Since being reborn into this era, Mei Fang had generally sailed through life with smooth success. As a reincarnator, his carefully laid plans had earned him vast wealth, the girls he loved happened to love him back—it was almost as if he could have whatever he desired.

But if there was one instance of true suffering in his life, it would trace all the way back to over a decade ago, when his younger self had wet the bed at school and endured a joint scolding from both parents. Since then, Mei Fang had basically never been punished.

So when Xiang Xiaoxia suddenly demanded he kneel before her, Mei Fang was more than a little stunned.

“Mom, maybe there’s some misunderstanding… I—”

“Are you kneeling or not?”

Though Xiang Xiaoxia didn’t outright yell, the authority in her voice was undeniable. Even Mei Lijun, who had finally managed to sit down and enjoy the show, felt his legs tremble slightly.

“Wife, at least explain clearly,” he interjected cautiously. “What exactly did our son do wrong?”

“Let your precious son confess himself. I can’t bring myself to say something so shameful.”

Seeing his mother’s unyielding stance, Mei Fang realized there was no point in resisting further.

“I’m not entirely sure what I did to upset you, Mom… but if this helps you calm down, then I’ll—”

With that, Mei Fang knelt on the washboard. But when Xiang Xiaoxia’s icy glare didn’t waver, he switched to the wire brush instead.

Even through his thick pants, the bristles dug uncomfortably into his knees.

As he bought himself time, Mei Fang racked his brain for what could have possibly angered his mother.

Everything was fine between us earlier… The only thing that might’ve affected her mood today was my kiss with Yuan Yuan. Does Mom… not like Yuan Yuan? Has she always preferred Youxi?

But there’s never been any sign of that! And even if so, would she really make me kneel over it?

Suppressing his frustration, Mei Fang focused on dissecting his mother’s earlier words.

“Something so shameful”—what exactly is she referring to?

In this sudden, high-stakes confrontation, if he failed to give a satisfactory answer now, it could jeopardize his parents’ acceptance of his relationships in the future. That would leave an irreparable flaw in his otherwise perfect rebirth—an outcome he refused to accept.

For the sake of his future happiness, Mei Fang steadied his breathing and strategized his response.

No matter what, the throuple plan must remain secret until the very end…

Remembering Lin Youxi’s warning, he gradually formulated a solution.

“So, have you figured out how to admit your mistakes?” Xiang Xiaoxia pressed.

Mei Fang nodded, lifting his head to meet her gaze with earnest determination.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I shouldn’t have hidden my relationship with Yuan Yuan from you. But I have to correct one thing—I don’t think this is shameful at all. Yuan Yuan and I genuinely love each other.”

“…”

“Huh?”

Mei Lijun, who had been quietly spectating, nearly choked at his son’s “confession.”

“Yuan Yuan?! Shouldn’t it be Youxi who—”

Realizing he’d spoken out of turn, Mei Lijun hastily clamped his mouth shut and resumed his role as an audience member.

Ah.

Thanks to his father’s accidental slip, Mei Fang finally understood what his mother meant by “something shameful.”

She thinks I’m two-timing them!

This just got a whole lot easier.

Xiang Xiaoxia faltered briefly, but her fury remained undiminished.

“You expect me to believe it’s just Yuan Yuan?! If it were only her, would I be this furious? You know exactly what you’ve done—must I spell it out for you to confess?”

“…”

Mei Fang shook his head. “I don’t know what misunderstanding you’re under, Mom… but Yuan Yuan and I only got together this past semester. Youxi and I are still just childhood friends—nothing more.”

“Just friends? If you’re really just friends, would you and Youxi be sneaking under the same blanket?”

Mei Fang’s heart skipped a beat—he couldn’t tell whether his mother was referring to something that happened at home or if Aunt Meijuan had reported their school days’ incidents.

If this was confirmed by Aunt Meijuan, he’d never be able to clear his name.

