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

This drop of spiritual spring water, after dilution, has a very low concentration.

It is sufficient to activate the orchid's vitality and repair the damaged root system.

"Aunt,"

Fu Hua gently fiddled with the orchid's leaves. "Just follow the method I just described, and it should get better in about half a month."

Zhou Yun nodded, glancing at the orchid.

I don't know if it's just my imagination, but the leaves that were drooping a moment ago seem much more energetic now.

She exclaimed in surprise, "Huahua, you're amazing! You can play that instrument, do scientific research, and even tend to flowers. How do you know everything?"

Fu Hua smiled and said, "I just enjoy studying these things. Plants, like people, have their own habits. Once you understand them, they're easy to care for."

"That's right!"

Zhou Yun pulled her to sit on the sofa, liking her more and more as he looked at her.

"You're such a smart and reliable kid, and so patient. It's really a blessing for Aci to have found you."

Fu Hua was a little embarrassed by the praise: "Auntie, you flatter me."

"No flattery, no flattery!"

Zhou Yun smiled and handed her an orange.

"Here, have some fruit. It's a promise, come over often. Auntie will learn how to grow flowers from you, and we'll turn our balcony into a little garden together!"

At the kitchen doorway, Xie Ci and Xie Zhenguo listened quietly to the conversation in the living room.

Xie Chenjie chuckled softly, "Look at your mom, she hasn't been this happy in ages. She really likes Fu Hua."

Xie Ci looked at the girl in the living room, sitting next to her mother.

With a gentle smile and soft eyes, she said, "Yes, Fu Hua... deserves everyone's love."

"Then you'd better treat them well."

Xie Chenjie patted his son on the shoulder, "Such a good girl, you'll miss out on her if you don't take her now."

"I know."

The father and son carried the cut fruit back to the living room.

Zhou Yunzheng and Fu Hua were getting excited while talking: "...Next time I'll take you to the flower market, there are so many varieties there, we can pick out a few pretty ones! By the way, besides jasmine and osmanthus, what other flowers do you like? Roses? Peonies? Or...?"

"mom,"

Xie Ci interrupted with a laugh, "Are you turning your balcony into a botanical garden?"

"What happened to the botanical garden?"

Zhou Yun glared at him, "I just love flowers and plants. Besides, Huahua knows about these things. We have a common interest, isn't that great!"

Fu Hua smiled and said, "We'll plant whatever Auntie likes. I can even design it for you, so that different flowers bloom in different seasons, and the balcony will have a view all year round."

"Okay, okay!"

Zhou Yun was overjoyed, "It's settled then!"

The four sat around the coffee table, eating fruit and chatting.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, making it feel warm and cozy.

The 86 version of "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" was playing on TV, making the room feel even more lively and harmonious.

Fu Hua peeled an orange, listening to Zhou Yun chatter on about the fun things about growing flowers.

Feeling the occasional gentle gaze from Xie Ci, the ice in my heart cracked open in several places.

This warmth is not dramatic, but rather a gentle, continuous flow.

It was a feeling of home that she had never really experienced in either of her lives.

"Huahua,"

Zhou Yun suddenly remembered something, "I heard from Aci that you've been working day and night on the project team lately. You need to take care of your health. Don't take advantage of your youth and stay up all night."

"It's alright, Auntie."

Fu Hua smiled, "The project is progressing smoothly, and I will also make sure to get some rest."

"That's good."

Zhou Yun handed her another piece of apple. "It's good for young people to work hard, but health is the foundation of everything. Come to my house on weekends whenever you're free, and I'll make you some nourishing soup."

Xie Ci chimed in from the side, "Mom, are you trying to fatten up Fu?"

"Being a little chubby is good!"

Zhou Yun said confidently, "Girls look better with a little bit of meat on their bones. Look at Huahua, she's so skinny, she looks like she could be blown away by the wind."

Fu Hua was amused.

She's not fat, but she's not so frail that she'd be blown away by the wind.

However, this kind of concern from elders—being told to "eat more" and "gain weight"—is...

It still warmed her heart.

After sitting for a while, Fu Hua saw that it was almost time and got up to say goodbye.

Zhou Yunyi was reluctant to leave: "You're leaving already? Stay a little longer, we'll have dinner at home tonight too!"

"Next time, Auntie."

Fu Hua politely replied, "I need to go back to the lab this afternoon to process some data."

"Work is important, work is important."

Zhou Yun quickly said, then turned to Xie Ci and said, "Son, see Huahua off, drive carefully!"

"Okay, Mom."

Xie Ci and Fu Hua went out together.

As she walked to the car, Fu Hua glanced back at the Xie family's courtyard and remarked instinctively, "Your parents are so kind."

Xie Ci opened the car door and smiled: "They like you very much."

"I know."

Fu Hua got into the car and fastened her seatbelt.

"Thank you... for giving me such warmth."

Xie Ci started the car, turned to look at her, and said, "Fu Hua, this isn't warmth given to you; it's what you deserve, because you are worthy of it."

The car drove out of the compound.

Looking at the street scene flashing past the window, and recalling the moments she had just experienced at the Xie family's house, Fu Hua's lips unconsciously curled up into a smile.

Perhaps she could try to believe.

I believe someone will genuinely treat her well.

I believe there is a place where she can safely rest.

There is a kind of relationship that doesn't require self-sacrifice or compromise.

It is about equality, respect, and mutual success.

…………

The next morning, Xie Chenjie and Xie Ci arrived at the Fu family's door, carrying large and small bags.

Xie Chenjie held two beautifully packaged boxes of West Lake Longjing tea and two cartons of Zhonghua cigarettes.

Xie Ci carried two bottles of Moutai liquor and two boxes of Daoxiangcun pastries.

Both father and son were dressed formally in shirts and trousers today, instead of in military uniforms.

They hold high positions, and Fu Xiao must not feel that the Xie family is using their power to oppress him.

He thanked her and stepped forward to press the doorbell.

Su Yurou opened the door.

She clearly hadn't expected it to be the Xie family father and son.

Standing at the doorway, he hesitated for a few seconds before speaking, his tone cold: "Comrade Xie, what...is this for you?"

Xie Chenjie wore a polite smile.

He bowed slightly and said, "Comrade Su, Huahua came to our house for dinner yesterday. We didn't inform the Fu family beforehand, which was indeed a breach of etiquette. We've come here today to apologize and also to pay a formal visit."

They spoke politely and adopted a humble attitude.

The man before them held a high position in the military region, far surpassing Fu Xiao in rank.

It's another big compound where we see each other all the time.

The gifts in his hands were clearly quite valuable.

Su Yurou was originally unwilling to receive the two of them.

However, considering the Xie family's influence in the military,

That slight reluctance was quickly suppressed by reason.

Leaving someone standing at the door like that won't sound good if word gets out.

She stepped aside: "Come in."

The living room was very tidy, but it felt deserted and didn't seem like it was usually full of people.

Aunt Liu heard the noise and came out of the kitchen. When she saw who it was, she quickly went to make tea.

"sit."

Su Yurou sat down in the main seat on the sofa, her gaze sweeping over Xie Ci.

He accepted her gaze with composure and grace, his posture upright and his expression calm.

He knew Su Yurou was scrutinizing him.

Examine his family background and his circumstances.

Does he deserve Fu Hua?

He understood this kind of scrutiny.

Any mother would scrutinize the suitors of her daughter in this way.

"Comrade Fu, is he not here today?"

Xie Chenjie took the tea from Aunt Liu, looked around, and then asked.