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

Chapter 161: He Had Nothing to Feel Guilty About

Mei Fang met Liu Xiaoyu at the end of the stone path in the small bamboo forest on campus. She was dressed in a cheongsam, walking back and forth whith her hands on her belly, as if she was practicing her walking posture.

Upon seeing Mei Fang, she was momentarily surprised but then waved and smiled in greeting.

What a coincidence!

Mei Fang nodded and asked, Are you preparing a performance for the Autumn Art Festival? The cheongsam hmm, it looks great on you.

Liu Xiaoyu shook her head and said, No, Im not preparing a performance. I was selected as a miss etiquette for the Autumn Art Festival. Ill be responsible for presenting awards and guiding people.

Oh, I see

He suddenly remembered something and asked, Did Yuan Yuan participate in the selection? Or did she not?

She had a program she wanted to sign up for, so she didnt participate.

I see!

Mei Fang and Liu Xiaoyu chatted about random things for a while. He had the urge to leave but felt hesitant to slip away directly.

Although he repeatedly emphasized to Xia Yuan that Liu Xiaoyus family situation had nothing to do with her, Mei Fang himself couldnt completely detach himself from it.

After all, he was the one who changed their fates. While he saved Yuan Yuans family, he transferred that suffering onto Liu Xiaoyus family instead.

Moreover, Liu Xiaoyu happened to be a friend with whom he had a good relationship in his previous life and was now studying in the same school. It always gave him a complex mix of emotions.

Therefore, Mei Fang had always avoided being alone with her. Even when it came to making amends, he always had Yuan Yuan handle those kinds of matters.

By the way, are you still learning FL Studio? How does it feel to compose using that software? Is it fun?

Its quite interesting. Xia Yuan even invited me to join a band!

Liu Xiaoyu then smiled and shook her head. Unfortunately, I have very little knowledge of music theory. I only learned how to play piano for a short time when I was younger, and then well, lets not talk about that, haha.

In her past life, Liu Xiaoyu was a talented and versatile rich girl, similar to Xia Yuan in that regard.

But due to the decline of her familys fortunes, it seemed she didnt have many opportunities to receive artistic education, which instantly made Mei Fang feel guilty and pressured.

So he immediately raised his voice and encouraged her, saying, N-Now is the right time to learn! Actually, I only started learning guitar in my third year of middle school. This school offers many music classes for different instruments. If you study hard, youll quickly catch up, and youre talented too.

We barely spoke before, how do you know Im talented? Liu Xiaoyu curiously asked.

Yuan Yuan Yuan Yuan told me, haha.

Mei Fang scratched his head. She said you quickly learned music arrangement and became proficient at it. Yuan Yuan is currently planning to form band, and she needs a drummer and a keyboardist. Since you know how to play piano, I think youd be a good fit for the keyboardist position.

Liu Xiaoyu nodded and said, I did mention to Xia Yuan that I wanted to be the keyboardist. Theres a subtle connection between music arrangement itself and playing keyboard, and I think its a good fit for my future career

Mei Fang felt a sense of relief after hearing that. He hesitated for a moment and then said, Well if you want to study more professional courses, you can go ahead and do it! If you need money, I can lend you some

As soon as Mei Fang said those words, he regretted it. In this life, he and Liu Xiaoyu werent actually that close, and he didnt need to go to such lengths for her.

Liu Xiaoyu declined his offer, saying, Mhm thank you for your kindness, but I prefer to work hard on my own. After all, you all have already helped me a lot.

Liu Xiaoyu smiled and continued, Actually, I know that the music arrangement job in your studio is a way for Xia Yuan to compensate me. Shes really a kind girl.

But I think this is also a good opportunity for me to improve myself, so I didnt refuse. I want to do a good job with the assigned tasks.

Mei Fang quickly waved his hand with a smile and said, Dont say that! Your job is not easy either, and your knowledge of music theory can be helpful.

Besides, youve always been interested in games, and its hard to find someone who can handle both aspects

Liu Xiaoyu nodded and said, Actually, I borrowed Xia Yuans phone and played the games you guys made. Its really impressive! I didnt expect you to be able to develop and release games at such a young age.

A gleam of admiration sparkled in Liu Xiaoyus eyes. Im really envious of you all, growing up together and doing things youre interested in, developing fascinating games. It must be great to have like-minded people!

Yes, everyone says so!

The initial awkwardness and unease in Mei Fangs and Liu Xiaoyus conversation were quickly replaced by shared enthusiasm. Although their circumstances were different, it was clear that they had a lot to talk about.

As for the cat who lured Mei Fang to the bamboo forest, it had gone to another place to act cute and meow.

Soon, a creature named Xia Yuan, who was nearby, had her attention drawn by the chubby cat.

This fat cat is really adorable! Sigh I wish I could have a cat too

Xia Yuan was allergic to furry animals, so her family had never kept any pets.

She played with the chubby cat for a while and ended up following it along the path, eventually arriving in the small bamboo forest.

Oh, isnt that Ah Fang?

Xia Yuan wanted to call out to Mei Fang and wave at him, but she noticed that he was engrossed in a lively conversation with her classmate, Liu Xiaoyu.

Huh? They seem to be having a great time

So Xia Yuan quickly hid beneath a nearby bench, peeking her head out to observe their conversation.

Sob

Why does it seem like the girls around me are all attracted to Ah Fang?

It was the same with Xiaoxue before, and now it seems that Xiaoyu is showing signs of it too

Look how happy she is while talking to Ah Fang!

She never smiles like that with me. Clearly, she still holds a grudge against me.

Should I interrupt their conversation now and show off my close relationship with Ah Fang to crush any of Xiaoyus thoughts?

