LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 349
Chapter 349: The Breakup Must Be Set Before School Starts (5500 words)
Due to the company’s expansion this year, which involved purchasing land and raising funds through loans, a significant amount of money was spent. To save costs, Mei Fang and his team temporarily postponed their plan to buy a house and decided to continue renting for the rest of the year or until early next year.
They rented a new apartment in Pengcheng, located across from Pengcheng University’s Ao Hai campus. They lived and worked in this three-bedroom apartment with a monthly rent of 15,000 yuan. Each person had their own room, and professional cleaning services came once a week.
Although the location was similar to Jiangcheng, Pengcheng University differed from Jiangcheng No. 1 High School. This area was in Lushan District, surrounded by commercial zones, and their residence was at the heart of these zones. Although it wasn’t the spacious flat Ryou Xi Lin had hoped for, it was still quite nice.
Of course, this was slightly different from what Mei Fang had originally envisioned.
He thought that with his wealth, he should be considered a major player in Lushan District, Pengcheng. However, after interacting with the local elite, he realized he was merely a nouveau riche with some extra cash compared to those who had been struggling in Pengcheng since the reform and opening up.
There was no point in comparing; such limitations were due to the era. Mei Fang’s perspective came from the 21st century, and the rapid development of the previous century had nothing to do with him.
But now, living in such a luxurious area in Pengcheng in a three-bedroom apartment was something he never dared to imagine before.
After moving into their new home, Mei Youyuan and the three little ones reorganized their rooms.
Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi each got a secondary bedroom, while Mei Fang took the master bedroom—though he rarely had the chance to enjoy it alone, as he had to serve her at night.
The three-bedroom apartment had a large living room connected to an open kitchen and dining area, with a small bar in between. Lin You Xi placed many bottles of wine and glasses on the bar. There was a 65-inch TV in the living room.
Underneath the TV stand were Xbox, PS3, and Wii consoles, and next to the TV stand was a collection of games Mei Fang had bought. Although he hadn’t played most of them, he wanted to display them just for the joy of being a gamer.
The sofa in Mei Fang’s home was so soft it could double as a bed. It was an upgraded flagship model from the office, big enough for three people to roll around on it, complete with a vibration massage function. The sofa was adorned with many C-station designed plush toys and life-size pillows featuring their anime character designs.
Between the living room sofa and the balcony were three high-end desktop computers with an average price of over 20,000 yuan each, arranged in an equilateral triangle formation. This made it convenient for the three of them to work or play together at home. The sideboard along the wall held a collection of figurines from their sea-viewing room, as they didn’t have any favorite anime series but collected figures based on craftsmanship.
Living in such a warm and cozy three-bedroom apartment filled with life and charm, Mei Fang’s daily life was fulfilling and satisfying. However, with the start of school, this lifestyle would have to come to a temporary end. Freshmen arriving in Pengcheng included Mei Fang’s good friend Zhang Ming.
Mei Fang went out of his way to pick up Zhang Ming and treated him to a meal, then drove him to a nearby hotel near the university.
To be honest, the Mei Fang from the past was much closer to Zhang Ming than the current one, but there was no real barrier when they met. Zhang Ming sat in Mei Fang’s spacious Benz S550, chatting idly about hometown topics while gazing at the scenery of Pengcheng. Along the way, posters promoting the “Fang Plan” featuring the three little ones were everywhere, evoking a sense of nostalgia:
“Who would have thought that the man who urged me to become the leader is now such a prominent figure…”
Zhang Ming leaned against the passenger seat, watching Mei Fang drive intently, “Speaking of which, now that you’re rich, don’t neglect your childhood friends, okay?”
“Come on, this passenger seat hasn’t carried anyone except us three. You’re the first outsider.”
“Damn, is this seat that rare? Then if I had sat in the back, you wouldn’t have let me.”
“There are other reasons…”
Mei Fang laughed and didn’t continue, “By the way, how have you been recently? Any potential love interests?”
“I haven’t achieved as much as you. For now, I’m focused on making money.”
“But you refuse to join the coconut juice project, even though it’s very profitable.”
“While making money, I still have gaming dreams.”
Zhang Ming thought for a moment, “What game will you make after ‘Cloud Journey’? I’ve refined some of the cases you gave me. Do you want to take a look?”
“All manpower is currently invested in the coconut juice project because the company needs to expand and make more money. We’ll wait for independent game projects.”
“You bosses always talk about staying true to your初心 and pursuing your dreams, but when it comes to implementation, you start slacking off.”
Mei Fang smiled, “Being a boss isn’t as simple as you think.”
“If you’re really determined to pursue it yourself, try incubating a game. I can provide a plan and a small budget, but you need to build your own team—whether it’s university friends or social hires. Your costs are limited. Even though I’m the boss, we’ll handle things professionally and not give you special treatment.”
“I agree. The company needs to make money and can’t just support us.”
Zhang Ming nodded, “And… I also want to try. Unlike you, I’m not busy all the time and have plenty of time to research your projects.”
“Sure, sounds good.”
Mei Fang nodded and continued, “Since we seldom meet, let’s not just talk about work. How’s your love life? Have you moved on?”
