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

Mei Fang briefly explained his game concept to the three of them and showed Guo Yun some of the reference characters. Many of them leaned toward the dark, grim aesthetic ofDemon's Souls.

Though it was a side-scrolling project, the overall atmosphere required meticulous control. After looking through the references, Guo Yun seemed a little hesitant.

"So, do you think you can pull it off?"

"This is an art style I've never tried before…"

Guo Yun scratched her head and thought for a moment. "But I'm also interested and willing to give it a shot!"

"You can start by sketching out the main character designs and some scene concepts. If we can synergize well, we'll greenlight the project. If not, we'll just shelve it for now."

Mei Fang added, "The Ximilu project team is currently planning to expand. If this works out, we'll recruit more members."

"Ah… um…"

Guo Yun waved her hands hurriedly. "Don't do that! If I'm not up to it, just replace me. Don't let me hold back your project plans."

"Mmm, okay…"

Guo Yun lowered her head in thought, then asked Mei Fang, "What are the names of these reference games? I'll buy them to get a feel for them."

"No need to buy them. I've already finished all of them with Youxi. I'll lend them to you later. Do you have a PS in your dorm?"

"Ah, I'm not staying in the dorm either…"

Guo Yun smiled. "My family already talked to the school. I'm renting a place off-campus now."

Guo Yun had endured a lot of bullying in middle school, and since she was both working and studying, she preferred a quieter living environment.

As the lead artist ofJourney of Cloudsand the inspiration for its story, Guo Yun wasn't as famous as Mei Fang and the others, but she still had a certain level of recognition among their peers—especially among the male students. So, it made sense for her to keep a low profile.

Knowing these circumstances, Mei Fang understood her decision to live off-campus. "Alright, that's settled for today. Before we leave, I'll lend you those game discs."

"Yunyun, if you can't get through them, don't force yourself. Just watch playthroughs on C-site," Xia Yuan said pitifully. "They're really brutal."

"Mmm… I'll just give them a try, hehe."

Maybe I should look up some guides online later?

Guo Yun was probably far more serious about Mei Fang's task than anyone realized.

While the group discussed work plans on the third floor, Xiang Bingbing @'ed Xia Yuan in their vacation group chat, asking if she wanted to go to the beach now. Mei Fang replied that they could, and Guo Yun also said she'd head down to prepare, so work matters were temporarily put aside.

"If we go now, we can still catch the sunset. The scenery should be great…"

"Is the 'great scenery' referring to pretty girls?"

Lin Youxi leaned on Mei Fang's shoulder, her questioning tone making his heart skip a beat. "Ah, how could that be… Could anyone be prettier than our YuanYuan and Youxi?"

"Since when did you become such a smooth talker? You weren't this slick before…"

Lin Youxi pinched Mei Fang's nose. After their playful banter, Mei Fang noticed Xia Yuan comparing swimsuits and reminded her:

"YuanYuan, it's a bit cold now—let's not go swimming, okay?"

"I wasn't planning to wear this to the beach. After our walk, we can swim in our villa's heated pool. Did you think I booked this place for no reason?"

"Whew, you're always so thoughtful."

"Hehe, praise me more~"

Xia Yuan leaned in, seeking compliments. Mei Fang patted her head, and just as the two were being affectionate, Lin Youxi suddenly smacked Xia Yuan's butt, making her let out an embarrassed "Wah!"

"Youxi! What was that for? So mean!"

"YuanYuan isn't even wearing a tail right now. Otherwise, who knows how much it'd be wagging," Lin Youxi said with a smile. "If I win the love game this week, maybe you can try cosplaying like that for Ah Fang."

"W-what tail?! I'm not as much of a pervert as you! And how are you so sure you'll win?!"

"Alright, alright, no fighting… Everyone's waiting for us. Let's get ready."

Mei Fang and the others changed into casual outfits and headed to the beach for a stroll. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm glow over everyone, making the moment feel serene and pleasant.

"The sea breeze feels so nice!"

Xia Yuan, wearing a long dress and sandals, skipped along the beach, occasionally turning back to look at Mei Fang. "Ah Fang, take pictures of me! I want lots of pretty photos!"

"Okay, okay, stop moving around… Look at the camera."

Xia Yuan struck various poses under Mei Fang's lens while the others, including Lin Youxi, watched quietly.

In the past, whenever group photos were taken, the cheerful Xiang Bingbing was always the first to jump in. But now, as she watched Mei Fang's back, she seemed a little lonely.

Liu Xiaoyu, who had witnessed Xiang Bingbing's emotional outburst and also harbored unspoken feelings of gratitude (and something more complicated) toward Mei Fang, could empathize with her current mood.

"Bingbing, want to take a photo together?"

"Sure! Your phone or mine?"

