Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Soaring Dreams in Song

At the Mei family’s household meeting, the false patriarch, Mei Lijun, listened carefully to Mei Fang’s request.

“Hmm… Wanting to join the multimedia class?”

Mei Fang nodded, “The multimedia class uses a lot of computer-related teaching materials. I want to learn more about computers and repay my parents’ nurturing when I grow up.”

“Don’t try to fool me, always talking about TV.”

Mei Lijun rubbed his chin, “You want to continue being in the same class as Xia Yuan, right? Her mother, Teacher Yu, is the head of the multimedia class. She mentioned it to us the other day.”

“This is partly the reason… Xia Yuan told me about it; otherwise, how would I know?”

“That’s true, but I’m afraid you’re not focused on your studies.”

Mei Lijun looked at the real head of the family, Xiang Xiaxia, “Honey! I don’t have much objection, it depends on what you think.”

“If you really want to learn knowledge, I don’t oppose you joining the multimedia class.”

Xiang Xiaxia had seen her son studying computers, with textbooks on actual programming for children. He even annotated pinyin for unfamiliar characters, showing genuine interest.

Other kids like Xia Yuan took various classes such as art, music, and taekwondo, but before winning the lottery, the Meis lived modestly, barely managing his basic needs. They hadn’t invested much in cultivating their child’s interests.

Seeing Mei Fang’s passion for computers and willingness to learn, she felt some guilt.

“However, this child is too close to Xia Yuan next door. Isn’t that a bit problematic…”

This was Xiang Xiaxia’s only concern. She whispered to Mei Lijun, “Although the kids are young now, if something happens…”

“Honey, although I often say Mei Fang is overly thoughtful, they are just good friends. Besides, getting along well with that family and the head teacher will be beneficial. She will surely take care of Mei Fang at school.”

Though Mei Lijun appeared supportive of Xiang Xiaxia, he was actually swayed by the wine in the cabinet, becoming a staunch supporter of Xia Yuan’s side. Under his persuasion, Xiang Xiaxia gradually agreed.

“So it seems…”

Primary school lasts six years, being close to the head teacher means knowing her son’s status anytime. If he gets along well with Xia Yuan, he might do homework at her house, saving them time.

“Alright then… but you must maintain your grades, staying within the top few in class. Promise your mom and dad, or else you’ll be transferred to a regular class and lose your computer.”

“Can I promise to stay first in mid-term and final exams?”

Mei Lijun and Xiang Xiaxia were stunned. Where did their son get such confidence?

“You demand too much from yourself. We won’t make it difficult for you, just aim for the top ten.”

“Alright…” Mei Fang asked his parents, “Can I tell Xia Yuan and Aunt Xia… I mean, Teacher Yu about this now?”

“Since it’s decided, you can.”

Xiang Xiaxia and Mei Lijun discussed further. After Mei Fang’s father finished speaking, he said to Mei Fang, “Your mom and I have to go to the hospital. You can go play with Xia Yuan.”

“Okay.”

Thinking about it, why were his parents always going to the hospital lately?

In his previous life, his parents were healthy. It made no sense for them to suddenly fall ill here.

He didn’t think much about it, called Xia Yuan, and shared the good news.

“Your family has agreed, that’s great!”

Xia Yuan jumped happily, holding Mei Fang’s hand, “We can still be classmates!”

“Not yet… Are your parents home?”

“My mom is at school, Dad is working.”

“Hmm…” Mei Fang thought, “Has Uncle Xia done anything unusual recently?”

“Unusual? No?” Xia Yuan looked puzzled, “Why ask about my dad?”

“Nothing… Just glad nothing’s strange.”

“There’s one thing… He’s lied to me three times, promising to take me to the amusement park, but each time he says he’s busy.”

Xia Yuan muttered, “I dislike him more now. He’s a big liar.”

“I see…”

After learning Xia Yuan was the tragic protagonist, Mei Fang was concerned about her parents.

If the tragedy hadn’t happened, she might have become a top student like Lin You Xi or a famous class beauty in high school.

But in elementary school, she lost all her future possibilities.

This time, he wouldn’t let it happen.

“It’s early to say that… Once Lin You Xi arrives, we’ll discuss her situation.”

“Okay…”

As a single-parent family, Lin You Xi’s living conditions weren’t great, and this expense wasn’t small.

The outcome wasn’t unexpected. When Lin You Xi arrived, she brought bad news.

“We’ll be in different classes after elementary school…”

Little Lin You Xi’s voice was soft, almost crying.

“Don’t say that…”

After a brief moment of sadness, Xia Yuan held Lin You Xi’s hand again.

“It’s okay, Lin You Xi… Even if we’re not in the same class, we’ll still be friends.”

“Will you still be my friend?”

Lin You Xi lifted her head, a little snot falling down. She quickly wiped it away, while Xia Yuan skillfully took out a tissue from her bag to wipe her nose.

“Of course, our houses are so close, welcome to visit anytime.”

“What about Mei Fang?”

Lin You Xi looked at Mei Fang with pleading eyes, “Do you still want to play with me?”

“…”

Seeing her pitiful look, it was hard to imagine her as the super-cold female genius in the future.

Mei Fang befriended Xia Yuan with ulterior motives, but became close with Lin You Xi by chance.

She had become Mei Fang’s childhood playmate.

Though she usually followed Xia Yuan, she showed her lively side around Mei Fang. They shared common interests in games.

Their bond was very strong.

Or perhaps, a trio…

Mei Fang smiled, “Of course, and my mom likes you a lot.”

“But, if you’re a bit cleaner, we might like you even more.”

“Mei Fang’s right, as a primary school student, you can’t be mischievous at school anymore.”

At this point, Lin You Xi was still short, standing between Mei Fang and Xia Yuan like a little bean sprout. Facing their joint guidance, she could only nod obediently.

“By the way, I heard Mei Fang’s family bought a computer. Don’t get addicted to games! Mom said electronic games are dangerous, once hooked, it’s hard to stop.”

“Oh, about that…”

Lin You Xi tugged on Mei Fang’s clothes, smiling at Xia Yuan, “No, we haven’t played!”

“Good, that’s better.”

Lin You Xi seemed unwilling to upset Xia Yuan, appearing very accommodating to her friend.

But this meant they had secrets from Xia Yuan…

After playing in the park, Mei Fang returned home. His parents were back, sitting on the sofa, whispering sweet nothings.

Mei Fang couldn’t stand it, planning to return to his room to study computers, but Xiang Xiaxia and Mei Lijun called him back.

“Mei Fang, there’s something we need to tell you.”

…

Mei Fang sat down obediently, waiting for his parents’ announcement.

“The thing is…”

“You’re going to be a big brother soon!”

“What?!”

[Under the banyan tree by the pond, cicadas chirp endlessly in the summer]

That childhood song, once popular across the country, was replaced by a new song after several summers, gaining popularity through a children’s TV series.

[Happy Little Immortals]

[Wind, Thunder, Rain, Snow, Lightning]

[Happy Youngsters]

[Soaring Dreams in Song —]

Three years passed quietly.

And they became fourth-grade students.

This story follows the journey from childhood companionship to significant events in their lives. The narrative isn’t linear but progresses through key moments, making it easier to immerse readers in the traditional “after high school graduation” milestone, offering a small attempt at a “childhood friends + reincarnation” genre. Hope you enjoy!