Chapter 40: Childhood Nicknames
Xia Yuan has always been a proactive person. Once she decides to do something, she immediately starts making arrangements. Lin Youxi was pulled into Xia Yuans room, while Mei Fang was left in the living room.
Although Mei Fang has a good relationship with Xia Yuan, he has never been to her room.
Perhaps there was a chance back in kindergarten, but Xia Yuan has now become aware of gender differences, and there are certain areas that Mei Fang, as a mere boy, cannot enter.
Of course, Xia Yuan is very casual when entering his room
Mei Fang took a short nap on the sofa in Xia Yuans house, and then heard the sound of footsteps coming from the stairs.
Little sneakers, long white socks, pleated skirt, bowtie, pigtails Lin Youxi transformed from a wild girl next door to a little princess next door after putting on Xia Yuans clothes.
And in order to match with Lin Youxi, Xia Yuan also put on pigtails. Although both of them dont have long hair, they look very energetic.
Mei Fang! Look! Isnt our Lin Youxi pretty?
The contrast is quite strong.
Mei Fang was comparing Lin Youxi to his previous life.
In his previous life, Lin Youxi always had long flowing hair and a school uniform jacket in high school. Her smooth and elegant long hair left a deep impression.
Now, she appeared in front of Mei Fang like a child star idol, completely different from her previous cold and aloof self. It would be strange if Mei Fang wasnt surprised.
Is that all you have to say, just the contrast? Youre not giving Lin Youxi any face.
Xia Yuan pushed Lin Youxis shoulder forward. You should wear more pretty dresses in the future, dont always wear shirts. You can borrow my clothes.
I still feel like its not quite suitable
Lin Youxi twisted her black little sneakers. It just feels a bit strange.
Its not strange at all! Youre just not used to it because its your first time.
Xia Yuan continued to listen to Lin Youxis words affectionately. Although I have many friends in class I still like you the most! We didnt have a chance to be in the same class in elementary school, but we can work hard in middle school!
My mom told me that Experimental Middle School divides classes based on grades. If we both study hard, we can be in the same class in middle school.
Yeah okay. Lin Youxi nodded. Ive been studying hard all along.
Alright, lets put this matter aside for now and practice dancing together.
Um okay.
You see, I told you that Im not needed at all.
Mei Fang realized that he couldnt fit in anymore, so he thought of an excuse to leave, Can I go back now? Maybe theres something I need to do at home.
As he spoke, he stood up, but before he could take two steps, Xia Yuan, who was approaching aggressively, grabbed his arm and stopped him from leaving.
No! You have to help us evaluate the performance! Xia Yuan frowned, What could you possibly have to do at home, other than playing games?
I still have to learn programming. I have to watch online video lessons today.
Mei Fang noticed that Lin Youxi had been looking at him the whole time, showing a great deal of interest.
Perhaps, instead of dancing, she wanted to learn coding with Mei Fang?
You can learn online later. You will go back once my dad comes home.
Xia Yuans tone suddenly became pitiful, You havent come to my house for two weekends already, and now you want to leave after just a while. Do you not like playing with me anymore?
As she spoke, she leaned towards Mei Fang, tiptoeing to reach his face. Mei Fang instinctively took two steps back.
Damn dont look at me like that!
Shes too cute!
Dont talk nonsense.
Mei Fang tapped Xia Yuans head, Im just afraid that as the only boy here, it might make you and Lin Youxi uncomfortable.
We might feel uncomfortable in front of other boys, but youre different, Mei Fang.
Xia Yuan said seriously, The three of us have been childhood sweethearts. Theres nothing to feel uncomfortable about.
Childhood sweethearts
In the year 2005, kids werent like kids in the future, where they can find out everything by swiping on their phones. So, Lin Youxi had heard this term for the first time and asked, What does that mean?
Childhood sweethearts refer to good friends who have grown up together since childhood. For example, you and I are green plums, and boys like Mei Fang are bamboo horse, It has the same meaning as our dialect word fa xiao (childhood friend).[1]
After Xia Yuan explained, she suddenly realized that despite being such good friends, they didnt have any special nicknames.
She had a nickname, Yuan Yuan, but Lin Youxi had never called her that.
Mei Fang had called her that once, but he seemed to have forgotten afterwards!
Speaking of which, we have such a good relationship, but we still use our names to address each other. It feels a bit unfamiliar!
Xia Yuan smiled and said to Lin Youxi, From now on, Ill just call you Youxi directly! Its more intimate this way. And you can call me
Yuan Yuan.
Lin Youxi quickly gave the answer Xia Yuan wanted. It seemed like she had wanted to do this for a long time, which made Xia Yuan very happy.
