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

Huff…

Mei Fang held Lin Youxi in his arms for a long, long time, not moving until she had fallen asleep against him.

Only when his legs had gone numb did Mei Fang carry Lin Youxi back to bed, suddenly remembering that Liu Xiaoyu was still waiting outside.

As he got up, he glanced at Lin Youxi's now-dry tear tracks, then gently pried his hand free from her grasp. In the blink of an eye, he opened the door, dashed back to reclaim her hand, and grabbed his phone to message Liu Xiaoyu.

"Sorry for the trouble…"

After receiving Mei Fang's reply, Liu Xiaoyu tiptoed into the small home he shared with Lin Youxi.

A toppled trash can with scattered waste. Books strewn across the floor.

A life of chaos and upheaval.

This was the current state of the two creators behindWhite Plum Time.

Mei Fang kept one hand clasped around Lin Youxi's while bowing slightly in gratitude. "I can't properly host you today, but another time… another time I'll treat you to a proper meal to thank you for all your help."

As Mei Fang spoke, Liu Xiaoyu pulled up a small stool and sat down.

"Mei Fang, are you that eager to kick me out?"

"No… that's not what I meant."

Guilt was written all over Mei Fang's face. "Youxi fell asleep again—I don't know when she'll wake up, and I really can't entertain you properly today."

"I came all this way to write the next installment of my indie developer feature. You owe mesomethingto work with."

Liu Xiaoyu glanced at Lin Youxi, whose hand Mei Fang still held tightly. "If you're worried about waking her, you can just type your answers."

"That's not necessary… she's probably deep asleep."

Liu Xiaoyu pulled out a voice recorder and handed it to Mei Fang. "Then tell me—what inspired you two to make this game? How did you meet? How do you divide the work…?"

"Is this still part of the game interview?"

"Call it… personal curiosity. I have a feeling your story is more interesting than the game itself."

Liu Xiaoyu smiled. "Remember how I mentioned I write novels? Since I'm working on a romance slice-of-life piece, this feels like good material. Of course, if you'd rather not share, I won't push."

"It's nothing I need to hide… and after all your help, I can at least give you the short version…"

Mei Fang pinched the bridge of his nose. "But fair warning—our story isn't some heartwarming tale or sweet romance…"

"That's fine! I can embellish it artistically! This is just for inspiration."

So Mei Fang recounted his and Lin Youxi's encounter with detached calmness.

Liu Xiaoyu had started out perched on her stool, taking diligent notes, but as she listened, she grew increasingly engrossed—so much so that she eventually settled cross-legged beside Mei Fang, scribbling furiously.

"So… you two still aren't actually together?"

"If you want to call me a simp, go ahead,haha…"

"I didn't—I didn't mean it like that!"

Liu Xiaoyu waved her hands frantically before softening her tone. "I can tell she loves you too. She just… can't pursue happiness with you right now because of her bipolar disorder."

"Ah—right, about that…"

Mei Fang retrieved Lin Youxi's newly purchased medication and handed it to Liu Xiaoyu. "Could you ask your friend to test this? Let me know the cost—I'm keeping her on the original brand for now."

"If this medication is fake, we can't let it harm others…"

Liu Xiaoyu accepted the bottle, then noticed the sunset hues outside. "It's getting late… I should head back…"

Her gaze drifted to Lin Youxi, still peacefully asleep behind Mei Fang, clinging to his hand even in deep slumber. She couldn't help but smile.

"To Lin Youxi, you must be her salvation…"

"Same."

Mei Fang smiled faintly.

"Same?"

"You say I'm her salvation, but she's mine too."

He traced circles on Lin Youxi's palm, his eyes brimming with liquid tenderness:

"Before meeting her, I was already dead."

Liu Xiaoyu listened quietly as Mei Fang poured out his love for Lin Youxi.

While expressing admiration, she felt an inexplicable pang of sour bitterness in her chest.

Already… dead?

And so, except for bathroom breaks, Mei Fang remained tethered to Lin Youxi's side, holding her hand lest she wake to his absence and retreat into herself again.

From day to dusk. From dusk to night.

Until finally, Lin Youxi stirred awake.

The first thing she saw was her entire world slumped over her.

