With video evidence and eyewitnesses,

Hu Ming and Han Litian soon walked out of the police station.

"What unreasonable people," Han Litian muttered, his face full of displeasure. "That couple, and that boy—even had murderous thoughts. Who knows what’s in their heads?"

Today’s events had truly dampened Hu Ming’s spirits. Han Litian had hoped they’d all get along nicely, but never expected this. Now, Hu Ming’s relationship with Han Shuyi was even worse.

Han Litian glanced helplessly at the youth beside him. He’d really changed. Hu Ming’s actions had been so fast, Han Litian barely reacted. He almost felt the person before him wasn’t Hu Ming at all.

"Hu Ming, where did you learn those moves? I’ve never heard of them."

"Just watched videos privately. Didn’t expect to actually use them."

Hu Ming wasn’t keen on explaining. He had plenty of secrets they didn’t know. Seeing his disinterested look, Han Litian dropped it. But thinking of what Hu Ming endured, he added, "Don’t worry. Those two will reflect in jail. The outcome’s handled."

"Okay." Hu Ming nodded. Whether he trusted it was another matter.

...

By morning’s end, Hu Ming was a school-wide celebrity. Returning to class, every eye followed him—students and teachers alike, curious. Gossipmongers buzzed about his background: an unwanted orphan, birth parents rejecting him. If the Khan Family abandoned him too, could he even stay in school? Rumors flew wildly. Hu Ming didn’t care. Except for certain annoyances—like the person before him.

"Hu Ming! I heard about this morning—are you hurt?!" Su Liu clutched breakfast and milk, eyes anxious. She leaned in to check.

Hu Ming blocked her with a hand. "I’m fine. Overthinking it."

"Really?"

"I said I’m fine! Why so annoying?" Hu Ming wanted to bury Su Liu alive. How had the original owner ever liked her?

"I..." Su Liu’s lips trembled, pitiful. Passing students felt sympathy—until they saw Hu Ming. Their faces paled instantly. Who wouldn’t fear him after watching him break that boy’s hand today?

"Su Liu, I told you—past is past. Stop bothering me!"

"But can’t I pursue you?"

"Pursue me? No way. Sun Zhe tried to kill me today. When arrested, he thought I hurt you. Your crazy fans? Too much—I can’t handle it!"

"But I—" Su Liu started, but Han Yunxi burst in. Hands on hips, she glared. "Su Liu, annoying again? My brother said leave him alone. Why cling?" Han Yunxi had always disliked her. Hu Ming’s past pursuit of Su Liu was school gossip; she’d loved the attention, treating him like a pushover. Today, her admirer’s attack snapped Han Yunxi’s patience.

"I didn’t send anyone after Hu Ming!" Su Liu’s eyes reddened. Han Yunxi snorted.

"Hmph. Who cares? Miss Goody-Two-Shoes, scheming bitch!" She turned to call Hu Ming—but he’d vanished. Without a trace.

...

Noon bell rang. Hu Ming yawned, heading to the rooftop. Normally locked tight—ordinary students couldn’t open it. But Hu Ming wasn’t ordinary. He picked the lock easily, lounging on a bench. Classroom stares had made him uneasy; sensitive to gazes, he’d feel like a zoo exhibit if he stayed. Gentle sunlight bathed him as he yawned, savoring his break.

His ears twitched. Footsteps echoed from the stairs. He snapped awake, confused. No one should be here—and he’d locked the door! Hu Ming hid around the corner, eyes fixed on the entrance. When the figure appeared, his eyelid lifted slightly. A smile curled his lips.

Ye Qiuxue arrived as usual—but something was off. The door was shut, yet the lock was gone.

[Someone opened it without permission?] She frowned, easing the door open. Empty. She scanned carefully—no one. Probably overthinking.

She smoothed her skirt, placing her lunchbox on her lap. Undoing her ponytail, silky black hair cascaded like a waterfall. Removing her glasses revealed a cold, stunning face. She breathed deeply, expelling the morning’s tension. Just as she reached for chopsticks, a voice startled her. The lunchbox on her black-stockinged legs nearly slipped.

"President, that food looks delicious."

The cheeky tone froze Ye Qiuxue. She looked up—Hu Ming lay atop the entrance, propped on one hand, grinning like he admired scenery.

"Hu Ming?! What are you doing here? Students are forbidden up here!" She added quickly, "Except me!"

"Special treatment’s not allowed, President." Hu Ming leaped down, landing smoothly. His ease made her wonder if he was trained.

Ye Qiuxue set down her lunchbox, stepping close. "How did you open the door?"

"Picked the lock." His casual tone made it seem normal.

"Don’t you think it’s dangerous," she narrowed her eyes, gaze turning sharp, "saying that to a Discipline Committee member?"