Chapter 112 Andrew Was Kissed
Benjamin put away his phone after sending the message and got busy with work.
As for Andrew, he didn't reply either, probably busy too.
When Olivia got in the car with Bianca, Evelyn heard the news and started showering her with praise. "Our Bianca is absolutely amazing, such a little genius! Winning such a big award in her first competition, she's incredibly talented! I feel so proud!"
Olivia felt especially proud too.
She patted Bianca's head and said, "Sweetie, how about we celebrate tonight? We can call your grandparents to join us for something delicious?"
Bianca's little face flushed red from all the praise. Hearing about the celebration, she immediately nodded, and in a sweet childlike voice reminded them, "We need to bring Lightning too."
"Of course we will, he's part of our family!" Olivia happily agreed.
At dinner, when Victoria and Vaughn learned about Bianca's award, they were thrilled too.
Victoria even teared up. "For our Bianca to recover to this point, it's been so difficult. Mr. Hamilton is truly amazing; he even discovered Bianca's talent for painting!"
Vaughn chimed in emotionally, "Yes, I've heard of that award. It's quite prestigious in the country. Our Bianca could become a little artist in the future. How wonderful!"
Bianca looked serious as she told Victoria and Vaughn, "Grandma, don't cry. I will work even harder at painting from now on."
"Good, sweetie, you're the best!"
Victoria and Vaughn were overjoyed.
That evening, the celebration dinner ended in a warm and happy atmosphere.
The next day, after breakfast, Olivia took Bianca to school.
Though the award ceremony was simple, the atmosphere was wonderful.
The other children's parents also came enthusiastically to participate and witness the event!
While the children's works weren't at a professional level, each one represented their inner world.
This allowed parents to better understand their children's current recovery status.
Benjamin, as the organizer, stood on stage in a suit hosting the event, announcing awards and asking the winning children about their thoughts when creating their paintings.
Under his guidance, most of the children shared their thoughts, moving their parents in the audience to tears.
Finally, it was Bianca's turn. Benjamin gave a special introduction. "This last child is our grand finale. Her name is Bianca, and she's the newest little girl in our class. In this painting competition, she won first prize, truly excellent and impressive.
When she first came here, her autism was very severe, and she could barely communicate normally with others.
Later, under the guidance of her therapist, she started painting and successfully discovered her artistic talent. Through this process, she gradually developed an interest in exploring the outside world.
So this award has extraordinary meaning for her. Now, could all the parents please give her a round of applause?
Of course, I also believe that the other children will become just as wonderful as Bianca!"
The parents in the audience naturally gave enthusiastic applause.
The room thundered with clapping.
And Bianca, under everyone's gaze, went up on stage to receive her award.
Bianca was a bit nervous at first, but once she reached center stage and received the trophy, she gradually relaxed. Her eyes began to sparkle, and a cute, sweet smile appeared on her lips.
"That's the little star from Little Red Riding Hood! The baby is still so adorable."
"This is my dream daughter, who is beautiful and talented. If only she were mine, then I'd have both a son and daughter."
"This painting is really good, no wonder she won an award. So impressive..."
Olivia stood at the side of the stage, watching this scene, her eyes inexplicably welling up.
All the past cold treatment, eye-rolling, grievances, and heartache she'd endured at the Johnson family because of Bianca's condition seemed to suddenly dissolve in this moment.
Her Bianca was indeed an excellent child.
Her unwavering protection and care had not been in vain.
Everyone in the family believed Bianca would recover, except Michael. He was blind and didn't believe it!
At that moment, Bianca came down from the stage holding her trophy and certificate.
She practically ran to Olivia and said, "Mommy, this trophy is for you."
Olivia snapped back to attention, quite surprised. "Why give it to me?"
Bianca said matter-of-factly, "To make you happy, so you won't cry. From now on, Bianca will win even more trophies!"
Olivia felt a wave of emotion and immediately took it. "Okay, thank you, sweetheart. I will display it nicely when we get home."
Bianca nodded, then picked up the certificate and said, "This one, I want to give to Uncle Andrew. He taught me to paint..."
Olivia had no objections.
Bianca's success today was largely thanks to Andrew.
He deserved to share in this honor!
"Sure." She agreed without hesitation and took out her phone. "Then I will call him now."
Benjamin had just finished his closing remarks and came down from the stage. Hearing this, he instinctively started to remind her, "No need to call, Andrew is probably busy..."
He hadn't replied to yesterday's message even now!
But before he could finish, he heard Olivia's call being answered.
Benjamin thought, 'What's going on?'
Olivia didn't catch what he said; her attention focused on Andrew.
Hearing that familiar deep voice, she immediately said, "Mr. Hamilton, are you free now? Is it convenient to meet?"
"What's wrong?" Andrew's tone was calm with a hint of concern.
Olivia quickly explained, "Nothing's wrong, it's just this..."
She briefly told him about Bianca winning the painting award and wanting to give him the certificate.
"Bianca says it's thanks to your teaching, so she wants to see you."
After hearing this, Andrew smiled. "Sure, I just finished up here. I'll head over to the school to meet you in a bit."
"Okay." Olivia agreed and hung up.
Only then did Andrew see the message Benjamin had sent.
His eyebrows lifted slightly.
He put away his phone and quickly instructed David, "Go to Bianca's school."
David acknowledged and immediately drove there.
When they arrived, Olivia and Bianca were already waiting at the school gate.
As soon as she saw the familiar car, Bianca immediately ran over.
Andrew stepped out from the back seat, and just as he stood steady, his long legs in dress pants were hugged by Bianca.
"Uncle Andrew." Bianca hung on like a little pendant, looking up at him with a very sweet voice.
Andrew looked down, ruffled her hair, and said, "Running so fast, aren't you afraid of falling?"
Bianca smiled with pursed lips and shook her head. "No..."
Then Bianca handed over the certificate. "A gift."
Andrew took it and opened it for a look.
It was indeed first prize.
"Bianca, you're really amazing!" He praised generously. "I knew you could do it!"
As he spoke, David also got out of the car, holding a pink box in his hands.
After Andrew noticed it, he reached out to take it and handed it to Bianca. "This is your reward for winning the award!"
Bianca's eyes lit up, and she instinctively looked at Olivia. "Can I... accept it?"
Olivia was quite surprised. "Mr. Hamilton, you even bought a reward gift? That's too much!"
Andrew didn't think much of it. "It didn't cost much. Bianca is the first student I've taught. When she wins an award, as her teacher, I should show my appreciation somehow."
After saying this, he urged Bianca, "Open it and see if you like it."
Seeing that Olivia wasn't stopping her, Bianca immediately opened the lid.
Inside the box was a very pretty little dress.
The pattern was naturally Bianca's favorite pink fox, and it was an unreleased new style from next spring's collection.
Bianca loved it so much she hugged the box tightly and thanked him sweetly, "It's so pretty, thank you, Uncle Andrew!"
Then she affectionately reached out to Andrew. "Hug."
Olivia froze, instinctively about to stop her.
Although Andrew was very kind and they'd had many interactions, she had still noticed something.
He seemed not to like physical contact with people.
Even when Andrew spent time with Bianca, at most he would hold Bianca's hand or ruffle her hair; he rarely hugged people.
As for the previous times he'd helped her, those were all due to sudden accidents, unavoidable physical contact.
However, just as she was about to speak, Andrew calmly bent down and easily picked up Bianca.
Bianca wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek, then said, "I love this reward, and love Andrew too..."