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

The next morning, Mei Fang and the others drove Mei Lijun to the train station—he was heading back to work.

Opportunities like this, where a father could witness his son in a professional setting, were rare. Mei Lijun couldn't help but reflect on his son's commanding presence at yesterday's dinner.

"You really carried yourself like a big boss last night."

"Come on, Dad, are you saying I'mnota boss?"

"Still hard to believe… My baby boy just turned 18, and now he's the youngest multimillionaire CEO in the country…"

"Not just millions anymore, Uncle Mei. Ah Fang's business dealings are in thebillionsnow."

Xia Yuan's correction sent Mei Lijun into a coughing fit. "Ahem! Anyway, stay humble. There are plenty of industry giants out there—seek their guidance, learn from them. Don't get ahead of yourselves."

"Got it, Dad."

"And even though work is lucrative now, don't neglect your studies. Building a solid foundation is key to long-term success."

Lin Youxi added from the backseat, "Uncle Mei, even in college, I'll keep supervising Yuan Yuan and Ah Fang's studies. You don't need to fret."

"Why amIstill getting supervised?!"

"Hahaha… Learn together, grow together. With Youxi here, of course I'm at ease. You three are far from family now in Pengcheng—leaning on each other is crucial. No conflicts, communicate openly, understand?"

"Don't worry, Uncle Mei! We three aresuperclose, right, Youxi?"

Lin Youxi stayed silent, but Mei Lijun noticed her subdued expression.

While waiting at the station, Mei Fang went to buy drinks and snacks, and Xia Yuan headed to the restroom, leaving Lin Youxi alone with Mei Lijun. Seeing her staring at her phone, he couldn't resist asking:

"Youxi, you seemed troubled earlier… Did something happen between you and Ah Fang?"

"Huh? No… Uncle Mei, don't overthink it."

"Oh… Alright, good."

Lin Youxi hesitated, then met his gaze. "Uncle Mei, there's something I'd like you to pass along to Auntie Xiang."

"Go ahead. I'll make sure she hears it."

Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, Lin Youxi said softly, "Recently… I've been considering breaking up with Ah Fang."

"Br-Breaking up?"

Mei Lijun's eyes widened slightly. Though he'd sensed tension, this felt abrupt. "But you two seem so close… Did he do something wrong?"

"Not exactly… I just feel our bond doesn't need a romantic label to stay strong. Besides, Yuan Yuan—though she'd never say it—stilldeeplyloves Ah Fang. But because he's with me, she has to keep her distance."

But love is inherently selfish—why care so much about a rival's feelings?

Mei Lijun nearly blurted out, then reconsidered. Their trio's dynamic had always been unique.

"Uncle Mei has watched you grow up. I know your relationship isn't something simple like dating can define…"

"The main reason is actually Ah Fang's career."

Lin Youxi continued, "He's at a critical juncture, yet sometimes acts like a clingy child, wanting affection when he should focus. I refuse to be the one holding him back. I want to walk further—with himandYuan Yuan."

She looked up resolutely. "But Uncle Mei, Auntie Xiang—please don't worry. Even if Ah Fang hasn't married me yet, in my heart… I'll always be your daughter-in-law, your daughter. I'd never be with another man."

"I… I understand…"

Tears welled in the middle-aged man's eyes at her maturity. "Ah Fang might be dense, but he'll recognize your sacrifice."

"Mhm. You and Auntie Xiang must take care of your health—especially your liver, Uncle Mei. Less drinking."

"Haven't I been obedient? Wouldn't dare disobey… Hahaha!"

When Mei Fang and Xia Yuan returned, the train was boarding. Mei Lijun took his snacks and urged them to leave.

But before parting, he dragged Mei Fang aside and—without warning—thumped him on the head.

"Ow! What was that for?!"

Mei Fang rubbed his head, bewildered.

"No reason. Just a reminder—your success oweseverythingto Yuan Yuan and Youxi's silent support. Got that?"

"I know! Of course I—"

"Doesn't seem like it."

Mei Lijun gripped his son's shoulder. "Your business acumen? I've got nothing to teach you. But as aman? Listen well: Never forget your roots. Never betray those two. They've given you their youth—understand?"

My own youth…

Ah, whatever.

Mei Fang nodded. "I won't fail them. I swear onyourlife."

"You little—! What kind of filial piety is that?!"

After some playful roughhousing, Mei Lijun bid farewell to Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi and boarded his train.

On the drive back, Lin Youxi shared how she'd "optimized" Mei Lijun's perspective, leaving Xia Yuan envious. "Next timeIbreak up with Ah Fang, I'm giving Uncle Mei the same speech! I won't stop until he's sobbing!"

Lin Youxi smirked. "Assuming you can win Ah Fang's heart before I do—"

"Hmph! We'll see! Let the ad shoot be our first showdown!"

In Mei Fang's past life, the viral "Chen Ou-style" ads—with their raw, impassioned monologues—became marketing legend.

But in this timeline, Chen Ou and his Jumei platform didn't exist.

So Mei Fang had no qualms about repurposing that iconic script for his and Uncle Chen Rui's new venture.

[You only smell my perfume]

[But never see my sweat]

[You have your rules]

[I have my choices]

[You dismiss me today]

[I'll define tomorrow]

[You mock my emptiness, say I'm unworthy of love]

[I pity your endless waiting]

[You may scorn our youth]

[But we'll prove—]

[Whose era thistrulyis]

[Dreams are lonely journeys]

[Paved with doubt and ridicule]

[So what?]

[Even scarred and bruised]

[We'll liveunapologetically]

[I'm Mei Fang]

[And I speak for myself]

[Join us—]

[In our "Fangiverse" project]