Chapter 178

Chapter 178: Who Lacks Ambition to Be with Childhood Sweethearts?

After changing clothes, the three of them went downstairs and started jogging around the neighborhood.

Over the years, Mei Fang’s biological clock had gradually adjusted, and he began to enjoy mornings filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers.

The trio ran four laps around the neighborhood at a steady pace, but Xia Yuan found herself struggling to keep up.

“You… you two go ahead… don’t worry about me.”

Xia Yuan covered her chest and panted heavily, “I need to rest for a bit before continuing.”

“It’s fine, let’s all take a short break,” Mei Fang said.

He gently combed Xia Yuan’s slightly disheveled hair, “Your stamina used to be much better. What happened?”

“Just… just can’t catch my breath… a little…”

Xia Yuan clung to Mei Fang’s arm, panting heavily.

Lin You Xi, despite appearing delicate, did not struggle much with the run due to her long legs.

She asked Xia Yuan, “Could it be because your sports gear is too tight? Would loosening the zipper help?”

“That wouldn’t work!”

Xia Yuan clutched her zipper defensively, “Running like that would look weird… and it’s not appropriate if someone sees.”

Ah, I see.

Mei Fang observed Xia Yuan quietly, then teased, “Yuan Yuan, have you gained weight recently? Your weight must have broken the hundred mark, right?”

“Stupid Fang!”

Xia Yuan punched Mei Fang playfully, “I’m not that heavy. You’ve carried me before; it wasn’t that difficult, was it?”

“The last time I carried you was during National Day, almost a month ago.”

“Then carry me again. See if it’s still as easy as before.”

As soon as Mei Fang turned, Xia Yuan wrapped her arms around his neck and jumped up. Mei Fang stumbled a few steps but managed to stay upright.

Xia Yuan seemed nervous. She leaned against Mei Fang’s shoulder and asked, “Are you… Are you still sleepy? You seem a bit weak…”

“No way! I feel great.”

“I don’t believe you. Try carrying You Xi. She should be lighter than me. I want to see if it’s your problem or mine. Okay, You Xi?”

Lin You Xi nodded and approached Mei Fang.

Lin You Xi had always been slender, and Mei Fang was now only a few centimeters taller than her. With his past experience carrying her, he waved his hand, “You Xi is tall, and I’d have to drag my feet on the ground. It’s not practical.”

“Then carry me from the front.”

Lin You Xi pushed Mei Fang’s shoulders and turned him around, then wrapped one arm around his neck, clearly indicating she wanted a princess carry.

Though slow to react, Mei Fang cooperated by squatting slightly to support Lin You Xi’s legs.

Lin You Xi lightly leaped, and they completed a standard princess carry.

“Are you guys… a bit too good at this?”

“It’s common in movies, not that hard…”

This was actually their first time doing a princess carry together.

Seeing Mei Fang effortlessly carrying Lin You Xi, Xia Yuan felt a bit uneasy.

“Let me try too.”

After Lin You Xi got down, Xia Yuan also asked Mei Fang to carry her.

When Mei Fang carried Xia Yuan, it was clearly more challenging. He seemed to put in a lot of effort and even staggered slightly.

Seeing Xia Yuan on the verge of tears, Mei Fang comforted her.

“Sorry, Yuan Yuan. I’m too weak. I need to exercise more…”

“Fang, you don’t have to say that.”

Xia Yuan didn’t linger in Mei Fang’s arms for long. She suddenly became calm, straightened her hair, and said,

“I’m ready. Let’s continue our morning run.”

Their outstanding performances at the Golden Autumn Arts Festival made Mei Fang, Xia Yuan, and Lin You Xi well-known figures at school. Girls from other classes often looked at Mei Fang when he walked by.

Mei Fang thought that Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi probably received similar attention. Especially Xia Yuan, who had developed beautifully, would surely attract many boys.

However, Lin You Xi, with her aloof demeanor, could ward off some unwanted attention.

The joint performance at the arts festival served as a confidence booster. Other boys would think twice before approaching, considering whether they were better than Mei Fang.

Of course, this was a group performance, so it didn’t fully establish his claim.

So, he was willing to plan a duet with Xia Yuan at the New Year’s Eve party, singing a romantic song like “Unadorned.”

As for Lin You Xi, Mei Fang was confident. Lin You Xi knew exactly what she wanted, and she didn’t hesitate to hurt those she didn’t care about.

If someone confessed to Xia Yuan, she might respond with polite words like “Thank you, you’re a good person.”

But Lin You Xi likely wouldn’t give the other person a chance to speak, ending any thoughts early.

