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

"Participate—in developingWhite Plum Time?"

"Yeah! Would you be interested?"

Lin Youxi blinked eagerly, one arm draped over Liu Xiaoyu's shoulders while studying her with keen interest. "Ah Fang focuses on gameplay design, but as you've seen, the script only has a rough framework—it needs polishing…"

"But I… I only write game reviews. I've never actually developed a game before…"

"That doesn't matter. What matters is whether you're interested and have time." Lin Youxi spoke gently. "Between your novel writing and day job, you must be busy—"

"She does! Xiaoyu totally does!"

Yue Xinyi chimed in unhelpfully. "She's not like those failed Qidian [web novel platform] authors who have to write daily. Her book's been finished and published for a while now. And work-wise—hello, it's the internet industry winter! How many games are even worth reviewing these days—"

Liu Xiaoyu elbowed Yue Xinyi before explaining:

"I do have time to help, but… this is your and Yuan Yuan's story. Wouldn't my involvement be inappropriate?"

"I… I need some time to think it over. This is your project—I'd want to do it justice…"

"Of course! Whether you join or not, we'd value your input."

"Alright."

As Liu Xiaoyu nodded, Mei Fang emerged from the kitchen after washing dishes. He grabbed an oolong tea from the fridge, gulped several mouthfuls, then noticed Lin Youxi grinning at him. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing nothing! Come sit—let's play some games!"

"Games…? I thought this was an interview? AboutWhite Plum Time's development—"

"We can multitask!"

Lin Youxi pulled Mei Fang down next to Liu Xiaoyu, then rummaged through the TV cabinet—

"Let's see what to play…"

With Mei Fang now beside her, Liu Xiaoyu naturally struck up conversation:

"Compared to last time I saw her, she's so full of energy now!"

"Yeah, she's been super lively lately—stays up way too late every night."

"That's… good."

Liu Xiaoyu smiled. "After all you've endured, this happiness is well-deserved."

"We are happy, but… this state of hers isn't necessarily positive."

"Huh? How could this not be good—"

Liu Xiaoyu's confusion was interrupted by Lin Youxi's sudden, bizarre laughter.

"Ahahahaha… Let's play—play this one! Ahahaha!"

When Lin Youxi turned around, her face was contorted in involuntary giggles—adorably silly, yet her hands kept pressing against her cheeks as if fighting the expression.

"What's… happening?"

"Manic episode starting. Sometimes she laughs uncontrollably like this."

Mei Fang explained while crouching to embrace the disoriented Lin Youxi, gently soothing her. "Youxi gets ultra-energetic during these phases, but she's harmless. Don't be scared."

"We're not… not scared at all."

Liu Xiaoyu waved hurriedly. "It's actually kind of endearing…"

Yue Xinyi nodded. "Hahaha, Youxi's suddenly so moe! My heart's melting."

"Ahahaha… I can't stop… I'm just so happy ahahaha—"

Lin Youxi buried her face in Mei Fang's chest, her body shaking with laughter until it turned breathless. Mei Fang simply held her, eventually chuckling along.

"What do I do… hah, I—I can't either… hahaha!"

The simultaneously heartwarming and absurd scene made Yue Xinyi slump against Liu Xiaoyu's shoulder giggling, while Liu Xiaoyu offered a polite smile—though internally, her heart ached.

Not from jealousy, but from empathizing with Lin Youxi's struggle to control herself.

She doesn't want to be like this…

Does she?

Abruptly, Lin Youxi's laughter ceased. She nuzzled deeper into Mei Fang's embrace with muffled whimpers.

Mei Fang whispered comforts, lips brushing her ear as he asked what was wrong.

"So embarrassing."

Lin Youxi's voice was barely audible. "I looked like an idiot."

"You're not an idiot…"

Mei Fang cupped her face. "You were adorable. Really."

He apologized to their guests, who quickly reassured him. Liu Xiaoyu and Yue Xinyi exchanged texts:

[These two are ultimate relationship goals… Tragic yet beautiful. They make me believe in love again.]

[Stop fangirling—your grin's creepier than the actual psychiatric episode over there]

[Wha—it is NOT! Don't exaggerate!]

