Only After I Was Reborn Did I Realize That I Had Childhood Sweethearts Chapter 377: IF Side Story Bound by Fate: (Fang & Youxi) (6)

After an exhausting day, i Fang had a strange dream that night.

He dread of being with Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan—the latter having passed away many years ago.

Hah… What kind of fantasy is this?

Damn sci-fi tropes!

I don’t even have one girlfriend, yet here I am imagining a harem scenario.

Ugh…

Head hurts.

Body aches.

But—

Youxi’s hair slls nice.

After sacrificing his first kiss last night, Lin Youxi claid she couldn’t sleep alone. Worried about her condition, i Fang reluctantly agreed to share the bed.

Though not entirely devoid of lustful thoughts, the combined fatigue from insomnia and yesterday’s emotional rollercoaster left him drained. Lin Youxi, equally exhausted from her episode, quickly fell asleep clinging to him. They slept chastely entwined until noon.

Hah…

Should I go to work this afternoon? I’ve got plenty of leave, but project schedules depend on —

As i Fang pondered work, Lin Youxi suddenly rolled over, straddling him.

Too close!

Not that it matters now, haha!

i Fang felt himself losing sanity. At nearly twenty-eight, resisting a beloved woman’s advances was impossible.

No, no…

Brother Down There, though I’ve neglected you these twenty-eight years, don’t embarrass now!

The more he tried suppressing thoughts, the more last night’s kiss replayed in his mind.

Ugh…

Damn it.

Flushing crimson, i Fang turned away, attempting to focus on work tasks to calm himself—to no avail.

His squirming roused Lin Youxi. When he tried gently pushing her aside, her eyes snapped open, startling him.

“Uh… awake now?”

“Been awake.”

“Since when?”

“When you got hard.” She smiled.

“Morning wood is normal! It’s called—”

“I know. No need to explain.”

“Wait, you need to understand—”

“I’m hungry.”

She pinched his waist. “Cook for .”

“I-I will! Stop pinching there!”

Released, i Fang grabbed his phone and watch. “I’ll… freshen up first. Rest more if tired.”

“Mhm.”

As he left, Lin Youxi’s cheeks blood pink, fingers nervously twisting her hair—

“Oh! Should we take leave from—”

i Fang’s sudden return earned him a glacial glare.

“Out.”

“R-right.”

Closing the door, he spotted dication on the table.

Must remind Youxi to take these today.

Post-shower, i Fang began preparing brunch. As he reached for fridge ingredients, Lin Youxi erged with her hair tied up.

“How do you feel now?”

“Still sleepy.” She yawned massively. “But work awaits—my manager’s hounding .”

“Does your company know about your… condition?”

“They do.”

“After my psychiatric hospitalization, I’d actually resigned. But the new hire accomplished in a month what I do weekly. They rehired imdiately upon discharge.”

“You’re just that exceptional.” i Fang smiled. “I’ve never collaborated with a programr as seamless as you.”

“Since we sync so well, let’s discuss ‘White Plum Ti’ tonight. It’s been stagnant.”

“Sure, I’ll return early—wait, let’s commute together. Ho-cooked or cafeteria?”

“Your call.” Her smile softened. “Though I prefer your cooking.”

“Then… ho it is. Text when off work.”

“Deal.”

After lunch, ensuring Lin Youxi took her dication, they taxied to work. The dostic tranquility nearly made i Fang forget yesterday’s tornt—until colleagues’ inquiries snapped him back.

Then, in the work chat, single-dog Xiao Cao lanted:

[So on 5/20, I’ll be dumpster-diving alone? Fang, you heartless traitor!]

[I pulled overti when single too. No ti for garbage raids.]

[Aha! Confird—Fang’s taken! Red envelope when?]

[Fang! Red packet! Fang! Red packet!]

Normally, i Fang would shut this down.

But now—

Have I… really paired off?

This thought imdiately shad him.

i Fang, you scoundrel!

You’ve kissed and slept together yet hesitate to commit?

