Perfect Divorce [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 37

Twenty minutes later, the scorched steaks had been tossed into the trash. Ye Huai and Yuan Xingzhou sat on opposite sides of the table, each facing a bowl of instant noodles.

“I’m going to be killed by your stupidity sooner or later!” Ye Huai was still relentlessly venting the remnants of his anger, launching a comprehensive personal attack on Yuan Xingzhou. “You look so smart and decent, how can you be this dense… You’re driving me crazy. Where has your brain been all these days?”

“Reading the script.” It was only now that Yuan Xingzhou belatedly realized that Ye Huai hadn’t lost his temper with him for a long time. Previously, Ye Huai would puff up his fur or get angry at the slightest thing, but his uncharacteristic behavior lately had actually made Yuan Xingzhou feel quite ill at ease.

Now that Ye Huai had finally returned to “normal,” Yuan Xingzhou felt the pressure on him suddenly lighten. He retorted, “Why were you flirting with me in the first place? Besides, is that how anyone flirts? Being all ambiguous—who knew what you were trying to do?”

Ye Huai took a mouthful of noodles and stared at him in disbelief, clearly not expecting Yuan Xingzhou to bite back.

Did this guy mean his flirting skills were subpar?!

Sure enough, Yuan Xingzhou muttered, “If you ask me, you’re the one with zero experience. Poking me mysteriously every time and then just leaving…”

“I…” Ye Huai took a critical hit. He sputtered for a moment before saying, “Not leaving after ‘poking’ you would be sexual harassment! Do you understand boundaries?!”

Yuan Xingzhou: “…”

As he spoke, Ye Huai set down his bowl, looking like he wanted to have a serious debate.

“I certainly don’t understand them as well as you do…” Yuan Xingzhou cut in immediately. “Eat, just eat! We didn’t get to eat the perfectly good steak, and instead, I have to ‘make some noodles’ (cook) for you.”

Ye Huai froze, squinting at him suspiciously. He seemed to think of something, then continued eating his noodles with a huff.

After the meal, they tossed the bowls and chopsticks into the dishwasher. Ye Huai threw the game console to Yuan Xingzhou, ordering him to clear some Shrines for him, before heading off to shower in a huff.

Yuan Xingzhou curled his lip, then dutifully opened the map. However, as soon as Ye Huai entered the bathroom, he immediately put the console aside, pulled out his phone, and nervously typed into the search bar: “What to do if a friend flirts with me?” “What does it mean if a friend flirts with me?”

There were many people asking similar questions online, but the answers varied wildly. Some even started making lewd jokes. Yuan Xingzhou was desperate to discuss this with someone but couldn’t think of a place to get a quick response. After a moment of hesitation, he steeled his heart, switched to his alt account, and posted in the “Huai-Zhou Super Topic.”

All his profile information was fake, and his Weibo homepage only consisted of reposts of things he liked; there was never any information related to his real life. After checking repeatedly to confirm the account had no issues, he finally posted in the Super Topic, adding three exclamation marks.

“!!! Seeking help late at night! Sorry to bother everyone, but I really have a question and want to hear your opinions. I have a good relationship with my roommate, we got along well before, but he’s been flirting with me constantly lately. I’m currently single, and he probably is too, and I’ve never been in a relationship. I’m a bit confused and don’t know what he means. Can everyone help me analyze this?”

Yuan Xingzhou’s alt account was named “OCT1020.” Although he had never posted in the Super Topic before, he had been checking in for a long time and had reached a decent level because he often lurked there to watch the fun.

After posting his plea for help, Yuan Xingzhou kept refreshing the homepage. However, the Huai-Zhou fans were currently in a frenzy of shipping and promotion; his post vanished from the “Square” (main feed) in an instant.

Yuan Xingzhou let out a frustrated “ah.” He scrolled back several pages, and seeing that it had indeed been pushed out, he gloomily went back to his homepage to delete the post.

However, when he switched back, someone had already replied.

[Purest Little Huai-Baby]: There’s not much info, but sis, if you’re roommates with a guy, u1s1 (to be honest), you should watch out for your safety…

[KJJE]: Experience from someone who’s been there: Guys are all experts at ‘fish farming’ (keeping options open)… Girl, be careful.

Yuan Xingzhou was stunned and hurried to reply: “I’m a guy… Awkward.”

[KJJE]: Ah? A boy? Hahaha, haven’t seen that emoji in a while. You’re a bit cute, very ‘old cadre’ (serious/old-fashioned) style.