"Mine. I have a selfie stick."

Liu Xiaoyu pulled Xiang Bingbing into a seaside selfie. After taking it, she pouted.

"I never noticed before, but I look so short next to you…"

"Hahahaha! In group photos, we usually take close-ups anyway. Let's just focus on our faces. I'll hold the phone."

Xiang Bingbing pulled Liu Xiaoyu in for another photo, and the two struck playful poses—hearts, peace signs—before noticing Guo Yun crouching nearby, collecting seashells. They dragged her into the frame as well.

Meanwhile, Yue Xinyi found herself with a rare opportunity to chat alone with Lin Youxi.

They had once been close desk mates, but after Lin Youxi moved to Jiangcheng for high school, they drifted apart. Still, Yue Xinyi had always held a soft spot for the"FangXi"pairing.

"So… what's really going on between you and Mei Fang now?"

"What do you mean?"

Lin Youxi tilted her head with a smile. "Isn't everything fine as it is?"

"How is it fine?! Why did you two break up out of the blue?"

Seeing Yue Xinyi's earnest expression, Lin Youxi couldn't help but chuckle.

"Well… there were a lot of reasons."

"Are you planning to go back to just being childhood friends?"

Lin Youxi sighed quietly. "We can't go back to how things were before."

"I know you don't want to hurt YuanYuan either, but when it comes to feelings, you shouldn't just give up because of someone else."

"I'm not giving up. I'm just…"

Lin Youxi gazed at the distant horizon, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "…trying to find the best way for the three of us to coexist."

"But letting that dog Mei stay single is a huge risk! A guy like him—"

Yue Xinyi was cut off as Lin Youxi's expression turned serious.

"Xiao Yizi, you can badmouth Ah Fang behind his back, but don't do it in front of me. He's your boss, and so am I. If you keep insulting him, I won't be happy."

"You… you're not even his girlfriend anymore, and you're still defending him? Fine…"

Yue Xinyi scratched her head. "What I mean is, we're all adults now, and you guys are already steps ahead—practically in the real world."

"As much as I hate to admit it, someone as outstanding as Mei Fang is bound to attract attention. And at his age, he's full of hormones. Even if he's used to you two, if some new girl comes along, he might easily fall for her."

"Then… what kind of 'heavenly rival' do you think could catch Ah Fang's interest?"

"Me? How would I know what Mei Do—I mean, Mei Fang is thinking?"

Lin Youxi pondered. "How about you give an example? Like, among the girls around Ah Fang right now?"

She turned to look at their companions—Xiang Bingbing, Guo Yun, and Liu Xiaoyu taking photos together.

"You mean… them? Isn't that a bit…?"

"I'm just talking about archetypes. Think of it as a game."

Lin Youxi smiled. "You've read so many childhood-friend romance novels. You should know all the character tropes. Just humor me."

"Hmm… alright, fine."

"Xiang Bingbing is cheerful, pure-hearted, full of energy, and always radiating positivity. Do you think Ah Fang would be drawn to a girl like that?"

"Bingbing and YuanYuan are similar in their innocence, but Bingbing's too much of a kid. She doesn't have YuanYuan's delicate charm. Plus, with Bingbing's height—"

Yue Xinyi burst out laughing. "I don't think Mei Fang would be that delusional. No way, no way."

"Liu Xiaoyu is gentle, considerate, hardworking, and reliable—the type who quietly does her job without causing trouble, the kind who makes people want to protect her. Would Ah Fang like a girl like that?"

"There are plenty of gentle girls out there. And Xiaoyu strikes me as someone who lacks courage—even if she liked Mei Fang, she'd never confess."

Yue Xinyi mused, "A girl like her could be a good support if Mei Fang were already successful, but she wouldn't stand up for him in a crisis. He might have a favorable impression, but I doubt he'd develop real feelings."

"When you say 'courage,' you're referring to how YuanYuan stood up to the homeroom teacher back then, right?"

"You've got guts too. Ever since you became class president… you've been really cool."

"Since you brought up courage, I have to mention another type—the bold, decisive girl who loves and hates fiercely, never looks back once she leaves."

"You're talking about Xue'er, aren't you…?"

Yue Xinyi thought for a moment. "Wait, so Xue'er's sudden change—studying seriously now—really was because of Mei Fang?"

"There's some connection."

"You said Xue'er never looks back, right? Her appeal lies in her independence, but that also means she'd never compromise for someone else. Even if Mei Fang were attracted to her, they'd probably argue nonstop until it fell apart."

Yue Xinyi added, "And here's my personal take—artistic types like Peng Xue might seem free-spirited on the surface, but they're actually super conflicted inside. I'd never have guessed she had feelings for Mei Fang."

