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

While eating BBQ at a food stall, Mei Fang and Lin Youxi unexpectedly met Peng Xue—a fellow Baimei native and Mei Fang's middle school classmate.

Under serendipitous circumstances, they learned she'd been pursuing her music dreams all these years. Both became deeply interested in her story.

Perhaps having drifted too long in Pengcheng's materialistic haze with little care from others, Peng Xue unusually opened up about her past.

Before middle school, Peng Xue had been a top student. But her avant-garde style and striking looks made her a target for homeroom teacher Huang Lian's persecution.

Under the teacher's harassment, the proud Peng Xue grew increasingly rebellious and extreme—until falsely accused of smashing Huang Lian's teacup. Unable to endure, Peng Xue physically confronted her.

—At least, that was Mei Fang's understanding.

Recounting this, Peng Xue covered one cheek with a wistful expression:

"Looking back… if I hadn't been so stubborn, if I'd endured longer… maybe I could've studied properly like you two. Gained knowledge instead of being stuck in dead-end jobs now…"

"Why endure?" Lin Youxi shook her head. "What you lacked wasn't endurance—but friends who'd stand up for you."

Peng Xue smiled bitterly. "When that witch framed me, even my closest friends stayed silent. I'd given up on the word 'friend'—as you see, I barely have any now."

"Once hurt, it's hard to trust again."

Lin Youxi said earnestly, "But with mutual understanding, you'll find true companions."

"Says the one lecturing others. How many friends doyouhave?"

"My situation differs from Peng Xue's."

Lin Youxi smiled. "YuanYuan is my one and only. No one can replace her—not even Ah Fang."

After their heart-to-heart, Peng Xue walked them partway home. When Mei Fang and Lin Youxi offered to help her move tomorrow, Peng Xue declined with a laugh.

"Come hear me sing at the bar instead—though crowds are sparse… Drinks on me then. I'm better performing than waitressing."

"Sounds great! We'll look forward to it."

On the way back, Mei Fang grew unusually quiet.

Lin Youxi noticed:

"Still thinking about Peng Xue?"

"Yeah… about her clash with Huang Lian."

"What were you doing when it happened?"

"I was absent that day. Only heard details later from classmates."

"I see…"

Lin Youxi smiled. "Had you known the truth, would you have defended her?"

"Why ask that…"

"Just regretful."

Lin Youxi mused, "Had you been her lone defender during the witch hunt, someone like Peng Xue might've died for you."

"Even if present, our relationship back then wouldn't have compelled me to intervene."

"Then why stopmycar to make games with me?"

"That was different… I was clueless back then."

"Clueless then, clueless now—yet clung to this lunatic confessing."

Lin Youxi pondered. "But current Peng Xue isn't bad. If you overlook her finances—or help her become a folk star—it could make a touching love story."

"Until she dumps me after fame, right?"

"Peng Xue's fiery but principled—she doesn't compromise easily. You defending her today somewhat atones for middle school…"

Lin Youxi kept urging Mei Fang to consider Peng Xue until—upon reaching home—he finally snapped. Yanking her inside, he pinned her against the door.

"Lin Youxi… stop playing matchmaker."

"I loveyou."

"Only you."

"Whether you're insane, blind, or crippled."

"My feelings won't change."

"I've never loved anyone like this."

"So I'll cling to you forever."

"Tch, you're just inexperienced."

Lin Youxi patted his cheek. "Date more people—your perspective will shift."

"Besides, wasn't that high school crush your first love? The girl you—"

"That was just a passing fancy, not love. She barely noticed me."

"Sure, sure—just a 'fancy,' not love."

Lin Youxi sighed. "So, Mei Fang… how long will this kabe-don last?"

"Until we're done."

Mei Fang kissed her deeply.

Their encounter with Peng Xue inspired hopes of collaborating on game music. But Peng Xue—busy surviving—could only license original songs for minor royalties.

