In a certain city, a modest house was hosting a funeral.


    The house wasn''t particrlyrge. A ck-and-white portrait of an elderly man rested on a table, surrounded by incense sticks and fruit offerings.


    Those attending weren''t rtives of the deceased---they were his neighbors.


    Over the years, they had benefited greatly from the old man''s kindness, and now, at his passing, their grief was evident.


    A young boy stepped out of the room. His expression was calm, an incongruous sight amid the mourning crowd.


    But everyone knew that this boy had been the closest person to the old man.


    Someone approached to offerfort.


    "XiaoMing, now that your grandfather has passed, what are your ns?""I''m nning to attend school in the neighboring city. Grandpa made the arrangements for me before he passed," the boy replied evenly as if stating a simple fact.


    Yet, looking at his tranquil demeanor, it was hard to reconcile this boy with the one who had cried so bitterly just a few nights ago.


    The neighbors hoped he would find the strength to face life bravely.


    "In that case, go ahead. But if you ever encounter any difficulties, don''t hesitate toe to us, alright?"


    "Thank you, uncles and aunties," the boy said, bowing slightly in gratitude.


    The neighbors nodded and gradually left the house, leaving the boy alone.


    He slowly turned his head to look at the portrait on the table.


    No one else knew the secret between him and the old man.


    "Grandpa, it''s time for me to leave. These past days with you have been truly joyful."


    The boy bowed deeply toward the portrait, his expression serious. The man in the photo wore a gentle smile as if he had passed away contentedly.


    "It''s been so long... I suppose it''s time for me to return, as HuMing."


    This boy was none other than HuMing himself.


    That day, after falling from the cliff, he didn''t die. Instead, he had ended up here, meeting the old man.


    The old man, already gravely ill, took HuMing in, iming him his grandson.


    Cheerful and warm-hearted, the old man was well-loved by the localmunity.


    When HuMing offered to take him to the hospital, the old man had pressed his hand firmly and declined, unwilling to spend the money.


    He had looked at HuMing and said something that lingered.


    "Save the money and take good care of yourself."


    Perhaps he had always known that HuMing wouldn''t stay here forever. He treated the boy as if he were his real grandson, and HuMing silently epted his kindness.


    The neighbors, out of respect for the old man, also showed great care toward HuMing.


    But such days didn''tst long. When the old man''s condition worsened, he clutched HuMing''s hand tightly, giving him everything he owned.


    HuMing could only watch in silence, his emotions a tangled mess.


    "Hey, HuMing, you look like a fallen prince. But soon, it''ll be time for you to reim what''s yours."


    "Old man, you knew I was hiding out here, so why did you take me in? Weren''t you afraid of the trouble it could bring?"


    "Trouble? I''m already at death''s door---what''s there to fear? My only wish was for someone to see me off when I go."


    "You''re just trying to take advantage of me, aren''t you?"


    The two shared a knowing smile, fully understanding each other.


    "So, will you let me take advantage of you or not?"


    "Grandpa''s wish is mymand."


    The old man''s face was filled with contentment as HuMing held his hand tightly, watching him gradually close his eyes.


    In his final moments, the old man had onest thing to say.


    "Take good care of yourself..."


    HuMing lowered his head slowly, hiding his expression from the world.


    Later, HuMing personally arranged the funeral for the old man, their encounter and farewell like a fleeting story---bittersweet and poignant.


    The old man had given him a jade pendant, saying it had protected him throughout his long life. Now, he passed it on to HuMing, hoping it would safeguard his health.


    HuMing tidied up the house, preserving it as it had always been.


    Quietly, he put on the jade pendant, slung his backpack over his shoulders, and prepared to leave.


    Before stepping out, he nced at the portrait on the table, then slowly closed the door behind him.


    HuMing bid farewell to everyone and embarked toward a city that was intimately familiar to him---the ce where his story in this world had begun.


    ---


    Xia XiaoXi never expected to end up in the same ss as Han ShuYi.


    The student council president was warm and friendly, with a ster reputation among the students.


    Whether in academics or sports, he was at the very top.


    However, Xia XiaoXi wasn''t particrly interested.


    To be honest, her only reason foring to this school was to find a certain boy. She''d searched the entire campus but found no trace of him. Yet, she was certain he''d been wearing this school''s uniform when she saw him!


    Frustrated, she let out a sigh, looking rather dispirited.


    "Han ShuYi is pretty amazing. I heard he scored two goals inst week''s ser match."


    "Totally. Handsome, skilled at ser---how can anyone not be jealous?"


    "Still, if we''re talking ser, Han HuMing is even better. Remember how he single-handedly crushed our whole ss?"


    Sitting in her seat, Xia XiaoXi perked up at the mention of an unfamiliar name. A spark of curiosity ignited within her.


    "Too bad about what happened, though. Who could''ve imagined Lee Yue''s father would go that far? Actually trying to take someone''s life!"


    "Yeah, and Lee Yue even dropped out of school after that. Who knows where she''s studying now?"


    "Talking about it doesn''t change anything. To be fair, Han HuMing turned out alright in the end."


    "A prodigal son returning to the right path..."


    Hearing this, Xia XiaoXi''s interest soared.


    She walked up to the two students, shed a friendly smile, and asked, "Hey, who''s this Han HuMing you were talking about?"


    The two were startled at first but immediately turned red, flustered by their idol initiating a conversation with them.


    "Han HuMing? Well, it''s a long story. He used to be quite the troublemaker, butter..."


    They began talking excitedly, recounting HuMing''s past antics with fervor.


    Xia XiaoXi listened intently, nodding as if piecing together a mental image.


    However, as the stories unfolded, her expression shifted to one of surprise.


    Because this Han HuMing they described sounded remarkably simr to the boy she was looking for.


    "Well, he''s rted to Han ShuYi and Han YunXi. If you really want to know more, you could ask them. Oh, and Ye QiuXue too, but she''s in JingDu right now."


    Hearing this, Xia XiaoXi''s eyes lit up!


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