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

This year's Blueberry Music Festival will be held at Pengda's Spring Cocoon Gymnasium at the end of this month. As an annual major music event, the Blueberry Music Festival is naturally a stage for big names to gather, and having such a grand celebration in Pengcheng without inviting the city's big boss would be quite unfriendly.

Thus, when Xia Yuan received the assistant's notification from Yuanxia Music, she was quite surprised. After all, this was her first time being invited as a guest.

"A'Fang, A'Fang, this… can I go?"

"You can receive the invitation, so of course, it's been approved by me, right? Think about it, why didn't you receive many invitations back when you were so popular?"

"Oh my, I didn't even notice this…" Xia Yuan scratched her head. "Now that you mention it, I did think… maybe I wasn't popular enough, or something else…"

"Of course not! Who would dare to look down on our YuanYuan?"

Although Xia Yuan had become a national idol as early as the second year of high school, at this moment, she was being well-protected by Jiangcheng High School, the top school in Chu Bei Province. On the other hand, Xia Yuan's external contacts were mostly managed through Mei Fang, and up until now, Mei Fang was still her actual manager.

Although Mei Fang showed a strong sense of control and a "dad-like" nature, which might be off-putting to some girls, Xia Yuan, who had grown up with him, actually enjoyed it. The feeling of being controlled by Mei Fang was something she liked.

This was true both in daily life and in her career.

"Of course, you can rest assured! I've already communicated with the organizers, and they will schedule your performance and your arrival time as a guest at different times…"

Mei Fang squeezed Xia Yuan's hand in his embrace, then added: "And as for your third album, it was originally scheduled to be released in mid-December, right? I think we can take advantage of this stage and release it on the digital platforms early, giving everyone a little special surprise."

"Oh, oh! That sounds fun, haha! But won't there be concerns about the publicity and promotion for it?"

"Helping the operators save time on promotion is a win for them… Don't worry, we're just having fun! As long as you're happy, that's the most important."

"Speaking of which—"

Xia Yuan suddenly stood up and straddled Mei Fang's head on the sofa. "I remember the Blueberry Music Festival was held in Pengcheng last year, so according to past traditions, this year it should be held in another city, right? Is there some secret reason why it's still in Pengcheng this year?"

"Not exactly a secret…"

Mei Fang pinched the flesh of Xia Yuan's thigh before slowly standing up, swinging Xia Yuan on his back as he walked in circles. "It's just some normal business behavior…"

"So you sponsored the organizers, huh? How much did you sponsor? Earning money is so hard, and you just burn it like this? You're such a spendthrift… Let me show you how your mother will teach you—"

"So, you're the mother riding on her son's back, huh!"

Xia Yuan and Mei Fang played around happily.

Soon enough, the day of the Blueberry Music Festival arrived.

The performance of the Yi Xia band was scheduled for the evening.

Although they only had the opportunity to sing three songs, being the opening act for the main stage was quite an honor, and the organizers clearly gave a lot of respect to this emerging band from Pengcheng, which inevitably led to malicious speculation.

The band's style for this performance was incredibly trendy, with all four members dressed in black punk style: leather boots, bare legs, neckbands, leg rings, and some chains.

They all wore heavy smoky makeup, and Liu Xiaoyu even attempted a strapless top for the first time, which contrasted sharply with her usual well-behaved image. She looked very confident, radiating the charisma of a lead vocalist.

This metal-rock punk style fit Peng Xue like a glove. She still exuded her usual coldness and wildness, wearing black leather pants and silver chains, with her hair styled in an elegant and aloof manner.

Xiang Bingbing tried a double ponytail look this time, with star-shaped makeup on her cheeks. Standing at 1.9 meters, her cute, loli-like face, with long legs, gave her an adorable yet fierce charm.

As for Lin Wanwan, compared to the strong "cool girl" vibes of the other three, she appeared sweeter and less wild. Instead of punk, she leaned more towards a Gothic girl look with purple and black tones. When asked about this, Lin Wanwan explained: "Because my family is strict, so I can only dress more conservatively."

At this moment, Peng Xue teased Lin Wanwan, "Hey, does this count as using your husband's connections again?"

"Eh, when did I have a husband?"

Lin Wanwan said in surprise, "I'm still a single noble!"

Her slightly sarcastic remark provoked a strong reaction from the band members.

Peng Xue looked Lin Wanwan up and down and spat, "You? A single noble? Pah!"

Liu Xiaoyu muttered as she fiddled with her hair, "I feel like Wanwan has only been single for five or six years since birth."

