Only After I Was Reborn Did I Realize That I Had Childhood Sweethearts

During the few days Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi stayed as guests at the Fang household, they didn't go out much. Most of the time, they simply spent their days at home with the family.

Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi accompanied Xiang Xiaoxia on shopping trips for New Year's goods, helped Mei Ya with her homework, played games with her, and even assembled model airplanes together.

Beyond that, they also assisted Mei Lijun in planting flowers and watering the garden, listening as he shared his knowledge about landscaping and horticulture.

Now middle-aged, Mei Lijun no longer had the same drive he'd had in his early thirties. He had remained at the deputy division level for several years with no signs of promotion.

But this wasn't unusual. Career advancement at this stage depended not just on ability but also on other factors. For Mei Lijun, he no longer harbored grand ambitions—doing his job well and having time for his family was more than enough.

What was striking, however, was how Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi behaved around Mei Fang's family. Their attentiveness here far surpassed how they acted around their own relatives. Xia Yuan, in particular, had changed so much that if her father, Xia Xun, had seen her like this, he might have been shocked speechless.

Of course, this was all part of the trio's plan.

All three of them wanted to leave the best possible impression on each other's parents. That way, when the time came for decisions to be made, none of the families could easily dismiss any one of them, gradually accepting the idea of the three being together.

But even setting aside this ulterior motive, Mei Fang's parents were genuinely kind and interesting people. Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi had grown up under their care, and their affection for them was sincere.

Still, watching them bond with his parents and younger sister—laughing together as they wrapped dumplings—filled him with quiet happiness.

Sinking into the couch, he couldn't help but imagine a future where, years from now, he might see his and the girls' own children playing joyfully at his parents' feet, filling the house with warmth and laughter—

"What's got you grinning like an idiot?"

Xia Yuan, noticing Mei Fang's dazed expression, plopped down beside him and studied his face with curiosity. Mei Fang smiled faintly.

"I was just thinking… I'm really lucky to have two such amazing girls who love me."

"Hmph, of course you are!"

Xia Yuan nudged his shoulder playfully."Having girls like us who adore you and are willing to be with you—you'd better cherish it, okay? Don't you dare do anything to hurt me or Youxi!"

"As if I'd need reminding,"Mei Fang said, gently booping her nose."If anything, I'm the one who should apologize. I can't give either of you my whole heart—only half."

"That's not the right way to put it!"

Xia Yuan shook her head firmly."Because you have to love both me and Youxi, it's not about splitting 100% into two 50% halves. It's about giving 200%—100% to each of us! That's how it should be!"

Mei Fang blinked at this novel perspective. Tilting his head, he asked,

"Then… do you think I've reached that 200% yet?"

Xia Yuan's big eyes rolled thoughtfully. She cupped her chin in contemplation, then suddenly stood up, patted Mei Fang's shoulder, and leaned in to whisper something in his ear.

Meanwhile, Xiang Xiaoxia, kneading dumpling dough, observed the interaction between the two. She watched as Xia Yuan pulled away, clasped her hands behind her back, and gazed at Mei Fang with a tender, almost possessive smile—as if no one else existed in the room. A pang of unease shot through her.

Then Xia Yuan left the living room. Mei Fang followed.

"…"

Xiang Xiaoxia glanced at Lin Youxi, who was quietly folding dumplings beside her. She opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it again, her heart heavy.

From what she had seen these past few days, Mei Fang treated both girls equally at a glance. But between Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi, it was Xia Yuan who was far more proactive and affectionate toward him.

This had always been the case over the years. Yet Xia Yuan seemed completely unaware of Mei Fang's relationship with Lin Youxi, acting as clingy as ever with him.

Xiang Xiaoxia guessed that Mei Fang and Lin Youxi were keeping their relationship secret to spare Xia Yuan's feelings. But letting this drag on wasn't healthy.

Though she had always told herself not to meddle in the kids' affairs, she resolved to have a serious talk with her son soon. She needed to know how he planned to handle this delicate situation.

Teenagers were sensitive, especially when it came to matters of the heart. Even with a decade of friendship binding the three together, one wrong move could lead to a rift that might never heal.

Xia Yuan was sweet. Lin Youxi was understanding.

Hurt either of them, and the damage could be irreparable.

Mei Fang followed Xia Yuan out to the small courtyard of his family home. They maintained the casual pretense of a leisurely stroll until reaching a secluded corner by the garden wall. There, Xia Yuan turned abruptly, waiting as Mei Fang approached.

"I'll be conducting a little test today—on behalf of both me and Youxi—to see if your '200% affection' claim holds up."

"And what's the grading criteria?"

"There isn't one! I'll know it when I see it!"

"So in other words…"Mei Fang closed the distance, backing Xia Yuan against the wall as his fingers found her waist,"…if I can make Yuan Yuan happy, I pass?"

Noses brushed. Then came the familiar sequence—nuzzling, embracing, rubbing cheeks, playful licks, and finally, lips meeting lips.

Under Lin Youxi's tutelage, Xia Yuan had grown adept at the escalated kissing phase, now actively reciprocating rather than just accepting.

Yet she still preferred playing the passive role, content to let Mei Fang take the lead in pampering her—a dynamic he thoroughly enjoyed. With Xia Yuan, he could experiment freely; she matched his rhythm without trying to wrest control like Youxi often did.

Winter kisses carried a unique warmth, especially after days of restraint. The delayed gratification made every touch electric, intoxicating.

Perhaps this is what they mean by "a kiss after long absence rivals the first."

When they finally parted, Mei Fang cradled Xia Yuan's flushed face between his palms. Their breath fogged in the cold air as they gazed at each other, dazed.

"So… what's my score?"

"Mmm… 199%."

Xia Yuan gave his hand a teasing lick before grinning."Withheld 1% to keep you humble."

"Guess I'll have to try harder then!"

After some playful banter, Mei Fang sobered.

"Yuan Yuan, you've been here almost a week, and we still haven't told my parents anything. Weren't you looking forward to making us 'official' in their eyes?"

"Well… about that…"

Xia Yuan sighed, worrying her lower lip."I'm scared your mom likes Youxi more than me. If she finds out we're together, she might… resent me for 'stealing' you away. And we're still high schoolers—what if Auntie Xiang thinks I'm corrupting you?"

"Ah. I… hadn't considered that."

Mei Fang pondered."Mom is closer to Youxi, true, but that doesn't mean she dislikes you."

"I know, but—"

He silenced her with another peck."Relax. I've seen how they look at you. While 'accepting both' might be too sudden, they'll absolutely blessthis."

"Then… give me more courage."

Xia Yuan squeezed his hand."I'll discuss with Youxi soon. We'll talk to Auntie Xiang in a couple days—"

"Okay."

Their lips met again.

Neither noticed Xiang Xiaoxia standing on the second-floor balcony above, hanging laundry.

Though their words were indistinct, the intimate scene below required no translation.

Her worst fears confirmed—her son was indeed two-timing the girls she'd practically raised—Xiang Xiaoxia's world tilted. She gripped the railing, knees buckling.

Only four words echoed in her mind like a funeral dirge:

"Family disgrace."