Only After I Was Reborn Did I Realize That I Had Childhood Sweethearts Chapter 362: A Man Who Sees Through the Illusions

Zhang Ming found himself dragged by Yang Xiaomo to a backstreet mala tang (spicy hot pot) joint. Walking side by side, the naturally sociable Yang Xiaomo kept up a steady stream of questions, which Zhang Ming answered dutifully though without enthusiasm.

Music departnt girls were known for their fashionable outfits, curvaceous figures, and long legs—and Yang Xiaomo was a standout even among them. As they walked together, Zhang Ming quickly beca the focus of many envious stares.

Yang Xiaomo had nurtured ambitions of becoming “the Stationmaster’s wife” ever since first laying eyes on i Fang. But she knew a handso, young, and wealthy man like him wouldn’t lack for suitors. She had to play the long ga.

Being Xia Yuan’s roommate gave her an edge—even if Xia Yuan rarely stayed in the dorm, they had their own chat group and were on friendly terms.

Yet directly approaching the Stationmaster would raise red flags with his childhood sweethearts. Though confident in her looks (she believed herself no less attractive than those two), a flanking maneuver through his inner circle seed wiser.

And Zhang Ming—the Captain’s rare male friend—must have exceptional qualities to earn such closeness. Getting on his good side could only help.

“Here we are.”

“This is the mala tang place you ntioned?”

Yang Xiaomo frowned at the snaking queue. “How long will this take?”

“Looks worse than it is. Pick your ingredients, wait for your number—quick enough.”

“Mmm… let’s see.”

As they selected their items, Zhang Ming eyed Yang Xiaomo’s nearly empty tray—just a few leaves and quail eggs—and shook his head.

“That… won’t fill you up.”

“Hmph, girls have to watch their figures, you know? Since you’re close with the Captain and Yuan Yuan, you should understand the struggle.”

“Not really… Xia Yuan eats whatever she wants—at, desserts, no restrictions. Stays slim sohow.”

“That’s… genetics. I’m not so lucky. Gain weight just looking at water…”

Her mournful expression drew a loud laugh from Zhang Ming. “Damn, that’s rough. Hahaha!“

“You’re laughing? So much for being a gentleman!”

She playfully punched his arm. Unfazed, Zhang Ming found seats. As they settled in, he cut straight to the chase:

“You’re only talking to because of the Stationmaster, right? Save your energy—he’s got eyes for only those two.”

Yang Xiaomo feigned shock. “Why would I want the Stationmaster? I’m Yuan Yuan’s roommate—Team Yuan all the way! I hope they get back together…”

Leaning in conspiratorially, she added, “Though… do many girls ask you about him?”

“Guess so. I’m just so average guy. No reason girls would care otherwise.”

“That’s not true!”

Propping her chin on her hands, Yang Xiaomo fluttered her lashes. “I think you’re very handso. There’s this… magnetic charm about you.”

“Uh… first ti hearing that.”

“But,” she conceded sweetly, “I did want to ask—as the Stationmaster’s best friend, what’s your take on their… complicated relationship?”

“? I watch from the sidelines. Sotis while eating.”

“Hey—“

Zhang Ming dashed off to collect his order, returning with a heaping bowl. As he dug in, Yang Xiaomo—her own ager portion barely touched—saw an opening.

“Zhang Ming~ Can I try that piece of at? Looks so good.”

“Thought you were dieting? Lying to ?”

“It’s your fault for making it look delicious!”

“Sigh… Here.”

He passed her a slice. She nibbled it theatrically, gasping in delight.

“Wow! No wonder you recomnded this place! You’ve got great taste~”

“It’s standard mala tang. Just convenient to the dorms and—”

“Yo! Ming-ge! Thanks for covering roll call today!”

A group of Zhang Ming’s dormmates, including Li Guidong, filed into the shop. Clapping Zhang Ming’s shoulder, Li Guidong noticed Yang Xiaomo and froze.

“Whoa—sorry, bro! Didn’t an to interrupt your date!”

“Not a date. Just t her.” Zhang Ming shrugged. “Sit here—no other spots.”

“But… she might mind—”

“It’s fine!” Yang Xiaomo smoothed her hair, all smiles. “I’m Yang Xiaomo, a freshman in music. Nice to et you!”

“Hey hey!”

As the guys squeezed in, Zhang Ming added, “They’re the Stationmaster’s dormmates.”

“Oh my! What a coincidence—I’m Yuan Bao’s roommate!”

“Pfft, ‘roommates’ in na only. Hardly ever see the Captain,” one guy admitted. “Though he did rember my na. Chill guy for soone so big.”

“Rich and nice? If I were a girl, I’d be all over him.”

“Please. The campus crush queue’s already a mile long. You’d never make the cut.”

“Nah, man—who needs to be a girl? Next ti the Captain naps in the dorm, I’ll pounce—”

“Ahem.” Zhang Ming cut in sternly. “Ladies present.”

“Shit—our bad! Forgot we had company, heh…”

“No worries!” Yang Xiaomo giggled. “Boys will be boys~”

As Zhang Ming chided his friends with surprising maturity, Yang Xiaomo leaned close, whispering shyly:

“See? You are sweet.”

“Hah…”

A younger, more naive Zhang Ming might’ve been flustered by such warmth.

But not anymore.

Whether he admitted it or not, his heart still belonged to soone else—a white moonlight that outshone all others.

He was a man who saw through illusions. Joy and sorrow alike had left him.

Leaning in equally close, he whispered back:

“Don’t forget to pay for your mala tang. You missed scanning earlier—I fronted the cash.”

“…Oh. Right.”