Xiang Bingbing clenched her fists and struck a defeated pose, "Ugh, so lucky… I envy you so much I could crush my back teeth…"

"Xiang Bingbing, don't bite! It will really break!"

Lin Wanwan scratched her head, "Okay, okay, don't think like that! Maybe they know you're Mi Xue, right? 'Strange Ability Song,' super popular!"

"That's all old news. Plus, wasn't that song also written thanks to your husband?"

Peng Xue said seriously, "Honestly, I know my own abilities. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have been able to write lyrics like that."

"I feel the same way."

Liu Xiaoyu added, "I'm really thankful to him for writing that song for our band… I really like it, I really do."

"As long as you like it, that's good," Lin Wanwan said while patting Liu Xiaoyu on the shoulder. Seeing Liu Xiaoyu's sincere and earnest look, she felt a mix of emotions but didn't know where to begin. Instead, she turned her attention to Peng Xue.

"Hey, hey, Xiao Xue… Speaking of which, you really like these arm bands. I feel like you've never taken off this one on your left arm."

Xia Yuan grabbed Peng Xue's left arm and gently asked, "By the way, why do you only wear it on one side?"

"This? Oh, haha…"

Peng Xue pulled up her right sleeve, revealing the word "Yuan" clearly visible on her arm.

"This is to show my love for you, silly!"

"Ugh… You really love me so much!"

Lin Wanwan said, leaning in to Peng Xue for a hug, but Peng Xue gently pushed her away with a look of disdain.

"No, I only love Yuanbao, you're just Lin Wanwan!"

"Ah, Xiao Xue, you—"

Just at that moment, someone suddenly patted Peng Xue's back, and she instinctively slapped the hand away.

"Oh, oh, what a coincidence, Mi Xue! I didn't expect you guys really got invited to the Blueberry Music Festival!"

The annoying antagonist character, Bei La, appeared again. She was also dressed up magnificently, with an assistant-like figure holding an umbrella for her. She rubbed her hand that Peng Xue had swatted away and smiled, "Your outfit today really matches your personality, like a hedgehog, all spiky…"

"That's only because I'm so happy to see you." Peng Xue smiled slightly.

Bei La rubbed her hand, "But, having such an excited attitude is a good thing. At least, when there aren't many people in the audience, you won't feel too disappointed…"

Peng Xue nodded, "That situation won't happen."

"Being able to avoid disappointment is a good thing! By the way, do you know when your performance starts? As a new band, you should be doing a warm-up act before the main event, right?"

"Yes, we start performing quite early. Do you want to come watch?"

Lin Wanwan chimed in from the side. Bei La glanced at Lin Wanwan and felt a vague sense of familiarity, but couldn't quite place it. "I was just asking… I have to get ready for the main stage performance, so I probably won't have time to watch your little stage's performance… By the way, I heard there's a super big star performing at this year's Blueberry Music Festival, did you know?"

"Eh… Really?"

Peng Xue glanced at Lin Wanwan, then said, "It's probably that national idol, right?"

"Yes! Yes! It's the national idol Yuanbao. I heard this Blueberry Music Festival was exclusively sponsored by Yuanxi Huyu, and that company is really rich… If I could get such a perfect man as the station manager, I wouldn't have to try so hard to sing anymore… I'd just enjoy serving my man."

"I think Yuanbao's songs are really good too!"

Lin Wanwan was embarrassed, while Liu Xiaoyu became angry at Bei La's words and rebutted, "How can you say she's only trying to please men?"

"But look at her, ever since the station manager got busy with group management and no longer has time to date or write songs, she hasn't even released a single album, right? Isn't it all because of her man—that's right, because of her ex-boyfriend writing lyrics for her, that's why she's so popular. But she does have the capital to show off…"

"Watch your mouth!"

Peng Xue showed a very angry expression because of Bei La's disrespectful comments about Yuanbao. Bei La struggled to defend herself, "People from the countryside are so barbaric, always ready to hit others…"

"Do you think what you just said is polite?"

Xiang Bingbing walked up to Bei La, casting a huge shadow, looking like a human-shaped giant robot, causing both Bei La and her assistant to feel intimidated.

So Bei La carefully let go of Peng Xue's hand and adjusted her outfit.

"In any case, since I'm performing on the main stage, I might get a chance to take a photo with Yuanbao backstage… That kind of opportunity is hard to come by. After all, even though she doesn't participate in variety shows, her status is still there…"

"Go ahead… I'll be waiting to see you succeed."