“Luxue went north to study. I doubt we’ll ever see each other again. But she never cared about me anyway, so it doesn’t matter…”
“Your words don’t sound like someone who’s moved on…”
“You’re not bad, there must be girls who like you… If you want to forget Luxue, you just need time and a new love.”
“What’s the point of saying this to me! Why not talk about yourself… You’re with Lin You Xi now, and Xia Yuan lives with you too. Doesn’t it feel awkward?”
“They get along well…”
“I know you three grew up together, but ultimately, you’re just friends. Wouldn’t this arrangement feel awkward? Don’t forget about their feelings just because you’ve achieved success. I think some things need to be clarified…”
Seeing the familiar Zhang Ming, who used to be carefree and only cared about playing, now giving him professional emotional advice, Mei Fang couldn’t help but chuckle.
“What are you laughing at? I’m trying to help you!”
“No, no… Thank you for caring about my situation, but there’s no problem.”
“No problem? What does that mean…”
“Because Yuanyuan and Youxi are both my girlfriends. Breaking up and getting back together is just a show for others.”
“Show… a show?”
Mei Fang briefly explained his plan with Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi to Zhang Ming, shocking him deeply. Initially, Zhang Ming looked incredulous, “I get it, Mei Boss, you can fool your brothers, but not yourself…”
“Come on, why would I lie? Just look at how we still live together.”
Zhang Ming found it unbelievable, “I still don’t believe it. I know you two have a great relationship, but both your childhood sweethearts are excellent girls. They’re probably proud, how could they share you…”
“It’s because my love is sincere. Sincerity is the ultimate weapon.”
“You… good job.”
Zhang Ming laughed, “For the three of you, this outcome is indeed the best. No one gets hurt, and no one fights over you. But don’t spread this around, it might affect your reputation.”
“Thanks for your concern. I only tell close friends, and you’re second to last to know.”
“What! I’m second to last!”
“Are you complaining or happy?”
“Only us two men are mentioned. I’m just curious about the last one. Who else haven’t you told?”
“I think I haven’t told Xiaoyizi, but I don’t remember clearly. Maybe Pengxue told her.”
“That’s impossible. Pengxue hasn’t seen her since she started retaking exams. Whenever Yue Xinyi invites her out, she says she’s busy studying.”
Zhang Ming shook his head, “It seems Pengxue has been greatly affected by dropping out.”
“Yeah…”
“Do you know anything?”
“I’ve only met her once. How would I know…”
“Well, hope she gets into a good college.”
Zhang Ming scratched his head, “I didn’t expect to be more important to you than Xiaoyizi. I’m satisfied.”
“It’s because of Youxi. She feels a bit distant, not valuing those friendships.”
“Class monitor isn’t distant, she’s just overly concerned about you,” Zhang Ming said, “She’s always had her eyes on you since junior high, you just didn’t notice.”
Didn’t notice…
I definitely noticed, ha ha.
Mei Fang dropped Zhang Ming off at the hotel and then drove back home.
Tomorrow was the official start of school. Other students were accompanied by their parents, but the three little ones were already independent and didn’t need parental supervision.
Independent children, deciding their own future paths…
Mei Fang drove into the neighborhood and parked in his designated spot. He stood at the door, unlocked it with a fingerprint, and entered, but there was no longer the usual sweet embrace from Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi.
He changed his shoes and saw Lin You Xi holding a bottle of wine, resting on the dining table. Her movement woke her up, and she looked up at Mei Fang.
“Oops, did I wake you?”
“It’s fine… I wasn’t sleeping much anyway.” Lin You Xi rubbed her eyes, looked at Mei Fang, and saw the gift he brought back, “Where’s Yuan Yuan? Where did she go…”
“She’s out with Liu Xiaoyu, and she hasn’t returned yet.”
Lin You Xi paused, then continued, “Can we drink a little? I have something to say to you…”
Mei Fang paused, then softly replied, “Okay…”
They turned off the lights in the living room and moved a small table and candle holder to the balcony, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Lin You Xi poured wine for Mei Fang, filling their glasses halfway and gently clinking them together.
“Why are you so in the mood today…”
Mei Fang sipped his wine, pretending not to understand, and Lin You Xi smiled faintly, looking at the moonlight.
“Just wanted to drink with you. Plus, tonight’s moon is beautiful.”
“Huh? Oh…”
Mei Fang glanced at the sky, but under the bright city lights, he couldn’t see the moon.
Thinking about it, he decided to tease her, “I can’t see the moon.”
“The moon I’m talking about is in your heart.”
In the dim candlelight, the scent of incense created a captivating and mysterious atmosphere. Lin You Xi’s face was highlighted by the flickering flames.
She held her glass, gazing at Mei Fang with deep emotion, her cheeks flushed.
“Why are you doing this… We’ve known each other for so long… Suddenly acting like this.”
“Because I want to tease you one last time before we part ways, to leave us with the best memories.”
Mei Fang looked surprised, “What do you mean… Are you breaking up with me?”
“Yes.”
“Did I upset you?”
“You’ve been very kind to me.”
“Is it because I’m too close to Yuan Yuan that it makes you uncomfortable?”
