Only After I Was Reborn Did I Realize That I Had Childhood Sweethearts

Chapter 92: Du Zihans Growth

Someone invited him to play a game, and if he won, he could earn money.

Du Zihan had never heard of such a good thing before. He could already see Xia Yuans 10 yuan beckoning to him.

However, as his blurry memory gradually cleared, Du Zihan realized that the girl sitting next to him, eager to compete with him, was actually Lin Youxi, the most annoying runny-nosed girl from kindergarten.

The little runny-nosed girl, who used to be so small, had grown so tall now

Girls are truly terrifying creatures.

Du Zihan adjusted his posture and started inserting coins into the machine.

King of Fighters 2002 was similar to 98. Characters have no manga storyline as their background story. The main purpose was to introduce more characters for profit, but this edition was one of the best in terms of reputation, mainly due to the balance of characters.

However, for someone familiar with 2002 like Du Zihan, he knew which characters were stronger to use.

He quickly selected his characters: Kim Kaphwan and Choi Bounge from the Korea Team, and Billy Kane. His selection even earned praise from Mei Fang.

Your character selection is great, all strong S-rank characters from 2002. You are indeed a regular here.

Hehe, of course.

Du Zihan thought to himself, Mei Fang, you seem to be quite knowledgeable. Why do you always like to play with girls, making us boys lose face?

After selecting his characters, he waited for Lin Youxi, who was taking an unusually long time to choose her characters because Xia Yuan was beside her, discussing which characters to play.

Use Mai Shiranui. Yuri Sakazaki is also good! Hmm Ive never seen this girl in a purple outfit before, she wasnt in the previous King of Fighters Oh right, Youxi, you still have to leave a spot for Athena Try this girl in the purple outfit, dont use Yuri, Mai looks the best.

Hmph, foolish girls! Always choosing characters based on looks, how could you possibly beat me?

Du Zihan could almost guarantee his victory.

In the last second, Lin Youxi hurriedly selected the three female characters she wanted to use: Mai Shiranui, Kula Diamond, and Athena Asamiya. Although she chose based on appearance, the latter two were also strong characters.

However, Du Zihan didnt take Lin Youxis actions seriously from the beginning. As soon as the game started, he leisurely moved the joystick, thinking he was being a gentleman, while Lin Youxi continuously tested the light punches and kicks. Just as he was about to make his move, Lin Youxi suddenly made Mai Shiranui perform a big jump and a simple throw, trapping him at the edge of the screen and starting a crazy combo.

WTF!? WTF!? WTF!? WTF!?

As he found himself pinned to the edge by Lin Youxis silky smooth and endless combo, Du Zihans movements were visibly distorted. He began frantically moving the joystick and pounding the buttons, indirectly disrupting Lin Youxis combo.

Du Zihan, play properly! Dont be so rough on the machine, or the shop owner will come and beat you up.

Ignoring Xia Yuans warning, Du Zihan continued to desperately execute moves, managing to pull off a finishing move, somewhat salvaging the situation.

After realizing Lin Youxis prowess, Du Zihan no longer dared to underestimate this cunning girl and started to seriously fight her.

These arcade machines, especially the fighting ones, were often mistreated by elementary school students. Just having functioning buttons was already impressive, and high sensitivity couldnt be expected. It was Lin Youxis first time playing the 2002 edition, and the combo moves were slightly different from the 97-98 she usually played. She quickly lost the first match to Du Zihans comeback.

The second character Lin Youxi played was Kula Diamond, also her first time. Although Mei Fang was guiding her in executing moves, she barely managed to defeat Du Zihans first character, Choi Bounge, before quickly being defeated by Du Zihans second character, Billy Kane.

Phew

Finally, Du Zihan breathed a sigh of relief.

Hehehe, 10 yuan is already beckoning to me!

Du Zihan looked at Lin Youxis third character, Athena Asamiya, entering the stage.

Hmph, Du Zihan, you better be ready.

Xia Yuan had been eagerly anticipating this characters appearance for a long time. She stood with her hands on her hips, snorting, Our Youxis Athena is super powerful, even Ah Fang cant handle her.

Hmph, whats so difficult about that? Watch me in just a minute

As soon as Lin Youxis Athena appeared, she continuously suppressed Billy, rendering Du Zihans frantic button-pressing futile. She achieved a perfect victory with full health, and Athenas victory line played in the game:

Yay! Kanpeki!

And it seemed like Du Zihan had experienced a 10-second blackout.

Who am I Where am I What am I doing?

Could a regular person execute such a combo?

Shouldnt this be a combo that only the pros seen on GameFY^[1] can pull off!?

At that moment, Du Zihans forgotten memories suddenly attacked him.

This made him recall that beautiful afternoon at the cultural square, wearing cool and stylish new roller skates, supposed to be the most eye-catching skater at the square.

However, Mei Fangs appearance forced him to choose a route of escape in embarrassment.

When his third character entered the game, he even felt the urge to stand up and use the excuse of going to the restroom to run away.

No I cant run away anymore!

Flowers will bloom again, but people will never be young again!

Back then, due to fear, I didnt complete that roller skating duel, allowing Mei Fang to become an indelible shadow in my skating career.

Whenever I put on my roller skates, I am reminded of the fear of being effortlessly defeated by Mei Fang and the embarrassment of desperately trying to escape.

