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

"Uncle Xia, Auntie Yu, hello!"

"Ah… Ah Fang, you've gotten even handsomer!"

Teacher Yu, ever the affectionate one, immediately pinched Mei Fang's cheeks upon seeing him. "Yuan Yuan, Youxi, and yourFandomverseproduct launch—we watched the whole thing together, absolutely riveted!"

"Th-thank you, Auntie Yu… It was a team effort."

Mei Fang scratched his head sheepishly. "Though, of course, Yuan Yuan and Youxi helped me the most…"

He then turned to his future father-in-law. "Uncle Xia, what did you think of the launch?"

"Your Uncle Xia is just a small-town businessman. These big ventures of you young folks are beyond me."

Xia Xun cleared his throat before continuing, "But with how massive your operations have grown—remember, tall trees catch the wind. Be cautious, prepare for every scenario, foster goodwill, and avoid unnecessary conflicts."

"Understood, Uncle Xia. We have a professional team, and many strategies are planned well in advance. As for connections, we're especially grateful to you for introducing us to Uncle Chen Rui. Without him, we wouldn't have grown this quickly."

"Yeah… It's just 'Uncle' usually."

Xia Yuan chimed in, "We mostly use nicknames at work. I'm 'Yuan Bao,' Ah Fang's 'The Captain,' Youxi's 'Young Miss,' and Chen Rui's 'Uncle.'"

This reminder made Xia Xun realize Lin Youxi hadn't come along today. Combined with the couple's earlier antics, it seemed likely they were rekindling their relationship. His opinion of Mei Fang inched up by+0.1.

(TL: poor Mei Dog LOL)

"Speaking of Youxi… Why isn't she here today?"

Yu Ling patted her daughter's shoulder. "How are things between you three lately? No fights, right? At the launch, you all seemed close."

"W-we're fine! Why ask so suddenly? Youxi's at home cooking for us."

"Cooking?"

Xia Xun frowned slightly. "Why trouble her like that? Didn't we agree to eat out?"

"Oh, it's her way of showing respect. Why the long face?"

Yu Ling nudged Xia Xun, signaling him to dial it back. He coughed awkwardly. "I'm not upset. Just worried we're inconveniencing her…"

Xia Yuan looped her arm through her dad's, coaxing. "C'mon, Dad, Youxi's always admired you and Mom. Shewantsto do this. No need to be shy—let's get going before rush hour hits!"

"Who's being shy—"

Mei Fang dutifully loaded their luggage into the trunk, and soon they were on the road. Xia Xun and Yu Ling took the back seat, expecting Yuan Yuan to join them, but she naturally slid into the front passenger seat.

Favorability -50!

Xia Xun's glare at Mei Fang could've melted steel. The murderous aura radiating from behind made Mei Fang sweat.

What… did I do wrong?

We haven't even discussed business yet…

The group arrived at the upscale apartment complex near Pengda University, where Lin Youxi was putting the finishing touches on dinner. She greeted them warmly at the door.

"Uncle Xia, Auntie Yu, welcome! Please come in… Shoes off here, I've prepared slippers. Let me take your things."

"Thanks, Youxi… This place islovely. That balcony's gorgeous!"

"Mom, let me show you our rooms—Ah Fang, go make tea."

"Got it."

Mei Fang turned to Xia Xun. "Uncle Xia, you still prefer Pu'er, right? We just got a premium batch. If you like it, take some home."

"You… memorized my preferences?"

Xia Xun was pleasantly surprised.Favorability+0.1.

"After all these years, it's hardnotto remember."

"Enough fuss. Just water's fine."

Xia Xun then called out to Lin Youxi in the kitchen, "Youxi, keep the dishes simple. No need to stand on ceremony—we'd hate for food to go to waste."

Yu Ling agreed, "Exactly! We're practically family. Don't overexert yourself."

Family?!

Xia Xun had no clue why his wife would say that, but Lin Youxi seemed touched. She smiled softly. "It's no trouble. I'm treating you the same way I would my own parents."

"Howareyour parents lately? It's been ages."

"They're vacationing in Thailand—sent us elephant-riding photos. Want to see?"

"Wow! Your dad looksradiant. Living his best life…"

Meanwhile, Mei Fang ignored Xia Xun's protests and brewed the tea. As he carried it over, Xia Yuan pulled him aside.

