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

After accompanying Lin Guochuan to visit You Xiaobing, on the drive back, Lin Guochuan asked Mei Fang this question:

"You, Youxi, and Yuan Yuan have maintained such a good relationship since childhood, yet now all three of you are single… Regarding your future plans, can you tell Uncle Lin?"

"About future plans…"

Mei Fang was momentarily stunned, then shook his head, "Right now, the company is still in its early funding stages, many developments remain unstable, plus university coursework requires proper focus. The reason Youxi and I broke up was also to concentrate our energy on careers and studies…"

"I know, so I'm asking about what comes after that."

Lin Guochuan said softly, "You know, Uncle only has Youxi as his daughter. Our family isn't as wealthy as Yuan Yuan's, and I can't invest in your company like Yuan Yuan's father can, but Youxi is equally my precious daughter—I absolutely cannot let her suffer grievances."

"Uncle, I understand that."

"Back when you were with Yuan Yuan, I happened to be diagnosed with lung nodules. At the time, I thought if it really was terminal, at least our Youxi would still have you to rely on."

"I've watched you grow up, and you've done many kindnesses for our family—Uncle has always remembered."

"If you ultimately choose to be with Yuan Yuan, Uncle respects your personal decision."

As he spoke, Lin Guochuan revealed an extremely kind smile:

"But once you decide to be with Youxi, Uncle hopes you won't betray her sincere devotion, that you'll devote your affections to her alone. Can you promise Uncle that?"

……

The "Mei-You-Yuan Trio" had always believed the greatest pressure for their three-way relationship came from Xiang Xiaoxia—who held the most authority and had a strong personality—and Xia Xun, the doting father with vast family assets. Lin Youxi's household usually let her make her own decisions, with Lin Guochuan always deferring to her wishes.

But this time, Lin Guochuan decided to fight for his daughter's interests—after all, what parent could bear to see their child suffer?

Mei Fang sensed he feared Lin Youxi, due to her family's lesser wealth compared to Xia Yuan's, might willingly lower herself to stay with Mei Fang. This was something Lin Guochuan couldn't accept.

Thus, Lin Guochuan's near-ultimatum was meant to sever Mei Fang's hopes for a three-way relationship.

If he gave an evasive agreement here, it would place him at a moral disadvantage during future confrontations.

Therefore, here he could only—

Thinking quickly, Mei Fang pretended to hesitate for a long moment, then sighed deeply.

"Uncle Lin, as my elder, by reason and sentiment I shouldn't hide things from you—yet I also can't speak the full truth. From my perspective, I might never be able to devote myself to just one person. What I feel for Yuan Yuan and Youxi isn't simple romantic affection, but something encompassing friendship, familial bonds… a very new type of relationship…"

Lin Guochuan frowned with an expression of complete distrust: "Never able to choose in this lifetime… You mean to maintain this relationship with Youxi and Yuan Yuan forever, delaying them and yourself indefinitely?"

"That's why… this matter might be more complicated than you imagine. You should ask your daughter—if Youxi is willing to tell you the truth, you'll surely understand why I can't choose one. As they say,those who know, know."

Mei Fang's "riddle-speak" left Lin Guochuan utterly baffled—to the end, he never grasped what "situation" Mei Fang referred to.

After returning, Mei Fang drove Lin Guochuan back to Lin Youxi's home.

Having helped resolve a family worry, a grateful Liang Meijuan invited Mei Fang to stay for dinner. This time, Mei Fang didn't decline but obediently waited at the Lin household. Then Lin Youxi pulled him into her room to ask about her uncle You Xiaobing.

"He really told you he wants to apologize to me?"

Lin Youxi still found her uncle's change hard to believe. "I'd sooner believe Ah Fang isn't afraid of heights and is good at swimming than believe he's truly repentant."

"Hey, what kind of talk is that… asking for a tickle, are you?"

Mei Fang promptly pinned Lin Youxi on her bed to tease her, but she lay there completely unresisting. "I've heard gambling addicts never truly repent—but maybe prison changes people. Ah Fang, do you think he was pretending?"

