Chapter 41

Chapter 41: I Understand!

Being given a nickname… This was an experience he had never had before.

Although being called “Afang” felt a bit awkward, Mei Fang also found it quite intriguing.

In his previous life, Mei Fang didn’t have any close opposite-sex friends or close same-sex friends. Most of his friendships were limited to the periods of his life at that time.

From junior high to high school, and then from high school to university, he would make new friends and forget about the old ones.

The only exception was a friend named Zhang Ming. Their friendship lasted until university, and they often played games together, which could be considered a match made in heaven.

However, after graduation, Zhang Ming went to work for a well-known Chinese telecommunications giant, Hua Xing. He was sent overseas to Ukunan and unfortunately encountered a war there. After that, he disappeared without a trace, leaving Mei Fang alone and aimless in his home country.

Thinking back now, since Mei Fang became a reincarnated person, according to the plot of other novels, this friend would surely become a special forces hero in Ukunan and die abroad.

If he could meet him again in this life, he must advise him not to join Hua Xing after graduation. This would be a small way to make up for the unfinished business.

If he hadn’t met him, it’s just his bad luck! Respect others’ fate.

Xia Yuan, who had been calling nicknames, finally started doing her real work.

“Alright, alright. Since we’ve settled on the nicknames, Xia Yuan and You Xi should start practicing their dance. We’ll learn it step by step. Mei Fang, can you help adjust the playback progress?”

Great, I’m just here to help with the chores while they look at me like I’m their helper.

Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi followed the video and stopped each time to rewind and fast-forward according to Xia Yuan’s instructions.

Xia Yuan, familiar with the entire dance routine, patiently helped Lin You Xi break down each movement, like a teacher explaining to her daughter.

Lin You Xi, who initially couldn’t keep up, gradually began to follow Xia Yuan’s movements and could dance a short segment.

“Yes, yes! That’s it! One, two, three, four; two, two, three, four; shake your hands and spin around; lift your hips and stand up! Let’s do it all over again!”

Two hours passed, and Lin You Xi could now follow Xia Yuan through the first half of the dance.

“I didn’t think you couldn’t tie shoelaces, but you’re actually good at dancing! This must be the advantage of having long legs…”

Xia Yuan slightly stood on her tiptoes to compare their heights. “You used to be as tall as me, but now you’re almost half a head taller than me. I guess… you might even be taller than Mei Fang!”

As a man, Mei Fang was never one to concede when it came to height. “We’re still a bit off. In a couple of years, you’ll definitely be taller than me. Girls enter puberty earlier than boys, so it can’t be helped.”

“Is that so? Then let’s compare!”

“Fine!”

Mei Fang stood in front of Lin You Xi, and she stepped forward, standing face-to-face with him. Their noses nearly touched as they stared at each other.

“It seems… we’re about the same height.”

Lin You Xi turned to Xia Yuan. “What do you think, Yuanyuan?”

“Hold on! We can’t compare like this! You won’t see the difference in height!”

Xia Yuan quickly pulled Mei Fang aside and made him turn around, then made Lin You Xi turn too. They stood back-to-back.

“You need to compare like this for me to see the difference.”

Xia Yuan stood on her tiptoes to measure.

“You Xi is indeed a bit taller than you, Afang.”

“What? You’re in fourth grade, and you’re already taller than me?”

Mei Fang couldn’t accept it and tried to measure again, but the reality was hard to swallow.

“It’s because of your hair! If we don’t count the hair, I should still be a little taller…”

“Afang, your struggling looks so ugly, hahaha!”

Lin You Xi finally found something she excelled at and immediately felt proud. “You always said I wouldn’t grow if I didn’t eat certain foods, but now I’m taller than you. From now on, you’ll be the little bean sprout.”

“Hmph, wait and see in a few years. I will—”

Mei Fang thought back to Lin You Xi’s popularity in his past life. Besides her excellent academic performance and good looks, especially her long, white legs that attracted attention in summer, he had been dragged into admiring her a few times by his high school friends.