Peng Xue squinted her eyes and smiled. "I heard Yuanbao dislikes taking pictures with women who only know how to yap. Let's see if you have the ability to get one."

"Heh heh…"

Bei La smiled at Peng Xue, then didn't greet the other band members. She left with her assistant, heading towards the crowd.

The four members of Yi Xia Band looked at Bei La's back, exchanged glances, and then burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, she really didn't recognize you, Yuanbao!"

"Of course, it's normal that she didn't recognize me… But thanks everyone for sticking up for me. I'm actually fine, haha…"

Lin Wanwan tidied up her hair, her face showing a slightly smug expression. Peng Xue raised an eyebrow and asked her, "Is your man coming today? Yi Xia Band's debut at the music festival, and Yuanbao's third album release, I haven't seen him yet. Isn't it rude?"

"They're busy with the new game launch, so they'll probably arrive later… But they'll definitely be here before it starts, A'Fang… A'Fang senior promised me!"

"A'Fang senior… That's so sweet!"

Xiang Bingbing said in a coquettish tone.

"Ugh! You guys are so annoying!"

For Peng Xue, who had spent a year in the music scene in Rongcheng, the music festival felt like an old friends' reunion.

She met many old acquaintances at the venue, and they weren't all as annoying as Bei La.

On her way to the main stage, Peng Xue bumped into a purple-haired punk girl who was holding another girl's arm. When they met, both were a bit surprised, followed by an awkward greeting.

"Hey, Brush, long time no see."

"You can still recognize me?" Brush smiled lightly.

"I'm really good at recognizing people, haha."

The girl with purple short hair adjusted her hair and then nudged the tall girl next to her. "By the way, let me introduce you. This is our band's new drummer, Labi… Hmm, she's also my current girlfriend."

Labi, speaking, also showed Peng Xue the word "刷" (shua) on her wrist, emphasizing her unique position. "Hello, Mi Xue, I've heard about you from Shuazi."

"Hello…"

Peng Xue nodded at Labi, and the subtle atmosphere made the scene feel a little awkward. Xia Yuan and Liu Xiao Yu quickly intervened in the conversation to chat about other topics. After a brief exchange, they parted ways at the intersection, but just before they left, Shuazi suddenly turned around and greeted Peng Xue, showing her left arm, which had a scar.

"Mi Xue, look, I've let go—"

"And you?"

"…"

Peng Xue was suddenly stunned by Shuazi's unexpected question. She subconsciously gripped her right arm.

She forced out a somewhat complicated smile at Shuazi, and Shuazi immediately understood, offering a slight smile to Peng Xue. Then, the two parted ways in the golden light of the setting sun.

Lin Wan Wan looked at Peng Xue and, after a moment of hesitation, gently patted her shoulder. Peng Xue then explained:

"I used to hang out with Shuazi in Rongcheng, drinking and chatting, you know, just talking about life."

"Until she confessed to me—"

"Ah, she confessed? Did I hear that right? Isn't Shuazi a girl?"

Xiang Bing Bing asked, a bit confused. Peng Xue gently nodded. "Yeah, she's a girl."

"Bing Bing, even girls can pursue the love they expect, right?"

"Ohh! I see… I've just heard that such things aren't too common where we're from…"

Bing Bing scratched her head in confusion, while Liu Xiaoyu lowered her head.

Clearly, Shuazi's last question, "Have you let go?", had made Liu Xiaoyu, who was immersed in the joy of change, feel a bit melancholy.

As the last ray of twilight disappeared beyond the horizon, the magnesium lights of the huge stage shone toward the center of the main stage at the Blueberry Music Festival. Electric sparks crackled as, to the cheers of the fans, Yi Xia Band's four members struck poses and gradually rose to the center of the stage.

At the same time, the fireworks from the opening ceremony of the Blueberry Music Festival bloomed to welcome them.

After two exciting rock tracks set the rhythm, Yi Xia Band performed their song—"Arriving as Promised".

[If I had known that day was our last meeting]

[I would never have wasted time talking about trivial things]

[The seemingly accidental but inevitable farewells in life]

[No one can avoid them]

[No one can escape them]

This left Beila, who was watching the live stream backstage while squatting on Yuan Bao, completely stunned. She loudly complained to her assistant:

"What does this mean…? How can any small band perform at the music festival's opening? How much did they bribe? Is there some kind of special rule? Where's the organizer? I want to file a complaint!"

Meanwhile, far away in Yangcheng, Guo Yun was quietly resting her chin, watching the live stream of the music festival. On the other screen beside her was the chat history with the site manager, Mei Fang.

