Hu Ming’s teasing tone made Han Yunxi’s cheeks burn.
Until he’d said it aloud, she hadn’t thought her actions improper—but now, she found herself unable to argue back.
Seeing this, Hu Ming waved a hand casually.
“I get it. Who’d want to deal with someone like me? If there’s nothing else, you all carry on. I need rest.”
Before Han Yunxi could reply, he shut the door.
Her mouth parted slightly, expression growing increasingly uneasy.
Truth was, though Hu Ming drifted through school with a rotten reputation, she’d never publicly acknowledged him as her brother before this. She *had* been biased.
No wonder he’d said those things.
She stared at the closed door, then turned away with a heavy step.
Inside the room, Hu Ming listened to the fading footsteps outside. A faint smile touched his lips.
He’d meant to say those things to Han Yunxi.
In the future, she’d never trust him—no matter his explanations, she’d cling to her belief that he was a good-for-nothing liar.
That image was his own doing, etched deep in her mind.
Now, he was slowly prying it loose. It’d make his future moves far easier.
“Another day, another breeze,” he murmured, unbuttoning his shirt to shower—
*Knock knock.*
The sound stopped him cold. He smoothed his expression and opened the door.
“I told you—”
The words died in his throat.
The maid.
She stood there holding a bowl of steaming egg noodles, her eyes hidden beneath stray strands of hair.
“Young Master, I made these for you.”
“Did my mother notice I’m back?”
“No one knows. I cooked this privately. If you dislike it, I’ll dispose of it now.”
Her tone was flat, strictly professional.
*If she’s trying to seduce me, shouldn’t she show her face? But if not… why this loyalty? Everyone else fawns over Han Shuyi.*
When Hu Ming didn’t respond, she turned to leave. “I’ll throw it out.”
Her movements were decisive.
Hu Ming caught her shoulder. Her frame felt startlingly slight—like a willow twig, ready to snap in the slightest breeze.
*Since when does the Khan Family have a maid like this?*
A character completely outside the plot. Suspicion flickered in him.
“Leave it. I haven’t eaten.”
“Young Master must eat properly.”
Her concern felt genuine, yet utterly unexplained.
The noodles’ aroma drifted to him as he sat down. Halfway through the meal, a voice came from behind:
“Young Master, are you injured?”
“Injured? No.”
“But there’s blood on your coat.”
He turned. She held his jacket, pointing to a corner where a faint trace of blood stained the fabric—barely visible unless you looked closely.
Behind her glasses, her eyes locked onto his, searching for lies.
Hu Ming shook his head calmly and resumed eating.
“Not mine. Someone tried teaching me a lesson. Their skills just… lacked.”
“Hmm.”
She asked no more, silently gathering his clothes.
*Irony.* Even Han Yunxi hadn’t noticed the blood. A mere maid did. His standing in this family was plummeting fast.
He wasn’t worried. With his abilities, he’d survive even if cast out.
But before leaving? He’d leave them a *parting gift*.
Lost in thought, he missed the maid’s next move.
She clutched his coat tightly. Behind those black frames, her gaze turned unnaturally still—
as if dissecting him.
Hu Ming finished the noodles quickly and handed her the bowl.
“Next time, don’t trouble yourself. If others see you favoring me, they’ll gossip. You don’t want to be ostracized, do you?”
He meant it kindly. Schools had cliques; noble houses had knives. One misstep, and she’d be dismissed.
The maid didn’t move. She stood before him, voice level:
“You saved my life, Young Master. No matter your status, I am your servant.”
Hu Ming froze. *The original me saved her?*
Why wasn’t this in the storyline? Was she just a background character? Or had she already strayed from the plot?
No answers came. He waved her off cautiously.
*[What’s her name again?]* he wondered.
...
Another quiet dawn.
Hu Ming opened his eyes as sunlight first touched the villa.
Last night, he’d heard Madam Han asking servants at his door if he’d returned.
They’d confirmed it—but she hadn’t disturbed him. Space, at least, was granted.
After washing up, he stepped into the empty corridor. Footsteps echoed on the polished floor.
He stopped short.
A figure in white tai chi robes stood ahead—Han Litian.
The man’s brow furrowed slightly, as if puzzled to see Hu Ming awake at this hour.
“Dad,” Hu Ming greeted.
Han Litian snapped to attention.
“Hu Ming. Why didn’t you announce your return last night?”
“Didn’t want to interrupt your reunion.”
Polite words, but Han Litian’s face darkened.
“Are you afraid we’ll treat you poorly now that Shuyi’s back?”
“I’m just… still adjusting to the truth.”
Hu Ming’s smile was calm—utterly unlike the reckless boy he’d once been.
Han Litian stiffened.
*They truly hadn’t considered his feelings.*
