Chapter 252

Chapter 252: We Should Talk About a Normal Relationship First (Extra Chapter for Bronze Patron Ming Qianxiao 6/10)

Although the trio had long been accustomed to having double dates, nothing made them feel more secure than Mei Fang admitting his true feelings.

This meant Xia Yuan no longer felt guilty about “sneaking around,” and Lin You Xi and Xia Yuan wouldn’t have to fight over him, damaging their friendship that started in kindergarten.

Though… they hadn’t really had any dramatic conflicts before.

The only real argument was that one time.

But regardless, their relationships had always been good. That was truly great.

Why did it have to be about life-and-death struggles or love-hate dramas?

Even though those might be more exciting…

It didn’t matter as long as they could enjoy the present.

After all, they had already embraced each other once yesterday. This time, Mei Fang seemed even more at ease. He sat on the edge of the pavilion, with Xia Yuan throwing herself into his arms, while Lin You Xi leaned against his shoulder, hugging him a bit awkwardly.

Mei Fang gently pulled Xia Yuan back, but she seemed lost in the moment and didn’t move. Mei Fang didn’t want to force her, so he looked up at Lin You Xi, who had red eyes.

“Why are you crying?”

“Because the boy I like turns out to be a jerk.”

“Uh…”

Mei Fang couldn’t refute this, feeling somewhat awkward. Lin You Xi whispered in his ear:

“This is actually great.”

That sounded strange…

With her suddenly thinning skin, Mei Fang couldn’t laugh, only forcing a chuckle.

“What are you two whispering about? Tell me too!”

Xia Yuan curiously asked Lin You Xi and Mei Fang.

“About me being a jerk.”

“A… Ah… Fang is indeed a jerk for liking two girls.”

Xia Yuan seriously criticized Mei Fang, then smiled and tugged at his arm, “By the way, did you just agree to our confession?”

“I don’t think so. The letter was written by me, even if I used Yuan Yuan’s envelope. Fang’s reason is a bit far-fetched… If using Yuan Yuan’s envelope counts as confessing with her, does that mean all the letters carry the factory manager’s affection?”

“You Xi! How can you say that!”

But there was some truth to it—

Lin You Xi patted Xia Yuan’s arm, “Anyway, Yuan Yuan should have her own confession. Without a letter, it’s fine. Fang and I have confessed already. Now you need to do it yourself. Do it properly in front of us now.”

“You Xi… It’s enough. Don’t bully Yuan Yuan.”

“I’m not bullying her. I’m just stating facts.”

“Alright, alright! Stop arguing! Just confess!”

Xia Yuan cleared her throat, coughed a few times, then straightened Mei Fang’s face. Lin You Xi stepped aside, and Mei Fang stood up. Xia Yuan placed her hand on her collarbone and looked at Mei Fang, softly expressing her feelings:

“Fang, I—”

Just as Xia Yuan was about to confess, her stomach suddenly growled loudly.

The prolonged rumbling lasted several seconds, making Lin You Xi and Mei Fang laugh uncontrollably. Xia Yuan blushed deeply and stomped her feet before squatting down.

Seeing Xia Yuan so dejected, Mei Fang couldn’t bear it and hurriedly bent down to comfort her.

“It’s okay… I heard your confession… It’s fine…”

“What’s fine? My first confession was ruined by my hunger… Why did You Xi suggest meeting after school? We should have hugged after class!”

“That would be too risky, and the principal might catch us.”

“Even so… I valued this confession so much…”

Although everyone thought it was a joke, Xia Yuan was genuinely hurt. Mei Fang comforted her gently, “Let’s do it again. I’ll listen carefully.”

“Okay…”

Xia Yuan gathered her courage and faced her beloved, speaking tenderly:

“Fang… I like you.”

“I love you so much.”

“I’ve liked you since we were very young.”

“You’ve always been my hero.”

“You taught me so many things.”

“When I’m happy, you join me. When I’m sad, you’re there too.”

“You even went along with me when I ran away from home.”

“You were the first boy to let me be myself.”

“Only in front of you am I the most relaxed.”

“In junior high, You Xi and I agreed not to develop further, leaving it up to you to choose between us.”

“But actually… everyone ended up sneaking around. I didn’t expect this to work out well.”

Xia Yuan cupped Mei Fang’s face, her voice choked with emotion.