Breathing slow and steady.

……

Lin Youxi bit her lip, trembling as she reached out to touch Mei Fang—only to find one hand still trapped in his iron grip.

She clenched her teeth, fighting to stay quiet.

In the end, all she could do was cover her mouth with her free hand, stifling her sobs as tears streamed down unbidden.

Lin Youxi remembered everything.

She just couldn't control it.

Couldn't control her hysterical outbursts.

Couldn't suppress her destructive urges.

She'd unleashed every ounce of her darkness onto Mei Fang.

Because she knew.

He would endure it.

He loved her.

The very memories that brought her joy when lucid became weapons during her episodes.

The irony was so thick it choked her, flooding her heart with dread.

Lin Youxi's trembling eventually roused Mei Fang, who jolted upright, wiping drool from his chin. Still clutching her hand, he saw her muffled weeping and felt his chest constrict.

"Hey… why are you still crying? You cried so much before sleeping."

Lin Youxi ignored him, hiding her face as tears fell.

"Now… now you see, don't you?"

"I only destroy things."

"Ruin your happiness."

"Ruin everything."

"I'll torment you to death."

"Then keep tormenting me until that day comes."

Mei Fang released her hand, gently prying hers away to wipe her tears, smiling as he murmured:

"Don't stop. Torment me to death."

"You're really… really such afreak!"

Lin Youxi smacked his chest half-heartedly, then struggled to sit up—but her weakened limbs betrayed her.

"It's fine… rest more if you're still weak."

"What?! I need topee! I've been holding it forever!"

Flushed, she pummeled Mei Fang, who endured her weak blows before scooping her up.

"I'll carry you to the bathroom."

"I'm not a kid! What, you gonna help me pee too?"

"Hmm… sure, great idea."

"Sureyour ass!"

Some time later…

With Mei Fang's support, Lin Youxi slowly settled onto the sofa.

"Hungry after not eating all day? I'll make something. I was going to cook noodles this morning… probably gross by now. Let's just order takeout."

"No. No takeout."

Lin Youxi tugged his hand, whining. "Too expensive. I wantyournoodles."

"Okay, okay. Wait here."

"Mhm."

As Lin Youxi watched Mei Fang bustle about, she checked her phone.

"Oh, did Liu Xiaoyu visit today?"

"Yeah, she did…"

"Does she know I'm a lunatic now?"

"So what if she does?"

"Nothing, nothing. Good that she knows."

Cross-legged, Lin Youxi began messaging Liu Xiaoyu, who replied instantly.

Thus, while Mei Fang cooked, Lin Youxi chatted extensively online.

"You lied to Liu Xiaoyu earlier, saying I was your girlfriend. Shameless."

"Hmph, guess I am shameless."

Mei Fang soon presented his lovingly crafted noodles—a heaping bowl topped with a fried egg, shredded pork, potato slices, greens, peanuts, and a spoonful of Lin Youxi's favorite fermented bean paste. The golden sheen made mouths water.

But Lin Youxi didn't dig in. Instead, she stared expectantly at Mei Fang.

"Fine, fine. I'll feed you."

As if deliberately making him serve her, Lin Youxi sat cross-legged on the sofa, accepting each bite Mei Fang offered.

"Hot.Hot."

"Blowing on it, blowing~"

Mei Fang dutifully cooled each mouthful before delivering it. Lin Youxi ate obediently until halfway through, then snatched the chopsticks from him.

"Okay. My turn."

"Your turn… for what?"

Without explaining, Lin Youxi lifted the bowl and began feeding Mei Fang, mimicking his earlier actions.

Mei Fang didn't protest—hewasstarving after all—slurping up each bite before she could even blow on it.

"Full now?"

Lin Youxi wiped his mouth.

"You?"

Mei Fang wiped hers.

As she did, her fingers brushed the swollen bruise around his eye. He winced sharply. Overcome with guilt, she threw herself into his arms.

After a brief embrace, Lin Youxi pulled back, gazing solemnly into his eyes.

"Ah-Fang."

"Yeah?"

"Confess to me again."

"Now?"

"Mhm… now."

"Youxi… I, I love you."

"Ah-Fang, I love you too."