Now, I have finally moved on from my love for roller skating and discovered my talent for gaming. I have also found a dream to strive for, which is to become an esports expert like Kid (Ge Yan) or Sky (Li Xiaofeng).

In pursuit of this esports dream, I have been working hard continuously. From 5th grade until now, I spend all my free time playing games. Even if I get scolded by my teacher or beaten by my mom, I still strive to play games. This summer, I spent all my pocket money on playing games.

If I continue to avoid this, I might become a coward who always retreats and runs away from challenges for the rest of my life!

Awaken, Du Zihan!

Burn, my cosmos!

After experiencing a complex inner struggle, Du Zihan, a young boy who always avoided difficulties, had finally achieved spiritual growth today.

This time, he chose to face his fears!

He silently vowed in his heart that he would use his signature character, Kim Kaphwan, to completely end the match!

Yay! Kanpeki!

The harsh reality once again shattered Du Zihans burning fighting spirit, as Lin Youxi easily claimed victory.

Wow, Youxi, your Athena is really strong!

Xia Yuan hugs Lin Youxi from behind to celebrate, while Mei Fang is also amazed on the side.

In a sense, Youxis Athena skills could truly be considered as a pro

Du Zihan stood up shakily from his chair, feeling a mix of regret and turmoil overwhelming his heart.

If only I had run away earlier, sob.

I cant believe I was so ignorant of the situation

I am miles away from my former self with the ability to adapt to any situation

Just as Du Zihan was about to retreat like a defeated dog, Mei Fang suddenly stopped him.

Hey, Du Zihan, are you not going to continue playing?

Mei Fang handed a basket filled with coins to Du Zihan, Dont leave like this, it doesnt suit your personality. Play a few more rounds. You definitely have skills enough to beat Youxi.

Du Zihan hesitated at first, Indeed I was just careless earlier, randomly selecting characters.

Du Zihan took Mei Fangs coins and sat back down. Peng Xue noticed something and patted Mei Fangs shoulder, teasing him, Enough, is it? I realize youre really mischievous, Mei Fang.

What are you talking about I just want Youxi to have fun, thats all.

Saying this, Mei Fang bent down and patted Youxis shoulder, This version of Athena has a hidden super special move and comes with an outfit change (Psycho Medley)^[2]. Do you want to try to pull it off?

Upon hearing about something new, Lin Youxi immediately became interested, How do you activate that hidden super special move?

Its quite difficult to pull off. I practiced for a long time to execute this combo. Let me tell you how to do it

In the next few games, Lin Youxi didnt focus on winning or losing. She was completely absorbed in trying to execute the Psycho Medley combo and outfit change that Mei Fang mentioned. But despite of that, she still continued to casually dominate Du Zihan in their intense battles. As Xia Yuan yawned and urged Mei Fang to play something else, the screen flashed with Athenas super special move animation.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight

Wow! She did it, she did it! Sailor suit! Cheongsam! Swimsuit! Knights armor! And this combo is so cute!

Xia Yuan happily pulled Peng Xue up, while Lin Youxi excitedly high-fived Mei Fang.

Meanwhile, Du Zihan, having finished enduring the combo, unleashed a flurry of attacks, taking advantage of the opportunity while Lin Youxi was high-fiving Mei Fang, and finally defeated her Athena.

Is this the joy of victory?

I have finally overcome my fear!

I won!

Afraid that no one would acknowledge his victory, Du Zihan quickly reminded everyone, This is your own carelessness. I just continued my attacks, so dont accuse me of cheating.

Alright, alright, we got it. No one is accusing you.

Xia Yuan took out 10 yuan from her wallet and gave it to Du Zihan, Originally, I should have given this to you only if you won the first round, not this round, but considering how hard youve been trying, Ill let it go.

Mei Fang also joined in to appease Du Zihan, Feel free to use these remaining coins too. Youxi is going to skate with us now.

After finishing the Psycho Medley with Athena, Lin Youxi had an exhausted look. When Mei Fang pulled her up, she still appeared unwilling. The group bid farewell to Du Zihan, who was still celebrating his victory.

Im so tired the sensitivity of this machine is too low. Look, my hands are all red, Lin Youxi showed her red hands to Xia Yuan.

Tired? Come on, Youxi, you just need more exercise.

Xia Yuan pushed aside Mei Fangs hand that was holding Lin Youxis and then held Lin Youxi close, Come on, today Ill teach you how to skate backward and regain your previous skills!

Suddenly feeling thirsty, Xia Yuan turned to Mei Fang and coquettishly said, Ah Fang, can you buy me a drink? I want a Qoo.

Sure, what about you, Youxi?

Lin Youxi wiped the sweat from her forehead, Ill have a Master Kong.

Then Ill have

When Peng Xue was about to speak, she hesitated because she felt the atmosphere was off, as Lin Youxi was looking at her. She awkwardly touched the back of her neck, Ill go get it myself!

Xiaoxue, its okay! Let Ah Fang buy it for you. We often treat each other, and hes not that stingy, Xia Yuan reassured her.

Mei Fang looked at Peng Xue, What do you want?

Peng Xue clapped her hands and sweetly said, Then Ill have a NongFu Spring! I want carrot juice Thank you, generous Mei Fang!

On that day, everyone had a great time, and a world where no one got hurt was achieved.

Translator's Notes: