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

While Xiang Xiaoxia was still reeling from the romantic declarations on Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi's social media, inside Mei Fang's car, the "Mei-You-Xi Trio" were strategizing about her anticipated reaction.

"Isn't this too harsh on Mom Xiang?" Xia Yuan fretted, twisting a strand of hair around her finger. "She wanted A-Fang to choose one of us… Now he's lost both in her eyes."

"And the timing's suspicious—right after their argument." She recalled their childhood scheming. "Remember when we tried preventing A-Fang's family move? Even with Xiao Ya's help, Mom Xiang saw through us instantly."

"Belief is irrelevant—the power dynamic has shifted." Lin Youxi's eyes glinted with quiet triumph. "Once social circles accept our 'relationship', the pressure transfers to her. This isn't just for Mom Xiang either—Director Xia remains our biggest obstacle. Let parents panic first, and they'll compromise."

"Dad's completely oblivious for now…" Xia Yuan groaned. "Mom did say maintaining the status quo works, but we can't stall forever. The annual marriage rotation plan…"

"Divorces damage reputations," Mei Fang interjected, steering through holiday traffic. "Elders would see it as treating marriage frivolously. We need psychological preparation."

Their discussion paused as gridlock trapped both family cars on the provincial highway—an opportunity the touch-starved trio exploited. With seats reclined, Mei Fang found himself alternately claimed by his lovers:

"Mmph—hmmn—"

"Time's up! My turn! You overstayed so I'm—mmph!—doing the same!"

"We should buy our own Bai Mei County home!" Xia Yuan declared between kisses, kneading Mei Fang's cheeks like dough. "No more sneaking around parents!"

"Silly girl," Mei Fang chuckled, pinching her pout. "Not even married yet and already planning separate households? After all those times you called me 'Daddy' so earnestly?"

"You acknowledged it every time!" Xia Yuan huffed, clinging to him. "Now you're denying your own daughter? Heartless!"

Their playtime ended abruptly when traffic resumed. By evening, the convoy reached Bai Mei County—though not before Lin Youxi's carsickness necessitated an emergency stop.

Xiang Xiaoxia rushed over with bottled water, her maternal instincts warring with newfound awkwardness as she watched Xia Yuan tenderly pat Lin Youxi's back.

"Take small sips," she urged, joining the back-rubbing. "Low-speed roads are brutal."

"Next year A-Fang's driving eligibility upgrades to expressways," Xia Yuan chirped.

That casual "we" made Xiang Xiaoxia's eye twitch. Was her son included in this future?

Spotting Mei Fang's amused smirk from the car, she stormed over and yanked his ear.

"You let Youxi suffer while lazing about? Where are your manners? Buy motion sickness meds now!"

"We ran out last—ow!—last week!"

Her scolding escalated to whispered interrogation: "Did you tell them about my ultimatum?"

"Why would I turn them against you?" Mei Fang played innocent.

"Then explain their… arrangement!"

"Oh that?" He shrugged. "They've always been close. Tired of competing for me, I guess."

Xiang Xiaoxia's grip slackened with dawning horror. "So they're really…?"

"Dating? Seems so." His nonchalance was masterful. "When I was with one, the other respected it. Now it's my turn."

"But—but you'll all stay friends?" she pressed desperately.

"Who knows?" Mei Fang sighed. "For now, yes."

Her devastation was interrupted by Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan's approach.

"Mom! Scolding A-Fang again?" Lin Youxi embraced her warmly.

"We'll visit often," Xia Yuan pledged—then faltered under Xiang Xiaoxia's searching gaze. "A-as your daughters!"

"Daughters are wonderful but—" Xiang Xiaoxia blurted, then caught herself.

Lin Youxi's eyes sparkled with silent victory.

Mission accomplished: Mom's panicking.

The Xia Family Reunion

After dropping off luggage at the Xias' upscale apartment, Mei Fang endured a characteristically overwhelming welcome from Yu Ling—his former homeroom teacher turned would-be mother-in-law.

"This Louis Vuitton limited edition!" She squealed, inspecting the handbag. "At least 300,000 RMB! Such exquisite taste!"

Her proximity as she pinched his cheeks left Mei Fang flushed. "W-worth it for our beloved Teacher Yu!"

"Still such a charmer!" She winked at Xia Yuan. "No wonder our girl's smitten!"

Director Xia cleared his throat pointedly. "Mei Fang. Tea. Business discussion."

The ensuing interrogation about company finances was mercifully brief. Bidding farewell, Mei Fang fled to his car—where Lin Youxi awaited with predatory patience.

"Compensate my waiting time," she purred, pushing him onto the seats. "I'll take payment in 'Little A-Fang'."

Their entanglement was disrupted by Xia Yuan's message:

[Tomorrow morning—visit Xiao Xue at Bai Mei No.1 High?]