"Hu Ming, I..."

For some reason, Li Yue couldn't meet Hu Ming's gaze.

Deep down, she didn't agree with his words.

Why would Han Shuyi use someone as worthless as her?

She couldn't deny Han Shuyi's advice—it carried a confidence she'd never known.

She didn't understand Hu Ming's hatred for Han Shuyi. Han Shuyi never wanted to compete with him. In fact, he often asked about Hu Ming.

Unlike Hu Ming's hostility, Han Shuyi genuinely cared.

"Hu Ming, Han Shuyi never planned to fight you. He told me that day. He said your frustration over identity is normal. He wanted to tell you himself but feared your anger."

Li Yue explained earnestly.

She believed Hu Ming and Han Shuyi could get along.

Staring into her eyes, Hu Ming finally grasped how much effort Han Shuyi had poured into Li Yue.

Like the original host, Hu Ming had no interest in her.

Her birthmark made her feel inferior. Years of bullying bred deep fear.

One word from the original host had been like a match in darkness, igniting her last hope.

That's why she'd followed him.

Now Han Shuyi approached with a torch, making the original host's match meaningless.

She didn't realize that stepping out of darkness would erase her purpose.

Hu Ming watched quietly as she struggled to explain.

Suddenly, he laughed.

His laughter caught Li Yue off guard. Why was he laughing? Because of her?

She thought she was right. Hu Ming told her to avoid Han Shuyi, but Han Shuyi showed no hostility. He even offered solutions for her insecurity.

Could such a person be evil?

For the first time, Li Yue doubted Hu Ming's judgment.

"Li Yue, do you think I'm jealous of Han Shuyi?"

"Hu Ming, I'm not!"

"I told you: Han Shuyi wants to use you against me. That's my warning. But the choice is yours."

"Hu Ming, you could be friends! Why be so stubborn? Why oppose Han Shuyi?!"

Li Yue couldn't comprehend it.

As she spoke, Hu Ming made his decision.

He sighed lightly, nodded, and said,

"Fine. Since Han Shuyi said so, I'll trust him once."

Relief washed over Li Yue's face.

"Exactly! You're both Khan Family. Family doesn't hold overnight grudges!"

Li Yue chattered on, her earlier timidity gone.

*With a few words, he changes people. Han Shuyi, I truly underestimated you.*

...

Since that day, Su Liu had been absent-minded.

Everyone cursed Hu Ming, yet she couldn't grasp his decisiveness.

Hadn't he pursued her for so long?

Why abandon her so easily? Had their past meant nothing?

She clutched her head, pained.

The strawberry milk still sat in her drawer—a symbol of Hu Ming's rejection.

"Su Liu, where are we going Sunday?"

Yin Xiaoxiao hadn't noticed Su Liu's mood. She chatted with others about weekend plans.

Hu Ming wasn't a big deal to her.

Su Liu always had admirers willing to do anything for her.

Yin Xiaoxiao felt no worry.

Hearing this, Su Liu stood abruptly, resolved.

The dismissal bell rang.

Students rushed out, heading home.

Friday meant extra pickup vehicles outside.

In the crowd, spotting one person was tough.

Su Liu heard Hu Ming had left class. Ignoring shocked stares, she ran for the door.

On the playground, she spotted his familiar figure—just as she moved to greet him.

A girl stood beside him: the Student Council President, known schoolwide.

Su Liu recalled rumors: Ye Qiuxue and Hu Ming grew close. She even handled his bullying incident.

*Could Hu Ming like Ye Qiuxue?!*

But he'd said he hated aloof girls like her.

Su Liu stared in disbelief.

Memories flashed: he'd once loved strawberry milk. Now he hated it—no surprise.

She strode toward Hu Ming without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Hu Ming talked with Ye Qiuxue.

"Ye Qiuxue, I formally invite you to dinner this weekend!"

"Han Huming, are you insane? I'm busy!"

"I rarely treat others. Please accept, classmate."

"Heh. I heard you treated many just to chase Ye Qiuxue. Your 'face' seems cheap now." Ye Qiuxue sneered, making Hu Ming flinch.

*Damn the original host. His desperate chasing got me into this mess!*

Hu Ming fretted. Ye Qiuxue sighed.

"I truly can't. School activities need me as lead."

"I'm free!"

A voice cut in behind them.

Hu Ming and Ye Qiuxue turned in sync.

The newcomer's eyes dimmed briefly but steadied.

Hu Ming thought dignity would keep her away after last time.

Now her bright eyes held tender warmth he'd never seen.

"Hu Ming, I'm free. Let's go out!"

Su Liu had overheard. Excitement surged.

If she went out with Hu Ming, she could fix things.

Ye Qiuxue narrowed her eyes. She hadn't expected Su Liu to approach Hu Ming.

She'd seen Hu Ming fawn while Su Liu played coy—annoying.

Though not her concern, Su Liu's actions irked her.

Now Su Liu took charge of mending things.

Ye Qiuxue glanced at Hu Ming. He'd said they were over. But was it true?

Only Hu Ming held that answer.

"Why go out with you?" Hu Ming snapped, waving dismissively like shooing a pest.