Chapter 323

Chapter 323 – The Color of Happiness

The day after soaking in the hot springs, Mei Fang felt refreshed. His back, which had been hurting him terribly, now felt an unprecedented sense of ease and lightness.

It seems Dad still knows his stuff…

Suddenly, he recalled the times when his dad trained him.

He gently moved Xia Yuan’s head to the side, wiped the drool off his neck, then tried to move Lin You Xi’s hand away from hugging him, but she refused to let go.

What a troublesome girl…

So, Mei Fang leaned close to Lin You Xi’s ear, trying to scare her a bit:

“My mom is coming, get up.”

Lin You Xi didn’t get up at all; instead, she murmured, “Yuan Yuan, ask Auntie… Hurry up and get up.”

“!”

Though Xia Yuan was still dazed from sleep, upon hearing Lin You Xi mention Auntie, she quickly jumped out of bed, rubbed her eyes, looked around, and focused on the wardrobe direction:

“I’ll hide in the wardrobe first—”

“What are you hiding for…”

Mei Fang grabbed Xia Yuan before she could hide.

“It was just a joke, You Xi! Don’t be so sensitive.”

“Ahhh… You Xi, you’re so mean!”

Annoyed, Xia Yuan wanted to hit Lin You Xi, who was still lying lazily in Mei Fang’s arms like a kitten. “This isn’t my fault; it’s A Fang who started being naughty first.”

“Then I’ll hit A Fang!”

Xia Yuan said she would hit, but her hand only lightly squeezed when it reached Mei Fang.

After the grueling training by his father last night, any attack from Yuan Yuan couldn’t hurt Mei Fang; instead, it became a form of extreme caress for him.

“You can use more force, I don’t feel anything.”

“Do you look down on me?”

Upon hearing this, Xia Yuan immediately put more effort in, but Mei Fang remained unfazed. “Good, that’s the right strength! Wonderful, Yuan Yuan! If you could use a bit more force, even better!”

“Insatiable!”

Xia Yuan pressed hard on Mei Fang, who nodded with satisfaction. Suddenly, she reached behind Mei Fang, and the previously trained Mei Fang instantly winced and changed expression.

“That’s too much! Didn’t you see my back yesterday!”

“I don’t care! Unless you beg me and call me Mom!”

“Xiao Yuan Yuan, I will never beg!”

“Hmph, A Fang is still stubborn even now. It seems Yuan Yuan Mom needs to show you her true power!”

Xia Yuan pinned Mei Fang down, ready to start another round of attack, but suddenly the door creaked open, making their hearts leap to their throats.

“Having fun, Brother and Sister Yuan Yuan?”

Little Mei Ya opened the door, covering her mouth and giggling. Seeing this, Mei Fang and Xia Yuan breathed a sigh of relief.

“Get out! What are you doing barging into our room… messing around.”

While Mei Fang was urging Mei Ya out with disdain, Mei Ya just smiled and put her hands in her pockets:

“In fact, I came here just to tell you that Dad and Mom plan to check on how well you slept tonight—”

“Little Ya, help me!”

Under Xia Yuan and Mei Fang’s simultaneous pleading, Mei Ya went to intercept Mei Lijun and Xiang Xiaoxia. Lin You Xi saw this and recalled some childhood memories, smiling wistfully.

Today was the day everyone planned to go to the artificial ski slope in the northern part of the resort, but Xia Xun didn’t join due to feeling unwell.

As the culprit for Xia Xun’s absence, Mei Lijun was constantly berated by Xiang Xiaoxia throughout the journey. Mei Lijun lowered his head like a child who had done something wrong, while Yu Ling comforted them.

“The relationship among family members seems much better now.”

Looking at the three parents’ chattering figures, Xia Yuan smiled slightly, “I think this also means we’re getting closer to a trio.”

“Yes, it’s great.”

Lin You Xi smiled, “Last night, I talked to my parents about the fun things happening these days, and they were very interested. If there’s a chance next time, we should definitely go out together as a group.”

“Sure, sure, but please don’t let Uncle Mei give anyone back rubs again. My dad suffered too much.”

“Haha… I suffered too.”

