"Next time. Let's go back early for dinner today."
HuMing stood up and tapped Han Yunxi on the head.
"And, make sure to spend more time with your mother when you can."
"Brother, I know Mother has some bias against you, but trust me, we are still a family!"
Han YunXi's eyes gleamed with a glimmer of hope, and in her gaze, HuMing sensed her yearning for a peaceful and loving home.
'She's still too naive'
Perhaps Han Yunxi would never have imagined that her family had long been like a tiny ship caught in a storm.
There would come a day when she would see all of this clearly.
By then, it would be the price of her growth.
HuMing never felt responsible for others, or rather, he seldom took responsibility for other people's lives. Because the weight of such a life was burdensome, he didn't like it.
Freedom is what he sought.
...
At the dinner table, possibly influenced by recent events, Madam Han occasionally cast a sidelong glance at HuMing as if she had something to say. However, because of her pride, she often found herself on the verge of speaking, only to remain silent.
HuMing sat at the table, eating his meal in silence. He had long been aware of Madam Han's gaze, but because she never spoke, he never bothered to say anything.
In this family, it was clear that the relationship between Madam Han and himself was not good.
Since Han ShuYi returned, Madam Han appeared determined to compensate for the love and attention she had missed over the years by showering it upon him. Additionally, Han ShuYi had always played the role of the obedient son, projecting a good image around Madam Han.
Under these circumstances, HuMing's relationship with Madam Han deteriorated.
It's not hard to picture a future where Madam Han decides to kick him out due to Han ShuYi's request.
However, he was already prepared for that.
After dinner, when HuMing was about to return to his room, he heard Han LiTian call him.
"HuMing, come here."
HuMing turned around and went back to the sofa.
Han Litian's gaze swept over everyone, and then he said,
"In a few days, our family will attend a banquet. It's an invitation from a city official. I will have the servants prepare clothes for you all."
"This time, it's not just about attending the banquet. I also want to show others that ShuYi is our child." Han LiTian said, looking at HuMing and added. "So is Hu Ming."
Madam Han slightly moved and came to Han ShuYi's side.
She gently patted Han ShuYi's back as if to console him while Han ShuYi sat up straight and listened intently to Han LiTian's words.
Han ShuYi understood this was his opportunity to meet people in high society!
In that social circle, nobody seems to care about your personal accomplishments. Instead, they are solely interested in your family background and your parents' occupations!
It's a matter of innate selection, something that cannot be compensated for later!
He had long dreamed of rising from poverty, but that was just a dream!
He didn't want to be trampled on his entire life or have others talk about his lowly status!
That is why ShuYi wanted to climb up as quickly as possible, and anyone in his path had to be eliminated!
With this thought, Han ShuYi couldn't help but glance at HuMing. To his surprise, HuMing was also looking in his direction.
HuMing appeared at ease, with his head tilted slightly and his hand resting on his head. A certain air of confidence emanated from his very being, a quality that Han ShuYi aspired to acquire.
Seeing this, Han ShuYi clenched his fist slightly.
And HuMing?
Although Han ShuYi kept a smile on his face, he could still see the fiery passion in Han ShuYi's eyes.
That's right, passion.
Han ShuYi appeared eager to prove himself at the banquet, and more importantly, he saw him as a competitor, intending to use him as a stepping stone to a higher position.
And HuMing was quite curious about what he wanted to do.
Han YunXi's interest faded after hearing her father's words.
She disliked such banquets because they were filled with people attempting to curry favor with her, and some would intentionally cause small disturbances to catch her attention, all in an attempt to get closer to her.
Han YunXi knew that her father was highly sought after by many individuals who would go to great lengths to collaborate with him.
So, as her father's daughter, she had to maintain good manners and avoid flaws.
However, this guy, HuMing, always caused trouble at banquets, which made her father unhappy.
But now that her father actively requested him to attend the banquet, could it be that he was firmly stating that HuMing was part of the family!?
Han YunXi felt happy about this.
Suddenly, Madam Han tugged at her arm, pulling her back from her daydream.
Madam Han patted her daughter's hand and said,
"YunXi, this time, when your father and I are not around, you need to take good care of your brother, understand?"
Saying this, she glanced at Han ShuYi, who also smiled and nodded at Han YunXi.
However, upon hearing her mother's reminder, Han YunXi could only feel helpless.
"Mom, he's my brother. Do you think I would abandon him?"
"I'm just reminding you."
With that, she couldn't help but look at HuMing, who was scrolling through his phone, seemingly watching short videos.
Despite having thought about what to say all night, in the end, she still couldn't speak up.
"HuMing, if there's anything you need, just let the family know. Don't worry."
Hearing Madam Han call his name, HuMing looked up and smiled formulaically.
"Thank you for your concern, Madam Han."
Hearing HuMing address her as "Madam Han" filled her with sadness. For some reason, it appeared that she and HuMing were drifting apart, unable to regain their former closeness.
In fact, she wanted to try to make things right with HuMing. But every time she was about to act on it, ShuYi would ask her questions, and she eventually forgot about it.
After all, ShuYi is her biological son, and she feels more guilt for him. She wanted to make amends with ShuYi, and in the process, she naturally neglected HuMing.
Contemplating this, she couldn't help but sigh, momentarily caught in inner turmoil.
...
Late at night, KangXin came to HuMing's room to massage him.
Since the last time, KangXin has come to his room daily to massage him, as HuMing seems to enjoy it very much.
But after the massage, HuMing didn't rush to let her leave. Instead, he pulled KangXin to the table and had her sit down.
"Alright, starting today, I'll teach you to study!"
"...Young Master, I have never studied before."
"It's okay, we'll start from the beginning. We have plenty of time before leaving the Han family."
KangXin stared at the questions on the table, falling into deep thought.
Seeing KangXin's expression, HuMing placed his hands on her shoulders and said,
"Just for me, please?"
"...Alright."