Hu Ming’s words plunged everyone into silence.

Even Han Shuyi hadn’t expected Hu Ming to do such things after school.

Madam Han, who’d always thought him idle, was left speechless.

A stinging burn flared on her cheeks, as if slapped hard across the face.

Han Yunxi stared blankly at Hu Ming.

She’d never heard of him doing this.

Before, she’d seen him as absurd—blaming him first for any trouble.

Now, the truth slapped all their faces raw.

Han Yunxi’s gaze flickered away. Seeing him brought back her past disrespect.

“Thanks for what you did. I’m full; you carry on.”

He released his hands from the table and turned toward his room.

Everyone watched his back. For some reason, it felt heart-wrenching.

Han Litian looked at his wife, calm.

“I’ve said it often: don’t judge Hu Ming rashly. Why do you all do that?” He stood, appetite gone.

“I knew about him long ago. As he said, if you’d cared a little, we wouldn’t be this awkward today. Think hard about your mistakes.”

Han Litian left.

At the table, the others sat awkwardly.

Madam Han burned with shame. Who’d think Hu Ming spent time on such things?

She’d been lenient with her kids, believing she was right.

Only with Hu Ming had she slipped.

“Mom, eat. Don’t go hungry.” Han Shuyi placed meat in her bowl.

Madam Han, eyes red, patted his head.

“Shuyi, was I wrong?”

“Mom, we all erred. We should care for Hu Ming.”

“At school, you must look after him more.”

“Mm.”

...

Back in his room, Hu Ming flopped onto his bed with relief.

Honestly, he hated seeing those people outside.

But they’d forced this farce—he had to play along.

Letting Han Shuyi live easy? No. More scheming would be fun.

“Young master, may I enter?”

“Come in.”

Kangxin found Hu Ming sprawled on his bed. Face blank, she said, “Don’t lie down right after eating. It’s basic sense.”

“Today drained me. Playing house with brats was already my limit.”

Still, Hu Ming sat up.

Kangxin slipped off her shoes. Her slender legs, in white thigh-high socks, knelt on the bed as she inched toward him.

Hu Ming froze, mind flashing with R-rated scenes.

“Kangxin, what’re you doing! I don’t like sticks like you!”

“...Young master, I’ll just massage you.”

Her expression stayed flat, but Hu Ming caught a cold glint in her eyes.

She probably wants to kill me!

He felt awkward. He’d read too many maid-and-master stories.

Especially since he’d rescued Kangxin himself.

Her soft hands pressed his shoulders—he felt her careful strength.

Kangxin served the old master, but he’d ignored all girls except Su Liu.

“Kangxin, isn’t serving me boring? Everyone here spits on me. Even Madam Han, who raised me, hates me. Do I have a future?”

“Testing me, young master?”

Her pressure tightened slightly.

“No test. Just asking.”

“My life’s yours. I’d never betray you over this.”

Kangxin rarely showed feeling, but she cared for him fiercely.

Without her, the old master might’ve died long ago.

Hu Ming leaned back, head resting on her shoulder.

“What if I leave this place someday?”

“We’ll leave together.”

Her calming scent filled the air. She guided his head to her lap, massaging his temples.

Outside, stars dotted the quiet night. In the room, warmth settled between them.

But Kangxin stared out the window, lost in thought as she worked.

“Something on your mind?”

Hu Ming’s voice startled her.

Their eyes met—a concern she’d never seen before.

The young master never looked at her like this. Had his character changed after his secret surfaced?

Yet she’d never heard he could handle so many thugs alone.

Watching him today, calm and unruffled, Kangxin felt doubt creep in.

“Young master, you’re impressive.”

“Kangxin, do I feel strange to you?”

His words froze her.

She didn’t grasp his meaning.

Hu Ming beckoned her closer.

Kangxin bent down, ear near his lips.

“If even you missed it, my disguise worked perfectly.”

“...So you’ve pretended all along? Why?”

“Well, being the Khan Family heir—if I didn’t act useless, too many would target me.”

Hu Ming sounded utterly casual.

But Kangxin’s heart raced.

Was this his secret?

He was never the weakling she’d imagined?

Kangxin went dazed, words failing her.

Hu Ming smiled faintly, closing his eyes as he settled into her lap pillow.