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

Although Mei Fang had lived in Pengcheng for many years in his past life, he had almost no experience visiting Luohu District—after all, his workplace in Lanshan District was quite far from Luohu.

Additionally, because Luohu was close to Hong Kong and had historically catered to many Hong Kong guests, some Hong Kong-style establishments had been replicated there. Thus, Luohu was known as a "club paradise," far beyond the means of someone as poor as Mei Fang in his past life.

This time, accepting Liu Xiaoyu's invitation to visit Luohu was Mei Fang's first experience. The group parked near a hotel-scale standalone building, where Liu Xiaoyu led them inside while explaining the hydrotherapy club's procedures:

"Everyone will receive a wristband, and staff will guide you to the changing rooms to shower and change. Girls can follow me directly, while Ah Fang, you'll go with the other men. The shower area has soaking tubs, steam rooms, and scrubbing services. I'm not familiar with the men's section, but it should be similar."

"They also provide laundry services here. After we're done, we can change into clean clothes before leaving."

"Got it… We're all sweaty, so let's hurry and shower first."

After collecting his wristband, Mei Fang prepared to head to the men's area when Lin Youxi suddenly stopped him:

"Message us after you finish showering. Don't wander off alone. I read online that these clubs have many 'bad women'—don't let them trick you."

"Haha, as if."

"That's not it. I'm mainly worried you've gotten tired of YuanYuan."

"Hey, Youxi! Stop using me as teasing material every time!"

Mei Fang followed the crowd into the men's changing area—presenting his wristband, opening a locker, changing clothes, and grabbing a towel to shower.

The process was smooth with staff guidance, but as a southerner unaccustomed to public baths, walking around naked made Mei Fang somewhat embarrassed.

Sigh… Will other guys feel ashamed when they see me?

After a comfortable shower, Mei Fang retrieved his phone from the locker. No messages yet from Xia Yuan or Lin Youxi.

Girls do take longer to shower…

He didn't dwell on it, enjoying the steam room until he felt thoroughly refreshed, then showered again.

Emerging into the lounge, Mei Fang found a dimly lit hall filled with recliners, where many guests lounged while watching—

Just then, a service technician carrying a small bag approached. Dressed in a blue-and-white qipao with delicate makeup, she tried to link arms with Mei Fang:

"Handsome, want to try our lounge services?"

"Uh, no thanks…" Mei Fang quickly stepped back. "I'm waiting for my girlfriend."

"You can still enjoy services while waiting! There's a promotion—complimentary lounge treatments. Just a small tip for loosening your arms and legs—"

"No need, really."

Mei Fang repeatedly declined before retreating to a small table near the entrance to check his phone.

Before long, someone tapped his shoulder from behind—

Lin Youxi, the first to finish from the women's area, had come looking for Mei Fang without waiting for Xia Yuan and the others.

"Why are you sitting here?"

"Waiting for you guys, like I promised. No wandering."

Relieved, Mei Fang took Lin Youxi's hand and pinched her cheek.

"That yukata… looks really good on you."

At this upscale hydrotherapy club, guests could choose from various attire. Lin Youxi had selected a blue-green yukata, giving her a fresh, Japanese-style refined aesthetic.

In response to Mei Fang's praise, Lin Youxi leaned in for a quick kiss.

"Glad you like it. Let's explore inside first."

"Ah? What about YuanYuan and the others?"

"YuanYuan's soaking in a salt bath with Bingbing, Xiaoyu, and Xinyi. I didn't want you feeling lonely, so I came to find you."

"Heh, my Youxi treasures me most."

Hand in hand, they toured the lounge—observing guests receiving services—before visiting other areas and grabbing snacks from the buffet.

"Want to relax in the lounge?"

"Let's skip it… The vibe feels a bit off here."

"True. Let's book a private room instead! I asked Xiaoyu—private rooms are cozier."

"Wait, that's an option?"

"CEO Mei really doesn't know how to have fun."

Lin Youxi arranged a private room with staff—equipped with a mahjong table, six massage chairs, and a bathroom stocked with drinks and snacks. Once alone, Mei Fang relaxed into a massage chair, exhausted from basketball.

"Whew…"

As he lay back, Lin Youxi removed her shoes and joined him—

Not on another chair, but straddling his lap. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she smiled:

"Hello, sir. No. 520 at your service."

"W-what are you—where did you learn this? Just now?"

Lin Youxi shook her head. "YuanYuan and I studied some… educational materials together. Some featured this theme—quite interesting."

"What? Why wasn't I included?"

"If you joined, we'd just end updoing it. You know how easily YuanYuan gets distracted during 'lessons.'"

As Lin Youxi massaged his legs, Mei Fang chatted:

"Xiaoyu really knows how to have fun. How'd she find this place?"

"I saw so many entertainment zones here—seems lively."

"Mhm… Sounds more interesting than me."

"N-no! Don't be so jealous."

