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

The living room quieted down.

Fu Xiao's expression turned serious: "Why did he send Hua Hua something?"

"I don't know."

Fu Songchuan said gently, "However, Huahua said that Deputy Division Commander Xie helped her twice before, and last time Huahua even gave him oranges. It must be a return gift."

Fu Xiao leaned back on the sofa, his fingers tapping the armrest unconsciously.

The Xie family...

That's a true aristocratic family.

They are not comparable to the Qin family.

They're not even on the same level as the Fu family.

The Xie family has a long history of military and political service, with deep roots in the family.

Grandpa Xie still holds a high position and wields enormous influence.

All of his sons hold key positions in the military and government.

Xie Ci's generation is comprised of only one son.

I've heard he's extremely capable and is a key candidate for development.

How could someone like that be so attentive to Hua?

"dad!"

Fu Youchuan was still indignant, "So what if he's a deputy division commander? He can't just stay up all night..."

"Travel in the River."

Fu Xiao interrupted him, his voice deep.

"It's your sister's freedom to befriend whomever she wants. Deputy Division Commander Xie helped her, so exchanging gifts is just normal etiquette. Don't overthink it."

"Am I overthinking things?"

Fu Youchuan could hardly believe his ears. "Dad, you..."

"Alright."

Fu Xiao stood up. "This matter ends here. Song Chuan, come to the study with me."

The father and son entered the study one after the other.

The door clicked shut, and Fu Youchuan was still standing in the living room, his face alternating between red and white.

On what grounds?

Why is it that everything Fu Hua does is right?

Why do her father and older brother both protect her?

Even such disgraceful acts were easily overlooked.

Looking at his empty house, Fu Youchuan's mind was filled with images of his family sitting together, laughing and talking.

"Child, have you eaten yet?"

Aunt Liu came out of the kitchen, her eyes filled with confusion: "I'll give the pot back to you..."

"Aunt Liu, I'm not eating anymore, I'm going upstairs first."

Fu Youchuan picked up the basketball, his back looking forlorn.

Aunt Liu sighed, wanting to offer some advice to the child, but unsure how to begin.

To be honest, Huahua is his biological sister.

Why does You Chuan have such great hostility towards her?

When Fu Hua returned home, Aunt Liu came to greet her.

"Huahua, have you eaten yet?"

"Aunt Liu, I've already eaten."

Fu Hua smiled and placed a few pieces of mung bean cake on Aunt Liu's plate: "Someone gave these to me, would you like to try some?"

"You silly child, you never forget me, even when you have something delicious to eat."

Aunt Liu's smile was full of satisfaction.

The two talked in the kitchen for a while, and then Fu Xiao came out of the study.

"Huahua,"

He stood on the second floor and called to Fu Hua, "When you're free, come sit with Dad for a while."

"I see."

Fu Hua guessed that Fu Xiao had something to say, but she didn't know what he wanted to say.

Aunt Liu told Fu Hua what had happened in the living room earlier, as a way of giving her a heads-up.

Fu Hua listened calmly.

Aunt Liu patted her arm: "Huahua, don't worry, your dad didn't think too much about it."

"Okay, I understand. Thank you for reminding me, Aunt Liu."

Fu Hua went back to her room to put her things down, and then went to the study.

Fu Xiao sat alone on the sofa and invited Fu Hua to sit next to him.

"I'll sit here."

Fu Hua sat down on the sofa next to Fu Xiao, facing him.

"Just now……"

Fu Xiao stared at Fu Hua for a few moments.

Carefully choosing his words, he asked, "Deputy Division Commander Xie came to see you?"

"Um."

Fu Hua nodded, "I brought some things, mung bean cakes made by Aunt Xie, and oranges."

"You two...are you very familiar with each other?"

"Not very familiar."

Fu Hua spoke frankly, "He helped me twice, so I owe him a favor. Aunt Xie invited me to her house before, and I gave her oranges. Today is my way of returning the favor."

Fu Hua's expression was calm, and her eyes were clear, revealing no concealment or guilt.

"The Xie family..."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Your family background is very high, and Deputy Division Commander Xie himself is also very outstanding, but you are still young. It's not too late to consider those things when you are a few years older."

Fu Hua understood the implication in her father's words.

She shook her head slightly: "Dad, Xie Ci and I are just friends. He helped me, and I'm grateful to him, that's all."

She said "thank you, brother" in a natural tone.

Just like when they say "Zhang Wen" and "Chen Zhe," there's no special meaning behind it.

Fu Xiao's doubts were largely dispelled.

If this marriage with the Xie family goes through, it will benefit the Bai family.

However, Huahua is only a teenager, and her mind is focused on her studies and research.

Moreover, it's unclear whether the Xie family actually has this intention.

It's best not to rush.

"That's good."

Fu Xiao chuckled, "Huahua, you're still young. Even with friends, you need to be mindful of boundaries, especially... friends of the opposite sex like Deputy Division Commander Xie."

"I know."

Fu Hua's eyes remained calm. "Don't worry."

Seeing her composed demeanor, Fu Xiao's worries completely dissipated.

He recalled Fu Youchuan's harsh words and frowned again: "Don't take your second brother's words to heart. He never thinks before he speaks."

"Um."

Fu Hua stood up. "Dad, I'll go wash up first."

"Go."

Fu Hua turned and walked towards the room.

As she walked down the corridor, Fu Youchuan was leaning against the wall, looking at her with a cold smile.

"You're quite the actor."

He lowered his voice, "Playing the good girl in front of Dad, but flirting with men outside. Fu Hua, how come I never realized you were so cunning?"

Fu Hua stopped and turned to look at him.

The corridor was dimly lit, and her face was hidden in the shadows, making it impossible to see her expression.

"Fu Youchuan,"

She spoke, her voice soft yet sharp and cold as an icicle: "Do you think everyone is like you, with only those filthy thoughts in their head?"

"So, if I say an extra word to a man, it's considered seduction? Who I befriend is none of your business. From now on, shake your brains clean before you talk to me again!"

She didn't like him today, and her retort was very rude.

Some people are given too much face and become arrogant and ignorant.

When had Fu Youchuan ever been mocked like this before? His face flushed red instantly: "You, you..."

I'm tired.

Fu Hua interrupted him, waving her hand impatiently: "Shut your mouth."

After she finished speaking, she turned around, went into the room, and gently closed the door.

In the corridor, Fu Youchuan stood still, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked.

Inside the room, Fu Hua leaned against the door and took a deep breath.

The wooden bracelet on her wrist was slightly warm, and the essence of the spiritual spring flowed quietly through her blood.

It calmed the restlessness in her heart.

Xie Ci returned to the courtyard with light steps.

His lips curled up, and there was still something bright in his eyes.

I pushed open the door, and the living room light was still on.

Xie's mother was sitting on the balcony watering the flowers.

Hearing the noise, he immediately turned around: "You're back?"

Xie's mother put down the kettle she was holding and came over. Seeing her son's expression, she smiled and asked, "Have the tickets been sent out?"

Xie Ci changed into slippers and shook his head: "No."

"without?"

Xie's mother was stunned. "Then... what are you so happy about?"

"She refused?"

"I don't think so."

Xie Ci walked to the sofa, sat down, picked up the water glass on the coffee table, and took a big gulp.

The water was warm, just right to quench my thirst.

As he put down the cup, the corners of his mouth turned up again.

Seeing her son's appearance, Xie's mother became even more puzzled.