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

"Rock, paper, scissors—shoot!"

"Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!"

From a probability standpoint, playing rock-paper-scissors with seven people wasn't the best idea—if rock, scissors, and paper all appeared simultaneously, it would just be a tie and require a rematch.

But even so—

"How did Istilllose in this situation?!"

Xia Yuan lost the final showdown against Ran Rou and once again faced the choice between "Truth or Dare."

Under Xiang Bingbing's urging, Xia Yuan drew another card.

This time, the truth question put her at ease.

[Would you choose to marry someone you love or someone who loves you?]

Xia Yuan rested her chin on her hand and glanced at Mei Fang, who responded with a gentle smile. She coughed lightly and continued,

"But if Ihadto choose, I'd pick the person I love. The reasoning is a bit complicated… Basically, I need to like them first before I can commit to being together."

"Aren't you afraid of misjudging someone and getting hurt?"

Lin Youxi, who was clinging to Mei Fang's arm, chimed in teasingly. Xia Yuan chuckled.

"If I misjudge someone, that's on me. But I don't think I'd regret it, because at least I didn't settle—I chased after the love I wanted."

"And if they had a lot of flaws, I'd hope my love could help them improve and become better."

As Xia Yuan spoke, Ran Rou listened intently, her expression thoughtful, as if pondering something.

"Of course, that doesn't mean using love to guilt-trip them. If they never developed feelings for me, I wouldn't force them to stay… Love can't be forced. Mutual affection is what matters most."

"Well said—mutual affection."

Lin Youxi patted Mei Fang's shoulder. "Ah Fang, do you and I count as mutual affection? Feels like I'm the only one liking you here."

"Why bring this up all of a sudden? Of course I like you too."

Lin Youxi tugged Mei Fang's collar, pulling him into her arms. "Then… show me?"

"…"

The setup was too perfect. Without hesitation, Mei Fang leaned in and kissed Lin Youxi. Their sweet, lingering lip-lock stunned everyone, turning Ran Rou's face bright red. Only Xia Yuan protested loudly:

"You didn't even lose the game! You can't just play Dare on your own!"

Xia Yuan scrambled over on her knees, forcibly separating Lin Youxi from Mei Fang before wedging herself between them. She clung tightly to Mei Fang's arm and pouted at Lin Youxi.

"No more playing with Ah Fang!"

"Alright, alright."

Lin Youxi licked her lips, still savoring the moment, then flashed Xia Yuan a radiant smile.

To Liu Xiaoyu and Guo Yun, this was just another expected bout of jealousy between the two. But Xiang Bingbing and Ran Rou had never witnessed such a scene before. Ran Rou whispered to Xiang Bingbing:

"Who is Mei Fang actually dating?"

"They're all childhood friends. Ah Fang dated both of them at different times, so the relationship is… complicated."

"Uh… I don't really get it."

You don't get it? I don't either!

Xiang Bingbing racked her brain but couldn't make sense of it. Still, she didn't press further and instead urged everyone to continue playing.

"Rock, paper, scissors—shoot!"

……

"Finally!"

After a string of humiliating losses, Xia Yuan finally triumphed over Liu Xiaoyu in the final showdown.

This time, it was Liu Xiaoyu's turn to draw a card.

"Truth or Dare?"

"O-Obviously truth! Your Dare cards are way too extreme!"

Liu Xiaoyu had no intention of doing anything embarrassing. She drew a card, hesitated at the question, then showed it to everyone.

"How… am I supposed to answer this?"

[Among the opposite-sex participants present, who best matches your ideal partner?]

"Uh… The only guy here is Ah Fang."

Xia Yuan pouted. "So the answer has to be Ah Fang?"

"That makes it boring."

Lin Youxi thought for a moment, then suggested, "Since you can only pick Ah Fang, why not list the ways hedoesn'tmatch your ideal? That should be easy, right?"

"…"

Liu Xiaoyu nodded hesitantly, though her mind was crystal clear.

Youxi's real question is asking me what I like about Mei Fang.

Because if I can't name any flaws, it means Mei Fangismy ideal type.

Ah… Uh…

I need to pick out Mei Fang's flaws carefully—

Liu Xiaoyu stared at Mei Fang, thinking hard. "Well… Mei Fang istoorich. I don't like that."

