Chapter 234

Chapter 234 – IF支线番外篇 缘定方兮 · 1

February 14, 2023, Pengcheng.

From the company’s floor-to-ceiling windows, the bustling traffic on the streets could be seen. Figuring that he would be stuck in traffic for a long time on his way home, Mei Fang decided to continue working overtime.

“Bro Fang, it’s Valentine’s Day today, you know… I won’t be working late tonight.”

“OKOK, no problem, have a good rest.”

“Bro Fang, me too!”

“Bro Fang, then I—”

“Xiao Cao, you don’t even have a girlfriend, why bother joining in the fun today?”

“I’m doing a part-time job at the trash can, hahaha!”

The junior colleagues from the same project group bid farewell to Mei Fang one by one. Watching them leave, Mei Fang realized he would have to eat alone tonight without his usual dining companions.

The restaurants that usually had long queues today were mostly empty. While eating and checking his phone, Mei Fang finished quickly and returned to work. By now, most people had left the office except for Boss Yu, who was still working hard at his desk.

Around nine o’clock, Boss Yu got up from his seat. He first went to get some water, then approached Mei Fang by the side of his desk.

“Mei Fang, how’s the project progressing?”

“The current progress is quite optimistic… As long as we don’t make any major changes, I believe we can complete the product and start testing next month.”

“Mm-hm, you’ve worked hard these days! When the company gets back on track, if there’s an opportunity to go public, you’ll definitely have a share.”

“Mm-hm, thank you for your cultivation, Boss Yu.”

“Today is Valentine’s Day, don’t work too late. Even if you don’t have a partner, take care of yourself.”

“I understand, ha ha.”

“I think about it… If the company sets a KPI this year, I’ll help you find a partner.”

“There’s no need for that, ha ha.”

Mei Fang laughed and scratched his head. “At my age, with no conditions at home, and given the current situation, I can only focus on making money.”

“Oh no, both family and career should flourish for a fulfilling life.”

Boss Yu wanted to say more, but then checked his watch and put on his coat. “I need to rush to see a show, otherwise, your sister-in-law will scold me again.”

“Go ahead, Boss Yu.”

Mei Fang smiled and bid farewell to the boss, then let out a sigh of relief and focused on the project work.

Without a colleague to assist, understanding the process would take a bit longer, but since they had been collaborating for so long, many things could be handled independently.

But if he had studied programming in college, wouldn’t things be easier and smoother now? Would the project progress faster?

Mei Fang couldn’t help but ponder.

Those lost days would never return. Learning code again at his current workload was not feasible.

Let’s get the project online sooner.

That would be better.

This way, at least he could earn a bonus, and perhaps the salary cut could be restored…

Then, he could pay off his father’s debt, and there would be enough money to renovate the new house in his hometown.

What next?

Mei Fang couldn’t help but sneeze. Looking out the window at the fragmented night scene, he realized he was the only one left in the company.

Everyone really went home today.

There weren’t many with partners anyway; they were just taking advantage of the holiday to rest…

But he understood that too.

He should go home early today.

Working until half past ten, Mei Fang turned off all the lights in the office, locked the door, and headed downstairs. On the way to hail a taxi, he noticed that all the restaurants were closed, except for the brightly lit Loenson convenience store next door.

Better grab some late-night snacks before heading back… to avoid eating instant noodles when hungry.

Mei Fang entered the convenience store, ordered some skewers and hot pot, grabbed an unsweetened cola, and sat down at the self-service area.

Next to him was a sophisticated urban professional woman with long black hair that looked slightly messy. She appeared to be naturally unadorned, looking like she didn’t take much care of her appearance.

At this moment, she was supporting her chin while gazing out the window, with many empty beer cans on the table.

Her features were quite beautiful, yet she was spending Valentine’s Day alone? And drinking so much, she must have some heartbreaks.

Actually, this wasn’t the first time Mei Fang had seen her. After working late, he often stayed at the convenience store for a while, and they would frequently bump into each other.

Of course, they hadn’t spoken much before.

Mei Fang wasn’t the type to initiate conversations with women.

While eating hot pot, Mei Fang refreshed himself with game-related news on his phone.

Oh, Wo Long is coming out soon.

It looks great to be able to fight alongside Guan Yu against Yan Liang and Wen Chou.

Too bad the project is so rushed; I can only watch the big shots’ walkthrough videos during lunch…

Mei Fang glanced at the woman occasionally while watching the video.

She had been in the same pose for a long time. From where he was sitting, he couldn’t see her expression, and the beer can in her hand remained suspended in the air, which made him curious.

Wow, did she fall asleep?

Mei Fang wanted to wave at her, but his hand instinctively withdrew.

Ha… I don’t want to be mistaken as a pervert.

