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

These words resonated deeply.

Fu Hua looked directly at Xie Ci, whose eyes were serious and sincere, and the gloom in her heart immediately dissipated.

She smiled slightly: "Thank you, thank you."

"You're welcome."

Xie Ci smiled and took her hand again, saying, "It's what I should do."

The two walked to the Xie family's courtyard.

The door was open. Stepping into the courtyard, you could hear the sounds of stir-frying and faint laughter.

"Are you ready?"

He declined the question.

Fu Hua took a deep breath and nodded: "Ready."

They stepped forward and knocked on the door.

The door opened quickly.

Zhou Yun stood at the door wearing an apron.

With a warm smile on her face, she said, "Huahua, my dear child, you've finally come! Come in, come in!"

Her eyes lit up when she saw the flowers in Fu Hua's hand: "Oh my, you even brought flowers? They're so pretty!"

I noticed Fu Hua's outfit today again.

She showered her with compliments: "Huahua looks so beautiful today! Where did you buy this dress? It makes your skin look even whiter!"

Xie Ci's father, Xie Chenjie, also came over from the living room.

With a gentle smile, she said, "Huahua's here? Please make yourself at home, don't be shy."

Fu Hua handed over the gift: "Uncle, Aunt, this is a small token of my appreciation."

"You silly child, it's not like this is your first time here, why did you bring anything?"

Zhou Yun accepted it politely, but his eyes were full of smiles. "Old Xie, look at this child, how well-mannered he is!"

The living room is still as cozy as ever, and the flowers on the balcony are blooming beautifully.

There are a few more pots of jasmine and osmanthus than last time I came.

Fruit and melon seeds were laid out on the coffee table, and Peking Opera was playing on the television.

The aroma of food wafts from the kitchen—it's the smell of home.

The unpleasantness that just happened downstairs was completely shut out through the door.

Fu Hua sat on the sofa, and Zhou Yun poured her tea.

Xie Zhenguo chatted with her about his recent work and studies.

The atmosphere was harmonious and natural, without any forced politeness or excessive enthusiasm.

It's like welcoming a child you already know well.

Xie Ci sat next to Fu Hua, occasionally interjecting a few words, his eyes always looking at her gently.

During the meal, Zhou Yun kept putting food on Fu Hua's plate: "Try this, Auntie's specialty braised pork ribs, and this fish, steamed, it's so fresh!"

Fu Hua tasted them all and sincerely praised, "Auntie's cooking is really good."

"Come often if you like it!"

Zhou Yun beamed from ear to ear, "Come over any weekends when you're free. I'll have Aci pick you up, and Auntie will cook you something delicious!"

Xie Chenjie smiled and said, "Fu Hua, I heard from Aci that you're doing scientific research? You're young and promising. If you need any help, just let me know."

"Thank you, Uncle."

It was a pleasant meal.

Fu Hua could sense that Xie Ci's parents genuinely liked her.

That kind of liking wasn't just polite talk.

It is heartfelt acceptance and appreciation.

After dinner, Zhou Yun wouldn't let Fu Hua help clean up, and instead pulled her aside to talk in the living room.

Xie Chenjie and Xie Ci went to the kitchen to wash the dishes.

The father and son spoke in hushed tones.

Xie Ci told Xie Chenjie what had just happened.

We all live in the same residential compound, so we'll definitely find out eventually.

"Fu Xiao, he didn't give you any trouble, did he?"

"no."

The sound of rushing water and the soft clatter of bowls and plates filled the air.

Xie Ci stood by the sink, sleeves rolled up, washing the dishes.

Xie Chenjie stood aside and wiped it with a dry cloth.

"that is……,"

Xie Ci lowered his voice, but his hands didn't stop moving.

"Fu Hua's mother, Aunt Su, is a little agitated..."

Xie Chenjie paused in wiping the dishes.

He sighed, "As expected, everyone in the compound knows about the Fu family's mess. Su Yurou's personality... is both stubborn and muddle-headed."

