Chapter 300

Chapter 300: Xia Yuan’s Weight Loss Plan

Not long after Peng Xue left Jiangcheng, Mei Fang and Xia Yuan proactively contacted Yanzi, Peng Xue’s cousin, via phone to understand their band’s current situation and offered to help with promotions through Channel C.

Yanzi, in her call, showed a very laid-back personality. She wasn’t particularly surprised upon learning that Xia Yuan was the well-known online singer “Yuanbao.” She accepted Mei Fang’s offer of help without hesitation. As for Peng Xue’s development, she was clear:

“Peng Xue mainly doesn’t want to be around her family. I brought her out to help her relax. She’s different from us old band members; she has many opportunities to develop. She should accumulate more experience before venturing out. Rest assured, no matter how the band develops this year, I will send her back home by the end of the year.”

Yanzi, Peng Xue’s cousin, had faced hardships in her youth and naturally didn’t want Peng Xue to follow in her footsteps. But she understood Peng Xue’s choice better than Xia Yuan or Mei Fang did, given her familiarity with the pressure Peng Xue faced at home.

Yanzi’s thoughts aligned with those of Xia Yuan and Mei Fang, and both were pleased about reaching a consensus.

If Peng Xue really didn’t want to be around her family, Xia Yuan had already planned to arrange nearby accommodation for her, so they could look out for each other.

Xia Yuan had specifically asked Lin You Xi why she hadn’t invited Peng Xue to live with them directly. Xia Yuan blushed and gave a vague reason, worried that You Xi wouldn’t get along with Xiao Xue.

Although Xia Yuan had some suspicions before, hearing Peng Xue openly admit that she liked Mei Fang made everything different.

Xia Yuan occasionally wondered if Peng Xue’s hurry to prove herself might have something to do with Mei Fang.

But ultimately, it was almost impossible for someone as excellent as our Ah Fang not to have girls around him secretly admiring him.

Thinking this, Xia Yuan felt relieved. She knew she had a somewhat scatterbrained nature, but幸好有有兮帮我一起看着阿方, otherwise, she wasn’t sure if she could handle him alone…

After this incident, Xia Yuan started to become even more clingy to Mei Fang.

Even during baths.

Compared to the tumultuous events of last year, the second semester of high school seemed rather calm.

Xia Yuan remained a highly popular campus idol, often interviewed by school media and invited to perform at school events, making her a favorite among teachers.

Lin You Xi continued to maintain top academic performance after winning first prize in NOIP, often giving speeches as an outstanding student representative to younger students.

Mei Fang maintained stable grades, rarely appearing on stage due to the unique nature of game development, only occasionally mentioned in school media.

Balancing studies and life was not easy. The three of them studied until 10 PM every day, then prepared meals, cleaned up, and did laundry themselves.

They took turns doing chores, always eager to help, and despite occasional minor conflicts, no major disputes arose.

The gentle spring breeze in Jiangcheng stayed for a short time, and as cherry blossoms fell, the sound of cicadas began to be heard.

The weather became warmer, and students at Jiangcheng No. 1 High School changed into white short-sleeve uniforms.

At this time, beautiful young girls easily attracted many boys’ attention. Xia Yuan now faced a new concern.

Looking in the mirror, Xia Yuan felt something was off with her appearance.

“Have you noticed? Have I gained a lot of weight recently?”

“There’s a digital scale at home, just weigh yourself.”

Mei Fang, who had just woken up and was changing into pajamas, reminded her, “That scale was bought when you planned to run every morning during last winter. You said you wanted to lose weight, but you stopped after a few days.”

“That’s because you said I looked good like this and didn’t need to lose weight.”

“It is good… right?”

Mei Fang was changing clothes, and Lin You Xi, still half-asleep, suddenly leaned against his bare shoulder.

She added her needed “super Mei Fang energy,” rubbing her eyes and smiling at Xia Yuan, “But, Yuan Yuan does seem to have gained quite a bit more weight, hasn’t she?”

“Is it that obvious!”

Xia Yuan appeared flustered. Lin You Xi opened her eyes and smiled, saying, “Yes, lately when I wake up, you’re always hugging Ah Fang, never me.”

