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

The morning light fell on the alley entrance, casting long shadows.

Xu Jing stood there, the sun shining warmly on her back, but she still shivered.

The wind tousled her hair, but she didn't raise her hand to fix it.

Over at the breakfast stall, the owner was putting fried dough sticks into the oil.

A few seconds later, it was taken out of the water. The fried dough sticks were golden and crispy, making people's mouths water.

The thank-you notes were at the back of the line. The sunlight gradually brightened, giving the bluestone pavement a lukewarm temperature.

He carried his breakfast back, but the alleyway was already empty.

When Xie Ci returned, Fu Hua was already up and sitting at the table waiting for him.

She wore a plain-colored silk nightgown, her features delicate and languid.

The moment I saw him, my eyes softened.

"You're back?"

She spoke softly as she got up to prepare the bowls and chopsticks.

"Yes, it's fresh out of the pot."

Jiang Shuo placed the bag on the table and took out the items one by one.

The hot fried dough sticks were so crispy they almost crumbled, and the snow-white steamed buns were steaming hot.

A plate of refreshing side dishes and two large bowls of piping hot soy milk filled the room with a sweet aroma.

The acknowledgment did not mention the encounter with Xu Jing.

He placed a soft meat bun on her plate and tore the fried dough stick into small pieces.

He placed it in her bowl, his eyes gentle and tender: "Fu, eat up, it's freshly fried, be careful it's hot."

"Thanks!"

Fu Hua smiled gently, her eyes brimming with springtime affection.

Although she was aloof and didn't talk much, she always softened even her fingertips when she was with him.

She took a small bite of her bun, glanced at him, and then smiled down at him.

Xie Ci sat beside her, not saying much, quietly keeping her company.

Seeing that she was drinking her soy milk slowly, he asked softly, "Doesn't it taste good?"

"No, it's a bit bland!"

Xie Ci got up to go find some candy, but Fu Hua turned around and said, "Don't bother looking, we've finished eating and haven't bought any more."

"I'll go buy it."

"No need, it's alright."

Xie Ci had already reached the door, turned back and smiled: "Wait for me, I'll be there soon."

Fu Hua's expression shifted slightly; she was self-sufficient, both spiritually and materially.

This man, however, still became her firm and independent choice.

Xie Ci returned quickly, first putting two spoonfuls into her bowl, then filling the sugar jar to the brim.

"You, with no one to take care of you, I don't know how you'll manage!"

He reached out and gently wiped away a speck of oil from the corner of her mouth.

Fingertips brushed against her cheek unintentionally.

Fu Hua stiffened slightly, her ear tips turning slightly red, and looked up at him.

Xie Ci's eyes darkened, and he said in a low voice, "Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you."

She nodded, deliberately moved closer to him, and gently leaned her shoulder against him.

After finishing the meal, Fu Hua was about to get up to clear the dishes when he pressed her hand down.

"I'll take care of it, you rest."

His voice was steady as he held her hand tightly, gently rubbing it. "Good girl."

She smiled, quietly sat back down in her chair, and watched his busy figure.

Between her cool and aloof brows and eyes, there was an unyielding tenderness.

The greenery outside the window was so lush it seemed to burst forth, the cicadas chirped incessantly, and the sunlight was filtered through the leaves in dappled patterns.

After a few cool rains, the wind carried the scent of autumn.

The sycamore leaves in the neighborhood gradually turn pale yellow, then golden yellow, and gently fall with a gust of wind.

The sky is higher and bluer, the cicadas' song has faded, and only the rustling of falling leaves remains.

Time quietly flows by, and the summer breeze through the window slowly gives way to the clear autumn air filling the courtyard.

In the theater,

The door to Commander Wang's office was ajar.

Su Yurou stood at the door, took a deep breath, and knocked twice.

"Come in."

She gently pushed the door open.

Commander Wang sat behind his desk, holding a report in his hand, his brow furrowed.

Seeing that it was her, his brows relaxed, he put the report aside, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Yu Rou, you're here. Sit down, please sit down."

Though his words were polite, there was little enthusiasm in his eyes.

Su Yurou naturally knew why.

She sat down in the chair, placed her hands on her knees, and remained silent.

Commander Wang picked up his teacup, took a sip, and slowly began to speak.

"Yu Rou, you've been a veteran of the theater for a while now, so I'll get straight to the point."

"Commander, what are you saying?"

Director Wang sighed: "As the director, you know the troupe's situation best. The attendance rate is low, the Cultural Bureau's funding is delayed again and again, and we're almost unable to pay the actors' salaries next month."

He put down his teacup and looked at Su Yurou.

"Regarding what I told you last time, is there any progress on the spots for Masters Ji Xian and Cecchetti?"

Su Yurou lowered her eyes, her fingers gripping the bag strap, and shook her head.

"Commander Wang, I did my best."

Su Yurou recalled what Fu Xiao had said.

He asked his family for help and finally managed to see the person.

He took the gifts and went to visit the two masters, but upon meeting them, they only asked about Fu Hua's situation.

As for the number of places for further study, it wasn't even mentioned.

Fu Xiao didn't press the matter, as there was no resolution to it.

"Commander, I'm sorry, I have no other choice."

Commander Wang remained silent for a few seconds, then stood up and walked around the desk.

He walked over and sat down on the chair next to her.

"Yu Rou,"

His voice softened a bit, "How many years have you been in the troupe? Twenty years, right?"

Our troupe has weathered many storms over the years, and you've been there for us through it all.

The group is facing difficulties right now, and I really had no other choice but to ask you for help. I didn't mean to force you.

Su Yurou didn't reply, her eyes fixed on the floor.

I know you're having a hard time.

Commander Wang continued, "Fu Hua didn't grow up by your side. Now that she's back, our relationship has soured. It's a bit inappropriate for you to ask for a spot."

Su Yurou raised her head, her voice slightly hoarse: "Commander, I really tried my best, and Fu Xiao's side too..."

"Okay, okay, I understand your difficulties."

Commander Wang waved his hand, then changed his tone.

The tone became somewhat heavy. "But Yurou, even if you don't think about the group, you should think about yourself."

Your dream when you were young was to study abroad, wasn't it? Back then, circumstances were special, and there weren't the options. I know you've always had that unresolved feeling.

Su Yurou's eyes flickered.

"The opportunity is right in front of us."

Commander Wang looked at her and said, "Not for the troupe, not for anyone else, but for yourself, don't you want to give it a try?"

Fu Hua is your biological daughter. What can't you say between mother and daughter?

He leaned forward and lowered his voice: "I heard that last year, the two masters almost got into a fight at the nursing home over who would be your daughter's apprentice. If she's willing to ask, the spot is practically hers."

Su Yurou didn't speak, her fingers gripping the bag strap tightly.

"so,"

Commander Wang stood up, walked back to his desk, and took a piece of paper from the drawer.

He spread it out on the table. "If you're worried, I'll write it down for you. As long as you get this done, you'll be the first one selected for the troupe's overseas training program. It's all in black and white, and I'll sign it."

He picked up his pen and actually started writing.

Su Yurou stood up, walked to the table, and watched him write.

After Commander Wang finished writing, he signed his name.

He pushed the paper in front of Su Yurou, "Take a look, is it okay? If not, we can revise it."

Su Yurou stared at those lines of text, her throat bobbing.

"Commander, there's no need for that, you don't need to write it."

She pushed the paper back, her voice a little hoarse, "I...I'll try again."

Commander Wang smiled and patted her shoulder: "Yu Rou, I knew you cared about the regiment. After this is done, the regiment will never forget you."