Chapter 107 So Close It Causes Panic
Hearing this, Bianca glanced at Olivia outside and nodded without hesitation, "Okay!"
Andrew's voice was gentle, "Today I'll teach you a new painting technique. Let's get a new sheet of paper..."
Bianca agreed again.
Soon, a new painting came to life on the paper.
This time, Bianca wasn't using abstract style anymore, but a realistic style.
Andrew guided Bianca's hand, perfecting every line to the extreme.
Olivia had no idea that she had already become the scenery in Bianca and Andrew's eyes inside the shop.
She fed the pigeons while occasionally glancing toward the shop.
Inside, Bianca and Andrew were focused on painting. She could occasionally see Andrew patiently explaining things to Bianca.
Even from such a distance, she could feel Andrew's gentleness and patience.
He was really good to Bianca, completely different from Michael's half-hearted attitude.
No wonder Bianca liked him and took the initiative to ask him out!
To avoid disturbing them, Olivia continued interacting with the pigeons, having fun on her own.
After who knew how long, she suddenly saw Bianca excitedly running out of the coffee shop, holding two sheets of paper.
When Bianca came up to her, looking at her with sparkling eyes, she said, "Mommy, look... Uncle Andrew and I drew you!"
Olivia was stunned and took them in surprise, finding that they really were!
The painting on the left had an obviously more childish style, with lines, shadows, and colors that weren't perfectly handled, but it was full of artistic feeling.
It showed her in the square, feeding pigeons and playing with them.
She could tell that she looked quite happy in it.
The painting on the right showed her standing by the fountain, holding a pigeon in her hand, with a warm smile.
The painting style was needless to say, professional enough to reach master level, with every line and color so realistic it looked like it was captured by a camera.
Olivia's cheeks inexplicably felt a bit hot.
Just now, Andrew had seen her outside like that, and even painted her?
She felt embarrassed inside, with an indescribable shyness.
She heard steady footsteps behind her and knew it was Andrew.
But she didn't quite dare to look up and meet his eyes.
Just then, a few teenagers on skateboards passed by nearby.
One of them, not stepping firmly, almost fell, and due to momentum, crashed hard toward Olivia.
Olivia was completely unprepared and lost her balance.
Bianca was right next to her. Afraid of hurting Bianca, she instinctively changed direction.
This made her even more unsteady.
At this rate, would she land face-first?
Olivia felt a bit desperate, really not wanting to be so embarrassed.
At this critical moment, she suddenly felt a strong force pulling her back.
At the same time, an arm wrapped around her waist.
The person steadily pulled her back, and due to momentum, Olivia fell right into their embrace.
A familiar cool scent entered her nose. Before her was a firm chest, the white sweater's fabric incredibly soft, the body temperature warm, and she could faintly hear a steady, powerful heartbeat.
Olivia instinctively looked up and unexpectedly met Andrew's deep gaze.
That handsome face of Andrew's that she had seen many times was suddenly right in front of her.
When Andrew's glasses chain fell down, it touched her face, and after the cool sensation came his slightly warm breath.
The two were suddenly very close.
So close it was panic-inducing!
Just as Olivia was about to react, Andrew had already let go first and asked her, "Are you hurt?"
His tone was calm and composed, not at all uncomfortable from the sudden 'intimate' contact just now.
Olivia quickly took two small steps back, shaking her head, "No... I'm fine!"
Her gaze was slightly evasive, not quite daring to look at him.
Andrew didn't mind, just nodded, then looked coolly at the boy who caused the trouble nearby, saying sternly, "There are people here, didn't you see? If you want to play, stay farther away so you can avoid hurting people!"
The boy was obviously scared too, and being intimidated by Andrew's authoritative presence, he immediately became obedient, "Okay... okay! Sorry, I didn't mean to!"
Seeing his sincere attitude, Olivia didn't make a big deal of it, "It's fine, I forgive you, but next time, go to a professional venue or somewhere with fewer people to play, okay? There aren't just kids here, but many pedestrians too."
"Okay, okay, we'll definitely do that." The boy apologized again before leaving with his friends.
After they left, Andrew spoke, "Let's go back. Bianca just learned a new painting technique and can practice it some more."
Olivia had been worried that the accident just now would make things awkward between them.
But Andrew's natural way of changing the subject actually made her feel relieved.
Andrew was indeed gentle and gentlemanly!
No matter when, he would never let people feel uncomfortable.
She quickly followed Andrew's pace with Bianca.
David watched the whole thing, his eyes still a bit dazed.
Just now, was that Andrew's first time holding someone in his life?
Although it was an accident and to save someone, why did it look like the atmosphere had a romantic vibe?
It must be that he wasn't fully awake and was having hallucinations!
For the rest of the day, Andrew helped Bianca practice her painting skills.
They even had lunch in the coffee shop.
Near evening, Olivia received a call from Vaughn, "Olivia, school's on winter break now. We can come stay for a while and help you take care of Bianca so you can focus on work. Where are you guys? Are you coming back for dinner tonight?"
Olivia's eyes lit up and she immediately replied, "We're at a coffee shop. Mr. Hamilton is teaching Bianca to paint today!"
Hearing this, Vaughn and Victoria immediately said, "I see, then no rush. Bianca's matters are important. We'll wait for you at home."
"Okay."
Olivia agreed and had just put away her phone when Andrew looked over and asked, "Your parents?"
"Yes."
Olivia nodded.
Andrew thought for a moment and said, "Last time they treated me to dinner, I haven't thanked them yet. How about tonight, I take them out to dinner?"
"What?" Olivia was stunned and quickly said, "No need. Last time was to thank you for keeping Bianca company and treating her!"
Andrew replied calmly, "I know, but I'm guessing your parents didn't take money from you for booking the restaurant, right? That means they treated me to dinner. When elders treat you, returning the favor is basic courtesy.
What you treated me to can be counted separately!"
Olivia blinked. Could it work like that?
But Andrew clearly came from a very well-mannered family, so it wasn't surprising he'd be this particular.
So she didn't refuse and quickly said, "Then I'll ask my parents."
Andrew nodded.
Soon, Olivia called back and explained the situation to Vaughn and Victoria.
Victoria and Vaughn hadn't expected Andrew to be so particular about etiquette.
But they didn't mind at all. Instead, they appreciated Andrew even more, and their good impression of him increased greatly.
Andrew was so capable and so polite; this was what a good role model for young people should be!
Vaughn and Victoria immediately agreed happily.