Chapter 118

Chapter 118: New Agreement, New Goals (5000-word chapter)

After hearing what Mei Fang said, Xia Yuan’s originally somewhat calmed mood plummeted to the bottom.

Her voice was filled with grievance, “Why do you have to do this… Didn’t we agree that Afang would always support my decisions and be by my side?”

“That’s true… but I can’t just watch you suffer anymore. You should also understand that your strength lies in liberal arts rather than science.”

“I don’t want to hear it! I don’t want to hear any of this!”

Xia Yuan covered her ears, her eyes brimming with grievance, “I’ve already had a big fight with You Xi over this today. If you’re going to abandon me too… I’ll be truly all alone…”

Mei Fang frowned, “I knew it, you must have had a fight with You Xi.”

“Are you saying this to trick me?”

“How could that be? This idea came after much consideration. When have I ever lied to you?”

“Many times, many times.” Xia Yuan bit her lip, “Do you remember why you got the nickname ‘Liar’? And the ten yuan you owe me from when you were five, you haven’t paid it back yet. The last time you promised to pay it, you didn’t. You paid You Xi instead!”

“Alright, let’s skip that for now…”

Mei Fang paused, “Instead of talking about this idea, shouldn’t you tell me why you had a fight with You Xi? She was really upset today, and no one could persuade her to eat.”

Lin You Xi hadn’t eaten today, but she did eat the bread brought by Yue Xinyi and the Hi-Chew candy given by Guo Yun.

Otherwise, Mei Fang would have found ways to get food into her mouth.

After listening to Mei Fang, Xia Yuan’s expression flickered with unease. She continued mumbling, expressing her dissatisfaction:

“But… You Xi was also being unreasonable! She deliberately crossed out two problems I could solve just to pity me, looking down on me, playing with me and deceiving me… I hate being deceived.”

Pfft—

Mei Fang couldn’t help laughing.

“Is it because You Xi treats you well that you want to be angry at her?”

“Because I hate being given things. It shows they look down on me. What I want should only have meaning if I earn it myself,” Xia Yuan hugged her knees as she sat on the stone bench, speaking slowly and clearly.

“I also acknowledge that You Xi’s actions were inappropriate, but if caring about your feelings is considered giving, and if that’s looking down on you, then you’ve always been taking care of You Xi, understanding her, sharing everything with her. Doesn’t that count as giving to her? Haven’t you noticed that she doesn’t like you letting her take advantage when you buy things?”

“You’re right… But actually, it’s not just about this. The real reason is—”

“What is it?”

Xia Yuan shook her head frantically, “It’s… a secret I can’t share.”

“I won’t pry then. It’s normal for girls to have secrets.”

Mei Fang thought for a moment, “So now that you and You Xi are so upset, do you want to cut ties with her?”

“How could that be!”

“Then who do you think should apologize?”

“Both of us made mistakes.”

Xia Yuan thought for a moment, “You Xi shouldn’t have comforted me in that way, and I shouldn’t have said those things to You Xi…”

As Xia Yuan spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks. She wiped her eyes, her tears flowing freely.

“Why did I say those things to You Xi today? She must hate me… I’m so regretful, so regretful…”

Mei Fang reached out to wipe Xia Yuan’s tears. As she cried, Xia Yuan tearfully asked Mei Fang,

“Afang… what should I do?”

“Go see her face-to-face and clear things up. You Xi is such a good girl; she would probably apologize to you too. At this point, don’t worry about who saves face. Both of you need to save face, and you will never reconcile.”

Mei Fang gently stroked Xia Yuan’s head,

“And I asked You Xi before, ‘How do girls make up after a fight?’ She told me sincerity is key. As long as both sides sincerely express their thoughts, there will be mutual understanding.”

Under Mei Fang’s patient persuasion, Xia Yuan gradually became more composed.

She slapped her cheek and stood up.

“Afang, I completely understand what I need to do now.”

“Mm… Good. Prepare tonight, tomorrow—”

“I’m going to go see You Xi right now and admit my mistake.”

“Huh? Now?”