"Being rich is aflaw?"

Xiang Bingbing tilted her head in confusion.

Liu Xiaoyu nodded. "When someone's too rich, it feels… unreliable and insecure, you know?"

"That makes sense."

Xia Yuan agreed. "Money can corrupt men—though Ah Fang's an exception."

"Also…"

Liu Xiaoyu pondered. "Mei Fang istoogentle and considerate. That's not my type either."

Lin Youxi shook her head. "Youdon'tlike gentle and considerate? So you prefer rough and rude?"

"N-No, that's not what I meant!"

Liu Xiaoyu clarified, "It's just… Mei Fang is so considerate toeveryone, which makes it easy for him to attract admirers. That's also unsettling."

"True. I think Ah Fang should only be gentle with people he likes. If he's kind to everyone, he'll leave a trail of broken hearts—like—"

"No need for examples!"

Xia Yuan covered Lin Youxi's mouth before she could mention Peng Xue and make things awkward. "Xiaoyu, keep going!"

Liu Xiaoyu had been terrified by Lin Youxi's probing, worried she knew about Mei Fang comforting her. Flustered, she glanced at Mei Fang left and right but couldn't find any more flaws.

Just as she was at her wit's end, the sound of an instrument drifted in from outside the tent, capturing everyone's attention.

"Did someone bring a guitar?"

Xiang Bingbing peeked out and spotted a girl sitting on a mat outside the neighboring tent, strumming a guitar. The song was one of Mei Fang's earliest compositions—I'm Willing.

"Wow, this takes me back to freshman year…"

Xia Yuan hugged Mei Fang's arm, smiling. "This isyoursong! Your debut work!"

"Ha… That was so long ago."

Mei Fang scratched his head. What else could he say?Thanks, Brother Hao, for choosing medicine.

As the girl played, Xia Yuan began humming along.

"I'm willing to stand behind you, holding you close—

Looking down at your pure, blushing cheeks—"

Her gaze at Mei Fang overflowed with affection, completely disregarding how others might perceive it. Mei Fang harmonized with her, and the lyrics fit the moment perfectly:

"I'm willing to gaze into your eyes—

And say those cliché but sincere words—

I love you— Wow!"

In this intimate scene, Lin Youxi—the supposed "official girlfriend"—showed no displeasure. Instead, she watched their tender exchange with a smile.

Later, she moved to sit beside Liu Xiaoyu and whispered:

"Sorry, was that too hard on you earlier?"

"N-Not really… Haha."

Liu Xiaoyu tucked her hair behind her ear, her gaze softening as she looked at Mei Fang. "But he really is… an impeccable guy."

Once the girl finished playing, Xia Yuan applauded and walked over.

"Hey! You played so well! I think you're even better than Fang Bao himself!"

The girl frowned at the compliment. "How could I compare to the original? Fang Bao's amazing! Don't pit us against each other."

"Ah… Sorry, I shouldn't have said that…"

As Xia Yuan spoke, the girl's expression gradually shifted to shock.

"You… You look a lot like Yuan Bao. Wait… And behind you—"

The girl clutched her chest, gasping, then turned to her friend.

"Are you… Fang Bao?! The CStation CEO?!"

"TherealCStation CEO?!"

Xia Yuan quickly gestured for her to lower her voice. "Shh… Keep it down."

The girl nodded eagerly, then wiped her hands and extended one to Xia Yuan. "C-Can I shake your hand, Yuan Bao? I'm a huge fan!"

"I thought you wereAh Fang'sfan, haha…"

"I wanted your permission first! Ahaha!"

The girl shook Xia Yuan's hand vigorously, then turned to Mei Fang. But the moment he extended his hand, she couldn't contain her excitement and pulled him into a tight hug.

"Hey! I didn't say you could hug Ah Fang!"

Yuan NTR in front of Yuan Yuan?! Unacceptable!

"This might be my only chance in life! I had to take it! Why don't you guys hold concerts anymore?!"

After chatting, Mei Fang and Xia Yuan learned the girl was part of a hobbyist band visiting Shennongjia for inspiration. They had a full setup—guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard.

"How did you haul all that up here? That's insane!"

"With dreams and determination!"

