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

For everyone, the journey from youth to maturity inevitably includes a period of standing on one's own.

This is especially true for Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi.

Before graduating high school, the two had mostly followed Mei Fang's guidance in their endeavors. Though they had their own hobbies and dreams, Mei-dog's attentive support was always indispensable.

After entering university, to live up to their reputations as part of Yuanxi Interactive's "Big Three," Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan began their own training—pursuing growth and struggle without Mei Fang's involvement.

During this time, Xia Yuan, under the alias of the energetic "Lin Wanwan," threw herself into rehearsals with the Memories of Summer Band. Her third album was already recorded, awaiting release by Yuanxi Music's team.

As for her livestreaming persona "Yuan-chan," her broadcasts had dwindled to once a month, transforming her into a casual, part-time streamer. Yet each appearance still became a major event that sentC Stationinto a frenzy.

Meanwhile, Lin Youxi focused on deepening her expertise while collaborating with Yuanxi's tech team to explore AI's potential.

On top of this, Lin Youxi had also squeezed in time to earn her driver's license. Naturally, Mei Fang planned to buy his wife a new car for their convenience.

As for Mei Fang himself, during the daylight hours apart from his wives, he devoted himself to exploring his passion for gaming.

In addition to these indie projects, Mei Fang began drafting plans for a AAA open-world MMO.

By his estimate, this three-year development cycle would culminate in his final hands-on project before graduation—a definitive conclusion to his past life's gaming dreams.

Under the summer sun, the youths sweated, savored their victories, and reveled in the joys of youth.

September arrived, ushering in the new semester.

Pengcheng University's campus welcomed a wave of energetic freshmen.

Thanks to the "Mei Fang Effect," this year saw a surge in applications from top scorers nationwide, pushing the admission cutoff20 points higherthan the previous year. The game design major even surpassed computer science to become the university's most competitive program.

Undoubtedly, the entrepreneurial and romantic saga of the "Big Three" had become a benchmark for young people across the country, turning Pengda into a pilgrimage site of sorts.

Among the freshmen—aside from the semi-enrolled Peng Xue—were familiar faces from Jiangcheng No. 1 High.

This included Zhu Nainai, once Mei Fang's most devoted fan, and Xu Wei, a diehardJourney of Cloudsenthusiast. After Mei Fang's graduation, they had kept theXimilu Studioclub alive, passing it down to new generations.

To these juniors who had idolized him in high school, Mei Fang generously treated them to meals and reminiscences.

They also brought updates from Jiangcheng.

After all, Mei Fang's high-profile declaration of love for Lin Youxi on the school field, coupled with his 2-million-yuan donation, had cemented his legacy at Jiangcheng No. 1 High. The school had become a "sacred site" in its own right:

In short, the administration embraced the idolization—after all, Mei-dog was their proudest alumnus in recent years.

That said, hearing his juniors animatedly recount his own legend left Mei Fang mildly mortified.

At the dinner table, Zhu Nainai and Xu Wei buzzed around him relentlessly. Zhu Nainai clung to his arm, pitching herself as the ultimate "obedient, meticulous super-assistant."

Indie game fanatic Xu Wei, meanwhile, grilled Mei Fang aboutLily of the End's development, eager to contribute to the script.

Their fervor made Xia Yuan fidget uncomfortably.

She glanced at Mei Fang, patiently engaging with the girls, then exchanged a look with Lin Youxi—who remained unbothered, calmly eating while fielding questions.

For these students, dining with billionaire seniors was a rare opportunity they milked for all it was worth.

After the gathering, as Mei Fang drove home with Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan, the latter couldn't resist grumbling:

"Ah-Fang wassopopular today. Surrounded by juniors—felt great, didn't it?"

"Not bad…"

"So, which junior do you like best? Nainai, who chased after 'Fang-bao' every day? Or quiet, game-obsessed Xu Wei?"

"Well… they're both nice—"

"Splitting the difference again?"

"But compared toanotherjunior, they're missing something."

"Anotherjunior?! How many girls are you flirting with?!"

"YuanYuan, why so worked up?"

Lin Youxi chuckled by the window. "Ah-Fang's obviously talking about my 'little sister' Lin Wanwan. Did you forget your own role?"

"O-oh! Lin Wanwan?"

"Obviously."

Mei Fang shot Xia Yuan an exasperated look before adding fondly, "But YuanYuan's still the cutest."

"You two arethe worst… always ganging up on me."

Xia Yuan pinched Lin Youxi. "Youxi, teach me your secrets! How are you so unbothered when Ah-Fang talks to other girls? I getsojealous!"

"It's not that I'm unbothered… of course I mind."

