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

"Yeah?"

Fu Hua looked at her quietly, her eyes showing not a ripple of emotion.

It's like looking at an insignificant stranger.

If Xu Jing hadn't pointed it out, Fu Hua really wouldn't have realized how close the two were.

Xie Ci never mentioned Xu Jing on his own initiative.

Her calmness made me feel even more uncomfortable.

Xu Jing blurted out, "I won't give up! I'll definitely get Xie Ci back!"

"Go ahead and rob us."

Fu Hua remained calm, uttering three words with nonchalant ease.

Xu Jing's gaze froze.

Fu Hua tilted her head slightly, seemingly finding her words somewhat interesting.

One more thing: "I don't care about men who can be stolen away."

Xu Jing opened her mouth, but for a moment she didn't know what to say.

She stared at Fu Hua's face—too young, too calm.

He doesn't look like a college freshman at all, not at all.

A feeling of absurdity and powerlessness welled up inside me.

"Fu Hua, you're really strange."

Xu Jing couldn't help but murmur, "Strange...it seems like you don't fit into this world at all. Don't you have any...normal human emotions? Anger, jealousy, fear of loss?"

Fu Hua shrugged. This question was boring.

After experiencing many things, even the richest emotions will eventually settle into a state of calm.

She glanced at Xu Jing, her tone neither admonishing nor stating anything.

"Broaden your horizons, Comrade Xu. Instead of staring at other people's paths all day and frantically trying to cut in, why not turn back and walk your own path steadily and correctly?"

You were born into a military family, graduated from a top university, and majored in communications, a highly sought-after field in this era.

Does your worth necessarily have to be proven by stepping on another woman or stealing a man?

Fu Hua paused, then said in a calm tone, "True skill lies in being able to clearly see one's own joys, sorrows, anger, and ignorance."

After saying that, she didn't linger, turned around and left, her footsteps unusually clear in the empty corridor.

Xu Jing stood there, watching the figure disappear behind the door.

The anger, resentment, and grievance on his face gradually faded, leaving only a blank and bewildered expression.

Fu Hua's last few words were like cold raindrops, striking her confused thoughts.

She slowly lowered her head, looking at her hands, and remained motionless for a long time.

With Xu Jing dismissed, the project team did become much quieter.

Everyone was able to complete the handover of work as required, and there was no further disturbance.

The project team adopted a strict atmosphere, with everyone thinking and working together towards a common goal.

Without internal disputes and hidden dangers, the later stages of the layered encryption project progressed faster.

Fu Hua led the remaining team members to work together efficiently, overcome difficulties, and complete the research and development and testing tasks on schedule.

The atmosphere was lively in the small conference room of the research station.

Professor Yan stood at the front, holding the final project report in his hand.

A relaxed and comfortable smile appeared on his face.

"Now, I declare,"

He raised his voice, drowning out the buzzing whispers below.

"The layered encrypted communication pre-research project has achieved all its objectives, with excellent test data, and is officially... a complete success!"

Applause erupted instantly, mixed with cheers and sighs of relief.

After months of intense work, things have finally come to a close.

Professor Yan raised his hand to smack the fingers, then laughed and said, "Tonight, at the Great Wall Hotel, it's a victory celebration banquet. No one is allowed to skip it!"

The crowd became even more excited.

The best restaurant in Beijing, this is quite a big investment.

The group dispersed, chatting and laughing, to prepare for the evening banquet. Fu Hua walked up to Professor Yan.

"professor,"

Fu Hua looked up and said, "I won't be going to the celebration party tonight."

Professor Yan's smile faded slightly, and he looked at her with concern: "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Or are you just too tired lately and want to go home and rest?"

He knew his students well; they preferred quiet to noise.

Fu Hua didn't answer directly, but simply lowered her eyes slightly.

Professor Yan sighed and patted her on the shoulder: "I know you don't like these kinds of occasions. How many of us who do scientific research truly enjoy welcoming guests and exchanging toasts?"

He changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious.

"But tonight is different. Commander Hua personally said he would come to thank you in person, and several senior figures in academia will also be there. My students who are holding important positions elsewhere will also be there, Huahua."

He looked into her clear eyes and said, "I'd like to introduce you two."

Fu Hua looked up, as if she wanted to say something.

Professor Yan raised his hand to stop her and continued, "Let me finish. What I'm saying is the truth. With the abilities and potential you've shown this time, this small research station won't be able to keep you for long."

Have you ever thought about starting your own lab and leading your own team in the future?

Fu Hua's eyes flickered slightly.

"I don't want to, and I can't, hold you back."

Professor Yan spoke earnestly, his voice low and sincere, "Separation was inevitable. You have no family to rely on; you have to forge your own path every step of the way."

Make friends with reliable mentors and peers now, build a network, and when you want to fly higher and go further in the future,

These relationships may not guarantee a smooth journey, but at least they can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks. Your teacher is thinking of your long-term future.

Fu Hua remained silent for a few seconds, looking into the professor's earnest and sincere gaze.

She nodded: "Professor, I'll go."

At night, the private rooms at the Great Wall Hotel were brightly lit.

The large round table, which had more than twenty people, was packed full.

People from the military, research institutes, and universities—the faces were diverse, but the atmosphere was lively.

Fu Hua followed Professor Yan into the room and immediately saw Xie Ci sitting next to Commander Hua in the main seat.

He was dressed casually today, in a black shirt, and had a handsome face.

He sat upright, listening intently to what Commander Hua was saying.

Seemingly sensing something, he looked up.

Their eyes met, and Xie Ci's eyes suddenly lit up, a smile playing on his lips.

Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, he quickly winked at her.

Fu Hua smiled, nodded slightly, and looked away.

"Fu Hua!"

Lu Xingzhou walked over from the other side, carrying a glass of juice.

Her smile was as gentle as ever, but there was a hint of complex emotion in her eyes.

Congratulations, the project has been a great success.

"Thanks."

Fu Hua nodded, looking at him, "How have you been lately? Actually, you didn't have to leave the project team because of what happened before."

She has always kept her personal and professional life separate and will not let her personal feelings affect her work.

Lu Xingzhou smiled wryly and shook his head: "It has nothing to do with you. After thinking about it carefully, I realized that I prefer and am better at data analysis and theoretical analysis. Frontline experimental work is indeed not my strongest point."

Leaving might be a better choice for you, for the project, and for myself.

He spoke frankly and thoroughly.

At this moment, Xie Ci walked over and naturally stood beside Fu Hua.

He extended his hand: "Comrade Lu, it's been a long time. I heard you went to the data center? That's definitely a place where you can better utilize your strengths."

The gesture of acknowledgment clearly carried a possessive undertone.

Lu Xingzhou glanced at it, then smiled helplessly.

She reached out and shook his hand: "Deputy Division Chief Xie, it's been a long time. The data center is quiet, which suits me well."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Professor Yan came over and pulled Fu Hua away: "Huahua, come here, let me introduce you to some senior colleagues."

"Okay, Professor."

Fu Hua glanced at Xie Ci and said softly, "I'll go first."