Chapter 109 Invitation
The live stream chat was instantly flooded with rocket gifts, and the comments became even more lively.
"Wow! A big shot is here! It's LO!"
"LO, the legend, hasn't shown up in ages, and now they're sending so many rockets!"
"Leo is so lucky to have so many fans who love him!"
Seeing the rocket effects on the screen, Leo's eyes lit up. "Thank you, LO, for the rockets! Thanks so much!"
Even though he didn't know who LO was, he knew the gift was super expensive. He happily made a big heart gesture to the camera.
Olivia, seeing that familiar ID, froze for a moment.
This LO was the mysterious fan who had always supported Leo.
Why would they suddenly send so many expensive gifts?
Though she felt a bit puzzled, she didn't think too much of it, assuming they just really liked Leo.
Meanwhile, Windy hadn't been able to reach Luca for the past few days, and a wave of unease washed over her.
Ever since she saw Olivia at the Harrison family banquet, she hadn't been able to calm down. Luca had been growing colder toward her lately, and now he wasn't even replying to her messages.
"It must be Olivia. It has to be because she's back that Luca is treating me like this..." Windy muttered to herself, her eyes turning red as her voice trembled uncontrollably.
The more she thought about it, the more scared she became. Her fingers shook as she dialed her mother Patricia's number. "Mom, Luca is ignoring me! I've texted and called him, but he doesn't respond. Is it because Olivia is back that he doesn't want me anymore?"
On the other end of the line, Patricia heard her daughter's cries and immediately softened her tone, trying to comfort her. "Silly girl, why are you crying? It's not a big deal. Luca definitely still cares about you. Maybe he's just busy and hasn't seen your messages."
"No, Mom," Windy sobbed, "I saw Olivia at the banquet. She's really back! Luca was always looking for her before, and now that she's here, he must be thinking about her. What do I do?"
Patricia went quiet for a few seconds, a calculating glint flashing in her eyes before she spoke gently, "Crying won't solve anything. Stop overthinking and don't cling to him, or he might get annoyed. How about this? Tell Luca I've booked a table at a restaurant and invite him to join us for dinner, as a way to thank him for taking care of us all these years. If he comes, it means he still cares. Even if he's confused right now, I'll help talk things through with him."
Listening to her mother's words, Windy felt her panic ease a little and quickly nodded. "Okay, Mom, I'll call him right now."
Soon after, she made the call.
When Luca picked up, he felt a flicker of impatience but quickly hid it, though his voice remained cold. "What's up?"
"Luca, are you busy?" Sensing his distance, Windy felt a mix of grievance and frustration. "My mom wants to invite you to dinner."
Luca felt irritated inside. He didn't want to go but couldn't outright refuse.
"Got it. I'll be there tonight," he said flatly.
"Really? That's great!" Windy's heart lifted, and she quickly added, "I'll be waiting for you. You have to come, okay?"
After hanging up, Luca looked at Leo, who was still focused on drawing on the phone screen. The calm in his heart shattered, replaced by pure frustration.
He turned off the live stream, got up, and walked to the window, staring at the view outside with a messy mind.
That evening, Olivia had just finished helping Leo with his stream when her phone rang. It was Jason.
"Liv, are you free tonight? I booked a nice restaurant and want to treat you and Leo to dinner to celebrate your investment," Jason said with a hint of a smile in his voice.
Olivia thought for a moment and agreed. "Sure, I'd also like to properly thank you guys."
"No need to be so polite," Jason chuckled. "I'll come pick you up now."
After hanging up, Leo jumped up excitedly. "Awesome! Dinner with Jason! I want steak!"
"Alright, we'll get you some," Olivia said with a smile, ruffling his hair.
Half an hour later, Jason arrived at their door, picked up Olivia and Leo, and drove toward the restaurant.
The restaurant had a nice vibe with elegant decor, perfect for a casual meal and chat.
As they reached the entrance, they saw Luca, Windy, and a gentle-looking middle-aged woman walking into a private room together.
That woman was Windy's mom, Patricia.
Olivia paused, a complicated feeling stirring in her chest.
What a coincidence, running into them here?
Luca followed Windy and Patricia into the private room and casually pulled out a chair to sit down.
Patricia handed him the menu first, her face warm with a soft smile, her tone as gentle as water. "Luca, take a look and see what you'd like. I remember you love grilled ribs, so I asked the kitchen to reserve their best dish for you."
Luca didn't take the menu, just tapped his fingers lightly on the table edge, his tone indifferent. "No need, you can order. I'm fine with anything."
Windy, sitting beside him, tugged at his sleeve secretly, her voice soft and pleasing. "Luca, have you been too tired lately? You don't look so good. Should I get you a glass of water to relax?"
Luca glanced at her but didn't reply, simply picking up the glass on the table and taking a sip.
Patricia watched this, feeling anxious inside, but she kept her gentle tone as she got to the point. "Luca, you've known Windy for so many years. I'm sure you've noticed how she feels about you, right?"
Luca's fingers paused, and he looked up at her, a hint of distance in his eyes. "Patricia, I've always seen Windy as a little sister."
"A little sister..." Patricia dragged out the words, her smile unchanged, though a calculating look hid in her eyes. "It's fate, isn't it? Back when she saved you from the lake, she was so young, yet she risked everything to protect you. All these years, she's quietly stayed by your side, not even dating anyone. It breaks my heart to see it."
Windy immediately lowered her head, twisting her skirt with her fingers, her voice carrying a perfectly timed sob of grievance to match Patricia's words. "Mom, don't say that. I just did what I had to back then. Luca has his own thoughts, and I'm willing to wait."
Luca's brow furrowed tighter. He hated it when people used the past to guilt-trip him, but seeing the mother and daughter like this, he couldn't lash out. "I know she saved me, so I've looked out for her and taken care of her all these years. But that's not love."
Patricia sighed, her tone tinged with regret, not pushing too hard. "I know feelings can't be forced, but look at how much Windy cares for you. She remembers every little thing you like, even keeps medicine for your migraines on hand all the time."
Windy quickly tugged at Patricia's arm, putting on an understanding smile. "Mom, stop it. Luca knows what's in his heart. He's been so good to me over the years, and I'm already happy with that."
But Patricia didn't stop. She shifted the topic slightly, her tone carrying a hint of probing. "Speaking of which, you've seemed distracted lately. Could it be that you're still thinking about Olivia?"