After Becoming Roommates with My Flirty Ex-Girlfriend - Chapter 3

Overtime stretched until 2 a.m. The team leader felt guilty for having the intern temporarily handle a full-time employee’s workload, and then making her work such long hours.

Yu Xia, however, felt surprisingly good. During overtime, she could temporarily forget her worries and focus entirely on her drawings.

After saying goodbye to the team leader and packing up, she left work.

She hadn’t checked her phone since sending that last message. Now, as she glanced at it to call a taxi, she saw Zheng Yun had sent her a flurry of messages. The white message bubbles filled the entire chat window.

zy: If you don’t like it, you can just eat it when you’re hungry.

zy: When do you get off work?

Interspersed between these were messages detailing the apartment’s address, nearby amenities, and rent. The last message, sent an hour earlier, included an adorable cat emoji.

zy: Still at work?

Yu Xia’s taxi arrived. After confirming the last four digits of her phone number and the address with the driver, she leaned back wearily in the backseat. The interior lights dimmed, and the muted yellow glow of streetlights filtered through the window, silently illuminating her cheek. The lush greenery blurred past. Yu Xia closed her eyes, suppressing her scattered thoughts, and tried not to think about the unanswered messages.

Beep— A notification tone sounded.

Yu Xia opened her eyes. The taxi had entered a tunnel. She glanced at the message—it was still from Zheng Yun.

zy: 3 PM. I’ll be waiting for you at the entrance of the neighborhood.

Waiting for you.

Staring at those two words for too long always evoked a strange emotion.

Landscapes seen or songs heard during moments of sadness often become imprinted with that emotion. Years after a breakup, many people might forget what their ex looked like, but the moment the intro to a certain song plays, they’re instantly transported back to that painful time. The intertwined sorrow and anguish resurface, tracing the neural pathways of memory back to the brain.

These two words had a similar effect on Yu Xia.

Perhaps she had typed them too many times in their chat. The familiar contact name, the familiar tone—during the time Zheng Yun disappeared, she couldn’t remember how many times she had sent those words. The moment she saw them again, she was reminded of the agony of waiting for a reply back then.

“Miss, we’ve arrived,” the driver said, noticing Yu Xia’s hesitation.

“Thank you,” Yu Xia replied, paying the fare and getting out of the taxi.

The late-night temperature had dropped, and the wind blowing through the residential complex felt several degrees colder than the air. It hit Yu Xia as she stepped out of the car, sending a shiver through her.

Before entering the elevator, she replied to Zheng Yun’s message:

Yu Xia: OK.

As soon as she stepped out of the elevator and into the apartment, she was overwhelmed by the stench of alcohol. Empty bottles and cans littered the floor, and four or five people—men and women—lay sprawled haphazardly on the floor and sofa.

Yu Xia’s brow furrowed instantly. She covered her nose and hurried to her room.

Her apartment, located in the university district, had been sublet by college students for the summer. A few days earlier, the original tenant had told Yu Xia that her roommate had also sublet her room, specifically mentioning that it was to another girl.

Since Yu Xia rarely spent much time at home, she hadn’t given it much thought. She certainly hadn’t expected her first encounter with the new tenant to be so unpleasant—she didn’t even know which one was the new tenant.

Fortunately, she had rented the master bedroom with its own bathroom. All she needed to do was lock her door.

After washing up, she collapsed wearily onto her bed, set an alarm for noon to avoid oversleeping, and drifted into a deep slumber.

In the middle of the night, a loud crash at her door startled Yu Xia awake. Something had slammed into the wooden door, followed by raucous laughter and hushed curses: “Stop acting crazy! We’ll get complaints if you keep this up.”

A woman’s voice, surprisingly loud, cut through the noise: “Enough already! If you’re drunk, go pass out somewhere else. Don’t act like a lunatic in my room.”

Yu Xia sat up abruptly, her heart pounding as she glanced at the door.

“Not enough yet! Keep going, we need a few more bottles—”

“Alright, let’s sleep first. We can continue tomorrow.”

After two minutes, the noise subsided.

Yu Xia yawned, waited a few more minutes for complete silence, and then lay back down.

As dawn began to break, another commotion erupted outside. Hurried footsteps raced toward the bathroom, and an argument broke out near the door. The loud voices carried through the walls, waking Yu Xia again.

Knock, knock, knock. Someone was at the door. Yu Xia threw on a gray jacket, slipped into her slippers, and went to answer it.

“Sister, can I use the bathroom?” A girl stood there, her expression pleading and her voice soft and humble.

Dark circles hung beneath Yu Xia’s pale skin, the result of a restless night. Her already cold demeanor now carried a sharp, menacing edge, as if she were about to stab someone at any moment.

“No,” Yu Xia said, leaning against the door with uncompromising finality.

“Please, Sister, I really need to go!” The girl was so desperate she nearly forced her way in.

“Sorry, I have a thing about cleanliness,” Yu Xia yawned. “If someone uses my toilet, I have to clean it for two hours. But I don’t have time for that right now.”

