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

Xu Jing smiled modestly: "You flatter me, seniors. I'm new here and there's still a lot to learn. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to come to me, and I will do my best to help you solve them."

As she spoke, her gaze swept over Fu Hua before returning to Xie Ci.

Then, quite naturally, he picked up a piece of braised pork with his chopsticks and placed it in Xie Ci's bowl:

"Your favorite food, I remember when I was little, I would go to your house for dinner and you could eat half a plate by yourself."

There was a moment of silence on the table.

The older comrades looked at each other, their eyes filled with inquiry.

Xie Ci looked at the meat in the bowl but didn't touch his chopsticks.

He looked up at Fu Hua: "Really? I don't remember. I don't like braised pork anymore, it's too greasy. And, Fu..."

Under the table, Fu Hua gently touched his leg.

Xie Ci blinked and looked at her.

Fu Hua shook her head slightly, her eyes as calm as a deep pool.

He swallowed back the words of thanks that were on the tip of his tongue, silently picked up the steamed bun, and took a bite.

The atmosphere became a little awkward towards the end of the meal.

Xu Jing was very talkative, discussing everything from military development to technological advancements.

He would occasionally bring up matters related to the Xie family, speaking in a friendly and natural tone.

Several older comrades echoed this sentiment, but Xie Ci's words became increasingly few and far between.

Fu Hua remained quiet throughout.

She eats and drinks as she pleases, responds to anyone who speaks to her, and listens when no one asks.

She carefully observed Xu Jing's expressions and movements while she spoke.

That's typical behavior of a child of a military family.

Generous, poised, and knows how to present oneself in a group.

As she was finishing her meal, Fu Hua put down her chopsticks.

She whispered to Xie Ci, "Take me home."

"it is good."

As soon as the two stood up, Yang Yu quickly said, "Hey, sit a little longer! It's only this late!"

"No, Company Commander Yang."

Fu Hua smiled, "I have class tomorrow, so I need to go back and study. Thank you for your hospitality today."

"Alright then! Thank you, please see Consultant Fu out!"

Stepping out of the small canteen, a cool spring night breeze swept over me.

The streetlights stretched and shortened the shadows of the two people.

After walking a short distance, Xie Ci finally spoke: "Fu Hua, just now..."

"Thanks".

Fu Hua interrupted him, her voice exceptionally clear in the night, "Could you please take me to find Commander Hua?"

Xie Ci was taken aback: "Now? Why are you looking for Commander Hua?"

"I am resigning from my position as advisor to the communications unit."

Fu Hua said calmly, "I can't take advantage of the military. Now that the communications department has brought in professionals, I, as an outsider, should step down and give way."

"What nonsense are you talking about!"

Xie Ci pulled her back, "The communications company can't make decisions for the entire unit. As long as Commander Hua doesn't say anything, no one dares to touch your position!"

"But I don't need this position anymore."

Fu Hua looked at him and said, "Xie Ci, you know my principles: I take what I'm entitled to, and I won't take a penny more than what I'm not entitled to."

Now that the Communications Department has Comrade Xu Jing, a talent with such a perfect professional background, it's inappropriate for me to continue receiving a stipend while still holding the title of consultant.

"What's inappropriate about it? Commander Hua knows your abilities, and besides..."

"Thanks".

Fu Hua called his name, her voice not loud.

The acknowledgments ended there.

"Please take me to see Commander Hua."

She repeated it again, her tone leaving no room for argument.

As the two were talking, they heard footsteps behind them.

Xu Jing walked out of the small canteen, still holding her military cap in her hand.

She saw the two of them and smiled. "Why are you talking here? Xie Ci, didn't you say you were seeing Comrade Fu Hua off?"

She walked closer, her gaze lingering on Fu Hua's face for a moment.

Then he laughed: "I just overheard you saying, Comrade Fu, that you were going to see Commander Hua? Is it about the advisor?"

