As the Yuanxi fireworks illuminated Pengcheng’s night sky, Uncle Chen Rui was drowning in PR chaos.

Though forewarned by Mei Fang, the viral videos and forum posts overwhelmed C Station’s servers once more, with Weibo dominated by 【Yuanxi Mystery Fireworks】.

Yuanxi Group’s official statement claimed it commemorated their fifth anniversary—technically accurate, though the first four had passed unnoticed. The internet buzzed with theories, but the hottest (and closest to truth) speculated it celebrated the Mei-You-Yuan trio’s wedding.

While publicly affectionate, the trio avoided overt romantic displays. Yet subtle details fueled endless analysis—often dismissed as “childhood friends being comfortable,” though many read between the lines.

Their transition from public figures to corporate leaders after junior year had dimmed their spotlight, until this fireworks spectacle briefly reignited interest before fading again.

---

Bali’s azure waters and golden sunshine welcomed the wedding entourage arriving via private jet. Settling into their resort, preparations commenced for the unconventional ceremony.

Then—the day arrived.

Clear skies, gentle breeze.

Perfect wedding weather.

“Phew…”

Even the usually slovenly Zhang Ming had polished up, adjusting his bowtie before the floor-length mirror as elegant music played. The reflection gave him surreal déjà vu.

“Done preening? Been looking everywhere for you.”

Mei Fang beckoned. “You’re my sole groomsman—got lines to deliver. No stage fright now.”

“Like I’d chicken out…”

“No flashbacks to that class leader election where you froze?” Mei Fang nudged him. “Took ages to pry you from the chair—”

“Ancient history! You still remember…”

Zhang Ming studied Mei Fang with rare sincerity. “You look damn handsome today.”

“Thanks.” Mei Fang grinned. “Since when so sweet-talking? Even as your boss, I’ve never milked that.”

“I’m just bad with words—but this is truth.”

Zhang Ming’s tone turned solemn. “Took me this long to realize.”

“Talk about delayed awareness… haha.”

Mei Fang clapped his shoulder. “When’s your and Xiaomo’s wedding? Need to save the date.”

“Way off… way off.”

Zhang Ming chuckled. “Focus on your own big day, Mr. Mei!”

“Will do.”

“Does today feel dreamlike? Childhood sweethearts to altar—double the fairytale.”

“Absolutely…”

Mei Fang smiled softly. “So dreamlike I must’ve saved countless worlds in a past life.”

“However won, cherish this happiness.”

“Same to you.”

Their shared grin preceded ushering to the ceremony site.

Guests numbered under twenty, yet the venue buzzed with energy. Most striking were the brides—Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi radiant amidst bridesmaids, veils cascading over resplendent gowns.

“Does this waistband squeeze Little Yuan Bao?”

Peng Xue patted Xia Yuan’s belly. “Relax—professionally vetted. No bump yet.”

“Really? I swear it’s—”

“That’s last night’s dessert binge with Bingbing!”

“But their pastries were divine! I barely had any compared to her—”

The towering Xiang Bingbing stood out among bridesmaids. “Hey! I’m at half my usual appetite to fit this dress!”

Guo Yun giggled. “It’s a celebration—enjoy! This T-stage reminds me of some anime… inspiration?”

“Does seem familiar…” Xia Yuan mused. “Ah, whatever—joy matters.”

“Look who’s here!”

Liu Xiaoyu’s whisper drew all eyes to Mei Fang’s entrance. The bridal party’s collective gasp made him flush, especially when Zhang Ming strategically retreated to spotlight him.

His gaze locked with Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi’s—though they’d done countless dress rehearsals, each viewing stole his breath anew.

Gods, my wives are breathtaking!

Suppressing exhilaration, he approached—only to be thunderously back-slapped into pivoting.

The white-haired, stylishly dressed elder beaming at him could only be Xia Yuan’s grandmother.

“Grandma! You made it!”

Annual visits had endeared him to her. “My precious granddaughter’s wedding—how could I miss it?”

Her booming laugh accompanied more shoulder punches. “Knew you’d end up with our Yuan Yuan when you brought her to me that summer!”

“Your foresight deserves… praise?” Mei Fang quipped.

“But heed this—” Her jolly expression sobered. “This old crone hasn’t long left. Hurt Yuan Yuan or Youxi, and I’ll haunt you forever!”

“Mom! Inauspicious talk today—”

“Double happiness calls for double blessings!”

Dragged away by Teacher Yu and Xia Xun, she left Mei Fang to the ceremony’s commencement.

---

The secular ceremony unfolded on a glass T-stage over water. Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan waited at either arm, escorted by their fathers.

“Please welcome the groom, Mr. Mei Fang.”