What about Mei Fang?
Werent we supposed to only use nicknames when were alone?
Its okay, Youxi. Hes not a stranger!
Xia Yuan climbed onto the sofa and, in order to not dirty it with her shoes, she sat in a super cute duck pose and pleaded with Mei Fang, grabbing his arm. Call me call me with my nickname.
Yuan Yuan.
Mei Fang responded quickly. Xia Yuan blushed slightly after being called that, but quickly recovered.
Lastly, its about Mei Fangs nickname!
Xia Yuan thought for a moment. Mei Fang, it seems like your family calls you by your full name.
Yeah, I was born into a family that doesnt love me, and they named me casually.
Lin Youxi took over the conversation. I talked to Mei Fang about this before. Actually, using your name as a repetition word is quite good, just like Yuan Yuan. But he doesnt like it I think it goes well with your nickname.
After being told this, Xia Yuan scratched the back of her head and smiled shyly.
Hehe thats true, one is Yuan Yuan (circle)[2], and the other is
I dont like being called that! Dont do that!
Mei Fang firmly refused once again. You can give me a nickname, call me Da Fang, Er Mao, San Mao, or Si Gou, anything is fine, but not that repetition word.
Why do you dislike that name so much?
Xia Yuan thought for a moment while holding Mei Fangs shoulder, and suddenly had an idea. Then how about Xiao Fang! It sounds smooth. Lin no, Youxi, what do you think?
Whatever Yuan Yuan thinks is good, then its good. Lin Youxi remained as obedient as ever to Xia Yuan.
Dont you want to hear my opinion? Mei Fang protested. This name is too feminine, people will say Im effeminate. You have a responsibility, dont you?
Didnt you say any name is fine except for that other one? Liar.
Liar is not a bad name! Lin Youxi raised her hands in agreement. I feel like thats the best, Mei Fang is a liar.
Thats true! Hahaha! From now on, youll be called Liar. Liar, Liar, Liar
Xia Yuan happily shook Mei Fangs shoulder, while Mei Fang looked despondent and allowed himself to be played with.
As they were fooling around, Xia Yuan pushed Mei Fang too hard and caused him to fall onto the sofa.
Xia Yuan also leaned over and supported herself on the sofa, her pigtails naturally hanging down as she quietly gazed at Mei Fang.
Mei Fang had never experienced such an up and down eye contact position, not even Xia Yuan.
However, seeing Xia Yuans embarrassed expression and her struggle to decide whether to get up or not, Mei Fang didnt feel too much pressure.
Xia Yuan slowly climbed off Mei Fang, tidied her hair a bit, and then looked towards Lin Youxi, saying, The nickname we came up with is even longer than his real name! It doesnt seem appropriate, right Youxi?[3]
Lin Youxi had been staring blankly in their direction since earlier, but after being reminded by Xia Yuan, she nodded and said, How about we keep it simple, like Ah Mei or Ah Fang?
Ah Fang sounds like a good name What do you think? Xia Yuan asked.
Mei Fang had no objections, Its fine.
But it always felt like this name was like a funny little character from some advertisement, a video that was particularly popular for a while.
Ah Fang and Ah Mei were the most common names for boys and girls in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions. Thinking that their parents had given them such a cheap name, Mei Fang felt a bit annoyed.
Then, its settled!
Subconsciously licking her lips, Xia Yuan sat back on the sofa and looked at Mei Fang, who had also sat up. She hesitated and said, From now on, well call you Ah Fang!
Ah Fang
Lin Youxi tried calling it out, and Xia Yuan followed suit, getting close to Mei Fang and shouting in his ear.
Ah Fang! Ah Fang! Ah Fang! Ah Fang!
Mei Fang covered his ears and also leaned towards Xia Yuan, shouting loudly to express his protest, I heard it! I heard it! I heard it! I heard it!
Hahaha!
The girls cheerful laughter echoed throughout the living room.
Translator's Notes:
Childhood Sweethearts/Green Plum and Bamboo Horse (): https://inf.news/en/culture/9692742bfa5c5be98259436aea9f51c1.html & https://inf.news/en/culture/edb7a5f78ba4558d175f9903560acd4b.html Mei Fangs given name Fang () means square and Xia Yuans nickname is Yuan Yuan () which means fate but it can also be pronounced as circle (). Mei Fang () has only 2 characters while Liar (Sahuang jing or ) has 3. <!--
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Dinkytinkysays:
Sep 29, 2023 at 12:39 am
Um childhood sweethearts? Is this a three-way?
Sweethearts is absolutely a dating relationship, so I would use childhood friends as the term, unless there is a plot reason.
It did amuse me though, and thanks for the translation!
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