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

Lin Youxi awoke from nearly a full day of unconsciousness plunged into profound emotional turmoil.

As Mei Fang helped her sit up in bed, her hair was disheveled, her spirit utterly drained, simply staring blankly at Mei Fang preparing clothes beside her:

"What time is it?"

"Uh…" Mei Fang paused before checking his phone. "2:30 PM."

"We arrived around 4 or 5 yesterday."

After muttering this, Lin Youxi fell silent before suddenly looking up at Mei Fang's calm expression with a bitter smile. "So…I slept almost 20 hours?"

"Mn…it happens sometimes. You must be hungry—I'll get you something to eat."

After draping a jacket over Lin Youxi, Mei Fang moved to leave when she abruptly grabbed his sleeve, head bowed as she mumbled:

"I don't want to take my meds anymore."

"But the pills are agony. I've been fine lately—they just make me miserable."

Lin Youxi's grip on Mei Fang's arm tightened. "My head feels like it's splitting open."

"Oversleeping does that…rest a bit. I'll get you water."

Lin Youxi gave no opportunity for escape, her nails digging through his sleeve into flesh as she maintained her death grip.

"I said I'm not taking them."

"I'm better now, please Ah Fang…this trip was supposed to be fun but the pills ruined everything, see…"

"Listen…you can't stop yet."

Despite Lin Youxi's desperate pleas, Mei Fang remained firm.

This refusal triggered an explosive outburst.

"You claim to love me? Can't you see my suffering? Just empty words, right? Whether I take pills is none of your business!"

"My skull's cracking…I want to chop my head open!"

Her nails drew blood from Mei Fang's hands as she raged, but he simply embraced her without complaint.

Lin Youxi thrashed and screamed for him to leave, eventually sinking teeth into his shoulder while her claws left crimson trails down his hands.

Gritting his teeth, Mei Fang endured the violent release of fury while gently patting her back—as if attempting to soothe a frenzied lion.

The manic episode lasted indeterminably long until Mei Fang noticed the shoulder pain easing and claw marks no longer deepening. Only then did he confirm Lin Youxi's consciousness was clearing.

Then came the muffled sobs against his shoulder.

Mei Fang gradually loosened his hold to see Lin Youxi's tear-streaked face.

Between hiccuping breaths came heartrending whispers:

"Sorry…"

"Sorry…"

"Really sorry…"

"It's okay—not your fault."

Mei Fang tenderly wiped her tears with a soft smile. "Just glad you're calming down."

"After this trip…dump me. A heartless woman like me deserves no one's love. I survived alone before—can do it again."

"Before meeting you, wasn't I living fine by myself?"

"I truly don't want to torture you, Ah Fang…"

"I struggle so hard…but awful words just erupt uncontrollably—never what I truly mean."

"I never believed those were your true thoughts. The meds are hell, but…necessary, Youxi."

Mei Fang lightly pinched her cheek. "Only by continuing can you remain yourself. If you relapse worse…it's back to the psychiatric hospital. Their electrotherapy is more excruciating—you've endured it before."

"Mn…"

Gradually, Lin Youxi stabilized under Mei Fang's comfort.

"Let me see your shoulder—must be painful."

"It's fine, nothing worth—ah!"

Merely Lin Youxi's light touch made Mei Fang grimace.

"Show me…I'll apply ointment."

During manic episodes, Lin Youxi bit without restraint—leaving horrific bruising that made her tear up again upon seeing the damage.

"Enough crying…if you keep this up, people at dinner will think I'm abusing you."

"Obviously I'm the abuser here! Do you have bruise ointment?"

"Actually packed a medical kit."

"You even prepared that?"

While Mei Fang rummaged through his bag, Lin Youxi noticed a small Q10 bottle and picked it up curiously.

"What's this…heart supplement? Ah Fang…heart problems?"

"Not exactly. Just anti-fatigue for all-nighters."

Mei Fang scratched his head nonchalantly. "You know my overtime marathons—also take liver pills, fish oil, melatonin…the graveyard shift survival kit."