Lin Youxi explained, "But given Ah-Fang's status now, it's natural he'd attract admirers. Don't you get plenty of attention too?"

"Only from girls! Junior boys barely talk to me—just ask for autographs…"

Xia Yuan pouted. "Not that I care, but… I'd love to see Ah-Fang jealous overmesometimes."

"I'm not jealous enough?"

Mei Fang feigned offense. "I just chatted with those juniors—no touching, barely even looked! Remember when we played basketball with Bingbing? I booked aVIP courtso no guys could leer at you. Still not strict enough?"

"Oh…thattime…"

Xia Yuan flushed at the memory. "I guess Ah-Fang can be kinda domineering…"

"YuanYuan just likes being controlled by Ah-Fang," Lin Youxi teased, tickling her. "And being pinned down by him,poundedinto the mattress—"

"Stop driving!You just got your license and you're already like this?!"

As Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi tussled in the backseat, Mei Fang drove leisurely.

"But YuanYuandoesenjoy being conquered… right?"

"ByAh-Fang! You need the qualifier!"

Xia Yuan huffed. "Otherwise it sounds like I have some weird kink… Speaking of, doesn't Ah-Fang like being conquered by Youxi?"

"No particular preferences here. As a game designer, I need broad horizons—ahem—for creative inspiration."

"Isthatwhat game design means?!"

Lin Youxi raised an eyebrow before changing topics. "Ah-Fang, free tomorrow afternoon?"

"Yeah… no class. Miss me?"

"I'll be studying at the library. Keep me company?"

"Thelibrary? Sure, I guess."

"Y-You two!"

Xia Yuan turned crimson. "You're not planning anythinglewdthere, are you?!"

"What nonsense!"

Lin Youxi frowned. "I just get lonely studying alone. Ah-Fang's free anyway."

"So youareusing him for entertainment!"

Xia Yuan suddenly switched to her Lin Wanwan voice: "Senior Youxi~ I know you too well!"

"Maybe in the past. But Ah-Fang and I have aPlatonic relationshipnow—I can take or leave thepounding. Unlikesomeonewho cosplayed Lin Wanwan just to try new positions night one."

"Platonic?!You—just this week—"

Xia Yuan paused, mentally reviewing the week, then gasped in realization—

Lin Youxi pretended to scold her:

"You'vebeen monopolizing Ah-Fang all week. I've been sleeping alone."

"O-oh… right…"

Xia Yuan stammered, "Youxi… you're really… okay with this now?"

"Mhm."

Lin Youxi rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the dappled shadows outside.

"We have a lifetime with Ah-Fang. Indulging now could cost us later… He's still young, but some things require moderation…"

"Sniff…"

Xia Yuan had an epiphany. Had she been too reckless with Ah-Fang?

"I…"

"Ihaven'tbeen considerate… If we break Ah-Fang now, we might not have babies later… Weshouldrestrain ourselves…"

"YuanYuan."

Mei Fang sighed.

"You'resoadorable."

"Adorable?Code for dumb?!"

"No, just genuinely cute…"

He teased, "You know, the luckiest thing in your life was meeting me."

"That'smyline! So conceited!"

Lin Youxi interjected, "Ah-Fang means if you'd dated someone else, you'd have been scammed while counting their money for them. Your innocence attracts predators."

She added dryly, "Not that Ah-Fang isn't a predator too."

"What are you even saying?! So Youxiwasn'tworried about Ah-Fang?!"

"Of course I worry. But Ah-Fanginsists—"

"Excuse me?!You started it!"

"Ugh! Taking advantage while I rehearsed!Aaaaaah!"

The next day, the Big Three attended class together. After lunch, Xia Yuan went to watch Peng Xue's military training, while Mei Fang accompanied Lin Youxi to the library.

Since Mei Fang and Lin Youxi usually appeared on campus makeup-free—with Lin Youxi wearing glasses for her mild nearsightedness—their low-key looks drew little attention from freshmen.

In the library, Lin Youxi diligently took notes while Mei Fang peered over her shoulder—only to find her technical material utterly beyond him.

"Our Youxi's a true genius… I've studied coding too, but this makes my head spin."

"Different specialties. You're on the producer track now."

Lin Youxi patted his head. "Nap if you're tired. No need to force yourself."

"After last time? No way I'm sleeping—"

"Relax, it's semester now—not empty like summer. I'll behave."

Thus reassured, Mei Fang dozed off.

Only to be rudely awakened by a tall, slick-haired student.

"Bro," the guy whispered theatrically, "do me a solid—move seats?"

"Move… why?"

Still groggy, Mei Fang watched as the guy pulled out a 100-yuan bill.

"Let's just say… I'm into your neighbor. Hundred bucks for your spot?"