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

Mei Fang drove home and had barely unlocked the door with his fingerprint when Xia Yuan rushed forward to envelop him in a massive hug.

"Wuuu… Ah Fang… hug hug!"

After being smothered with affection for a good while, Mei Fang finally managed to gently extricate himself.

"Mmm… what's all this? Quite the surprise."

Seeing his sweet little childhood sweetheart beaming up at him, the gloom that had weighed on him during the drive dissipated considerably. "No need to be so impatient… I promised you, didn't I? I won't go back on my word."

It took Xia Yuan a moment to realize he was referring to their earlier video call about tonight's "activities." Flushing, she pounded his chest in mock outrage. "You're the worst! Do you really think I'm that desperate?"

"Ah, no, that's not what I—"

"Of course not! You've worked hard… here, let me take your bag, take off your coat too."

As Xia Yuan relieved him of his briefcase and helped him out of his jacket, Mei Fang couldn't help but muse, "This really does feel like playing house as a married couple."

Xia Yuan's cheeks burned as she mumbled, "E-even if we're not actually married yet… I've been yours for ages, haven't I?"

"Ahhhh! Don't say it out loud! That's too sweet!"

Though these little romantic moments happened daily, they felt especially heartwarming when Mei Fang was exhausted. He immediately pulled Xia Yuan close, covering her face with kisses.

The two swayed together as if dancing a waltz, tumbling onto the couch in a tangle of limbs—only to be interrupted by Lin Youxi's deliberate cough.

Extricating himself from Xia Yuan's embrace, Mei Fang straightened his clothes while Lin Youxi leaned against the kitchen counter. "Made you some food. Didn't sneak snacks outside, did you?"

"Wouldn't dare. Saved my appetite just for you."

As Mei Fang passed by, he suddenly backtracked, encircling Lin Youxi's waist where she stood with her hands demurely behind her back.

Lin Youxi tilted her head in question:

"Not hungry anymore?"

"Not for food. For you first."

He pressed a light kiss to her forehead. "So sweet."

Lin Youzi cupped his face and returned the gesture with a soft peck.

"You're sweet too."

"Though it's probably Yuanyuan's sweetness rubbing off on me."

"W-what 'my sweetness'?! Youxi, you're terrible… geez."

From the couch, Xia Yuan watched their affectionate exchange, relieved to see Mei Fang visibly more relaxed than when he'd first arrived.

As Mei Fang ate, the girls sat on either side, casually probing about his day.

"Nothing major, just routine management meetings… Oh, guess what? I crashed our own group interview today—hilarious story—"

He recounted his incognito escapade in detail, keeping both girls entertained.

"The CEO pretending to be a kid! And no one recognized you?" Xia Yuan gasped.

"Posters have celebrity filters. Hard to connect to real life," Lin Youxi reasoned.

"Also, most applicants were juniors/seniors—not 'kids.'"

"Yikes, I keep forgetting we're freshmen." Xia Yuan facepalmed. "Campus life feels so disjointed—aside from Xiaoyu, everyone acts like I'm untouchable."

"Celebrity problems…" Mei Fang chuckled—then tensed, remembering the virtual idol dilemma.

Noticing his sudden mood shift, the girls exchanged glances. Lin Youxi scooped up some soup, blowing on it before offering the spoon.

"Don't overthink. Have some lily bulb and lotus seed soup—good for autumn colds and soothing lungs."

"Mmph… I can feed my—mmph!"

After swallowing, Xia Yuan dabbed his mouth with a tissue.

"Why so pampering today? Feels like I'm a baby."

"Two mommies doting on you. Unhappy?"

"Very happy. Extremely happy."

"Then why do you look unhappy?"

"Huh? I'm with my two girlfriends—how could I be unhappy?"

Xia Yuan pouted. "Ah Fang, aren't we family?"

"Of course. Why?"

"Family shares joys and sorrows, right?" She traced circles on the table. "But you're clearly troubled today… yet won't tell us…"

Lin Youxi mirrored the motion on his thigh. "Even if Yuanyuan can't help, talking it out beats bottling up. Right?"

"Hey! What 'can't help'?!"

Watching them bicker, Mei Fang realized their affectionate display had been a deliberate strategy—both touching and sobering.

In his past life, he'd always shouldered burdens alone, never wanting to worry his parents. Without trusted confidants, he'd internalized hardships to avoid burdening others—even those close to him.

Across over a decade in this life, he'd yet to face true adversity, making this habit irrelevant… until now.

Yet somehow, without me saying a word, they just know.

As if I've always been this way.

What cosmic karma brought these two into my life…

With a long exhale, he finally spoke softly:

"Actually… Yuanyuancanhelp."

"I've been thinking hard about this… and wanted your opinion."

"Huh?"

Xia Yuan's eyes lit up as she clung to his arm.

"Something only I can do? Tell me! Imusthelp!"

"It's about… the virtual idol project." Mei Fang scratched his head. "Originally, I said you didn't need to participate to focus on songwriting, but…"

"But now?"

"The team concluded we need you to voice and embody 'Yuan-chan'—the flagship virtual idol—for brand promotion."

He hurried to add, "This is entirely your choice! If you're unwilling, we can shelve Yuan-chan and create new idols instead—"

"Willing! Absolutely willing! I only went along before becauseyousuggested it! Being a virtual idol sounds amazing!"

Her blazing enthusiasm only deepened Mei Fang's guilt.

"I never realized you were humoring me…sniff… I've been so unreasonable…"

"N-no! I'm not blaming you! There there…"

Flustered, Xia Yuan cradled his head against her chest. "Good boy… Mama Yuanyuan will… wait no, Mama Yuanyuanreallywants to be this idol!"