"I never knew…you must sleep earlier. Now hand me the ointment."

"Okay."

Having never cared for others before, Lin Youxi fumbled with application until Mei Fang patiently guided:

"Spread cream on the swab, then gently roll around the wound edges before smoothing…"

"Like…this?"

Though Lin Youxi's life skills were barely passable (and deteriorated further after Mei Fang entered her life), her intelligence allowed quick mastery.

Post-treatment, Mei Fang checked the time. "Still over an hour until dinner—we can hot spring first. You shower while I prep the bath."

"Shower…right, I slept in my swimsuit. Did you—"

Peeking under her jacket, Lin Youxi shot Mei Fang an accusatory glare.

"Zero interest in me? Or just impotent?"

"My capabilities are well documented!"

"Yet you passed up changing me? Left me in this damp suit?"

"Unlike some, I'm a gentleman." Mei Fang declared proudly. "No exploiting vulnerabilities."

"No—you're just defective."

Lin Youxi frowned. "Am I truly so unattractive?"

"Give up—reverse psychology won't work…"

"Humph! If that's your attitude, I'm skipping the shower!"

"Skipping?"

Lin Youxi climbed out of bed and began changing into her "Empress's New Attire" right before Mei Fang.

"Wait you—"

The flustered Mei Fang immediately turned away as rustling fabric signaled Lin Youxi's full disrobing.

"Why strip completely? You'll catch cold!"

"Then hurry and draw my bath if you're worried!"

"Unbelievable…"

Mei Fang rushed outside to prepare the private hot spring fed by mountain pipes. Soon steam rose from the stone basin.

Lin Youxi crouched nearby, testing water temperature with her toes as Mei Fang instructed: "Wait inside."

Ignoring him, she inquired: "Won't your colleagues resent us skipping group activities?"

"Shouldn't. They understand."

"Understand…how?"

Lin Youxi lifted her foot. "Did you tell them about my condition?"

"Unlike someone, I don't casually share private matters!"

Mei Fang grumbled. "Couples often split off during trips—sleep schedules differ."

Lin Youxi blinked before smirking. "Ah—they assume we've been…occupiedthis whole time?"

"Who lasts that long?!"

"Now you've earned a reputation for stamina—more girls will flock to you~"

Ignoring her, Mei Fang announced: "Bath's ready."

"Not joining me?"

"Obviously not."

"Then I'll have an episode."

"Have one then."

As Mei Fang turned toward the house, Lin Youxi strode to the exit in her "attire," hand on doorknob.

"This time I'll sprint outside naked during my episode—that fine with you?"

"Get back here!"

Under duress, Mei Fang reluctantly entered the bath.

"Ahh…divine!"

"Truly soothing."

With Lin Youxi submerged, Mei Fang finally made eye contact. Her gaze fell on his bruises, tempering her playfulness with guilt.

"Don't submerge your wounds."

"Mn, I know."

Lin Youxi drifted closer.

"Hm?"

"Water's slightly cold."

"Not hot enough? I'll adjust—"

As Mei Fang reached for the valve, Lin Youxi embraced him from behind, pressing against his back.

"Much warmer now."

"…Liar."

"Bad girls lie."

One hand remained wrapped around Mei Fang while the other explored underwater—until he caught her wrist.

"Don't…Youxi, stop."

"I refuse."

Lin Youxi nuzzled against him.

"If this is just gratitude for my care…"

"Not gratitude—desire."

She murmured: "Though I won't accept your confession, I did promise to be your girlfriend during this trip."

"And shouldn't girlfriends…connect?"

Resting against Mei Fang's shoulder, she began massaging him.

"First time doing this…might be clumsy."

"Tell me if it hurts."

"Coming from you, that phrasing is…hah…"

Despite his awkward chuckle, Mei Fang relaxed into her ministrations.

"Ah Fang?"

"Mn?"

"I adore hugging you from behind."

"So much."

"Mn…yeah…"

Mei Fang listened quietly as Lin Youxi continued:

"Maybe hypersomnia isn't terrible—last night I dreamed something beautiful."

"Oh?"

