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

"No different from usual?"

Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi exchanged glances before Xia Yuan pressed, "Are you saying we're not sweet enough?"

"That's not the issue. Ifyou twoaren't sweet enough, I don't know who could be."

Mei Fang explained, "Right now, we're not too affectionate at school—that was part of the dating game rules, to maintain our original personas. But thatonlyapplies at school. At home or in private, we're as intimate as ever. It just lacks… roleplay tension."

"So you're saying we should keep acting even at home?"

Lin Youxi frowned. "Are you trying to skip out on your… contributions?"

"I—I'll contribute! Why wouldn't I?"

Mei Fang flustered. "What I mean is… in this current setup, whatever you crave during the day, you can easily get at night. So it's hard to… to feel thatspark, you know?"

"Hmm… that makes sense."

"But once you've gotten it, you can't un-experience it…"

Lin Youxi pondered. "If Ah Fang wants novelty, maybe I should copy Bingbing and change my hairstyle."

"Great idea! I've always wanted curls."

"I'll cut mine short. Oh—and get my ears pierced."

"Youxi, no need to go to a salon. I can pierce them for you."

"You've done it before?"

"No, but Xiaoxue told me there's this machine—"

"Hey, hey, you're missing the point!"

Mei Fang sighed. "A makeoverisnice, but the real issue is… this game just isn't fun for me right now."

"Why not?"

"Because…"

He blurted out, "Every time I touch you two, all I can think about is getting frisky. Then it's just—"

Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan burst out laughing.

"Fair. It's not just you…" Xia Yuan admitted. "I'm always itching to cuddle after holding back all day."

"How immature."

Lin Youxi propped her chin on her hand. "I don't get as desperate as you two."

"You?Not desperate? Oh, come on!"

Mei Fang exhaled deeply. "Once you cross that line, it's really hard to rebuild that dating tension."

"I get it now."

Lin Youxi nodded. "Ah Fang wants us to keep our distanceevenat home. Right?"

Xia Yuan immediately puffed her cheeks. "Trying to create distance… are you planning to cheat on us outside?"

"No! Ijustsaid no! We used to do it twice daily, then every three days during busy periods, but lately it's multiple times a day—not that I'm complaining! I enjoy it too, but—"

Lin Youxi clapped a hand over his mouth.

"Ah Fang, we know you're… capable. You're right—this isn't about restraint. Maybe the problem istoo muchbalance. We need a new approach."

"New approach? Like what?"

"I'll think it over… Let's discuss later. For now, what's everyone's schedule? Any afternoon classes?"

Xia Yuan raised a hand. "I have one. You two?"

"None for me," said Mei Fang.

"Same," Lin Youxi agreed. "So we'll head home after lunch?"

"Sure."

Mei Fang turned to Xia Yuan. "Yuan Yuan, rest in the dorm first. I'll pick you up later?"

"It's just a short walk—no need. You rest at home."

She paused, then warned Lin Youxi, "You can sneak-attack Ah Fang all you want at home, but no slacking off!"

"As if…" Lin Youxi rolled her eyes. "Ah Fang said he'd fetch you—that's only a two-hour window. What could we possibly do?"

"Stop exaggerating!" Xia Yuan huffed. "Just plan the gathering when you get back. @ everyone in the group."

After returning home, Lin Youxi showered first. Emerging with damp hair, she found Mei Fang scrolling through his phone.

"What're you up to?"

"Inviting people. Just finished."

"Responses?"

"Most said they're free this Saturday. Yue Xinyi hasn't replied yet."

"She's taken on more operations work lately. Probably busy."

"That's ops for you—always swamped."

The scent of shampoo wafted from Lin Youxi's hair as Mei Fang glanced up. "Want me to blow-dry it for you?"

"No need. We're 'broken up', remember?"

She walked off to dry her hair herself, leaving Mei Fang sighing at her retreating figure.

This wife of mine… switching to actress modewaytoo fast.

Post-hair-drying, they lounged on the sofa watching TV until Lin Youxi yawned.

"Want to nap?" Mei Fang offered.

"Mhm…" Rubbing her cheeks, she suddenly asked, "Ah Fang… want to nap together?"

"Sure. My room?"

"I was joking. Why so serious?" She smiled sweetly. "We're 'broken up'."

Lin Youxi retreated to her own room, leaving Mei Fangaggressivelyfrustrated.

Teasing me like that, then doubling down on the 'breakup'…

It's like thatedginggame!*

Grumbling, he retreated to his bedroom—only for Lin Youxi to slip in 30 minutes later.

"Had an idea while napping. To fix the 'lack of dating tension,' let's add stakes: every week, we'll vote on which pairing felt more 'dating-like.' After nine weeks, whichever side scores higher gets to officially announce their relationship with Ah Fang. How's that?"

"Sounds like a grueling variety show… and unfair to you two."

"Not really. Just a fair vote. We'll ask Yuan Yuan later."

Lin Youxi added, "And don't worry about neglecting the 'losing' side. Here's the twist: after each week's winner is picked, Ah Fang must… contribute to theloser. The winner can onlywatch, no participating.*"

Mei Fang blinked. "Why no reward for the 'more romantic' pair?"

"Because real romance isn't about lust."

Lin Youxi grinned. "If you're always thinking dirty, how can you feel butterflies? No pain, no gain—fair's fair, right?"

"Nowthat… sounds intriguing."

Mei Fang stroked his chin, then suddenly winced.

Damn you, Mei Fang—you absolute bastard!