After ten minutes of calming, Lin Youxi finally sat up. Liu Xiaoyu handed her water, which she drained before smiling apologetically:

"Manic phases be like that. Sorry ahahaha."

"No worries! It was cute…"

"Alright alright… Enough talk—let's play this!"

Lin Youxi had selectedOvercooked 2—a cooperative cooking simulator requiring precise timing and teamwork to prepare dishes under pressure. Known for testing relationships due to its chaos, the game demanded perfect coordination to avoid kitchen disasters.

As gaming professionals, they dove straight in: Lin Youxi/Mei Fang versus Liu Xiaoyu/Yue Xinyi.

The skill gap became immediately obvious. The 90% completionist duo Mei Fang and Lin Youxi operated like a well-oiled machine, while Liu Xiaoyu and Yue Xinyi fumbled loudly. After several humiliating rounds, Yue Xinyi collapsed dramatically:

"We… we suck so bad…"

"Can't help it—we've played forever. Here's an idea."

Lin Youxi stood up and inserted herself between Liu Xiaoyu and Yue Xinyi.

"I'll team with Xinyi. Ah Fang, you pair with Xiaoyu. Even the odds."

"…"

Both Mei Fang and Liu Xiaoyu hesitated slightly, but at Lin Youxi's insistent pout, Mei Fang broke the ice:

"Worth a try. More balanced this way."

"Mm… okay."

Liu Xiaoyu nodded softly.

The rematch commenced with renewed intensity.

"Xinyi! Chop faster—we need burgers!"

"Working on it!"

"Mei Fang, I'll handle this station."

"Got it. Xiaoyu, grab those potatoes."

"On it!"

With evenly matched teams, the game became thrillingly competitive—nail-biting finishes and back-and-forth victories.

During play, Lin Youxi's casual use of "Ah Fang" and "Xiaoyu" led to Mei Fang and Liu Xiaoyu accidentally mirroring the affectionate nicknames. Occasional physical contact from frantic coordination made both blush furiously.

Lin Youxi observed this with a thoughtful smirk—one that suggested amused approval rather than displeasure.

Hours vanished inOvercookedcamaraderie until sunset painted the room gold. Liu Xiaoyu finally composed herself and rose:

"It's getting late… Xinyi and I should—"

"Nonsense! Stay for dinner!"

"Yes, yes, and we can also play something else in the evening."

Yue Xinyi spoke with a lingering tone, "I've been working as an office worker for so long, I haven't had this much fun in a while. Didn't you still have an interview to do?"

"That… it's really too late. I can't disturb you anymore."

"It's fine… we can do the interview next time. We welcome you anytime, right, Ah Fang?"

At this moment, Lin Youxi sat down into Mei Fang's embrace, the intimate posture making Mei Fang push aside some of his doubts about being pushed away.

"Of course, you're always welcome, you can come anytime."

Yue Xinyi chimed in, "I think next time we can go to Xiao Yu's house as guests, let her host you. It can't always be you two who are so busy."

Liu Xiaoyu tied up some scattered hair by her temples, "Sure, if there's an opportunity next time, you can come to my place."

"Alright, alright, then I'll respectfully take your suggestion!"

Lin Youxi said this as she linked arms with Liu Xiaoyu and then turned back to Mei Fang, "Ah Fang, I'll send them off, you clean up the house."

"Okay."

Mei Fang usually listened to Lin Youxi's arrangements without question, indulging her like this!

Lin Youxi held hands with both Yue Xinyi and Liu Xiaoyu, the three women strolling together under the sunset, admiring the view by the river. The scene felt infinitely beautiful.

"Sigh, beautiful days are so short. Just thinking about tomorrow's work makes my heart feel like it's being crawled by a thousand ants," Yue Xinyi sighed, while Lin Youxi stuck out her tongue at her:

"You should be content, at least you still have a job. I've been laid off, and I can't even find a suitable job. I can only rely on Ah Fang to support me…"

"At least you have someone to support you, I can only support myself, occasionally relying on Xiao Yu for help."

Lin Youxi teased while rubbing her chin, eyeing Liu Xiaoyu, "Xiao Yu's family really is rich."