"Of you, me…and Yuan Yuan together."

"Haven't you dreamed that before? Besides, how would that even work?"

"Just listen! We were so happy…started a company called 'Yuanxi Entertainment'—made millions."

"Ha…other amusing details?"

Lin Youxi smiled wistfully. "Dreamt Yuan Yuan got pregnant in college—we panicked making plans…only to discover a false alarm."

"You remember so clearly…mm…"

"Happy memories imprint deeply…so…so—"

Rising on tiptoes, Lin Youxi whispered something that made Mei Fang squeeze his eyes shut, struggling for composure.

……

Blushing furiously, Lin Youxi withdrew her hand.

"About that pregnancy topic…"

"Could soaking together like this…get me pregnant?"

"N-no! Sulfur deactivates proteins—basic chemistry. But we shouldn't soak too long."

"Good then."

Lin Youxi rested against Mei Fang's back. "I'd hate passing this illness to a child—it's inhuman."

Hearing this, Mei Fang felt an inexplicable pang of loss.

Lin Youxi then asked:

"Feeling relaxed now?"

"Mn…"

"Good—your happiness makes me happy."

Her radiant smile drew an involuntary grin from Mei Fang.

"Let's eat soon."

"Longer soak first~ I'll feast on you instead!"

"Seriously…you've fasted all day. Can't overdo hot springs."

"Then let me taste you first!"

Thus began another intimate interlude.

Having missed most team-building activities (parties, dinners, sightseeing), Lin Youxi and Mei Fang thoroughly enjoyed the remainder with his colleagues.

No further manic episodes occurred—after that first outburst, Lin Youxi only complained mildly about her medication.

But Mei Fang knew—her compliance came at great cost.

The torment she felt was not merely physical; a large part of it stemmed from psychological and emotional distress, so it wasn't something that could simply be dispelled by love.

Still, she was trying her best to withstand the ordeal of taking medication.

And apart from holding her tighter in comfort, Ah Fang could do nothing else.

After the team-building trip ended, instead of returning to Pengcheng with their colleagues, Ah Fang and Lin Youxi took a trip to downtown Yangcheng to await their meeting with[Distant Cloud].

The meeting place for the three of them was a Western restaurant in the Tianhai District. As soon as Ah Fang and Lin Youxi entered, they were struck by the upscale décor inside—it was somewhat unbelievable.

"Even if they're treating us to Western food, isn't this a bit too high-end?"

Lin Youxi whispered to Ah Fang, "Feels like the per-person price is at least one or two thousand. I glanced at the menu outside just now—one steak costs eight hundred…"

Ah Fang found it hard to believe. "I've never eaten at such a high-end Western place."

"Me neither. But we get to eat here today—cheer up."

Lin Youxi patted Ah Fang's shoulder. "WhenWhite Plum Dayssells like crazy and makes money, this big sis will treat you to meals like this every day."

"Heh…"

As they joked around, a waiter approached:

"Hello, do you have a reservation?"

"Yes, for Table 07."

"Alright, please follow me."

Following the waiter, Ah Fang and Lin Youxi arrived at the reserved table, but no one else was there.

"……"

A bit apprehensive, they sat down. The waiter began explaining the menu options, but Ah Fang feigned calm and asked the waiter to leave so they could look at it themselves. Then he messaged[Distant Cloud]:

【？】

【Where are you?】

Resting her chin in her hand, Lin Youxi looked at Ah Fang. "Do you think she chickened out again? Thought it over and decided it wasn't appropriate, so now she doesn't dare meet us?"

"Looks like it. Check out this message she just sent."

Distant Cloud:【Sorry… I still, still can't meet you guys. As an apology, whatever you eat today is on me. If you want to talk about anything, we can do it right now, directly.】

SeeingDistant Cloud's reply, Ah Fang felt a mix of frustration and amusement.

【Seriously… just talk face to face already!】

Just as he sent that, Lin Youxi couldn't help but comment:

"Is this some new scam or something? Lure people into fancy restaurants and then rob us blind?"

