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

After a night of wild celebrations, everyone eventually embarked on their separate journeys. Special-admission students like Liu Xiaoyu mostly packed up early to return home, awaiting the release of exam results. Local students, having endured the grueling Gaokao, indulged in revelry—drinking, singing, and letting loose—while others began planning their summer vacations.

On the morning of the second day, Xia Yuan lounged on the plush king-sized bed of a luxury hotel, scrolling through social media updates on her phone. As Mei Fang emerged from the shower, she curiously asked:

"Ah Fang… what are our summer plans after the Gaokao?"

"Well… tomorrow I have a management meeting about the company relocation, and then—"

"Why is it all about work? We just finished the Gaokao, and you're already talking about work. I don't want to hear it."

Xia Yuan sat cross-legged on the bed, pouting at Mei Fang. "I know you're busy, but tell me about non-work plans!"

"Now that we're 18, I was thinking of getting a driver's license this summer… It'll make traveling easier, and we won't have to rely on others…"

As Mei Fang spoke, Lin Youxi emerged from the bathroom and wrapped her arms around him from behind:

"Are you really going to a driving school? Your time is precious—just hire a private instructor."

"Ah Fang really… has zero awareness of being wealthy."

Xia Yuan complained but soon smiled, resting her chin on her hands. "But this down-to-earth side of you is also why I like you…"

"Ah Fang won't turn rotten even with money. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stayed with us all this time."

Lin Youxi patted Mei Fang's shoulder. "Blow-dry my hair."

It was only then that Xia Yuan noticed Lin Youxi's "empress's new attire." Her face flushed as she stammered:

"Youxi! Why aren't you wearing anything after your shower?!"

"There's no one else here. What's there to be embarrassed about? Yuan Yuan, you're the one acting like a shy little girl even now. Ah Fang isn't complaining."

After checking out of the hotel, Mei Fang, Xia Yuan, and Lin Youxi called Liang Meijuan to say they'd be home soon. Xia Yuan continued discussing their plans:

"Even if getting a license takes time, we have almost three months of summer vacation. We can do so much after working so hard…"

"Sure. Any travel destinations in mind? Domestic or abroad?"

"There are still so many places in China I haven't visited. I want to go to Rongcheng—Xiao Xue stayed there, and the food is amazing… I want to check it out."

"That works. Rongcheng has lots of fun spots. Youxi, what do you think?"

Lin Youxi clung to Mei Fang's arm affectionately. "Anywhere is fun as long as Ah Fang's there."

"Pfft… don't say that! You'll make me cocky."

"You're my boyfriend—of course I should pamper you. If you can't feel proud around me, who else will cherish you?"

"Even though your 'expiration date' is months away, flaunting your love like this in front of me is too much…"

Xia Yuan puffed her cheeks in mock anger. "I'm getting jealous. I want to hold Ah Fang's arm too."

"Go ahead. I won't stop you."

Lin Youxi watched as Xia Yuan moved to link arms with Mei Fang, then added, "If you don't mind damaging Ah Fang's reputation."

Xia Yuan's hand froze mid-air.

Not about to let Lin Youxi tease Xia Yuan unchecked, Mei Fang patted her head reassuringly. "I'll let you hug me as much as you want when we get home—no sharing with Youxi."

"I didn't say Youxi can't hug him…"

Xia Yuan lowered her head, stepping carefully on the pavement tiles. "But if Ah Fang wants to spoil me… I guess I can reluctantly accept…"

"Oh? Playing favorites now?"

Lin Youxi released Mei Fang's arm with a blank expression. "You'd neglect me just to comfort Yuan Yuan? Think I don't have feelings?"

"Hey… you never used to be like this! You know I'm just coaxing Yuan Yuan—"

"So you were just coaxing me? Not actually planning to let me hug you?!"

Xia Yuan smacked Mei Fang's arm indignantly. Both girls glared at him, leaving him sweating under the pressure. Trapped between their stares, he was at a loss—until Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan burst into simultaneous laughter.

"Ah Fang's so gullible!"

"Hahaha! Totally!"

"You two… ganging up to mess with me?!"

Mei Fang pulled both into a tight embrace, playfully "punishing" them. "Just wait until Auntie Liang leaves—I'll make sure you both regret this!"

"Mmm, the more 'punishment,' the better. I enjoy it."

Lin Youxi stuck out her tongue mischievously, while Xia Yuan covered her flushed face. "Youxi, you've really… I have no words. You've completely let loose."

"Yuan Yuan acts all prim, but when it counts, you're even more proactive than me, you little devil."

"I—I am not! I can't compare to you! At least I tell Ah Fang to rest… You just—"

"Ah Fang never said stop, so I trusted him. Right, Ah Fang—"

"Ah Fang, you remember I cared about your well-being, right? Ah Fang—"

"You two… are way too loud!"

Mei Fang lightly bonked both their heads.

With the Gaokao over, Liang Meijuan had no reason to stay. She helped the trio pack household items to take home, leaving the rest for Xia Xun to transport later.

"Mom, why not wait for Uncle Xia to handle this? Carrying so much…"

Lin Youxi fretted, but Liang Meijuan was accustomed to this. "We can't always trouble Yuan Yuan's dad. We've already relied on him too much."

She lowered her voice. "No matter how things unfolded, you did 'steal' Ah Fang from Yuan Yuan. Her dad might not say it, but he must feel awkward. I don't want to impose further."

"Don't worry about that. Uncle Xia and I are on good terms."

