Perfect Divorce [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 36

That night, Ye Huai went to bed early, leaving Yuan Xingzhou alone in his bedroom to watch a compilation of their “cuts” from the show. Although the original footage had been chopped into a disorganized mess, the two of them looked great in the variety show.

Yuan Xingzhou had fair skin, and as the saying goes, “one white hides three uglinesses.” Since he was already good-looking to begin with, he looked exceptionally refreshing standing in the crowd. Ye Huai, meanwhile, lived up to his “God-tier visuals” title; every movement and expression was highly “stoppable,” greatly satisfying Yuan Xingzhou’s needs as a visual fanatic.

In truth, whenever they watched TV together and Ye Huai appeared on screen, Yuan Xingzhou was too embarrassed to act like a fanboy in front of the man himself, fearing he’d be seen as a creep.

Now, hidden away in his room, he finally indulged himself. After re-watching the clips three or four times, Yuan Xingzhou noticed a detail—on the morning of the second day of recording, Ye Huai wore a hoodie while he wore a knit sweater. But by the afternoon, the two had swapped; Ye Huai had changed into a knit sweater, and he had put on a hoodie.

Yuan Xingzhou: “…” He was aware of his own little scheme. That day, when Ye Huai walked off with the beautiful female guest, he had felt a bit jealous, yet knowing he had no standing to complain, he had calculatedly tried to match their outfits as a “couple’s look.”

Who would have thought Ye Huai also changed clothes? Could Ye Huai have been thinking the same thing?

Yuan Xingzhou’s heart stirred. He checked repeatedly, but the CP fans in the video comments were all obsessing over their looks; no one had picked up on this point. Given how this crowd could manufacture “sugar” out of thin air, Yuan Xingzhou couldn’t help but suspect he was just being sentimental again.

Thinking this way, that puff of hot air Ye Huai had blown onto his face tonight also became suspicious.

Yuan Xingzhou had originally thought Ye Huai was flirting with him—whether intentional or not, the atmosphere at the time had been quite ambiguous.

But reconsidering it now, what if he was just overthinking? What if Ye Huai just treated it as a new trick to tease him? Just like the “climax scene” joke—knowing he was easily riled up, Ye Huai used it as a prank to play with him…

If it were the latter… Yuan Xingzhou sighed inwardly, thinking that definitely wouldn’t do. He lacked experience and was too easily affected by flirting.

Now that he had signed the contract, the two were tied together for at least another year or two. If his head wasn’t clear one day and he took these things seriously, wouldn’t it be incredibly awkward for them?

In fact, his reaction tonight had been a bit foolish; he had spent the whole time just staring blankly at Ye Huai.

Yuan Xingzhou didn’t even know what kind of look was in his eyes at the time. He could only pray in his heart that he hadn’t shown any boundary-crossing behavior. He also resolved that if Ye Huai teased him like this again tomorrow, he must strictly stop him and tell the man which kinds of jokes were off-limits.

Yuan Xingzhou made up his mind. However, the next day, Ye Huai seemed to have returned to normal.

Yuan Xingzhou got up early to run, and seeing the other man also change clothes to head out with him, he immediately grew wary. Yet Ye Huai just yawned and waved his script.

“The character is in great physical shape; the director told me to exercise,” Ye Huai said helplessly. “Can I join the ‘Sugar Daddy’?”

Yuan Xingzhou: “…”

If they were going to run, then they’d run; there seemed to be no harm in it. Yuan Xingzhou could only nod. The two ran in circles until they were lightly sweating, then went home to make breakfast.

Yuan Xingzhou didn’t notice anything unusual, but when he went to the fridge to get milk to heat up for them, Ye Huai followed him in, standing close behind him.

Both had just finished exercising and their bodies were very hot. Yuan Xingzhou’s face flushed red instantly; he could almost feel the heartbeat of the man behind him. However, just as he prepared for a few seconds and turned around with a serious face, Ye Huai simply reached out to grab a bag of beef jerky beside him, then turned and drifted away lightly.