"Should we bring up the funding at dinner or after?"

"After. We don't want them feeling pressured by a full stomach."

Their hushed discussion didn't escape Xia Xun's sharp glance.

…

"Dinner's ready!"

Lin Youxi brought out the final dish—a hearty bone broth. As she removed her gloves, she accidentally grazed the hot pot, flinching visibly. Mei Fang instinctively rushed over, grasping her hand to inspect it.

"Are you okay? Let me see!"

"It's nothing! Just a tiny burn. Sit down with Uncle and Auntie—I'll rinse it off—"

"I'm ordering burn cream."

"Really, it's fine. Let's just—ah, you—"

Her scolding tone carried a hint of fond exasperation.

You don't need to dote on me like this in front of Yuan Yuan's parents…

Xia Xun's Favorability -50.

Dinner was lively, with Mei Fang and Lin Youxi taking turns refilling Xia Xun's wine and serving him dishes, much to his satisfaction. He praised Youxi's cooking relentlessly, leaving Xia Yuan and Yu Ling red-faced and quietly picking at their food.

After a few drinks, the mood was merry. Yu Ling couldn't stop admiring the apartment.

"This complex is perfect. We'll get you a similar one while we're here."

"Ah, that—"

Xia Yuan tugged at her hair awkwardly. "Let's not rush into buying property…"

"Pengcheng's prices skyrocket daily! If you're settling here long-term, now's the time. Renovations alone take months."

"Mom, we're focused on our careers right now. No time to settle down—"

"But that doesn't stopusfrom buying it, does it?"

Xia Xun added, "If you're not ready to part ways with Youxi and Ah Fang, consider it an investment."

Seeing Xia Yuan flounder under parental pressure, Mei Fang stood abruptly.

"Uncle Xia, Auntie Yu… There's actually another reason we invited you today."

All eyes turned to him as he spoke solemnly, "I'd like to formally invite you to joinYuanxi Entertainmentas an investor."

Yu Ling opened her mouth, but Xia Xun held up a hand, studying Mei Fang with a measured gaze.

"Sothat'swhy even Youxi went all out today… Came prepared, huh?"

He leaned back. "But 'joining' is just a euphemism for investing, correct?"

Mei Fang nodded. "You've been in the industry for years—of course you'd see through us."

"At your scale, the sums involved aren't trivial. You heard we could buy property outright and saw an opportunity."

Xia Xun's tone cooled. "You're confident that, given your history with Yuan Yuan, I'd say yes?"

"Dad! Supporting Ah Fangissupporting me!"

"You naïve girl… You'd hand over your life savings without a second thought."

Xia Xun's frown deepened. "Your music career earned plenty, yet I've seen none of it. Did you funnel everything intohisventures?"

Xia Yuan's temper flared. "How can you say that?! Without Ah Fang, I'dneverhave succeeded! He wrote my albums, handled publishing—everything!"

Mei Fang gently restrained her. "Yuan Yuan, don't yell. Uncle Xia's just looking out for you."

To Xia Xun, he explained calmly, "We have a partnership agreement. Aside from external funding and executive shares, Yuan Yuan and Youxi each hold 33% ofYuanxi Entertainment. What's mine is theirs—that won't change."

Xia Xun remained unmoved. "Shared stakes mean sharedrisk. Right now, she's just chasingyourdreams while bearing the fallout."

"Mydreams aren't valid?! Dad, you'reunbelievable!"

Xia Yuan's outburst would've escalated if Mei Fang hadn't held her back. Xia Xun couldfeelhis daughter's favorability plummet by-500.

His heart ached, but this was necessary.

He'd watched Mei Fang grow up, always knowing the boy was destined for greatness—hence why he'd never opposed his daughter's closeness to him.

But that didn't mean he'd bankroll the kid's ambitions. At best, Mei Fang was a neighbor's son, a childhood friend… and anex-boyfriend.

After the collapse of their family'sWhite Plum Restaurant, Xia Xun had adopted a diversified investment strategy. Mei Fang's ask was undoubtedly in themillions—a direct conflict with his approach.

Even if this were hisson-in-lawasking, he'd hesitate. Let alone anex.