Without another word, she slammed the door shut, retrieved her earplugs from a drawer, and slipped them in, sealing herself off from the outside world as she drifted back to sleep.

This time, she slept right through her alarm.

When she finally woke up naturally, the scorching sun had melted the city into a hazy blur. The clock showed 2 PM, leaving her just half an hour until her appointment.

Half an hour wasn’t nearly enough time to reach Zheng Yun’s place. Yu Xia scratched her sleep-tangled hair, grabbed her phone from the bedside table, and texted Zheng Yun:

Xia: Sorry, I overslept. I’ll be about an hour late.

zy: Take your time. No need to apologize.

Yu Xia brushed her teeth while checking her messages. She closed her eyes, knowing that Zheng Yun, true to her habit, would likely be arriving soon.

Xia: If you get here first, go ahead and head up. Don’t wait downstairs.

zy: Got it.

zy: Good little kitty.jpg

Yu Xia smirked, quickly rinsed her mouth with warm water, and spat it out.

After a hasty wash-up, she stepped out of her room. The living room was a mess, littered with bottles and cans, the trash overflowing, and the air thick with the stale, unpleasant odor of the air conditioner that had been running all night.

A figure lay sprawled on the sofa. Hearing Yu Xia’s footsteps, they glanced up, but seeing a stranger, they closed their eyes and resumed sleeping.

Yu Xia snapped a photo and sent it to Chen Zhu. Before she even reached the elevator, Chen Zhu’s complaints came flooding in.

Bamboo: Is this your new roommate? How can they party this hard without the neighbors complaining??

Bamboo: This isn’t sustainable with your work schedule. Maybe use your vacation to check out a new place?

Bamboo: Oh, what about that co-living arrangement? Did you turn it down?

Yu Xia tilted her head back to gaze at the sun, burning as red as charcoal. She tapped the voice message button and said, “I agreed.”

Bamboo: You wouldn’t even consider co-living with me, and now the sun’s rising in the west??

Bamboo: Who the hell is that woman?!

Yu Xia had no intention of telling anyone about this relationship, not even Chen Zhu. She still felt it wasn’t a proper relationship—it hadn’t started well and hadn’t ended normally. She wouldn’t even know how to explain it to anyone.

Should I say we just slept together once and suddenly became a couple, and then after a while, she vanished into thin air?

If there hadn’t been any money involved, it would sound like she’d been the victim of a honey trap.

The car arrived just a few minutes before four in the afternoon. As Yu Xia stepped out, she was hit by a wave of heat that curled her hair into tight spirals. She lowered her hat, ducking her head to avoid the sun as she hurried forward.

After a few steps, just as she entered the residential complex, she heard someone call her name.

“Yu Xia!”

The sunlight was so blinding she couldn’t immediately see who it was.

Then a slender figure emerged from the security booth, took two quick steps in low-heeled shoes, and before Yu Xia could look up, the hem of her skirt flared out from her legs in a graceful, flower-like arc.

“You’re here,” Zheng Yun said softly, a thin sheen of sweat glistening on her forehead.

“I’m sorry,” Yu Xia said, avoiding her gaze as she apologized.

Setting aside their past emotional entanglements, Yu Xia knew she was the one who had been late, putting her at fault. Her tone softened accordingly.

“Waiting for you is a pleasure,” Zheng Yun said, opening her umbrella to shade Yu Xia as well. “Unexpected things happen. No need to apologize.”

Despite being under the umbrella, Yu Xia felt even hotter. A prickly heat crawled up her spine. She silently widened the distance between them.

Unexpected things happen… Did that mean her sudden departure back then was also due to unforeseen circumstances?

She didn’t voice the question, just as neither of them had brought up the past since yesterday. They acted like fellow train passengers who had exchanged a few words, forgotten each other upon disembarking, and only vaguely remembered each other upon meeting again: This girl… I think I’ve seen her before.

“Why didn’t you wait upstairs?” Yu Xia changed the subject. “Isn’t it hot down here?”

“I wanted to see it with you,” Zheng Yun replied, turning to look at her. “After all, it’s the apartment we’ll be sharing.”

They stood by the entrance of the residential complex for about ten minutes, chatting idly, before the real estate agent finally rushed in.

“Sorry for the wait! Something came up,” the young agent said, fanning himself with one hand and apologizing profusely.

“Our appointment was for exactly four o’clock, and you’re ten minutes late,” Zheng Yun said calmly. “It’s hot out, and everyone’s having a tough time, right?”

“You’re right,” the young agent said, wiping his sweat. “I’m so sorry.”

He hurried ahead to lead the way, while Zheng Yun and Yu Xia followed behind under an umbrella, keeping a two-meter distance.

Yu Xia kept her eyes fixed on the path ahead until she felt a warm breath envelop her earlobe. She flinched and instinctively tried to pull away, but Zheng Yun didn’t give her the chance. Leaning lightly against Yu Xia’s shoulder, she whispered, “While I was waiting for you in the security room, I saw him chatting happily with a female colleague. When I called him, he claimed he was showing another client around and would be right back.”