[Ye Huai’s Little Wife]: What’s the situation? What did I just discover? Is the little brother being flirted with by his roommate? Is the roommate handsome?

[Purest Little Huai-Baby]: Ohh, so that’s it. What are your personalities like? And your looks—out of ten, if ten is perfect?

Yuan Xingzhou was starting to get overwhelmed.

[OCT1020]: I’m a 6? Just passing, average level. He’s a 9, very handsome. As for personality, I’m quite introverted, the hesitant type. He’s very outgoing, easy to get along with, and very popular.

[Purest Little Huai-Baby]: It’s hard to say what he means, but I can tell you really like him [side-eye].

[Ye Huai’s Little Wife]: Holy crap, I just got fed ‘dog food’ (romance) out of nowhere [starry eyes].

[KJJE]: Yeah, although I want to eat the little brother’s dog food, you seem like a very innocent boy. Many guys just enjoy the feeling of flirting; it’s possible he flirts with more than just you. Don’t take it seriously too easily.

[KJJE]: A friend of mine went through this too. My boyfriend even said it—guys are masters at ‘fish farming.’ If they see someone they like the look of, they’ll throw out some bait.

[Purest Little Huai-Baby]: I feel like liking someone is something you can’t hide. Is it possible you like him, he realized it, and he doesn’t want to take responsibility but is also reluctant to push you away, so he’s stringing you along?

[Purest Little Huai-Baby]: Or it’s possible he has a good impression of you, but it hasn’t reached the point where he has to be with you.

[KJJE]: Exactly. Observe him a bit more. Or you could try flirting back?

[Huai-Zhou Number One]: Try my ass. If you ask me: you like him, and he’s flirting with you—then what are you waiting for! Go for it! Take him!

Yuan Xingzhou: “!!!”

[Huai-Zhou Number One]: If it works out, you date; if it doesn’t, you’re ‘friends with benefits.’ He’s a 9 anyway, you won’t lose out! If the ‘sex life’ isn’t harmonious, you can rule out that option early. OP, are you a real man or not?

Yuan Xingzhou: “…” Yuan Xingzhou didn’t know whether to laugh or cry; he was almost persuaded by this aggressive sister.

In truth, when Ye Huai admitted he had been intentionally teasing him these past few days, Yuan Xingzhou felt as if a tiny electric current had been injected into his heart. It was a tingly numbness that flowed through his blood to his limbs, making his whole body feel a bit faint.

But his mind was very calm. He had thought about this problem many times: if Ye Huai was flirting with him, what was the purpose? Was he just teasing him for fun? Did he also feel something for him? Or did he have other intentions?

The answers from these helpful “little friends” happened to align perfectly with his own mental conflicts.

[OCT1020] reply to [Purest Little Huai-Baby]: I’m conflicted about this too, so I don’t know what to do.

[OCT1020] reply to [KJJE]: Does your boyfriend have any tips?

[KJJE]: My boyfriend said you can flirt back. Be better at it than him, but be more heartless than him…

[KJJE]: Uh, he said men are all ‘cheap skins’ (stubborn/difficult)… the more difficult you are, the more they like it… why do I feel like something is wrong here [puzzled].

[Purest Little Huai-Baby]: What K-sis said works, but I feel like you don’t have enough ‘cultivation’ (experience). He flirts once and you’re already flustered and addicted—do you have the strength to counterattack? How about you try the ‘Universal Phrase’?

[OCT1020]: What Universal Phrase?

The sound of the water in the bathroom suddenly stopped. Yuan Xingzhou was startled and hurriedly tossed aside his phone to pick up the console.

Ye Huai happened to push the door open. He was wearing a bathrobe but hadn’t tied the belt. He glanced at him. “What are you doing?”

Yuan Xingzhou pressed buttons randomly and said with an innocent face, “Clearing levels for you.”

Ye Huai: “Oh. How many Shrines have you cleared?”

“None yet…” Yuan Xingzhou kept his head down, wandering aimlessly on the map. He then said with mock seriousness, “Your health is too low. You’d be killed in a split second before the fight even starts.”

Ye Huai didn’t think much of it. “Then add some health.”

Yuan Xingzhou: “Adding health requires clearing Shrines…”

Ye Huai: “Then clear some Shrines.”

Yuan Xingzhou: “Your health is too low to clear them…”

Ye Huai: “?”

Yuan Xingzhou talked himself into a circle and couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Ye Huai: “What are you doing?”

Ye Huai looked a bit annoyed. Yuan Xingzhou hurriedly held up the device. “I’m going to the Gerudo Town to buy arrows for you. Since you’re rich now, you can just blast things with arrows later!”