In the past, while commuting in Beijing, Mei Fang had been accused of being too close to a woman, which made him feel embarrassed. Since then, he always kept a distance from women.

Finish eating first, then check on her. If she doesn’t wake up after I finish, I’ll call her.

Mei Fang finished his hot pot with a slight blush, and the unsweetened cola was half full.

She was still in a rigid pose.

…

Mei Fang was genuinely concerned about her condition. Clearing his throat, he softly called out to her.

“Excuse me… Hello? Miss?”

The woman moved slightly at Mei Fang’s voice, rubbed her numb elbow, and looked at him with confusion.

At the same time, the name tag hanging around her neck fell down.

Seeing the name on her name tag, Mei Fang paused momentarily, ready to strike up a conversation, but his phone rang.

“Sorry…”

The video call was from Mei Fang’s mother, Xiang Xiaoxia. Seeing this, Mei Fang quickly turned off the video request and instead dialed a voice call. They began speaking in their local dialect.

“What’s wrong? The signal here isn’t good.”

“Just wanted to check on you.”

“Weren’t we just in touch over the weekend?”

“You’re still out, have you eaten? Not still working, right?”

“No, I’m out… Eating with friends!”

“Today is Valentine’s Day, should be with a girl, right?”

“Um… You don’t need to worry about it.”

“Okay, okay, I won’t interfere. Have a good chat, ha ha… Don’t work too late, take care of your health.”

“I understand.”

Mei Fang hurriedly ended the call and noticed the woman he had woken up was still staring at him.

“Sorry, I thought you were sleeping because you hadn’t moved.”

She gently shook her head. “Thank you, I’m fine.”

“Um…”

Mei Fang, feeling concerned, glanced at her name tag again but didn’t say anything more.

The young woman took a sip of her beer, thought for a moment, then turned to look at Mei Fang, resting her chin and smiling as she asked:

“You’re from Bai Mei County, right?”

She asked in the local dialect. Mei Fang was surprised. “How coincidental… Are you also from Bai Mei County?”

“Yes,” she nodded. “Though, I haven’t been back in many years.”

“Um… Not even during the New Year?”

“My family isn’t around. My mom died in a car accident when I was very young, and my dad passed away shortly after I graduated. As for others, there’s nothing worth mentioning.”

“…”

Mei Fang was taken aback by her casual recounting of her misfortunes to a stranger, unsure of what to say next.

“Um… That’s true, talking about it now might not mean much, but one must move forward.”

“Moving forward…”

Mei Fang smiled at her dazed gaze. “Didn’t you attend Bai Mei No. 1 High School? You were always at the top of your class, right?”

“Do you know me?”

“You’re Lin You Xi, from our same year, Class 14. We were on the same floor. Oh, by the way… I’m Mei Fang.”

Lin You Xi stared at Mei Fang for a while and finally revealed a warm smile.

“I remember your name.”

“Haha… How could you remember me? I didn’t do anything noteworthy in high school, and my ranking wasn’t particularly high.”

“You went to the same kindergarten as me. You wet your pants in kindergarten, borrowed someone else’s pants, and everyone called you the bedwetting king.”

“Hey, hey… When was that? Decades ago, and you remember it so clearly! I’ve forgotten it all!”

Lin You Xi smiled at Mei Fang. “Because you wet your bed, the teacher made you bathe in a basin or something, and everyone gathered around to watch, so I remember. It was my first time seeing a boy’s thing.”

“Let’s not talk about this embarrassing past…”

“Hahaha—”

Lin You Xi laughed and rubbed her eyes.

In high school, she was the aloof, top student, and although she lost much of her goddess-like aura after starting work, she still had a cold demeanor. Mei Fang didn’t expect her to laugh so brightly.

“The top student is indeed a top student, with such a good memory… remembering even kindergarten details.”

“It’s not entirely that… I remember so clearly for another reason.”

“Hmm?”

Lin You Xi rested her chin, gulped down the remaining beer in the can.

“When you were in kindergarten, you had a close relationship with a female friend. She used to follow you around a lot.”

“Really, really? You’re saying your childhood friend was a girl? I’ve been single from birth, never popular with girls.”

“At least back then, she was.”

Lin You Xi lightly nudged the surrounding beer cans, noticing they were all empty. She stood up to fetch another pack of beer. Mei Fang was surprised at her nonchalant attitude.

“Aren’t you worried your boyfriend will be concerned?”

“I don’t have a boyfriend, just like you, single from birth.”

Lin You Xi placed the pack of beer on the table. “Rare to meet a fellow townsman in this ghost town of Pengcheng. Want to drink together? My treat.”

“Um…”

Mei Fang didn’t have a habit of drinking; once he started, he got easily tipsy. But she seemed enthusiastic, and he was intrigued by her mention of a childhood friend, so he agreed.