But he had no choice now. If the blanket incident was verified, he’d be branded a two-timing scumbag. His only option was to double down:

“I’ve never shared a blanket with Youxi.”

“How dare you lie to my face? Just wait… you unfilial brat! How could you wrong such good girls and still refuse to admit it?”

Xiang Xiaoxia, trembling with rage, grabbed a thermos before switching to a clothes hanger. Mei Lijun hastily intervened.

“He’s still young and foolish… Come on, it’s the New Year, don’t—”

“You’ve ruined both Yuan Yuan and Youxi—two such wonderful girls! How could you betray their trust, betray all those years growing up together? If you’d just been faithful to one, would I be this angry? You—”

Just as Xiang Xiaoxia’s tirade reached its peak, the bedroom door creaked open.

Lin Youxi stood in the doorway.

The moment she appeared, Xiang Xiaoxia’s fury dimmed. She lowered the hanger, smoothing her hair as she stammered, “Youxi, I—”

But Lin Youxi, clutching her sleeves with trembling hands, spoke first.

“I… I overheard everything. But please, Auntie… don’t blame Ah Fang. He’s done nothing wrong.”

“Youxi, you silly child… Why protect him? Don’t you know how he’s wronged you? He—”

“Auntie, it’s not Ah Fang who wronged me.”

The usually composed Lin Youxi fidgeted nervously, her gaze fixed on the floor. When she finally looked up, her eyes swam with tears.

“It was me… who wronged Ah Fang.”

“?”

As stunned silence filled the room, Lin Youxi continued:

“Last New Year… I did crawl into Ah Fang’s bed. After handling my uncle’s affairs, I couldn’t sleep—I was too scared. So I went to the living room where Ah Fang was already asleep… He never knew I was there.”

“As for Ah Fang and Yuan Yuan dating…” “I’ve always known. I admit… I also have feelings for Ah Fang. But they’re both family to me. If they’re happy together, I’ll be happy for them.”

A fragile smile curved her lips even as tears streaked down her cheeks—a sight that would wrench anyone’s heart, least of all Xiang Xiaoxia, who’d raised her like a second daughter.

Now believing she’d uncovered the “truth,” Xiang Xiaoxia rushed to embrace Lin Youxi, stroking her hair remorsefully.

“Youxi… This isn’t your fault… It’s mine. I shouldn’t have lost my temper without understanding. I made you cry… I’m so sorry…”

Watching this scene, Mei Lijun could only gape like an audience member. As for Mei Fang, he finally grasped Lin Youxi’s masterstroke—

By taking the blame, she’d preserved his reputation while declaring her own feelings, securing her position for future maneuvers. A brilliant two-for-one play.

Yet Mei Fang felt no admiration.

Seeing Lin Youxi’s tears—whether real or feigned—felt like knives twisting in his chest.

Because of me, my Youxi is crying. No matter the reason, I’ve failed her.

He moved to stand, wanting to comfort her, but Xiang Xiaoxia spotted him immediately.

“Who said you could get up? Even if I misunderstood, does that absolve you? Keep kneeling!”

Arm in arm with Lin Youxi, Xiang Xiaoxia swept out. Only after they’d left did Mei Lijun—forgotten in the chaos—help his son up.

“Hurts, doesn’t it? Count yourself lucky—your mom’s mellowed with age.”

“Is that so… Dad, you’ve had it rough.”

“We all do. Being a man is never easy…” Mei Lijun sighed nostalgically. “When I was your age, I faced similar troubles. Back then—”

“Save it, Dad.” Mei Fang cut him off. “You can fool your son, but don’t fool yourself.”

Mei Lijun’s face instantly morphed into his bureau-director sternness. “I think an ungrateful little comrade like you needs more knee time to reflect.”

---

(Author’s Note:)
Seeing the forum comments today baffled me—why is no one sympathizing with Mei the Dog? Shouldn’t the protagonist suffering make readers miserable? Why are you all celebrating with champagne? Can you really not empathize with him at all? Is my writing really that bad?!