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

The group's seaside stroll came to an abrupt halt due to Zhang Ming's accidental injury. After a clinic examination, Zhang Ming was deemed fine—just needing some bruise ointment and an ice pack.

With Zhang Ming unable to participate in activities, Mei Fang decided to keep him occupied by discussing game development ideas. Coincidentally, Zhang Ming already had some concepts in mind, and the two began brainstorming.

"The defining feature of smartphones is their touchscreens," Zhang Ming explained. "They eliminate button-based controls and input lag, making action games feel more responsive. That's why I want to focus on action games—something Ximilu Games' in-house projects currently lack."

"Action games require significant resources. To match our overall style, we'd need polished artwork. What scale are you envisioning?"

"Not next-gen—I know my limits. I've studied the games you shared this summer. The 'action' I'm imagining is minimalist—so minimalist it could work with just directional inputs."

"How minimalist?"

"Up, down, left, right. That's feasible."

Mei Fang smiled. "Elaborate."

"Take that popular Taiwanese mobile game—the one with the teenage version of the one-eyed Three Kingdoms general. The plot's absurd: everyone's zombified, and Xiahou Dun has to kill Demon Lord Dong Zhuo to save Cao Cao…"

"I love its controls but hate the repetitive grinding. Endless farming might as well have an auto-clear function."

"Understood. So your plan is—"

"Roguelike elements. High randomness, harsh penalties, replayability—but still a complete experience."

"Like Vampire Survivors—auto-attacks, build customization. Releasing something similar now could work."

"What's that? Was it in your references?"

"Never mind. Theme?"

"Gameplay sells these. The setting's irrelevant—"

"Wrong," Mei Fang corrected. "Third-rate devs copy skins. Second-rate focus on monetization. First-rate create IP value. Packaging matters."

"I know, but I can't skip steps. For my first project, I'll settle for second-rate. Or… Boss Mei, assign me a theme."

"Stick to Three Kingdoms—you're familiar with it. But make it cute. Use salted fish or dogs as themes. Broader appeal, easier to go viral."

"Salted fish? How would players recognize characters?"

"Use Koei's Romance of the Three Kingdoms designs as reference. Or mice—hamsters."

"Why phrase it like that? You're weird."

"Just find references. Also—since you're leading this independently, you're no longer part of Ximilu's core team. Funding will be limited unless you show progress. Consider this a friend's investment."

Zhang Ming nodded. "Got it. Can't tarnish your rep. I've talked to classmates—many want to make games. Maybe I'll find partners…"

Mei Fang suddenly sighed dramatically. Zhang Ming glared.

"What's that sigh for?"

"My 'son' used to need my help to run for class monitor. Now he's brave enough to lead a team. Boys really do change eighteen times growing up."

Zhang Ming lunged to punch him but winced at his injured ankle. "The more successful you get, the thicker your skin!"

"A father's entrepreneurial burdens are heavy."

As Mei Fang teased him, Xia Yuan called from outside: "Ah Fang! Help us move stuff for swimming!"

"Coming!"

After leaving Zhang Ming to rest, Mei Fang joined Xia Yuan at the villa's pool. Under Lin Youxi's direction, Guo Yun and Xiang Bingbing carried ingredients, Liu Xiaoyu prepared towels, and Mei Fang was stuck doing chores.

Once ready, everyone changed into swimwear. Mei Fang showered quickly, then scolded Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi when they emerged together in new outfits:

"We're not at home—behave!"

"Relax! Zhang Ming isn't joining." Xia Yuan twirled in her bikini. "Do you like this?"

"When did you buy that?"

"Just answer!"

Lin Youxi hugged Xia Yuan from behind. "Why ask him? Check his 'little brother' instead."

"I… do like it," Xia Yuan blushed. "But Ah Fang can't swim like this. We need to 'fix' it first."

"Wait for tomorrow's results?" Lin Youxi smirked.

"No need! I'll handle it." Mei Fang marched to the shower—only for the girls to follow stealthily.

Later, the trio joined others at the pool. Xiang Bingbing swam laps energetically while Yue Xinyi lounged in sunglasses. Spotting Mei Fang's toned physique, Bingbing gasped:

"Ah Fang has abs?!"

"All thanks to my training," Lin Youxi bragged, rubbing his stomach as Mei Fang flushed.

Xia Yuan dragged Mei Fang into the pool, clinging to him despite his protests. "Did you forget everything I taught you?!"

"Let me dunk him! That's how we learned!" Bingbing suggested.

"No! I taught him!" Xia Yuan pried Mei Fang off—only for him to latch onto her arm. "You're a billionaire CEO! Why fear swimming?!"

"Being rich has nothing to do with it!" Mei Fang feigned terror, secretly pleased by Xia Yuan's flustered happiness.

Their tussle escalated until Bingbing intervened, accidentally brushing his abs before releasing him. Mei Fang flailed wildly, nearly drowning until Guo Yun and Lin Youxi rescued him.

"Why torment him? Especially you, YuanYuan," Lin Youxi chided. "You've known him for years—how couldn't you tell he was struggling?"

Xia Yuan hung her head, guilt-ridden. Liu Xiaoyu fetched a towel while Yue Xinyi gaped at the scene:

Is this a house party or a harem drama?!

That evening, a subdued Xia Yuan avoided the barbecue until Mei Fang comforted her during a moonlit stroll:

"Do I… seem like a bad girlfriend now?"

"You don't need to be like Youxi. Your boldness made me realize my feelings. Even your mistakes are cute."

"I don't want 'cute'! I used to be confident… Now I'm just clumsy."

"You're still you. I'll praise your successes and cherish your stumbles. You've supported me in everything—I'm practically your kept man."

"Stop spoiling me!"

"It's not spoiling. It's love."

Xia Yuan handed him a grilled lamb kidney. "Enough sweet talk. Let's settle this week's 'love game' tonight. I need to reflect."