Distant Cloud:【Don't worry, I'm not scamming you! If you don't believe me, I'll just send over a Meituan voucher for a couples set meal. Sending it now.】

After reading the message, Ah Fang and Lin Youxi looked around the room. Once they confirmed the likely target, they both approached a chubby girl sitting and looking at her phone.

When the bespectacled girl noticed them walking over, she was startled. Caught off guard, Ah Fang initiated a WeChat voice call—and the girl's phone started ringing.

"You're 'Distant Cloud,' right?"

Ah Fang asked the bespectacled girl in their hometown dialect from Baimei County. Her face instantly flushed as she nodded. "H-hi."

"Wow, you had us running in circles all day. You really worked us over."

Lin Youxi slapped the table and put on an angry face, drawing the attention of nearby diners. The bespectacled girl grew so flustered she couldn't speak clearly, shrinking into her coat and softly mumbling, "I'm sorry."

"Youxi, stop scaring her already. Let me reintroduce us. This is the producer and lead programmer ofWhite Plum Days, Lin Youxi—just call her Youxi. I'm Ah Fang, the lead planner."

The bespectacled girl nodded at Ah Fang. "I know. We've met before."

"We… have?"

Ah Fang was surprised. "We've met before? Where?"

"Yes, yes. We sat next to each other for a while. Don't know if you remember… it's fine if you don't. I was only at that school for less than a year."

"Wait… let me think…"

Ah Fang studied the bespectacled girl carefully, then hesitantly asked, "Are you Guo Yun? My classmate from middle school?"

"Y-yeah…"

"No way, what a coincidence! How'd you know it was me?"

"I saw… saw your Moments. Sorry about that."

Guo Yun looked embarrassed. "Your selfies, and you mentioned having studied at Experimental Middle School. That's how I knew. Guys don't tend to change much in looks."

"You've changed a lot though. With the glasses, I barely recognized you."

"It's just glasses…"

Guo Yun scratched her head and laughed awkwardly. "I'm still the same ugly fat pig I was back then."

"Hey, don't talk about yourself like that. That's kinda weird, haha."

Lin Youxi smiled from the side. "I think you're cute. Being chubby isn't a bad thing. There are guys who like that."

"Th-thanks for saying that. But I know my worth—I know no one likes me. Ask Ah Fang—he knows how hated I was in class."

"I didn't think you were hated… though the homeroom teacher was pretty harsh with you."

Then Ah Fang suddenly remembered: "Wait, I remember now—there was that time you didn't bring money for lunch, and I lent you some to buy bread. The next day you paid me back and gave me a bottle of milk too… and when you left school, you sent me a postcard, right?"

Guo Yun stared at Ah Fang in shock. "You remember all that…"

"Yeah, because you wrote in the letter that I was the best friend you made at school. I was surprised."

Ah Fang scratched his head. "I felt kind of bad, though. I didn't really help you much… didn't stand up for you when others bullied you…"

"N-no, it's not just about lending me money."

Guo Yun spoke emotionally. "Everyone called me names when they had to sit next to me. Only you treated me like a normal classmate. Under those circumstances, you were really kind to me."

"Yeah, our Ah Fang's not the type to join in with bullies."

Lin Youxi smiled. "Wow, so you two go way back. You've got a lot to catch up on."

"S-sorry… let's talk business now." Guo Yun coughed a bit. "Let's talk about the outsourcing project."

"No need to worry about the vibe—I'm not jealous or annoyed."

Lin Youxi chuckled. "Ah Fang and I aren't a couple, so don't worry."

"Y-you're not? But I thought you were…"

"We just look that way."

Lin Youxi patted Ah Fang's shoulder. "We're childhood friends, so we're close."

Ah Fang looked annoyed. "We were just in the same kindergarten—how's that childhood friends?"

"Why wouldn't kindergarten count, huh?"

They bickered playfully while Guo Yun looked at the elegant, mature Youxi beside them with admiration.

She's really… beautiful.

Such a beautiful woman is talking to me—and she's not disgusted by how I look?

Feels like a dream…

And then, there's him—

Guo Yun never imagined she'd meet Ah Fang again.

