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

Fu Hua opened her eyes, and sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the curtains, drawing a bright edge on the floor.

She lay still, staring at the ceiling for a few seconds, before slowly sitting up.

Thankfully, I don't need to go to the store today.

Otherwise, she'd need some adrenaline.

I drank two cups of spiritual spring water. My legs are still a little sore, but much better than last night.

Perhaps he was out there, and Xie Ci was too vigorous last night.

She lost consciousness towards the end.

Next time, I shouldn't be so reckless.

After leaning against the headboard for a while, she got up to wash up.

After changing her clothes, she put the light green cardigan and dress she had chosen yesterday into a bag.

I also took a box of unopened tea.

This is a special tea that Professor Yan gave her; it's of high quality.

She didn't like drinking Da Hong Pao tea, but she remembered that her uncle Su Cheng liked it quite a bit.

Look in the mirror and braid a gentle braid.

Just apply a little bit of face cream.

She was naturally beautiful without makeup.

Now, after their intimate moments, a faint blush rose to her cheeks.

Her eyes were slightly damp, and her skin had a soft, moist glow.

Fu Hua took the bus to the research station first.

After all, since they've received their salary, they can't just stay out of the public eye forever.

Several bicycles were parked in the courtyard, and someone was standing under the eaves talking, holding a teacup.

Fu Hua walked inside and bumped into an acquaintance.

It was Engineer Li, who had previously worked in the layered encryption project team.

When Li saw her, his eyes lit up, and he greeted her from afar.

"Fu! What brings you here today?"

Fu Hua nodded: "I need to talk to Professor Yan about something."

Engineer Li looked her up and down, then smiled and asked, "You're dressed so smartly today, where are you going?"

Another colleague chimed in, "Do you even need to ask? She's definitely on a date."

Fu Hua smiled but didn't reply.

"Yes or no?"

Li chuckled, "I've met Fu's boyfriend before. He's in the military, very handsome. No wonder he looks so good."

Several people laughed.

Fu Hua didn't bother to explain, nodded, and walked inside.

She ran into a few acquaintances who all greeted her.

Some people complimented her on how well she looked today, while others asked her about the project's wrap-up.

Fu Hua agreed to everything and headed straight for the second floor without stopping.

Professor Yan's office door was open.

She knocked on the door frame.

Professor Yan was writing something on the table when he looked up, saw her, and smiled.

"Huahua's here? Come in, come in quickly."

He stood up and went to get the teacup himself.

Fu Hua quickly stepped forward and took the cup from his hand.

"Professor, I can do it myself."

Professor Yan didn't try to take it from her; instead, he let her pour the tea, and the two sat down facing each other.

"Have you finished being busy at the store these past few days?"

Professor Yan asked.

Fu Hua nodded: "That's about it. I'll go back to school tomorrow."

"That's good."

Professor Yan leaned back in his chair, looking at her. "What brings you here today?"

Fu Hua put down her cup: "It's nothing much, I just came to see you and ask about the project's final report, whether there's anything that needs to be added."

Professor Yan waved his hand: "No need, yours is very complete. I submitted it yesterday, and the feedback from the military was quite good."

Fu Hua nodded.

Professor Yan looked at her, then suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, Li Yan, do you remember him?"

Fu Hua paused for a moment: "I remember. I was a student of Professor Gu from the Biology Department of Peking University. I met him at the celebration banquet last time."

Professor Yan nodded and sighed.

"That kid's gotten himself into trouble lately."

Fu Hua raised an eyebrow.

He published an article.

Professor Yan frowned, his tone disapproving: "He criticized the views of an older professor in their department quite bluntly, without holding back any sentimentality."

Fu Hua remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"That old professor has some standing in the biological field. As soon as the article was published, the circle was in an uproar."

Professor Yan shook his head: "Li Yan was surrounded by a group of people who said he was young and impetuous, didn't know the rules, and didn't respect his teachers. Even Professor Gu couldn't protect him."

Fu Hua asked, "What was he criticizing?"

Professor Yan thought for a moment: "It seems to be a direction related to gene editing, but I can't explain it in detail. In short, it's an academic disagreement."

He paused, looking at Fu Hua: "You know that kid's personality. He can't tolerate any nonsense. If he feels something is wrong, he has to say it. But these days, speaking recklessly comes at a price."

Fu Hua nodded, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Some people are born to walk a different path.

Professor Yan looked at her for a while, then suddenly changed the subject.

"Huahua, there's something I want to ask you."

Fu Hua sat up straighter: "Professor, please speak."

"There's an opportunity now. The higher-ups want to support a group of young people to lead a project in biomedicine, which overlaps somewhat with Li Yan's field. Are you interested?"

Fu Hua's eyes flickered.

"What kind of project is it specifically?"

"It's not decided yet."

Professor Yan continued, "This is just an intention. You can apply for research projects yourself. As long as it's feasible, the higher authorities will provide funding and personnel."

He paused, looking at Fu Hua: "If you're interested, I can help you pull some strings. You performed exceptionally well on the layered encryption project, and the higher-ups have a good impression of you."

Fu Hua remained silent for a few seconds.

"professor,"

She spoke, her voice firm, "I'm interested."

This was the path she was meant to take.

Professor Yan nodded, a satisfied smile on his face.

"I knew you'd be interested."

He picked up his teacup and took a small sip. "But this can't be rushed. The application process is complicated, and even if everything goes smoothly, it won't officially start until next summer."

Moreover, funding is a major issue; how much the higher authorities will provide and for how long are all unknowns.

He looked at Fu Hua and said earnestly, "Take your time to think it over. There's no need to rush into a decision. Think it through carefully before you speak."

Fu Hua nodded.

After chatting for a few more minutes about wrapping up the project, Fu Hua got up to say goodbye.

As she reached the door, Professor Yan suddenly called out to her.

"Oh, right, there's one more thing, look how forgetful I am..."

Fu Hua turned around and sat back down.

Are you in a hurry? We can talk about it tomorrow.

"Professor, please speak slowly, I'm not in a hurry."

"That's fine then."

Professor Yan took an invitation card from his drawer and handed it to her.

"There's a physics competition in the city next weekend."

He said regretfully, "The organizers asked me to be a referee, but I had something to do that day. Would you be interested in going in my place?"

Fu Hua was stunned for a moment: "I'll go?"

"right."

Professor Yan looked at her and said, "You're competent and steady enough. Go sit there for a day, grade papers, and give out awards. It's not a big deal."

As long as the professor thinks she can do it, she ignores and refuses such requests.

Fu Hua nodded and readily agreed, "Okay."

Professor Yan smiled and patted her on the shoulder.

"What's with the modesty? I know your level all too well. Go ahead, just consider it doing a favor for the teacher."

Fu Hua took the invitation and put it in her bag.

"Then I'll be going now, Professor."

"Go."

Fu Hua pushed open the door and went out.

The sunlight was just right in the corridor, streaming in through the windows and making the floor bright and cheerful.

She took the bus straight to the Su family's house.