Chapter 51: No rush

The treasure they failed to cherish would be adored by someone else.

Oliver understood Herbert was trying to cheer her up, so she played along, her lips curving into a small smile that carried a hint of mischief. “Really? Then I want an orchestra from the Vienna Golden Hall to perform.”

“Sure,” Herbert replied without hesitation, the corner of his lips lifting in a doting smile.

Oliver blinked, clearly not expecting him to agree so easily. She thought for a moment, then added, “And I want a cake with dozens of layers.”

“No problem,” he answered calmly, as if she had asked for something as simple as tea.

Her eyes sparkled. “And I want to invite all the kids from the orphanage to join us.”

“Sure.”

No matter what Oliver asked for, Herbert always agreed, his voice steady and indulgent, his gaze never leaving her face. It felt strange and wonderful at the same time. She had spent so many years learning to lower her expectations, to swallow her wishes before they could even take shape. Now, someone was telling her that wanting more was not wrong. That her wishes mattered.

It felt unbelievably nice to be pampered like this.

Gurgle—

The sudden sound broke the moment.

Oliver froze, then her cheeks flushed a soft pink as she instinctively pressed a hand to her stomach. The embarrassment made her want to disappear on the spot.

Herbert chuckled lightly, the sound low and warm. “Let’s grab some food first.”

He led her to a nearby restaurant. The entire place had already been reserved, the lights soft, the atmosphere quiet and intimate. As soon as Oliver sat down, she realized the table was filled with all her favorite dishes. Familiar flavors, comforting aromas, everything she loved without having to say a word.

She bit her lip and glanced at Herbert, her voice soft. “Uncle, I still don’t know what you like to eat. You don’t have to cater to me every time.”

“I’m not picky,” Herbert replied simply. “I don’t have any particular preferences. Whatever Oliver likes, that’s what I like.”

As he spoke, he calmly peeled a shrimp, removing the shell with practiced ease before placing the tender meat into her bowl. He wiped his hands with a damp towel afterward, his fingers long and elegant, every movement unhurried and refined. For some reason, even the shrimp he peeled seemed more precious.

Oliver’s heart skipped a beat. She lowered her head slightly and murmured, almost to herself, “I’m so lucky.”

“So am I,” Herbert replied quietly, his lips barely moving as he looked at her with a depth that made her chest tighten.

After Oliver had eaten her fill, Herbert gestured subtly. A moment later, the staff wheeled out a cake.

Oliver’s eyes widened.

It was a small but exquisite ice cream cake. The base was shaped like a golden samosa, and on top sat tiny bunny figures, some lying down lazily, others standing upright with perked ears. It was playful and delicate at the same time. Today happened to be the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the design felt perfectly fitting, warm and whimsical.

“Uncle…” Oliver looked at him, eyes round with surprise.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“Yes, yes, yes!” She nodded repeatedly, excitement lighting up her face. “It’s so pretty!”

Herbert handed her a fork. “Go ahead. Have a taste.”

Oliver scooped a small piece but instead of eating it herself, she offered it to him first. “Uncle, you try it first. Eating my birthday cake will bring you good luck.”

Herbert smiled and took a bite without hesitation.

Only then did Oliver start eating, not even changing forks.

Herbert’s gaze darkened slightly as he watched her, his Adam’s apple moving subtly before he looked away.

When they finished, Gavin had already brought the car around. Oliver lifted her dress slightly as she sat beside Herbert, careful not to wrinkle it. Suddenly, something soft brushed against her leg.

“Huh?” she gasped quietly.

She looked down and saw a small snow white puppy resting on a cushion, its chin placed on its paws, fast asleep.

“A puppy?” Oliver exclaimed in a hushed voice, eyes widening in disbelief.

She instinctively reached out, then stopped herself, afraid of waking it. Instead, she turned to Herbert, blinking up at him with hopeful eyes. “Uncle…”

Herbert chuckled at her expression. “It’s a gift for you.”

Her joy was immediate and unrestrained. She hugged him tightly. “Uncle, you’re the best!”

But before Herbert could even return the embrace, she pulled away and crouched slightly to admire the puppy, her attention completely stolen. She didn’t spare him another glance.

Herbert watched her for a moment and thought silently, why do I suddenly feel a bit regretful?

Up front, Gavin drove quietly, pretending not to notice anything, fully satisfied with his successful puppy purchase.

“By the way, Uncle,” Oliver suddenly remembered something, her happiness dimming just a little. “I just realized Samantha is afraid of dogs. I might not be able to keep it.”

Herbert reached out and patted her head gently. “It’s okay. You can keep it at my place for now. You can visit whenever you want.”

Her eyes lit up again instantly. “That’s great! Then let’s go buy some things for the puppy!”

“No rush,” Herbert said calmly. “Let’s get you a change of clothes first.”

He instructed Gavin to take a detour to the mall.