"Alright… stop teasing me already, geez…"

"Xiao Yu, Xiao Yu! About what I said before, asking you to joinWhite Plum Time, I'm serious. Please think about it carefully?"

"Well… about that…"

Liu Xiaoyu paused, suddenly stopping in her tracks. She turned to Lin Youxi and asked:

"Have you discussed this with Mei Fang? I want to know."

"Well… of course, I've discussed it—"

"Really?"

"Mm…"

Lin Youxi scratched her head awkwardly, "You caught me, I actually haven't said anything yet."

Liu Xiaoyu spoke seriously, "You and Mei Fang are the main creators ofWhite Plum Time, and I think such an important matter should be discussed with Ah Fang first. If I suddenly join in, Mei Fang will probably be upset. After all, this work is not just your and his hard work, it's also a testament to your relationship. Rushing a third person in like this feels inappropriate…"

"If it's for the work's needs, I think Ah Fang will understand…"

Lin Youxi thought for a moment and scratched her head, "But you're right. I should have discussed it with him. I can't just make decisions because he spoils me. When it comes to relationships, you, Xiao Yu, are more experienced."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa—this is strange… a person who's never been in a relationship teaching a couple how to interact?" Yue Xinyi laughed and teased, and Liu Xiaoyu couldn't help but shoot her a glare. At that moment, Lin Youxi looked up and said:

"However, if he agrees and personally invites you, then you'd be willing to join, right?"

"You don't need him to personally invite me, as long as he knows and agrees, that's enough…"

Liu Xiaoyu thought for a moment, "I do like your story. If I have the chance, I'd be willing to join."

Hearing this, Lin Youxi immediately hugged Liu Xiaoyu, showing a very intimate expression.

"Thank you, really!"

"Xiao Yu really is a great person."

"I love you so much!"

"Love… love me, what's that about…"

Liu Xiaoyu felt a little confused by Lin Youxi's intimate gestures.

After sending them off, Lin Youxi returned home. Mei Fang was reheating the leftover food from lunch, preparing to serve it.

"Youxi, these leftovers from lunch, the two of us should have enough to eat, right…"

"Ah Fang…"

Lin Youxi walked over and leaned against the kitchen counter, staring at him fixedly.

"I'm so hot."

"You've just come back from outside, of course, you're hot. Sit down and rest, you should cool off soon—"

Before Mei Fang could finish, Lin Youxi changed into a new set of clothes.

"Hey, hey… you can't do that, you'll catch a cold—"

"Forget about eating today…"

"First… first eat me!"

Lin Youxi dragged Mei Fang into the bedroom, starting to demand endless affection from him.

In her manic phase, Lin Youxi had more energy and more frantic behavior than usual. She clung tightly to Mei Fang, wanting to possess him at this moment, wishing for it to become an everlasting eternity.

After a crazy session, Lin Youxi gently wiped the sweat from her forehead and caressed Mei Fang's cheek.

"Ah Fang…"

"Huh… what is it?"

"I want to discuss something with you."

"Sure."

Lin Youxi smiled softly, "I haven't even told you what it is."

"You want Liu Xiaoyu to joinWhite Plum Timeand write the script, right? I overheard it in the kitchen at lunch."

"You actually heard it! And didn't tell me."

"I was waiting for you to tell me, silly…"

Mei Fang pinched Lin Youxi's waist, making her giggle uncontrollably.

"You're annoying, always pointing out my weaknesses."

"Youxi."

"Mm?"

Mei Fang spoke gently, "Please don't push me onto others, okay?"

"…"

"Liu Xiaoyu is a good girl, but I'm yours."

"I've already recognized you."

"Even if you abandon me, I'll still find you."

"No matter where you go, to the ends of the earth."

"…"

Hearing these words, Lin Youxi's vision blurred a little. She slowly lay down in Mei Fang's arms.

"You idiot."

"You really have no cure."

"Just like you?" Mei Fang gently caressed Lin Youxi's long hair.

"Yes, just like me."

Lin Youxi traced circles on Mei Fang's chest, "No cure."

"Then we really are fated."

"Yes, really fated."

Lin Youxi closed her eyes gently in Mei Fang's arms, cherishing this twisted and desperate love.