But wouldnt that make me appear too jealous and end up being teased by Ah Fang later?

And I also want to know how Ah Fang treats other girls behind my back, how its different from how he treats me

At this moment, Xia Yuan noticed that Liu Xiaoyu was wearing a beautiful cheongsam.

Huh, is Xiaoyu practicing the miss etiquette walk today?

She looks so stunning in that outfit!

Actually, I have one too If I had known, I would have participated as a miss etiquette as well. If Ah Fang likes it, I can wear it for him at home. The outfit can be taken home for a trial.

Xia Yuan tried to imagine Mei Fangs reaction when he saw her in the cheongsam:

Oh, my cute childhood sweetheart Yuan Yuan, I never imagined you would look so enchanting and captivating in a cheongsam. I cant resist the urge to hug you! I need your Yuan Yuans super energy, now, immediately! Please dont refuse me!

Ah Fang, youre so naughty! Dont dont be like this! Really why are you in such a hurry Ill give it to you Ill give it to you

Ehehe

Xia Yuan covered her blushing face and giggled, but then she thought of something else:

But he has already seen another girl in a cheongsam, Im not the first anymore, so maybe there wont be any of that amazing reaction from him

Thinking about this, Xia Yuan suddenly felt very disheartened.

Just as she was about to indulge in melancholy, someone lightly tapped her head.

Xia Yuan raised her head, pursed her lips, and looked at Mei Fang, who had a calm expression.

What are you doing crouching here?

I I was playing with a cat! I just met a big, chubby orange cat, you know? It was quite friendly with me! That cat, let me tell you, it was really so big and fat!

Xia Yuan exaggeratedly gestured and described the chubby orange cat she had just seen to Mei Fang. Then she noticed Liu Xiaoyu, the cheongsam girl, behind Mei Fang, making a beckoning cat gesture to her, while smiling and bidding farewell.

Although Liu Xiaoyu probably didnt mean it that way, Xia Yuan suddenly felt a bit offended.

Straighten up, Yuan Yuan!

Youve been Ah Fangs childhood sweetheart for ten years. What are others compared to that!?

No one in this world can surpass the bond between you and Ah Fang!

Oh right, except for Youxi.

What are you afraid of? Just ask!

So Xia Yuan became determined and confidently placed her hand on Mei Fangs chest. What were you talking about with Xiaoyu just now? You seemed so happy.

Why are you touching my chest while asking me? Are you afraid Ill lie and my heartbeat will accelerate?

No, I just simply wanted to touch you! Since there was no one else around, Xia Yuan didnt care about her image anymore.

Liu Xiaoyu said What a coincidence, then I said indeed it is. I asked her if she was preparing for a performance, but she said no, she was practicing walking as a miss etiquette. I asked if you participated as well, and she said you had another program, so you couldnt participate as a miss etiquette

Stop, stop, stop! Xia Yuan interrupted Mei Fang. I dont want to hear the details like that. Im not so petty that I need an explanation for every word you say.

Im just afraid that you wont feel reassured. Mei Fang patted Xia Yuans forehead. I promised you, because you made me to, so how could you forget it yourself?

Um which one are you talking about?

Mei Fang reached out and pinched Xia Yuans face. We are students, and we should focus on our studies. We shouldnt think about trivial matters, like being too close to other girls. Thats the promise we made our childhood promise. Did you really forget?

S-So thats why Xia Yuans eyes widened in surprise. Youve always been telling us to prioritize our studies because you were fulfilling that promise?

What else could it be? Mei Fang frowned. Im not someone who breaks promises, unlike you and Youxi. You said not to enter my room, but the next few days, you both still came in without hesitation.

That thats different We were trying to make the most of the National Day holiday. Because when Aunt Liang comes back, we wont be able to do that anymore.

After thinking for a moment, Xia Yuan placed her hands on her hips, trying to appear confident. Weve been childhood sweethearts for a long time now, so whats wrong with sleeping together? Weve been sleeping together since we were kids. Why be so shy about it?

Hey! Lower your voice Do you think theres no one around here? Mei Fang hugged Xia Yuan and covered her mouth, but ended up getting lightly bitten by Xia Yuan.

Ouch, what are you doing?

Xia Yuan pouted in dissatisfaction. I want to leave my mark on you so that when you talk to other girls too enthusiastically, youll feel guilty when you see the mark.

And you said you werent jealous just now? Youre such a jealous little thing

Mei Fang suddenly hugged Xia Yuan tightly and buried his face in her embrace.

What are you doing? Its broad daylight!

Although Xia Yuan was shy, she didnt push Mei Fang away.

You come to me every day for energy replenishment. Cant I replenish my own? I need it too, you know, the Yuan Yuans super energy.

Okay, okay I really cant do anything with you

While stroking Mei Fangs head, Xia Yuan pulled him closer. Sit here, and Ill replenish your energy properly Then when you go back, attend to your class properly, listen attentively, got it?

I got it. Mei Fangs voice was muffled because his face was buried deep.

Indeed, only in front of Yuan Yuan and Youxi that I can be completely myself without any reservations.

Liu Xiaoyu was a great girl.

Strong, independent, considerate of others, and even in difficult situations, she was striving to pursue her dreams. She and Mei Fang shared similar interests, and perhaps they would collaborate and achieve great things together in the future.

But she was not the girl meant for Mei Fang, and he was not the boy meant for Liu Xiaoyu either.

The story from their previous life never unfolded, and in this present life there would be no more entanglements.

Mei Fangs story in this life began the moment he was reborn.

Mei Fang decided that from now on, he would no longer deliberately avoid Liu Xiaoyu.

He had nothing to feel guilty about.