Xia Yuan nodded, “If I wait until tomorrow, it will be too late. There’s a scar in my heart now, and I can’t sleep until I remove it.”

“At least go home first and tell your family?”

“Mm, okay.” Xia Yuan nodded, “But it’s dangerous for a girl to walk home alone at night.”

Mei Fang immediately showed a disdainful expression, “Worry about that? Even if you don’t say anything, I’ll accompany you.”

“Wah… Why are you so good to me, Afang!”

Xia Yuan hugged Mei Fang tightly, even nibbling on his neck as she did so.

But now, Xia Yuan seemed to have completely forgotten about Mei Fang’s advice against taking the science experimental class.

The two put away their bags, briefly explained the situation to their families, and met at the entrance of their neighborhood. They walked together to Lin You Xi’s house, but today You Xi’s father wasn’t home; only You Xi and Aunt Liang were there.

“Aunt Liang, sorry for disturbing you so late…”

“Do you need to see You Xi?” Aunt Liang looked hesitant, “She’s still studying. But she specifically asked me not to disturb her. She locked the door, and there’s no key…”

Xia Yuan and Mei Fang exchanged glances but decided to see You Xi anyway.

They tiptoed upstairs and arrived at You Xi’s room. Mei Fang knocked on the door at Xia Yuan’s encouragement.

“You Xi? Are you in… It’s me, Mei Fang. Xia Yuan and I talked for a while today, and I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Mei Fang gently knocked on the door, but there was no response inside.

Xia Yuan took over, lightly knocking on the door.

“You Xi… Um… Can you open the door? I have something to tell you… Although I know you probably hate me, I still need to say some things to you… Will you open the door?”

There was still no sound from You Xi.

Xia Yuan almost started crying, this little crybaby.

“What should I do… I knew You Xi wouldn’t forgive me this time… She must have been enduring this for a long time…”

“Don’t be so insecure.”

Mei Fang tapped Xia Yuan’s head, and Xia Yuan thought of a new plan, “Then let’s wait here until morning, Afang? Once morning comes, You Xi will surely be moved by us.”

“But if she keeps herself locked in… something might happen…”

Mei Fang thought for a moment, “At least let me take a look?”

Mei Fang was very familiar with the layout of You Xi’s house. He explained to Aunt Liang, “Aunt, I want to climb onto the roof of the storage room in the courtyard and then climb to You Xi’s balcony. I just want to check on her condition without disturbing her studies.”

“No, that’s too dangerous. It’s so dark, and there are no safety measures. What if you fall?”

“But if You Xi is alone in the room and not responding, aren’t you worried something might happen to her?”

Aunt Liang loved You Xi very much. Hearing Mei Fang’s words, she realized that You Xi’s behavior today was very unusual and felt a bit afraid.

“I’ll go up and take a look.”

“No, no, I’ll go! I know this place well. Whenever You Xi forgets her keys, I always climb in through the window to open the door.”

“Oh… Is that so…”

Aunt Liang didn’t know what to say. She was indeed less familiar with the house than Mei Fang.

Regardless of whether Xia Yuan said something hurtful to You Xi, a thick wall had clearly formed in You Xi’s heart now.

This wall made her reject Mei Fang’s closeness and even avoid interacting with others.

She was now quite similar to the cold, studious prodigy Mei Fang remembered from his previous life, always alone and closed off.

At this moment, as Mei Fang climbed the ladder, he suddenly thought of a song that would only be released three years later—

[Your heart has a wall]

[But I found a window]

[Sometimes letting in]

[A warm light]

[Even if you have a wall]

[My love will climb the windowsill and bloom]

[Open the window, and you’ll see—sadness melting]

Sigh…

Mei Fang climbed onto the balcony outside You Xi’s room. Just as he was about to knock on the window, the curtains inside were pulled open, and You Xi appeared at the sliding glass door, meeting Mei Fang’s gaze.

Her eyes were swollen, probably from crying for a long time.

But when she saw Mei Fang, her expression instantly turned surprised.