Though… isn’t the ball in her court?

He didn’t know Lin Youxi’s stance.

While last night’s intimacy exceeded friendship, it occurred during her breakdown—not necessarily romantic.

Perhaps just gratitude.

Perhaps already regretting it…

With soone as diocre as … how could she—

Distracted, i Fang worked sluggishly, lagging behind schedule.

Lin Youxi’s ssage arrived near clock-out:

[Off soon. Your status?]

[Behind. Head ho first?]

Her reply—a single [Smile.jpg]—terrified him.

[Sorrysorry! My fault! Order anything—my treat.]

No response. Dread pooled in his gut.

Did she block again?

A call connected unexpectedly.

“What?” Lin Youxi’s voice.

“J-just updating my ETA.”

“Worried I’d blacklist you?”

“Well…”

After hesitation, i Fang confessed: “A little.”

“Predictable.”

Her teasing tone followed:

“So in Ah Fang’s eyes, I’m that petty?”

“Not pettiness—”

“Open the door.” She interrupted.

“Which door?”

“Your office’s. I’m outside.”

“What?!”

Rushing to the entrance, i Fang found Lin Youxi waving cheerfully. He hurried to greet her.

“How’d you locate us?”

“Company na maps. Easy.”

As she moved to enter, i Fang hesitated.

“Um…”

“No visitor policy?”

“Startup rules are lax, but…”

“Let in. Waiting outside’s boring.”

Reluctantly, i Fang ushered her inside—drawing imdiate stares. Unfazed, Lin Youxi commandeered a spare stool beside his workstation.

“Sorry for the ss… Thirsty? I’ll get water.”

“I’ll fetch it. That’s your mug?”

“We have disposables—”

“Disgusted by ?”

“Of course not!—”

Their whispered exchange continued as Lin Youxi took his cup, igniting the work chat:

[Damn! Fang’s girl’s a knockout!]

[That’s the Tencent programr from dinner! My envy burns!]

[Bros before hoes—except Fang’s now that ho. Heartbreaker!]

[Fang lands a babe despite overti, while single-and-poor Cao slacks. Reflect!]

[I’m just worthless trash, okay?! Waaah!]

[#ProtectSingleCao]

The teasing both embarrassed and secretly pleased i Fang.

So this is couple-flaunting…

Lin Youxi returned with water, sipping while observing his work. Her presence energized him, hastening task completion.

“Packaging ready.”

Xiao Cao ssaged:

[All clear here. Go date—don’t keep sis waiting.]

[Shouldn’t leave you—]

Noticing Lin Youxi’s drowsiness, i Fang backspaced his reply.

[Thanks. Take over.]

i Fang wasn’t inherently work-obsessed—just passionate about gaming dreams nurtured since youth.

He still loved gas.

But now, sothing far more precious existed.

Purchasing semi-prepared als at a convenience store, they strolled ho. Watching Lin Youxi’s elongated shadow at sunset, i Fang mustered courage to tap her shoulder.

“Hey, Lin Youxi… free this 5/20?”

“No. Swamped.”

“Oh…”

Noticing his crestfallen expression, she grinned.

“Unless you call ‘Youxi.’ Then I’m free.”

“Then… Youxi.”

Flustered, i Fang cleared his throat.

“Dinner out on 5/20? My treat. Preferences?”

“Surprise .”

“No dietary restrictions?”

“There’s always sothing edible.”

She smiled. “Plus dessert’s guaranteed—standing right before .”

“Uh—”

Though recognizing herself as the “dessert,” such bluntness flustered him.

“S-so you’re free? I’ll make arrangents.”

“Before planning 5/20, let’s perfect tonight. Don’t forget configuration tables.”

“Got it!”

Their shared laughter revealed deepened shared understanding—elevated by yesterday’s ordeal.

Yet i Fang refused to ambiguously “date” Lin Youxi without proper commitnt.

She deserved clarity.

On 5/20, i Fang brought Lin Youxi to an upscale western restaurant near their apartnt.

