Before school ended, Hu Ming was about to pack up and leave when Li Yue inconveniently appeared before him.

She clearly carried a new aura now, no longer avoiding his gaze when their eyes met.

But Hu Ming held no interest in the person before him.

He didn’t care what Li Yue had become. All he wanted was to go home and rest early.

"Hu Ming, I’m sorry!"

She bowed deeply to him, startling Hu Ming slightly.

He quickly guessed it was about the annulled engagement—but was a personal apology really necessary?

"What are you apologizing for? If it’s about the annulment, I’ve said it before: it’s for the best. At least you believe you’ve found someone better, haven’t you?"

Li Yue stared at Hu Ming, lips parting, yet the words stuck in her throat.

Some things she dared not tell him. Her guilt ran too deep.

"I’ll go first!"

She turned and hurried away. Watching her flee like that, Hu Ming suddenly smiled.

Trouble was coming soon. He was curious to see what Li Yue and her allies would do.

...

The night before the banquet, Hu Ming returned to his room after dinner.

Kangxin arrived as usual to study with him.

She’d been learning remarkably fast these past days—even Hu Ming couldn’t help but admire her progress. At this rate, she’d catch up on all her missed lessons before next semester.

But unlike her usual routine, Kangxin didn’t leave immediately tonight.

"Young Master, were you... sad when Miss Li Yue annulled the engagement?"

This was the first time Kangxin had ever asked him such a personal question. During their time together, she’d always followed his orders without prying.

*His ex would’ve adored that obedience*, Hu Ming mused.

But he felt pleased. Her question proved she had her own thoughts.

He patted his bed, gesturing for her to sit. "Kangxin, what do you think my attitude toward Li Yue is?"

"Pity? Sympathy?"

Though inexperienced in romance, Kangxin recalled how Hu Ming had always seemed disinterested around Li Yue, while Li Yue herself had hovered timidly beside him like a shadow.

If anything, Li Yue resembled her—but wasn’t her.

Hu Ming shrugged, as if it were obvious. "Naturally. I never liked her. To me, Li Yue is a stranger. Even if she’d chosen someone other than Han Shuyi, it wouldn’t change her place in my eyes."

"But... she betrayed you, Young Master."

*Betrayal?*

Hu Ming was surprised to hear that word from Kangxin.

Technically, Li Yue *had* betrayed him.

But everyone had their choices. Hu Ming wouldn’t resent her for it—though when the time came to settle accounts, past ties wouldn’t spare her.

"Enough, Kangxin. Don’t dwell on this. Go rest early."

"Yes."

Kangxin stood, tidied the books on the desk, and turned to leave.

Just before the door closed, her quiet words gave Hu Ming pause:

"I would never betray you, Young Master."

...

The banquet hall glittered with chandeliers, filled with the city’s most prominent entrepreneurs. Though billed as a birthday celebration, everyone knew it was a networking opportunity.

Kangxin carefully tied Hu Ming’s tie. They both faced the mirror.

Despite the original host’s flamboyant personality, his appearance was undeniably handsome.

A midnight-blue double-breasted suit with peaked lapels and side vents draped elegantly over his frame. Slightly tarnished white shell buttons adorned the front, while subtle white pinstripes elongated his silhouette. Beneath it, a white high-collared shirt with jacquard patterns peeked out, accented by a dark red tie.

Even Kangxin was momentarily stunned.

"How do I look, Kangxin?"

Hu Ming adjusted his cuffs. *Ancient wisdom says: never lose face in appearance.* And he had no intention of losing at all.

Kangxin gave a silent nod and stepped back from behind him.

Hu Ming remained alone before the mirror, smoothing his sleeves.

A knock sounded at the door. Before Kangxin could open it, Han Yunxi burst in.

Her eyes widened at Hu Ming’s appearance. She covered her mouth, muffling a gasp.

"Oh my god, brother! This suit was *made* for you!"

"If even you say so, then it’s perfect."

"Come on! Mom and Dad are waiting downstairs!"

Han Yunxi dragged Hu Ming out. Kangxin bowed slightly from the doorway, watching them leave.

Just as they turned the corner, Hu Ming subtly flashed her an "OK" sign.

Kangxin froze. A flicker of warmth softened her usually indifferent eyes.

Downstairs, the Khan Family parents were equally stunned by Hu Ming’s transformation.

Han Litian sensed it—Hu Ming had changed utterly, inside and out.

His calm demeanor, his impeccable taste in attire... everything commanded respect.

Beside them, Han Shuyi noticed it too.

His own suit, carefully chosen by his mother, was neat and tasteful—but it paled next to Hu Ming’s striking elegance.

*Again, he’s overshadowed me.*

Han Shuyi felt no real anger. Tonight, he had a special gift planned for Hu Ming anyway.

...

The banquet hall buzzed with clinking glasses and laughter. Perfume and wine scents mingled in the air as elegantly dressed guests mingled under crystal lights.

Groups of handsome men and radiant women exchanged smiles, their voices sweet, their movements graceful—a dazzling spectacle of wealth and charm.

Han Yunxi stood out in a chic white cocktail dress adorned with peacock-feather motifs. Its tailored waist highlighted her youthful glow and flawless skin, outshining every other young woman nearby.

The Khan Family’s strong genes were undeniable—even Han Shuyi, whom Hu Ming disliked most, cut a dazzling figure among the crowd.

Soft music floated through the grand hall, weaving through clusters of socialites and dignitaries.

From the moment Hu Ming entered, every eye turned to him.

Everyone knew he was the Khan Family’s *fake* heir.

Ignoring their stares, he found a quiet corner and poured himself a drink.

His position gave him a perfect view of the entire hall.

It felt like old times—back on a mission.