Just back in the classroom, Hu Ming heard the homeroom teacher would soon hand out the quiz results.

Though not yet seniors, their school’s academic pressure was intense.

They basically had quizzes every month, and parents were always notified.

Ignoring others, the original owner’s grades meant he was always last. After all, he’d bought his way into the elite class.

Han Yunxi and Ye Qiuxue were also in the elite class, sharing the same classroom.

Han Shuyi, however, had earned his spot through sheer ability.

Before this, he’d always wanted to escape poverty and reach greater heights.

But he never expected to die halfway through his plans.

That’s why everyone liked Han Shuyi even more.

Who wouldn’t adore a classmate with great popularity, a gentle nature, and top grades?

The original owner, meanwhile, had become pure background scenery.

Hu Ming felt the original owner was far from a proper villain. In the end, he died like cannon fodder—just a forgotten extra.

Still, after all this time, the female lead hadn’t appeared yet.

Hu Ming recalled she’d transfer in during the second half of the semester. Her identity was intriguing, given her notable reputation.

Well, future worries could wait. For now, focus on the present.

Hu Ming propped his head up and yawned lazily.

The homeroom teacher walked in, clutching the quiz papers.

As usual, he called out top students one by one, starting with Han Shuyi.

No surprise—Han Shuyi’s grades ranked among the best even here.

He seemed used to it. Smiling, he took his paper and returned to his seat.

Unsurprisingly, Hu Ming’s name came last. His score was truly pitiful.

The three major subjects totaled less than a hundred points!

Hu Ming thought stepping on the answer sheet might’ve scored higher.

But facts were facts; he had to accept them.

As he took the paper, scattered laughter echoed below, mocking his stupidity.

Before the original owner’s identity was exposed, no one dared this. Now he was a true pariah, beaten by all.

Even students he’d treated to meals acted the same.

No one approached him. He’d quickly become an outcast.

No wonder the original owner couldn’t bear it, desperately scheming against Han Shuyi.

Sadly, solitude was his strength—even his ideal state.

He believed everyone would only get in his way.

Back at his seat, the teacher first glanced at Han Shuyi, then fixed his gaze on Hu Ming.

“Everyone, learn from Han Shuyi. Poor grades aren’t fatal—attitude matters most! We’re the elite class, with far better resources. Don’t waste this chance. Society won’t give you second tries!”

His expression was stern, but his eyes stayed locked on Hu Ming.

Hu Ming’s situation was public knowledge. His ambiguous status made everyone uneasy—what might happen next?

The teacher hoped Hu Ming would correct his attitude, at least showing progress.

Classmates knew he meant Hu Ming. To them, it was like talking to a wall.

With Hu Ming in this state, learning anything was impossible—let alone understanding basics.

Hu Ming ignored their stares.

He leaned back in his chair, quietly waiting for dismissal.

...

Unlike before, Hu Ming finally had a new driver on the ride home.

The man looked young but wore no smile.

An extra person sat in the car too.

Sliding into the back seat, Hu Ming found Kangxin waiting quietly. She turned, politely called “Young Master,” then just stared.

“Why are you here today?”

“Young Master, have you forgotten what day it is?” Kangxin tilted her head, her small face full of confusion.

Clearly, she didn’t grasp why he’d ask.

Hu Ming truly had no clue. Was there some secret about him she didn’t know?

Seeing his deep frown and blank expression, the little maid sighed helplessly for the first time.

“Young Master, it’s your orphanage visit day. Every fifteenth—you always go.”

[The original owner actually had this awareness?]

Hu Ming was genuinely shocked. He’d assumed the original was just a lazy, show-off brat.

Yet he cared enough to visit orphaned kids?

Kangxin gave the driver an address. The car slowly pulled away.

Silence filled the cabin.

Hu Ming closed his eyes, seemingly resting. The driver kept glancing in the rearview mirror.

Kangxin sat rigidly, hands on her lap, back straight like a robot.

The AC blasted cold. Kangxin instinctively checked on Hu Ming beside her.

He propped his head on one hand, elbow against the window, fast asleep.

Quietly, Kangxin fetched a blanket from the compartment and draped it over him.

Though not of the Khan Family, Hu Ming’s face was undeniably handsome.

Especially when calm—he looked like a different person, radiating serene beauty.

Kangxin stared at his face all the way to their destination.

When the car stopped, she gently woke him.

“Young Master, we’ve arrived.”

Hu Ming’s eyes opened slowly. His gaze held no emotion as he scanned the area. The two people he locked onto shuddered, as if pinned by a lion.

Then he blinked, widened his eyes, and exhaled deeply.

“I actually fell asleep. Today must’ve been exhausting.”

Kangxin followed him out like a shadow.

Hu Ming looked up at the run-down orphanage.

This was entirely new information to him.

He wondered what the original Hu Ming had done here.

Noticing his pause, Kangxin stepped close and whispered in his ear.

“Young Master, the children have missed you. Let’s go in.”

Her voice was light and clear. Though flat, it carried a soothing calm.

“Let’s go.”