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

Upon returning from class and hearing Lin Youxi's enhanced rules for their dating game, Xia Yuan immediately showed great interest.

"A weekly review of romantic moments? How would that work…"

"Just like our company's weekly meetings—we'll share all our interactions with Ah Fang from the past week, then vote as a trio on which pairing had the best 'dating vibe.'"

"But wouldn't our votes be meaningless? Just let Ah Fang decide." Xia Yuan tilted her head.

Lin Youxi explained, "Leaving it solely to Ah Fang would just give him another chance to play neutral—he'd definitely alternate between us."

She then reminded Xia Yuan, "Given our unique relationship, this is just a game. Don't focus too much on winning or losing. There are perks either way—just do your best."

"So… no matter what, after nine weeks, Ah Fang has to confess to one of us, right?"

"Exactly."

Lin Youxi smiled. "It's mid-October now. Nine weeks would land us around mid-December. Two months to decide the game's outcome should be fine, no?"

"Friday's perfect. We have the gathering tomorrow anyway."

"Oh right! Is everyone coming?"

Mei Fang checked his phone. "Aside from Xiao Yizi, who hasn't responded yet, everyone else confirmed…"

"Then call her! Don't make her feel left out. She was already upset about her college entrance exam results."

Mei Fang waved his hand. "I'm not calling. Don't want you two accusing me of flirting with other girls again."

"Youxi, why don't you call? Isn't she your bestie?"

"Too busy cuddling Ah Fang. No time."

Lin Youxi clung to Mei Fang's arm, grinning at Xia Yuan. "You call instead, Yuan Yuan. Everyone loves you. Only Ah Fang loves me."

"Wow, prioritizing romance over friendship much…"

Sighing, Xia Yuan dialed Yue Xinyi. While waiting, she plopped onto Mei Fang's lap—prompting a critique from Lin Youxi:

"Yuan Yuan, no foreplay before getting intimate with Ah Fang? I'm deducting points during the review."

"Now I can't even casually snuggle with Ah Fang?!"

"It's not forbidden, but the mood should be right."

Lin Youxi clarified, "We're exes now. Even if we were once close, there should be some awkwardness."

"Then what wasthatjust now?" Xia Yuan pointed at Lin Youxi's earlier arm-linking.

"My mistake. See? I'm not clinging to him now."

"……"

Pouting, Xia Yuan got up while Mei Fang wore a strained expression—though he stayed silent under Lin Youxi's amused gaze.

"Hello? Xiao Yizi? What're you up to?"

Yue Xinyi sounded surprised. "Yuan Yuan? Why the call?"

"Just checking in! We've been in Pengcheng so long but barely met."

"Wesaweach other at the company last time during my onboarding…"

"That was just a quick hello! Doesn't count. Anyway—"

Xia Yuan cheerfully announced, "We're throwing a party tomorrow! Wanna come?"

"Uh… who's going?"

"Same old crew from middle and high school. Except Xiaoxue."

"Is Zhang Ming coming?"

"Why doyoucare? Wait—is there something going on?"

"As if!Who'd like that straight-laced loser?"

Yue Xinyi huffed. "He's always the punching bag in our group. With him around, I can attend guilt-free."

"Hahaha!I'm totally telling Zhang Ming you said that."

"Go ahead. See if he dares complain."

Yue Xinyi seemed oddly confident about handling Zhang Ming.

"Great! I'll send you the location later. Haven't booked the villa yet."

"Okay! But hey—whyyoucalling? Where'smyYouxi?"

"Oh,her—"

Xia Yuan glanced back at Lin Youxi, now dozing against Mei Fang's shoulder, and fumed.

"She's misbehaving. Gotta go discipline her—"

"Wait, what misbehav—"

Yue Xinyi's question was cut off as Xia Yuan hung up.

Hmm… Didn't Youxi and Mei Fang just break up? Saw it on social media…

Wait, why did I say 'just'? This is their first breakup…

Ugh, whatever.

Pengcheng, a captivating coastal city, was the perfect setting for Xia Yuan's long-awaited beachside villa outing.

With Mei Fang's car seating only five, he planned to take just Xiang Bingbing and Liu Xiaoyu from Pengda University. Another vehicle was arranged for Guo Yun and Yue Xinyi—all former classmates for easier camaraderie.

The villa booking started at 2 PM, but given the distance from campus, Mei Fang's group began preparations early. Soon, Liu Xiaoyu and Xiang Bingbing arrived at the trio's love nest, greeted by Xia Yuan.

"Welcome! Long time no see, Bingbing!"

"Wowww—your place ishuge!"

Sporting a trendy Korean-style athletic outfit and a side ponytail, Xiang Bingbing peered around. "Should we change shoes?"

"Ah… yeah, guest slippers are over there."

As Bingbing swapped footwear, she spotted Lin Youxi hauling luggage and waved enthusiastically. "Youxi! Missed you!"

"Likewise."

Lin Youxi nodded. "Even after seeing photos… you've transformed, Bingbing. So fashionable now—I might not recognize you on the street."

Bingbing scratched her head sheepishly. "At my height? Unlikely even at Pengda."

"True. Few sporty tall beauties like you around… Ah Fang, come see ifyourecognize your former desk mate!"

"Let me—whoa,Bingbing?!"

Mei Fang stared, genuinely startled. "No wayI'd have known."

"Hmph.Too busy being abig-shot CEOto notice us little folks?"

"Not at all… Just swamped lately. Sit, let me make tea. Xiaoyu too—make yourself at home."

Liu Xiaoyu, previously blocked by Bingbing's towering frame, finally got a word in.

"It's fine… We can serve ourselves. Need any help?"

"Nonsense! You're guestsandstaying for lunch. Relax."

Noticing Xiaoyu being overshadowed, Mei Fang added warmly, "You look great today too, Xiaoyu. Sweet style—Yuan Yuan has a similar outfit."

"Th-thanks… Yuan Yuan recommended that shop."

Liu Xiaoyu mumbled shyly as Xia Yuan laughed. "Right? My fashion sense slays! Even Youxi's wardrobe is mostly my picks. Anyway—enough hallway chatter! Come in!"

Ushering them to the living room, Xia Yuan watched as the two marveled at the upscale apartment. Bingbing, ever the curious child, eyed the balcony's wine collection.

"Bingbing, don't touch stuff."

"Just looking…"

Lin Youxi brought over tea as Bingbing inquired, "Y'all like wine? What brand's that? Any good?"

"Depends on taste… Ah Fang and I enjoy it, but Yuan Yuan doesn't."

Bingbing smacked her lips. "Can I try? Never had proper wine… Is yours crazy expensive?"

"Just average. Happy to pour you some."

"Bingbing, how's your alcohol tolerance?"

Liu Xiaoyu fretted. "If you go wild,no onecan restrain you."

"Relax! Just a sip to feel fancy.Pfft—I'll be fine!"

Resigned, Xiaoyu shared an apologetic look with Lin Youxi, who simply smiled and poured Bingbing a taste.

Clutching the glass reverently, Bingbing gazed at the balcony view.

"Bet the night view from here isamazingwith wine in hand."

Lin Youxi nodded. "Quite lovely. I do that sometimes."

"Lemme channel my inner CEO Youxi—"

Bingbing swirled the wine, crossed her legs, and adopted a brooding pose before taking a sip—

"Blegh—"

Scrunching her face, she thrust the glass at Liu Xiaoyu. "Guess I'm Team Yuan—can't stand this stuff.Youfinish it!"

"Don't pawn your rejects off on me!"

Even mild-mannered Xiaoyu had her limits!