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

Fu Hua's reaction was too calm, which made Fu Songchuan feel uneasy.

He chose his words carefully and continued, "Regarding the grades... my parents, especially my mother, might be having a hard time accepting it right now, and she might have said some harsh things."

Don't blame them, they... they were just scared by that score, plus the rumors at school..."

He paused, his tone becoming extremely solemn and firm.

He looked directly at Fu Hua: "But, Hua Hua, your brother believes in you."

He spoke those five words very slowly and earnestly.

Fu Hua paused almost imperceptibly in the cup she was holding, and finally looked up at Fu Songchuan.

Under the light, a flicker of emotion seemed to appear in her clear eyes.

Like a lake surface tossed with a pebble, creating a very shallow ripple.

A faint, yet much more genuine, curve appeared at the corner of her mouth:

"I understand. Thank you, brother."

This thank you was more sincere than any before.

In this home, the eldest brother's trust was the only glimmer of light filtering through the cold walls.

She cherishes this warmth.

Fu Songchuan breathed a sigh of relief when he saw a genuine smile finally appear on Fu Hua's face.

I couldn't help but explain a few more words on behalf of my parents: "Mom and Dad... after all, they've been separated from you for too long, they need time to get to know you and adjust. Give them some time, and they'll see how good you are."

Fu Hua listened quietly without arguing.

He simply hummed in response, indicating that he had heard.

However, deep within her lowered eyes lay a clear and indifferent detachment.

Time? Understanding and adaptation?

She smiled silently to herself.

Some barriers cannot be easily bridged by time.

She and her biological parents missed eighteen years of close interaction.

That bond called "blood ties",

Diluted by the passage of time and dominated by the strong emotions of another "daughter,"

In fact, they are far more fragile than they imagine.

She could clearly sense their doubts, their disappointment, and even their condescending compensation.

She didn't care much about their opinions, and naturally, she wasn't particularly disappointed.

She would accept whatever they gave her, good or bad, with equanimity.

But it will not cause ecstasy or sorrow.

Her life's focus had long since shifted away from this belated and precarious family bond.

Fu Songchuan watched as his younger sister obediently agreed, but clearly didn't seem to be really interested.

I sighed inwardly, knowing that some knots in my heart couldn't be untied in just a few words.

He stood up and patted her shoulder: "Get some rest, don't think too much. I'll go to school with you and Mom and Dad tomorrow."

"Okay, big brother, you should get some rest too."

The door closed gently.

Fu Hua put down the slightly cooled milk glass and reopened the thick English original.

My fingertips brushed across the cold formulas and symbols on the pages.

Her heart also became calm and resolute again.

Whether you trust someone or not, whether you care or not, it doesn't matter.

All she needed to do was keep moving forward.

With absolute strength, we will shatter all doubts and reach a level that no one can underestimate.

As for the rest... let nature take its course.

The next morning, Fu Hua finished washing up and went downstairs on time to prepare for breakfast.

The restaurant was unusually quiet, except for Aunt Liu carrying a bowl of porridge out of the kitchen.

His face showed a hint of unconcealed worry and exhaustion from his busy work.

"Good morning, Aunt Liu."

Fu Hua greeted them, her gaze sweeping over the empty dining table and the head seat. "Where are Dad, Mom, and my older brother?"

Aunt Liu sighed and placed the bowl of porridge in front of Fu Hua's usual seat.

He said with a worried tone, "Your second brother... he had an accident last night."

Fu Hua paused slightly as she picked up her chopsticks, then looked up at Aunt Liu.

His eyes held a questioning look, but he didn't seem particularly surprised.

Fu Youchuan went out so late last night; the security situation isn't that good these days.

People from all walks of life are gathered here, and it's a lively and bustling time.

I just don't know if he was hit or beaten up.

Aunt Liu continued, "He hadn't come back by midnight last night, so I went out to ask around and found out that the boy had called a few of his acquaintances from the compound out with him."

Upon learning the news, Su Yurou forbade anyone to interfere.

As a relative and nanny in this family, Aunt Liu couldn't say much.

Who knew this kid would go to a restaurant to drink?

I don't know how, but I got into a conflict with the people at another table, and it escalated into a fight. In the end, I was taken away by the police.

Su Yurou and Fu Xiao had just received the call and rushed over to handle it.

Fu Songchuan was worried, so he went along too.

After hearing this, Fu Hua sighed. This was something Fu Youchuan was capable of doing.

Aunt Liu glanced at the direction of the stairs and added, "Before your mother left, she told you and Chaochao to go to school by yourselves after you finish eating. They will go to the school to see the principal as soon as they finish dealing with your second brother's matter."

Fu Hua listened quietly, her face expressionless, and simply gave a faint "Oh."

It was as if I had only heard ordinary news that had nothing to do with me.

She picked up the spoon and began to sip the porridge, but she understood everything perfectly.

Impulsive, easily angered, and reckless. That's Fu Youchuan.

Given his personality, it's only a matter of time before he gets into trouble outside.

Last night I was upset at home, so I went out to drown my sorrows in alcohol, which led to a conflict with someone – it was a perfectly logical development.

Otherwise, the ending wouldn't have been like that of Xi Huang.

At this moment, Fu Chaochao also came downstairs, still half asleep.

Upon hearing Aunt Liu repeat the news that her second brother had been taken to the police station, she instantly sobered up.

His face immediately filled with anxiety and worry: "What? Second brother's been locked up? How serious is it? Who's the other person? Will it affect Dad?"

Her series of questions sounded full of concern.

But Fu Hua keenly caught the fleeting irritation and impatience in her eyes.

Is Fu Chaochao really worried about Fu Youchuan?

What she cared more about was whether this matter would cause trouble for her family and whether it would affect her father's reputation.

And... will it delay my trip to school today to deal with her "cheating"?

This could very well disrupt her plan to watch the show.

She didn't even ask if her beloved second brother was injured.

Fu Chaochao sat down next to Fu Hua, picked up a steamed bun, and took a bite without tasting it.

I couldn't help but complain inwardly, "My second brother is really something. He knows there's a lot going on at home lately, and Mom and Dad are already worried enough about certain things."

He went out and caused trouble at this critical juncture!

Now his parents have to worry about him too; they don't even know if he'll make it to school today...

Ultimately, it's all Fu Hua's fault. If it weren't for her, my second brother wouldn't have gone drinking last night.

It would not cause this trouble.

Fu Chaochao slightly raised her eyelids and subtly glanced at the person next to her.

Fu Hua ate her breakfast slowly and deliberately.

He completely ignored Chaochao's little tricks, not even lifting an eyelid.

Aunt Liu sighed inwardly as she looked at the awkward atmosphere between the two young ladies.

He urged, "You two hurry up and eat, don't be late. Don't worry about your second brother's matter, the adults at home will handle everything."