"Hu Ming..."
When LiYue stood before HuMing, he realized why Han ShuYi's words were so impactful.
LiYue now wears a noticeably shorter dress, and her hair, which had previously concealed her birthmark, is now tied up with a ribbon, confidently revealing her face and exuding an unprecedented sense of self-assurance.
HuMing crossed his arms and looked at LiYue with raised eyebrows and a surprised expression.
"Hmm? LiYue, you look completely different from before."
"Really? Maybe it's because I'm more confident now."
LiYue said, proudly flicking her hair.
After taking Han ShuYi's advice, she did notice a remarkable transformation in her surroundings.
Although the birthmark on her face was unpleasant, LiYue had a solid foundation. The boys who used to call her an ugly duckling now addressed her ordinarily.
LiYue was thrilled by such results. At last, she could reveal her true self!
However, as she looked at her fiancé standing before her, myriad thoughts filled her heart.
She was aware of the events that took place today. She was taken aback by HuMing's complete disregard for his own biological parents.
No wonder Han ShuYi mentioned HuMing might struggle to accept reality.
Now facing HuMing, LiYue had a different perspective in her heart.
"HuMing, there's something I want to ask you today."
"I'm listening."
"Do you actually really hate Han ShuYi?"
LiYue bit her lip as if she found it difficult to ask this.
She knew deep down that certain things sounded awful when spoken, but now HuMing appeared to have lost his original charm in her eyes.
She used to always trail behind him, believing that her life would forever remain in darkness. However, the unexpected arrival of Han ShuYi completely transformed her world.
It was all thanks to Han ShuYi that she now felt confident enough to show her face.
Upon hearing this question, HuMing's lips subtly curved, though his expression remained unchanged.
Or rather, the words LiYue wanted to express had long been in his mind.
LiYue believed she had stumbled upon a sun, but little did she know it was merely a blazing fire. When she recklessly hurled herself towards that blazing fire, it was a given that she was to suffer severe injuries.
But why did it matter to him? He had done everything he could for LiYue. As for how she decided to proceed, it was entirely up to her.
"LiYue, go ahead and speak your mind. Keeping things hidden will make no difference from before."
As if stung by HuMing's words, LiYue's initial hesitation quickly turned into anger. She shot a fierce look at HuMing, causing the birthmark on her face to shift closer to her eyes.
"HuMing! I am different from before! I am more confident now than ever before."
"So what? How does that differ from what you're about to do?"
"I..."
The words on the tip of her tongue suddenly struggled to find their way out.
Clearly, this matter was solely her responsibility. However, when considering her own future, she decided to prioritize herself!
"HuMing, let's end our engagement talks!"
She gazed intently at HuMing, her face filled with unwavering determination.
HuMing had never seen such an expression on her face before, and perhaps even the original hadn't seen it either.
Passers-by walked around, but the silence between them remained intact.
At this moment, LiYue felt a wave of dread wash over her. She nervously swallowed, her gaze fixed on HuMing.
Truth be told, she secretly hoped that HuMing would decline. After all, she had been by HuMing's side for countless years and had grown accustomed to his presence. However, if that were the case, she couldn't explain Han ShuYi.
The stark contrast between the two is drastically striking, yet LiYue seems devoid of all emotions other than tension.
Perhaps she conveniently overlooked the fact that despite being shunned by everyone, the original was the one who made the effort to welcome her and treat her like any other person.
And now, her words appeared determined to detach her from the past. And HuMing is the first person she wants to distance herself from.
HuMing stood silently on the side, staring at LiYue without revealing his thoughts.
"HuMing?"
LiYue cautiously asked, but at that moment, HuMing erupted into laughter brimmed with sarcasm.
"LiYue, honestly, I'm not concerned about this matter. This engagement should have ended long ago, to be more precise. "
LiYue stared blankly at HuMing, frozen in place, unsure what he meant by his words.
Noticing her lack of response, HuMing let out a deep sigh, maintaining a calm and composed expression.
"The person you're supposed to uphold the engagement with is Han Shuyi, so it doesn't affect me. As for what you'll do afterward, I have no interest in it. Anyway, let's go our separate ways from here. "
HuMing turned to leave, but LiYue called out to him from behind.
"HuMing, can't we stay friends?"
"Friends? Haven't you already started making friends? Losing one shouldn't matter. Enjoy your current life; it is undeniably precious."
'As for what happens from now on, it has nothing to do with me.'
HuMing walked towards his classroom, but before he could go far, Ye QiuXue intercepted him, blocking his path.
She squinted at Hu Ming and then questioned him with a puzzled expression,
"You and LiYue were about to be engaged before?"
She was well aware of LiYue's situation, being the only girl in the entire school with a noticeable birthmark on her face. It was widely known among her class as well.
Despite what others may have said, Ye Qiuxue did not perceive her as ugly.
She had also seen LiYue before, a girl who displayed great caution in her actions, always mindful of not causing any inconvenience to others.
However, she was taken aback by LiYue's sudden proposal to end the engagement with HuMing.
Was she unaware that Hu Ming was incredibly vulnerable at this moment?
For the first time, she felt displeased with this girl, but she couldn't interfere with other people's choices.
She could not help but feel sorry for HuMing. It appeared that many people had abandoned him.
However, his face always bore a smile. Ye QiuXue was left perplexed as to how he could still continue to do so.
"It was not supposed to be an engagement with me but with the Han family. Besides, the young master of the Han family is Han ShuYi, not me, so strictly speaking, she has no relation with me."
"Your families still have this kind of arrangement? I thought engagements like this were rare."
"If we were engaged now, it wouldn't be rare then, right?"
HuMing arched an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
Ye QiuXue's face flushed briefly, but she swiftly shot a stern look at HuMing.
"We're getting our report cards later. Remember to bring yours tomorrow!"
"So we are like the characters from 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes'?"
"'The Legend of the Condor Heroes'?"
"Xiao Longnu and Yang Guo are master and disciple!"
"Do you have a death wish?!"
(Tl: The last part here is a reference to the Chinese novel 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes', and the characters Xiao LongNu and Yang Guo have a teacher-student relationship[In a romantic sense as well])