In all her school years, because of her size, she'd endured so many dark moments.

Transferred many times in middle school, and in high school she ended up dropping out due to relentless mockery and isolation.

That time sitting next to Ah Fang became a precious memory.

"All right, all right… you two should order. It's rare for you to come all the way to Yangcheng. I'm treating you today."

"Ah, I need to clarify something. We didn't come just for you."

Ah Fang explained, "We came for a team trip, and just stopped by to meet you. We exaggerated earlier because you kept avoiding us."

"Y-you guys are so honest and kind… I'm really, really grateful!"

Guo Yun kept thanking them again and again—it was a bit overwhelming.

Still, they didn't say much about it and got down to discussing the character designs.

"For the male lead, you can follow the common design tropes of anime game protagonists. As for the two female leads… the first should have pink hair—it helps bring out her pure, sweet personality. Blue eyes would make her feel more lovable."

"For the second female lead, go with long black straight hair, hmm…"

Lin Youxi chimed in, "Just design her based on me. I've got the classic black-long-straight look."

"Mhm… I-I think you look as pretty as an anime character too."

"Thank you."

Lin Youxi smiled. "By the way, you're sweet and generous—how come you don't have friends? Strange."

"I was wondering that too," Ah Fang added. "Feels like you're a bit socially anxious—do you rarely go out or meet people?"

Guo Yun mumbled and nodded, then finally touched her face and muttered, "Actually, this is my first time going out this year."

"F-first time? But it's already March—almost April!"

"Because I'm a fat, smelly shut-in. I have to use loads of perfume to cover the stench. People think I'm gross. Nobody likes me—not a single person, except my parents. I… I know I'm a mistake that shouldn't have been born, but I still want to live… because my parents care about me. And online, I have some fans who like my work. So, I really like being online… I just hope I didn't gross you out today."

"It's not that serious… Guo Yun, don't be like this."

After hearing her pour her heart out, Ah Fang and Lin Youxi realized just how much psychological pressure she'd endured to treat them to this meal.

Their impression of her changed completely.

Next time…

If it's not necessary, maybe we shouldn't ask her to meet in person again.

"Well, if it helps, you don't need to be so hard on yourself. It's fine, really," Lin Youxi said, trying to reassure her. "Everyone has things they're insecure about."

"Thank you. I really appreciate this," Guo Yun replied, nodding. "I'm just… I know I'm not pretty, and I don't go out, but… I still want to try and live. My parents care about me, and online, I get some love from fans, so I'm happy about that. It's just that, well… I didn't want to disappoint you both with how I look today."

"It's alright, really," Mei Fang reassured her. "We're happy to meet you, and we're not judging you."

The three of them continued chatting, shifting from personal matters to work, as they discussed the design needs for the characters.

"By the way, if you'd like, you could design the characters' outfits in a more playful, fun style for the game. I think that would really catch people's attention," Mei Fang suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yes, that's a good idea!" Guo Yun exclaimed, smiling. "I'll definitely try it. Thank you both again. I'll work harder!"

As the conversation moved toward the more technical aspects of character design, Guo Yun began sketching out different versions of the characters, as she had already mentioned that she would send designs for the elementary, middle school, and high school versions of the characters later. This was impressive to Mei Fang and Lin Youxi, who admired her dedication and hard work despite her self-doubt.

After the meal, Guo Yun insisted on seeing them off. Even though Mei Fang and Lin Youxi repeatedly said there was no need, she still followed them to the subway entrance.

"Really, you don't have to come along. Just head back. We can find our way from here," Lin Youxi said.

"Yeah, we're already full and happy. You've been more than welcoming," Mei Fang added.

"But…" Guo Yun looked hesitant, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "I just… wanted to spend a little more time with you both… I probably won't get another chance to see you in person again…"

The way she said it wasn't sad, but the quiet resignation in her voice made the air feel a little heavy. Lin Youxi and Mei Fang paused in silence. Mei Fang glanced at Lin Youxi, who looked down for a moment, then let out a soft sigh.

