Rumors claimed Hu Ming and Han Shuyi didn’t get along. Yet now on the court, Hu Ming took Han Shuyi’s hand himself—a scene witnessed by everyone.

The earlier gossip seemed to crumble on its own.

Hu Ming walked toward the sidelines, surrounded by ecstatic teammates.

Without him, they’d have lost today. More importantly, they’d crushed the opponents’ spirit. In past matches, Han Shuyi’s presence had always guaranteed their defeat.

This time, they’d won using players from another class. What stung worse than betrayal from your own?

Hu Ming’s classmates could only lie helplessly on the ground, watching his retreating figure.

His skill surpassed their wildest expectations. In just one half, he’d erased the deficit.

If this got out, they’d be laughed out of school.

Though Hu Ming himself seemed utterly indifferent.

Li Yue rushed toward Han Shuyi with a water bottle.

They’d lost, but both goals were his. To her, he’d shone brilliantly.

As she passed Hu Ming, she tried to greet him—but he strode right by without a glance.

A pang of disappointment hit her.

*Are we not even friends anymore?*

Hu Ming ignored Li Yue entirely. At the sidelines, Ye Qiuxue waited for him.

"So all this time, you were pretending not to know how to play?"

She handed him her water bottle. The sight left everyone stunned.

They’d been shocked when Ye Qiuxue recommended him earlier. Now, seeing them so close—her offering water, their easy chatter—when had their bond grown this intimate?

Some couldn’t comprehend it. Others burned with envy.

After all, it was *Ye Qiuxue*.

Han Shuyi watched them, gripping the water Li Yue had given him. He crushed the bottle—remaining water spraying everywhere.

*Since when did Hu Ming get so close to Ye Qiuxue?*

*Hu Ming… just wait. I don’t surrender that easily.*

He turned sharply and headed for the classroom. Li Yue followed closely, stealing glances back at Hu Ming.

She, too, wondered why he and Ye Qiuxue seemed so cheerful together.

Meanwhile, Hu Ming drank from Ye Qiuxue’s bottle.

It was actually his own—he’d just asked her to hold it before the game.

Seeing his classmates’ envious faces filled him with smug satisfaction.

Winning the match *and* having a beauty hand him water? Living the dream.

"Han Huming," Ye Qiuxue studied him curiously, "how many secrets are you hiding from me?"

Every encounter revealed something new about him—like a treasure chest of surprises.

"President," Hu Ming grinned, "if you really want to know me, it’ll take time and effort. I’m far more interesting than your math problems."

"Hmph. Want me to assign extra problems tomorrow?"

"Never mind. Forget I said anything."

He genuinely dreaded those problems—grueling work only to have his answers corrected.

Ye Qiuxue chuckled at his pained expression.

Her smile bloomed like a white magnolia, radiating pure delight.

Standing close, Hu Ming and Ye Qiuxue looked oddly harmonious.

The sight only deepened the crowd’s resentment.

*No way are they a good match.*

...

News of Hu Ming spread like wildfire through nearby classes. Students passing his classroom stole extra glances.

Hu Ming remained expressionless, as if nothing had happened—a stark contrast to his chattering classmates.

School ended quickly.

Hu Ming packed his bag to leave.

The Khans’ emotions had stabilized enough. Pushing further would yield no benefit.

As for Madam Han? Her actions meant nothing to him.

When cracks appear in a family, even the strongest bonds crumble to dust.

He was waiting. Waiting for his chance to escape the Khan Family.

He felt no affection for them. He wasn’t even their real child. And with Han Shuyi there… he’d never been comfortable.

Always watched. Always uneasy.

But most of all—he hated being called "Han Huming."

*Hu Ming* was his true name.

For now, he had one urgent matter to settle.

He stuffed Ye Qiuxue’s test papers into his bag and slung it over his shoulder.

Just then, Han Yunxi appeared.

Hands clasped behind her back, she beamed at him.

"Bro! I heard you scored three goals today!"

Her words salted fresh wounds—especially since she was Han Shuyi’s sister. No one dared complain.

Han Shuyi packed his things without looking up, his face hidden by hair—but beneath it, his expression twisted with fury.

*Nothing’s going as planned!*

He’d meant to drive a wedge between Hu Ming and the Khans. Instead, Han Yunxi and Han Litian’s fondness for Hu Ming had only grown.

Frustration gnawed at him.

*This should’ve gone my way!*

Hu Ming clearly hid depths he’d never guessed—like today, when Hu Ming’s skill dwarfed his own.

The entire match, he’d felt like Hu Ming’s puppet, forced to dance to his rhythm.

The memory made his blood boil.

*This won’t happen again. I’ll show him who the true Khan heir is.*

His eyes flashed with cold resolve.

Han Yunxi clung to Hu Ming’s arm, swinging it like a child.

"Bro, after what you told me yesterday… I want to visit those kids too. Can we go together today?"

Hu Ming studied her eager face.

*She’s trying to mend things with me.*