"dad,"

Xie Ci turned around, his expression serious.

"Regardless of Fu Hua's relationship with the Fu family, she is still the Fu family's daughter. Inviting her directly to our home without informing the Fu family beforehand... isn't that...?"

"It is proper etiquette to pay a visit first."

Xie Chenjie nodded, "But special cases require special handling. We all know about Fu Hua's situation. She moved out to live independently and has almost lost contact with her family."

If we insist on going through the Fu family first, it will only put her in a difficult position.

He put the cleaned dishes into the cupboard and then said, "But you're right, we can't skip the proper etiquette. After today, the two of us will go to the Fu family in person."

"Bring a gift and have a good talk with Chief of Staff Fu. I believe that as long as you explain things clearly, they will understand."

Xie Ci nodded: "Okay, I'll talk to Grandpa then."

"Don't go to your grandfather's place, Dad will figure something out."

Xie Chenjie patted his son on the shoulder.

"The old man's views are a bit old-fashioned, but he's not unreasonable. Fu Hua is a good-looking and capable girl. Apart from her complicated family background, what makes her unworthy of you? The key is that you like her yourself."

He paused, then his voice softened: "What you need to do now is take good care of Fu Hua. That child looks strong, but she must be suffering inside. Making her feel warm in our home is more important than anything else."

"I see."

He thanked her and responded, feeling much more at ease.

The clear, melodious voices of Zhou Yun and Fu Hua chatting and laughing could be heard from the living room.

The father and son looked at each other and smiled.

In the living room, Zhou Yun was pulling Fu Hua along to examine the potted plants on the balcony.

"Look at this orchid."

Zhou Yun pointed to a plant in the corner whose leaves were turning yellow.

"A friend gave it to me last week, saying it was a rare variety. I took care of it according to the instructions in the book, paying attention to everything, including watering, fertilizing, and sun exposure, but it just keeps wilting."

Fu Hua squatted down and examined it carefully.

The orchid is indeed not in good condition; the leaves are dull and the edges are somewhat dry.

She reached out and touched the soil: "Auntie, how often do you water it?"

"I water it once every three days. The book says that orchids like moist conditions but are susceptible to waterlogging, so I'm very careful and don't dare to overwater them."

"That might be the problem."

Fu Hua looked up.

"Orchids have fleshy roots, which are indeed susceptible to waterlogging, but they also need a certain level of humidity. Look at this soil—"

She brushed aside the surface layer with her fingers. "The bottom is completely dry. Orchid roots need to be kept moist but not wet. Too dryness will cause the root system to shrink."

Zhou Yun suddenly realized, "Oh, I see! What should we do then?"

"You can soak the basin first."

Fu Hua said, "Find a container larger than the flowerpot, fill it halfway with water, put the flowerpot in, and let the water slowly seep up from the bottom."

Soak for 15 minutes, then remove and place in a cool, ventilated place.

From now on, use a spray bottle to water, spraying the leaves and soil surface once in the morning and once in the evening, just enough to keep it slightly moist.

I have to try it right away.

Zhou Yun immediately did as instructed.

She brought a plastic basin from the bathroom, filled it halfway with water, and left it there.

Carefully place the orchid pot inside.

While waiting, she pointed to another pot of jasmine: "This one is blooming well, but the flowers aren't fragrant enough. I heard you need to fertilize it..."

Jasmine likes fertilizer, but it should be applied sparingly and frequently.

Fu Hua patiently explained the methods for enhancing the fragrance of flowers.

She described it in great detail, from soil composition to sunlight exposure time.

From pest and disease control to key points of maintenance in all four seasons,

His presentation was clear and logical; he was clearly an expert.

Zhou Yun listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

After the orchid was soaked in the pot and taken out, Fu Hua observed it carefully for a while.

She took advantage of the moment when Zhou Yun turned around to put the basin down.

Gently touch the rim of the flowerpot with your finger.

A drop of colorless and odorless spring water seeped silently into the soil.