Applause accompanied Mei Fang’s solitary walk down the aisle—composed, confident, radiating serene joy.

His rebirth-granted assurance had long since blended into hard-won maturity. The six-year-old’s fresh start had reshaped destiny beyond recognition.

“Now, the brides.”

At the T-junction’s ends, Lin Guochuan guided Lin Youxi while Xia Xun accompanied Xia Yuan.

“Today… do I outshine Mom on her wedding day?” Lin Youxi whispered.

“Equally stunning.”

Lin Guochuan’s eyes misted. “Though she’d insist you’re lovelier.”

“She’s watching.”

Lin Youxi smiled toward the mothers’ row, where Liang Meijuan dabbed tears incessantly.

“All three of mine.”

Meanwhile, Xia Xun’s composure crumbled halfway.

“Dad! Don’t cry! Where’s your CEO poise?”

“I’m… not. Just moved… hnk…”

“Liar! Save the tears for afterward!”

Coughing, the red-eyed Xia Xun barely maintained dignity.

At the altar, Mei Fang received his brides from their fathers. The reluctant handovers complete, Xia Xun’s attempt to glance back was thwarted by Lin Guochuan—the typically meek man now steadying his weeping counterpart like an elder brother.

Renewed applause erupted, loudest from the exuberant Mei Lijun and Mei Ya—until Xiang Xiaoxia bonked their heads.

The seasoned officiant remained unfazed by the unconventional 1v2 format.

“Today we witness a singular union. These three souls have journeyed from childhood playmates to scholars, then lovers weathering life’s storms together.”

“Their bond, forged through joy and tribulation, stands unbreakable. In this spirit, we bless their everlasting happiness! Now, your vows—”

Mei Fang began softly:

“Before these witnesses, I, Mei Fang, take you, Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi, as my wives. Through all life’s seasons—prosperity or want, health or illness, joy or sorrow—I vow to love, cherish, and remain faithful unto eternity.”

The brides echoed:

“Thank you, Mei Fang, for becoming our life’s anchor, sharing dreams, adventures, and all tomorrows. We vow likewise—through every season, to love, cherish, and remain faithful forever.”

Rings exchanged, ceremonial bells pealed as doves soared. Three aquatic arches erupted offshore, dolphins leaping through them—symbolizing the trio’s synchronized ascent into matrimony.

---

[(In those days of) frolicking with plum branches and riding bamboo sticks in carefree play, (we) first became acquainted at each other’s doorways.
(She) was never coy—only delightfully naive and tenderly silly.]

The reborn Mei Fang could never have imagined that the girl he’d teased to tears and the one who’d shoved him down would become his constants—every day, every night since.

Schoolmates, homework partners, playdate companions, amusement park thrill-seekers, gaming allies, sleepover buddies, horror movie cuddle piles, rollerblading partners, foot-soaking pals, runaway comrades, grave visitors, rain-soaked kindred spirits, exam warriors, birthday celebrants…

Most lives comprise solitary chapters or temporary companions. Their triad defied all norms—an unbreakable thread weaving through time.

Immaturity often breeds irreversible rifts. Some call these scars youth’s tattoos, but time magnifies their regret.

Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi had nearly severed ties, only for Mei Fang’s reborn wisdom to mend—and strengthen—their bond beyond what his original self could’ve achieved.

The young are often too arrogant to grasp fleeting happiness—only rebirth reveals missed opportunities.

Must one reincarnate to recognize childhood sweetheart’s worth?

Fortunate to reincarnate; tragic that it’s required.

---

At dusk, the trio lounged on the beach, sunset painting them crimson. Xia Yuan nestled against Mei Fang’s shoulder, sighing:

“Exhausted! Never getting married again.”

“Again?!” Mei Fang bristled.

“Well… so many dream venues left!”

“Then let’s honeymoon-wed worldwide.”

Lin Youxi’s suggestion met Mei Fang’s pensive silence.

“Ah Fang? What’s wrong?”

“Just thinking… what to name Youxi’s baby.”

Xia Yuan rested a hand on Lin Youxi’s abdomen, sensing Little Yuan Bao’s future sibling.

“No ideas for the formal name… but nickname Little Xi Bao!”

“Absolutely not.”

Lin Youxi grimaced. “‘Xi Bao’ sounds like ‘씨발’ [Korean profanity]. ‘Little Xi Bao’? More like ‘little bastard.’”

“Nonsense! It’s adorable—”

Xia Yuan’s whining dissolved into contented silence as they watched the horizon.

While reveling in rebirth’s gifts, Mei Fang’s thoughts drifted to the original timeline—where he’d died young, Xia Yuan perished, and Lin Youxi survived alone.

Does that world still exist?

Where is she there? Is she happy…?

Wherever, I hope so.