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

"Um."

Xie Ci stared intently at the road ahead, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Try it and see how it tastes."

Fu Hua scooped up a spoonful.

The sweetness is just right, the osmanthus flavor is rich, and the rice wine is brewed perfectly, with both aroma and a mild taste.

She tasted it carefully and nodded, "Delicious! Who made it?"

"you guess."

"Aunt?"

Fu Hua remembers that Xie's mother, Zhou Yun, was a very good cook.

The osmanthus sugar I made before was also delicious.

He shook his head in thanks.

"Bought it? Which store? It tastes authentic."

He still shook his head.

Fu Hua turned her head to look at him, then suddenly laughed: "You couldn't have done it, could you?"

Xie Ci tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel, but did not answer immediately.

Sunlight streamed in from the side, and Fu Hua noticed something on the back of his right hand.

There was a faint red mark, like a burn that had just healed.

"Why couldn't it be me who did it?"

Xie Ci finally spoke, his tone tinged with pride, "This isn't difficult either."

Thinking about how I almost burned the kitchen down this morning,

Xie Ci's lips curled up slightly, and the corners of his eyes lifted a little.

The smile was as faint as a breeze passing low in the sky; the hard jawline softened for a moment, then quickly faded again.

Only a faint glimmer of light remained in his eyes, a unique, cold, and frivolous air.

Fu Hua paused for a moment, then looked him over again.

His military uniform was crisp and his shoulder insignia were neat; he looked every bit the part of a standard soldier!

It doesn't really fit with words like kitchen, sweet wine, or osmanthus.

"I didn't realize that, Deputy Division Chief Xie."

She teased, "And she can cook too."

"I learned it on the spot."

She delivered her thanks lightly, but the tips of her ears visibly turned red.

Fu Hua suddenly remembered that during their phone call last weekend,

I casually mentioned that I missed sweet osmanthus wine, as I hadn't had it in a long time.

The ones sold in Beijing are either too sweet or have too much alcohol.

At the time, Xie Ci simply responded with an "uh-huh," but little did he expect...

He's quite thoughtful!

Fu Hua took another bite.

This time, we ate more slowly, savoring every grain of rice and every hint of osmanthus fragrance.

"It's delicious."

She said earnestly, "Really."

Xie Ci couldn't hide his smile, and his lips curled into a grin: "I'm glad you like it."

The car turned onto a tree-lined road, with tall poplar trees on both sides.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, creating dappled patterns.

After a moment of silence, Xie Ci suddenly said, "Fu Hua, whatever you like to eat, I'm willing to make it, and make it impeccably."

Fu Hua paused, the spoon in her hand still.

"after,"

He continued, his voice steady, but his fingers gripping the steering wheel tightened slightly.

"After we get married, if you enjoy doing experiments, then do what you love. Don't worry about things at home; I'll always support you."

This was said so naturally, as if stating a given fact.

Fu Hua slowly put down the spoon and closed the lid of the insulated box.

She looked out the window at the fields rushing by and remained silent for a long time.

Xie Ci didn't rush her, but simply drove the car more steadily.

"Thanks".

Fu Hua finally spoke, her voice very soft, "If it wasn't me, who else could it be?"

"Won't."

Xie Ci answered without hesitation, "Having met you, it can only be you."

Fu Hua turned to look at him.

Xie Ci's profile features strong lines and a clearly defined jawline.

The sunlight gilded his eyelashes with gold.

Those eyes, which were always calm and sharp, were unusually soft at this moment.

Fu Hua smiled.

Xie Ci was somewhat surprised, and said urgently, "Fu Hua, every word I said was from the bottom of my heart. Don't you believe me?"

When he's serious, he always calls her name.

Not Fu Tongxue.

I believe you.

Fu Hua was equally serious and solemn.

She believed that at that moment, he was sincere.

But true feelings can change in an instant.

When you're in love, it's true love; but when you're not in love... what are you like then?

Xie Ci looked at her, his eyes shining.

She admitted that she was decisive and efficient in other areas.

Only when it comes to feelings... I hesitate.

This might be the only time in both lifetimes combined.

Therefore, they are always hesitant to give their hearts away easily.

"Fu Hua, don't rush, I will never force you to make a decision."

Xie Ci understood her hesitation and her unease.

No matter what, he was willing to stay by her side.

"it is good."

Fu Hua's eyelashes trembled slightly and drooped halfway, her fingertips unconsciously curling up.

Her voice was softer than usual, lacking its usual cool and aloof quality.

When she looked up, her eyes were filled with an unyielding tenderness, and even the angles of her eyebrows had softened.

It is a true feeling that has been hidden for a long time and has finally been released.

The car slowly drove into the gate of the horse farm.

After thanking him, he parked the car but didn't rush to get out.

He turned around and looked at Fu Hua intently.

"Fu Hua, I'm not in a hurry."

His tone was calm, "No matter how long it takes, I'm willing to wait. You can take your time to observe and test me."

One day when you believe, we'll be together.

If you still don't believe it... that's okay too.

I'm right here beside you, as a friend, watching you do what you want to do and live the life you want to live.

He paused, then added, "But you must know, every word I say to you comes from the heart. It's true now, and it will be true in the future."

Fu Hua looked at him, and for the first time, a slight ripple appeared in his usually clear and calm eyes.

Like a calm lake surface rippling in the wind, creating delicate ripples.

Acknowledgments,

She asked softly, "Why do you like me?"

Xie Ci thought for a moment and smiled: "If I said it's because you're smart, outstanding, and independent, that's true, but not entirely true."

I love the focused look in your eyes when you look at data, and I love the stubborn look on your face when you say "impossible."

I love how you glow when you play the cello...

But most importantly, I feel safe and secure when I'm with you. It's a feeling, an intuition, that tells me that for the rest of my life, it's you, only you.

He reached out and gently touched the thermos in her hand: "Just like this osmanthus sweet wine, with it, life becomes a little sweeter and more anticipated."

Fu Hua looked down at the insulated box, where condensation on the lid had formed fine water droplets.

After a long silence, she looked up and said, "Let's... go horseback riding."

"it is good."

The two got off the car.

The horse farm is lush and green, with several horses grazing leisurely in the distance.

The wind blew by, carrying the scents of grass and horses.

Xie Ci went to lead the horse, and Fu Hua stood there, watching his back.

Their military uniforms were crisp and their steps were steady.

She opened the insulated box and took another bite of the sweet wine.

The fragrance of osmanthus blossoms melts on the lips and teeth, sweet but not cloying, warm and comforting.

Perhaps... we can give it a try.

Not now, but perhaps in the not-too-distant future.

She closed the box and walked towards Xie Ci.

The sun was shining brightly, and the wind was gentle.

The horse ranch is vast, and the land is wide open.

Perhaps, some roads can be walked together by two people.

Fu Hua and Xie Ci led the horses out.

Then I saw two familiar figures walking towards me in the distance.

It was Fu Lie, the youngest son of the third wife, and Lin Bei.

They met once at the horse farm last winter.

There was a horse race that time.

When Fu Lie saw Fu Hua, he paused, a complex expression flashing across his face.

Six months ago, he still felt a bit superior to Fu Hua.

now……

Lin Bei, on the other hand, was much more composed. He walked over.

He nodded to Fu Hua, his attitude friendly: "Fu Hua, long time no see."

Fu Hua smiled: "Lin Bei, Fu Lie."

Fu Lie opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something.

In the end, he simply whispered, "Cousin."

The atmosphere was a little awkward.

Xie Ci stood beside Fu Hua without saying a word, but his posture was protective.