That said…

No matter how he diversified, his daughter wasn't a divisible asset. Xia Yuan was hisonlychild. Everything would be hers eventually.

But her blind devotion worried him. She'd entrusted her entire future to Mei Fang without a second thought.

As an outsider, Xia Xunhadto pressure-test the boy's reliability.

To his credit, Mei Fang didn't resent the interrogation, focusing instead on comforting Xia Yuan.

"Don't blame Uncle Xia. We sprang this on him—it'sourfault for overstepping. He has every right to his investment strategy."

Mei Fang bowed slightly. "Uncle Xia, please forget I asked."

"Hold on—"

Just as Xia Xun was about to inquire further aboutYuanxi Entertainment's finances, Lin Youxi approached Mei Fang and squeezed his shoulder.

"It's okay. We'll figure it out. Worst case, I'll convincemydad to sell our house."

Cue record scratch.

Xia Xun'sShame +100.

Mei Fang looked equal parts touched and exasperated—thiswasn'tpart of their script. (Not that heneededthe money, given his Bitcoin reserves.)

"Why sell your house? We're notthatdesperate."

"Every bit helps. My parents won't be back soon anyway. We just need to bridge these few months until motion-capture production scales and Series A funding clears."

Lin Youxi smiled serenely. "They've trusted you since we were kids. They'll support me."

Xia Xun's Shame +300.

"But if Series A falls through and licensing collapses—"

"Then we'll work side jobs to repay debts." Her tone was light. "Nothing's insurmountable."

"No way I'd letyougrind like that—"

Xia Xun'sShame+1000.

Xia Yuan's Shame +3000.

Lin Youxi's unconditional support was adevastatingcontrast to Xia Xun's skepticism. Not only washeleft floundering, but Xia Yuan—seeing Youxi's tactical brilliance—clutched Mei Fang's arm, eyes glistening with defiant tears.

"Don't lose heart! I'll support you too—endorsements, concerts,whateverit takes! I'll fill the gap myself!"

"I won't let you suffer for my sake."

"Who cares about pride now?! Besides, it's not that Ihatethose gigs—just find them tedious. Our success came from hard work, and Irefuseto leech off my parents!"

Her pointed glare at Xia Xun screamed,I'll disown you if you don't step up.

Yu Ling, having elbowed her husband repeatedly with no response, finally intervened.

"Alright, enough! You're acting like Dad's abandoning you. Truth is, wediddiscuss this beforehand."

"Wife, don't—"

"If you won't talk,Iwill!" She turned to the trio. "He knew expansion strains cash flow, so he liquidatedstableinvestments just in case you needed help. He'sterribleat expressing it, but headoresyou all."

"And he starts withthatvile accusation?! Dad, do you evenknowwhat my dreamsare?!"

As Xia Yuan berated her cowed father, Lin Youxi's lips curled faintly.

Good thing Uncle Xia doesn't know about Yuan Yuan's childhood wishes.

He'd skin Ah Fang alive.

Mei Fang, ever the peacemaker, coaxed Xia Yuan down before addressing Xia Xun.

"Uncle Xia, I get it. You worry I can't provide for Yuan Yuan—she's youronlydaughter. You don't want her shortchanged."

"But I swear to you, as I said at the launch: Yuan Yuan and Youxi are the most important people in my life. No one could replace them. I'd starve before letting them go hungry or suffer."

"Words alone may not convince you, but you've known me for over a decade—watched me grow up,taughtme. If you need time to assess my sincerity, I'll keep striving until I earn your approval."

What's there to 'strive' for…?

Xia Xun nodded solemnly, inwardly screaming.

If you'd just propose to Yuan Yuan now, I'd hand you the keys to my empire!

But no—every pledge has to include Youxi!

What if he ends up with her? Where does that leave Yuan Yuan?

She's so devoted—she'd never move on. Has he considered that?

He couldn't voice these thoughts. Not after today's damage.

Thankfully, Yu Ling's warmth smoothed things over, and soon they were discussing terms. Mei Fang presentedYuanxi Entertainment's financials and a draft proposal.

Contrary to the earlier theatrics, their position wasn'tthatdire—they were simply preparing for a potential Series A delay.

In fact, detached from familial ties, Xia Xunshould'vebeengratefulfor the chance to invest.

