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

Chapter 202: New Years Eve

Mei Fang woke from a warm and vivid dream to find the sun already up. Hastily, he got up to look for Lin Youxi, only to realize she was no longer by his side. Instead, he heard her chatting and laughing with Xiang Xiaoxia in the kitchen.

When Xiang Xiaoxia came out of the kitchen and saw Mei Fang’s groggy, just-woke-up expression, she immediately scolded him: “Why are you still sleeping at this hour? Youxi has been up for a while helping me with breakfast. Look at her.”

“Aunt Xiang, Ah Fang helped me a lot yesterday. It’s okay if he sleeps a little longer…” Lin Youxi spoke up for Mei Fang, making it hard for Xiang Xiaoxia to continue reprimanding him in her presence.

“I don’t expect her to be as smart, but if our Xiaoya could grow up to be half as sensible and obedient as Youxi, I’d be more than satisfied as a mother.”

“Given Xiaoya’s behavior, you’d have better luck hoping she becomes a taikonaut soon.”

“Why are you badmouthing me first thing in the morning… I heard everything.” Rubbing her eyes, Mei Ya came out of the bathroom. Seeing Lin Youxi, she suddenly got excited. “Sister Youxi, did you know? I had a dream last night where you suddenly disappeared.”

“Disappeared… what do you mean?”

“Just vanished. Then I went to ask my brother. He told me to pinch him, and he didn’t feel pain at all. That’s when I realized I was dreaming…”

Half-asleep Mei Ya wasn’t as sharp as usual. As Xiang Xiaoxia tidied up, she listened to Mei Ya’s rambling, her brow furrowing as she pressed for more details, “What happened next? Do you remember?”

Caught off guard by Xiang Xiaoxia’s questioning, both Lin Youxi and Mei Fang realized the potential severity of the situation. They had to act nonchalant, directing their attention to Mei Ya.

“After that… I went back to my room, and then I remember Earth exploded, and I got on a spaceship alone, drifting through the Milky Way…”

“Talking nonsense first thing in the morning. Wipe your mouth on the wall.”

“I’m not wiping my mouth on the wall! The wall’s dirty! Bleh!”

Mei Ya stuck out her tongue at her mother and ran back to her room, evading Xiang Xiaoxia’s chase.

After getting up, Mei Fang’s first task was to fold his blanket and place it on one side of the sofa. He then asked Xiang Xiaoxia, “Mom, where should I put the blanket?”

“Come have breakfast with Youxi first. I’ll handle the blanket.”

“Oh.”

Mei Fang joined them at the dining table as his mother instructed. Lin Youxi served him a bowl of mung bean porridge.

“Do you want fried noodles or fried dumplings?”

“Why are these all high-carb foods… I’m trying to stay fit.”

“Do you want it or not?”

Lin Youxi glanced at Mei Fang. “I also prepared boiled eggs.”

“Give me the boiled eggs. Who made the fried noodles, you or my mom?”

“I made them.”

“Then I’ll have some of those too.”

Lin Youxi served Mei Fang a small bowl of fried noodles and then sat there watching him without picking up her own chopsticks.

“Uh… did you make the fried dumplings too?”

Lin Youxi nodded.

“Then I’ll try one of those too…”

Lin Youxi picked up a fried dumpling, intending to put it in Mei Fang’s bowl. When she saw Xiang Xiaoxia with her back turned, tidying up the sofa bed, she decided to feed Mei Fang directly. Mei Fang, worried his mother might catch them, quickly took a bite and ate it.

“Mmm… delicious.”

“Good, right?”

Lin Youxi smiled and said, “But these are dumplings your mom made, so they’re delicious because Aunt Xiang made them well.”

“Oh, I helped Mom make some too yesterday, so I deserve some credit too…”

While Lin Youxi and Mei Fang were chatting warmly, Xiang Xiaoxia took the blanket to the balcony to air it out. She first sniffed it, her expression unchanged, but then picked a hair off the blanket.

The length of this hair…

A complex expression flashed across Xiang Xiaoxia’s face. She brushed off the hair without saying anything and continued to air the blanket.

Lin Youxi took a bag of spring rolls, dumplings, meatballs, radish balls, and some braised beef from Xiang Xiaoxia. Mei Fang, acting as both a bodyguard and laborer, accompanied Lin Youxi back home.

