Only After I Was Reborn Did I Realize That I Had Childhood Sweethearts Chapter 426: Xiang Bingbings Sentiments

Liu Xiaoyu and Xiang Bingbing’s visit served dual purposes—cat cuddling and finalizing OST selections for Code: Eternity. Since its inception last year, Guo Yun had completed designs for the female protagonist and first three bosses.

i Fang compiled the finalized boss artwork and backstories into music briefs. Now seated on either side of his triangular workstation, the duo listened as he explained character inspirations:

“The first boss is Guardian Celid—the last infected individual who lost consciousness. Though called ‘Guardian,’ she wasn’t actually chosen for the role; her elder sister was.”

“Yet as a candidate, Celid still fulfilled her duty by delivering the White Witch—Lily—to sanctuary, living up to her title.”

“Having the protagonist’s savior beco the initial boss—combined with her original beauty—creates profound irony.”

“Ah Fang! This backstory’s downright cruel!”

Xiang Bingbing shook her fists at i Fang. “Just hearing this makes want to puml you!”

“Easy there—my frail body can’t handle your punches.”

While they bantered, Liu Xiaoyu diligently took notes before inquiring:

“Since she’s a nun, the track should lean ecclesiastical?”

“Correct—cello-based lody with pipe organ accents for scene-setting. Requires choral vocals mimicking hymns.”

“I understand the vocal treatnt. You ntioned two phases—does Phase Two need variation?”

“Exactly—a faster, more intense variation of Phase One with distorted elents. Celid’s corruption manifests as jealousy toward her sister.”

“Understood. We’ll compose Phase First first for approval before tackling variations.”

“Perfect. Next boss…”

Having only formally studied music theory since university through their arts club, Xiang Bingbing—though skilled at drums—remained Liu Xiaoyu’s assistant. Watching i Fang and Liu Xiaoyu’s seamless professional rapport left her feeling oddly excluded.

“Bingbing, any questions?”

“Eh? I…don’t know these technical terms yet. But if the first boss hints at her sister, will she appear later?”

“The sister’s Boss Five.” i Fang clarified. “Celid believed her sister abandoned them, but she’d actually sacrificed herself deep within the cathedral—right beneath Celid’s feet.”

“So tragic!” Xiang Bingbing tearfully shook i Fang’s shoulders. “You monster!”

“The deeper the pain, the sweeter the redemption.” i Fang smiled. “Besides, defeated bosses beco the witch’s allies—helping purify others’ corruption.”

“That…almost makes you human again.”

Just then, Xia Yuan appeared, draping herself over i Fang’s shoulders with spoilers:

“But! The corruption doesn’t vanish—it accumulates within the protagonist until—”

“Nooo! Ah Fang, I’ll kill you a thousand tis! The white-haired loli won’t die, right? RIGHT?”

“Calm down! The true ending’s happy—promise!”

“Really? No lies?”

“Pinky swear!”

After Xia Yuan stuck out her tongue, she nuzzled i Fang. “How much longer? We have that musical this afternoon.”

“Plenty of ti—it’s still early.”

Though Xia Yuan wasn’t rushing them, Liu Xiaoyu politely stood. “We should head back for class. We’ll review any unclear requirents later?”

“Sure, no problem.”

“Ah, wait—”

Xiang Bingbing hesitated until Liu Xiaoyu’s pointed look silenced her. After farewells, their walk back to campus found the usually cheerful Xiang Bingbing sighing profoundly.

“What’s wrong?” Liu Xiaoyu inquired.

“Ah Fang’s incredible—not just as a CEO. Composing, coding, ga design, even scripting…how can one person be so talented?”

“He is…special.” Liu Xiaoyu nodded before adding, “Hence why Yuan Yuan and Youxi both love him.”

“But I think they love him because of their childhood bond, not just his talents…”

“Don’t underestimate that! Rember how boys playing with girls got mocked? Maintaining such friendships takes miracles.”

“Huh? In Shennongjia, boys and girls always played together—no teasing.”

“Must be regional…” Liu Xiaoyu stretched. “Regardless, their lifelong connection isn’t just i Fang’s effort—it’s mutual compatibility. A two-way—no, three-way romance!”

Their shared awkward laughter faded as Xiang Bingbing sighed. “If I’d grown up with them too, maybe I’d…”

Noticing her hesitation, Liu Xiaoyu gently probed: “Do you…still have feelings for i Fang?”

“I…don’t know.”

Xiang Bingbing scratched her head. “When Youxi asked before, I couldn’t answer. I used to openly admit liking Ah Fang, but now…”

“Why the change?”

“Before it was simple friendship! He wasn’t even my type—I’m too tall for shorter guys. Not that he’s short! But now…”

Her voice softened. “After sitting together…he brought als when I fractured my arm, treated kindly…I’ve never t anyone so warmhearted.”

Xiang Bingbing pouted. “Now he’s this unattainable CEO…it feels unreal.”

Because he IS unreal, Liu Xiaoyu thought wryly.

“You like the gentle deskmate Ah Fang, not the business mogul, right?”

“Exactly! Sitting with him felt so…safe. Doing howork, napping, chatting, exams—everything was better beside him.”

Safe…what’s that like?

Having never shared classes with i Fang, Liu Xiaoyu only knew him through Xia Yuan’s stories—a bittersweet fantasy. Yet Xiang Bingbing’s recollections made it tangible.

“Uwaaaah—”

Xiang Bingbing’s sudden wail drew stares until Liu Xiaoyu dragged her aside.

“What’s gotten into you?!”

“I regret realizing too late!”

Tears welled in Xiang Bingbing’s eyes. “Xiaoyu…I like Ah Fang so much now! Not seeing him makes days duller. Why couldn’t we join their musical date?”

“Couples need privacy! How many tis must I remind you about boundaries? Overstepping makes you no better than howreckers—especially with attached n!”

“Yuan Yuan wouldn’t mind! She’s not petty! Well…Youxi might get jealous if I get too close…”

Liu Xiaoyu nearly laughed—Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi clearly treated Xiang Bingbing like a daughter.

“Youxi’s possessive, but won’t mind if you respect boundaries. Officially, they’re all single anyway—overthinking would seem stranger.”

“I’d never howreck! They’re my best friends! I just…want us all together more before careers and families pull us apart. Like with Rourou…”

Her childhood friend Rourou had married post-graduation, their bond fading despite Xiang Bingbing’s efforts during their Shennongjia trip. This loss made her cherish current friendships more.

Liu Xiaoyu finally understood—beneath Xiang Bingbing’s childishness lay genuine foresight. She’s right…

Xia Yuan had often ntioned marrying i Fang post-graduation to raise children—even joking about false pregnancy scares. That future ant fewer shared interests with Xia Yuan…and i Fang’s divided attention between family and work.

“Xiaoyu? You spaced out.”

“Ah…just agreeing with you.” Liu Xiaoyu smiled. “We should cherish these gatherings while young.”

“Then I’m inviting them to my basketball ga next week! Okay?”

“Sure…try arranging it.”

Liu Xiaoyu’s mind wandered as she added, “I’ve already scheduled dinner with them.”

“Can I co too?”

“Of course…it was always ant to include you.”

“Yay! Seize our youth before oceans divide us!”

“Mm,” Liu Xiaoyu nodded softly. “Before regret takes root.”