“By the way, what was your childhood friend’s name? Maybe I remember too.”

“She’s named Xia Yuan. Do you recall her?”

“There’s a faint impression… Mei Fang tried to recall Xia Yuan but could only remember vague memories. “Was she also studying at Bai Mei No. 1? Which class?”

Lin You Xi gazed at Mei Fang, observing him for a long time, then shook her head and laughed.

“You really don’t remember her.”

She then lowered her head and continued drinking beer.

“I’m sorry, I really don’t remember…”

“Don’t blame yourself.”

Lin You Xi looked up at the bright ceiling and softly said, “She passed away in our fourth grade of elementary school.”

“Ah?”

Mei Fang was astounded hearing Lin You Xi speak so calmly about this tragic past. This plotline was akin to a novel, and Lin You Xi had experienced so much hardship. It was incredible that she hadn’t become disillusioned.

This made Mei Fang feel extremely guilty. “I’m truly sorry, bringing up sad memories.”

“It’s been so many years, the sadness has faded, maybe just some nostalgia remains.”

Lin You Xi gently told Mei Fang, “Xia Yuan was truly a great friend to me.”

“I grew up without a mother, and she played the role of my mother through pretend play.”

“My family was poor when I was young, and we couldn’t afford toys. Xia Yuan shared her belongings with me, and they were always brand new.”

“And… I was always dirty and didn’t know how to tie shoelaces. Everyone disliked me, but Xia Yuan taught me hygiene and how to tie shoelaces. Only she was willing to be my friend… she was like an angel, you know?”

Lin You Xi vividly recounted stories about her childhood friend Xia Yuan, and as she spoke, Mei Fang felt more and more heartbroken for her. With each can of beer they drank, he gradually learned more about this legendary female prodigy.

After several cans of beer, Mei Fang was somewhat dizzy, but Lin You Xi seemed unaffected. Seeing him a bit tipsy, Lin You Xi took the beer can from his hand. “You don’t seem to drink much. It’s fine… No need to keep up with me.”

“It’s fine… I can still have a little more…”

Mei Fang’s cheeks were slightly flushed, and his eyes were somewhat unfocused. “It’s rare to meet a fellow townsman, so having a bit more is fine.”

“You’re stubborn, a little cute.”

Lin You Xi rested her chin and looked at Mei Fang. “Speaking of which, do you work around here too? I feel like I often run into you at this time… What do you do?”

“I? I work in game development…”

“How coincidental, I do too.” Lin You Xi smiled. “Are you a game planner or programmer? I work on programs at Penguin.”

“How impressive! I’m a game planner too, though I’m a lead planner, but I work for a smaller company, one you probably haven’t heard of.”

“Smaller companies have their perks. At least, you don’t have to deal with too many fools, right?”

“You do have a point… Ha, there are still many impressive people at Penguin.”

“Mm-hm…”

Lin You Xi smiled at Mei Fang. “Actually, working for others isn’t as interesting. I’d rather create games myself.”

Hearing this, Mei Fang became interested. “What kind of game do you want to make?”

“I haven’t decided yet, since project proposals are usually the planners’ forte.”

Lin You Xi softly said, “However, my first game will be a tribute to Xia Yuan, my childhood friend and best friend.”

“That’s wonderful. Honoring your best friend, I wish you success.”

“Haha… Thank you.”

Lin You Xi tapped her beer can against Mei Fang’s. “Just a tap, no need to drink anymore.”

“It’s fine… I’m okay.”

Mei Fang forced himself to gulp down the remaining beer, and Lin You Xi watched him.

“I envy you, still pursuing your game dream.”

“To keep living, we need something to look forward to, right?”

Lin You Xi looked at Mei Fang. “What about you, Mei Fang? What are you looking forward to?”

“I? Well… I want to wait until the overall environment improves before considering… There are many issues like obtaining licenses, you know…”

Mei Fang thought to himself, I’m just thinking about making money.

On the surface, he supported Lin You Xi, but deep down, he knew game dreams were more for the rich kids, not relevant to him as a worker.

He lacked the skills to make indie games and had stopped expecting those.

But…

Why…

Why couldn’t he tell Lin You Xi his true thoughts?

“Indeed, the overall environment is tough.”

Lin You Xi smiled and nodded. “But continuing to strive and fight in this industry is already remarkable.”

She checked her phone clock; it was exactly 12 o’clock.

“In that case, you didn’t lie to your mom.”

Lin You Xi smiled at Mei Fang. “You spent Valentine’s Day with a girl, chatting and enjoying the evening.”

“Sort of…”

“Just heard from the phone call, your mom really cares about you, don’t let her worry too much.”

“Mm, I understand.”

Mei Fang looked at the slightly tipsy Lin You Xi. Emboldened by the alcohol, he felt braver.