Yuan Xingzhou: “…”

Looking at it this way, it seemed Yuan Xingzhou was overthinking again.

Yuan Xingzhou could only settle down and observe carefully. Yet over the next few days, it remained the same.

Ye Huai’s behavior always teetered on a point that was hard to define. He truly had no way to judge whether the other party was doing it on purpose or if he was being hypersensitive.

For instance, when they were both on the sofa reading scripts, if Yuan Xingzhou was sitting, Ye Huai liked to lie down and rest his legs across Yuan Xingzhou’s lap.

Yuan Xingzhou would immediately go into a state of high alert. After enduring it for a moment, just as he was about to ask Ye Huai to move, the other man would already be lying there, fast asleep with the script covering his face.

Or when Ye Huai was cooking, Yuan Xingzhou would be called in to help by passing plates and bowls. Walking back and forth, they would inevitably bump into each other. Occasionally, Ye Huai would casually wrap an arm around his waist and use the momentum to push him out of the way.

The moment he was held, Yuan Xingzhou’s heart would pound. He wanted to say something, but felt the posture was just a typical Waltz move. Ye Huai never lingered; it was a touch-and-go contact. To make a fuss about it would feel embarrassing.

Day after day passed like this. It so happened that the head of the record company was abroad, and Yuan Xingzhou rarely had social engagements. Aside from regular gym visits, he had nowhere else to go. Thus, he spent most of his time huddled at home reading his script, facing Ye Huai, and constantly jumping back and forth between “He must be flirting with me” and “I’m overthinking.” He was practically on the verge of a breakdown.

Of course, aside from these moments, they got along harmoniously most of the time.

Yuan Xingzhou took on the cleaning duties of the house, while Ye Huai was responsible for two meals a day. In their free time, they each read their scripts and occasionally ran lines with each other.

Yuan Xingzhou didn’t dare give Ye Huai any guidance; he was self-taught himself and was afraid of leading the man astray. But he had to admit, Ye Huai’s lines were actually excellent—no accent at all and a very strong sense of language.

On his script, he had even intuitively re-marked and divided the lines according to sense groups.

“You’re truly incredible, not like a newcomer at all,” Yuan Xingzhou praised. “I used to think I had a bit of talent, but compared to you, I’m just trash again.”

Ye Huai wagged his head proudly, making no effort to hide his happiness.

Yuan Xingzhou felt a bit dejected by the comparison, but then heard him say, “You’re very impressive too.”

Yuan Xingzhou laughed. “How am I impressive?”

“If you weren’t impressive, could you have landed me?” Ye Huai rolled up the script and playfully tapped his head with it. “You have me and you’re still not satisfied? Do you know how many people envy you!”

Yuan Xingzhou: “…”

Both were wearing loungewear, and Ye Huai’s handsomeness became exceptionally approachable, as if they really were a sweet couple. Yuan Xingzhou was dazed for a moment; his heart skipped several beats, and a thought flashed through his mind—wishing those flirting gestures from Ye Huai were real.

On the last day of October, Yuan Xingzhou finally plucked up his courage amidst his internal conflict, intending to ask directly.

It happened that Ye Huai was making steak that evening and called Yuan Xingzhou in to help, yet didn’t let him do any work, only looking at him with a smile. Yuan Xingzhou felt the time had come and planned to bring it up. However, before he could open his mouth, Ye Huai asked first.

“What’s been with you lately?” Ye Huai asked him with high spirits. “Why have you been so absent-minded all day? What are you thinking about?”

Yuan Xingzhou was startled by the question, and his own words were forgotten.

“Am I absent-minded? Is it that obvious?” Yuan Xingzhou asked.

“Yeah!” Ye Huai nodded. “It’s strange. Are you in a relationship?”

Yuan Xingzhou: “…”

“There’s nothing wrong with being in love. You’re in your late twenties; who doesn’t have needs? If you don’t have some impulses at this age, then there’s something wrong with you.” Ye Huai squinted at him. “You’ve definitely had… those kinds of thoughts, right? Hmm?”