After their first kiss, their interactions weren’t as subtle as with Xia Yuan. Lin Youxi didn’t ask if it was Mei Fang’s first kiss, and Mei Fang didn’t know if Lin Youxi had seen his chat with Xia Yuan, as it was clear from their conversation what the “secret training” entailed.

Mei Fang walked Lin Youxi home. Lin Guochuan was outside putting up couplets, with Liang Meijuan holding the bamboo ladder for him.

“Hello, Uncle Lin, Aunt Liang.”

“Dad, Mom, I’m back.”

“You’re back so early. Have you had breakfast?”

Liang Meijuan seemed even more affectionate towards Lin Youxi than before. “If you haven’t eaten, we can——”

“I ate at Ah Fang’s house. By the way… Aunt Xiang sent a lot of New Year’s food with me…”

Lin Youxi had Mei Fang show her parents the things Xiang Xiaoxia had sent.

“Oh, Xiaoxia… she’s too generous. Bringing so many things over, it’s too much.”

“It’s just Aunt Xiang’s way of showing her appreciation, Mom. Please accept it?”

“You child…”

Liang Meijuan had been elevated to the status of “Mom” in Lin Youxi’s heart, and her way of looking at Mei Fang was no longer just as one of Lin Youxi’s friends.

She held Mei Fang’s hand, her face full of joy.

“Ah Fang, we were so thankful that you and Yuan Yuan were here yesterday. We wouldn’t have known what to do without you.”

“You’re welcome… It’s what Yuan Yuan and I should do.”

Mei Fang and Liang Meijuan were chatting when Lin Youxi noticed her father, Lin Guochuan, taking a break on the ladder and rubbing his waist. She asked him, “Dad, is your back acting up again? Do you want to come down and rest?”

Lin Guochuan replied, “No need. I need to finish putting up the couplets.”

“You can let Ah Fang do it,” Lin Youxi suggested, glancing at Mei Fang, who eagerly raised his hand. “Uncle Lin, let me help you.”

Lin Guochuan shook his head and politely declined Mei Fang’s offer. “No, couplets should be put up by the men of the family.”

Liang Meijuan patted Lin Guochuan’s leg lightly. “What men of the family? It’s 2012. Why stick to those outdated traditions? Besides, Ah Fang isn’t an outsider. It’s fine if he helps.”

Convinced by Liang Meijuan, Lin Guochuan came down from the ladder and handed the couplets to Mei Fang. He wasn’t good at expressing himself, and although Mei Fang had helped their family significantly the previous day and allowed Lin Youxi to stay overnight at his place, Lin Guochuan seemed to remember to thank him only now.

“By the way, Ah Fang, about yesterday… thank you so much.”

“Uncle Lin, we’ve known each other for years. No need to be so formal.”

“Yes, quite a few years.” Lin Guochuan smiled at Mei Fang. “I may not be the most capable father for Youxi, but I’m grateful you’ve always been there for her.”

No one expected Lin Guochuan to say something that sounded like entrusting his daughter to Mei Fang, making Lin Youxi embarrassed enough to give her father a light slap on his arm.

“Dad, what are you saying? I’ve never thought you were useless. You’ve worked hard to raise me, and you’ve always been amazing in my eyes.”

“I think Uncle Lin is amazing too,” Mei Fang added with a smile.

After chatting warmly with the Lin family at the door, Lin Guochuan, supported by Liang Meijuan, went back inside to rest. Following Lin Youxi’s instructions, Mei Fang put up all the couplets around the house. When he finished and was about to leave, Liang Meijuan called him over again.

“Here are some cured fish and meat from my hometown, and some sausages I got from the Dongmen wet market. Take some home with you.”

“That’s too much. We can’t finish all this.”

“You can finish it. There are many people in your family. Share it with your uncle and his family too. We don’t have many people here.”

Unable to refuse Liang Meijuan’s hospitality, Mei Fang reluctantly took the New Year’s goods home. After making two trips carrying the items, he returned home to find Xia Yuan sitting on their couch, holding Mei Ya in her arms and chatting happily with Mei Lijun.