In their brief conversation, they discussed the joy ofThe End of the LilyandSalted Fish Survivorsuccessfully launching, and expressed gratitude for Guo Yun's continued hard work.

Next to her computer desk, a well-preserved, old graphic tablet was carefully placed inside an acrylic box. On the tablet screen was a hand-drawn artwork, a replica of the famous sceneThe Slope Beneath the Cherry Blossom.

And this was—

The place where her dream had begun.

Guo Yun, listening to the song sung by Liu Xiao Yu, sent a message in the live stream room: [Yi Xia Band, go for it!]

Earlier, in the midst of the crowds at the main venue of the music festival, Mei Wu Wu and Xia Zao Zao were watching Yi Xia Band's performance together.

"Wu Wu, Wu Wu."

Xia Zao Zao tugged at Mei Wu Wu.

"What?"

"I want to ride the horse."

"Here?"

"Mm-hmm, here."

"Back then, you let her ride, and I never got the chance. This time, I want to ride it back."

"You… you really can't let it go, can you?"

"Just balance the water, Wu Wu."

Mei Wu Wu squatted down, allowing Xia Zao Zao to climb onto his shoulders. Xia Zao Zao waved a light stick and cheered wildly for Yi Xia Band's performance.

On stage.

Xiao Yu was singing the song he had written for them with all his heart. Below the stage, the space was crowded with people, so packed that it was difficult to see anything clearly.

But she seemed to catch a fleeting glimpse of something that felt like hers, though it was quickly blurred by the dazzling light sticks.

[Once, in a familiar scene]

[At that moment, I suddenly sensed you were by my side]

[The past, the present, and the future—there may be no boundaries]

[Perhaps love can transcend time]

[Reaching forever—]

In an instant, Liu Xiao Yu became momentarily lost, to the point where her keyboard rhythm became a bit chaotic. It was like a drowning person, struggling constantly but unable to send a signal for help.

[Waiting for autumn leaves to turn golden]

[Waiting for hair to quietly turn gray]

[We will meet again at our old place]

At that moment, Lin Wan Wan adjusted her earphones and began singing. Her angelic, pure voice and the cheerful, healing guitar notes brought Liu Xiao Yu back to reality, like a lifeguard pulling her from the depths of despair.

Liu Xiao Yu and Lin Wan Wan exchanged a smile, quickly finding their rhythm again, and they sang the song together.

[Waiting for people to stop hurrying]

[Waiting for hearts to settle down]

[We will meet again at our old place]

Perhaps sensing something similar, Peng Xue and Xiang Bing Bing also started singing along.

Xiang Bing Bing, with her rhythmic voice, led the whole crowd to chant along, and everyone unknowingly began clapping in time. This song, not particularly high-energy, quickly became the highlight of the event.

Amid this passionate and joyous atmosphere, Peng Xue, immersed in the rhythm, ripped off the wristband she had been wearing on her left hand and threw it into the night sky, triggering a loud cheer from the fans.

[Waiting for the memory to become just essence]

[Waiting for the smile to be free of disguise]

[We will meet again at our old place]

As she played the bass with all her might, her left wrist revealed a word that matched the "Yuan" on her right wrist—"Fang".

It appeared as though it had never been seen before, yet it was remarkably clear in the air.

[Waiting for all sorrow to be released]

[Waiting for the understanding of the world's impermanence]

[We will meet again at our old place]

—————————

The crowd below was waving light sticks, singing along with the song. After finishing the Yi Xia Band's latest single, the cheers continued.

In the midst of the cheers, Xia Zao Zao put down her light stick and gently caressed Mei Wu Wu's cheek.

"Ah Fang!"

"What… why aren't you calling me Wu Wu anymore?"

"We should get married!"

"What?"

Xia Zao Zao—Lin Youxi squeezed Mei Fang's ear and loudly said:

"I said! We should get married!"

"Ah, now? Uh… I haven't bought anything yet!"

"Of course! Not now, right now!"

Lin Youxi slid down from Mei Fang's back, hugging Mei Fang passionately. This drew gasps from the surrounding fans.

After a burst of excitement, Lin Youxi and Mei Fang walked hand-in-hand to a quiet tree at the edge of the venue, finally finding a private place to express her thoughts.

"I think we can start preparing for our wedding in two years."

"By the way, remember this."

Lin Youxi gently held Mei Fang's face, softly saying, "This… this is for the three of us… wedding plan."

On stage.

The highly anticipated Yuan Bao finally made her grand entrance on the Blueberry Music Festival stage, offering her third album's main single,"One Hundred Years, No Changes".