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

Xu Jing's expression changed.

"I'm not..."

She opened her mouth, wanting to explain something, but Fu Hua didn't give her the chance.

"Scientific research work,"

Fu Hua stood up, exuding an imposing aura, and Xu Jing subconsciously took a half step back.

"The worst things are 'carelessness,' 'sloppiness,' and 'assuming.'"

She picked up the revised report and handed it to Xu Jing: "Take it back and rewrite it. I need to see the correct version before I leave work today."

Xu Jing took the report, her fingers trembling slightly.

"Pay the work."

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice.

"This was my mistake, and I promise it won't happen again. I..."

"Go to work."

Fu Hua had already sat down again, her gaze shifting to the computer, no longer looking at her.

That kind of complete, emotionless indifference,

More embarrassing for Xu Jing than any reprimand.

She stood there for two seconds, then turned and left the office.

Xu Jing held the report in her hand, the paper crumpled into deep wrinkles.

She stood in the corridor, staring at the closed door, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

This Fu Hua is much more difficult to deal with than she imagined.

Military Region Office Building

Fu Xiao's office

The setting sun shone through the blinds, cutting neat grates of light across the deep red desk.

The office was quiet, except for the clock on the wall ticking rhythmically.

A knock came at the door.

"Please come in."

Fu Xiao looked up from the document.

The door opened.

Xie Chenjie walked ahead, dressed casually, with an upright posture.

Xie Ci followed half a step behind his father, his military uniform crisp and his epaulets gleaming with a dark gold light.

Fu Xiao's expression shifted slightly, and he quickly stood up and stepped forward.

He stood at attention, saluted, and said in a crisp, precise motion, "Hello, Uncle Fu!"

Fu Xiao returned the greeting, looked at Xie Chenjie with a solemn expression, and saluted: "Greetings, Commander."

Xie Chenjie returned the gift.

The three of them lowered their hands, and the atmosphere became somewhat subtly formal.

Xie Zhenguo laughed first, pointing to his civilian clothes: "Comrade Fu, it's after get off work hours. I'm not some leader anymore."

"We're here today as two fathers to chat about our children."

His casual tone immediately broke the formal atmosphere.

Fu Xiao smiled and gestured for him to sit, saying, "Please sit, Comrade Xie. You may sit as well, Xie Ci."

The three of them sat down around the sofa.

Fu Xiao got up to make tea, his movements unhurried and deliberate.

"Longjing tea, a friend brought it from Hangzhou."

He placed two cups of tea in front of the Xie father and son respectively.

I sat down on the single sofa, placing my hands on my knees.

Their posture was upright, almost like they were holding a military meeting.

"Comrade Fu..."

Xie Chenjie spoke.

"Thank you, Chief."

Fu Xiao interrupted him, her tone sincere.

"It was wrong of me to make you come all this way today; I should be the one visiting you."

"That's too polite of you."

Xie Chenjie waved his hand, "The army is one big family, we don't need to speak like that."

Fu Xiao took a deep breath and got straight to the point: "I want to apologize to you both on behalf of my wife. What happened that day... Yu Rou lost her temper and shouldn't have done that."

He paused, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes: "Ever since those things happened at home, her emotions have been quite unstable."

Especially Chaochao… after that child went to prison, she seemed unable to accept it. I tried to persuade her many times, but she wouldn't listen.”

These words were spoken very frankly, and even had a hint of being heartfelt.

Xie Chenjie and Xie Ci exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised.

"Comrade Fu, you flatter me."

Xie Chenjie picked up his teacup, took a sip,

"Every family has its own problems, and we can understand Comrade Su's feelings."

"Yes, Uncle Fu,"

Xie Ci accepted the reply respectfully.

"My mother also said that sometimes, a mother's heart does tend to overthink things."

Fu Xiao looked at Xie Ci.

The young man sat there with his back straight, his eyes clear, and he spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly.

Indeed...very excellent.

Acknowledgments,

Fu Xiao suddenly changed his form of address, "May I call you that?"

"certainly."

Xie Ci nodded, "Uncle Fu."

"it is good."

Fu Xiao leaned forward slightly, clasped his hands together on his knees.

"Regarding you and Huahua... I actually knew some things before. After she moved out, although she didn't come home often, her older brother would occasionally say a few words to me."

He looked at Xie Ci, his eyes filled with both scrutiny and admiration: "You are very good, young and promising, with a respectable family background and excellent personal qualities."

To be honest, if it's just about the conditions, I don't have much to complain about.

Xie Ci didn't respond, quietly waiting for what was to come.

Fu Xiao then changed the subject: "As a father, I look at more than just the conditions. Huahua... we owe her so much."

His voice lowered, carrying a deep, painful tone as he said, "She grew up in the countryside and suffered a lot. She finally came home, but we couldn't give her the warmth she deserved."

Her moving out was her own choice, and also... a failure on our part as parents.

The office was quiet for a moment.

The sky outside the window darkened, and the light of the setting sun changed from orange-red to dark gold.

"so,"

Fu Xiao raised his head again, his eyes becoming firm.

My only wish for her now is that she be safe, well, and happy.

I support what she's willing to do; no one can force her to do what she's unwilling to do.

He looked at Xie Ci and said, "The fact that she's willing to come to your house for dinner shows that she cares about you."

Thank you. You're a few years older than Huahua, more mature, and should be better able to take care of her and be more tolerant of her; that's your advantage.

Xie Chenjie chimed in at the opportune moment: "Chief of Staff Fu is right. We've met Huahua a few times; she's equally outstanding."

She's opinionated, talented, and thoughtful; Xie Ci is truly fortunate to have met her.

These words were spoken sincerely, and upon hearing them, Fu Xiao's face broke into a genuine smile.

That smile held both pride and感慨: "Yes... that child is stronger than we imagined."

The atmosphere eased considerably.

Fu Xiao refilled their teacups and continued, "As for the two children dating... I agree to it."

Huahua is an adult and has her own judgment. She likes you and wants to be with you, and I respect her choice.

He paused, then added, "As for marriage... that depends on Huahua's wishes. We'll hold the ceremony whenever she's willing."

If she wants to date for a few more years, then she can date for a few more years. Ultimately, it's her decision.

These words were concise and to the point, clearly stating the attitude and outlining the bottom line.

Fu Hua is independent, and her choices must be respected.

Xie Chenjie nodded: "That's right, that's what we meant too. The children get along well, so let things take their natural course."

Xie Ci then spoke, his voice steady: "Uncle Fu, rest assured, I am serious about Fu Hua. I will respect every decision she makes and support every choice she makes."

She wants to do scientific research, and I support her. She wants to take it slow, and I'll wait. I've made up my mind about her for life.