Chapter 218: Goof
After receiving HuMing's message, Ye QiuXue finally allowed herself to relax.
Although she believed HuMing, she couldn’t help but worry for him. After all, he was facing an unknown enemy.
Still, what caught her by surprise was how many secrets Han ShuYi had been hiding.
If it weren’t for Han ShuYi, HuMing wouldn’t have ended up in such a precarious position.
From the very beginning, Ye QiuXue had disliked Han ShuYi. When dealing with him, his smile always seemed too flawless.
It felt as though he stood before her, desperately trying to present a perfect version of himself.
But his abilities didn’t quite match up, giving her an uncomfortable, almost awkward impression.
And now, it seemed her instincts hadn’t been wrong.
She set her phone aside and gazed at the ceiling above.
Despite the quiet night, her heart was far from calm. Earlier today, her father had somehow learned she was back and had waited downstairs just to see her.She had explained to him countless times to stop interfering in her life, yet he’d shown up with that woman again.
Ye QiuXue thought bitterly that if she had any serious health conditions, she’d probably be driven to her grave by her father.
Resolving herself, Ye QiuXue decided that as soon as tomorrow passed, she’d buy a ticket and leave this city!
“Grandma…”
The name of the person most precious to her slipped softly from her lips.
During this time back, her grandmother had called to check in on her.
Grandma had assured her there was no need to visit; as long as she was doing well, that was enough.
Though her grandmother’s words were practical, Ye QiuXue had already decided otherwise. Since she’d taken time off work, what harm was there in spending a little of it on this?
Satisfied with her reasoning, she closed her eyes and let herself drift off to sleep.
…
Xia XiaoXi cradled her phone in her hands, practically bouncing off the bed after reading HuMing’s latest message.
His words confirmed it: she had genuinely helped him!
Joy bubbled up in her chest—this wasn’t just some minor achievement! Even HuMing didn’t know who was backing Han ShuYi or what kind of opponent they were up against.
However, her excitement dimmed somewhat as she pondered the situation.
She hadn’t expected Han ShuYi to harbor feelings for her. The thought alone made her shudder in discomfort.
The idea of someone like Han ShuYi—who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals—liking her was unsettling.
Xia XiaoXi couldn’t shake the suspicion that, if she openly rejected him, he might spiral into something extreme.
Startled by the possibility, she bolted upright.
She needed to do something to help HuMing. At the very least, Han ShuYi had to be exposed.
Determined, Xia XiaoXi picked up her phone and dialed a number.
“Hello? Bro, something’s come up on my end.”
“No, no, it’s about the Han family. Something related to Han ShuYi, their young master.”
“What? Dad said not to get involved? Why? Han ShuYi’s done some awful things!”
“Ugh, fine. I get it.”
Frustrated, she hung up and flopped back onto her bed.
Her brother had made it clear: the Han family’s matters were theirs alone to resolve. It was their family’s etiquette and principle to avoid meddling in others’ private affairs.
Unless the Han family explicitly requested assistance, they were not to intervene.
“So much for helping HuMing…” Xia XiaoXi pouted, looking thoroughly dejected.
…
“Dad, are we really not going to intervene with the Han family? What Han ShuYi did wasn’t exactly noble.”
Xia Chen glanced at his father with visible confusion.
Part of him wanted to help the Han family resolve the matter. After all, Han ShuYi’s actions were far from commendable—especially after hearing from his sister about the bribery scandal involving judges to secure a championship.
Initially, Xia Chen had even been curious to meet Han ShuYi. A rags-to-riches story about a rural kid who made it into their school’s elite class sounded inspiring.
But now, he was relieved he hadn’t acted impulsively.
Xia GaoWu glanced at his son before turning his attention back to the television.
“Let others worry about their own family affairs. Even though I’ve known Han LiTian for years, we have no right to interfere without understanding the situation fully. Son, don’t let passion alone drive your actions. You need to be steady and composed, understand?”
“Yes, Dad.”
Xia Chen and Xia XiaoXi were twins, though Xia Chen had been born slightly earlier, earning him the title of “big brother”.
But when it came to maturity, it was hard to say who was more grown-up between them.
Xia GaoWu’s gaze remained fixed on the television, though his eyes seemed distant.
Propping his head with his hand, it was unclear whether he was focused on the show or lost in thought.
Suddenly, his son’s loud exclamation broke his reverie.
Startled, he turned to see Xia Chen reacting wildly to a video on his phone.
Veins bulged on Xia GaoWu’s forehead as his breathing grew heavy.
This kid! No composure at all. He couldn’t help but worry about the future of the Xia family.
Reaching out, he grabbed Xia Chen’s ear and growled, “It’s midnight. Even if there’s no school tomorrow, go to your room and sleep!”
“Ugh, come on, Dad! I was bonding with you!”
“Bonding? Should I get a whip for that?”
“Fine! Emotional bonding is over for the day—I’ll try again tomorrow!” Xia Chen scrambled off toward his room, stumbling slightly as he went.
Watching his son’s retreating figure, Xia GaoWu didn’t feel relieved. Instead, his worries deepened.
His daughter was strong-willed but uninterested in inheriting the family’s responsibilities, and he didn’t want to force that burden on her.
As for his son?
A complete goof!
If not for Xia Chen’s academic excellence, Xia GaoWu might have been tempted to wring the boy’s neck.
He sighed, shaking his head to dispel his frustration.
But then, his thoughts returned to Han ShuYi.
It was hard to believe that a kid from the countryside could orchestrate so much on his own. Was there someone working against the Han family from the shadows?
The night grew deeper, yet it seemed destined that many wouldn’t find sleep easily.
And at the center of it all was “Han ShuYi”.