Fu Hua remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

Xu Jing remained smiling, her tone gentle.

Every word was like a meticulously sharpened knife: "Comrade Fu Hua, let me be frank, the military's communication system has strict regulations, and hiring external consultants is only a temporary measure."

Now that the officially appointed staff are in place, some positions... really should be vacated.

You're a smart person, you should understand what I mean.

Instead of waiting for others to bring it up, it's better to take the initiative yourself. It'll save face, don't you think?

The night wind suddenly picked up, making the plane tree leaves along the roadside rustle.

Xie Ci stepped in front of Fu Hua, his voice turning cold: "Xu Jing, what do you mean?"

"I didn't mean anything by it."

Xu Jing shrugged. "I'm just telling the truth. You know me, I don't have any bad intentions. Please don't be angry with my resignation. I'm only thinking about the development of the military. Professional matters should be left to professionals, right?"

She looked at Fu Hua, her eyes filled with the composure of a victor: "Comrade Fu Hua, what do you think?"

Fu Hua gently pushed away Xie Ci's arm that was blocking her way.

She emerged from the shadows and stood under the streetlight.

The dim light shone on her face, making her eyes shine with an astonishing brightness.

"Comrade Xu is right."

Fu Hua spoke, her voice clear and steady, "Professional matters should be left to professionals."

She turned to her words of thanks: "So, take me to see Commander Hua now."

Xie Ci looked into her eyes; there was no anger, no resentment there.

Only a stark and cold clarity remains.

He finally nodded: "Okay."

If seeing Xu Jing makes Fu Hua unhappy, then it's better to quit this job.

The two turned to leave.

Xu Jing said from behind, "Thank you, it's so late, Commander Hua is probably resting. How about tomorrow..."

"Need not."

Fu Hua didn't even turn her head; she had to make things clear tonight.

She doesn't have a habit of procrastination.

Fu Hua's figure stood straight under the streetlights, walking steadily and gracefully step by step.

Xu Jing stood there, watching the two walk away, the smile on her face slowly fading.

She gripped the military cap tightly in her hand, her knuckles turning slightly white.

The night wind carried the faint sound of lights-out bugles from the distant military camp.

But Fu Hua's steps did not stop.

It was past nine o'clock in the evening when I came out of Commander Hua's office.

The corridor was dimly lit. Fu Hua walked ahead, with Xie Ci following half a step behind.

Neither of them spoke; only the sounds of their military boots and leather shoes echoed on the terrazzo floor, one heavy and one light.

Just now in the office, Commander Hua first tried his best to persuade him to stay.

Although Fu Hua went to university, she can still come to the military base on weekends.

Fu Hua shook her head, insisting on her decision: "Since the communications department has professionally qualified personnel, this outside help should step down."

"What are you doing...?"

Commander Hua gave a wry smile. "Who am I arguing with?"

"It's not out of spite."

Fu Hua stood ramrod straight. "It's a matter of principle, Commander Hua. I've been receiving allowances from the military for several months, but my actual workload doesn't match it. There are more suitable candidates now, and it's inappropriate for me to continue occupying this position."

Xie Ci chimed in from the side, "Commander, Fu Hua has increased her research station projects and is also busy with university courses, so she really doesn't have time."

Commander Hua glanced at Xie Ci, then at Fu Hua.

Finally, he sighed and said, "Fine, you have your principles, I respect them. But Fu Hua, the doors of the military are always open for you. If we have communication difficulties in the future, will we still be able to contact you?"

"Anytime is fine."

Fu Hua answered readily, "As long as I can help."

Stepping out of the office building, the night breeze felt even cooler.

Xie Ci drove the car over, and Fu Hua opened the car door and got in.

The car drove out of the military compound and onto the main road.

The plane trees lining both sides of the road flashed by in the car headlights.

Xie Ci gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

He took a deep breath and said, "Fu Hua, Xu Jing, she..."