Ye Huai’s mouth moved as if he wanted to ask why he didn’t go buy them earlier. Yuan Xingzhou gave him a sweet, obedient smile. Ye Huai hesitated for a moment, shot him another suspicious glance, but ultimately went back to his bedroom.

As Ye Huai turned around, Yuan Xingzhou couldn’t help but sweep his gaze over the man’s straight, sturdy legs. He thought to himself that this guy was truly a show-off—knowing he had a good body, he was flaunting it like this, wearing a bathrobe without tying the belt…

And his underwear had actually been changed to CK! When they were packing suitcases for the variety show, Ye Huai had clearly brought a stack of new Zimmerli—a brand known for extreme comfort. Why did he suddenly decide to go the sexy route and wear these?

However, that scene just now was indeed an impact of male hormones. After all, the most attractive part of underwear is the wide waistband, and at the moment he saw Ye Huai emerge, Yuan Xingzhou almost reflexively thought of those Western male gods on posters.

A beautiful body always makes one’s will waver. Yuan Xingzhou almost changed his mind and wanted to try the suggestion from the aggressive sister.

Waiting for Ye Huai to close the door and change, Yuan Xingzhou quickly tossed aside the console and checked the replies again.

[Purest Little Huai-Baby]: The Universal Phrase? You should have heard of it.

[Purest Little Huai-Baby]: It’s that line: ‘Really? I don’t believe it.’ Hahahaha. No matter what he says, just reply with that once and see how he reacts.

Yuan Xingzhou recited it to himself and imagined the scenario in his head.

— Ye Huai: “Why the hell would I touch you if I wasn’t flirting with you?” — Yuan Xingzhou: “Really? I don’t believe it…”

— Ye Huai: “Are you a pig?” — Yuan Xingzhou: “Really? I don’t believe it…”

Yuan Xingzhou: “!!!” It felt like the situation could be turned around in an instant?!

Yuan Xingzhou felt happy immediately and hurried to thank the people who were giving him advice. However, before he could finish typing his thanks, he noticed the comments suddenly exploding. Someone then gave him a kind warning.

“Brother, don’t be afraid [laugh-cry]. Your Weibo post has hit the ‘Square.’ The sisters are coming to watch the male fan, and staying for an update!”

“I hope the male fan’s love can be as sweet as Huai-Zhou’s!”

“Yes, may all lovers be like Brother Huai and Xingzhou—reaching a ‘perfect result’ early and living in harmony every day.”

“I have a friend who wants to see the little brother’s photo. It would be even better if there was a photo of the 9-point roommate…”

Huai-Zhou fans flocked in to encourage him and give him the blessing of “Huai-Zhou Love,” wishing him true affection and a happy, harmonious life just like Yuan Xingzhou and Ye Huai.

Yuan Xingzhou: “…” Yuan Xingzhou was so embarrassed he wanted to disappear. He didn’t dare say another word, quickly logged out, and fled.

Early the next morning, Yuan Xingzhou got up to exercise, and Ye Huai also emerged with a yawn.

The two made eye contact.

Having mastered a new skill, Yuan Xingzhou looked at Ye Huai suspiciously as he had before. “You’re going out to breathe smog too?”

“Yeah,” Ye Huai said as if it were natural. “The director’s requirement. What choice do I have?”

Yuan Xingzhou said immediately: “Really? I don’t believe it.”

Ye Huai froze, not reacting for a moment.

It wasn’t until they had finished half a lap of running outside that he belatedly caught up, then gave Yuan Xingzhou a huffy smack on the back of his head.

Yuan Xingzhou took the “chestnut” (light blow), but for a rare moment, he had won a small round, and he felt immensely satisfied.

At breakfast, while he was heating milk and cooking oatmeal, Ye Huai followed him in and helped him watch the milk pot. The bowls and chopsticks from yesterday were still in the sink, so the two cleaned them together. Yuan Xingzhou stood on the left, and Ye Huai leaned over to grab the dish soap next to him.

Yuan Xingzhou asked as if casually: “Are you flirting with me right now?”

“…Is there something wrong with you!” Ye Huai said, bewildered. “I’m just washing dishes! There’s grease all over the bottom! If I were flirting with you, would I go to this much trouble?”

“Really?” Yuan Xingzhou looked at him. “I don’t believe it.”

Ye Huai: “…”

Ye Huai wasn’t stupid; his expression changed immediately, turning to stare at him suspiciously.

