Chapter 18

Chapter 18 – I’m Going to Be Rude to You

Xia Yuan, because her father bought her gear, practiced at home for a while and was able to easily control her inline skates after just a few steps.

In contrast, Lin You Xi seemed much clumsier.

Because it was her first time today, she needed Mei Fang’s support every couple of steps. One misstep almost made her fall, but she managed to grab onto Mei Fang and hold onto his shoulder to steady herself.

“Even though you didn’t buy roller skates, this is your first time too, right? How can you skate so steadily?”

Lin You Xi complained, “No wonder you didn’t come to play with us all this time. Did you secretly learn how to do this on your own?”

Mei Fang smiled slightly, “This is truly my first time.”

It wasn’t exactly a lie.

After circling the square a few times, Xia Yuan saw that Mei Fang was still supporting Lin You Xi, step by step. She couldn’t help but approach and say,

“Mei Fang, let me take Lin You Xi for a spin, why don’t you go play yourself!”

Lin You Xi was still worried about Xia Yuan, “No, no, I’m afraid I might fall and drag you down with me… That wouldn’t be good.”

Mei Fang frowned, “What about me?”

“Mei Fang has thick skin, he won’t get hurt even if he falls.”

“I’m fine, really. Look at all these gears, I won’t get hurt even if I fall.”

Xia Yuan approached and grabbed Lin You Xi’s hand, “Come on, let’s skate together? Let Mei Fang play by himself.”

“Okay…”

Seeing Xia Yuan’s persistence, Lin You Xi nodded, holding Xia Yuan’s hand tighter.

“I’m really bad at skating, you need to be careful.”

“It’s okay, I’m watching… oops… oops!”

Lin You Xi stumbled, nearly tripping Xia Yuan. Mei Fang, who hadn’t gone far, quickly slid over and grabbed Lin You Xi’s arm to prevent any accident.

“See, I told you it’s dangerous.”

“You don’t have to come, I just want Xia Yuan. I’ll learn quickly!”

Xia Yuan supported Lin You Xi as they slowly moved forward. They circled the southern side of the square several times, while Mei Fang stayed a distance away, watching them struggle.

“This isn’t fun without me here… Why did you insist on calling me?”

Mei Fang thought further. If he hadn’t gotten closer to Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi in this life, they might still be very close friends.

As for Lin You Xi ending up as a cold, solitary high achiever, it was probably due to losing Xia Yuan, her only friend, in a tragedy, which led her to close off her heart.

Thinking about the impending crisis for Xia Yuan, Mei Fang considered intervening directly or indirectly by understanding her father’s business. But it was too difficult.

He was just an ordinary worker before his rebirth.

Moreover, considering his current age of 10, it was almost impossible for him to make Xia Yuan’s father take him seriously.

The only thing he could do was to pay more attention and spend more time with them.

Such a desperate choice would inevitably affect those around him.

Whether it was Xia Yuan or her mother Teacher Yu, Mei Fang spent every day with them, paying close attention. If anything were to happen, he would have a chance to notice the signs.

“Mei Fang, Mei Fang! Look!”

Mei Fang’s thoughts were interrupted by Xia Yuan’s shout from afar. Lin You Xi no longer needed Xia Yuan’s support and started skating on her own.

Though her movements were still clumsy, she was moving forward, looking at the ground, waving her arms, and maintaining a delicate balance.

Mei Fang stood opposite Lin You Xi, watching her slowly approach. When Lin You Xi couldn’t hold on any longer, she instinctively reached out and grabbed his sleeve.

“Phew…”

“It’s not easy.”

“It’s already impressive for your first try.”

Lin You Xi argued.

“I’m also doing this for the first time.”

“Liar.”

Lin You Xi turned around slowly, trying to return to Xia Yuan, but a speeding figure approached nearby, almost colliding with her.

Mei Fang, noticing this earlier, instinctively pulled Lin You Xi back, and they spun around each other like dancers due to their roller skates.

The boy nearly collided with them also tried to avoid, but his braking skills were poor, and he ended up kneeling on the ground. He then stood up, muttering curses:

“Watch where you’re going! Blocking the way!”

The boy angrily confronted Mei Fang and Lin You Xi. Lin You Xi wasn’t one to back down either and retorted:

“You were the one who came crashing into us, how dare you say that? What a shameless person!”

“If you weren’t so slow, I wouldn’t have hit you… Beginners shouldn’t be playing here. It’s annoying.”

The boy continued to curse, then noticed Mei Fang.

“Oh, you look familiar… Are you Mei Fang? I remember you, the kid who wet the bed in front of everyone.”

“…”

Mei Fang looked puzzled, “Who are you? You must be mistaken. My name isn’t Mei Fang.”

“Duzihan? Are you Duzihan? You still talk so unpleasantly.”

Xia Yuan skated over to check the situation. She recognized people well and immediately called out Duzihan’s name.

“You still deny you’re Mei Fang? You’re always pulling Xia Yuan around. Are you a boy? Hanging out with girls all the time, how embarrassing.”

“Even if I am Mei Fang…”

Mei Fang raised his head, “You almost hit Lin You Xi. You should apologize to her.”

“What? This girl is Lin You Xi?”

Duzihan feigned disbelief, looking left and right at Lin You Xi, “Oh my, the messy, snotty kid from kindergarten,没想到你现在居然变成这样，真是女大十八变啊…”

Duzihan’s sarcastic tone was infuriating. Lin You Xi was about to fight back when Mei Fang blocked her.

“Duzihan, if you’re rude to Lin You Xi again, I’ll be rude to you.”

Duzihan flushed with anger, ready to attack Mei Fang, but noticed Mei Fang was taller than him, recalling the fear of being dominated by him before.

“You love hanging out with girls. You lack masculinity. I won’t bother with you, you sissy.”

Duzihan continued, “At the end of the day, beginners shouldn’t be skating here. Shouldn’t you practice on the side?”

“If you want to race, go to the roller rink. The cultural square is for everyone to enjoy. Why can’t we practice here?”

Xia Yuan chimed in, “Duzihan, you’re in fourth grade now. Can’t you stop acting like you’re still in kindergarten? The square isn’t your personal playground.”

“Who told you I’m in fourth grade!” Duzihan proudly said, “I repeated a year, I’m still in third grade. Surprised?”

“You…”

Xia Yuan was speechless, her strong exterior cracking with tears, “Why do you always insult people…”

Mei Fang wasn’t usually confrontational, but this brat was so annoying, and Xia Yuan was about to cry. Not teaching him a lesson would be unfair.

“Hey, Duzihan, since you think you’re so great, let’s have a race.”

Mei Fang sternly said, “If I win, you have to admit you’re a beginner and apologize to Lin You Xi.”

“I’d love that! If I win, you have to call me Dad from now on, okay?”

“What did you say? I didn’t hear clearly. Mom or —”

“Dad!”

“Aw, good boy!”

Mei Fang successfully made Lin You Xi and Xia Yuan laugh. Duzihan’s face turned red and white, feeling the same frustration.

“Mei Fang, you’re dead meat today!”

Let’s start the discussion!

I’ve already gone crazy!

(End of Chapter)