"I didn't detect any acting… that cowering demeanor—your uncle could never fake that in the past."

"Hmm… then I'll trust your judgment. After all, ourYuanxi EntertainmentCEO's vision is never wrong."

Lin Youxi spread her arms for a hug. "Want to sleep at Yuan Yuan's old place tonight? I miss you."

Mei Fang pinched her cheeks. "This… let's not rush. There's something else—about your dad."

"My dad?"

As Mei Fang and Lin Youxi emerged from the room, Liang Meijuan had already prepared hot soup and dishes, eagerly calling them to eat.

Lin Youxi strode forward, cleared her throat, and declared solemnly:

"Dad, Mom, after hearing from Ah Fang, there's something I must confess to avoid misunderstandings about him."

"Con-confess what?"

Clueless, Liang Meijuan gulped nervously as her daughter continued:

"The real reason Ah Fang and I broke up is—"

"Actually, I already have someone else I like."

"S-Someone else?!"

Liang Meijuan dropped her spoon in shock, while Lin Guochuan's glasses fell off his face. He scrambled to pick them up.

"Youxi, are you serious? You like someone other than Ah Fang?"

Lin Youxi nodded, glancing nonchalantly at Mei Fang. "Though I do love Ah Fang, being with only him forever… sometimes feels stale."

"Then… who is it? Wait a minute—"

Horrified, Lin Guochuan flushed with shame. He'd worried Mei Fang would two-time and cause a rift between Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan—yet his own daughter was the first to cheat?

Lin Guochuan struggled to accept this.

Adjusting his glasses with trembling hands, he asked hoarsely:

"Were you… already like this when you were dating Ah Fang—"

Lin Youxi nodded. "You could say I was two-timing then."

"Youxi… you've always been so well-behaved. How could you—"

Lin Guochuan frowned. "Since childhood, Ah Fang has given so much for you, his devotion unwavering. What person in this world could cherish you more than him? I doubt any exist…"

"Dad, don't speak in absolutes. There is someone… The world holds infinite possibilities."

Lin Youxi smiled.

"No… impossible."

Lin Guochuan shook his head. "If you're teasing me, I won't blame you—but don't let Ah Fang misunderstand. Explain clearly, lest later—"

Lin Youxi struck a playful pose. "No, I won't. I'll even flaunt our love in front of Ah Fang."

"You—!"

For the first time, Lin Guochuan felt the urge to strike his daughter. As he raised his hand, Mei Fang quickly intervened, scratching his cheek awkwardly:

"Uncle Lin, don't listen to Youxi's teasing. Things aren't as bad as you think."

"I knew it! Youxi, why must you always—"

"Youxi's 'other lover' is Yuan Yuan. She broke up with me to be with Yuan Yuan."

"……What?"

That evening, Xia Xun—watching soccer at home—received a call from Mei Lijun.

"Hey, Bureau Chief Mei, what's up tonight?"

"Old Xia… free tonight?"

"Free… why?"

"The kids are all out at the night market. I thought our three families haven't dined together in ages—how about gathering at my place? Xiaoxia says she'll cook something nice."

"I'm free, but Teacher Yu probably has her skincare appointment tonight—"

"N-next time for facials! Bring Teacher Yu, haha."

Mei Lijun's laughter faded into solemnity:

"Tonight… we need to discuss the children's situation."

"…I'll inform my wife."

So… it's finally come to this.

Mei Lijun initiating this meeting likely means he knows who Mei Fang will ultimately choose.

Though Youxi is an exceptional partner, romance and business are different matters.

Our Yuan Yuan is so adorable—that boy wouldn't be so blind—

Xia Xun, more nervous than when first handing Yu Ling a love letter, steeled himself:

If he doesn't pick my daughter, I'm withdrawing my investment!

Then doubt crept in:

So… who will Mei Fang ultimately choose?!

Seated at the dinner table, Xia Xun grew fidgety.