The fake heiress loves to act? The max-level boss isn't interested in playing along.

Fu Hua nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Her fingers, hanging at her sides, gently touched the brown wooden bracelet on her wrist.

The space is still there.

This was her trump card for survival.

As long as she doesn't immediately lose consciousness, she has a chance to hide inside.

After paying, Xie Ci drove Fu Hua home.

The streets were quiet on this winter night, and the streetlights cast fast-moving spots of light on the car windows.

I've been taking you to and from school recently.

Xie Ci suddenly spoke, his tone resolute.

"No need, you have your work to do."

Fu Hua turned to look at him, her attitude equally firm.

"The job can be adjusted."

"Thank you for your kindness, but I can protect myself."

Fu Hua stared out the window, her eyes dark and bright.

"You're still young... how... Anyway, I'll handle this..."

"You really don't need to trouble yourself."

Fu Hua paused, then said calmly, "Besides, we're not that close yet."

"And don't tell my family about this, especially my older brother."

Does this mean they still treat him like an outsider?

Xie Ci's eyes darkened, and he tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

He knew, of course, that they had known each other for less than three months.

We've met only a handful of times.

But he couldn't help it; he could only watch her potentially be in danger without doing anything about it.

"Fu Hua,"

His voice turned serious. "Do you know the consequences?"

"I know, I said I can protect myself."

Fu Hua's gaze was intense; she didn't want to owe anyone anything, especially not a thank you.

Xie Ci sighed, jerked the steering wheel, and pulled the car over to the side of the road.

"Why did you stop?"

Fu Hua turned her head.

The girl's profile looked exceptionally quiet and a little stubborn under the streetlights.

Are you free on Sunday?

Xie Ci changed the subject, "Let me take you somewhere."

"We're going to the Fu family's old house this Sunday."

Fu Hua explained, "It's a birthday party."

Next Saturday.

I have plans with my classmates next Saturday.

"A date?"

Xie Ci suddenly leaned closer: "With whom? Is it Lin Bei?"

Fu Hua shook her head, her hand unconsciously gripping the seatbelt.

The space inside the car suddenly felt cramped.

Fu Hua could smell a faint scent of soap on him.

It has a clean and crisp feel to it.

His eyes shone brightly in the dim light, like stars in the dark night.

"Then next Sunday."

Xie Ci stared at her, speaking slowly and deliberately, "I'll take you horseback riding. You're not allowed to refuse again."

Fu Hua opened her mouth, wanting to refuse.

A piece of candy was stuffed into her mouth.

It has an osmanthus flavor, sweet and fragrant.

It melts quickly on the tip of the tongue.

Then her lips touched something warm.

Fu Hua was stunned. When she looked up, she met a pair of clear, dark eyes, like stars in the dark night sky.

His kiss was very light and gentle.

Fu Hua froze, staring wide-eyed in disbelief.

Xie Ci raised his hand to cover her eyes, his gentleness gradually escalating.

His hand firmly gripped the back of her head, his burning breath exuding an irresistible force.

Fu Hua's mind went blank, her legs went weak, and she even forgot to struggle.

She only managed to push away the man who was pressing down on her when she could no longer breathe.

Xie Ci noticed her discomfort and immediately stepped back, saying, "I'm sorry."

"What are you doing?"

Fu Hua could barely speak, her cheeks burning as if they were on fire.

Xie Ci reached out to tidy her hair, his eyes gentle: "Fu Hua, I know you feel I don't understand you enough, that's okay, we have plenty of time. Give me a chance, okay?"

Fu Hua remained silent.

Xie Ci sighed, sat up straight, and started the car again.

Fu Hua bit into the candy, the sweet taste of osmanthus spreading in her mouth.

Looking at my blurry reflection in the car window, my heart felt like it was about to jump out of my chest.

The car was parked outside the Fu family compound.

Xie Ci didn't get out of the car, but just looked at her: "It's getting late, let's go inside."

Remember, don't walk alone lately. Contact me anytime if anything happens.

"oh."