With the upcoming sports meet, everyone was busy training. The homeroom teacher, Mr. Dong, changed the afternoon free period to group training sessions. Those practicing long jump trained in one area, while high jumpers trained in another, creating a lively scene on the playground.

Xiang Bingbing, standing at nearly 1.90 meters, was a key player for the sports meet. After hearing about the rewards for Jiangcheng First High School, she signed up for every event where there was no conflict with her schedule. During training, she was particularly diligent.

Many people only put in minimal effort during tug-of-war practice, but Xiang Bingbing took it seriously. She even removed her jacket, leaving only a vest, and wrestled the opposing team bare-chested.

“Huh… Xiang Bingbing, you’re too strong!”

“This is all your class brothers and sisters here. Don’t take it so seriously, Bingbing!”

“That’s not right. Training should be taken seriously. Otherwise, how will we perform in the competition?”

Due to spending most of her free time with Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi, Mei Fang did not interact much with others in his class, except for Wan Chaoxiong and the front-row boys, Wang Jiayu and Liu Shuwen.

Liu Shuwen usually didn’t talk much but was very interested in video games.

He had a PlayStation gaming console and was a single-player gamer, showing disdain for online games.

Despite seeing this attitude often, Mei Fang’s extensive gaming experience and advanced understanding intrigued Liu Shuwen, who frequently sought his advice.

Wang Jiayu was an eccentric character. Though short and thin, he was outgoing and enjoyed writing romance novels or fanfiction in class. He got along well with the girls, and some even paid him to write stories for them.

Because of his good rapport with the girls, Wang Jiayu sometimes had a gossipy side. When he saw Xia Yuan or Lin You Xi visiting Mei Fang, he would always remind Mei Fang.

During training sessions, different classes were assigned specific areas. Class 5 and Class 3 were neighbors, so Xia Yuan would often come over to greet Mei Fang and chat before returning to her own training.

After they left, Mei Fang returned to stretch with Liu Shuwen, Wang Jiayu, and Wan Chaoxiong.

“Can’t help but envy how close these two childhood sweethearts are to Fang. They even find time to talk when they’re running. I wish I had that.”

Liu Shuwen shook his head, “What’s there to envy? It’s annoying. They don’t leave any personal time. If I ever find someone, I won’t choose someone like that.”

“Even in the future, you’ll never find a girlfriend with that mindset.”

Wang Jiayu sighed, then looked at Mei Fang, who was diligently exercising. “I’ve always wondered, do childhood sweethearts really think about dating? Knowing each other’s embarrassing moments since childhood, it seems like nothing changes even if they get together.”

Mei Fang replied sternly, “Why do you always think about such nonsense? High school students should focus on their studies, not early relationships.”

Wang Jiayu raised his thumb, “Fine, Fang, keep pretending. When your childhood sweethearts end up with someone else, I’ll be waiting to see you cry. Don’t regret not taking my advice… Don’t leave any regrets in your youth, Fang!”

Mei Fang frowned and shook his head, “Yuan Yuan and You Xi won’t date anyone else. Others won’t have a chance.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I know them well. We’re close.”

Mei Fang smiled, “Our relationship isn’t just about friendship or love.”

“Not friendship, not love, then what?”

Mei Fang pondered, “It’s a bit like family.”

“Wow, Fang.”

Wang Jiayu nodded, “I got a new idea for my story. Tell me more.”

“…”

Just then, Wan Chaoxiong interrupted with a startling statement:

“I think Mei Fang won’t end up with these two childhood sweethearts.”

“What? Why do you say that?”

Wan Chaoxiong brushed off the dust from his pants. He had been among those knocked down by Xiang Bingbing earlier.

“Because I have my own childhood sweetheart. I really dislike her. She’s always hitting and breaking things, and she’s messy. She doesn’t wash her socks, and she laughs like an idiot. Honestly, she’s not as cute as my boss. You won’t have any romantic feelings for her; you’ll just find her annoying.”

“Though it sounds like you’re exaggerating… Maybe your childhood sweetheart isn’t as cute as Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi?”

“Sure, they’re prettier, but only Mei Fang knows their daily life. Only he understands their struggles.”

“So, I don’t think it’s strange if Mei Fang ends up with Xiang Bingbing. Who lacks ambition to be with their childhood sweethearts?”

“Mm-hmm…”

Following Wan Chaoxiong’s words, Mei Fang tried to recall the details of his daily life with Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi.

… Almost got emotional.

In short, not all childhood sweethearts are alike.

(End of Chapter)