Yuan Xingzhou: “…”

Yuan Xingzhou didn’t know how the topic had suddenly become so explosive. He could only shake his head. “No.”

“How is that possible?” Ye Huai looked at him suspiciously. “Is there something wrong with you? You don’t look like it.”

Yuan Xingzhou could only say, “I said I’m not in a relationship.”

Ye Huai gave an “oh,” but pursued the matter relentlessly. “Then what about a secret crush? A secret crush makes a person lose sleep and appetite even more. I’ve noticed you’ve been particularly obvious these past few days, looking soul-less all day.”

Yuan Xingzhou couldn’t help but look over, thinking, That’s all because of you.

But as he carefully observed Ye Huai’s expression, he found the man’s eyes were clear and open, filled only with inquiry and concern for him…

So Ye Huai actually wasn’t flirting with him? Was he overthinking it again?

Yuan Xingzhou retracted his gaze. “I don’t have a secret crush either.”

“How is that possible?”

“I really don’t.”

“Is it because you haven’t been in love before?” Ye Huai smiled. “Don’t know how to confess to someone?”

“I don’t have a crush! I don’t need to confess!”

Yuan Xingzhou was getting frustrated from being nagged and shouted, “Are you finished yet!”

Ye Huai: “…”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Yuan Xingzhou realized he had been too loud. He looked up, and as expected, Ye Huai’s expression had changed.

“I’m sorry!” Yuan Xingzhou froze for a moment and immediately apologized. “I was too loud. I didn’t mean it that way; I didn’t want to yell at you.”

Ye Huai gave an “oh,” said nothing more, and turned around to silently fry the steaks.

Five minutes later, Ye Huai placed the scorched steaks on a plate, tossed it onto the dining table, washed his hands, and went into his bedroom. With a “bang,” he slammed the door shut and clicked the lock twice.

Feeling remorseful, Yuan Xingzhou went to knock on the door and apologize, urging him to come out and eat. But after talking for a long time, there was no response from Ye Huai.

With no other choice, Yuan Xingzhou sent a voice message to Ye Huai’s phone. He had only sent one “I’m sorry” before he was blocked.

Yuan Xingzhou had to return to Ye Huai’s door.

“I’m sorry, Brother Huai, I didn’t mean to yell at you… I was just, just a bit embarrassed and angry,” Yuan Xingzhou said. “Actually, you hit the mark. I had boys I liked before—one in junior high, one in high school. I never dared to confess; I could only… have a secret crush. Later, we graduated and they didn’t even remember me.”

Speaking of this, Yuan Xingzhou felt a bit dejected. Who hasn’t had some secret feelings during their youth? However, he was a sensitive person; if the person he liked saved him a seat, gave him a notebook, or said a few more words to him, he would feel like he was being treated specially, and subsequently wonder if the other person felt the same way.

He was young and impulsive back then and almost confessed to someone. Fortunately, the other person got together with the female class president the day before he was going to do it.

Never mind his feelings—the person’s orientation didn’t even match his. It would have been incredibly awkward if he had spoken up.

Reconsidering it later, Yuan Xingzhou realized it wasn’t the other person’s fault; he was just prone to “adding drama” once his heart was moved.

This matter had nothing to do with tonight’s incident, but since Ye Huai was so angry, Yuan Xingzhou could only try the “pitiful” approach to beautify the reason for his mistake.

“So because you’re a coward, you’re in the right?” Ye Huai’s voice sounded as if it were coated in ice as he snorted from inside.

Yuan Xingzhou was startled, then thought, At least he responded. It looked like there was hope.

“I’m not in the right, that’s why I was embarrassed and angry…” Yuan Xingzhou pressed against the door crack, trying to make his voice clear. “Besides, I’ve signed the contract. I can’t even meet my male friends alone; I have to be on guard at all times. How would I dare to fall in love with anyone? The pressure is huge, and occasionally I can’t hold it in and I snap at my own person… I really didn’t want to yell at you. How would I dare?”

Ye Huai gave a “heh.” After a while, he actually unlocked the door.

