HuMing had not anticipated that Ye QiuXue would make such a move in this situation.
Ye QiuXue fixed her gaze on Ye Feng, her voice cold as ice. "You have no right to talk about him; this has nothing to do with you!"
With that, she tugged at the still-dazed HuMing, pulling him away.
Ye Feng stood there, stunned, unable to process the scene that had just unfolded before him. Beside him, Ye Hao tugged at his pants, wanting to leave.
The sweltering afternoon drew everyone hazy and disoriented.
Inside the car, silence enveloped Ye QiuXue and HuMing as they both steered clear of discussing what had just happened. Yet, the boldness she had shown earlier left her feeling intensely awkward.
Her actions had been intended to provoke Ye Feng, something she would never normally do. Yet, she had kissed HuMing! What if he misunderstood her intentions? Would they even be able to remain friends?
Ye QiuXue supported her head with her hand, nearly fainting from embarrassment.
And HuMing?
He sat quietly in his seat, his expression largely unchanged. It would be a lie if he claimed not to feel a flutter in his heart. After all, being kissed by such a beautiful girl would stir feelings in anyone, especially someone like Ye QiuXue, with whom he had spent a fair amount of time.
But his rationality held greater sway over his impulses. He understood that Ye QiuXue's actions were merely meant to irritate her father, not a true reflection of her feelings.
Knowing this, HuMing had managed to mask any trace of embarrassment since getting into the car. In contrast, Ye QiuXue, beside him, seemed to regret her earlier choice.
"Um... Han HuMing, about what just happened..."
Ye QiuXue's voice was laced with caution as she peeked at HuMing, her mind racing with how to explain things to him.
But HuMing turned his head, his brows raised.
"Ye QiuXue, you let your emotions get the better of you just now."
His tone was as if he were discussing the most mundane of matters, but his calm demeanor only deepened Ye QiuXue's embarrassment. So he had realized the implications of her earlier actions, yet he was not angry; instead, he spoke about it with a remarkable composure.
Ye QiuXue lowered her head, momentarily at a loss for words.
HuMing continued, "I understand your feelings towards your father, but you can't let your emotions take over every time you see him. What if he confronts you in public next time? Are you going to lose control again?"
His words were too rational, making Ye QiuXue question whether the person beside her was really HuMing. When had he become so level-headed?
She found herself at a loss.
As the car drifted further from the bustling city, HuMing gazed out the window at a dilapidated construction site, soon to be demolished. His expression remained unchanged. Yet, thoughts of Ye QiuXue lingered in his mind.
Setting aside her current achievements, he realized that Ye QiuXue was just a girl lacking parental love.
What he had just asked for was indeed too harsh for her.
With a sigh, he finally proposed, "Ye QiuXue, let's make an agreement."
"Hm? What kind of agreement?" Ye QiuXue asked, confused at his words.
"I, Han HuMing, will pretend to be your boyfriend in front of your father for this period. Just one phone call from you, and I'll help you with whatever issue arises. And the price you need to pay is to tutor me."
The price he proposed felt almost nonexistent.
Ye QiuXue was momentarily taken aback, ready to refuse, but the seriousness in HuMing's eyes left her at a loss for words.
Though she didn't fully understand what had occurred between HuMing and Ye Feng, it was clear that Ye Feng had no leverage in front of HuMing. More importantly, Ye Feng had been deeply affected by her actions today. If he saw that she and HuMing weren't truly together, he would likely resume his previous harassment of her life.
What HuMing meant was to position himself as her shield.
"Han HuMing, you really don't have to go this far."
"No, this agreement won't last long," he replied, his certainty evident. Ye QiuXue couldn't fathom where his confidence came from.
She neither accepted nor declined his offer, and the car fell into an awkward silence. Meanwhile, the driver in the front seat listened intently; after all, the relationships among students were complex yet simple.
Inside the orphanage, the atmosphere was calm, as if nothing significant had occurred. The children's emotions came and went swiftly. All they hoped for was that the old director would return soon.
HuMing approached YouCheng and explained the situation, reassuring him to focus on his studies. He knew YouCheng had many thoughts swirling in his mind; his job was to help him relax.
The orphanage had been tidied up thoroughly, leaving no trace of yesterday's chaos. Ye QiuXue briefly taught a few classes to ensure the children wouldn't fall behind in their studies.
As the day passed, HuMing and Ye QiuXue left, and it was already evening. After dropping Ye QiuXue off, HuMing headed home.
Just as he stepped inside, he unexpectedly ran into Han ShuYi.
Seeing his battered face, HuMing's lips pressed together, his expression serious. Yet, his lips quivered as if he were holding back something.
Han ShuYi shot him a glare, his voice hoarse. "Go ahead and laugh; you'll pay the price for your arrogance."
"I'm a professional, professionally trained; I won't laugh!" HuMing replied, giving hima shoulder pat. But Han ShuYi abruptly exhaled and pushed HuMing away.
"Fuck off!"
"Pfft." HuMing couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Didn't you say you wouldn't laugh?"
"I just remembered something happy. I went out with a girl today, so I'm feeling a bit overexcited," HuMing explained.
Han ShuYi knew HuMing was making excuses. Gritting his teeth, he turned his back and shuffled toward his room.
Yes, he was shuffling. It seemed his legs had endured quite a bit of damage.
HuMing couldn't help but admire Han ShuYi's determination. No wonder he could be the protagonist.
At the dinner table, Zhou WenLi was visibly worried about Han ShuYi's injuries, repeatedly inquiring about his condition while they ate.
"ShuYi, why don't we stop going? If you're worried about safety, we could ask your father to hire some bodyguards."
"No need, Mom. I actually think it's pretty good for me; it's also a chance to exercise."
"But no one exercises like this!" Zhou WenLi lamented, unable to hide her concern.
Sitting nearby, Han LiTian regarded Han ShuYi with approval. "Good. It's commendable to have that kind of awareness. Only by becoming stronger can you earn others' respect!"