Rebirth Begins with Rejecting my Childhood Friend - Chapter 531

Xu Xiuwen’s heart skipped a beat.

But on the surface, he pretended to be calm. “Lulu, don’t overthink things. How could I ever do anything to betray you? Hehe…”

“It’s best if you didn’t.” Cheng Lu nodded. “Don’t worry, as long as you stay faithful to me, I will always be yours.”

“I believe you…”

Xu Xiuwen had no doubt about that. Cheng Lu’s personality made it clear that she was a devoted girl.

After that, Xu Xiuwen got dressed.

Cheng Lu took a shower.

Since there was no rush, Xu Xiuwen waited for her to finish before driving her back to school. Then, he drove back to Langya.

At around 8 p.m., Xu Xiuwen arrived downstairs at Xiao Youran’s apartment.

Sitting in his car, he sent her a text message.

Upon receiving it, Xiao Youran opened her window and looked down.

She saw the car with its lights on and Xu Xiuwen sitting inside.

Her eyes gleamed with unconcealed joy.

She didn’t even bother putting on slippers—she dashed to the hallway, slipped on her shoes, and ran downstairs.

“Xiao Xu, you’re back!”

Xiao Youran beamed as she stood outside the driver’s side window.

“Don’t just stand there, get in the car.”

Hearing that, Xiao Youran immediately moved toward the passenger seat.

But just as she was about to get in, something unexpected happened.

The smile that had just been on her face disappeared the moment she sat down.

“Xiao Xu, did someone else sit in your passenger seat today?”

Xu Xiuwen wasn’t sure how she knew.

Feeling that lying might get him caught, he admitted, “Yeah, Shishi sat here earlier today.”

Xiao Youran snorted. “Don’t lie to me. This smell—it’s clearly Cheng Lu’s scent.”

Scent?

Xu Xiuwen sniffed the air.

A faint fragrance lingered—most likely the scent of Cheng Lu’s hair.

Xu Xiuwen suddenly felt awkward.

He hadn’t expected Xiao Youran’s nose to be so sharp, catching it the moment she got in and immediately identifying Cheng Lu.

Feeling embarrassed, Xu Xiuwen said, “I didn’t mean to lie. I just didn’t want to upset you.”

Xiao Youran muttered in frustration, “And you think lying to me would make me happy?”

“Uh… Can you not be mad at me?”

Xiao Youran didn’t want to stay mad either.

After all, they didn’t get to see each other often.

She was just about to nod and let it go when another scent caught her attention.

She took a deep breath, trying to confirm its source.

It didn’t take long for her to realize it was coming from Xu Xiuwen’s clothes.

All of a sudden, she leaned in, grabbed his shirt, and took a sniff.

Her expression instantly collapsed.

Looking both hurt and upset, she asked, “You… You slept with Cheng Lu today, didn’t you?”

Xu Xiuwen grabbed his shirt and sniffed it himself.

He didn’t smell anything.

How did Xiao Youran figure it out with just one sniff? Was her nose really that sharp?

But now wasn’t the time to be confused—he needed to calm her down first.

Xu Xiuwen took Xiao Youran’s small hands in his and held them in his palms. Looking into her eyes, he said, “Youran, listen to me.”

Xiao Youran held back her sadness and said in a low voice, “Go ahead, explain.”

“Cheng Lu came back from Hangzhou today. I went to pick her up at the train station, which is why her scent is on me.”

“You didn’t answer me directly. Did you sleep with her today or not?”

Being pressed like this, Xu Xiuwen had no choice but to nod.

Seeing his response, Xiao Youran felt a mix of bitterness and jealousy welling up inside her.

She wanted to tell Xu Xiuwen that it was okay, that she didn’t mind.

But she just couldn’t.

Because she did mind.

However, she also remembered that before she got together with Xu Xiuwen, she had agreed to share him with Cheng Lu.

Even though she had her own reasons for agreeing back then, the fact remained that she had agreed.

But as time passed, her feelings changed.

Like now.

She hated the idea of Xu Xiuwen sleeping with Cheng Lu. She didn’t want to share him anymore.

Yet, she didn’t dare say it out loud.

Because she was afraid—afraid that if she did, Xu Xiuwen might not want her anymore.

After a brief moment of silence, Xiao Youran suddenly looked into Xu Xiuwen’s eyes and said with utmost seriousness,

“Xiao Xu, since you slept with her, then I want to sleep with you too.”

“Not tonight. It’s too late.”

“I don’t care. I want to.”

Seeing how determined she was, Xu Xiuwen could only try to stall, “How about we wait until we’re back at school?”

Xiao Youran shook her head. “No, I want it to be tonight. I’ll come find you after my parents fall asleep, so make sure to open the door for me.”

“You’re serious?”

“Yes. I want the same treatment as Cheng Lu.”

Xu Xiuwen was speechless.

“Are you still the Xiao Youran I know?”

Xiao Youran looked at him with a mix of grievance and defiance. Instead of answering, she asked,

“Xiao Xu, do you not like me anymore?”

