Vol. 1 - Chapter 10 - You're also my brother!
In the classroom, Hu Ming's thoughts were a mystery to everyone.
He sat quietly at his desk, fully engrossed in studying the writing on the blackboard.
However, no one believed he was studying. Perhaps he was only staring blankly at the board.
Several students criticized earlier that morning were absent from the classroom. Their parents had been called as soon as the incident occurred.
As for HuMing, the school authorities hesitated to call the Han family.
HuMing's situation was awkward, and they were unsure if the Han family would be willing to handle the matter.
If they were willing, why hadn't Han YunXi or Han ShuYi informed them?
The school naturally trod carefully. Yet, Hu Ming still became the topic of discussion for everyone.
At noon, the lunch bell rang. Many students hurried out, eager to get their meal.
After Han ShuYi packed up his books, he couldn't help but steal a glance at HuMing sitting at the back of the classroom. His behavior was becoming increasingly unfathomable, leaving Han ShuYi perplexed.
"Isn't that Han YunXi?"
A classmate preparing to leave exclaimed, and Han ShuYi instinctively looked towards the door. Sure enough, Han YunXi appeared at the doorway.
Han ShuYi got up, walked over, and flashed a warm smile.
"YunXi, what brings you here? Want to grab lunch together?"
"Ah, brother. I'm here for HuMing."
"Hu Ming..."
Han ShuYi's expression darkened momentarily, but he quickly regained his composure.
He turned to look at Hu Ming, who was yawning while seated at his desk.
"After what happened this morning, I thought he must be feeling complicated right now."
Saying so, Han ShuYi also looks somewhat helpless.
But Han YunXi looked at Han ShuYi, puzzled, and asked,
"Brother, didn't you know what happened to HuMing?"
This question took Han ShuYi by surprise. They were in the same class, so how could he not have known about such an incident!
Han YunXi couldn't comprehend why Han ShuYi hadn't informed her immediately.
But Han ShuYi seemed somewhat helpless and regretful. He lowered his voice and said,
"I already knew about it when I came over that day. However, many students in the class are unhappy with Hu Ming, so if I were directly asked, no one would have probably told me. I tried to coax a few classmates, but they weren't willing to talk."
Han ShuYi seemed ashamed, as though he held himself responsible for what happened.
Albeit uncomfortable seeing this, Han YunXi trusted Han ShuYi and approached HuMing.
There Hu Ming was, leaning over the desk and appearing asleep. She reached out and tapped his shoulder and said,
"Han HuMing, why didn't you tell us what happened?"
"About what?"
HuMing didn't bother lifting his head and spoke lazily as if he didn't care.
Seeing HuMing's attitude, Han YunXi couldn't help but remember their conversation the previous night.
He must still harbor resentment towards her, considering she hadn't fulfilled her duties as a sister.
This incident was severe. Ye QiuXue mentioned that it was all because of Hu Ming's identity.
Lately, she had noticed that the people who used to be around Hu Ming were now with Han ShuYi.
It appeared that everyone assumed Han ShuYi was the young master of the Han family and that HuMing was destined to be abandoned by them.
But Hu Ming never voiced these grievances to them; his demeanor suggested complete indifference to what had happened.
This made her very upset. After all, they had lived together for so many years, hadn't they?
"HuMing, you can choose to trust us!"
"I only trust myself."
HuMing slowly lifted his gaze to meet Han YunXi's eyes, his expression calm. For some reason, seeing this, Han YunXi felt deeply aggrieved. She bit her lip, her voice choked with emotion.
"I understand my past shortcomings, but I'll do better in the future!"
"Better? Your brother is over there. I'm just an outsider."
"You're also my brother..."
"Is it because you pity me?"
A smirk played at Hu Ming's lips, but to Han YunXi, it seemed incredibly mocking.
Seeing Han YunXi on the verge of tears, Han ShuYi walked over with a determined expression.
"HuMing, we are family! YunXi is saying this for your own good."
Upon hearing Han ShuYi's words, HuMing felt almost tempted to laugh.
Nowadays, Han ShuYi has been engaging in quite a few repulsive behaviors. Now, he was talking about family as if he had become accustomed to being a hypocrite.
Other students were still in the class, and someone stepped forward after hearing Hu Ming's words.
"Han HuMing, isn't Han YunXi here to help you? Don't you think it is too hurtful to say that?"
"If you had pointed those people out earlier, wouldn't the matter have been resolved sooner?"
HuMing looked at the student who spoke earnestly.
Sure enough, upon hearing HuMing's words, his expression abruptly changed. He couldn't utter the words he intended. Meanwhile, HuMing crossed his arms, his smile vanishing.
"I don't care what you're thinking. Spare the preaching. Even if I'm not part of the Han family, I can still handle you all. Some of you understand the consequences, don't you?"
He intentionally made this statement for others to hear, suggesting that those who wanted to fight back should consider their own capabilities.
HuMing adjusted his sleeves and then gazed at Han YunXi in front of him.
"I can handle this myself. There is no need for you to bother."
"But I've already told Mom and Dad!"
Han YunXi glared at HuMing with teary eyes as if out of spite. This matter was too serious, and she had to inform her parents about HuMing's situation at school!
Hearing Han YunXi's words, although HuMing's expression remained neutral, he felt quite content.
[Han YunXi, you did great.]
...
HuMing, not wanting to talk to Han YunXi anymore, went to rest by the school pavilion. However, someone seemed to be following him. As soon as HuMing sat down, LiYue sat down beside him.
Her eyes were red, and she kept sniffing as she said, "HuMing, you were also being bullied."
"...Why are you crying? I'm fine."
"But they have gone too far!"
"By the way, has Han ShuYi spoken to you recently?"
"Ah... yes, but I turned him down."
"Great. Just remember he's not a good person."
Li Yue couldn't help but feel puzzled by Hu Ming's dislike for Han ShuYi.
[Why does HuMing dislike Han ShuYi so much? Is it because Han ShuYi took away his identity as the young master of the Han family?]
With suspicion in her heart, Li Yue secretly observed Hu Ming, oblivious to his motives.
"Hey, HuMing!"
As the two continued to chat, a voice abruptly came from behind them...