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

[Meet Xiao Xue? If you want to see Peng Xue, why not go alone? Me tagging along would just make it awkward.]

"I just… want you to come with me,"Xia Yuan's voice message played through the car speakers, her tone carrying that particular blend of sweetness and stubbornness that always melted Mei Fang's resolve."I'd feel too embarrassed going by myself…"

Lin Youxi, still draped languidly across Mei Fang after their intimate moment, nuzzled against his shoulder as he typed a reply."Yuan-yuan wants you to accompany her to see Peng Xue?"

"Yeah…"Mei Fang scratched his head."She knows Peng Xue had feelings for me. Why insist I come along? Maybe you should go with her instead—I'll drop you both at the school gate?"

"Perhaps Peng Xue has moved on by now?"

"Hmm…"

Seeing Mei Fang's doubtful expression, Lin Youxi planted a kiss on his cheek."Fine, the odds are slim. But still."

"Sometimes I really don't understand Yuan-yuan's logic,"Mei Fang sighed, locking his phone."She acts like we can all stay best friends forever, but relationships don't remain static like that."

"That's just Yuan-yuan's nature—eternally hopeful, perpetually pure."Lin Youxi pinched his cheeks."It's precisely that quality Peng Xue fell for. Just go as moral support. We've all changed so much—this meeting won't signify anything."

"You'd indulge her even if I objected,"Lin Youxi teased, straightening her blouse."One pout from Yuan-yuan and you'd fold like origami."

"I have principles!"

"Only around me."Lin Youxi smoothed his rumpled collar."Now come help me face the parental gauntlet."

They spent ten minutes eradicating all evidence of their car encounter before proceeding.

The Lin Family Reunion

Last year's health scare—when Lin Guochan's physical revealed lung nodules—had shockingly transformed the once-workaholic into a leisure enthusiast. He and Liang Meijuan had since toured China's scenic spots before venturing across Southeast Asia, their social media flooded with sunset selfies and exotic cuisine.

As Mei Fang parked outside the Lin residence, a gaggle of neighborhood children clustered nearby, whispering excitedly. One particularly bold boy shoved his friend forward, only for the designated ambassador to freeze like a deer in headlights when Mei Fang smiled at them.

"Need autographs?"

The children scattered like spooked pigeons, leaving Lin Youxi stifling laughter."Our hometown kids are shy around celebrities."

"Don't emphasize that part!"Mei Fang groaned just as Liang Meijuan emerged, her broom frozen mid-sweep at the sight of them.

"You're—you're back!"

"Mom."Lin Youxi embraced her mother, then held her at arm's length."You've gained weight."

"All that traveling and feasting!"Liang Meijuan patted her slightly rounded belly."Couldn't stay skinny if I tried!"

"You were too thin before. This suits you."

Inside, Lin Guochan nearly upended his inkstone rushing to help with luggage. The moment father and daughter locked eyes, an odd tension filled the room.

"What's wrong, Dad? Do I have something on my face?"

"N-no…"Lin Guochan's voice thickened."My little girl's all grown up. Might not recognize you on the street now."

"Don't be ridiculous!"Lin Youxi playfully swatted his arm."Weren't you bursting to share your travels earlier? Where's all that enthusiasm?"

"I…"

Mei Fang intervened smoothly, presenting their gifts:"Uncle Lin, these cordyceps are premium-grade—excellent for lung health. My esports team owner friend sourced them from Tibet."

"This must've cost—"

"Dad!"Lin Youxi cut in sternly."A-Fang went through great trouble for these. Don't insult his effort."

"I just meant—"

"Actually the favor was repaying a debt,"Mei Fang lied gracefully."More importantly, have you done this year's nodule checkup?"

Under dual pressure from his daughter and future son-in-law, Lin Guochan reluctantly admitted he'd postponed the scan. Lin Youxi immediately scheduled an appointment on her phone while Mei Fang presented Liang Meijuan with a jade pendant.

"This is too extravagant!"Liang Meijuan protested even as her fingers traced the intricate carving.

"Tsk,"Lin Guochan mimicked her earlier tone."The kids went through great trouble. Don't insult their effort."

The resulting domestic squabble provided perfect cover for Mei Fang's exit—until Lin Guochan intercepted him at the car.

"There's… something I need to discuss."

Inside the vehicle, Lin Guochan revealed the uncomfortable truth:"Youxi's uncle was released from prison last month. Sold his home to repay gambling debts. Now he's… homeless."

Mei Fang's grip tightened on the steering wheel."That's karma for what he put your family through."

"I know."Lin Guochan stared at his calloused hands."But in Bai Mei County, maternal uncles hold sacred status. If word spreads that we're letting blood starve while living lavishly…"

The unspoken implication hung heavy—this could damage Lin Youxi's public image as an internet celebrity.

"Has he contacted you?"

"Not once. But…"

"I'll broach it with Youxi carefully,"Mei Fang promised."But the decision must be hers."

As Lin Guochan departed, Mei Fang exhaled slowly. Protecting Lin Youxi's fragile happiness meant navigating this minefield with surgical precision.

Nostalgic Noodles and Real Estate

The next morning found the trio at Pan's Beef Noodles, braving the pre-holiday rush for one last taste of hometown flavors.

"Why does this place always close so early for New Year's?"Xia Yuan grumbled between spicy slurps.

"After working 360 days a year,"Lin Youxi pointed out,"even shop gods need rest."

When Xia Yuan went to order takeout for Peng Xue, Mei Fang and Lin Youxi drifted into real estate talk.

"I'm considering buying apartments in Zijun Yuan next to Di Du Yuan,"Lin Youxi mentioned casually."Two units—one for my parents, one for yours."

"Why not three?"Mei Fang suggested."Our own love nest included."

"Three full-payment purchases…"Lin Youxi's eyes glinted with amusement."Think they'll throw in free parking spots?"

Xia Yuan returned just in time to catch the tail end."Whose love nest?! Is there room for me?"

"Always,"Mei Fang laughed, pulling her into a sideways hug."We'll even let you pick the wallpaper."

As they walked toward Bai Mei No.1 High, the winter sun casting long shadows ahead, Mei Fang couldn't help marveling at how far they'd come—from childhood playmates to property-shopping power trios.