Jiangcheng in midsummer lived up to its reputation as one of China’s “Four Furnaces.” The scorching heat baked the air until it shimmered visibly, accompanied by the relentless chorus of cicadas.

Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi sat on a bench in their neighborhood, fanning their shirts under the shade as they watched a group of children playing hopscotch, their backs drenched in sweat.

“Tomorrow’s your 18th birthday, Yuan Yuan.”

“Y-yeah…”

Youxi tilted her head. “No wishes left?”

Xia Yuan fidgeted slightly. “We already did everything I wanted earlier this year. The only thing left is waiting for our Ah Fang to grow up a bit more.”

“But Ah Fang’s been working hard on your coming-of-age gift. You can tell, right?”

“Mmm…”

Just as Xia Yuan nodded, Mei Fang arrived, holding out ice cream bars.

“Here, as requested.”

“Wow, they still sell Chocliz here? Nice! Youxi, which one did you get?”

“Green Mood.” Youxi peeled the wrapper with her teeth.

“That mung bean one’s good too!”

The girls handed their wrappers to Mei Fang before digging in. He tossed the trash away, then pulled out a twin popsicle—snapping it neatly in half before sitting beside Youxi.

“Why not just eat these indoors with AC?”

“Gotta savor summer properly,” Xia Yuan said between licks. “Staying cooped up isn’t healthy.”

Youxi, however, kept eyeing Mei Fang’s half of the popsicle.

“What flavor is that?”

“Lemon sea salt. New release.” Noticing her interest, Mei Fang offered his half. “Want some?”

“Feed me.”

As Youxi parted her lips, a nearby boy suddenly burst into exaggerated laughter.

“Pffft— HAHAHA! Big sister needs feeding? So embarrassing!”

Ignoring him, Youxi delicately nibbled the popsicle Mei Fang held out. The boy gagged theatrically. “Eww! They actually did it!”

Xia Yuan chuckled. “Oh kiddo… Laugh now, but you’ll cry later.”

“Cry? Never! I’m a real man! Only girls and sissies cry!” Sticking out his tongue, the boy zoomed away on his rollerblades.

Xia Yuan watched him go, then suddenly yelped: “Youxi! Your popsicle’s melting—it’s dripping!”

In one fluid motion, Youxi—still sucking Mei Fang’s popsicle—shoved her own treat into his mouth.

Mmph!

Mei Fang barely caught the sliding ice in time, frantically prpr-ing to prevent a sticky disaster.

Seeing the two share treats so intimately, Xia Yuan pouted over her now-lonely Chocliz. “Hey! Why am I left out? I want a turn too!”

Youxi smirked. “Which one? The twin pop or Green Mood?”

“I… I want both!”

---

After finishing their treats and washing up, the trio strolled home. Xia Yuan suddenly mused:

“What does growing up mean for us, really?”

Youxi opened her mouth—

“NO LEWD ANSWERS!” Xia Yuan interjected.

“You wound me.” Youxi feigned hurt. “I was going to say it means more freedom… but also more responsibility. Every choice has consequences.”

“Like… us being together?” Xia Yuan inhaled deeply. “Even after eight months as a trio, only two people genuinely support us…”

“Total acceptance was never realistic.” Youxi’s usual confidence wavered. “Especially with parents… It’s scary.”

She turned to Mei Fang. “What about you? What does growing up mean to you?”

“Me…?”

The elevator ascended with the trio inside, Mei Fang lost in thought about his journey.

At the cusp of 18, he’d already surpassed all achievements from his previous life—cut short at 26. Success in career and love had come smoothly, though not without effort. Yet from here on out, he’d be venturing into uncharted territory.

While his game development skills had been proven through Journey of Clouds, that was built upon existing knowledge. Matters beyond work—life, family, marriage—left him uncertain.

But one compass remained steady.

“Growing up isn’t particularly meaningful to me,” Mei Fang mused. “Responsibility and independence aren’t exclusive to adulthood. Some children bear those burdens early, labeled ‘little adults.’”

“True… Ah Fang’s always been a ‘little adult,’” Xia Yuan agreed. “I’ve relied on him since elementary school. Right, Youxi?”

“I concur—except he’s not so little anymore.”

“Youxi! That’s lewd again!”

“Don’t be so sensitive~”

Mei Fang chuckled. “The point is, our goal hasn’t changed since forever. My purpose is your happiness—no effort is too great.”

“…Why so serious suddenly?” Youxi pinched his cheek.

Xia Yuan, moved by his words, nearly leaned in for affection until Youxi’s action made her fake a cough. “Regardless, I believe Ah Fang means it.”

“Never said he didn’t.”

Entering their apartment, Yuan rushed to the AC while Mei Fang settled on the couch—only for Youxi to straddle his lap.

“Our greatest happiness is being with you,” she murmured, rare softness in her eyes. “Others’ approval matters little. Don’t say you’ll strive for our happiness. It’s our collective happiness.”

“Exactly! We’re one entity!” Yuan nestled against his shoulder. “You two are already capable adults. I’m still catching up, but I’ll mature properly—”

“You’re plenty adult-like,” Youxi teased. “Physically or personality-wise?”

“P-personality! I know I seem naive, always needing your advice… But I’m stronger than people think!”

Mei Fang tucked a stray lock behind Yuan’s ear, planting a kiss on her forehead.

“W-what was that for? Mocking me?!”

“Never.” His fingers traced her jawline. “The world sees a sheltered princess unaware of darkness. But we know the truth—you’re a warrior who faced cruelty and fought back, a fighter who rises tearfully after every fall. And your radiant kindness…”

As Mei Fang whispered sweet nothings, Youxi listened quietly before claiming her own kiss. Soon all three were entangled in a cozy cuddle pile.

---

Mei Fang’s gift for Yuan’s 18th was Yuanxia Music—a company under her directorship, following Ximilu Games and Linxi Tech.

More studio than label, it would focus on building Yuan’s band (including Liu Xiaoyu and tentative member Peng Xue) and a dedicated composition team for C-site animations/games. Currently, its main function was tracking Yuan’s album sales: Together With Youxi had moved 600K copies by mid-June, netting ¥20M profit.

Yuan’s excitement at the birthday reveal wasn’t about fame—it was proudly declaring she could now “support” Mei Fang financially. To her, this was true adulthood.

---

The high schoolers’ summer passed in study-mode, the trio quietly preparing for their first major separation come fall—the prelude to university life.