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

Fu Hua shook her head, a faint smile on her lips: "I'm not nervous."

She was genuinely not nervous.

Having lived two lives and weathered many storms,

Meeting the parents is really not a challenge.

Moreover, after that conversation in the Yuetan residential area,

She had a clearer understanding of her gratitude and of the relationship.

The two walked side by side toward the building where the Xie family lived.

Just as I turned the corner, two people walked towards me.

It was Fu Xiao and Su Yurou.

Fu Hua paused, surprised by the coincidence.

She had even considered the possibility of encountering it yesterday.

Fu Xiao was wearing a military uniform and carrying a net bag of food.

Su Yurou walked beside him, wearing a light gray business suit.

Her hair was neatly pinned up at the back of her head, and she looked somewhat haggard.

Their eyes met, and the air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Xie Ci was the first to react, standing at attention and saluting: "Uncle Fu, Aunt Su, hello."

Fu Xiao recognized them as well, his gaze lingering on Fu Hua for a few seconds.

He glanced at the things she was carrying, his expression complex: "Huahua, what's going on here...?"

"Dad, Mom."

Fu Hua greeted them calmly, "We're going to Xie Ci's house for dinner."

"Have a meal?"

Su Yurou's voice suddenly rose, her sharp gaze sweeping over the two of them, "Why? What's your relationship?"

Her question was direct, her tone carrying undisguised scrutiny and skepticism.

Fu Xiao frowned and gently tugged at her sleeve, but Su Yurou angrily shook it off.

Xie Ci stepped forward, partially shielding Fu Hua behind him.

With a respectful demeanor and a firm tone, he said, "Aunt Su, Fu Hua and I are dating, and I've invited her to our home for dinner today to formally meet my parents."

"fall in love?"

Su Yurou sneered, her gaze sweeping over Fu Hua like a knife.

"How old are you? Nineteen, barely grown up, still in school, and you're already dating? Do your parents even approve? Do you know that?"

"Yu Rou!"

Fu Xiao snapped, "Say less, we're out here."

"If she dares to do it, why is she afraid of what others will say? She's so young, yet she's so unruly."

Su Yurou completely disregarded the occasion and took a step forward.

She practically pressed herself against Fu Hua's face: "Fu Hua, have I spoiled you too much? Moving out, cutting ties with your family, and now you're dating behind your parents' backs—don't you even respect me as your mother?!"

"Even if I didn't raise you, I still gave birth to you. Did we not feed you? Did we not clothe you? Are you trying to drive your parents crazy before you're satisfied?"

"What sins did I commit in my past life to deserve giving birth to you? This is my retribution."

Fu Hua stood still, neither dodging nor retreating.

Su Yurou's face flushed slightly with excitement, her eyes swirling with anger and disappointment.

There was also a hint of fear that she herself might not have even noticed...

The fear of losing control, the fear that even his only remaining daughter would slip completely out of his grasp.

"Comrade Su,"

Fu Hua spoke, her voice calm.

"I'm an adult now, and it's my freedom to date and have a partner."

"free?"

Su Yurou reacted as if she'd heard a joke. "You're a girl, having ambiguous relationships with men, and you call that freedom? That's shamelessness!"

That's too harsh a statement.

Fu Xiao's face darkened: "Yu Rou! What nonsense are you spouting?"

Xie Ci also stepped forward, completely blocking Fu Hua's path.

His voice deepened: "Aunt Su, please watch your words. Fu Hua and I are dating openly and honestly, there's nothing ambiguous between us. As for not informing our families beforehand, that was my oversight, and I apologize to you."

He paused, his tone sincere but firm: "But please respect Fu Hua's choice. She is an independent individual with her own thoughts and judgments."

As parents, we can care, but we shouldn't interfere.

What he said was true, but it only further enraged Su Yurou.

She turned her attention to Xie Ci: "Comrade, I don't care who you are or where you live, but Fu Hua is my daughter. Is it appropriate for you to take her to meet your parents without saying a word?"

Even if you're looking for partners, showing up at our door without telling your elders shows no respect for us elders. Is this how you raise your children?

"mom!"

Fu Hua raised her voice.

"I volunteered to come, and I had been invited many times before I said goodbye, but I kept refusing."

I'm here today because I feel the time has come; it's not about asking anyone for permission, it's my own decision.

She looked at Su Yurou, her eyes so clear they seemed to reflect the heart: "Whether you agree or not, it won't change my decision. Because this isn't your business, it's my business."

That left no room for negotiation.

Su Yurou trembled with anger, pointing at Fu Hua, her lips quivering: "You, you wicked girl, you wicked girl."

Fu Xiao quickly pulled her back and whispered, "Alright, alright, say no more. Let the children handle their own affairs."

He then turned to Xie Ci and Fu Hua, forcing a smile: "Xie Ci, take Hua Hua with you. Don't keep your parents waiting. As for today's incident... your aunt has been in a bad mood lately and spoke harshly. Don't take it to heart."

"Fu Xiao!"

Su Yurou abruptly shook off his hand. "What do you mean? You're just going to watch your daughter with a man like this..."

"That's enough!"

Fu Xiao also raised his voice and looked at the passing neighbors.

Her tone turned stern, "Yu Rou, look at the state you're in! Shouting and yelling in the courtyard, aren't you ashamed enough?"

He pulled Su Yurou back forcefully.

As he walked, he turned back to Huahua and said, "Huahua, go on, another day... another day Dad will talk to you again."

Su Yurou was half-dragged, half-pulled away by Fu Xiao.

Those eyes were still fixed on Fu Hua, their emotions churning within.

Disappointment, anger, resentment...

Fu Hua let out a soft breath only after the two figures disappeared around the corner of the building.

Xie Ci turned around and took her hand.

Her hands were a little cold, and her palms were slightly sweaty.

"Are you alright?"

He asked in a low voice.

Fu Hua shook her head and smiled, "It's okay, I'm used to it."

She spoke casually, but Xie Ci felt as if something had stabbed him in the heart.

Fortunately, fortunately Fu Hua doesn't live in the Fu family.

No need to deal with Su Yurou's emotional black hole every day.

He squeezed her hand: "It won't happen again. With me here, no one can treat you like this."

Fu Hua looked up at him; sunlight fell on his face.

That resolute face was filled with heartache and determination.

The few ripples in her heart gradually subsided.

"Let's go."

She said, "Don't keep your uncles and aunties waiting too long."

The two headed back towards the Xie family's house.

After that commotion, my relaxed mood was somewhat affected.

Fu Hua walked silently, but the scene from earlier kept replaying in her mind.

Su Yurou's face, distorted with anger, and those sharp accusations...

That look in his eyes, as if he wanted to drag her back into his control...

She had always known that Su Yurou had complicated feelings for her.

But I didn't expect it to be this intense.

Fortunately, she didn't mind.

"Fu Hua".

Xie Ci suddenly spoke, interrupting her thoughts.

"Um?"

"What I just said was from the bottom of my heart."

Xie Ci stopped and looked at her.

"You are an independent individual, and you have the right to decide your own life. No one can interfere, including me, your parents, or anyone else."