Mei Fang said with a hint of grievance, “But I still came skiing with you guys.”

“Mmm…”

Skiing was a new experience for the adults, but Mei You Yuan, having skied frequently before, had accumulated some experience. However, only Mei Fang’s skills were good enough to lead others, leaving Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi struggling to manage themselves, which made Mei Fang very busy.

“Teacher Yu, keep your center forward, not backward. Press your calves firmly against the ski boots, hold the ski poles forward, bend your elbows slightly, and bend your knees slightly. Yes, that’s it…”

“Xiao Ya! It’s okay if you fall. Even if you fall, it’s better than hitting someone. Falling in the snow won’t hurt.”

“Mom, don’t pull Yuan Yuan along. Her technique isn’t…”

“Father! Don’t take the cable car! That’s an advanced slope. Once you’re up, you can’t come down! Are you crazy!”

Teacher Mei Fang was exhausted teaching skiing because the original plan was for him and Xia Xun, who was skilled at skiing, to guide everyone. Instead, all the pressure fell on him.

Just as Mei Fang helped Mei Ya overcome her fear of sliding, a loud scream came from behind. Teacher Yu, who lost his ski poles, shouted as he slid diagonally down. Xia Yuan hurriedly chased after him, calling for Mei Fang’s help!

“A Fang! Help fast!”

Seeing Mother-in-law in trouble, Mei Fang immediately sped up and caught up with Teacher Yu. Scared, Teacher Yu tightly gripped Mei Fang’s arm, and they slowly decelerated, finally ending the incident safely.

“Phew… This was too scary!”

“Don’t let go of your ski poles. It’s too dangerous.”

“I just wanted to take a photo for Uncle Xia to see, but I slipped down accidentally…”

“Don’t take photos uphill. It’s too dangerous.”

“I know… I won’t do it again…”

Teacher Yu complained somewhat resentfully, and Mei Fang felt a bit embarrassed.

“Anyway… Teacher Yu, pay attention. You’ve learned very quickly. Just put in a little more effort—”

Pfft.

Just as Mei Fang was muttering, Teacher Yu suddenly chuckled.

“Remember when you were in elementary school? I used to encourage you not to be arrogant. Who would have thought we’d be in this position now.”

“Haha… Learning has no end. These words were taught to me by Teacher Yu since I was young, and they apply to Teacher Yu as well.”

“Hehe…”

Yu Ling patted Mei Fang’s back, “If you always remember what Teacher Yu taught you, that would be good.”

“Remember… I always remember.”

Mei Fang knew she was reminding him about their late-night talks. He nodded slightly with a bitter smile, “But sometimes, knowing something doesn’t make it easy to solve…”

Yu Ling was initially stunned but then understood, “You’re talking about my warning before.”

“Just like I told you, even if Yuan Yuan breaks up with you, she still likes you, and that hasn’t changed.”

“Teacher Yu… Although I can’t give you many guarantees now, whether we’re lovers or not, I will cherish Yuan Yuan very much.”

Mei Fang’s voice was gentle yet firm, “And I hope you will never doubt this.”

“Mmm… Of course, I believe in my student’s character. But, maintaining such a harmonious and close relationship among the three of you is really not easy.”

Teacher Yu’s ambiguous words made Mei Fang somewhat uneasy, but he didn’t easily reveal his thoughts, “Yes, it’s really not easy… We’ve gone through a lot, and to continue being so close is truly difficult.”

“Having many friends isn’t necessarily good, but having one or two confidants or lovers is indeed not easy.”

Yu Ling patted Mei Fang’s arm, “Not just You Xi and Yuan Yuan, but every good friend you meet, you should cherish the friendship among you.”

“Mm… I understand.”

Mei Fang nodded. At this moment, Xia Yuan was cautiously sliding down from afar.

Teacher Yu patted Mei Fang’s head and smiled, “By the way, Yuan Yuan told me and her father about your one-year agreement. Your relationship with You Xi lasts only a year, right?”

“Ah… Yes…”

Mei Fang nodded seriously.

“Actually, it’s good to be apart… For Yuan Yuan, and for You Xi and you.”