"Do you think I've become more jealous lately?"

"Well…"

Mei Fang pondered. "I think you're mostly joking… Though jealous Youxi is cute too."

He patted her thigh. "The great Lady Lin worrying over me? How enviable!"

"But jealousy stems from insecurity."

Lin Youxi murmured, "I'm actually conflicted."

"Conflicted?"

"On one hand, I trust our bond—I know you'd never betray me or YuanYuan."

"But on the other, I dislike you getting too close to other girls."

"Like Bingbing and Xiaoyu?"

Mei Fang considered. "If it bothers you, I'll keep my distance…"

He rubbed his nose. "I admit I sometimes lack boundaries—"

Lin Youxi suddenly leaned down to massage his shoulders, locking eyes:

"Then… do you want todo itwith them?"

"W-what? Of course not! They're just friends."

Mei Fang pinched her cheek sternly. "If you're this insecure, I won't invite them out anymore."

"That's not what I mean."

Lin Youxi nestled against him, whispering:

"Since childhood, I've only wanted a world with just us three."

"Right—I remember how annoyed you were when YuanYuan befriended Peng Xue. You felt 'stolen.'"

"I still mind that. YuanYuan's heart isn't entirely ours—she's reserved space for Peng Xue."

Lin Youxi grumbled. "Though I crave just our trio's happiness, I know you and YuanYuan aren't like me. I can't force you to accommodate me endlessly… so sometimes I stay silent."

"You two have many friends. Without me, you'd probably have even more."

"We don't need tons of friends. Don't blame yourself."

Mei Fang hugged her. "No three people align perfectly—but our 80% compatibility brought us this far. The rest is compromise."

"Our relationship is healthy—no one sacrifices unilaterally."

He smiled. "Mutual compromise, three-way commitment—isn't this ideal?"

"Mhm…"

Lin Youxi fell silent as Mei Fang continued:

"I know you've compromised more lately—always accompanying us to basketball…"

"But it's for fitness, right? You said my stamina worsened, so I started exercising."

"Mhm…"

Lin Youxi nodded, then gazed down at him with a meaningful smile:

"Sir, this is awholesomemassage. Since you're misbehaving… big sister must punish you—"

"Stop—not here! There are people—"

Just then, Liu Xiaoyu knocked and entered, freezing at the sight before backing out:

"S-sorry to interrupt!"

Youxi and Ah Fang really go at it anywhere…

Another successful "infidelity detection" by Liu Xiaoyu.

Harbor No. 9's five floors included a dedicated banquet area on the fourth level, where private chefs served excellent dishes. After bathing, the hungry group feasted heartily.

Lin Youxi unexpectedly sat beside Yue Xinyi instead of Mei Fang.

"……"

"……"

After a silent stare-off, Yue Xinyi—long bored of their romance—was baffled. "Aren't you—"

"Our trio's dynamic requires balance. I've had enough solo time with Ah Fang today—he and YuanYuan need bonding time."

Nearby, Xia Yuan eagerly fed Mei Fang peeled shrimp, giggling and showering everyone in PDA.

"I admire YuanYuan. She and Mei Fang still act like honeymooners—I expected an old-married-couple vibe."

"That happens too, but…"

Lin Youxi watched them fondly. "With them, I never get bored."

"What can I say?"

Yue Xinyi shrugged. "You've lasted this long—who am I to judge?"

"You can admit envy. No shame."

"Why envy that playboy? I don't get his appeal. Time will tell."

She glanced at Liu Xiaoyu and Xiang Bingbing, who kept stealing looks at Mei Fang:

"You two still get it?"

"Huh? What?Munch…"

Xiang Bingbing chewed pork blankly, clearly uninterested in the topic.

Liu Xiaoyu hastily deflected, serving Yue Xinyi:

"Here, try the roast goose and pigeon—you've had a long trip…"

Oh no!

Yue Xinyi had assumed any lingering feelings from high school would've faded by now—

But something felt…

Off.

Lin Youxi noticed too—though not just today.

Eyes never lie.

Xiang Bingbing's gaze at Mei Fang now mirrored how she'd once looked at Wan Chaoxiong—different from before being confronted.

As for Liu Xiaoyu…

Lin Youxi had never forgotten Mei Fang's stunned expression upon first meeting her. Despite repeated probing, Liu Xiaoyu had remained flawlessly guarded—making her even more suspicious.

This didn't mean Lin Youxi distrusted Mei Fang.

But unchecked, these relationships might develop unpredictably.

After all, their unconventional trio dynamic could inspire dangerous fantasies in friends.

To maintain the group's harmony, adjustments were needed—

Preferably without hurt feelings, but reality wasn't always forgiving.

As Lin Youxi pondered, Xia Yuan sat blissfully in Mei Fang's lap, begging for food.

YuanYuan, stop flaunting and read the room!

Defending their trio alone was exhausting.