Thrilled to meet their idols in Shennongjia, the band begged them to play a song together. Xia Yuan happily agreed.

"Ah Fang can play guitar. I can handle bass—I learned a bit from Xiao Xue. Xiaoyu can do keyboard. We don't have a drummer, though… Could your drummer help out?"

"Sure, no problem!" The drummer girl agreed eagerly.

"What song should we play?" Xia Yuan pondered. "How about…A Little Sweet?"

"I can play it, but we've never practiced together. Coordinating might be tough."

"Nothing's impossible! Let's try!"

"I'll tune first."

"This keyboard's different from what I'm used to… Is this how it works?"

"First run-through—quick and rough!"

Ran Rou, Xiang Bingbing, Lin Youxi, and Guo Yun watched as the group prepared, soon launching into a rehearsal.

"I never expected to hear a live band performance up here. It's magical."

Ran Rou whispered to Xiang Bingbing, "Your friends… arethatfamous? No wonder they shine so brightly…"

"Wrong! They're not famousbecausethey shine—they shine because of who they are! Youth is capital, and the future holds infinite possibilities!"

Seizing the moment, Xiang Bingbing pressed further. "So… You're so young. Have you considerednotmarrying so soon? Study hard, retake the college entrance exam, at least leave this place and see the world before deciding… Doesn't that sound better?"

As Xiang Bingbing spoke, Ran Rou gently touched her lips, signaling her to stop.

Ran Rou smiled at her best friend, then glanced at Xia Yuan tuning her instrument.

"The outside world must be amazing, but it's also full of hardships. You know my personality—maybe it's not the right place for me."

"He's just a car repair apprentice, but he works hard and is really kind. I genuinely like him. Yet everyone acts like I'm being forced into this engagement… I hate that look in people's eyes."

"Like Yuan Yuan said… He's someone I love. I'm willing to give for him, and I want to build a life with him. Isn't that enough? As my childhood friend, I really just want your blessing."

"I know you mean well, but… Not everyone needs to keep striving for more. The best life is the one that suits you, isn't it?"

Xiang Bingbing wanted to say more, but Mei Fang's guitar intro began, followed by Xia Yuan's bass, Liu Xiaoyu's keyboard, and the band's drums, blending intoA Little Sweet.

Seeing Ran Rou enjoying the performance and humming along, Xiang Bingbing held her tongue. Instead, she swayed to the rhythm, one hand keeping time while the other draped over her friend's shoulder.

They leaned against each other, and the usually boisterous Xiang Bingbing spoke softly, offering her blessing for her friend's choice.

Xia Yuan's first band performance went surprisingly well.

"Xiaoyu, how long have you been learning keyboard? You're so good now!"

"It's similar to piano. You could play like this too, Yuan Yuan."

"I'd get lost just tuning it. All those buttons make my head spin."

"Haha, it's not that complicated…"

"And Ah Fang… You haven't played guitar in so long. How are you still this good?"

"Hmph, this is my wife's song. How could I be rusty?"

"Hey! Don't say weird stuff in front of Xiaoyu!"

Liu Xiaoyu gave a wry smile. "This isn't weird. Compared to Youxi, Mei Dog is downright tame."

Mei Fang scratched his head. "…Why the sudden insult? What did I do?"

"Dunno. I'm in a bad mood, so I feel like insulting you."

Liu Xiaoyu stuck her tongue out playfully, and Xia Yuan even clapped. "Well said! I approve!"

"Whose side are you on?"

"Xiaoyu's not an outsider—she's our band's keyboardist!"

"Speaking of bands… Too bad Bingbing didn't want to be drummer."

"Mm… We can't force someone just because they're strong…"

After the performance, Xia Yuan looked around but couldn't spot Xiang Bingbing. "Where's Bingbing?"

Guo Yun explained, "She said she was going to the restroom. She'll be back soon."

"Where's the restroom? I'll go too."

After using the campsite restroom, Mei Fang spotted a towering figure sitting alone on a cliff, gazing at the sea of clouds.

"…"

He walked over and patted her head.

"What are you doing here?"

"Nothing."

Xiang Bingbing rubbed her eyes. "Just contemplating life's unpredictability."

"How'd the talk with your friend go?"