Mei Fang awkwardly waved at You Xi, and You Xi quickly opened the sliding glass door and hugged Mei Fang tightly.

Just like when she cried and begged Mei Fang not to move away.

“Why are you… suddenly here?”

You Xi looked up at Mei Fang, feeling both surprised and delighted.

Why…

Every time I need you…

Mei Fang was also surprised, “Suddenly? Xia Yuan and I knocked on your door, didn’t you hear?”

You Xi glanced at her desk, “I was listening to music…”

You Xi eventually bought an MP3 player herself. She gave the new one to Mei Fang and kept the old one Mei Fang had given her.

“Oh… It was just a misunderstanding! I thought you didn’t want to see us.”

He and Xia Yuan only knocked once and said one thing before stopping, fearing You Xi might get angry.

“How could I not want to see you?”

You Xi rubbed her tears and smiled, “You two are the most important people to me.”

“I heard everything from Xia Yuan… She’s very regretful now, so she specially came to see you… Do you want to see her?”

You Xi nodded and slowly let go of Mei Fang.

“I also want to see her. Today’s incident… ultimately, I was wrong first. I want to apologize to her.”

Seeing You Xi’s attitude, Mei Fang no longer hesitated. He went to the door, unlocked it, and gently opened it, seeing Xia Yuan running back downstairs, standing in front of him with a nervous look.

“Come, talk to You Xi. She also has something to tell you.”

Mei Fang stepped aside to give Xia Yuan a clear view. Xia Yuan and You Xi, after their argument, looked at each other for the first time. They were usually a close duo, and this shy and awkward stare was unprecedented.

Mei Fang patted Xia Yuan’s shoulder to encourage her to go in, then slowly closed the door and went to the living room on the first floor, where Aunt Liang poured him a glass of milk.

“Thank you, Aunt.”

“Not at all, not at all…”

Aunt Liang sat next to Mei Fang and softly asked him, “Did Xia Yuan and You Xi have a falling out today?”

“Yes…”

Mei Fang nodded, “But I think they can make up now.”

“It’s good if they can make up…”

Aunt Liang smiled, “Though I didn’t raise you, I can feel how close you are. I hope you can stay this close forever.”

“Okay, Aunt. I’ll try my best.”

“Fang, you’ve worked hard too.”

“You Xi is sensible and obedient, but sometimes she’s very introverted. She doesn’t share her troubles with us. I can only ensure she’s fed and clothed, but for the rest, I rely on Xia Yuan and you… especially you.”

“Haha… I’m not that capable.”

Mei Fang scratched his head embarrassedly, “Our friendship definitely needs all three of us to maintain it. If it’s just me, nothing can be done.”

“That’s true…”

Aunt Liang stood up to wipe her hands, “Wait for Xia Yuan and You Xi to make up. If you’re tired, you can lie down on the sofa. I’ll go do something else.”

“Okay, Aunt.”

Mei Fang waited until Aunt Liang left, then collapsed onto the sofa.

Sigh… Today was exhausting.

This was truly a long day.

I wonder how their conversation went.

Would they start arguing again? Haha…

Well… I don’t think so.

They both want to apologize to each other.

Although I played a role in bringing them together, they both need to genuinely consider each other. I just pushed them a bit forward.

Hurry up and make up, you two silly girls.

Sigh…

Mei Fang kept thinking about things and soon fell into a deep sleep.

Unknown how long passed, Xia Yuan and You Xi walked out of the room.

Their faces had faint traces of tears and a hint of a smile.

They came out hand in hand.

When they saw Mei Fang sleeping on the sofa, Xia Yuan and You Xi’s movements became more cautious.

They tiptoed to the sofa where Mei Fang was, with You Xi sitting on the side and Xia Yuan on another sofa, supporting her cheek and looking at Mei Fang, then playfully poking his cheek.

“He’s sleeping so deeply.”

“Mm…”

You Xi nodded, “I think Afang must have been more upset than us seeing us argue today.”

“Yeah…”

Xia Yuan placed her hand on Mei Fang’s cheek, her gaze filled with tenderness.