Yuan Xingzhou was secretly smug, washing dishes with a look of profound depth as if he had seen through Ye Huai’s tricks.

Ye Huai stared at him thoughtfully for a while. Yuan Xingzhou dried the dishes and put them away, stirred the milk pot, turned off the heat, and checked the oatmeal.

Ye Huai silently rinsed his hands, dried them, and stood behind him.

Yuan Xingzhou: “??”

The moment their bodies touched, Yuan Xingzhou’s body stiffened uncontrollably, and his heart rate suddenly accelerated. He licked his lips and hurriedly reminded himself to stay calm, then turned his face to look at Ye Huai searchingly.

Ye Huai also looked at him, his face devoid of expression. Just as Yuan Xingzhou was thinking about how to throw out the Universal Phrase, he saw Ye Huai suddenly lower his head and then bite his neck.

Yuan Xingzhou: “!!”

The slight pain made Yuan Xingzhou hiss, and he immediately realized that the spot Ye Huai bit this time was exactly the same as last time!

However, there was no security guard at home to save him now. Ye Huai gave him a light, punishing bite, not daring to leave a wound, but before pulling away, he suddenly gave a suck.

Yuan Xingzhou: “!!!” Why would you suck a hickey!

His heart pounded fiercely, and he was flushed from his face down to his neck. Once he regained his senses, he hurried to push Ye Huai’s head away. However, his skin was fair, and a tiny purple hickey appeared instantly on the side of his neck.

“Believe me now?” Ye Huai reached out a finger and poked his cheek, saying proudly, “Is it that my skill is poor, or that you’re just dense?”

Yuan Xingzhou: “…”

Yuan Xingzhou’s face was flushed, his heart was in a flurry, and his mind was too messy to think. He just stared blankly at Ye Huai, his eyes looking moist.

Ye Huai looked at him in confusion. After a while, for some reason, his expression became a bit strange. Just as the atmosphere was turning into a delicate awkwardness, a phone rang outside, breaking the brief silence.

Ye Huai hurried out and soon called out to Yuan Xingzhou.

It was Yuan Xingzhou’s phone ringing. It was actually President Deng’s secretary calling to ask if he was free this afternoon—President Deng had returned to the country and wanted to meet him.

Yuan Xingzhou quickly agreed. Just after hanging up, he saw Tan Yanke calling to invite him for a meal.

“It’s been a while since we spoke; you haven’t forgotten who I am, have you?” Tan Yanke said with a laugh. “My maternal aunt came today and brought some specialties from your area. I saved some for you.”

Yuan Xingzhou was stunned. He hadn’t expected the man to bring that up. He hurriedly said, “No need. Your aunt brought them from so far away; she must want you guys to have a taste. I used to eat them all the time, I don’t feel like I’m missing out…”

“It’s not just food,” Tan Yanke said. “I’ve already set some aside for you. You haven’t been home in years, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is in a few days. It’s good to have some specialties from your hometown.”

Yuan Xingzhou: “…”

“Actually, the main thing is that I want to treat you to a meal,” Tan Yanke added. “Are you free tonight?”

Ye Huai had wandered back when he heard Yuan Xingzhou on the phone. Yuan Xingzhou instinctively looked at him, only to see Ye Huai frown slightly, then nod.

“Yes,” Yuan Xingzhou said. “Is there something in particular?”

Tan Yanke laughed. “Nothing. Just friends chatting casually.”

Ye Huai rolled his eyes, then pointed to himself.

Yuan Xingzhou: “…” Only then did Yuan Xingzhou remember—why did he need to look at Ye Huai’s reaction when making plans to meet someone? The Tan family was one of the advertisers, after all; even if it was just to avoid offending anyone, it was normal for him to go.

However, the two of them were clearly thinking of something else.

“Is it okay if it’s the two of us?” Yuan Xingzhou regained his senses and asked into the phone. “I’ll be with Ye Huai.”

“Sure,” Tan Yanke said. “Perfect. We can talk together, all three of us. That’s actually more convenient.”

Yuan Xingzhou: “…”

The two agreed on a location and time, then hung up politely.

Yuan Xingzhou felt like Tan Yanke’s last sentence was a bit strange.

Ye Huai teased, “Ooh, is the Sugar Daddy going to take in a ‘concubine’?”

Yuan Xingzhou didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “What nonsense are you talking about! It must be about work or the variety show. Otherwise, it’s related to Yuan Cheng.”

“Tsk, tsk…” Ye Huai squinted at him and said sarcastically: “Really? I don’t believe it.”