HuMing leaned against the railing, watching the students race across the track. He couldn't quite understand the school's reasoning---putting sports and regular students in the same race was hardly fair.
By the end, the ones left on the track were mostly the sports students.
With a yawn, HuMing waited until it was time for their class's match.
He changed into a simple outfit and joined the crowd on the sidelines.
As the team captain, Han ShuYi stood in the center circle, ready for the tip-off.
Han ShuYi was indeed quite tall, with an excellent vertical leap. His skills were solid, whether playing outside or in the paint. Some PE teachers had even asked if he wanted to join the sports class, but he had ultimately declined.
"Speaking of which, HuMing can play soccer, but have you ever seen him play basketball?"
"Last time he played, he nearly cost us the game. He's just here to make up the numbers," whispered some teammates nearby.
As they chatted, Han ShuYi scored a two-pointer, prompting the crowd, including HuMing, to clap. He joined in with little enthusiasm.
Not far away, Li Yue was cheering with all her might for Han ShuYi, playing her part as a dutiful fiancée.
However, she was still unaware of the truth about her identity. When the time came for her to learn it, what choice would she make?
As for Han ShuYi, HuMing could predict his actions even with his eyes closed.
If Li Yue became useless to him, he would undoubtedly find an opportunity to shake her off, paying no mind to what happened to her afterward.
Li Yue's situation might be unfortunate, but it was her own choice---no one else could be blamed.
HuMing shifted his focus back to the game.
Their class ultimately won the game, and HuMing moved to the field next to the track.
He stood with arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Ye QiuXue at the starting line.
When it came to girls' track events, HuMing had absolute faith in Ye QiuXue.
Her dominance on the track last time when she had left all the other girls far behind, had been unforgettable. HuMing doubted any girl here could outrun her.
The starting gun fired, and Ye QiuXue's spiked shoes dug into the asphalt, propelling her forward at an incredible speed.
Han ShuYi, who had just taken a water bottle from Li Yue, witnessed the scene.
He narrowed his eyes at Ye QiuXue's figure, his thoughts unreadable.
Just as HuMing expected, Ye QiuXue easily outpaced the other runners.
HuMing watched intently until suddenly; he noticed a figure next to him about to bolt onto the track!
Without thinking, HuMing grabbed the back of the boy's collar, halting him in his tracks.
The boy clearly hadn't expected HuMing to intervene, freezing momentarily.
"What are you doing?" HuMing asked, his tone sharp, brow furrowed.
The boy angrily shook off HuMing's hand, but just then, Ye QiuXue sprinted past.
If HuMing hadn't stopped him, Ye QiuXue might have collided directly with the boy!
That was something HuMing didn't want to see.
The boy glared at HuMing before quickly hurrying away, likely heading back to his group.
Already a high schooler, still acting so brainless.
HuMing truly thought the guy was brain-dead.
Not long after the race concluded, Ye QiuXue made a beeline for HuMing.
She wiped her sweat with a towel, still catching her breath.
"HuMing, I saw you standing here earlier. Did something happen?"
"Yeah, just now, someone tried to rush onto the track when you were sprinting past. I held him back."
Hearing this, Ye QiuXue felt a twinge of fear---she knew that stopping on a dime wasn't possible during a run. If that boy had indeed barreled into her, she would have definitely gotten hurt!
She exhaled in relief at the thought.
"No problem. There are still more events tomorrow, so get some rest early," HuMing replied, waving his hand dismissively before returning to his class.
Ye QiuXue watched his figure, raising an eyebrow and letting a smile curve on her lips.
"Didn't hit, I was stopped."
In a secluded corner of the school, a group of students sat together.
Some were smoking, others chewing gum, and one toyed with a coin in his hands.
If HuMing had been there, he would've recognized one of them as the guy he had pulled back earlier. The boy now wore a deep frown, looking far from pleased.
"Don't worry, there's still a chance. We'll just corner Ye QiuXue after school."
"That bitch keeps reporting us for breaking school rules. I've had it with her."
One of them spat on the ground, then wiped it away with his sleeve.
"I heard she wrote you up for a serious violation again, huh, Lao San(Old Three). One more strike and you will probably be expelled."
"If I get expelled, I'll make sure she goes down with me."
Lao San's expression twisted into a grimace, showing how much he resented Ye QiuXue.
"But you all noticed, right? Recently, it seems like Han HuMing has been getting quite close with Ye QiuXue."
They were well aware of HuMing beating someone to cripple at school. However, because of Han HuMing's identity, they do not dare to lay their hands on him.
"Han HuMing? He's nothing now. Don't you know the real heir of the Han family is Han ShuYi? That whole thing with Han LiTian treating HuMing like his son---that's just for show. We do what we need to, never mind that!"
Lao San's impatience was evident. From his vantage point, he spotted Ye QiuXue walking back toward the classrooms with her classmates.
He kicked the railing with a fierce stomp, sending a shuddering vibration through the metal.
Meanwhile, Ye QiuXue couldn't shake off a lingering sense that something was off, but she couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.
She had successfully passed the preliminary round of the race today, and the finals would take place tomorrow morning. For now, she needed to head home and get some rest.
Whether it was academics or the school sports meet, Ye QiuXue always aimed to give her best effort in everything she did.
Yet, this attitude often attracted criticism. People would say she was putting on a show and acting superior to others.
But how could they understand the burdens she carried in her life?
To change her situation, she knew she had to work harder and dedicate more time than most people.
After changing her clothes in the locker room, Ye QiuXue slung her backpack over her shoulders and prepared to leave the school.
With the sports meet going on, many students were still on the field, taking photos to capture memories.
Against the backdrop of the setting sun, Ye QiuXue appeared especially lonely.
In fact, she had faced countless evenings one, though recently, she'd grown accustomed to having HuMing by her side on the way home.
During their walks, they would chat and sometimes stop for snacks from street vendors, sharing a comfortable companionship.
There were even times when passersby would mistake them for a couple.
Though she'd show a bit of annoyance outwardly, deep down, she didn't entirely mind the idea.
'Maybe I've gotten too used to being around HuMing.'
Ye QiuXue sighed helplessly, making her way home.