Chapter 229

Chapter 229 – Xia Yuan’s Sense of Crisis

Lately, under Mei Fang’s guidance, Xia Yuan had composed two songs. After being reminded by Lin You Xi in the morning, she hurriedly presented her work to Mei Fang for review.

“How is it? I think it’s pretty good.”

With the groundwork laid by the songs, Xia Yuan was clearly confident in her work.

“Firstly, the melody is definitely pleasant, but it feels too intense. Our game theme is more about a light and dreamy feel, and I feel like it’s missing something.”

“Oh… I thought it was already quite light,” Xia Yuan’s voice sounded rather aggrieved. “So what kind of style do you want?”

“First, you can’t approach game creation with a songwriting mindset. This song needs to be a theme song, so you can’t have players hear so many notes right from the start, especially a piano piece, which should be slower.”

“But I think it’s already slow enough… this is already a solo piano piece. If we weaken it further, it might not be recognizable.”

“I know you want to convey that dreamy feeling, but I’ve told you before, ‘Cloud Journey’ is a healing story emphasizing self-transformation and redemption. If the initial atmosphere is too intense, it will give the impression of having many things to express, which doesn’t align well with the protagonist’s initially reserved style.”

“Mm… I understand now.”

Xia Yuan nodded. “Then I’ll try again.”

“It’s fine, don’t rush, take your time… This takes a lot of refining.”

Xia Yuan continued creating under Mei Fang’s encouragement. While she wore headphones, focused on composing the theme song, she noticed Lin You Xi approaching Mei Fang and discussing technical topics.

She slowly took off her headphones, listening curiously. She felt they were getting along well, communicating almost effortlessly, and couldn’t help but feel envious.

Since their mutual secret outing was exposed, although Xia Yuan no longer felt as much guilt towards You Xi, she still sensed a distant unfamiliarity.

Though they still ate together, slept together, and hugged, when facing Mei Fang, You Xi seemed more proactive. And in everyone’s eyes, including elders, You Xi and Mei Fang appeared more like a couple.

Sigh…

Why am I thinking like this again?

There was a period when Xia Yuan had strived hard to catch up with You Xi and Mei Fang’s achievements. Having experienced the feeling of falling behind, and due to past conflicts, she was very sensitive to any signs of such feelings.

Even though there were frequent kisses and embraces, she had always been the one initiating. She had never asked Mei Fang if he was getting tired of her.

Including their first kiss…

Sometimes, even the closest childhood friends seem to have topics they can’t discuss together.

Because if I tell You Xi or Mei Fang, they would surely think I’m being overly dramatic…

Given this, Xia Yuan found time to call her close friend Peng Xue.

After the call connected, Peng Xue’s voice was full of surprise.

“Hello, really? Our Miss Xia has some free time today to contact me, a country girl? Are you unhappy with your little childhood friend?”

“Peng Xue, why are you talking like that? We haven’t talked in a while, I just wanted to check on you.”

Xia Yuan pouted and said, “And you’re not much different, lately you barely talk to me.”

“Wow, you’re saying that like it’s my fault. We have a lot of schoolwork and exams, and the only time I have left is spent learning bass, so I’m really busy.”

“You don’t need to rush learning bass, right?”

“No way, if I don’t show progress, my sponsor won’t be happy.”

“Don’t call him dad, Xia Yuan mumbled, “Just call him by his name.”

“Haha! You’re still the same… Just kidding, if he doesn’t invest in me, I wouldn’t know who else could support me… Xia Yi may be rich, but I don’t think she loves me as much.”

“Mei Fang isn’t like that, and the investment isn’t… it’s not much money, I can manage, you can rely on me.”

“Okay, okay, I know, just kidding.”

After a brief exchange, Peng Xue’s tone became serious, “So, why did you call me today?”

“Just wanted to check how you’re doing, how your studies are, your life, and if you’ve met any boys you like…”

“Studies are okay, life-wise… There are a few boys pursuing me, but I don’t like them.”

“Do they write you love letters or confess?”

“They do, but… well, they’re all quite immature, nothing interesting.”

“Wow, Xiao Xue is still popular at No.1 High School.”

“That’s nothing compared to our Yuanbao superstar… If it weren’t for worrying about identity leaks, I’d have been boasting about being Yuanbao’s best friend long ago… Xiao Xue paused, “We’re still best friends, right?”

“What are you saying, of course we are…”

“So share with me your progress with Mei Fang? You’ve been living together for almost a year, where are you at?”

“We’re still students, we focus on studying, we can’t think about strange things… Early dating is definitely not allowed.”

Xia Yuan paused, then added, “But—”

“But? You’ve made progress?”

