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

ia Yuan sat in the front passenger seat of her father's car, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed out the window. Occasionally, she hummed along to the music playing on the car's stereo.

"Come to think of it,

it's been a long time since I went

shopping with Dad."

"Yeah, I know. Yuan Yuan's all grown up now."

Xia Xun recalled the last time he took his daughter out for a drive. Back then, she had either been complaining about his poor taste in music or glued to her phone, texting Mei Fang sweet nothings.

Even though he had seen her interacting intimately with Mei Fang in her album's promotional video just a short while ago, it seemed that their relationship had cooled off considerably in the span of just a few months.

Xia Xun cast a quick glance at Xia Yuan before finally asking, unable to hold back any longer:

"Uh... Yuan Yuan?"

While driving, Xia Xun casually asked, "How are things between you and Mei Fang lately?"

"W-what do you mean? Things are still the same as always..."

"That's good... as long as things are the same."

Xia Yuan tilted her head curiously and looked at her father. "Dad, why are you asking this?"

"Hmm... it's nothing."

Xia Xun continued driving.

Maybe it's too earLy to ash such a direct question for now.

When they arrived at the mall and Xia Xun parked the car, Xia Yuan took a moment to check her appearance in the mirror, adjusting her clothes. Xia Xun waited for her to finish tidying up while glancing at his phone.

His phone's wallpaper was a picture of Teacher Yu. lust then, a special notification popped up-a message from his wife, whom he had saved in his contacts as [Lingbao] .

Lingbao: [Are you with Yuan Yuan now?]

Xia Xun: [Yes. We're shopping now. Yuan Yuan said she wants to buy you some gifts.]

Lingbao: [Wow, the child is really thoughtful now.]

Lingbao: [l can't believe she actually wants to go shopping with you. That is really rare. By the way, is Ah Fang and Youxi with you too, or have they gone home already?]

Xia Xun: [No, Mei Fang went shopping with Youxi.]

Lingbao: [®! Are Yuan Yuan and them having a fight? They used to be so close!]

Xia Xun: [l don't know.]

Lingbao: [Don't ask her directly, lust keep her company while shopping. You know how she is-the more you push, the less likely she is to open up. If she's really upset, she'll tell you eventually.] 𝘙ἁ₦ỖᛒΕ𝘚

Xia Xun: [Okay.]

As Xia Xun was texting his wife, his daughter suddenly leaned over, curious, and tried to sneak a peek at his phone. Xia Xun quickly put it away.

"Who are you texting, Dad?"

"Your mom."

Xia Yuan pouted in disbelief. "I don't believe you. You're hiding your phone while texting Mom? Sounds suspicious... Don't tell me you're having an affair?"

"Watch your words," Xia Xun said, gently patting his daughter's head. "Let's go buy those gifts."

Xia Yuan first wanted to pick up some local delicacies from liangcheng to bring home.

Both Baimei County and liangcheng are in the same province, and the distance between the two isn't far. So, although bringing back delicacies isn't really necessary, it was more about the thought behind it than the actual items.

Pushing the shopping cart, Xia Xun accompanied his daughter around, helping her pick out local delicacies like fish noodles, sesame candy, and some marinated goods. They didn't talk much as they shopped.

As Xia Yuan only bought these special local products, Xia Xun couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going to buy some snacks for yourself? Even though you can get snacks in Baimei, liangcheng does have more variety, you know?"

Xia Yuan paused for a moment and then smiled wistfully.

"Dad, you know, when I was a kid, I used to really look forward to going to the supermarket, but there were so many things you and Mom wouldn't let me buy. You always said they were junk food," Xia Yuan reminisced. "Although, yeah, those snacks weren't really healthy... watching other kids have them made me really want to try them."

"Hmm, we were stricter with you back then," Xia Xun admitted with a nod. "But your mom and I aren't that particular about those things anymore."

Xia Yuan waved her hand dismissively. "It's too late to say that now. You don't get it, Dad. There are some things that only make you happy if you get them at a certain age. Getting them now just wouldn't feel the same."

Yuan Yuan...

Xia Xun's guilt: +20 points.