Fu Hua casually agreed, pushed open the car door, and practically ran away.

The cold winter wind blew into the car, dispelling the warmth and ambiguity that had just been there.

Xie Ci watched her enter the room before slowly letting out a breath.

He took out a cigarette case from his pocket, thought for a moment, and then put it back.

That kiss just now... I acted impulsively.

But he doesn't regret it.

Xie Ci pushed open the door, and the clock in the living room struck eight o'clock.

Xie's mother was sitting on the sofa knitting when she heard the noise and looked up: "You're back? The food is warming up in the pot."

"have eaten."

Xie Ci hung up his military uniform jacket, moving faster than usual.

Xie's mother put down her knitting needles and carefully examined her son: "Wasn't today your day off? Why are you only coming home now?"

She paused, a smile appearing in her eyes, "Could it be that you took her to that little girl? I heard Huahua is participating in the math competition today."

Xie Ci gave a vague "hmm" and headed for the stairs.

"etc."

Xie's mother called out to him, her voice lowered, "Xiao Ci, I know what you're thinking. Hua Hua is indeed a good child, beautiful, smart, and with a good temperament."

She glanced towards the study on the second floor; Xie's father was still working inside.

"But she's still young. You can like her, but you can't do anything reckless, understand?"

Xie Ci paused, his back to his mother, his ears feeling a little hot.

Reckless...

Was that kiss just now considered reckless?

It should be counted.

"Did you hear me?"

Seeing that he didn't react, Xie's mother raised her voice.

"Our Xie family should act with integrity and uprightness. If you like someone, you should pursue them openly and honestly, and you should also be responsible to them in the future."

"mom!"

Xie Ci turned around, his voice a little urgent, "I didn't do anything reckless."

"Really not?"

Xie's mother stared at him. "Then why are you panicking?"

"I……"

Speechless with gratitude, he simply turned and hurried upstairs, saying, "I'm tired, I'll rest first."

Xie's mother watched her son's retreating figure as he practically fled upstairs.

He paused for a few seconds, then sighed, shook his head, and continued knitting.

After knitting a few stitches, she couldn't help but look up at the second floor again.

He muttered to himself, "This child... I hope he doesn't really do something foolish."

But then I thought, although my son is sometimes a bit of a rascal, he is upright at heart and knows how to act with discretion.

The Xie family's traditions and rules, along with his upbringing, forbade him from playing the piano carelessly.

Besides, Huahua isn't an ordinary little girl.

Calm, clear-headed, and with the right mindset.

Her son's heart was now completely captivated by the little girl.

"well,"

Mother Xie sighed again, but this time a smile appeared on her lips.

"It's just too small; we'll have to wait several more years."

She glanced at the calendar and silently calculated in her mind.

Things will be better once I get into university; I'll just have to wait another four years.

Let's wait and see.

Xie Ci leaned against the window and smoked.

The window was opened a crack, and a cold wind blew in, dispersing the smoke.

He looked in the direction of the Fu family compound.

Thinking of her focused expression, Xie Ci's lips unconsciously curled up into a smile.

Then I thought of that kiss.

He touched his lips; the sweetness of osmanthus sugar seemed to linger there.

Her lips were so soft and smooth, and her tongue smelled so sweet.

He was too hasty; he hadn't even had a chance to savor it properly.

You didn't say a word after the kiss, are you angry?

That was definitely impulsive.

But if given the chance again, he would probably do the same thing.

Some things can't wait.

He stubbed out his cigarette and closed the window.

Military documents were spread out on his desk, but he couldn't concentrate on reading a single word.

My mind is filled with those panicked eyes.

In the East City Retirement Home, a quiet courtyard was brightly lit.

This is the Su family home.

Fu Hua's maternal grandparents' home.

The living room was nicely heated, and Grandpa Su was reading the newspaper while wearing his reading glasses.

Grandma Su was making tea on the side.

On the other side of the sofa, Su Rong, who had just finished a competition, was surrounded by her parents asking her all sorts of questions.