Xu Xiuwen let out a short laugh, both amused and exasperated.

“You’re overthinking things again. Do you even realize what you’re saying?”

“Hmph, then why are you refusing?”

“Because this isn’t the same thing. You’re just acting on impulse. Once you calm down, you’ll realize what you’re doing.”

“Xiao Xu, I am calm. I know exactly what I’m doing.”

“Can’t it wait? Does it have to be tonight?”

“Yes.”

Xu Xiuwen felt a headache coming on.

Last night, it was An Shishi.

This afternoon, it was Cheng Lu.

And now, Xiao Youran wanted to join in too.

Naturally, Xu Xiuwen wasn’t going to agree.

But Xiao Youran wasn’t backing down either.

The two of them remained at a standstill.

Knock, knock, knock.

Suddenly, a knocking sound on the car window broke the silence.

Xu Xiuwen turned his head and saw Xiao Youran’s father standing outside the car door.

The older man was holding a briefcase—he must have just gotten home.

Seeing him, Xu Xiuwen knew he couldn’t just keep sitting in the car.

He quickly opened the door and got out, greeting him politely,

“Hello, Uncle.”

Xiao’s father was a kindly-looking man. He smiled at Xu Xiuwen and said,

“I saw a BMW parked downstairs and figured it must be you, Xiao Xu.”

At that moment, Xiao Youran also stepped out of the passenger seat.

Her father didn’t look surprised at all.

He smiled and said, “You two chat, I’ll head up first.”

Xiao Youran remained expressionless as she replied,

“Dad, I’ll go up with you.”

Her father chuckled. “Not staying to talk with Xiao Xu a bit longer?”

“We’re done talking.”

“Heh, alright then.”

Out of Xiao’s father’s sight, Xiao Youran mouthed two words toward Xu Xiuwen.

He could roughly make them out—Wait for me.

Then, Xiao Youran followed her father home.

Xu Xiuwen also got into his car and drove back to his place.

From downstairs, he noticed that the light in Ning Wanqiu’s room was on.

She was probably preparing her lesson plans.

Back home, Xu Xiuwen didn’t disturb her and quietly went to his room instead.

He turned off the lights and lay down on his bed.

He wasn’t sure if Xiao Youran would actually come over.

If he were being honest, he hoped she wouldn’t.

But that hope didn’t come true.

At 11 p.m., his phone suddenly lit up with a text message.

It was from Xiao Youran.

“Xiao Xu, I’m at your door. Open up.”

Xu Xiuwen sighed, his face full of helplessness.

He got up from bed and went to open the door.

Sure enough, Xiao Youran was standing there.

The moment the door opened, she quickly bent down, slipped off her shoes, and ducked under his arm to sneak inside.

Xu Xiuwen shut the door behind her and was just about to head back to his room when—

A voice came from Ning Wanqiu’s room.

Moments later, her bedroom door opened.

She stepped out and called, “Who’s out there?”

Xu Xiuwen quickly responded, “Mom, don’t worry, it’s just me.”

Ning Wanqiu relaxed and asked curiously, “Why are you back?”

“I’m picking up my cousin tomorrow morning,” he explained.

“What time are you leaving?”

“Around six.”

“Do you need me to wake you up?”

Xu Xiuwen chuckled, “Mom, I’m not a kid anymore.”

Ning Wanqiu smiled, “You’ll always be a kid in my eyes.”

“Hehe.”

“It’s late. Get some rest.”

“You too, Mom.”

After a brief chat with his mother, Xu Xiuwen returned to his room and locked the door.

When he turned around, he saw Xiao Youran standing in the corner near the wardrobe, still holding her shoes.

She looked nervous.

“Aunt Ning didn’t notice me, right?” she asked.

“No.”

“Good.”

She let out a long sigh of relief.

Xu Xiuwen shook his head at her.

“Why did you come?”

Xiao Youran shot him a glare and huffed, “I already told you—I want the same treatment.”

“Do you even realize what you look like right now?”

“What?”

“Like a little pervert! Where’s that pure, elegant school belle now?”

Xiao Youran bit her lip and muttered, “That’s your fault. You ruined me.”

“Oh no, I’m not taking the blame for this. I told you not to come, but you wouldn’t listen. What kind of good girl sneaks into a guy’s room in the middle of the night?”

A faint blush crept up her cheeks, but then she thought of Cheng Lu and stubbornly huffed, “No matter what you say, I’m not leaving.”

“Really not leaving?”

“Nope.”

“What if your parents find out?”

“They’re already asleep.”

Xu Xiuwen suddenly remembered something he had heard before and asked, “How are your parents doing now? Did they clear up the misunderstanding?”

At the mention of her parents, Xiao Youran’s expression turned gloomy.

“Dad already explained that he had no idea who made that phone call. But Mom just refuses to believe him.”

Xu Xiuwen probed, “Do you believe him?”

