Chapter 88 Returning Home
Olivia held her phone, listening to Emma's excited voice on the other end, almost jumping with joy. A smile crept up on her face without her realizing it.
"No rush about the job," she said, glancing at Leo, who was scribbling on paper with crayons beside her. She lowered her voice, "We'll settle in first and get used to the environment back home."
"That's true," Emma paused for a moment, then suddenly lowered her voice. "But Liv, you're not thinking of... going back to Vettel Group, are you?"
Olivia's fingers froze, a complicated feeling stirring in her heart.
"No way," she let out a helpless smile. "I just want a stable job, something that lets me take care of Leo. I don't care which company it is."
"That's a relief," Emma sighed. "That awful place would just stress you out. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye out for something with good pay and easy work."
After hanging up, Leo ran over with his drawing, holding it up like a treasure. "Mom, look! I drew us after we go back home. There's a big house and a little panda!"
The lines on the paper were wobbly, but they were full of hope. Olivia ruffled his hair. "It's so pretty! Do you want to be an artist when you grow up, Leo?"
"Yes!" Leo nodded hard. "And I'll have lots and lots of art shows, so Mom can be the proudest mom ever!"
Olivia's heart warmed, and she pulled him into a hug.
Over the next few days, Olivia was busy tying up loose ends abroad, packing luggage, and saying goodbye to her fans on her live stream.
She started the stream, keeping the camera on Leo and his easel while her voice came through the mic. "Just wanted to let everyone know, Leo and I are heading back to the States soon. We won't be streaming for a while."
The chat exploded with messages, all packed with reluctance.
"Huh? Why are you going back? Will you stream again?"
"Little Leo is leaving? I still want to see your drawings!"
"Safe travels! Keep updating us after you're back!"
Leo waved at the camera, his soft voice sweet as he said, "Thanks for liking me, everyone! Once we're settled back home, I'll stream my drawings again!"
Olivia added, "Once everything is stable, we'll start streaming again. I'll show you all the parks, zoos, and fun places back home."
After chatting with her fans for a bit, she ended the stream. Right then, a private message popped up on her phone.
It was from a fan who always supported Leo. Their profile picture was just plain black, and their ID was simple, just "LO."
LO hardly ever said anything—usually just quietly sent tips, and sometimes asked about Leo.
"Are you facing any difficulties?" The message was short, but it carried a subtle hint of concern.
Olivia paused, then replied, "No difficulties, just wanted to go back home to live. Thanks for caring."
"Back home?" They replied instantly. "You're abroad right now?"
"Yeah, I've been living abroad until now, but I'm planning to return."
A few seconds later, another message came. "I happen to be on a business trip here. If you need any help, feel free to tell me."
Olivia looked at the screen, a warm feeling spreading in her heart.
This fan was so kind. Though they'd never shown their face, had a plain black profile picture, and never used extra emojis, they always offered care at the right moments.
"Thanks so much, but no need to trouble you. We're almost packed, and the tickets are booked."
"Alright," they replied. "Will Leo still stream after you're back?"
"Yes, once we're settled, we'll start again. I'll let everyone know."
After getting her confirmation, they didn't reply further. Olivia put down her phone, thinking this mysterious fan was pretty interesting.
What she didn't know was that on the other side of the screen, Luca was staring at the chat, his fingers tapping the table absentmindedly.
He never expected that the live stream account he always found comforting was in the same city he was visiting for work.
Even more surprising, she was heading back home.
Meanwhile, Jason approached Olivia with his phone in hand, an apologetic look on his face.
"Sorry, Liv," he said with a helpless tone. "There's an urgent research project I have to stay for. I can't go back with you guys."
Olivia was folding Leo's clothes. She paused, looking up at him. "It's okay, work comes first. We've got our tickets, so we'll head back on our own."
She couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed. Jason had been like family these past few years, always looking after them. It felt strange to part ways like this.
"I've already contacted some friends back home," Jason added. "Someone will pick you up at the airport. If anything comes up, call me anytime."
"Got it," Olivia nodded, forcing a smile. "Don't overwork yourself. Take care."
On the day of departure, Jason drove them to the airport, giving endless reminders along the way—make sure Leo's milk powder is in the carry-on, don't lose Olivia's passport, and so on.
Leo leaned against Olivia, blinking up at Jason. "Uncle Jason, when are you coming to see us?"
"As soon as I finish this project," Jason said, ruffling his hair. "I'll take you for yummy food and to fly kites."
At the airport, Olivia handled the check-in while Jason carried their bags, staying with them until the security checkpoint.
"Go on in. Safe travels," Jason said, his eyes full of reluctance. "Let me know when you've arrived."
"Will do. Take care of yourself too," Olivia nodded, holding Leo's hand as they walked through security.
After security and finding the gate, Olivia was a bit tired. She found a seat to rest.
Leo suddenly tugged at her sleeve. "Mom, I need to go to the bathroom."
Olivia glanced at the restroom nearby. It wasn't too far, and with people walking around, it should be fine.
"Want me to go with you?" she asked, standing up.
"No need, Mom," Leo waved his hand, acting like a little grown-up. "I'm big now. I can go by myself. You rest here."
Seeing her son's determined look, Olivia felt both proud and amused. She nodded. "Alright, be careful. Come back quickly."
"Got it!" Leo bounced off toward the restroom.
Olivia sat back down, pulling out her phone to scroll through the news. But for some reason, she felt uneasy.
She looked toward the restroom, only seeing people coming and going at the entrance, with no sign of Leo.
It had only been a few minutes, but it felt like forever. Unable to sit still, she stood up, ready to wait by the restroom door.
But just then, a man in a black jacket was sneakily following a little boy coming out of the restroom—it was Leo.
Taking advantage of the crowd, the man reached out to grab Leo's arm.