Yuan Xingzhou knocked politely, then turned the handle and pushed the door open slightly, peeking his head inside.

“Brother Huai?”

Ye Huai kept his head down playing his game, not even looking up. He gave a “heh.” “Does the Sugar Daddy need something?”

“The Sugar Daddy wouldn’t dare,” Yuan Xingzhou caved instantly. He stayed at the doorway and changed the subject. “What are you doing?”

“Committing suicide,” Ye Huai said.

Yuan Xingzhou gave a sheepish laugh and looked for something to say. “I’ve seen you memorize your lines these past few days. When do you join the cast?”

“Next Monday,” Ye Huai said. “In a hurry? I can leave tomorrow too.”

Next Monday?

“That’s too sudden!” Yuan Xingzhou was stunned. He froze for a moment before asking, “Today is Thursday; you’re leaving in three days?”

Ye Huai said nothing.

Yuan Xingzhou checked his phone for news and sure enough, he saw a “leak” account saying the Movie King’s new film was starting production in the next couple of days.

Yuan Xingzhou: “!!!”

The director of Ye Huai’s film was famously strict. Once he joined the cast, they probably wouldn’t see each other for a long time.

Earlier that evening, Yuan Xingzhou was still worrying about how to tell Ye Huai not to flirt with him and to watch his actions. Now, he wished he could make the man stay and not let him leave.

He didn’t know what to say. Since Ye Huai didn’t kick him out, he went over and sat on the edge of the bed next to him.

“Let me play for you.” Yuan Xingzhou saw Ye Huai die four or five times in the same spot and couldn’t bear it. “You have too few coins; I’ll earn some for you.”

Ye Huai said nothing, clearly still not over his mood.

Yuan Xingzhou silently killed monsters for him and went to earn money. There was a “money glitch” in the game that required using a skill to push a large object all the way to another spot on the map. He had never used it when he played because it was too troublesome, but this time he worked without complaint, pushing the object all the way to the destination. He died several times and couldn’t reload, so he had to start pushing from the beginning each time.

Eventually, he successfully reached the spot and it was a gold mine; he repeatedly glitched items to sell for money, earning tens of thousands in one go.

Ye Huai: “???”

Ye Huai clearly hadn’t expected such a shady move was possible in the game and was momentarily stunned. Yuan Xingzhou handed the device back to him. Seeing that he was too distracted to be angry, he asked timidly, “You aren’t angry anymore, are you?”

“Angry my ass!” Once Ye Huai confirmed the gold coins and items in the bag were real, he couldn’t help but roar, “Is there something wrong with you!”

“A bit,” Yuan Xingzhou followed along. “…I was just embarrassed and angry…”

Ye Huai: “Do you take me for a fool?”

“…” Yuan Xingzhou froze. Looking at his expression, it was clear he knew there was another reason. After hesitating for a long time, Yuan Xingzhou had to tell the truth. “I originally had something to tell you.”

Ye Huai looked at him with a huff.

“It’s just… over these past few days, haven’t you occasionally… you know, had physical contact with me?” Yuan Xingzhou took a deep breath, finding these words incredibly shameful. He could only say with a red face and a stammer, “I just wanted to remind you…”

Ye Huai frowned. “Remind me of what?”

“It’s easy to misunderstand,” Yuan Xingzhou said. “The way you act… it makes it too easy for people to misunderstand that you’re flirting with me…”

Ye Huai was stunned, his eyes widening immediately.

Seeing his expression of disbelief, Yuan Xingzhou felt even more embarrassed and waved his hands hurriedly. “Of course I know it’s impossible! How could you be flirting with me? You’re just doing it unconsciously… but…”

“But my ass!” Ye Huai roared. “Why the hell would I touch you if I wasn’t flirting with you?”

Yuan Xingzhou: “?!”

“You, you, you…” Now it was Yuan Xingzhou’s turn to have a face of shock. “Why are you flirting with me?”

“For fun!” Ye Huai reached his limit, his face turning bright red with anger, and kicked the man out. “You’re such a pig!”