Lin Youxi and Mei Fang selected poignant folk tunes, integrating them into scenes asBaimei Memoriestook shape.

Core gameplay—finalized last year—blended narrative puzzles with life simulation. The protagonist's story began in kindergarten, with monthly turns allocating limited action points affecting relationships—especially with heroines 【Xia Yuan】 and 【Lin Youxi】—branching the storyline.

Beyond romance, players could pursue careers, friendships, or entrepreneurship—even becoming business titans.

Growing unlocked more of Baimei County's nostalgic locales—painstakingly recreated to resonate deeply with locals.

Fellow Baimei native Guo Yun tirelessly produced art assets. Despite initial workflow hiccups, she eagerly fulfilled Mei Fang's requests, givingBaimei Memoriesits visual charm.

Peng Xue's licensed tracks, combined with royalty-free melodies, endowed the game with melancholic soul.

"With this… theBaimei Memoriesdemo is basically complete."

Lin Youxi murmured, "Should we release this version online for feedback? Could recoup some costs."

"Hmm… needs more polish."

Mei Fang pondered. "But I'll research distribution and marketing."

"For promotion, just ask friends in the industry, no?"

"You have those?"

"Aren'tyoua gamer?"

Lin Youxi smiled. "I'm counting on you."

"You really…"

Mei Fang sighed. "Sitting on Tencent's resources but not utilizing them."

"Heh… well…"

Lin Youxi scratched her head. "If I were that sociable, I wouldn't have met you so late."

"That… hurts to hear…"

"Don't hurt—here's warmth.Mwah—try it."

"Don't be so casual!"

Mei Fang often worried about Lin Youxi's Tencent performance.

Her refusal to overtime, coupled with frequent sick leaves for hypersomnia, should've doomed her attendance records.

Though Lin Youxi had once resigned during psychiatric hospitalization, her irreplaceable coding skills brought her back.

Yet even top-tier skills couldn't secure longevity without consistent output…

By late August, many in gaming naively believed the publishing license thaw heralded winter's end.

But complex factors still strangled domestic studios. Mei Fang's small team barely survived on new projects, while giants like Tencent initiated layoffs—axing underperforming divisions despite legendary benefits rumored to "fill a poker deck."

Hearing rumors, Mei Fang warned Lin Youxi:

"Your project's crunching—as lead programmer, you must deliver. Jobs are scarce now."

"Mm, I know."

Lin Youxi took it seriously. "Many desks on my floor are empty. HR's been having 'talks.' Our manager urged faster completion."

"Which means… late nights. No cuddles with my Ah Fang."

"It's fine—I'll wait for you."

"No need! Project demands keep me late, but shuttle buses get me home. Not that taxing."

"I insist. If I go home first and sleep through your return, you might elope—where would I find you then?"

Lin Youxi found this adorable. "I'm not that fragile! Survived fine before you."

"Past is past. Now's different."

Mei Fang said softly, "I'll stay. Can work onBaimei Memoriesthere."

"Stay then. Your sudden death isn't my fault."

With lighter workloads, Mei Fang usually finished by 8-9pm, then waited at Tencent's offices—hoping to network, though timing proved awkward.

Surrounded by empty seats in a dying project, Mei Fang watched anime, editedBaimei Memories, or simply accompanied Lin Youxi.

Though recent chest pains had worried him, the symptoms vanished—letting Mei Fang focus on Lin Youxi's volatile condition.

Previously, Lin Youxi had slacked—completing tasks promptly but delaying submissions to avoid extra work, preserving time forBaimei Memoriesand Mei Fang.

Now she worked tirelessly.

Pre-Meeting Mei Fang, survival alone had been her mantra. NowBaimei Memories—her tribute to Xia Yuan's memory—drove her harder.

Their late nights stretched past 3am until August's end, when Lin Youxi emerged from a meeting beaming:

"Project's on track! Manager says tonight's final crunch—submission tomorrow!"

