frustration to.

Shu Xing always kept his online and real lives strictly separate, which was why he maintained two WeChat accounts. His main account was for real-life friends and daily chats. His alt account was different; it included game friends and followers from social media platforms. Naturally, he posted many stylish, faceless “posé” photos in his Moments there.

Yet, despite having nearly two thousand friends across both accounts, he could not find a single person to complain to about the school not changing dorms.

On the bright side, not changing dorms meant Shu Xing did not have to go through the trouble of moving his luggage. He did not have much to take back anyway; after a quick tidying up, everything fit into one suitcase.

After organizing, Shu Xing still felt lingering concern for his mattress. He thought that if he ever had to stay at school in the future, he might still need to sleep in the dorm. In the end, he paid the dormitory auntie, who was on duty during the break, to help air out his “precious mattress.”

He Wennan and Cheng Xinyu were from the neighboring city and had a lot of things to take back. One of them had found several cardboard boxes and piled them in the middle of the dorm aisle, blocking the path.

Luckily, Shu Xing’s luggage was near the door, making it easy to grab. Before leaving, he noticed Xi Yang standing at the balcony entrance watching him, looking as if he had something to say.

Shu Xing could not imagine anything good coming out of Xi Yang’s poisonous mouth. He did not expect any “see you next semester” parting words either. He grabbed his luggage and could not wait to take a taxi to the apartment Yu Hui had rented for him.

The apartment Yu Hui rented was in the city center, quite far from the school but very close to the pet hospital; it was only three blocks away. This meant he would not have to rush to work during his summer part-time job.

The apartment was on the 23rd floor with a private elevator entrance, making it very safe and convenient. However, Shu Xing still felt a bit nervous before the elevator doors opened. He was terrified that Yu Hui might be waiting at the door just to see him.

He breathed a sigh of relief when the doors opened to a clean, empty foyer. The apartment used a digital lock, and Yu Hui had thoughtfully set the code to Shu Xing’s birthday so he would not forget it.

The moment Shu Xing entered, the smart home appliances sensed someone had returned and automatically turned on the air conditioning.

Setting down his suitcase, Shu Xing curiously toured the entire apartment. It was a small, two-bedroom, one-living room flat, roughly one hundred square meters.

The living room and balcony were connected, making the space feel visually spacious. The indoor lighting was excellent; the balcony was lined with large floor-to-ceiling windows. The sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting leaf-like patterns of light and shadow on the floor.

All the furniture looked as if it had been cleaned recently; everything was neatly arranged without a speck of dust.

Of the two inner rooms, one was the master bedroom for sleeping, while the other had been designed as a gaming room.

Since Yu Hui likely knew Shu Xing played games in his spare time, he had equipped it with a full set of computer gear.

It had to be said that Yu Hui was a truly perfect lover. Not only was he loyal and generous, but he was also meticulous in everything he did.

The entire apartment was decorated in warm tones. Being in such an environment, a feeling of warmth and happiness naturally emerged.

Shu Xing felt the genuine leather of the sofa, and a slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He looked at the warm light falling through the curtains, held up his phone, and took a quick photo of the light and shadow to send to Yu Hui.

Shu Xing: [Baby, the apartment you rented is beautiful. Thank you.]

These words were a heartfelt thanks. Aside from Yu Hui, no one had been so attentive to him in a long time.

Yu Hui must have been busy, as he did not reply immediately.

Shu Xing sent a few more photos of the uniquely designed furniture. Although Yu Hui had already seen the place, Shu Xing could not help but want to share these new things with him.

Shu Xing: [Baby, the shape of this display shelf is really interesting.]

Shu Xing: [This sofa is so soft; I feel like I could sleep here!]

Shu Xing: [The floor-to-ceiling windows on the balcony are so big. Watching the night view from here must be wonderful!]

Yu Hui did not reply, so Shu Xing kept muttering to himself, sending one message after another. His intense desire to share nearly spammed the chat.

It was not until evening, after Shu Xing had finished washing up, that he finally received a reply.

Yu Hui: [I was a bit busy today and just got a moment.]

Yu Hui: [Baby, I am glad you like the house.]

Shu Xing: [What were you busy with today?]

Yu Hui: [Moving.]

With a brief four-word reply and no enthusiastic emojis, Shu Xing faintly sensed that Yu Hui’s mood was not great.

Had something happened in his real life to make him unhappy?

Although they were only in an online relationship, it did not mean Shu Xing was indifferent to Yu Hui’s real-world state. Yu Hui provided emotional value to Shu Xing; correspondingly, Shu Xing would ensure his role as an online boyfriend was not just for show.

Shu Xing was always direct about pointing out Yu Hui’s emotions.

Shu Xing: [Baby, are you in a bad mood?]

After a few minutes, Yu Hui replied: [Mm.]

Yu Hui: [Sorry, baby. Did I affect you?]

Shu Xing was already lying in bed. The warm light from the bedside lamp illuminated his profile. His long eyelashes fluttered, and his fingers gently tapped out a few words.

Shu Xing: [No.]

Shu Xing: [Baby, if you encounter anything unhappy, you can tell me.]

On the other side of the screen, Xi Yang, who had just left his family home, leaned against his car door, exhaling thick white smoke.

Xi Yang rarely smoked; he only lit a cigarette when he could not suppress his emotions.

The phone in his hand vibrated twice. Xi Yang looked down at the considerate message from his online partner. He raised his hand, took a heavy final drag, and flicked the cigarette butt away.

Then, he dialed a voice call to the other person.

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