Lin Youxi decided explanations were futile and switched topics. "Once you're back, make sure Dad gets his license. Tell him I already bought the car—no refunds."

"Alright… I know you're doing well now, but don't overspend. This is your hard-earned money."

"Hard-earned money is meant to be enjoyed."

Lin Youxi smiled. "An SUV road trip will be much better than tour groups."

"I know you want us to be happy…"

Since her brother's imprisonment, Liang Meijuan had witnessed her daughter's maturity firsthand. Once needed for daily care, Lin Youxi now had a life partner and independence beyond her mother's reach. Though she refrained from overstepping, Liang Meijuan couldn't help caressing her daughter's face before leaving.

"You… why did you grow up so fast without waiting for us?"

Lin Youxi gently held her mother's hand. "So I could take care of you sooner and give you a peaceful retirement."

"Haha… you silly child…"

Liang Meijuan's limited education left her unaware of the deeper implications, but she sensed her daughter was orchestrating something grand.

"Just remember—support each other, stay safe, face challenges together, and no fighting, okay?"

"Got it, Mom."

After seeing Liang Meijuan off at the bus station, the trio bought a McDonald's family bucket at the train station. As they ate, Xia Yuan recalled:

"My first runaway attempt with Ah Fang… wasn't it here we met that creep?"

Mei Fang corrected her. "Wrong—it was KFC, not McDonald's."

"No way! The layout was just like this—that trash can! That man gave me a sundae, and you threw it away. Remember? I thought it was such a waste at first."

"Weren't you terrified when that glasses-wearing weirdo got arrested?"

"Of course! I was petrified."

Xia Yuan dipped a McNugget in sauce. "If Ah Fang hadn't saved me, that man would've sold me far away. We'd never have met again."

"Don't even think about that. It gives me chills."

Mei Fang waved his hands. "Taking you out was my idea. If you'd gone missing, it would've been my fault forever. Youxi would've hated me too."

"Why dwell on such unhappy thoughts?"

Lin Youxi nibbled a Spicy McWing, smiling. "At least that incident deepened your bond. Yuan Yuan fell for Ah Fang then, right?"

"No, even earlier."

Xia Yuan shook her head. "I liked Ah Fang enough to elope with him. I wouldn't have listened to anyone else."

"When did you start liking him?"

"Didn't we talk about this before?"

Xia Yuan pondered. "I think it was around my 10th birthday… that time capsule Youxi gave me. My wish was to be Ah Fang's bride…"

"Wait, really?!"

Mei Fang lit up. "Why didn't you tell us at your 17th birthday? You've had a crush on me that long?"

"W-we weren't official then… Saying it would've been like confessing!"

Xia Yuan pinched him. "And what's with 'had a crush'? Everyone had weird childhood fantasies… Didn't you?"

Lin Youxi shook her head. "Definitely not before elementary school. You two were just my best friends."

Mei Fang nodded. "Same. Boys dream of conquering worlds, not girls…"

"N-no way! Was I the only one thinking about love as a kid?"

Xia Yuan was stunned. "I even said in kindergarten I wanted to have babies with Ah Fang, and he rejected me! It's always been me with these thoughts…"

"Alright, enough. Finish this family bucket you insisted on ordering."

"McDonald's chicken isn't great…"

Xia Yuan regretted her choice. "KFC's original recipe is better. Why doesn't McDonald's make it? I'm complaining!"

Lin Youxi agreed. "Station food is overpriced and greasy. Never again."

Mei Fang quipped, "We're just being practical. It's not like we can't afford it."

"Ahaha! Ah Fang, you're so full of yourself!"

Back home, Mei Fang turned on the AC while Xia Yuan kicked off her sandals and climbed onto his lap barefoot, facing him with a grin.

"Replenishing my Ah Fang energy reserves."

"What reserves? I'm sweaty and sticky. Isn't it gross?"

"It's my Ah Fang's scent. How could it be gross?"

They nuzzled cheeks until Xia Yuan pulled away.

"Okay, it's kinda hot."

"Kinda?!"

Meanwhile, Lin Youxi busied herself closing all curtains, blocking outside views.

Xia Yuan and Mei Fang watched curiously. "Youxi, what are you doing? Horror movie night?"

"Movie? Just a nap."

Lin Youxi began undressing, donning her "empress's new attire" once more.

"Too hot… This is comfier."

"Youxi! Don't be reckless—you'll catch a cold!"

"Won't happen. I'm just showering. Too sweaty."

She eyed Mei Fang and Xia Yuan. "Aren't you two joining me?"

"The bathroom's tiny. How?"

"We've squeezed in before. Forgot?"

As Lin Youxi made suggestive gestures, Xia Yuan turned to scold Mei Fang—only to find him visibly flustered.

"Ah Fang, control yourself!"

"How am I supposed to?!"

Mei Fang scooped up Xia Yuan in a fireman's carry and herded Lin Youxi toward the bathroom for a group shower.

Freshly showered, Mei Fang noticed his phone vibrating—an unknown number.

The caller turned out to be Xiang Bingbing, inviting them to Shennongjia. After hanging up, he addressed the "newly attired" duo braiding each other's hair:

"Bingbing wants us to visit Shennongjia. Interested? I'll decline if not."

"Shennongjia! It must be so cool there now! I'm in."

Lin Youxi smiled. "Since she invited us, it'd be rude not to go. I've always wondered if the 'wild men' legends are true."

"No wild men… But if you're both keen, I'll confirm with Bingbing?"

"Yes! Shennongjia first, then Rongcheng!"