"So you think Peng Xue isn't that brave either."

"Well, part of it is because of YuanYuan… I think she cares more about YuanYuan than Mei Fang, so she'd never make a move on him."

Yue Xinyi frowned. "But if we're just talking about Peng Xue as a type… I don't think Mei Fang would like her anyway."

"Haha, I think Mei Fang's personality just wouldn't mesh with hers."

"Then do you think Ah Fang can 'handle' me?"

"You? You're a whole different story…"

Yue Xinyi shook her head. "Forget the past—even now, no matter how much higher your 'relationship level' is than Mei Fang's, you're still completely devoted to him. If not for that, I wouldn't even think you two would ever cross paths."

"That's one way to put it."

Lin Youxi nodded with a smile. Just as she was about to continue, Yue Xinyi waved her off. "Last one—Guo Yun. I'll summarize for you!"

"Guo Yun's the type who's eager to please. She started off insecure and struggling, but Mei Fang encouraged her, helped her grow, and recognized her strengths. In return, she worked hard to become outstanding."

"Girls like her are prime targets for emotional manipulation—they'll pour their all into proving themselves to whoever acknowledges them. But for better or worse, she met Mei Fang first, and he's a genuinely good person."

"She's not lacking in courage or perseverance, and her 'ugly duckling to swan' arc is straight out of a protagonist's story."

"But the inferiority complex she feels around Mei Fang isn't easy to shake off. If there weren't any other outstanding girls around, maybe she'd dare to like him. But with you and YuanYuan as his childhood friends? No way. Only if you two didn't exist would she even try."

"Then, if none of these girls stand a chance, what advantages do 'society women' have?"

"All of us friends share similar values and interests. But out in the real world, there are women who'd use… ahem seductive methods to tempt Mei Fang. You know what I mean, right? Like the villainesses or homewreckers in those novels I recommended—"

"Yeah, I know all about those. I've even tried some of the tamer tricks myself."

"Huh? What do you mean 'tried'?"

Lin Youxi, rarely this affectionate with Yue Xinyi, pulled her close and whispered in her ear. Even the battle-hardened Yue Xinyi turned red-faced in shock.

"Holy shit! I gave you those novels to help you wake up to romance, not to teach you pickup lines! You actually used them?! Those are just gimmicks for clueless girls, not some ancient war stratagem, goddamn!"

"Well, since the target was Ah Fang, he didn't mind me messing with him. He even played along."

Lin Youxi's face glowed with happiness, nearly breaking Yue Xinyi's composure.

"If you're really this skilled… then I guess I don't have to worry. But why the hell did you break up with him?! Now you can't play anymore, can you? Huh?!"

"Mmm—"

Lin Youxi pressed her lips together, smiling mysteriously. That"You-know-what-I-mean"look sent Yue Xinyi into full meltdown.

"Don't tell me you're still… Then what was the point of breaking up?! Huh?! Answer me—"

"Aaaah!"

Just as Yue Xinyi was about to press Lin Youxi for the truth about their current relationship, a pained shout cut through the air. Everyone turned to see Zhang Ming sprawled on the sand, clutching his ankle and rolling around.

Mei Fang immediately handed the camera to Xia Yuan and sprinted over. After checking the injury, he helped Zhang Ming up.

"You okay? What happened?" The group rushed over as Mei Fang explained:

"Something stung him first, then he stepped on a seashell and twisted his ankle. I'll take him to get it checked."

"That unlucky?!" Yue Xinyi rolled her eyes. "It's just a sprain. How bad can it be?"

"Easy for you to say! Try twisting your own ankle, dumbass!"

"Stop whining and watch where you're stepping. Walking barefoot on sand? You're such an idiot!"

"I just wanted to feel the sand beneath my feet! How was I supposed to know I'd get screwed over?!"

"Ugh, enough. Let's just go to the beach clinic. Do you have student insurance? If not, pay for it yourself—don't expect me to cover it just because I'm loaded."

"Fine, I'll pay! Stop nagging! Just take me to the damn clinic. If I die from some sea creature's venom, it's 50% your fault!"

"You—! I'm saving your life, and this is the thanks I get?!"

As Mei Fang helped the bickering Zhang Ming away, the scene was almost comically heartwarming. Lin Youxi and Yue Xinyi watched in silence.

After a moment, Lin Youxi spoke:

"What about Zhang Ming? Care to analyze him? I feel like Ah Fang pays a lot of attention to him… even though they haven't hung out much. Could he threaten YuanYuan's position?"

"The bonds between idiot men are incomprehensible. I refuse to comment further."

Yue Xinyi awkwardly looked away. "Besides, I'm a lifelong fan of pure childhood-friend romances. I don't know anything about Jinjiang yaoi or fujoshi shipping culture…"