Eager to atone and assert paternal support, he stunned everyone by signing a30-million-yuanfunding deal—far exceeding even Mei Fang's expectations (a Pengcheng apartment cost10 millionat most).

Xia Yuan, mollified, finally cracked a smile, nudging her dad.

"Finally! Why not lead withthatinstead of the interrogation? I thought youhatedAh Fang!"

Oh, I wish I could…

As Xia Xun struggled to respond, Xia Yuan suddenly hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Dad."

"For believing in us."

"For being onmyside."

…

All grievances dissolved in that embrace.

"Butno more tsundereantics, got it?"

"'Tsun… dere'?"

Over the next three days, Mei Fang played tour guide, showing the Xia family Pengcheng's sights while Lin Youxi tactfully bowed out, citing work.

This unspoken "son-in-law trial run" went splendidly—Mei Fang's local expertise and deep pockets ensured a flawless itinerary, leaving the Xias thoroughly charmed.

On their final day, as Mei Fang drove them to the station, Xia Xun made small talk about business while Xia Yuan and Yu Ling chatted idly.

Beneath her cheerful facade, Yu Ling—ever the observant motherandteacher—had been studying the trio's dynamics. Finally, she broached the elephant in the room:

"Ah Fang, Yuan Yuan mentioned you and Youxi broke up a while back. Could you share why?"

"I already explained—"

Yu Ling cut Xia Yuan off. "I wantAh Fang'sversion."

"Youxi's stated reason was work pressures—that dating would distract us during this critical phase…"

"Mei Fang, Iwasyour elementary homeroom teacher."

At a red light, Yu Ling tapped his shoulder, then poked his cheek as he turned. "That'sherexplanation. I wantyours."

"Mom, why grill him like this?! It's like aninterrogation!"

"No harm in asking! You're adults now. Clearly, you still love Yuan Yuan, and you've history with Youxi…"

"But whether it was Yuan Yuan or Youxi breaking up with you, you took ittoocalmly."

Yu Ling tapped her chin thoughtfully. "To me, that means either you've fallen out of love… or the breakup wasplanned."

Xia Xun, ever the traditionalist, feigned sleep rather than engage.

Mei Fang, who'd been riding high on securing the investment, now broke into a cold sweat.

One wrong answer could expose our triad ambitions and lose us Xia parental support forever.

After a pause, he chose his words carefully.

"The breakupswereexpected… Because whether I was with Youxi or Yuan Yuan, we always felt guilty toward the other."

Xia Yuan nodded. "Exactly! I split up because seeing Youxi alone broke my heart."

"But this isn't about pity. At your age, indecision hurtsbothparties. Don't they deserve certainty?"

Mei Fang bit his lip. The answer was obvious:

Their certainty was each other—all three.

But that truth remained unutterable.

Then, Xia Yuan murmured,

"Mom… Don't phrase it like that. As if I could ever 'win' against Youxi… Idon'twant Ah Fang to choose, becauseI'dbe the one left behind."

"Yuan Yuan! Love isn't about 'winning'—you'rejustas remarkable as Youxi."

Mei Fang sighed. "The fault is mine… Teacher Yu, I'll be blunt: Ican'tchoose. We're not just friends of a few years, but soulmates of over a decade. They're both part of me."

"Your bondisextraordinary… I do understand…"

Yu Ling smiled softly. "But if choosing is impossible, then perhaps… maintaining this status quo isn't so bad—"

"Wife! Are you condemning Yuan Yuan to spinsterhood?!"

"That's not what I meant! Haven't you noticed? These three seemhappierthan most couples. If childhood sweethearts can stay this close forever, is thatreallyloneliness?"

"And what aboutmarriage certificates? How's that secure?"

"A certificate's justpaper. What matters is love—isn't that whatyoutold me when we married?"

Yu Ling giggled as Xia Xun reddened.

"Wh-why bringthatup now?!"

"My husband'sadorable—still blushing after all these years!"

"My dad'sadorable! Pffft—HAHAHA!"

"Ugh, enough."

As Xia Xun resumed his fake nap, Xia Yuan and her mother shared a knowing look.

She recognized this wasn't mere probing—it was tacit approval inching toward their unconventional future.

Xia Yuan exhaled in relief, then gazed at Mei Fang, her eyes brimming with tender affection.