Vol. 1 - Chapter 5 - A lesson
No one came and apologized to HuMing after school ended, but he didn't care.
From others' perspective, school bullying might be a serious matter, but to him, it was just a minor annoyance.
What else could compare to just simply staying alive?
He didn't want to dwell on the past. He is now quite satisfied with pretending to be a fake Young Master.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Some students had packed their bags and headed out, while others stayed to finish their homework.
And what about HuMing?
He was staring blankly at the clock.
As his identity has been exposed, those followers who used to gather around him have long since disappeared.
Just like when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. He wondered whether the old HuMing had ever thought such a day would come.
"HuMing, want to go home together?"
Suddenly, Han ShuYi's voice came from the side. His generosity and thoughtfulness quickly moved many.
Who else would be so kind to someone who has taken their identity for so long?
Han ShuYi's actions elevated many students' images of him. HuMing, on the other hand, was once again belittled.
Watching Han ShuYi's act, HuMing couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.
He probably thinks I was still the foolish HuMing he could easily manipulate.
Seeing how the other side has taken the initiative, he will play along with his games.
"Young Master Han, you have just returned to the family. I'm sure they've prepared a celebration for you. I won't go home and spoil the fun."
He waved with his hand, tucked them into his pockets, and walked out as everyone looked.
But in the eyes of others, HuMing seems lonely and even a little pitiful.
"I feel a little sorry for that guy."
"Ugh, you feel bad for him? Don't you know what kind of person he is?"
"Whatever, let him be. Let's not ruin the mood."
Han ShuYi watched as HuMing disappeared into the distance, squinting his eyes. He has a feeling that something seems off.
...
HuMing's impression in the minds of his classmates can't be overwritten overnight. It would take time.
But for him, time was the only thing he didn't lack.
He had completed his homework during class today. So, he had no intention of taking his backpack home with him.
While wandering around, HuMing ran into LiYue, who was heading home.
"HuMing, shall we go home together?"
She never let them pick her up or drop her off to avoid disgracing her family.
She was insecure, no matter how you looked at it.
Looking at the insecure girl before him, HuMing didn't know what to do for a moment. Although he knew that she would eventually betray him, he might be able to pull her out of that fate right now.
The original HuMing didn't like LiYue, but he had never discriminated against her like others.
In the case of LiYue, the original HuMing did nothing wrong.
Thinking so, HuMing took a deep breath, looked directly at the girl before him, and said.
"LiYue, there's something I want to remind you."
"Yes, I'm listening!"
"Stay away from Han ShuYi. He's not as he looks."
"Huh, really?" LiYue blinked her eyes slightly. She didn't know why HuMing was telling her this.
But HuMing did not continue explaining. That's all he could do for her.
It was up to LiYue herself to make her own future choices.
"I have something else to do, so I'll be leaving. Be careful on your way."
"Okay..."
LiYue looked at HuMing, puzzled, but when she thought of what HuMing had told her, she told herself to trust him.
...
When HuMing returned to class, there were hardly any people left.
He picked up his backpack and headed out of the school.
But not long after, he noticed that he was being followed.
Instead of turning around, he walked into an alley.
In contrast to the noisy streets outside, only HuMing's footsteps echoed in the silent alley.
A mouse peeked out from a dark hole but quickly skittered at the sudden commotion.
"I've walked in myself. You guys should be quite happy about it."
HuMing turned around, smiling at the people before him. Standing behind were a few delinquents with dyed hair. They squinted at HuMing as if trying to see why he was so confident.
"We're just doing this for the money. If you want to blame, blame yourself for offending someone."
Just as they finished speaking, a trash can lid flew towards them, followed by a kick that struck one of them away.
The other punks looked in astonishment and cursed. The person who had paid them said that HuMing was just a good-for-nothing.
Then what is going on now?
Before they could react, another got punched and sent flying.
Blood and a tooth could be seen gliding through the air this time.
Not daring to be careless again, the remaining two were about to fight back, but HuMing's knee landed on one of their "Man's most sensitive" areas.
Then, he grabbed the last one by his "Trendy" hair and smashed him against a nearby trash can.
In just a few breaths, the thugs who had come for trouble now needed a hospital.
All HuMing could grasp was a passing thought, 'the once hunters turned out to be the ones who got hunted.'
HuMing slowly squatted down, staring down at the still-conscious punk.
"I intentionally waited for you guys to come. After all, too many people want to teach me a lesson, so I had to take the initiative to let you guys come to find me."
HuMing knew it wouldn't be long before someone would come looking for trouble after school.
After all, the original HuMing had offended so many people that sooner or later, someone would come to teach him a lesson.
And now, by taking down these thugs, he was giving a warning to those people.
"You..."
HuMing took a tissue from his pocket and stuffed it in the punk's mouth.
"Listen up. I don't care who paid you. But do tell him that I don't like people using sneaky methods behind my back. If this happens again, I'll find and deal with him myself. Understand?"
Enduring the pain, the punk nodded.
If given another chance, he wouldn't dare to take that money again!
Hu Ming rose slowly in the twilight, his profile angular and resolute. His steely eyes showed a touch of danger.
"HuMing!"
A familiar voice came from behind.
HuMing's body stiffened, and he slowly turned around.
There, at the entrance of the alley, stood Ye QiuXue.
She scowled, nervously observing the scene in front of her. At the same time, she held her phone as if preparing to contact the police.
Upon seeing the familiar face, a smile crept onto HuMing's lips.
"President, didn't I tell you not always to frown? You'll turn into an old hag soon."
"Are you okay?!"
Compared to HuMing's calmness, Ye QiuXue approached nervously, checking his condition.
But when she saw HuMing unharmed, the tension on her face gradually eased.
But soon, her expression became stern again.
"Are you stupid? So many people surround you. Why didn't you run?"
"Why run if I can win?"
"..."