Chapter 17

Chapter 17 It’s All Your Fault

Lin You Xi, who came from a modest background, had failed to achieve her wish of being in the same class as them three years ago. Of course, this did not end their friendship. Since they lived close by, visiting each other was convenient. On weekends, Lin You Xi would still find time to play with Xia Yuan and Mei Fang.

According to the promise Mei Fang made to Xia Yuan a few days ago, this week he was to accompany Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi to the Cultural Square for roller skating.

Children in 2005 didn’t have smartphones or tablets, computers were rare, and internet cafes and arcades were places for bad kids. More mainstream forms of entertainment tended to be outdoors.

As roller rinks gradually became established in Bai Mei County, roller skates became very popular. Whether it was children, teenagers, or even some college students, roller skating was a common weekend activity.

Mei Fang arrived at the Cultural Square on his father Mei Lijun’s motorcycle.

This motorcycle had been with Mei Fang since he was reborn and was the most important means of transportation for the family. Clearly, Mei Lijun’s standard of living hadn’t improved despite winning a prize.

After all, his mother leaving the system early had reduced the family’s stable income, making Mei Lijun’s burden much heavier.

However, his concern for Mei Fang hadn’t diminished because of his daughter’s presence. Especially regarding Mei Fang’s social relationships, he showed deep worry.

“Hey, Mei Fang, I’m not trying to nag you, but shouldn’t you hang out with boys sometimes? Besides playing with Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi, or taking care of your sister Xiaoya at home, you don’t seem to have any male friends.”

“Boys are too immature. I can’t deal with them.”

These words were genuinely heartfelt. After all, girls, no matter how immature, wouldn’t affect him too much. For example, when walking, they might suddenly jump behind you and give you a “thousand-year kill,” making a scene.

“You’re still a kid yourself… though sometimes you do act a bit old-fashioned.”

Mei Lijun scratched his head, “If you three go home together, do I still need to pick you up?”

“No, you should stay home and play with Xiaoya.”

“Children grow up so fast… indeed, a daughter is the best!”

Mei Lijun hurried back home to play with his daughter. Mei Fang smiled without saying anything, watching how long his father could enjoy himself.

The Cultural Square was the largest park in Bai Mei County. During weekends, it was always bustling with activities like kite flying, street vendors, picnics, and fireworks. It was a place where one could feel the local culture, giving the impression of prosperity and great potential.

However, no one at that moment could have predicted that this place would continue to hold the title of the largest park in Bai Mei County for the next 20 years, while the development of the hometown stagnated.

Mei Fang wandered around the square when someone tapped him on the shoulder from behind. When he looked left, he was tapped again from the right. Turning around, he saw Lin You Xi smiling at him.

“It’s really hard to get you out today, Xia Yuan finally managed it.”

Due to daily interactions, Mei Fang didn’t notice much change in Xia Yuan over the years; she was just a slightly bigger angel.

But Lin You Xi had changed drastically.

She had abandoned her previous habits of poor hygiene, now paying attention to her appearance. Her clothes were clean and tidy, her previously messy hair was now black and glossy, tied into a high ponytail. The runny nose she used to have was gone, making her look like a cool, sporty girl.

The biggest difference was that she used to hide behind Xia Yuan like a little bean sprout, but now she was taller than Xia Yuan, with a completely different demeanor.

Although she still seemed a bit young, she already had the air of an academic prodigy.

“Why are you looking so dazed? Is there something on me?” Lin You Xi looked down at herself and then pushed Mei Fang.

“Haha, I was thinking about your childhood, like when you used to drool…”

“Don’t think about it!”

Lin You Xi kicked Mei Fang lightly, “If you mention anything from the past, I’ll tell everyone about your bed-wetting habit.”

“Who would you tell? You don’t have many friends at school.”

“Mei Fang, are you a dog?”

Feeling hurt, Lin You Xi chased after Mei Fang, who could only escape.

Though he looked similar to his previous self, once they started talking, it became clear. Lin You Xi was still a tomboy, speaking roughly and acting without restraint.

She was nothing like the aloof and studious high school student Mei Fang remembered.

While they were chasing and roughhousing, Xia Yuan ran over.

“You two always cause trouble whenever you meet. Stop it.”

Lin You Xi usually listened to Xia Yuan, stopping immediately when Xia Yuan spoke and explaining, “Friends aren’t necessary. I don’t need many friends. It’s exhausting to communicate with too many people. A few are enough…”

Apart from playing with Xia Yuan and Mei Fang, Lin You Xi was often seen alone at school. Occasionally, she was seen chatting with other girls, but it was ordinary and unremarkable. This made her appear quite aloof.

It seemed she could only truly be herself around Xia Yuan and Mei Fang.

“Finally, we can all roller skate together. Did you bring your own skates?”

Both Lin You Xi and Mei Fang shook their heads. Mei Fang asked, “We can rent skates here for 10 yuan a pair for the whole day. Why buy?”

“But the rented skates don’t come with protective gear. I think it’s dangerous, especially for beginners…”

“It doesn’t matter. You can’t learn without falling a few times,” Mei Fang glanced at Xia Yuan’s big backpack and made a face, “Did you bring all the equipment?”

“Yes! My dad heard I was roller skating and bought these for me, worried I might fall!”

Xia Yuan always looked proud when mentioning things her father bought for her. Seeing her childish expression, Mei Fang couldn’t help but tease her,

“Xia Yuan, have you heard the phrase ‘poor students have many stationery’?”

Lin You Xi and Xia Yuan both froze for a moment. Xia Yuan frowned in thought, while Lin You Xi, who reacted first, punched Mei Fang.

“You bad thing, always bullying Xia Yuan!”

They went to the rental booth, chose the skates, and sat on a bench nearby to put on the protective gear.

Since the roller skates didn’t require removing shoes, Mei Fang quickly got ready. Seeing Lin You Xi struggling with the laces, he couldn’t help but complain,

“Why are you still like this… after teaching you so many times, you should know how to do it by now!”

“I can do it, I don’t need you to teach me…”

Lin You Xi stubbornly insisted, but Mei Fang had already knelt in front of her to help tie the laces. After pushing him away for a while, she let him help. Then, Lin You Xi started reminiscing,

“When I first started primary school, I couldn’t tie my shoelaces. They always came undone… especially during PE classes, where the teacher required us to wear sports shoes. I stuffed the laces into my shoes, but they would come loose after a few steps. Once, I tripped.”

“At that time, I cried, thinking if only I had been in the same class as you and Xia Yuan, you would have helped me tie my shoelaces.”

“Even though you were good at studying and gaming, your self-care skills were heart-wrenching.”

Mei Fang looked up at Lin You Xi and teased, “Besides, isn’t it fine to ask classmates for help? It’s just that you’re too shy.”

“Hmph… it’s all your fault.”

“Fault of ours?”

Mei Fang frowned, “Are you saying we’ve taken such good care of you that you’ve become useless?”

Lin You Xi didn’t respond directly, just remained silent, looking elsewhere.

At the same time, Xia Yuan, who had finished putting on her protective gear, was about to greet Lin You Xi and Mei Fang. Seeing Mei Fang kneeling on the ground, holding Lin You Xi’s skates and chatting with her, she suddenly imagined a fairy tale-like scene from Cinderella, where the prince replaced her glass slipper.

“Mmm…”

Xia Yuan hummed softly, feeling a complex emotion for the first time.

Tomorrow, I will post in the comment section! Everyone, please actively participate in discussions! I will also share all my illustrations!

(End of Chapter)