Hi Daniel
Fukien tea has been grown in the southwest US, and can withstand some heat. How much would depend on whether the watering was adequate and if the root ball temperature was extreme as well.
There is some information on this species in the
BCI Index under Carmona
As far as inducing branches to grow where they are not... This is a common problem for bonsai growers. Healthy plants, particularly when they are young, will respond to pinching and pruning by budding back, or activating dormant buds along branches and trunk.
Be sure to remove those buds that are not in good positions. This will help favor the buds you do want to develop and grow. Bad positions would include near or inside existing branch forks, right on top of existing branches, buds considered "too low" on the trunk to contribute to the bonsai design, or other buds in areas that are too dense already.
Buds may be removed by rubbing with a fingertip or scratching away with a nail while they are still succulent.
Welcome to the forum!
Regards,
Matt