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

Su Yurou paused, then looked into the cafeteria.

Fu Chaochao was still sobbing, her eyes red.

Su Yurou turned her head, her voice firm: "And if we take Huahua to see Mr. Steinberg now, what about Chaochao?"

She'd already suffered such a huge blow; if she found out that Huahua had caught Steinberg's eye, she wouldn't be able to handle it.

Fu Hua has already been selected by the research station, so there's no need for her to compete with Chao Chao for this opportunity.

Lin Jingqiu was stunned.

She didn't know that Su Yurou valued an adopted daughter so much.

He valued her future more than his own daughter's.

That child looks exactly like her when she was young.

How could she...?

What do those little girls' grievances and pride matter in the face of true talent?

But Su Yurou didn't think so.

"Jingqiu, I'll have to trouble you to pass on a message to Mr. Steinberg,"

Su Yurou's tone was polite but distant.

"Thank you for his appreciation, but Huahua is currently focused on her studies and has no plans to study music for the time being."

"Yu Rou!"

Lin Jingqiu still wanted to persuade her.

That's fine.

Su Yurou turned and walked back to the cafeteria, her back straight, but revealing an indescribable weariness.

She sat down next to Fu Chaochao, put her arm around her daughter's shoulder again, and whispered words of comfort.

The sunlight shone on the mother and daughter, creating a heartwarming scene like an oil painting.

"Mom, what did Aunt Jingqiu say to you?"

Fu Chaochao's voice choked with emotion, a glimmer of hope in her eyes: "Has the master changed his mind? Is he willing to give me another chance?"

"Chaochao, Aunt Jingqiu talked to Mom about taking photos at the theater."

Su Yurou smoothed her daughter's stray hairs and said gently, "Don't worry, Mom will definitely send you to the best music school abroad for further studies in the future."

"Yes, I won't be discouraged, I will keep trying."

Fu Chaochao wiped away her tears and secretly made up her mind.

She has been surpassed by Fu Hua in her studies.

I must never disappoint my mother again when it comes to the piano.

Lin Jingqiu stood in the corridor, watching this scene.

A feeling I couldn't quite describe welled up inside me.

Is it sorrow? Is it anger?

Or... a deep regret?

In the VIP reception room on the third floor of the theater,

The aroma of coffee filled the air.

Steinberg sat on the leather sofa, holding a cup of coffee in his hand, but didn't drink a drop.

Sitting opposite him were Director Wang of the theater and several leaders from the Cultural Bureau.

The photo session is over; now it's time for "friendly interaction."

"Mr. Steinberg, are you satisfied with today's performance?"

Commander Wang asked with a smile.

"The performance was excellent and a great success."

Steinberg answered absentmindedly.

His gaze kept drifting towards the door—he was waiting for Lin Jingqiu and Su Yurou.

The door finally opened.

Lin Jingqiu walked in alone, her face looking rather pale.

"Ms. Lin,"

Steinberg immediately stood up. "Where is Ms. Su? And Ms. Fu Hua..."

Lin Jingqiu spoke with difficulty: "Mr. Steinberg, Ms. Su said... thank you for your appreciation, but Fu Hua is currently focused on her studies and has no plans to study music for the time being."

The room fell silent.

Commander Wang's smile froze on his face.

The leaders of the Cultural Bureau looked at each other in bewilderment—should they reject Steinberg?

What's wrong with Su Yurou?

Steinberg's face darkened.

He put down his coffee cup, the bottom of which touched the glass coffee table with a crisp sound.

"Prioritize your studies..."

He repeated the sentence, his tone sarcastic, "So music isn't academic? Art isn't a discipline?"

"Mr. Steinberg, please don't misunderstand..."

Commander Wang quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Perhaps the child is still young, and the parents have concerns..."

"What are you worried about?"

Steinberg looked at Lin Jingqiu, "Concerned about her sisters? That girl who cried on stage?"

These words were so blunt that Lin Jingqiu's face turned pale instantly.

Steinberg stood up and paced around the room a few times.

His cane tapped on the carpet with a dull thud, much like his mood at that moment.

"Commander Wang,"

He suddenly stopped and turned around. "If... I could meet Miss Fu Hua and have a serious talk with her..."

I promise that, starting next year, I will select one teacher from your theater each year and fully fund their study trip to Europe.

The Paris Conservatory of Music, the Vienna University of the Arts—the choice is yours.

These words exploded like a bomb in the room.

Lin Jingqiu's mouth dropped open in disbelief.

Commander Wang's eyes lit up instantly.

Studying in Europe!

This is an opportunity that countless artists dream of!

Moreover, they are not students, but teachers—which means they have direct access to the most cutting-edge teaching systems and artistic concepts.

His return will boost the overall level of arts education in the theater and even the entire city!

"Mr. Steinberg, are you telling the truth?"

The leaders of the Cultural Bureau were also excited.

"I vouch for it with my reputation."

Steinberg looked at Commander Wang, "But on one condition—I need to see Fu Hua, today."

Commander Wang took a deep breath and turned to Lin Jingqiu.

Her tone became authoritative: "Jingqiu, go find Fu Hua right now. No matter where she is or what she's doing, bring her here."

"Commander, this..."

Lin Jingqiu said with difficulty, "Fu Hua's mother has already refused..."

"That was her mother's intention!"

Commander Wang interrupted her, "Go find Fu Hua in person now and explain to her face-to-face how important this opportunity is."

Tell her that this isn't just about her; it concerns the entire theater and the development of arts education in the city!

He paused, then lowered his voice: "If necessary... you can go directly to Chief of Staff Fu. Just say it's a joint request from the Cultural Bureau and the theater."

Lin Jingqiu looked at the commander's excited face,

Then look at Steinberg's determined gaze.

I know there's no turning back now.

Steinberg definitely wants to see Fu Hua again.

Yu Rou, you're so foolish.

It would be best if her, as the biological mother, were to step in on this matter.

Now, let her be.

Will that child... agree?

Lin Jingqiu didn't know.

But she had to try.

"I see."

She nodded. "I'll go now."

Lin Jingqiu hurriedly walked out of the city theater.

The autumn sun was already setting in the west, casting long shadows on the ground.

She stood on the steps, gazing at the bustling street.

My mind was completely blank—where could I find Fu Hua?

She definitely hasn't gone home yet.

Let's try our luck at Wangfujing first.

I ran into her at the music store just now; she might still be nearby.

Just as I stepped down the steps, a military green jeep screeched to a halt in front of the theater.

The car door opened, and Fu Xiao and Fu Songchuan got out one after the other.

Both men were wearing military service uniforms, their epaulets gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

"Commander Fu!"

Lin Jingqiu's eyes lit up, and she quickly went to greet him, "You've come at the right time! I have something important to tell you."

Fu Xiao frowned slightly when he saw her: "Teacher Lin? The performance isn't over yet, is it? Has Chaochao gone on stage?"

"It's over. Chaochao and her mother are eating in the cafeteria."

Lin Jingqiu spoke quickly, "But what I want to say is about Fu Hua. Mr. Steinberg has taken a liking to her and wants to take her on as a student!"

The air was still for a few seconds.

Fu Songchuan asked with a smile, "Teacher Lin, are you sure you're not mistaken? Huahua doesn't play the piano, it's Chaochao, right?"