Yu Ling softly said, “Rebuilding relationships is tough, but it helps you step out of the intimate perspective and reconsider things between each other. It’s a valuable growth for you.”

“Mm… I’ll remember Teacher Yu’s words.”

“Then, let A Fang take me, an aunt, up the slope?”

Teacher Yu wrapped her arm around Mei Fang and smiled, her face radiant and playful, making Mei Fang’s heart flutter.

Then, Xia Yuan rushed over from nearby and fell into the snow.

Despite the ups and downs, the New Year’s trip was quite enjoyable for both the Xia family and the Mei family. On the final night, representatives of the Xia family, Mei family, and Lin family gathered in the living room of the villa, chatting and laughing, watching the New Year’s gala, and welcoming the countdown to the new year.

The last seconds of 2013 ticked by.

From the resort in Linjiang District, they could see the splendid fireworks in the distance. Everyone ran outside to admire them.

2014 arrived.

Mei Fang was soon going to turn 18.

Reflecting on the past, rebirth had been twelve years ago.

Before becoming a real adult, did all the efforts I made in these 12 years live up to the identity of a reborn person?

Mei Fang couldn’t help but reflect on this question.

His rebirth had brought almost no other benefits except for experience. He had chosen the lottery and Bitcoin mining as his starting point, which most reborn people despised.

Instead of striving for endless wealth, he was content with enjoying the busy life pursuing his passions.

Although he sometimes complained about his lack of ability or insufficient effort, overall, he was quite satisfied with himself.

Of course…

Mei Fang looked at Lin You Xi and Xia Yuan, who were gazing at the brilliant fireworks.

Their eyes reflected the beautiful colors of the rainbow.

That must be the color of happiness.

On the first day of the New Year, after returning from the resort, they had a meal together. After exchanging many reminders, Mei You Yuan bid farewell to Mei Lijun and his wife, Mei Ya, and Xia Xun and his wife.

As they waved goodbye, something drifted down from the gray sky.

“It’s snowing again.”

Xia Yuan, despite her busy schedule, felt no fatigue. She happily took off her gloves to catch the snowflakes and showed them to Lin You Xi and Mei Fang.

“Look! Such big snowflakes. It looks like it’s going to snow heavily today.”

“We should remind Uncle and Aunt to drive carefully.”

Lin You Xi sighed, “It seems this year will be very cold.”

“It doesn’t matter. You can just hug me and Yuan Yuan, right?”

Facing Mei Fang’s sudden playful remark, Lin You Xi smiled slightly, “Yuan Yuan is warmer than you. I definitely want to hug my Yuan Yuan.”

“No way. Yuan Yuan belongs to you, but she also belongs to me. We share everything, including hugs.”

“How shameless can you be… Right, Yuan Yuan?”

Lin You Xi turned to seek support from Xia Yuan, but Xia Yuan was staring blankly at the melted snow in her hand.

Lin You Xi and Mei Fang exchanged glances and asked Xia Yuan softly, “What’s wrong? You seem lost in thought.”

“Ahh… Yes…”

Xia Yuan sighed and brushed her hair back with a slight smile, “I was just wondering how Xiao Xue is doing…”

Mei Fang had been keeping an eye on this situation and was well informed.

“Peng Xue’s cousin band is quite famous, especially in Rongcheng. Many people sing their folk songs, and they have a lot of fans on C Station. They should be fine now.”

Mei Fang said, “Regardless, Peng Xue will definitely come home for the New Year.”

“Mmm… But, after Xia Yuan and A Fang broke up, and You Xi and A Fang got together, Xiao Xue never contacted me.”

Xia Yuan muttered, “She used to care so much about this. I wonder what she thinks now. Also, she rarely tells me how she’s been doing. She says she’s doing well. We used to talk about everything, but after she left, it feels like we’ve grown distant…”

“Don’t worry unnecessarily! Anyway, let’s see her face-to-face first.”

Mei Fang smiled and reassured Xia Yuan, “Just talk openly and honestly. You two are lifelong friends, right?”

“Mmm.”

Xia Yuan nodded seriously.

Tomorrow we return to Shenzhen.

(End of Chapter)