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

"Damn, Peng Xue scoredthathigh? Seriously?"

Though Mei Fang had noticed Peng Xue's transformed appearance last New Year—proof of her academic dedication—her 644 Gaokao score still shocked him.

"Isn't that… higher than my own score?"

"What! Can't my Xue outperform you?"

"Not what I meant—of course I'll congratulate her."

Mei Fang scratched his head. "Did she tell you Pengda's her first choice?"

"Obviously! And get this—she asked me something!"

Xia Yuan vibrated with excitement. "She asked if I remembered our band promise!"

"And you said?"

"Speaking of which—theirCode: EndOST work's wrapping up… So only YuanYuan's new album remains. Don't slack!"

"Hmph! As if I would!"

Xia Yuan struck a pose. "Truth is—my album drops this month!"

"Wait what? When did you finish?"

"While you were in executive meetings! I'm not just some lazy glutton—I work hard too."

As Lin Youxi corralled the hyperactive Da Ju back into the cat room, she joined Xia Yuan:

"After your album, band plans start?"

"Yep! Dreamed of this since high school music festivals."

Xia Yuan's eyes sparkled. "Four of us chasing musical dreams together—celebrating victories, mourning failures, grinding at livehouses… Isn't that magical?"

"But back then, you weren't famous yet."

Lin Youxi gazed up at her. "At your current celebrity level, any band you join would instantly trend—no struggle to experience."

Xia Yuan deflated slightly. "True… I want fans to love our music, not just me."

"My suggestion? If you insist on the band, relinquish guitarist role—become their manager instead. Less workload, promise kept."

"But… but…"

"But you still want to perform, right?"

Mei Fang chuckled. "No issue performing—just alter your style. Use a stage name, different vocal tone—easy for a music major…"

His advice earned Lin Youxi's interrogation:

"Ah Fang, what's this?"

"What's what…"

"Your suggestion's childish."

"Childish? Band's her lifelong dream!"

"Even with vocal changes, fans would recognize 'Yuanbao.' Unless she stays silent onstage—"

"I-I don't have to sing! Guitarists aren't always vocalists."

Xia Yuan insisted, "All four of us sing well and compose. Anyone can lead vocals."

"But—"

"If YuanYuan's prepared, let her."

Mei Fang remained relaxed. "Honestly, since Yuanxi's founding, everyone's helpedmydreams."

"Even doing things we enjoy—they weren't necessarilyourchoices… I've felt guilty."

"Why guilty…"

Lin Youxi found his earnestness endearing, wrapping arms around his neck:

"We've always shared everything—careers included."

"But at our level, public exposure risks safety."

"I get Youxi's concern… But like Ah Fang said, I want to stand on that dream stage."

Xia Yuan nestled against Mei Fang's other shoulder. "Also… somehow Ah Fang foresees success—every project he involves us in triumphs. I've never tasted failure…"

"Failure? Remember your physics retake?"

"Youxi! Don't expose me!"

Xia Yuan pondered. "But if I'm busy with band, Youxi with AI research—who'll manage Yuanxi with Ah Fang?"

"My original worry."

Lin Youxi eyed Mei Fang. "So… should we permit hiring an executive assistant?"

"Aha! You only opposed my band to keep me guarding Ah Fang at work, right?"

"Pointless—you'd let homewreckers waltz in."

"Rude! Who's Ah Fang closer to this month? Clearly he listens tome."

"If female assistants bother you, hire male ones… I understand discomfort around unfamiliar women."

"Just beware honey traps or sperm theft schemes—"

"Enough corporate dramas! Work's my domain. Back on topic—"

Mei Fang redirected. "Since Peng Xue's scores are out, invite her to Pengcheng to discuss band plans…"

"Hehe."

Xia Yuan beamed. "She's already packing—probably on the train now!"

"Classic Peng Xue… terrifying efficiency."

Lin Youxi crossed arms sternly. "She didn't notify me—no more homecooked meals from me."

"Alright you two!"

Xia Yuan smiled. "I'll host Xue—no trouble for you."

"Perfect."

Lin Youxi rose, pulling Xia Yuan off Mei Fang—then yanking Mei Fang up. "Ah Fang."

"What…"

"I've accumulated compensatory leave from overtime. Redeeming now."

"You skip work whenever… why formal leave?"

"Not my leave—yours."

"Wait wait—"

Xia Yuan grabbed Lin Youxi. "Daytime degeneracy? What about tonight? We agreed on equal shares!"

Lin Youxi smirked. "Equal? Didn't someone boast about more nighttime intimacy earlier? Just balancing scales."

"Th-that was—"

After this self-inflicted blunder, Xia Yuan could only watch helplessly as Lin Youxi dragged Mei Fang into the master bedroom.

…

Peng Xue's trademark efficiency saw her boarding trains immediately after Gaokao results—only informing parents mid-journey to avoid being saddled with her annoying little brother.

(Some scolding ensued, but Peng Xue couldn't care less.)

Pengcheng at last…

Though her phone selfies still radiated student vibes, contact lenses had elevated her beauty significantly.

Gazing at blurring landscapes, Peng Xue reflected on her grueling year—never complaining, even to Xia Yuan. She wanted her best friend to only see the warmth she'd inspired.

No more needing to prove myself.

Hugging her bass—the very instrument Mei Fang funded three years ago—Peng Xue air-strummed, remembering how it had anchored her during directionless nights.

Knowing there's a fallback makes one complacent…

Yet also prevents desperation…

At the station, an eye-searing sign greeted her:

[WELCOME BEAUTIFUL PENG XUE TO PENGCHENG]

The 1.9m-tall Xiang Bingbing held this embarrassment aloft—but Peng Xue only felt warmth spotting her old friends: Xia Yuan, Yue Xinyi, and Liu Xiaoyu. Dropping luggage, she sprinted into their group hug.

First, heartfelt words for her bestie:

"YuanYuan, you've gained weight—so squishy now."

"Thisis your greeting?!" Xia Yuan whacked her. "You should say I'm prettier!"

"How much prettier can you get? Peak achieved."

"Hehe, better."

After reuniting with Xia Yuan and Yue Xinyi (her former deskmate), Peng Xue turned to Liu Xiaoyu and Xiang Bingbing handling her bags.

"Ah Fang and Youxi are busy today—just us girls." Xia Yuan announced. "Let's discuss band plans, okay?"

"Okay but…" Peng Xue eyed Yue Xinyi. "Why's this tone-deaf shrimp here? Backup member? Too amateur."

"Excuse you!" Yue Xinyi huffed. "Let's get her settled first—band talk over dinner."

Peng Xue's hotel suite—booked by Xia Yuan in a neighboring business district—doubled as their future band HQ.

This rare girls' night (minus Mei Fang/Lin Youxi) carried unique dynamics:

First, except Yue Xinyi, all harbored romantic feelings for Mei Fang—lending conversations an underlying tension.

Second, Lin Youxi's intimidating presence usually constrained discussions—now blissfully absent.

With Xia Yuan hosting and topics strictly band-related (even Yue Xinyi-approved), the atmosphere relaxed.

After moving equipment, Xia Yuan suggested takeout BBQ. While others abstained, Peng Xue ordered beers—not pressuring the group.

Between skewers, they debated band names, logistics, and Xia Yuan's celebrity dilemma—until Peng Xue disrupted the flow:

"All work no play? I expected… adult topics."

She hiccuped, gripping Xia Yuan's hand with mischief.

"Like thatdoing itstory you teased at New Year's… Share with the class?"