Chapter 267

Chapter 267: Shall We Spend New Year’s at Ah Fang’s House?

After the company’s annual party in Jiangcheng, the season of separation for the childhood sweethearts finally arrived again.

Mei Fang, having spent a lot of time with his childhood friends, didn’t feel much about the impending departure. There was too much on his plate to worry about it.

But Xia Yuan, who was in the midst of a passionate relationship, felt differently. She pulled Lin You Xi and Mei Fang aside to do some math:

“We originally agreed to determine our relationship based on the academic term. If we follow that, I’m always in the first semester, which is naturally shorter than the second.”

“Plus, we only started dating in late October, and by the time we broke up at the end of the semester, it was just January. So, Xia Yuan and Ah Fang have only been together for less than three months. Not to mention, Ah Fang has to go back to his hometown at the beginning of the year, and there will be two weeks when I can’t be with him…”

Listening to Xia Yuan’s tearful complaints, Mei Fang and Lin You Xi couldn’t help but shake their heads.

“If you put half as much effort into your math problems as you do in this, you wouldn’t have scored so poorly at the end of the term—”

Xia Yuan interrupted, grumbling, “Ah! Don’t say anymore! I’m different from you guys, and I haven’t been focusing on my studies lately because of Ah Fang.”

Lin You Xi shook her head, “That’s not a valid reason for such poor grades. My mind has also been on Ah Fang, but I still managed to get the top score in the class.”

“No, you can’t compare yourself to me like that…”

Mei Fang supported Xia Yuan, “Let’s put aside the fact that Yuan Yuan failed math. I think her argument holds merit. Even though we didn’t publicly announce our relationship on social media, breaking up so soon could lead to backlash. It doesn’t matter if I’m criticized, but it would affect Yuan Yuan’s reputation.”

“If that’s the case, then let’s adjust the terms of our previous agreement.”

Lin You Xi thought for a moment, “Let’s set it for one year. Ah Fang belongs to Yuan Yuan in high school, and to me in his senior year. How does that sound?”

“Wu… You Xi, you’re too kind!”

Xia Yuan, deeply moved, hugged Lin You Xi and snuggled against her, enjoying the affectionate treatment.

She then asked Mei Fang, “By the way, since Ah Fang moved to a new home, we haven’t visited your place yet. I was thinking, with nothing much to do before the New Year, and knowing your house is quite spacious now, could we stay there?”

Mei Fang was surprised, “Ah? Stay at my house… Do you think your family would agree?”

“I discussed it with my mom last night, and she said it’s fine as long as Yuan Yuan goes.”

“…”

Xia Yuan, who had been thinking about how to spend the two weeks without Mei Fang, suddenly snapped out of her thoughts.

“Oh! Actually, I’ve moved too, so visiting You Xi and Xiao Xue isn’t as convenient.”

“Although, it’s rare to come home…”

Mei Fang scratched his head, “I think it might be better to spend more time with your parents?”

“What do you mean, Ah Fang?”

Xia Yuan frowned, placing her hands on her hips, “Do you find us annoying?”

“That’s not what I meant… How could anyone ever get tired of you?”

Mei Fang pinched Xia Yuan’s cheek to comfort her, “I just think your dad, Uncle Lin, and Teacher Yu miss you a lot. They haven’t seen you in a while.”

“It’s no big deal, we can video call them.”

Xia Yuan continued, “Besides, You Xi and I often chat with our parents over video calls, but we hardly ever see Ah Fang’s uncle and aunt. Don’t they miss us?”

Lin You Xi whispered something to Mei Fang, “Aren’t you going to tell your family about starting a company? It would be easier if we all went together.”

“That’s true… My mom really likes you and Yuan Yuan.”

Mei Fang had planned to confess during the New Year visit to his hometown, but if he could do it right away, it would save him some trouble.

“But isn’t it too late to bring it up today? My dad drove all the way here to pick me up… How should I explain it?”

Mei Fang understood Xia Yuan’s temperament and knew how to handle him.

“Don’t worry, just do it this way…”

After hearing Mei Fang’s explanation, Lin You Xi expressed her opinion.

“It’s a good plan, but I don’t think it’s enough.”

Although Xia Yuan’s father always seemed open-minded, he did have his limits.

“It might take something like this to truly convince Uncle Xia to let Yuan Yuan visit Ah Fang’s house.”

Xia Yuan’s father, Xia Xun, happily drove to Jiangcheng to pick up his daughter, who had become well-known online. Now, whenever he stepped out, people called him a star dad. Although he appeared calm, he was incredibly proud inside.

His daughter had always loved music, and her success was partly due to his early education. He kept every video and song she had released on his phone, looking at them whenever he missed her.

But he knew that at her age, she might be more interested in boys than her father. Acting overly attached would make him seem childish, so he was prepared for a cold reception.

However, when he reached the neighborhood and saw his daughter waiting in the cold wind, he was pleasantly surprised.

Seeing his car, Xia Yuan excitedly greeted him.

Xia Xun parked the car and was about to ask about Xia Yuan when she suddenly ran up and hugged him.

“Dad! Long time no see!”

Xia Yuan playfully patted Xia Xun’s back, “You look much fatter than in the videos. What happened?”

“Well… um…”

Xia Xun scratched his head, “Actually, your mom has gotten much better at cooking.”

“Wow! Really? I can’t wait to try it when I get home.”

Xia Xun nodded, then turned to Mei Fang, whom he had ignored until now. Mei Fang approached and greeted Xia Xun, “Hello, Uncle Xia.”

Xia Xun nodded in acknowledgment and asked Xia Yuan, “Where’s You Xi and Sister Meijuan? Did they go back early this year?”

“Oh… No, they’re not back yet. I wanted to go shopping today and buy some souvenirs for Mom. Can Dad come back later?”

“That’s fine… Just not too late.”

Xia Xun glanced at Mei Fang, wondering if he would once again be the carrier of packages.

But then Mei Fang spoke to Xia Yuan, then turned to Xia Xun, “Uncle Xia, why don’t you accompany Yuan Yuan shopping? I won’t disturb you.”

“?”

Xia Xun was puzzled, “Then where are you going, Mei Fang?”

Xia Yuan chimed in, “Ah Fang is going to shop with You Xi and Aunt Meijuan.”

“Why not go together? I can drive you.”

“No need, Uncle Xia!”

Mei Fang smiled, scratching his head, “You Xi actually wants to buy some clothes for her dad, and I’m helping her choose.”

“Oh… I see.”

At first, Xia Xun was glad to have some alone time with his daughter, but hearing that Mei Fang was going with You Xi instead made him feel a bit conflicted.

(The End)