"Phew… good."

Mei Fang stretched subtly. "Any word from higher-ups?"

"Execs loved it! Pending market evaluation, we'll get reinforcements—maybe even Tencent stock options at launch."

Having only worked at small firms, Mei Fang marveled at such perks. "Wow—Tencent elite status!"

"Not that grand. Options might be meager."

Lin Youxi smiled. "Far from financial freedom, but moreBaimei Memoriesfocus."

"As long as you're not overworked."

Mei Fang pinched her cheek. "These crunch nights aged you."

"Calling me old? Even nearing 30, you can't disdain me."

Lin Youxi puffed her cheeks, making Mei Fang backtrack:

"Never! My Youxi looks 16 forever."

"'YourYouxi'? We're not dating—don't presume."

"Right, right… not now."

"Never will be."

Lin Youxi patted his head cheerfully. "Anyway, last crunch night—you should rest. Go home first?"

"No—that's a death flag!"

Mei Fang frowned. "After all these nights, I'm seeing it through. If anything happens to you, my life's meaningless."

Though cliché, Lin Youxi—technically still in "honeymoon phase"—melted at this.

"If I die, will you join me?"

"Absolutely."

No hesitation.

"You're orphaned—no one mourns you. But your parents?"

"Next life's debt. Besides, Dad has Mom."

Mei Fang whispered, "Your family—including YuanYuan—passed long ago. They've likely reincarnated. You'd cross the Underworld alone—might scare off reapers with your episodes."

"I'm notthatunhinged! And if we're here, you should live—burn offerings on my death anniversary and Tomb-Sweeping Day—"

Mei Fang silenced her with a kiss.

"Enough jokes. Final push."

"Mm!"

As Pengcheng's skyscrapers blazed through the night, their lights symbolized distant dreams of rest—not for idleness, but for museum visits, front-row concert seats, anniversary dinners…

Then homeownership, children, futures.

Yet none concerned Lin Youxi.

Her earnings had other purposes:

Costly bipolar disorder meds—her lifeline to sanity.

Baimei Memories—her tribute to Xia Yuan's legacy, defying true oblivion.

And if strength remained—

Rubbing tired eyes, Lin Youxi gazed at Mei Fang dozing in his ergonomic chair. Mischievously, she nestled close, whispering:

"I'll earn enough for my Ah Fang's bride price."

A light kiss on his lips, then she curled against him—content.

Dawn broke over Pengcheng.

Next morning, drowsy Mei Fang yawned at work.

Youxi's project should be under review…

Though anxious, her team was Tencent's elite—the veteran manager likely secured its future.

…

Near noon, as Mei Fang prepared to message Lin Youxi about lunch plans, she called first.

"Ah Fang, busy?"

Her playful tone suggested good news.

"Free. What's up?"

"Can you sneak out? Need company."

"Almost lunch—10 more minutes. Wait till—"

"Come now. Also… help me pack. Stay with me."

"Pack… what? Explain."

Lin Youxi's voice cracked mid-sentence. Mei Fang's stomach dropped—

A terrible premonition took root.

"Just got fired. HR finalized severance. Everyone's clearing desks today."

"But… your manager said executives praised the project?"

"Late-night meeting. Budgets slashed—market deemed it unprofitable. Whole team axed. Project… canceled."

Lin Youxi laughed-sobbed. "Manager got fired too. He's fighting them in the conference room… I'm scared…"

"Don't be… I'm coming. Swipe me in—I'll help pack."

Rushing downstairs, Mei Fang kept urging:

"Keep the line open. I'm here."

"Ah Fang… I can't afford you anymore…"

"It's fine… I'll affordyou."

Their call lasted until reuniting downstairs—where Lin Youxi collapsed into Mei Fang's arms, seeking solace as he held her exhausted soul.

Author's Note:

*"Corporate realism today—hope this blade pierced fellow workers. Evening update: next chapter continues Yuanxi