“That’s because—”

“Because Yuan Yuan is soft, right? I understand.”

Lin You Xi leaned towards Mei Fang’s ear and whispered something, causing his ears to turn red.

He didn’t argue, just leaned back against Lin You Xi, “How about I sleep in the middle tonight? I promise I’ll hug you.”

“Mmm…”

Lin You Xi playfully poked Mei Fang’s cheek, “If you don’t like hugging me, don’t force yourself. That’s no fun.”

“Not true, I—”

“You two! Stop flirting in front of me!”

Xia Yuan’s cheeks puffed up, “Now, it’s clearly my weight gain that’s more important. Am I really that much heavier?”

Mei Fang shook his head, “No way! Our Yuan Yuan is just fuller, which feels nice to touch.”

“So that means she’s heavier!”

“Being a little heavier isn’t a problem. I haven’t had the chance to gain weight yet. Look—”

Lin You Xi started unbuttoning Mei Fang’s pajama top in front of him, but Xia Yuan quickly intervened, “No! You Xi! Don’t start being lecherous early in the morning!”

“But we’ve seen it before. Why are you so shy?”

Lin You Xi pinched Mei Fang’s shoulder and whispered to him, “Yuan Yuan is really cute, right?”

Mei Fang patted Lin You Xi’s hand, “You Xi, you’re cute too.”

“Don’t start teasing me together so early in the morning. It feels forced and I don’t like it.”

“No, I’m just saying—pfft—honestly—pfft—”

Lin You Xi took advantage of Mei Fang’s speech to attack his mouth, leaving him breathless.

Xia Yuan didn’t care about Lin You Xi and Mei Fang’s antics. She finally found the digital scale and weighed herself.

Seeing the number, Xia Yuan nearly fainted—

“I’ve gained five pounds compared to last year!”

“Five pounds is normal. Fluctuations aren’t unusual.”

Mei Fang put on his shirt and jeans, then walked over to look at the scale—

“Let me see your current weight.”

“Don’t peek!”

Xia Yuan jumped off the scale, clenched her fists, and said determinedly, “I’m going to the gym! Get Yun Yun to recommend a gym and a personal trainer!”

“Guo Yun’s gym is so far away. It’s enough exercise just getting there. Plus, I wouldn’t feel comfortable if you met strangers there.”

Mei Fang thought for a moment and patted Xia Yuan’s shoulder, “Just exercise at home. I and You Xi will supervise you.”

“Will exercising at home be effective?”

Xia Yuan mumbled, “I’m afraid you and You Xi won’t let me suffer, and I’ll end up plump again…”

“It’s not like that.”

Lin You Xi had already changed into regular clothes and held Xia Yuan’s hand seriously, “If you want to lose weight, Ah Fang and I will support you fully. Ah Fang will plan your fitness routine, and I’ll create a diet plan.”

Mei Fang nodded, “I’ll ask Guo Yun about her specific fitness plans later. She’s experienced in this. I’ll also join you in working out since I need it too.”

“Afang, are you feeling worn out? I haven’t even pushed myself yet.”

Lin You Xi deliberately teased Mei Fang, making him annoyed.

“Healthy body! This is just to stay healthy. What are you talking about!”

“Hmph…”

Seeing her two childhood friends actively supporting her weight loss efforts, Xia Yuan felt very motivated.

“Since that’s the case, let’s start preparing for weight loss next week!”

“Why next week?”

“Because… I need to finish all the fried chicken, fries, and burgers I can’t eat this week.”

“You still want to lose weight?”

Mei Fang pinched Xia Yuan’s cheeks repeatedly, bullying her playfully.

Modern fat loss concepts don’t require much exercise. The principle is simple: precise calorie control.

As long as daily calorie intake is less than expenditure, you’ll lose weight gradually. Thus, the saying “three parts exercise, seven parts diet.”

Of course, if you control calories well, zero exercise is possible, depending on how much you love eating.

“Guo Yun says to achieve good fat loss, you need to reduce oil, sugar, and increase quality protein. Here’s a revised daily meal plan based on her recommendations and everyone’s preferences. Take a look.”