Candlelight bathed them in fantasy; violin lodies enchanted. Between steak bites and clinking wineglasses, the pair grew pleasantly tipsy.

“This place is packed—must’ve been hard reserving?”

Lin Youxi noted. “You put in effort.”

“Food first. Thoughts?”

“Wine’s excellent. Otherwise just tastes expensive.”

Their last heart-to-heart had also involved alcohol. Through beer-hazed vision, i Fang had chased after her. Now, emboldened by wine, he reached across the table, grasping her hand.

As if anticipating this, Lin Youxi set down her fork, eting his gaze steadily.

“Lin Youxi…”

“Hm?”

“I… love you.”

“Will you date ? I want… to be with you forever.”

“No.”

Her smile contrasted his stunned expression.

“We’re incompatible as partners. Better remain friends.”

Rather than withdrawing, she speared steak with her free hand, chewing thoughtfully.

“But we can kiss. Watch movies. Date. Dine out. Everything couples do. Sleep together too—if you’re physically up for it. I’m willing.”

“So… no labels, but couple activities?”

Confusion and sorrow warred in i Fang’s eyes.

“Why this arrangent?”

“Hmm… why indeed?”

She rested her chin on a palm. “I’ve decided never to romance living beings. Marriage? Unthinkable.”

“I see…”

Releasing her hand, devastation etched his features. He silently resud eating.

Lin Youxi prodded:

“No storming off to dump ?”

“I’d have to retrieve you during your next episode.”

“Heh. Smart.”

She patted his head. “I’m this toxic—loving brings ruin. Consider yourself warned.”

Departing the restaurant, Lin Youxi attempted hand-holding, which i Fang resisted.

“No labels ans no PDA. Avoid misunderstandings.”

“You’re still angry. Not over it.”

She persisted, eventually gripping his shoulders sternly:

“Reject again, and I’ll lock you out tonight.”

“We co-rent! That’s my ho too!”

“Break in, and I’ll report assault.”

“That’s blackmail—”

Ultimately, i Fang surrendered his hand—under duress.

“There. Happy now?”

“Mhm! Mutual benefits—everyone wins.”

As Lin Youxi swung their clasped hands cheerfully, i Fang’s heart ached.

Though functionally equivalent to dating, this wasn’t his desired outco.

“Youxi… I understand your fears. Bipolar I’s severity—I’ve researched extensively.”

“It’s lifelong. Incurable. Hereditary. None of that matters.”

“When confessing, I committed to enduring everything for you.”

“Please trust …”

“Hmm? Sorry, wasn’t listening.”

Lin Youxi leaned in, but i Fang avoided eye contact.

“Just… want you to believe my feelings are genuine.”

“Oh, I know.”

Cupping his face, her smile dazzled.

“Better than anyone.”

“So… wanna kiss? Perfect ambiance for it.”

“I’m being serious!”

“So am I.”

Her gaze intensified.

“I won’t date you… but crave your essence.”

“Until finding your true soulmate, be Lin Youxi’s possession.”

“Like those ani childhood-friend dynamics you love.”

“Besides—aren’t we technically childhood friends?”

“Kindergarten barely counts as—”

Mid-protest, Lin Youxi silenced him with a kiss.

……

Post-clinch, she bead, still cradling his face.

“From today, we’re ultra-close childhood friends!”

“Just like ‘White Plum Ti’s’ protagonists. Thoughts?”

She suddenly frowned.

“Though currently, Xia Yuan’s the sole heroine… Should I add myself? Or as DLC?”

“Love triangles sell well. Ah Fang, if protagonist—pick or YuanYuan?”

“Major plot overhauls require planning! Rework’s a nightmare!”

“Mhm! I’ll ponder more…”

She pulled him into another kiss.

“For now—more ‘inspiration’ from Ah Fang…”

“You—”

His protests dissolved against her lips, oblivious to envious onlookers.

Thus concluded twenty-seven-year-old i Fang’s first earnest confession—rejected by Lin Youxi.