"It was definitely a mistake on our part back then. We didn't let you have a happy childhood."

Seeing her dad look so apologetic, Xia Yuan quickly patted his arm. "It's okay, Dad. Don't feel so bad. Honestly, I still feel like I had a happy childhood. All the places you never took me, all the snacks you never let me try, Ah Fang made sure I got to experience all of them."

"Oh, so that's why you're so fond of that boy," Xia Xun said, realizing the connection. "He's been corrupting you since you were little, huh?"

"Dad, I don't like how you're saying ‘'corrupting' !"

"Uh... you're right, that wasn't the best choice of word." Xia Xun nodded. "Mei Fang, well... how should I put this?"

"How? How?" Xia Yuan asked excitedly, eager to hear what her dad thought of Mei Fang. "What kind of person do you think Ah Fang is?"

"He has this strange sense of maturity... Do you remember that time when you ran away from home with him?"

"Of course, I remember! I'll never forget it."

"For him to run away with you like that... Most kids wouldn't go that far, you know?"

Xia Yuan nodded. "Actually, it was Ah Fang who suggested we run away together!"

"Mhm... Your mom and I figured that out a long time ago," Xia Xun admitted.

"You already guessed it?" Xia Yuan was surprised. "How did you figure it out?"

"Of course, from how well your mom and I know you," Xia Xun replied, shaking his head. "You've always been a good child. There's no way you would've come up with such a rebellious idea on your own. But... it was also during that time that I realized how determined you were, and that's what helped me make my decision in the end."

Xia Xun sighed nostalgically. "Then, you know what happened with the hotel. Sometimes I wonder if you hadn't listened to Mei Fang and run away, and I'd continued to pour all my energy into the hotel, I can't even imagine how we would've survived that crisis."

Xia Yuan felt a small sense of relief. "So, in a way, Ah Fang is like our family's savior, isn't he?"

"You could say that..."

Xia Xun's guilt: +80 points.

"By the way... about that, there's something I've been debating whether or not to tell you..." Xia Yuan hesitated, then told Xia Xun about how she met Liu Xiaoyu. Xia Xun was surprised to hear this.

"So, you know the daughter of the Liu family..."

Xia Xun was suddenly filled with emotion, "Her father and I were introduced by a mutual acquaintance, but we weren't actually very close. During those few years when the hotel was nearly failing due to road construction, I actually asked Liu Xiaoyu's father if he needed help, but he refused. He said our transaction was a business matter, so he didn't accept my help. He's a man with a strong sense of pride."

After listening, Xia Yuan nodded, "The Xiaoyu I know is just as strong as her father."

After they finished shopping and were ready to check out, Xia Yuan quickly paid before her dad could.

"These are gifts I'm bringing home. If Dad pays, it wouldn't feel right."

"Do you have enough allowance for this? Don't just spend money carelessly."

"My allowance is two or three times what Ah Fang and Youxi get... I've saved plenty," Xia Yuan said with a proud smile, crossing her arms. "Besides, I'm doing big things in liangcheng now. Are you really worried your daughter doesn't have enough money?"

"You're famous online now. Be careful not to get scammed. If anything comes up that you don't understand, make sure to ask me."

"Don't worry... Ah Fang handles all of that. Not only does he help me write songs, but he's also my manager. He takes good care of me. Plus, Ah-"

Xia Yuan suddenly realized what she was saying, cleared her throat, and tried to laugh it off, hoping to change the subject.

But Xia Xun saw his chance to bring up Mei Fang and wasn't about to let it slip. He leaned in and asked, "Hey, are you sure you haven't had a falling out with Mei Fang recently?"

"Why do you keep asking about that, Dad? We're fine, really..." Xia Yuan said, tucking her hair behind her ear, looking like she had more to say but stopped herself.

Under her father's persistent questioning, Xia Yuan finally revealed the truth:

"Uncle Mei invited Youxi and me to spend a few days at their house before the New Year. Youxi's family has already agreed. I want to go too, but I'm worried that you and Mom will miss me since we haven't seen each other in a while. I can't decide what to do."

Xia Xun breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this.