“Not Yuan Yuan’s fault. I don’t mind that.”
“Then…”
“In the end, it’s because I like you too much, and you love me too much.”
Lin You Xi smiled and shook her head, “Right now, our business is rapidly expanding. We can’t let personal feelings distract us from our future plans.”
“What do you mean by personal feelings… Aren’t all my efforts for you and Yuan Yuan? I hope you both have a better future, but…”
“First Yuan Yuan broke up with me, and now you? Treating me like a toy you’ve grown tired of?”
Despite trying to control himself, Mei Fang’s anger and sadness were evident. His voice trembled as he questioned Lin You Xi loudly.
“If you don’t love me anymore, why not just say it clearly? Don’t talk about work and business. Such absurd claims, I can’t accept them!”
Lin You Xi, who hadn’t expected such intense emotions from Mei Fang, stared at the sad boy in front of her, her eyes beginning to shimmer with tears.
She placed her hand over her heart and leaned towards Mei Fang, saying,
“How could I not love you… Since childhood, I’ve only had eyes for you. Nothing and no one can separate us, not even if you propose it.”
“You don’t want to break up with me, but you want to end our emotional attachment. Isn’t that contradictory?”
“Some things don’t require being together to be clear… Sometimes, taking a break and keeping a distance is to better understand each other in the future.”
Lin You Xi drained her glass of wine and then turned away from the candle, supporting herself on the table and holding Mei Fang’s face,
“And I know… You don’t just have me in your heart. She’s important to you too. The longer we’re together, the deeper your guilt towards her becomes.”
“Even I don’t want her to be your eternal scarlet mark in your heart. Instead of that, I’d rather let go, allowing you to think and make a genuine choice, wouldn’t that be better?”
Mei Fang didn’t directly respond to Lin You Xi’s words, instead continuing to drink his wine.
Seeing this, Lin You Xi snatched Mei Fang’s wine glass, sipped the wine, and then sat in his lap, leaning sideways and hugging his neck, kissing him passionately.
Under this stimulation, Mei Fang tightly embraced Lin You Xi, savoring their final moments as lovers.
Lin You Xi sat in Mei Fang’s lap, kissing him non-stop until the candle went out.
When Xia Yuan came back and turned on the light, seeing the two of them in a loving embrace, she was startled. Mei Fang and Lin You Xi then took a moment to rest.
“What the heck are you doing!”
“We’re breaking up.”
Lin You Xi wiped her lips with a tissue and sighed sadly, “My love with Afang is temporarily put on hold. We’re both single again.”
“Still publicly pretending… Who are you performing for?”
“Do we really have to break up?”
Mei Fang seemed very reluctant, “Even though I know it’s all pretend, I’m still sad. Do you know how much I don’t want to lose you?”
“Don’t be sad. It’s inevitable… You can’t let go of Yuan Yuan and work either. Be good, Fangbao needs to learn to grow up and mature.”
“But, up until now, we’ve grown up together… How can I be left alone…”
“Why are you still acting?”
Xia Yuan rubbed her forehead, looking helpless, “Get ready for a shower soon. By the way, Afang, where did you put the gift for me?”
“Wait a moment… I need to gather my emotions.”
Mei Fang covered his face, looking very sad, then hugged Lin You Xi tightly, “Don’t leave me… Understand?”
“Alright… We’re just not going to date in public anymore. Everything else stays the same, right?”
Lin You Xi gently patted her head, soothing her big boy, while Xia Yuan looked very jealous, fidgeting with her hair and blushing, “It’s just that the acting was too immersive… Once Afang is in bed later, Yuan and I will take good care of you—”
Before Xia Yuan finished, Lin You Xi interrupted her,
“Wait, you might not need to go to the main bedroom tonight. I want to be alone with Afang.”
“Aaah! Why!”
“We still have one last breakup scene to act out. It’s something couples do before breaking up. You participating would ruin the immersion.”
Mei Fang nodded while enjoying the moment, “Indeed… Yuan, maybe you should rest early tonight? Tomorrow is school…”
“I don’t care! And when Afang and I broke up, there weren’t any fancy moves like you guys! Think I’m stupid? Fine, if you don’t let me—then I’ll just force myself!”
Without prior preparation, Xia Yuan relied on her thick skin to win. It was indeed a form of talent.
Regarding the IF chapters unlockable with monthly votes, some readers are upset. Here’s the explanation: This is part of a double-vote event. Thinking it was a good opportunity, I participated without much thought, and planned to release them for free afterward. Following the principle of ‘early vote, early access; no vote, free delivery,’ here’s the follow-up plan:
1. I mistakenly thought everyone who voted that month could unlock it. It was presumptuous, but this chapter wasn’t intended for specific charges; requesting votes was just a casual request;
2. After the double-vote event ends, the V group will release IF4 for free. IF5 won’t be released earlier;
3. Those eager to read can screenshot their April vote record and send it to me. I’ll privately send you the content;
4. Future monthly vote-unlock chapters will only feature completely independent short stories, reducing the importance of these chapters themselves.
Thank you for your support. See you in May.
(End of Chapter)