Xiao Youran hesitated for a moment before nodding. “I do. Dad has been coming straight home after work every day for the past two months. If he has something to do, he always calls ahead. I don’t think he did anything to betray Mom.”

“Are they still sleeping in separate rooms?”

Xiao Youran looked at him suspiciously. “Xiao Xu, why are you so interested in my parents’ relationship?”

Xu Xiuwen explained, “Because I care about you. I’m your boyfriend, of course, I want your parents to be happy together.”

Hearing that, Xiao Youran was touched.

She then replied, “They’ve been sleeping apart for a long time now. Mom is still in the bedroom, and Dad sleeps on the couch every night.”

“Uncle has been sleeping on the couch every day?”

“Yeah.”

Xu Xiuwen fell into thought.

Xiao Youran suddenly said, “Xiao Xu, it’s getting late…”

Xu Xiuwen looked at her.

Under the moonlight streaming through the window, her face was as flawless as jade.

There was a cool, ethereal beauty about her.

“We have to wake up early tomorrow,” Xu Xiuwen reminded her.

Xiao Youran bit her lip and looked at him without saying a word.

Xu Xiuwen could tell she was upset.

“Alright, alright. You win. I agree, okay?”

With that, he took off his clothes and climbed into bed.

But Xiao Youran just stood there, unmoving.

After he urged her multiple times, she finally turned and sat on the edge of the bed.

“If you’re not going to sleep, I will,” Xu Xiuwen said.

“Turn around first.”

Now she was acting all shy—completely different from the bold words she had said earlier.

Still, Xu Xiuwen cooperated and turned away.

“And close the curtains too,” she added.

Xu Xiuwen sighed and got up to pull the curtains shut.

Once they were drawn, the room was plunged into darkness.

As soon as he lay back down, he heard the rustling of clothes.

A moment later, a shadow lifted the blanket and slipped under it.

What happened after that is best left unsaid.

All that needs to be known is this:

In the span of 24 hours, Xu Xiuwen had been with An Shishi first.

Then he had a reunion with Cheng Lu.

And finally, the stubborn and persistent Xiao Youran.

Such indulgence—most men wouldn’t be able to handle it.

After the first round, Xiao Youran still wasn’t satisfied.

Xu Xiuwen had no choice but to continue.

It wasn’t until 2 a.m. that the “battle” finally ended.

Watching Xiao Youran fall asleep with a contented expression, Xu Xiuwen couldn’t help but rub his sore waist.

Women are wonderful, but too much of a good thing can be exhausting.

The next morning, before 5 a.m., Xiao Youran woke up and snuck back home.

Xu Xiuwen slept until 5:30 when his alarm went off.

After getting up and quickly getting ready, he drove to pick up Xiao Youran.

By the time he reached her, it was exactly 6 a.m.

Xiao Youran came downstairs, accompanied by Zhang Ruoshu.

She carried her suitcase with both hands, following behind Zhang Ruoshu.

Seeing Zhang Ruoshu, Xu Xiuwen immediately got out of the car and greeted her, “Aunt Zhang.”

Zhang Ruoshu reminded him, “Xiao Xu, drive carefully on the road.”

“Got it, Aunt Zhang. You should head back inside.”

“I’ll wait until you two leave first.”

Xu Xiuwen took Xiao Youran’s suitcase and placed it in the trunk.

Then, the two of them waved goodbye to Zhang Ruoshu.

Once they were gone from sight, Zhang Ruoshu finally turned and went back upstairs.

—

After driving for over an hour, Xu Xiuwen arrived at his uncle’s house.

His cousin and aunt were already waiting at the door.

Xu Xiuwen stepped out of the car and greeted them.

Ning Jiali beamed with excitement. “Cousin, you’re here!”

“Jiali, let me take your suitcase.”

As he spoke, he walked over and took the suitcase from her hands.

His aunt invited him inside for a bit.

But Xu Xiuwen politely declined.

“Auntie, I won’t go in this time. It’s getting late, and we should hit the road soon. I came in a hurry and didn’t bring much, but here’s a thousand yuan—buy some good liquor for Uncle.”

His aunt’s eyes lit up at the sight of the money.

Just as Xu Xiuwen thought she would immediately snatch it up like usual, something unexpected happened.

It was as if she had suddenly changed—she didn’t reach for it.

Instead, she shook her head. “Xiao Xu, I can’t take your money.”

Xu Xiuwen felt like he was seeing a whole new side of her.

He chuckled. “Auntie, don’t be so polite with me.”

Saying that, he pushed the money into her hands.

Then, he carried Ning Jiali’s suitcase to the trunk.

After placing it inside, he turned to his aunt and said, “Auntie, head back inside. We’re leaving now.”

To his surprise, his aunt even gave him a few words of caution.

“Xiao Xu, drive safely.”

Xu Xiuwen nodded, then got into the car.

Ning Jiali walked around to the passenger side, ready to get in.

But as she opened the door—

She suddenly saw another girl already sitting in the seat.

She froze on the spot.