Was Lin You Xi taller than him? He hadn’t compared. Although he wasn’t looking up at her, her long legs made her appear not too short.

Oh, what if she really was taller?

Mei Fang still cared a bit about being shorter than girls.

Now, drinking milk to catch up might be too late.

“So what if she’s a little taller? It doesn’t matter.”

Xia Yuan hugged Lin You Xi. “Before, Mei Fang and I were like older siblings to You Xi. Now, You Xi is our sister. Isn’t that great?”

“Mmm… hehe…”

Since Xia Yuan had spoken, Lin You Xi didn’t argue with Mei Fang anymore and just scratched her head in agreement.

This Lin You Xi was so inconsistent. She never backed down when arguing with him, but she was obedient in front of Xia Yuan…

As long as she’s happy!

In the evening, Mei Fang and Lin You Xi left Xia Yuan’s house to say goodbye. On the way back, Lin You Xi called out to Mei Fang.

“Afang, Afang, Afang…”

“Why are you calling me like Xia Yuan does?”

Lin You Xi jumped onto every stone slab’s center, carelessly mentioning what happened earlier. “By the way, you called Xia Yuan ‘Yuanyuan’ many times, but you haven’t called me ‘You Xi’ directly.”

“Why didn’t you bring this up at Xia Yuan’s house?” Mei Fang teased Lin You Xi.

Lin You Xi shook her head and looked at the floor. “I… forgot.”

How could she forget right after stepping out?

This means she doesn’t want to compete with Xia Yuan…

Well.

I wasn’t hoping for them to fight over me; I’m not that bored…

I did protect Xia Yuan, but I shouldn’t let Lin You Xi become dependent.

If she can’t be the outstanding student she once was, Mei Fang would be troubled.

“If you treat Yuanyuan as a friend, don’t worry about hurting her feelings.”

“If you hide your thoughts from Yuanyuan, she will be hurt. Do you understand, You Xi?”

Lin You Xi, who had been somewhat gloomy, perked up when Mei Fang called her by her name. “I understand!”

“You understand… What do you understand? What did I say just now?”

“That you told me if I have anything I want to say, I should tell Yuanyuan face-to-face and not hide it, right?”

Mei Fang was slightly surprised. “So you really listened…”

That’s a focused scholar!

“Yes!”

Lin You Xi nodded. “I know you care about me, but Yuanyuan cares about me too. We have our own secrets and agreements. But those are girl-to-girl secrets, and you can’t know them.”

…

That’s no fun!

Mei Fang decided not to dwell on the girls’ secrets.

“By the way, do you want to come to my place for dinner tonight?”

Lin You Xi nodded. “After dinner, I want to learn Java with you. You have online video courses, right? I’ve downloaded them.”

“Oh, that. Start with the simpler ones. I can watch and teach you at the same time.”

Mei Fang took Lin You Xi home. For his family, Lin You Xi was like a daughter away from home, and adding another pair of chopsticks for dinner was no big deal.

But today seemed different.

“The food seems more elaborate today. Why did you cook a whole chicken? Did you know I was bringing You Xi back…”

“Well… Actually, there are some other things to discuss.”

Facing Lin You Xi’s worried expression, Xiang Xiaoxia quickly smiled and nodded. “But, let’s eat first. It’s nothing!”

To Mei Fang, what was supposed to be a regular dinner turned into an unexpected crisis.

Just then, his father, Mei Lijun, approached him and gently patted his shoulder with a calm smile.

“Mei Fang, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Our family is going to move next year.”

This is the last chapter of the 9-year-old section. Starting tomorrow at midnight, it enters the recommendation cycle. To thank everyone for their support, I’ll give a little surprise at 12:01 tonight. Please continue supporting and reading me. Your support is my biggest motivation. Don’t forget to read to the last page!

Also, I wonder if the nickname “Afang” affects the immersion. If you don’t like it, I can adjust the plot later. I personally like it.

(End of Chapter)