So, that's it! I was worried that Mei Fang might have done something to upset her, but it's just about this!

While the three families used to be close enough to visit and stay over at each other's houses without a second thought, the Xia and Mei families hadn't kept much contact in the past two years. Meanwhile, the Lin and Mei families had grown closer. Mei Fang had stepped up last year to help Lin Youxi deal with her uncle, who had been a burden on their family for a long time. Additionally, Lin Youxi's stepmother, Liang Meijuan, was taking care of the three kids and kept in touch with the Mei family, making those two families almost seem closer than before.

Even though our Yuan Yuan isn't as academicaLLy gifted as Youxi, how is she any Less attractive or weLL-mannered than the Lin famiLy's daughter?

Besides, she's a big star now!

Xia Xun thought his daughter couldn't miss this opportunity, so he decided to help her make up her mind.

"If you want to go, then go with them for a few days!"

"Can, can I?" Xia Yuan's eyes widened in surprise. Her tone softened with a bit of guilt, "I only get so little time to spend with you each year. I thought for sure you wouldn't agree..."

"I wouldn't agree if you were going by yourself, but since Youxi is going too, it's fine."

Xia Xun patted his daughter on the shoulder. "Your mom and I do want you with us, but you're not a little kid anymore. You have the right to make your own choices, and the right to pursue your own happiness..."

As Xia Xun was giving her his serious,

philosophical advice on life, Xia Yuan's face suddenly

showed a look of disdain.

"Dad... It's not that deep. Don't make it sound so dramatic, it's a bit embarrassing.

"Embarrassing? What do you mean by that?"

"I mean, you're talking like you're reading a script!"

"I'm just trying to chat with you..."

"Sometimes you're pretty interesting. Dad. Haha..."

"Sometimes? Show some respect."

Xia Xun knocked gently on Xia Yuan's head. "I think you've indeed been corrupted by that kid, Mei Fang."

Xia Yuan rubbed and tilted her head. "You can't blame everything on Ah Fang. Maybe I've always been like this?"

"Impossible. I know my daughter's personality better than anyone."

"Hehe..."

Xia Yuan sat quietly in the car, looking out at the scenery. Her playful exchange with her father brought back some childhood memories.

She vaguely remembered those days when she would always cling to her father, asking to be lifted high into the air, begging him to take her out to play, admiring him endlessly.

But as time passed, the person she admired gradually shifted from her father to Mei Fang, and from then on, her gaze never settled on anyone but Mei Fang.

Without realizing it, she saw how the once tall and handsome figure of her father had slightly changed, his physique no longer the same and gray strands now streaking his temples. Xia Yuan couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness at the relentless passage of time.

Xia Xun agreed that his daughter could go with Lin Youxi to Mei Fang's house for a few days and return when the Mei family came back to Baimei County for the New Year. Mei Lijun had planned to pick up Mei Fang the next day, but now that Xia Xun was taking Liang Meijuan and the three kids to Baizhou City in his six-seater SUV, it saved them the trouble.

On the way, Mei Fang called his mother to explain the situation. When Xiang Xiaoxia heard that Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan were both coming to visit before the New Year, her voice on the phone trembled with excitement, and she quickly expressed a warm welcome. When his little sister Mei Ya heard about it, she was also very happy. Mei Fang could even hear her excited shouts through the phone.

Xia Xun personally dropped everyone off at Mei Lijun's small villa in Baizhou City. Mei Ya had been waiting at the door, and as soon as Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi got out of the car, she greeted them with warm hugs, one after the other. Then, with an arm around each of her big sisters, she led them inside.

"Wow, Xiaoya, you change so much every year! I almost didn't recognize you!" Xia Yuan exclaimed.

Lin Youxi chimed in, "Yeah, you're just getting cuter every year."

"Really? My parents don't think so, especially my mom," Mei Ya said with a bit of frustration, stomping her foot. "She always says I get more annoying with every passing year."

"Don't talk nonsense. I never said that!" Xiang Xiaoxia, now wearing an apron and wiping her hands, came out into the yard to greet everyone. "Come on in and sit down..."

