No one came to apologize to Hu Ming until after school, but he didn't really care.

To him, school bullying might be serious for others, but for him, it was barely a scratch.

What mattered more than just surviving?

He refused to dwell on the past. At least now, being a fake young master was satisfying enough.

The dismissal bell rang. Some students had already packed their bags and sprinted toward the courts. Others stayed behind voluntarily to do homework.

And Hu Ming?

He was just staring blankly at the clock.

On the first day after his identity was exposed, his usual entourage of followers had vanished completely.

Predictably, fair-weather friends scattered when the tree fell. He wondered if the original Hu Ming had ever imagined this day.

"Hu Ming, shall we go home together?"

Han Shuyi's voice suddenly came from beside him. His gentle tone and magnanimous demeanor were genuinely moving.

Who could stay this friendly to the person who'd stolen their identity for years?

Han Shuyi's gesture elevated his image in the classmates' eyes, while Hu Ming was further diminished by contrast.

Watching Han Shuyi, Hu Ming felt faintly amused inside.

The other probably still saw him as that foolish Hu Ming, easy to manipulate.

But since he'd walked right up, Hu Ming would gladly play along.

"Young Master Han, you've just returned to the Khan Family. I'm sure they've prepared a grand welcome. I won't go back and spoil the fun."

He waved a hand, shoved his hands into his pockets, and walked away under everyone's gaze.

To the crowd, Hu Ming looked utterly desolate—almost pitiable.

"Isn't that guy a bit pitiful?"

"Pah! Why pity him? Don't you know what he is?"

"Drop it. Don't ruin the mood."

Han Shuyi watched Hu Ming's retreating figure, eyes narrowing. Something felt off.

...

Hu Ming's image in the classmates' hearts wouldn't change overnight. It needed time.

But time was the one thing he had in abundance.

He didn't plan to carry his backpack home today—he'd finished all his homework during class.

While wandering, he bumped into Li Yue heading home.

"Hu Ming, shall we go home together?"

To avoid shaming her family, she never let them pick her up.

In every way, she radiated deep insecurity.

Looking at the meek girl before him, Hu Ming hesitated. He knew she'd betray him later, but maybe he could pull her from that fate now.

The original Hu Ming hadn't liked Li Yue, but he'd never discriminated against her like others. He hadn't been wrong here.

Hu Ming took a deep breath. He stared straight at her.

"Li Yue, I need to warn you."

"I'm listening!"

"Stay away from Han Shuyi. He's not a good person."

"Eh? Really?" Li Yue's eyes blinked slightly. She didn't understand why he'd say this.

Hu Ming didn't explain further. This was his limit for her.

Her future choice was hers alone.

"I have things to do. Be careful on your way."

"Okay..."

Li Yue watched him, confused. But recalling his words, she firmly told herself to trust Hu Ming.

...

When Hu Ming returned to the classroom, it was nearly empty.

He shouldered his backpack and walked out of school.

He hadn't gone far when he sensed someone following him.

He didn't look back. Instead, he turned into a quiet alley.

Unlike the noisy streets, the alley was deathly silent—only his footsteps echoed.

A rat peeked from a dark hole, then scurried back at a sound.

"I walked in myself. You must be thrilled."

Hu Ming turned, smiling at the figures before him.

Just a few thugs with dyed hair.

They narrowed their eyes, trying to gauge his confidence.

"We're just hired hands. Blame whoever you offended."

As the words left his mouth, a trash can lid flew at them.

Next, a leg shot out, kicking one thug flying.

The others stared in shock. They'd been told Hu Ming was a wimp. What was this?

Before they reacted, another was punched mid-air—blood and a tooth sprayed out.

The last two lunged, but Hu Ming drove his knee straight into one's groin.

Then he grabbed the final thug by his spiky hair and slammed him into a trash can.

In seconds, the hunters were now hospital-bound prey—all from Hu Ming's whim.

Hu Ming crouched slowly beside the conscious thug.

"I waited for you on purpose. Too many want to teach me lessons. I had to let you come first."

He'd known trouble would come after school. The original Hu Ming had offended many. This was a warning.

"You—"

Hu Ming pressed a tissue to the thug's bleeding mouth.

"Listen. I don't care who paid you. Tell him I hate underhanded tricks. Next time, I'll drag him out myself. Understood?"

The thug nodded, gritting his teeth. Given another chance, he'd never take that money.

Hu Ming stood slowly. Dusk light sharpened his profile—resolute, eyes glinting with cold danger.

"Hu Ming!"

A familiar voice cut through the silence.

Hu Ming froze, then turned slowly.

Ye Qiuxue stood at the alley entrance, brows tightly furrowed. She gripped her phone, ready to call police.

Seeing her face, Hu Ming's lips curled into a smile.

"President, didn't I say not to frown? You'll turn into an old hag."

"Are you okay?!"

Unlike Hu Ming's calm, Ye Qiuxue rushed forward, checking him anxiously.

Her tension eased when she saw he was unharmed.

But her face hardened again instantly.

"You idiot! Surrounded like that—why didn't you run?"

"Why run when I can win?"

"...".