Kang Xin’s condition had finally stabilized, but it looked like she would need to stay in the hospital for a while to recover.

Watching her lying quietly on the hospital bed, HuMing couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. He had never intended for Kang Xin to get involved in today’s events—he knew full well that something major was bound to happen at the banquet.

But he hadn’t accounted for Kang Xin rushing in to save Bai XingQi—nor had he expected that the two of them had some sort of connection.

Once HuMing calmed down, his thoughts returned to something Kang Xin had said—the person who was important to her.

Apparently, long before Kang Xin could even remember, she had met HuMin.

But was this “HuMin” the same HuMin that HuMing knew?

He couldn’t say for sure—but he had to follow this thread. Because if it was HuMin, then she was his teacher.

HuMing planned to ask Kang Xin about it after she woke up. For now, it was time to let Shi Zhong have a little surprise of his own.

The next morning, Lan Jun drove HuMing to Ye QiuXue’s apartment.

Maybe it was because of what HuMing had told her the night before, but when Ye QiuXue came downstairs, she had noticeable dark circles under her eyes. She looked like she hadn’t slept a wink.

She opened the car door and saw HuMing inside. He shifted over to make space for her.

“You didn’t sleep well last night?”

“Those dark circles... they look terrible.”

They spoke in unison—each concerned for the other.

Ye QiuXue gave a faint, bitter smile and shook her head. “After you told me what happened to XiaoXi, I just couldn’t sleep. I keep wondering how she’s doing... I really hope she pulls through.”

Even though Ye QiuXue’s own parents were still alive, she understood what it felt like to lose someone you depended on.

Especially for Xia XiaoXi—she had grown up in her father’s doting care. Now that the tree she leaned on had fallen, she would have to walk the rest of the road alone.

Ye QiuXue wanted to be there for her, especially now.

“Xia Chen said she’s awake,” HuMing replied, “but she’s not in great state.”

The car glided along the road. Maybe it was because of what had happened yesterday, but the usually bustling streets of the capital were quieter than usual.

A lot of people had been involved in last night’s events. It had shaken the city.

Still, people had to work. Many only learned what had happened after watching the morning news.

What concerned HuMing most, though, was that Xia XiaoXi’s identity had been made public.

Originally, Xia GaoWu had planned to announce her identity last night—but then everything spiraled out of control. Now, the media vultures were circling, eager to dig up any dirt they could find.

Reporters would do anything for a story.

So first thing in the morning, HuMing had contacted Xia Chen and asked him to get someone to protect XiaoXi’s privacy.

The hospital had already restricted access—only patients were allowed inside. Crowds had gathered at the entrance, desperate for firsthand information.

The underground parking lot was packed too, but Lan Jun still managed to find a spot.

As the car came to a stop, Lan Jun stayed behind while HuMing led Ye QiuXue toward XiaoXi’s ward. But as he pressed the elevator button, he hesitated for a moment.

He still didn’t know whether Kang Xin was awake. After seeing XiaoXi, he’d go check on her too.

“HuMing, I forgot to bring anything!” Ye QiuXue lightly smacked her forehead and sighed in frustration.

Visiting a patient without a gift—it felt a little rude.

But HuMing shook his head. “She doesn’t need anything right now. Honestly, just having someone to talk to might be the best gift for her.”

“I hope so…”

When they reached the ward, they were stopped by bodyguards—men in suits whose sheer bulk strained against the fabric. Sunglasses hid their eyes, but their presence was enough to make anyone flinch.

The moment one of them recognized HuMing, though, he quickly stepped aside and let them pass.

Ye QiuXue pushed the door open.

Inside, Xia XiaoXi was slowly eating a bowl of porridge, sipping spoonful by spoonful. Even so, Ye QiuXue immediately noticed her swollen, red-rimmed eyes.

She had obviously cried before they arrived.

Ye QiuXue’s nose stung. She bit her lip, forcing herself to hold it in.

She couldn’t show sadness in front of XiaoXi. She wanted to create a lighthearted atmosphere—something to lift her spirits.

Xia Chen was surprised to see Ye QiuXue walk in. But when he spotted HuMing behind her, the surprise quickly faded.

He stood up slowly, squeezing a faint smile onto his face.

“HuMing? You're here already? I thought you’d come after lunch.”

It was a transparent lie, but HuMing played along.

“We took the morning off. The adults have things to deal with—we were free, so we figured we’d drop by.”

Xia XiaoXi smiled.

Aside from looking pale, she seemed almost like her usual self.

It was hard for HuMing to imagine that just last night, she had collapsed unconscious.

“Xia Chen, you haven’t rested at all, have you? Why don’t you head back for a bit?” HuMing frowned at the deep circles under Xia Chen’s eyes.

He didn’t look well at all.

“I’m fine. You two chat—I’ll go wash my face.” Xia Chen walked past them.

Xia XiaoXi watched her brother’s retreating back, falling silent for a moment. Then, she smiled again.

“I’m really happy you came. The doctor said I’m fine. Once I’m feeling better, I can go home.”

“Did you know your identity’s been made public? Now the whole world knows you’re Xia GaoWu’s daughter. There are reporters downstairs dying to know your story. You might not be able to continue your idol career like before.”

He knew it was a heavy blow—but for her safety, she needed to hear it.

To his surprise, Xia XiaoXi didn’t seem upset. Her smile never faded—though her fingers kept fidgeting with the corner of the blanket, betraying her unease.

“I know. Now that Dad’s gone, I can’t be willful anymore. And compared to my brother, what pressure do I even have? He’s carrying the entire Xia family. If I make more trouble for him... what face do I have left to stay in this family?”

Her voice remained soft, her head lowered. But when she looked up, both HuMing and Ye QiuXue were stunned by the expression on her face.

There was no trace of longing in her smile. She had already made peace with herself—already decided how she would face the future.

“I’m not the Idol Xia XiaoXi anymore. I’m Xia GaoWu’s daughter—Xia XiaoXi.”

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