“But I’m really scared… I’m really scared you’ll end up choosing You Xi and leave me behind.”

“I’m stupider than You Xi, worse at games, and everything else. She’s so much better than me… I always thought you’d naturally choose her…”

“That’s not right.”

Mei Fang gently wiped away Xia Yuan’s tears, “I never compare you to You Xi. Relationships aren’t about who’s better. What matters is being happy together. Of course, I’m not saying you’re not excellent. You and You Xi each have your strengths. I can’t let either of you go…”

“Greed.”

Xia Yuan playfully bit Mei Fang’s cheek, leaving marks.

Then they both laughed. In the heat of the moment, Xia Yuan kissed Mei Fang passionately. From a certain perspective, this was Xia Yuan’s first proper kiss in front of Lin You Xi.

Lin You Xi watched them for a while, then said after they separated:

“Fang… why are you so cold to Yuan Yuan? I taught you differently.”

“Uh… Yuan Yuan isn’t used to it. I think this is fine.”

Before Mei Fang finished, Lin You Xi stood up and pulled him.

“Yuan Yuan, give me Fang.”

Lin You Xi put an arm around Mei Fang, smiling at Xia Yuan, “Watch, that was just a peck. A real kiss is like this…”

“Wait, Fang still—”

Before Xia Yuan could finish, Lin You Xi hugged Mei Fang and began kissing him skillfully.

Xia Yuan, like a devout follower seeing the true form of their deity, felt overwhelmed and spoke incoherently.

“Mm… ah… ah…”

Xia Yuan’s face turned completely red. Previously, kissing Fang felt like child’s play.

Afterward, Lin You Xi patted Xia Yuan’s shoulder, “Try this kind of kiss with Fang. You’ll love it because Fang is really great.”

“Ah… um…”

Xia Yuan stammered, then muttered, “Speaking of which… since everyone has confessed… how do we define our relationship?”

Lin You Xi nodded, “Indeed… We said we’d date to avoid harassment. But asking Fang to date both of us directly—”

“I don’t mind.”

Mei Fang teased, but Xia Yuan scolded, “What do you mean you don’t mind! That could cause big problems! This can’t get out; it’s bad for Fang’s future. He might even get expelled!”

“If you’re worried, I have an idea.”

Mei Fang explained, “We can publicly announce our relationship with one person first, then switch to the other after some time. Although the order is different, we won’t be restricted privately. What do you think?”

“What kind of method is that? It just confirms Fang is a jerk! Switching every so often…”

“No, that’s exactly why he won’t be called a jerk… We can break up after a while if it doesn’t work out, then start over. As long as there’s no immediate succession, no one will gossip. It’s easier to explain and allows closer relationships.”

Xia Yuan thought about it and realized it made sense, “Who should be first to announce their relationship with Fang?”

“There’s no need to discuss. It’s definitely you, Yuan Yuan.”

Lin You Xi seemed generous, making Xia Yuan feel a bit uncomfortable.

“Are you letting me? You always do. Isn’t this an exception? At least draw lots.”

“The order isn’t about letting you. Fang and I are preparing for NOIP. If we pass, we might have intensive training, spending a lot of time together. You won’t have many chances to be close with Fang.”

“I didn’t know NOIP required training! It sounds so tough…”

“We might not even pass. It tests programming knowledge and thinking skills. I find it challenging. C Station might not allow both of us to be absent. We’ll see. If it’s just NOIP, we don’t need training.”

“In short… considering the competition and public perception, it’s natural for you to be with Fang first.”

Lin You Xi held Xia Yuan’s hand, smiling, “Don’t worry about betraying me. I don’t enjoy explaining to others. Maybe being Fang’s secret lover suits me.”

“You’re not a secret lover! You’re also a girlfriend!”

Xia Yuan corrected Lin You Xi seriously, then thought, “In general, how long should a relationship last? I mean… openly.”

“A semester works. Break up before winter break.”

Mei Fang pondered, “That’s best.”

“Do we have to break up before winter break?”

Xia Yuan seemed reluctant, “I wanted to introduce Fang to my parents!”

“This isn’t the right age to meet parents! Besides, what’s so special about Uncle Xia and Teacher Yu!”

This chapter is another happy 3500 words. The plot is satisfying, no more holding back.

(End of Chapter)