Yu Xia didn’t register a word.

Zheng Yun’s citrus-scented perfume drifted into Yu Xia’s nostrils on the breeze, while strands of hair tickled her neck, making her heart itch with longing.

“Such a liar,” Zheng Yun murmured reproachfully.

The young agent had already opened the building’s entrance and was waiting for them. Yu Xia snapped out of her daze. “Let’s go.”

Zheng Yun followed her into the building’s lobby, one after the other.

Zheng Yun had already scouted the apartment in advance, scrutinizing every detail in the photos. This visit was simply to verify that the actual unit matched the images. Zheng Yun checked the plumbing, electricity, gas, and drainage, while Yu Xia examined the finer points. Both were reasonably satisfied.

The apartment was only five subway stops from Yu Xia’s workplace—remarkably close for Nanqiao City, where land was as precious as gold. Any closer would have been beyond Yu Xia’s budget. The two-bedroom, one-living room unit featured a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. Newly renovated a few years prior, the previous tenant had been a meticulous young woman. Overall, Yu Xia was pleased with both the price and the apartment itself.

“If everything looks good, shall we sign the lease now?” The real estate agent, still wiping sweat from his brow, felt uneasy under their scrutinizing gazes, as if he had something to hide.

“Let’s sign now,” Yu Xia agreed.

She planned to move in during her upcoming vacation. Her current lease couldn’t be terminated early, and with work keeping her busy for the next few days, she’d have to stay a few extra days before moving.

While the agent processed the paperwork on his computer, Yu Xia went to the bathroom to wash her hands, followed by Zheng Yun.

“I’ll take the master bedroom and pay extra rent. Is that okay?” Zheng Yun asked, casually closing the bathroom door behind her.

“Sure,” Yu Xia replied, unconcerned.

“It’s a good thing I’m renting with you,” Zheng Yun continued.

“What if I’m not satisfied?” Yu Xia asked, washing her hands. The icy water washed away the sweat and even cooled her down a bit.

“If you’re not satisfied, we’ll find a new place together,” Zheng Yun replied without hesitation.

Yu Xia froze, lifting her head to stare at Zheng Yun through the mirror.

“We?” she repeated the word.

“We,” Zheng Yun leaned against the wall, her long hair pulled into a low ponytail and her makeup still fresh despite the heat. She met Yu Xia’s gaze, her expression serene. “Didn’t we agree we’d live together in the future?”

Fortunately, the bathroom was already empty. Yu Xia spun around without bumping into anything, bracing herself against the wall as she glared down at Zheng Yun. The midsummer heat, like fuel on a fire, amplified her fury.

She spat out each word: “Agreed we’d live together in the future?”

Yu Xia sneered. “How dare you even say that?”

Zheng Yun slowly lowered her head, avoiding Yu Xia’s gaze for the first time since they’d met. She fell silent, not uttering another word.

The atmosphere froze.

Zheng Yun remained silent, and Yu Xia stared at her without a word.

Zheng Yun lowered her head, her long lashes fluttering. Her thin lips pressed together and parted, as if she wanted to speak but couldn’t find the words.

In the cramped space, the intimate posture turned into a silent standoff.

“I…” Zheng Yun finally began.

“Sorry to interrupt, I’m all set here. Would you be able to sign the documents now?” The real estate agent’s voice cut through the tension at the worst possible moment.

“…Yes,” Yu Xia replied, almost laughing in exasperation.

She felt like her life was a train nearing its destination, only to be forced to stop just short of the station due to an unexpected incident.

She released Zheng Yun’s hand and stepped out of the room first.

Zheng Yun smoothed her hair and composed her expression. When she emerged, her demeanor was as calm as usual. She signed the electronic contract and confirmed the fees.

Yu Xia stood to the side, her thoughts in turmoil.

She wondered what Zheng Yun had been about to say. Was it an explanation? Or just a casual apology?

She would never know.

“Then I’ll be off?” The real estate agent, having secured a new deal, practically skipped out, eager to return to the office.

“Thank you for your trouble,” Zheng Yun said, her mind in turmoil, skipping the usual pleasantries.

“No trouble at all! Happy co-living!” The agent had one foot out the door.

“You should spend less time chatting with your colleagues at work,” Yu Xia suddenly interjected. “Your performance would probably look better.”

Slacking off at work was practically a given, something Yu Xia would normally never even think about. But today, her mood was particularly foul.

“…Uh, I’ll keep that in mind,” the agent stammered, his guilty foot nearly tripping over the threshold.

“I’m leaving too,” Yu Xia said.

“When are you moving in?” Zheng Yun called out hastily.

“Another day.”

As Yu Xia left, she glanced back at Zheng Yun, who was watching her go, and at the room behind her.

She never imagined that the “living together” scenario she and Zheng Yun had fantasized about countless times would actually come to fruition under these circumstances.

It was truly absurd.