Action-oriented Lin You Xi presented the new meal plan to the family the next day—she was always the chef, so meal plans were naturally her responsibility.

Breakfast: [Half a sweet corn, one boiled egg, unsweetened soy milk]

Lunch: [Two ounces of buckwheat noodles + cucumber shreds + chicken breast + broccoli + vinegar dressing]

Dinner: [200g black pepper steak, one cup of corn]

Xia Yuan found the meal plan intriguing at first glance, “It doesn’t seem so painful. Others I’ve seen just eat salads.”

“Because Yuan Yuan definitely can’t eat that. Neither can I, so we won’t try.”

Lin You Xi said, “We can eat breakfast and dinner at home. I’ll prepare lunch in advance. Remember to keep the lunch boxes in the refrigerator at the club room. It’s hot, so food spoils easily.”

“I’ll go put the food in the club room every morning.”

“As for the fitness plan, I talked to Guo Yun yesterday. She said an hour of strength training plus half an hour of aerobic exercise would be effective for muscle building and fat loss.”

“What’s strength training? I’m curious…”

Xia Yuan thought, “Is it lifting dumbbells?”

“This is one form. Anyway, I’ll buy some home-friendly equipment this weekend. Guo Yun will come over to guide us. Oh, by the way, haven’t heard You Xi mention your thoughts. Are you joining us for fitness and weight loss?”

“I’ll skip it. You two work hard.”

Lin You Xi smiled, “Planning meals takes time. I want to avoid repetition so Yuan Yuan doesn’t get tired of them.”

“No way! I won’t get tired of the food You Xi prepares for me! I’ll eat it all!”

Xia Yuan gave Lin You Xi a thumbs-up, “I trust our You Xi’s cooking skills!”

Before Guo Yun came over to guide them and the equipment arrived, Mei Fang planned to jog with Xia Yuan every morning. Xia Yuan, dressed in workout gear, looked very spirited, showing her determination to lose weight.

Mei Fang led Xia Yuan around the neighborhood for two laps. Soon, Xia Yuan showed signs of exhaustion.

“I can’t… Ah Fang, you go ahead, I’ll catch up soon.”

“That won’t do… We need to run together.”

Mei Fang reminded Xia Yuan, “This is just flat ground running, no hills yet. If you can’t handle this, it’ll be harder later.”

“I can handle it, I just—never mind… Let’s run together!”

Xia Yuan started jogging with Mei Fang, but Mei Fang slowed down slightly to accommodate Xia Yuan’s first serious effort.

Gradually, Xia Yuan adapted to the rhythm and gained enough energy to chat with Mei Fang.

“Afang… Do you think I’m a spoiled princess?”

“Still hung up on what Peng Xue said?”

“Yeah… a little.”

Xia Yuan nodded, “I can’t deny I’ve been much luckier than many, but I’ve had my share of hardships. I’m not as fragile as you think, right?”

“You’ve certainly had hardships… solving physics problems, writing songs, preparing for exams… standing up for others.”

Mei Fang thought for a moment, “These hardships might not seem significant to others, but Yuan Yuan’s resilience when facing them is something I admire.”

“Right! So I think I can handle more difficulties if they come.”

Xia Yuan wiped the sweat from her face, gradually slowing down and continuing, “I know compared to Xiao Yu and Xiao Xue, my life has been more fortunate. But I understand them. As for us three, the road ahead is long. I’ll try not to hold you and You Xi back and won’t always rely on you to protect me.”

“Why bring up such serious stuff…”

Mei Fang saw Xia Yuan’s slow pace and realized, “Yuan Yuan, are you trying to slack off?”

“How could I!”

Xia Yuan grabbed Mei Fang, panting, “I’m showing you my determination!”

“Show your determination by completing four laps without stopping. Aren’t you supposed to be a tough lady?”

“Alright, alright!”

Fuming, Xia Yuan ran the full distance with Mei Fang.

(Friendship py: “Miss Witch, Please Behave Yourself” by Sang Zi)

(The original title “The Flavor of the Witch Is Really Good” had to be changed for special reasons.)

(End of Chapter)