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

The second week of Lin Youxi's love game competition had begun. Though Xia Yuan had muddled her way to the first victory, she knew it wasn't time to relax yet. After seeing Liu Xiaoyu's new voluminous curls, Xia Yuan became intensely interested.

On Monday after class at the New Fourth Teaching Building, Xia Yuan and Liu Xiaoyu went to meet Lin Youxi. Inspired by Liu Xiaoyu's beautiful permed hair, Xia Yuan proposed her genius idea to enhance romantic appeal—

"You actually want to get a perm?"

Facing Xia Yuan's suggestion, Lin Youxi pondered, "Did you discuss this with Ah Fang?"

"Why would I? It's meant to be a surprise!"

"What if it turns out ugly? Or if Ah Fang doesn't like permed hair?"

"H-he should like it…" Xia Yuan mumbled. "Ah Fang said he'd love me no matter what."

"Men's sweet talk is all lies to make you happy. Ask Xiaoyu if you don't believe me."

"Xiaoyu, what do you think?"

"Wrong! Ah Fang isn't your boss—I am!" Xia Yuan corrected, then reconsidered. "Actually, we're all partners. Just give an outsider's perspective—would Ah Fang like me with permed hair?"

"From what I know, Mei Fang likes anime styles. If you perm it… maybe…"

"Right! He always picks tsundere ojou-sama routes! Spiral twin tails could work—"

"T-that's too anime! You'd attract too much attention!"Liu Xiaoyu interjected."Regular waves or texture perms would be better…"

"Haha, just kidding! But those seem too plain… Maybe pink highlights for a cute look—"

"She's not listening at all…"

As Xia Yuan spiraled into excitement, Liu Xiaoyu sighed quietly. Lin Youxi placed a hand on Xia Yuan's shoulder:

"YuanYuan, are you perming your hair just to please Ah Fang, not because you want to?"

"Huh? N-no! I just…"

"Ah Fang dislikes clinginess. He wants you to be independent—otherwise he'll feel burdened."

Lin Youxi said seriously, "He already carries hundreds of employees' livelihoods at Yuanxi Interactive. As lifelong partners, we should share his burdens, not become dependent accessories."

"I… I see your point. You're right—if Ah Fang knew I permed my hair just for him, he might feel pressured."

Xia Yuan reconsidered. "But I still want to perm it—for myself!"

"How so?"

"A mature look will make people stop treating me like a child. Ah Fang might discuss deeper topics with me…" She covered her mouth mid-sentence. "I mean work stuff… not that he doubts my capabilities…"

"Ah Fang knows exactly what you're capable of."

"Anyway, Youxi, are you joining us for hairstyling or not?"

"Sure, but I want straightening."

"No perm?"

"Right. Also—" Lin Youxi added, "A hime-cut. Not sure if salons do that."

"That's exactly the yamato nadeshiko tycoon daughter archetype Ah Fang's obsessed with lately! You're practically screaming 'I'm pandering to Ah Fang!'"

Xia Yuan cried foul, while Liu Xiaoyu remained unfazed—this was typical Lin Youxi behavior.

Following Liu Xiaoyu's recommendation, they visited an upscale salon near campus. Despite the luxurious decor and clientele lacking student demographics, it was bustling.

"Nice find! Didn't expect Xiaoyu to know such places."

"A classmate recommended it. Hair deserves proper care."

Now financially independent through music and game work (even secretly sending money to her mother), Liu Xiaoyu's lifestyle had noticeably elevated.

A staff member greeted them enthusiastically: "Welcome! What services are you considering today?"

"I want a perm."

"Hair straightening and trimming for me."

Liu Xiaoyu declined: "I'm just accompanying them."

"Your curls look fabulous! Though much credit goes to your natural beauty. You three could be celebrities!"

Seizing the moment, Lin Youxi nudged Xia Yuan forward: "Who does she remind you of?"

"That viral virtual idol—Yuan-chan! Your voice even sounds similar!"

Of course it does—that's my vocal synthesis!Xia Yuan thought indignantly.But being overshadowed by my own avatar?!

The virtual idol project—featuring Xia Yuan's anime persona "Yuan-chan"—had recently launched with extensive promotion. While everyone knew a human actor (the "middle person") operated the avatar, Xia Yuan's direct involvement remained undecided due to scheduling concerns.

Regardless, Yuan-chan's posters now adorned Pengcheng's streets—they'd passed several just walking here.

After confirming no male stylists would attend to them (to avoid hypothetical boyfriend jealousy), Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi underwent their transformations.

The results:

Lin Youxi's sleek straight hime-cut radiated icy elegance.

Xia Yuan's pink-highlighted waves balanced maturity with lingering sweetness.

"We love it!" Xia Yuan beamed.

"Perfect!" The staff member smiled, then produced a notebook. "If you don't mind… could I get autographs?"

"You recognized us?!"

"From the start. But I didn't want to cause a scene."

Impressed by her discretion, Lin Youxi reciprocated by offering a group photo—which the staffer politely declined to avoid future inconvenience, instead presenting VIP membership cards.

"I'm Zhu Xixi. Please visit us again!"

After exchanging contacts, they departed. En route, Xia Yuan puzzled: "Why refuse free publicity?"

"She's a fan first, employee second." Lin Youxi explained. "Keeping this encounter private probably means more to her than commissions. Smart long-term play too."

Their conversation was interrupted by simultaneous video calls from Mei Fang—which they ignored before jointly calling back.

"Why aren't you home yet? I'm lonely!" Mei Fang's voice pleaded.

"Miss me?" Lin Youxi teased.

"Xiaoyu's here too," she added, flustering Mei Fang.

After arranging their return, Liu Xiaoyu excused herself, leaving the duo to admire each other's hairstyles in the elevator.

"Your straight cut looks better… waaah…" Xia Yuan pouted.

"Waves suit you best."

"I wanna try yours!"

"Use a wig next time."

Lin Youxi suddenly proposed: "Want to bet? Winner gets Ah Fang's undivided attention tonight—platonically."

"Bet what?" Xia Yuan perked up.

"Who Ah Fang kisses first upon seeing us."

"Ah Fang's not that shameless…"

"New looks might overwhelm him."

"Then I'd bet on you…"

"Have confidence!" Lin Youxi urged.

Their debate ended abruptly upon arriving home—where Mei Fang flung open the door, gaping at their transformations.

"Did I stumble into an anime?! Pinch me—are my 2D waifus real?!"

Seizing the moment, Lin Youxi darted forward and kissed him.

"Wha—YOU CHEATER!" Xia Yuan shrieked.