Seeing Mei Fang come in, Xia Yuan smiled and greeted him, “Ah Fang, you’re back?”

Xia Yuan was dressed in an embroidered red cloak and a long skirt with tassels, giving her an air of traditional Chinese beauty. There was a particular aura of elegance in her expression.

“You look great today! Is that your new outfit for the Lunar New Year?”

“Mhm… My mom said this outfit suits me better… But when I wear it out, it feels like I’m in a movie. As soon as I step out of the neighborhood, I get a lot of stares. To be honest, it’s a bit embarrassing, haha.”

“What’s there to be embarrassed about? It’s just because you’re so pretty, Yuan Yuan!” Mei Lijun slapped his thigh and exclaimed happily. “When Yuan Yuan first came to our house, she was just a tiny little kid. Now she’s grown into such a beautiful young woman, hahaha!”

“Uncle Mei, please stop teasing me…” Xia Yuan said, blushing, as she hugged Mei Ya. “I actually came to see Youxi… Since she’s already gone, I’ll head back now.”

Xia Yuan walked over to the busy Xiang Xiaoxia in the kitchen, “Goodbye, Aunt Xiang!”

“Alright… Goodbye, Yuan Yuan. Come over anytime.”

“Mhm! After lunch, I’ll come back. I’ve made plans with Ah Fang, Youxi, and Xiaoya to set off fireworks together.”

“Oh, I see…” Xiang Xiaoxia smiled at Xia Yuan but felt a bit uneasy inside.

“Ah Fang, walk Yuan Yuan home.”

“Okay.”

“I want to go out for some fresh air too!”

Xia Yuan, Mei Fang, and Mei Ya went downstairs together.

Mei Lijun closed the door before slapping his forehead. “Yuan Yuan’s dad gave us such an expensive bottle of wine. How come we didn’t give them any return gift?”

“They don’t lack for anything; it’s hard to find something appropriate to bring.”

“What are you talking about? Even though Xia Xun’s family is wealthy, they aren’t the type to look down on others. Besides, I’m doing quite well as Deputy Director Mei, aren’t I?”

“What’s the point of arguing about this? You’re just trying to show off.”

Xiang Xiaoxia chopped some radishes and grew more troubled as she thought about what she had been thinking this morning. Finally, she put down her work and sat beside Mei Lijun, who was watching TV happily.

“Have you noticed?”

“Noticed what?” Mei Lijun asked, frowning, “Why so serious all of a sudden?”

“I’m talking about something important,” Xiang Xiaoxia said, hesitating for a while before continuing, “Our son is now… probably dating Youxi.”

Little Mei Ya held Xia Yuan’s left hand and Mei Fang’s right hand, hopping along the path in the neighborhood.

“Be careful, Xiaoya. Don’t fall.”

“With Sister Yuan Yuan and Big Bro holding me, I’m not afraid of falling!”

“What do you mean by ‘Big Bro’? Can you change how you call me?”

“Give me 10 yuan, and I’ll call you ‘Dear Brother’ or ‘Little Brother.'”

“You little brat, always asking for money.”

“It’s New Year, and you’re still talking nonsense! Brother, you just love to pretend to be good in front of Mom. I should let Mom hear you talk and rub your face against the wall.”

“Hahaha! What does rubbing your face against the wall even mean?”

“This is Mom’s special technique,” Mei Ya replied to Xia Yuan. “She’s very particular about it, especially during New Year. She always stops me and my brother from saying anything inappropriate.”

“That’s how elders are, or rather, as moms, they just want their children to be safe and happy.”

“But if Sister Yuan Yuan becomes a mom in the future, you definitely won’t be so annoying,” Mei Ya grumbled. “Sister Yuan Yuan will surely dress your daughter up beautifully, and your son handsomely. You’ll never make them return the New Year’s money to the family, unlike me, who can only live a life of poverty every day.”

“Hahaha… Xiaoya, you’re so cute. Oh right, since it’s New Year’s Eve, I should give you something as your big sister.”

Xia Yuan took out five 100-yuan bills from her wallet. “Here, Xiaoya, this is your New Year’s money. I don’t have a red envelope, so just take this for now.”