“Say… Should I send you home? It’s so late, it’s unsafe for you to go alone.”

“Um… It’s okay.”

Lin You Xi smiled and waved at Mei Fang. “I’ve gotten used to being alone over the years and know how to protect myself. Thanks for your concern, shall we exchange contact information?”

Mei Fang and Lin You Xi exchanged WeChat IDs. Her nickname was “Mountain Has Lin Xi.”

After settling the bill and leaving the convenience store, Mei Fang and Lin You Xi waited for a ride at the intersection, neither saying much more.

Mei Fang regretted his impulsive action earlier.

What was I thinking? How could I directly suggest going to a woman’s place I just met?

I must have come across as creepy!

But, we just happened to meet in Pengcheng.

Though she had a hard life, she wouldn’t look favorably upon someone like me.

Someone like me…

What kind of person am I?

Mei Fang was actually quite interested in Lin You Xi’s game idea.

But work was exhausting, and he was busy, with no time for something that probably wouldn’t make money.

He could only hope for her success.

Just as Mei Fang was contemplating this, the car Lin You Xi had called arrived.

“So I’m heading back?”

Mei Fang greeted Lin You Xi. “Mm, safe travels.”

“You too.”

Lin You Xi waved at Mei Fang, then got into the taxi.

Her warm smile vanished the moment she got in.

She gently rubbed her throbbing head, the excessive beer causing a headache.

Did I drink too much today…

Why did I talk so much to that person.

She rarely confided so much to anyone, like dumping all her past emotions into a trash bin.

She looked at the newly added WeChat of Mei Fang, distant memories slowly surfacing.

The taxi stopped at a long red light.

Lin You Xi rolled down the window, letting the February breeze soothe her.

Almost threw up.

She slowly opened her eyes, gazing at the distant night scenery.

Maybe making a new friend sooner would have prevented her from feeling so lonely over the years.

But…

If I do that…

I’ll forget Xia Yuan.

Since Xia Yuan’s passing, Lin You Xi had refused to make another friend and didn’t want anyone to get close to her heart.

Because it would make her forget Xia Yuan.

Only then would Xia Yuan truly be gone.

She didn’t want that.

For this persistent thought, Lin You Xi had held on for many years.

So many years…

She might persist like this forever. So far, no one has truly entered her heart.

The 2023 Valentine’s Day ended without incident.

—

While Lin You Xi waited for the red light.

Another person’s footsteps were approaching hurriedly.

His pace quickened.

Quickened.

With shouts and waving.

“Wait, wait!”

“Driver, wait a moment!”

The taxi Lin You Xi was in was about to start moving, but someone suddenly grabbed the window beside her.

“Wait!”

Lin You Xi’s eyes showed a hint of surprise. At this moment, she saw a disheveled, red-faced man panting heavily.

Mei Fang caught up and stopped Lin You Xi.

“What’s wrong?”

“About… the game you want to make…”

“A game to commemorate your childhood friend—Xia Yuan.”

“After thinking about it, according to your description, she should also count as my childhood friend.”

Mei Fang panted heavily but asked Lin You Xi, word by word, “If possible, can we work on this game together?”

“Although I’m not very skilled, I am a main planner… I have all the necessary skills.”

“Since it’s a game to commemorate old times with childhood friends, and it involves Bai Mei County, I think I’m suitable…”

Mei Fang stated his advantages one by one, and Lin You Xi’s eyes gradually brightened as she looked at him.

“Alright.”

“Then let’s give it a try!”

A voice from the front seat interrupted impatiently, “Hey, should this person get in the car? People behind us are honking.”

“Driver, let him in first. I have something to discuss with him.”

“Ah… I’ll just say this and leave.”

“It’s fine, you can come to my place first. I have plum soup to sober up.”

Lin You Xi opened the car door and pulled Mei Fang in, handing him a tissue to wipe his face.

“Why didn’t you just say it on WeChat? Why come all the way over?”

“I felt… it would be more meaningful this way.”

Mei Fang smiled at Lin You Xi. “Since starting a project is a significant decision, it’s better to discuss it in person…”

“Have you thought about what type of game to make?”

“Are you asking me now? Hmm… Let me think. A text adventure or role-playing game sounds good, depending on the scale we plan to make, realistic or fantasy style…”

Mei Fang and Lin You Xi talked for a long time in the taxi.

February 14, 2023, Valentine’s Day, had passed, as it was now February 15th.

A new day had begun.

This chapter is an IF line side story, imagining Mei Fang did not die and was reborn. It contains a small emotional impact, focusing on two lost individuals finding warmth in each other’s embrace in a lonely city. If you enjoy such storylines, I will continue with more side stories. If not, you can skip this imaginary line, as it is unrelated to the main story and has no parallel universe memories.

(End of Chapter)