All eyes were on Han Litian, waiting for his final choice.

His mind swirled with Hu Ming’s usual reputation.

This wasn’t hard to solve—they could just ask others.

But now, Hu Ming simply stared at him.

Han Litian knew this was a choice between the Khan Family and Hu Ming.

He met Hu Ming’s calm gaze.

Before, Hu Ming would jump around in anger over small things; Han Litian often called him reckless. Now, he seemed too composed.

Like a completely different person!

Han Litian took a deep breath, then turned seriously to the principal.

"Han Huming is my child. If I don’t believe him, who will?" He glared at the students. "Show evidence, or pay for your actions!"

His voice trembled with suppressed rage.

The parents froze in terror.

They regretted not silencing their kids’ mouths.

"I have evidence."

A voice came from the doorway. Hu Ming instinctively turned—Ye Qiuxue stood there.

She gave him a silent glance, then walked in.

Hearing her, the students grinned excitedly.

They thought Ye Qiuxue was here to help them!

Hu Ming was finally done for!

The principal frowned, his expression grim.

If Hu Ming really did this, it’d be messy.

What if those kids acted out after Hu Ming hired thugs to teach them a lesson? That’d change everything!

Han Litian stared hard at Hu Ming, searching for a trace of unease.

But Hu Ming’s expression never wavered.

Ye Qiuxue glanced at the students, then addressed the principal.

"After school that day, I did see Hu Ming with those thugs."

"See! I told you!" A boy blurted out eagerly.

Hu Ming was doomed this time!

Ye Qiuxue coldly swept him with a glance. The boy shivered.

"But he was cornered by them. Someone hired those thugs to teach Han Huming a lesson. If he hadn’t run fast, he’d be in grave danger."

Her words sent ripples through the room.

Han Litian’s anger exploded. He glared at the principal.

"Principal, is this how my child lives at your school? Someone hired thugs to bully him!? I’m questioning if your school deserves my investment!"

"Now, Mr. Han, calm down. Let me investigate—I’ll give you answers!"

The principal never expected Ye Qiuxue to add fuel to the fire.

But he couldn’t scold her—she was student council president, top of her class, famous citywide.

Such a student needed careful handling.

Someone had to take blame—and it was clearly those students.

He turned sternly to the parents.

"No negotiation left. Process the withdrawal procedures now."

"Principal, think again! Our kids are young—expulsion ruins their futures!"

"Yes, Mr. Han. I’ll make my child apologize. Please, I beg you."

Some ordinary parents even tried to kneel.

Han Litian stepped aside.

He wouldn’t accept their kneeling. Hu Ming was the victim—who was he to forgive for him?

Guilt toward Hu Ming deepened.

Why hadn’t Hu Ming told them? Had he lost hope in them?

Han Litian looked at Hu Ming, his expression unreadable.

But Hu Ming locked eyes with Ye Qiuxue.

They’d never gotten along—yet she cared deeply about this.

She really was a good person.

Hu Ming mentally handed her a "good person card."

He owed her a meal as thanks.

While he calculated this, the students started tearing into each other.

They cursed, blaming one another for leading them here.

None admitted fault. They deserved it....

......

Hu Ming followed Han Litian silently for a long stretch.

Neither spoke.

Since Han Shuyi’s return, their relationship had been stuck in tension.

They seemed lost in each other’s thoughts.

Han Litian stopped abruptly and turned.

"Hu Ming, why didn’t you tell us about this?"

"Because that day was your celebration."

Hu Ming met his gaze calmly, tone steady.

Han Litian sighed helplessly.

"Forget the day. Speak up about school grievances!"

Hu Ming, hands in pockets, watched Han Litian’s earnest eyes—and suddenly smiled.

"Honestly, I still struggle to accept this. We’ve lived together so long... why aren’t we family?" His eyes reddened. To Han Litian, he was the old Han Huming!

"But I know my place. I won’t trouble you."

Hu Ming exhaled deeply, face easing into relief.

Han Litian rushed forward and tapped his head.

"Nonsense! You’re our child. Whether Shuyi’s back or not—in our hearts, we’re family!"

He lifted his head sharply, holding back tears.

Hu Ming watched silently, a faint smile flickering on his lips.

[With this, Han Shuyi’s homecoming excitement would vanish too.]

Hu Ming had schemed this far—his efforts were painstaking.

Whatever Han Shuyi planned, he’d crush it completely.

A breeze brushed Hu Ming’s short hair.

No one noticed the danger hidden in his eyes.

......

In the Khan Family villa, an unassuming maid held a diary, slowly flipping its pages.

"Hu Ming... Han Huming."