“Yay! Thank you, Sister Yuan Yuan! You’re going to be the best mom ever! I wish you and Big Bro Ah Fang everlasting happiness and have many children soon!”

“What are you saying?!”

Before Mei Fang could knock Mei Ya on the head, she had already made a funny face and run off, leaving Xia Yuan blushing.

“Your sister is really something! Your family has such a happy home.”

“You shouldn’t spoil her like that. Giving her 500 yuan just like that—she’ll probably spend it all on model aircraft or something.”

“It’s good for kids to have their own hobbies. I really envy her for being able to chase her dreams so early…”

“Speaking of which, how’s the album progress? I haven’t asked you and Liu Xiaoyu about it in a while.”

“We finished recording the vocals before New Year. It’s about 90% done. We’ll fine-tune the rest after the holidays…”

As Xia Yuan talked with Mei Fang, she kept glancing at his lips. When Mei Fang looked back at her, she shyly looked away.

“Do you want to walk a few more laps around the neighborhood before heading back?”

Xia Yuan nodded. “There are a lot of people at home, and I can’t really help…”

“Then let’s walk a bit more.”

“Okay.”

What should I do?! What should I do?!

I’m such a fickle and bad woman who goes back on her word!

I promised to only do the secret training once, but now I can’t stop thinking about Ah Fang!

If this continues… one day, Youxi will catch us for sure!

How will I face her then?

So I can’t… I can’t… it’s only been a few days… I can’t want that thing again…

Seeing Xia Yuan’s troubled expression, Mei Fang gently asked, “Do you need to recharge——”

“No secret training! No secret training! We did that last night. No need to do it again!”

Mei Fang looked at Xia Yuan, shaking his head with a smile. “I was talking about the super energy, not the secret training.”

“Ugh…”

Xia Yuan’s intentions were exposed by Mei Fang, making her feel embarrassed. She pouted and gently bit Mei Fang’s hand. Mei Fang yelped in pain, and she then softly kissed his hand to make it better.

“It’s crowded during New Year. Let’s not do this here; let’s go to the pavilion.”

“Mhm…”

Xia Yuan held Mei Fang’s hand and confidently led him to the pavilion, then she sat on his lap.

It was the same position as their secret training a few days ago.

“How can we recharge energy like this?”

Mei Fang spread his hands.

“We can… we can do it this way too.”

Xia Yuan took off her red cloak and draped it over Mei Fang, then the two embraced intimately on this winter New Year’s Eve.

As they hugged, Xia Yuan slowly lifted her head, gazing lovingly at her childhood sweetheart.

…

…

Sensing Xia Yuan’s longing look, Mei Fang smiled and shook his head. He gently lifted her chin and gave her a light kiss.

Once again, they naturally began another session of “Ah Fang’s secret training.” This time, they were more affectionate for a longer duration.

Meanwhile, Mei Ya, who had bought the toy she wanted, was bouncing around looking for her sister Yuan Yuan, and her brother.

She searched the pavilion and then saw her sister Yuan Yuan and her brother under the red cloak.

“Oh my… This is not something for my age to see!” Mimicking her brother’s strange way of speaking, Mei Ya covered her eyes and ran off but…

How weird, let me take another look.

Mei Ya sneaked another peek at her brother and Xia Yuan.

“No way! It’s too scary. Brother is going to eat Sister Yuan Yuan.”

Mei Ya ran away again but couldn’t resist taking one more look.

This should be the last look——

Before Mei Ya could sneak another peek, her sister Yue Yue suddenly appeared and picked her up—they were coming over for New Year’s dinner.

“What are you doing here, little girl?”

“I’m… I’m…”

With her hands behind her back, Mei Ya said seriously, “I’m learning about the future!”

“This is not a knowledge for your age.”

Mei Yue gently knocked some sense into Mei Ya. “Little kids should go play with firecrackers, don’t disturb the couple’s intimate moment here.”

“O-Okay…”

After sending Mei Ya away, Mei Yue stood far from the pavilion, watching the boy and girl from a distance.

Ah, youth is so beautiful!

But my youth is gone forever——

After her previous experience of being deceived, Mei Yue, under her parents’ urging, went on a few blind dates before the end of the year, but all ended without result.

Evidently, it’s quite difficult for Mei Yue to find a partner at this point…