Lin Youxi cradled his face tenderly.

"Let's be together."

"Huh?"

Mei Fang hadn't expected Lin Youxi to accept his confession so abruptly. As he reeled, she suddenly kissed him.

Though his body ached everywhere, nothing healed Mei Fang's wounds like Lin Youxi's reciprocation.

Fingers interlaced, their kissing grew increasingly skilled.

Then Lin Youxi's hand drifted to Mei Fang's belt.

……

Realizing her intent, Mei Fang seized her wrist.

"Wh-what's this all of a sudden?"

"Still too soon?"

Lin Youxi pouted, annoyed at being interrupted. "We're both almost at theGreat Wizardage [梗: 大魔法师, internet slang for virgins over 30]… Shouldn't we graduate soon?"

As she spoke, Mei Fang studied her intently.

"Lin Youxi, I want you to accept my confession because you see a future with me—marriage, a life together—not just out of gratitude or some sense of obligation…"

"How do you know it's gratitude and not real feelings? Thathurts!"

Lin Youxi turned away, sulking. Mei Fang hesitated, caught between options.

He touched her shoulder. She shook him off petulantly.

So Mei Fang pulled her onto his lap, explaining his thoughts.

Lin Youxi glanced back, a mischievous glint in her eye:

"So… youdowant me?"

"But I'm really not in great shape today… after all your beatings."

"As long asithas energy, right? Then just lie back… and don't move."

Lin Youxi dragged Mei Fang to bed and pushed him down.

"After getting together, what should I call you? Keep using 'Ah-Fang'? Or 'Darling'? 'Husband'? Or…" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Daddy? Since I don't have one now, I could call you that!"

"Waytoo weird. Just 'Ah-Fang' is fine."

"Okay, Ah-Fang…"

Lin Youxi crawled atop him, tracing circles on his chest.

"Ah-Fang, what's the date today?"

"Date… the 21st, I think?"

"Mhm. Remember it well."

She peered down at him like a little devil. "The 21st of this month is our anniversary. Forget even once, and we're through."

"No chance of that…"

Mei Fang pulled her close.

"I'll remember it for life."

After so much pain, this night became one where both of them understood many things.

……

At Mei Fang's urging, Lin Youxi resumed her original medication regimen. Liu Xiaoyu's tests confirmed the substitute pills were mere nutritional supplements with no therapeutic effects—explaining Lin Youxi's recent episode.

Furious, Mei Fang sued the manufacturer into oblivion.

Lin Youxi apologized profusely for her penny-pinching mistake.

Of course, Mei Fang didn't blame her.

She was his wife—why would he?

She'd just wanted to save money.

With proper medication, Lin Youxi's mental state stabilized almost immediately.

Perhaps their new relationship also played a part.

That said, having already acted like a married couple for so long, their daily dynamic changed little post-confession—aside from significantly livelier nights.

Lately, Lin Youxi's complexion had grown increasingly radiant.

"Ah-Fang…Ah-Fang…"

She pestered him constantly during work hours.

"Want to do it again today."

"…Did you write evenoneline of code today? What aboutWhite Plum Time?"

Lin Youxi grumbled, "Coding isn't as fun as Ah-Fang."

"I swear…sigh…"

Though exasperated, Mei Fang was secretly delighted by her energy.

"If you're not working, I guess we can delay the schedule…"

"Oh! Right, Ah-Fang."

She yanked his arm. "Last week's episode ruined Liu Xiaoyu and Yue Xinyi's visit. I was thinking this week—"

"This week we'll host them properly. Sounds good."

"Mhm! Ah-Fang's the best! As reward…"

She pointed at him playfully. "I'll let you skip mouthwash tonight!"

"Hell nowe're not skipping that!"

Lin Youxi scampered off to the kitchen, leaving Mei Fang flustered.

Since accepting his confession, this overwhelming happiness felt almost… unreal.

If anything, its very simplicity made it strangely unsettling—

Suddenly, Lin Youxi's tears began falling again.

Drip. Drip.

No one knew why.

No one.

Author's Note:

Alright, back to main story tomorrow. IF route's tiring me out.

Gotta visit the gaming expo for research, so update might be late.