"Aunt Xiang, we're here for a visit!" Xia Yuan happily approached Xiang Xiaoxia, holding Lin Youxi's hand, and greeted her cheerfully. Xiang Xiaoxia almost forgot their names for a moment in her surprise.

"Wow... you two little beauties! They say girls change a lot as they grow, and you've both completely transformed from how I remember you."

In Xiang Xiaoxia's memory, Lin Youxi had always been a shy little girl with a runny nose, but the elegant, tall young woman in front of her now was a far cry from that image.

Even though Lin Youxi wasn't as immediately affectionate as before, she was still as close to Xiang Xiaoxia as ever, holding her hand, rubbing and squeezing it. "Aunt Xiang, it's been a while!"

"Yes... it's been a long time," Xiang Xiaoxia replied with warmth.

Not wanting to be outdone by Lin Youxi, Xia Yuan also linked her arm with Xiang Xiaoxia's and asked with a sweet smile, "Aunt Xiang, it's been so long since I've had your cooking! What delicious dishes have you made today?"

"Mm-hmm, we have everything, all your favorites!" Xiang Xiaoxia replied warmly.

"Is everything done already? If not, I can help out," Xia Yuan offered.

"I can help too!" Lin Youxi added.

"No need, no need... you're guests, there's no need to be so polite," Xiang Xiaoxia said, feeling overwhelmed with joy as she held the two LittLe cotton-padded jackets’ hands. They were far more well-behaved and thoughtful than her own Leaky cotton-padded jacket , who often drove her crazy. At that moment, Xia Xun and Liang Meijuan got out of the car, and Xiang Xiaoxia quickly called out, "Lao Xia, thank you for bringing the kids over! And Sister Meijuan, come on in and have a seat!"

"Is Director Mei not home?" Xia Xun asked.

"He's still out attending business matters today. Oh, come on, why are you calling him 'Director Mei'? That sounds so distant! lust call him Brother Lijun."

Among the adults, Liang Meijuan was the eldest, but she was also the quietest. Lin Youxi, noticing her shyness, took her hand and invited her inside to chat with the others.

Xia Xun admired the decor of the Mei family's courtyard, saying, "Brother Lijun's place here has a real sense of style."

"He just fiddled around with it... By the way, your family moved to the Imperial Garden last year, right?" Xiang Xiaoxia asked.

"Yes, we moved last summer."

"What about your old house? Did you sell it?"

"It's an old house. It wouldn't be easy to sell, so we decided to keep it."

"Exactly. It's a good house. Don't sell it if you don't have to."

Since Mei Lijun was out for work, Xiang Xiaoxia, as the hostess, took care of entertaining the guests. After they had a meal and chatted for a while, Xia Xun said it was time for him to drive back to Baimei County. Despite Xiang Xiaoxia's attempts to get him to stay longer, he insisted on leaving and prepared to drive Liang Meijuan to Baimei as well.

Before they parted, Lin Youxi laughed and chatted with Liang Meijuan along the way, giving her many reminders, lust before getting into the car, Lin Youxi gave her a tight hug. Seeing how the once distant relationship between Lin Youxi and Liang Meijuan had grown so close, like mother and daughter, Xiang Xiaoxia couldn't help but feel a sense of deep emotion.

As for Xia Yuan, who usually couldn't wait for her father to leave, this time she shared a bit more interaction with him. She stood on her toes to pat her father's shoulder and brushed some dust off it.

"Take good care of yourself and Mom, okay, Dad?"

"Yes... I will, don't worry," Xia Xun replied, gently patting his daughter's shoulder. "Our Xia family's daughter is the best and won't lose to anyone, understand?"

"Dad... just go already! Stop saying such embarrassing things!"

Their playful banter made everyone laugh. Before getting into the car, Xia Xun didn't forget to give Mei Fang, who was standing aside, feeling completely out of place in the midst of the family reunion, a warning look-

You’re stiLL students. It’s too earLy to taLk about reLationships.

I’LL give you some more time to think about it, Mei Fang.

But if you ever dare to Let down our Yuan Yuan, just wait and see how I'll deaL with you...