“Mm… there has been, definitely…”

“Wow, have you slept together?”

“Not that extreme!”

Xia Yuan thought about it; it wasn’t completely without reason, but explaining it to Peng Xue was complicated, “We’ve kissed.”

“Ohoho!”

Peng Xue was more excited hearing this than Xia Yuan was after the actual event, “When, where! Did you really kiss? Not just pecking cheeks, right?”

“It was a real kiss.”

“Cool! Miss Xia is stepping up.”

Xia Yuan found joy in her conversation with Peng Xue, realizing how good it felt to share these moments with her.

“So, does this mean you’re officially together? What did You Xi say, did she bless you?”

“Uh… it’s a bit complicated… I’m not sure if it’s easy to explain… Promise you won’t spread it around?”

“I only have you as my best friend, others like Xiao Yi are secondary, do you still doubt our friendship?”

“No, no! Then let me tell you.”

Xia Yuan thought for a moment, “Actually, You Xi has also kissed Mei Fang.”

“Ah, what’s going on?”

“So that’s why it’s complicated… In short, none of us are officially dating.”

“Not dating but kissing each other, what does that mean? Is Mei Fang trying to be a playboy?”

“It’s not Mei Fang’s problem, it’s my fault… or… oh, it’s complicated—”

“Well, your relationships are already complex, if you’re okay with it, I won’t comment.”

Peng Xue sighed and asked, “By the way, whose was Mei Fang’s first kiss?”

“Uh, that was mine, Mei Fang admitted it himself.”

“He didn’t say that to You Xi, did he?”

“Our Mei Fang isn’t that kind of person!”

“This must be a girlfriend in love… Forget it, I won’t say anymore, seeing you like this, I don’t want to date.”

Peng Xue thought for a moment, “Well… you should be happy. Even though both ran away, you got the upper hand.”

“Mm… but recently, I feel… I don’t know how to put it, like I’m not as good as You Xi when making games, I wonder if Mei Fang thinks I’m lagging behind.”

“What did he do to you? He criticized your game-making skills? Who cares about him! You’re working so hard for him, it’s all for helping him achieve his dreams.”

“Oh, I want to do it myself, and it’s not that Mei Fang thinks I’m lagging behind…”

“But you just said he thinks so.”

“That’s my subjective judgment, Mei Fang wouldn’t think so.”

“You really… feel that Mei Fang has shortcomings, but you don’t want to criticize him… Your thoughts, I can only say you’re handling it well.”

Peng Xue sighed, “So, are you seeking my advice on how to make Mei Fang notice your feelings?”

“I don’t feel wronged… I just wanted to talk about this feeling.”

“You lack security, you worry Mei Fang might prefer You Xi because she can help him more, but you hesitate to speak out.”

“I’m not sure, but… there seems to be a slight lack of security…”

“You’re just too fond of Mei Fang, leaving no room for his affection to show. If you want him to like you, you should either reduce intimacy or use the strategy of ‘letting go to catch.’ If he truly values you, he will notice the change and come to care for you.”

“I get it… but I don’t want to test Mei Fang. It’s not about fearing the result, I just think it’s unfair to him. After all, he hasn’t done anything wrong, why should I punish him…”

“Xia Yuan, you’re such a fool! If you’re not willing to test him, then keep rewarding him! For actions you didn’t dare or couldn’t do before, be proactive. See if he shows interest. This could deepen your relationship.”

“Mm… that sounds nice… I have an idea, thank you, Xiao Xue, goodbye!”

“Wait, don’t be so biased towards Mei Fang in your relationship… don’t you know those who are overindulged become arrogant? Even if he loses you, You Xi will comfort him, what will you do if you lose him?”

Peng Xue hadn’t finished speaking when Xia Yuan hung up.

Tsk.

This woman who prioritizes romance over friendship.

Sigh…

If she gets hurt by a jerk, she’ll come crying to me again.

Peng Xue deeply sighed, leaned back in her chair, and stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.

Mei Fang…

Although she gradually sensed his intention to play both sides, the fact that they all kissed and knew about it without anger showed his skill.

Of course, this also benefited from the years of friendship between Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi…

It was understandable to not want to leave her childhood friend, given the years of emotion, but transforming childhood friendship into love was rare.

Peng Xue bit her finger, and suddenly remembered last New Year’s Eve at the music festival, when he accompanied her to watch the concert.

If Yuan didn’t like him, would I have restrained myself?

Thinking here, Peng Xue suddenly laughed.

I have nothing to hide.

Ultimately, a wealthy, caring, handsome boy who shares the same love for music, who wouldn’t be attracted?

Too bad, he was reserved for another girl in kindergarten.

The next chapter will be late but will definitely be today.

(End of Chapter)