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

Zhang Ming found himself dragged by Yang Xiaomo to a backstreet mala tang (spicy hot pot) joint. Walking side by side, the naturally sociable Yang Xiaomo kept up a steady stream of questions, which Zhang Ming answered dutifully though without enthusiasm.

Music department girls were known for their fashionable outfits, curvaceous figures, and long legs—and Yang Xiaomo was a standout even among them. As they walked together, Zhang Ming quickly became the focus of many envious stares.

Yang Xiaomo had nurtured ambitions of becoming "the Stationmaster's wife" ever since first laying eyes on Mei Fang. But she knew a handsome, young, and wealthy man like him wouldn't lack for suitors. She had to play the long game.

Being Xia Yuan's roommate gave her an edge—even if Xia Yuan rarely stayed in the dorm, they had their own chat group and were on friendly terms.

Yet directly approaching the Stationmaster would raise red flags with his childhood sweethearts. Though confident in her looks (she believed herself no less attractive than those two), a flanking maneuver through his inner circle seemed wiser.

And Zhang Ming—the Captain's rare male friend—must have exceptional qualities to earn such closeness. Getting on his good side could only help.

"Here we are."

"This is the mala tang place you mentioned?"

Yang Xiaomo frowned at the snaking queue. "How long will this take?"

"Mmm… let's see."

As they selected their items, Zhang Ming eyed Yang Xiaomo's nearly empty tray—just a few leaves and quail eggs—and shook his head.

"That… won't fill you up."

"Hmph, girls have to watch their figures, you know? Since you're close with the Captain and Yuan Yuan, you should understand the struggle."

"Not really… Xia Yuan eats whatever she wants—meat, desserts, no restrictions. Stays slim somehow."

"That's… genetics. I'm not so lucky. Gain weight justlookingat water…"

Her mournful expression drew a loud laugh from Zhang Ming. "Damn, that's rough.Hahaha!"

"You'relaughing? So much for being a gentleman!"

She playfully punched his arm. Unfazed, Zhang Ming found seats. As they settled in, he cut straight to the chase:

"You're only talking to me because of the Stationmaster, right? Save your energy—he's got eyes for only those two."

Yang Xiaomo feigned shock. "Why would I want the Stationmaster? I'm Yuan Yuan's roommate—Team Yuan all the way! Ihopethey get back together…"

Leaning in conspiratorially, she added, "Though…domany girls ask you about him?"

"Guess so. I'm just some average guy. No reason girls would care otherwise."

"That's not true!"

Propping her chin on her hands, Yang Xiaomo fluttered her lashes. "I think you'reveryhandsome. There's this… magnetic charm about you."

"Uh… first time hearing that."

"But," she conceded sweetly, "Ididwant to ask—as the Stationmaster's best friend, what'syourtake on their…complicatedrelationship?"

"Me? I watch from the sidelines. Sometimes while eating."

"Hey—"

Zhang Ming dashed off to collect his order, returning with a heaping bowl. As he dug in, Yang Xiaomo—her own meager portion barely touched—saw an opening.

"Zhang Ming~ Can I try that piece of meat? Lookssogood."

"Thought you were dieting? Lying to me?"

"It'syourfault for making it look delicious!"

"Sigh… Here."

He passed her a slice. She nibbled it theatrically, gasping in delight.

"Wow! No wonder you recommended this place! You've got great taste~"

"It's standard mala tang. Just convenient to the dorms and—"

"Yo! Ming-ge! Thanks for covering roll call today!"

A group of Zhang Ming's dormmates, including Li Guidong, filed into the shop. Clapping Zhang Ming's shoulder, Li Guidong noticed Yang Xiaomo and froze.

"Whoa—sorry, bro! Didn't mean to interrupt your date!"

"Not a date. Just met her." Zhang Ming shrugged. "Sit here—no other spots."

"But… she might mind—"

"It's fine!" Yang Xiaomo smoothed her hair, all smiles. "I'm Yang Xiaomo, a freshman in music. Nice to meet you!"

"Hey hey!"

As the guys squeezed in, Zhang Ming added, "They're the Stationmaster's dormmates."

"Oh my! What a coincidence—I'mYuan Bao'sroommate!"

"Pfft, 'roommates' in name only. Hardly ever see the Captain," one guy admitted. "Though hedidremember my name. Chill guy for someone so big."

"Richandnice? If I were a girl, I'd be all over him."

"Please. The campus crush queue's already a mile long. You'd never make the cut."

"Nah, man—who needs tobea girl? Next time the Captain naps in the dorm, I'llpounce—"

"Ahem." Zhang Ming cut in sternly. "Ladies present."

"Shit—our bad! Forgot we had company,heh…"

"No worries!" Yang Xiaomo giggled. "Boys will be boys~"

As Zhang Ming chided his friends with surprising maturity, Yang Xiaomo leaned close, whispering shyly:

"See? Youaresweet."

"Hah…"

A younger, more naive Zhang Ming might've been flustered by such warmth.

But not anymore.

Whether he admitted it or not, his heart still belonged to someone else—a white moonlight that outshone all others.

He was a man who saw through illusions. Joy and sorrow alike had left him.

Leaning in equally close, he whispered back:

"Don't forget to pay for your mala tang. You missed scanning earlier—I fronted the cash."

"…Oh. Right."