"Alright," Lin Youxi said, "Then you'd better remember today well."

"I will, I promise!" Guo Yun quickly nodded, the smile returning to her face. "I'll draw a thank-you illustration for you two!"

"That's a deal. We'll be waiting for it," Mei Fang smiled.

"Be careful heading back, okay?" Lin Youxi reminded her.

"I will!"

After Guo Yun turned and left, Lin Youxi stood still for a moment. Then she exhaled deeply and muttered, "I get it now."

"Get what?" Mei Fang asked, catching the shift in her tone.

"Why so many people in this world prefer living online instead of in reality."

Mei Fang paused, then looked in the direction Guo Yun had left. She gave a soft hum in agreement, but didn't say anything more.

—

Back at the hotel, Lin Youxi turned on her laptop to check the messages in the Yuanxi Studio work group. Just as she expected, Guo Yun had already submitted the design drafts.

"Whoa…" Lin Youxi murmured, brows lifting in surprise as she scrolled.

There were three full versions of the female lead: elementary school, middle school, and high school. Each one had clear linework, meticulous coloring, and detailed outfit designs. The pink-haired, blue-eyed protagonist had a vibrant charm that felt straight out of a high-quality galgame^1, instantly catching the eye.

There were also three corresponding versions of the second female lead, designed with long, flowing black hair and subtle expressions—cool and reserved, yet emotionally expressive.

Even the male lead had two versions—school uniform and casual clothes—with details that echoed the style of the two girls.

"…She's amazing," Lin Youxi whispered.

She opened the group chat and typed:

Lin Youxi:

[thumbs up emoji] [fire emoji]

These designs are incredible. Honestly, I was expecting good, but this isseriouslypro level. The studio's lucky to have you on this project.

A second later, Guo Yun replied:

Guo Yun:

[shy emoji]

Thank you so much!! I'll keep working hard! If there's anything that needs changing, I can tweak it anytime!

Lin Youxi:

Right now, no changes needed. These are excellent.

Let's aim to finish the remaining ones in this quality. I'll handle the concept brief for the next chapter of the game.

Guo Yun:

Okay! Thank you again!

Lin Youxi leaned back in her chair, still staring at the screen for a few more seconds. Then she opened another chat—one with Mei Fang—and forwarded her the designs.

Lin Youxi:

Just look at this.

Mei Fang:

Whoa, dang, these are GOOD.

Mei Fang:

She really went all out, huh.

Lin Youxi:

Yeah. I hope she keeps going like this.

Even if she doesn't believe in herself, her work already shines.

The following day, Guo Yun submitted the second set of character designs. The style was consistent with the first batch, the quality equally polished. She also attached a long message at the end:

Guo Yun:

I know I've been turning things in a bit too quickly… It's because I'm afraid that once I stop, I won't be able to keep going.

I've quit things halfway so many times before.

But I don't want to be like that anymore.

Lin Youxi stared at that last line for a long while.

Then she typed back:

Lin Youxi:

I get it.

Just so you know, you're not alone.

And you're already doing really well.

The message was read immediately, but Guo Yun didn't reply.

—

Later that night, after finishing a late dinner with Mei Fang, Lin Youxi walked back to the hotel alone. The streets were quiet, the spring breeze carrying a light floral scent.

As she stepped into the elevator, her phone buzzed.

It was a voice message from Guo Yun.

Lin Youxi hesitated a moment before tapping play.

Guo Yun's voice came through, quiet and a little shaky.

"Actually… I've always been the kind of person who's afraid of being seen…

But at the same time, I desperately want to be noticed.

Drawing was the only thing that made me feel like I could express anything real.

I never thought I'd get to be part of something like this—working with people like you.

So… thank you."

There was a pause, followed by a soft sniffle.

"I'm still scared.

But maybe, just maybe, I want to try walking forward anyway."

The message ended.

The elevator doors opened with a chime.

Lin Youxi stepped out, staring at her screen.

Then she opened her notes app and jotted something down:

"This story is no longer just fiction.

Because of the people behind it—

It's become something real."