Xiang Bingbing summarized Ran Rou's perspective. Mei Fang thought for a moment, then sat beside her, both staring at the distant clouds.

"If it's truly her choice and not coercion, then all we can do is respect it."

"I keep wondering… If I'd come back sooner, known her thoughts earlier, or realized she didn't want to study… Would things be different?"

Listening to Xiang Bingbing's regrets, Mei Fang smiled gently.

"I think you're mostly worried about losing common ground with your friend, right?"

"Yeah."

Xiang Bingbing scratched her head. "If she goes through with this, I'll rarely come back, and she'll probably have kids soon… It feels like our childhood friendship is ending. Not like you and Yuan Yuan-Youxi, staying close forever."

Uh… You definitely can't compare to me…

Mei Fang mentally facepalmed at Xiang Bingbing's naivety but understood her sadness.

"Life is about constant farewells and new beginnings. Even the closest friends may drift apart, because friendship is just that—friendship. Only by deepening that bond can you avoid separation."

"So you got together with Yuan Yuan and Youxi… to avoid parting?"

Xiang Bingbing looked up at Mei Fang, who pondered before answering.

"It's complicated to explain, but you're not wrong. I didn't want to lose them, and they felt the same. Beyond romance, we share hobbies and interests, ensuring we always have common ground and won't grow bored…"

"That's why you formed a band together, huh? So nice…"

Xiang Bingbing rested her chin on her hands. "I kinda regret not listening to you about learning drums. That drummer looked really cool today. And… if I knew drums, we'd at least havethatin common, right?"

"Huh? Well… But you should learn drums becauseyoulike them."

"Idolike drums! I just thought guitarists and singers were cooler."

Xiang Bingbing chuckled. "But the guitarist and singer roles are already perfectly filled. No point intruding…"

"Mm…"

Gazing at the clouds, Mei Fang felt a pang of melancholy at her words.

"Ah Fang, be honest—you're datingbothYuan Yuan and Youxi, right?"

"You actually noticed?!"

Xiang Bingbing's words shocked Mei Fang to his core.

"You'rethataffectionate in public, and you thought I wouldn't figure it out? Do I look stupid to you?!"

Xiang Bingbing punched Mei Fang in frustration, leaving him winded for minutes.

"Ah Fang, you're actually a scumbag. I'm so disappointed."

She rubbed her reddened nose, then smiled.

"But maybe this is for the best… They're the two most important people to you. After all you've been through, the three of youdeserveto be together."

Mei Fang nodded. "Being together was easy. The real test is maintaining that love amid life's mundanity."

Xiang Bingbing tilted her head. "Honestly, your relationship is so surreal I can't even imagine you guys bickering over trivial things…"

"No need to imagine. Stay tuned!"

Though their Shennongjia trip hadn't yet included sightings of the golden snub-nosed monkey—the gentleman of primates—Mei Fang was already thoroughly satisfied.

Shennongjia's sea of clouds stretched endlessly, just like Mei Fang's college life and future career, which had always been smooth sailing.

But as the date of his past life's sudden death approached, his "cheat" of foreknowledge dwindled. Would the butterfly effects he'd set in motion alter this life's trajectory?

The future held many unknowns that frightened Mei Fang.

And as he'd told Xiang Bingbing, the real challenge in love wasn't the honeymoon phase but maintaining that bond long-term.

To clear this "three-person relationship" game, all three needed to work together.

But he had faith in the future.

And inher.

And inher.

"I've made up my mind."

Xiang Bingbing stood up, patted her cheeks, then extended a hand to Mei Fang.

"I'm going to learn drums this summer and join Yuan Yuan's band."

"Sure about this? Music's tough."

"I'm not afraid of hardship. I don't want…" She paused. "I don't want to lose touch with you guys."

"Huh? If it's just about staying connected, and not because you love music, then—"

"No. It's necessary."

"For me… it'sverynecessary."

Xiang Bingbing's eyes burned with determination as the setting sun bathed her face, melting away her usual childish goofiness.

Bathed in golden light, Mei Fang saw an expression he'd never witnessed on her before.

Today's events had clearly sparked profound growth in her.

Not just the "Mei You Yuan" trio was evolving.

Everyone was growing.

Everyone was changing.