“We can’t let him be so sad anymore…”

“Mm.”

You Xi also placed her hand on Mei Fang’s chest, her eyes sparkling with joy.

She loved feeling Mei Fang’s heartbeat.

“By the way, You Xi, I have an idea about what we talked about earlier!”

Xia Yuan looked at You Xi and said, “We’ve grown up together since childhood, the closest childhood friends in the world. So, unlike other novels or stories, we shouldn’t fight each other over Afang. That’s too meaningless, and it would only make Afang sad.”

“So… let’s not progress our relationship with Afang further. We’ll always be childhood friends.”

“As for whether we become something else, when we grow up and reach the appropriate age, let Afang decide. What do you think?”

You Xi nodded, “Okay.”

“But… I actually hope Afang never makes a choice.”

“Always like this?”

Xia Yuan thought for a moment and laughed, “Indeed, that seems pretty good…”

“So it’s settled?”

Xia Yuan extended her pinky finger to You Xi, and You Xi, seeing this, also extended hers.

Xia Yuan also grabbed Mei Fang’s hand, and they both hooked their pinky fingers.

“Pinky promise, hang on a century, no changing—”

The two whispered these sincere childhood promises in soft voices.

But this action gradually woke up the sleeping Mei Fang.

His eyes moved, and he struggled to rub them. Xia Yuan and You Xi blushed and stood at attention.

Then Mei Fang got up from the sofa, still half-asleep, and saw Xia Yuan and You Xi holding hands in front of him.

“Am I dreaming?”

“No, no!”

Mei Fang felt he had a good sleep, but he still had a bit of morning grogginess.

“So… does this mean you two have made up?”

“Yes, yes!”

Xia Yuan and You Xi held hands and hugged, “See, we’re not fighting anymore.”

“…”

Mei Fang looked at Xia Yuan, “What about the science experimental class?”

Xia Yuan shook her head, “I listened to you and You Xi. I won’t take the science experimental class. I really can’t like physics, and I probably won’t like it even more in high school. I’ll read liberal arts instead.”

“That’s great…”

Mei Fang nodded, then turned to You Xi, “You Xi, we won’t take the science experimental class either.”

You Xi’s eyes showed a hint of surprise, and Xia Yuan shook her head frantically, “That’s not right! You can’t lower your standards for me… I don’t insist on being in the same class as you now. Really, you don’t have to take liberal arts for me… I’d still feel guilty…”

“Not taking the science experimental class doesn’t mean I’m compromising.”

Mei Fang said seriously, “In the past few days, I’ve thought a lot. I believe we don’t need to be constrained by the perspective of this small county. We shouldn’t strive for Bai Mei No. 1 High School. Frankly, this school is only strong in science, and liberal arts students struggle to stand out. Even if Xia Yuan reads liberal arts in this school, there won’t be much development.”

“So what does Afang suggest?”

“Based on our abilities, our goal can be a school with stronger faculty and a more comprehensive curriculum. This way, Xia Yuan won’t have to struggle with physics in exams and can utilize her strengths in liberal arts.”

Mei Fang’s words lit up the confused looks of the two girls.

“The Whitezhou High School in Whitezhou City and Jiangcheng Normal University High School in Jiangcheng City are the top high schools in our province Chu Bei. They are part of the Eight-School Alliance, and they are the high schools we can aim for now.”

Today, there is no update.

To conceive this plot, I suffered a lot. Not a drop will be given to you.

Also, please stop discussing whether middle school physics is difficult or not. I keep emphasizing competitive physics, not basic physics. I am the prototype of Xia Yuan, and Xia Yuan’s experience with physics is my own experience. Don’t you think I remember if it’s real or not? In middle school, I was among the top three in my class, and physics wasn’t bad either. I entered the advanced class, did competition physics problems every day, and often scored at the bottom in exams. I regret why I joined the advanced class. Times and schools differ greatly, and this sense of uniformity is hard to relate to. Please stop arguing; if you don’t like my setup, don’t read my book. I’m so angry.

Also, the perfect score mentioned in our discussion is 85.