Chapter 202 Love at First Sight
Olivia saw his message and looked a bit hesitant.
She stared at the two tickets in her hand. For an art exhibition like this, who knew if there would be another chance to see it. She had originally wanted to take Bianca.
But Andrew's arrangement must have been carefully planned too.
So Olivia didn't hesitate for too long before making her decision.
Since she couldn't go with Bianca, she might as well go with Evelyn.
When she saw a painting she liked, she could also ask for Evelyn's advice.
The next day, Olivia gave the tickets to Evelyn.
When Evelyn heard she wanted to invite her, she was quite confused. "Why aren't you going with Mr. Hamilton? He'll be there during Bianca's treatment anyway, and since they've been doing outdoor therapy lately, giving him the tickets would be perfect."
At this point, Evelyn's tone carried a hint of frustration.
Good thing Olivia wasn't pursuing him, otherwise this slow progress would drive Evelyn crazy!
Olivia replied a bit awkwardly, "Since it's about picking out a gift, it would feel weird if he was there."
Evelyn thought to herself, 'What's weird about that? Not giving it to him in person makes it seem like you want to surprise him.'
However, after thinking it over, she decided not to point this out to her friend, and even smiled as she watched the situation unfold. "Alright then, I'll go with your plan."
Honestly, she actually really liked the idea of Olivia and Andrew being together. He was an absolutely perfect man!
Handsome, tall, noble status, gentle and polite personality - compared to Michael from before, he was leagues better!
In her view, only a man like this was good enough for Olivia.
Marrying Olivia and getting the precious Bianca as a bonus - talk about hitting the jackpot!
Olivia had no idea what Evelyn was hoping for, and the matter was quickly settled.
Early Saturday morning, Andrew came to pick up Bianca.
Seeing that Olivia and Evelyn were also planning to go out, he took the initiative to ask, "Where are you two going? I can give you a ride."
Olivia quickly waved her hands and said, "No need, we'll drive ourselves. Sorry to trouble you with taking care of Bianca alone today. Don't worry, I'll finish my business as soon as possible and come find you guys!"
She was afraid he might discover her plan, so she quickly handed over Bianca's water bottle, hat, and little backpack.
Knowing she would be going out with Andrew, Bianca had been looking forward to it for days.
Today she specially wore a cute light blue floral dress. Olivia had done her hair in an adorable style with pretty star-shaped hair clips. She looked incredibly soft and sweet.
Andrew replied, "No rush, take your time."
Then he took Bianca from her.
Olivia rubbed her daughter's head and said gently, "Bianca, you need to listen to Andrew today, okay?"
"Okay!" Bianca nodded her head and waved her little hand at Olivia, saying goodbye in a sweet childlike voice, "Bye-bye, Mommy!"
Olivia smiled and said goodbye to them too.
Watching from the side, Evelyn couldn't help but shake her head. She felt like she was watching a dad taking care of the kid alone while mom worriedly gave instructions.
However, she was afraid she'd get hit if she said this out loud, so she kept quiet.
Later, the two of them went out together and headed to the art exhibition.
When they arrived, there were already quite a few people viewing the exhibition.
For an exhibition of this level, everyone was very well-mannered and kept quiet.
There were many staff members maintaining order, and the security system was very strict and thorough.
Everyone who came to see the exhibition had an air of refinement - she could tell they were people of status.
Olivia rarely came to places like this, but because her daughter studied painting, she had picked up some knowledge about various artworks and understood a bit about appreciation.
Halfway through, Evelyn came over and quietly asked Olivia, "What kind of painting are you planning to buy for Mr. Hamilton?"
Olivia shook her head and said, "I don't know yet. Let's look around first - maybe we'll come across something suitable."
This turned out to be true. In just about half an hour, Olivia found one she liked.
It was an oil painting of a church standing on a snow-covered mountain peak.
In the swirling white snow, there was a person standing under a pine tree.
The figure in the painting was sketched with just a few simple strokes - his long robe lifted by the cold wind, standing motionless as if merging with the wind and moon, yet showing a sense of calm and composed character.
The person held a string of prayer beads, creating an indescribable elegant atmosphere.
Olivia couldn't quite explain why, but she felt this painting really suited Andrew as a person.
Especially the feeling from their first meeting - cool and aloof, like a god-like figure, untouchable and noble.
Seeing Olivia stop in front of the painting, Evelyn found it strange. She looked over and after just one glance, said in surprise, "This painting somehow gives me Mr. Hamilton vibes!"
Olivia turned to look at her. "You feel that too?"
Evelyn nodded. "It's just a very direct feeling. Do you feel the same?"
Olivia smiled too. "Yes!"
Evelyn asked with a smile, "So this is the one?"
At this point, Evelyn paused. "But Mr. Hamilton paints abstract art. Will he like this style?"
Olivia stared at the painting and replied, "He also does oil paintings. He's the one who taught Bianca oil painting later on."
"Then no need to keep looking. This is it. Let's check the price." Evelyn clapped her hands, agreeing with her choice.
Olivia had already seen the artist's signature and the price.
This was a work by a famous contemporary oil painting master. The artist was quite old and had been retired for many years. This painting was his final work, priced at ten million dollars.
Among all the works, this price wasn't actually that expensive.
In the past, Olivia had to be careful with money because she didn't have much savings.
But now it was different. Her career was successful, and she had much more money than before.
Besides, this was a gift for Andrew - it was worth it no matter what.
Not to mention, Andrew was usually even more generous with her and Bianca.
Olivia immediately made her decision. "This is the one!"
Evelyn nodded and waved over a nearby staff member. "Hello, we're interested in buying this painting. Could you help take it down?"
"Of course, just a moment." The staff member politely agreed, then had someone help take down the painting and led Olivia to sign the papers.
When they went over, there was a person in charge doing registration, and next to them sat an elderly woman in a wheelchair.
The old woman had white hair but carried herself with great elegance. She wore an exquisite dark blue gown. Seeing the painting Olivia wanted to buy, she asked with some curiosity, "Miss, there are many beautiful paintings here. Why did you choose this one?
People have commented on this painting before, saying it conveys a sense of aloof distance, making it feel untouchable.
The cool man in the painting, though he has long hair, seems heartless and cold. His eyes look down on everything, like a god's compassion for the mortal world.
An immortal figure, cutting off emotions and love, standing alone on the snowy mountain peak. Everyone who has seen it feels it's lonely. I really want to know your reason for buying it."