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

Su Yurou said the last sentence with some difficulty.

Only then did she realize—Fu Hua had been back at the Fu family home for so long.

The closet still contained the same few clothes she had taken with her to buy before.

The weather is getting colder, it's time to put on some new clothes.

Fu Chaochao just added two imported coats to her walk-in closet last week.

Fu Hua looked up at her mother.

Su Yurou's eyes held guilt and unease.

There was also a complex emotion that she was fully aware of.

"Thank you, Mom."

Fu Hua did not refuse and carefully put the envelope away.

This action relieved Su Yurou.

If Fu Hua insists on paying, it will only embarrass her more.

They already felt guilty enough for not believing their daughter.

If I take her money again, what would that make me?

"Let's cook a few more dishes tonight."

Su Yurou turned around and instructed Aunt Liu, her voice becoming lighter and more cheerful, "Our Huahua got such good grades, we should celebrate."

"Yes, that's right, let's celebrate properly."

Fu Xiao's cold, hard features softened unconsciously.

Neither he nor his son possessed any great abilities; after so many years in the military, they had only reached the rank of regimental commander.

Both the first and third wives are more successful than him, the second wife.

The old man and the old woman value them even more.

Even their usual living quarters were closer to the eldest and third brothers.

The eldest brother and the third brother have never really looked down on him, the second oldest.

Hmph, he'll announce it to them personally at the next family gathering.

His daughter, Fu Hua, was selected by a national-level research station; she is a genius.

What kind of expressions will the eldest brother and the third brother have then?

He really wanted to know.

"Where's my older brother? Hasn't he come back yet?"

Fu Hua inquired.

"Well, your older brother has some things to do at his unit, but he already knows about your results and said he'll definitely be back later."

Fu Xiao put down his newspaper, his gaze towards Fu Hua filled with curiosity. "Huahua, tell Dad, is there anything you need to improve in your studies? Or would you like to go to the top class?"

"I'm doing fine in Class D6, I don't want to go to Class A."

Several teachers did come to talk to her before school ended.

However, Fu Hua refused them all outright.

"Since the child doesn't want to leave, then let it be."

Su Yurou handed Fu Hua a glass of juice: "And about the dormitory thing Professor Yan mentioned."

"I don't need the dormitory room."

Fu Xiao quickly chimed in, "It's not like there's no room at home. Besides, Huahua is still young, and it's too dangerous for her to live alone."

These words sounded like a plea to stay, but Fu Hua sensed another meaning in them—

He didn't want her to escape the Fu family's control, even if only partially.

Control her?

Fu Hua's lips curled slightly. She didn't argue, but simply nodded: "Okay."

At 9:30 p.m., eight dishes and a soup were laid out on the long table in the restaurant.

Aunt Liu specially made braised eggplant and stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, which are Fu Hua's favorite dishes.

This is what she discovered after observing for three months.

This child has a light palate and likes home-style cooking.

Fu Songchuan returned just before dinner, carrying a small cake box: "Congratulations, little sister."

He handed the box to Fu Hua, his smile revealing genuine satisfaction.

The cake was made with fruit and fresh cream, and the words "May your future be bright" were written on it in chocolate sauce.

Fu Hua took the cake, her fingertips touching her older brother's warm hand.

Something inside me felt a little relieved.

"What about Asahi and Yuukawa?"

Su Yurou glanced at her watch, her expression darkening. "They're not back yet?"

"I've looked for her, but Chaochao isn't in her room."

Aunt Liu whispered, "You Chuan hasn't come back since he put down his schoolbag. He must have gone to find Chaochao."

Fu Xiao slammed down his chopsticks: "Let's not wait any longer, let's eat."

These four words were spoken coldly and harshly.

Su Yurou opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end she silently picked up her bowl and chopsticks.

During meals, her gaze kept drifting towards the door, her brows slightly furrowed.

The only sound on the dining table was the clinking of bowls and chopsticks.

Fu Songchuan placed a piece of spare rib on Fu Hua's plate and casually asked, "Your class must have been quite lively today, right?"

"Um."

Fu Hua responded, "The students... are very happy."

She spoke very gently when she called someone "classmate".

Fu Songchuan noticed it immediately.

That was a warmth she had never shown when she mentioned the Fu family.

Fu Songchuan smiled. "Xinghe called me today, trying to find out indirectly whether Professor Yan has really taken a liking to you."

Fu Xiao looked up: "What did you say?"

"I said yes, and I've been selected for the national research post-station reserve team."

As Fu Songchuan spoke, he looked at Fu Hua with pride in his eyes. "Xinghe listened, and remained silent for a long time in surprise."

He added that this research station was only established this year, and its purpose is to cultivate the nation's most outstanding scientific research talents; it's a cradle of talent, and Huahua's selection is an immense honor.

Su Yurou smiled, a rare occurrence for her: "Is she that amazing? Then you should be proud... Our Huahua is truly remarkable."

But as she said this, her eyes turned towards the doorway.

At 10:20 p.m., there was finally a noise at the door.

Fu Youchuan returned with Fu Chaochao, both of them wearing smiles.

It's like they just experienced something happy.

"Where have you been so late?"

Fu Xiao put down his chopsticks, his tone filled with barely suppressed dissatisfaction.

"Take Chaochao out for a walk to relax."

Fu Youchuan said nonchalantly, pulling Fu Chaochao towards the dining table, "Is there any food left? I'm starving."

Aunt Liu was about to heat up the dishes when Fu Xiao stopped her: "What time is it? Don't you know to go home for dinner? Two students, wandering around outside so late, what kind of behavior is that?"

These words were so harsh that Fu Chaochao's eyes immediately welled up with tears.

Su Yurou opened her mouth, then sighed.

These two kids need to be disciplined.

Fu Youchuan stood protectively in front of Fu Chaochao: "Dad, Chaochao was in a bad mood today, so I stayed with her a little longer. What's wrong with that?"

"Bad mood?"

Fu Xiao looked at him coldly, "Huahua got such good grades, the whole family is happy for her, why are you two in a bad mood?"

The air froze instantly.

"Dad, I'm not upset."

Fu Chaochao hurriedly explained, "I'm just... sorry, Dad. I've affected everyone's mood. It's my fault."

Fu Chaochao suddenly raised her hand and slapped herself.

"Chaochao, what are you doing? Are you crazy?"

Fu Youchuan immediately stopped him.

Su Yurou pushed her chair away and rushed over to him with heartache: "Child, don't be like this. Talk it out. Your father isn't angry."

Fu Xiao's eyes widened in shock; he hadn't expected Chaochao to act so violently.

For a moment, a pang of heartache flashed through his mind, but he felt mostly resentment.

This is a challenge to his authority!

Fu Hua quietly put down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and said, "Dad, Mom, Big Brother, I'm done eating. I'm a little tired today, so I'm going upstairs now."

She didn't want to watch these people act; it was exhausting!

Why don't you just wash up and go to bed?

She got up and left, the brown wooden bracelet tracing a gentle arc under the light.

No one noticed the fragrance emanating from the bracelet.

It becomes exceptionally clear at this moment.

In the restaurant, Fu Xiao watched as Fu Youchuan protected Fu Chaochao without saying a word.

Ignoring her own sister's feelings, for the first time, she felt a deep disappointment in the son she had spoiled since childhood.

Fu Songchuan sat at the table without moving.

Looking at the cold food on the table, and then at my mother and sister,

And there was also the second brother, whose face was full of resentment.

He couldn't help but feel disappointed by his family's favoritism.