Chapter 143 I Really Like It
Olivia was completely stunned by this gesture. She instinctively covered her forehead, taking a moment to process what just happened.
His behavior seemed a bit... beyond the boundaries of a normal friendship.
However, she didn't dare think too much about it.
After all, the person she'd seen at tonight's banquet, radiating that cold and imposing aura, was still fresh in her mind.
Maybe he found her troublesome and was annoyed?
Olivia's heart tightened slightly as she carefully studied his expression.
Surprisingly, Andrew wasn't as distant as she'd imagined.
The man before her was no different from when they were in Emerald City.
That "stay away" vibe around him had disappeared, replaced by a familiar warmth.
For some reason, her mood inexplicably improved. She quickly explained, "No... it's just that you were busy at the time, and I was afraid of disturbing you."
Andrew's expression turned stern. "If you'd said something, would I really not see you? You're sick and instead of resting properly, you're running around? You can give gifts anytime—there's no rush."
Olivia finally understood.
He was indeed upset, but he was scolding her for not taking care of herself.
Although Andrew held a prestigious position, it seemed nothing had really changed.
Olivia immediately relaxed and smiled at him. "Right after dinner, I wasn't feeling that bad yet, and besides, I wanted to surprise you."
Andrew's eyes darkened slightly, his tone flat. "More like a shock. Fainting right in front of me—if I hadn't gone out then, who knows who would've picked you up."
Olivia felt a bit embarrassed too.
When she left in the evening, she was afraid the medicine would make her drowsy, so she didn't take any preventive measures.
She hadn't expected this cold to hit so hard.
She vaguely remembered the situation when she fainted...
If she remembered correctly, she seemed to have fallen into a warm embrace.
That comforting warmth and scent made her feel especially safe.
Had Andrew caught her then?
She wasn't quite sure and didn't dare think more about it...
To avoid dwelling on this topic, Olivia quickly changed the subject. "The gift... do you like it?"
Andrew noticed her awkward topic change and found it amusing.
This was the first time he'd seen her with such an evasive attitude.
However, he'd lectured her enough verbally. She probably wouldn't dare do it again.
Andrew went along with her topic. "I haven't had time to look at it carefully yet. First, eat something to fill your stomach, then take your medicine. I'll look at the gift slowly!" As he spoke, he served Olivia a bowl of chicken porridge.
The porridge was kept at the perfect temperature and smelled delicious.
Since Olivia was sick and needed to replenish her energy, she didn't refuse and soon began sipping it in small mouthfuls.
Andrew took the opportunity to take out the bracelet he'd only glimpsed at the banquet hall.
The sandalwood beads were smooth and lustrous, with a pleasant woody fragrance—definitely not cheap. As for the hollowed-out carved bead, he hadn't recognized it before, but now he realized it was a lion.
The bead also had jade embedded inside, encasing some medicine—clearly very intricate work.
Andrew paused and asked Olivia, "What made you think of giving this?"
Olivia hesitated, then answered honestly, "I often see you wearing a bead bracelet and thought... it looked really nice, so I figured you must like them. I had someone search for over a dozen sandalwood beads. This type of wood naturally has a calming effect. As for the carved pattern, it's your zodiac sign...
The jade inside was specially embedded. I was worried the medicine scent and wood scent might clash, but with jade as a barrier, that situation can be avoided.
I happened to hear before that after you finish psychological counseling with special forces members, you sometimes have trouble sleeping.
This medicine specifically helps with sleep and can improve your sleep quality. When you have a headache, holding it close and smelling it can also help..."
At this point, Olivia seemed a bit embarrassed. "This thing isn't as valuable as the jade you gave me. I hope you won't mind."
Hearing this, Andrew's eyes darkened several shades.
He didn't care at all about the monetary value.
Rather...
"Did you make this bracelet yourself?"
His angle of questioning was a bit different.
"Not entirely. The carving and jade embedding were done by a professional craftsman, but the rest was..."
Olivia looked at it worriedly. "Is the stringing not very good? Although I consulted with professionals, it was my first time making one, so my technique was still a bit clumsy. It's probably not as good as store-bought ones!"
Andrew didn't know what to say for a moment, just looked at her with an especially deep gaze.
Olivia felt inexplicably nervous.
What kind of look was that?
Didn't he like it?
Thinking about it, that made sense.
With his status, nothing he wore was probably cheap.
Just the watch on his wrist was worth hundreds of millions, not to mention those diamond cufflinks and other accessories.
They were probably all priceless!
Olivia was hesitating about whether to exchange it for something else when she saw the man before her turn and put the bracelet on his wrist.
His hands were already beautiful, and with this bracelet on, the visual effect was almost the same as the bead bracelets he'd worn before.
That air of refined nobility and restraint around him, like a Buddhist monk bound by sacred rules, became even stronger!
Olivia couldn't help but look a few more times. For some reason, her heart suddenly skipped a couple of beats.
Andrew was clearly in a good mood too, his voice magnetic and gentle. "To me, a gift made with care is more valuable than any 'price tag.' I really like it!"
Olivia's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Andrew chuckled softly. "Have I ever lied to you?"
Olivia shook her head. No.
So he really did like this gift!
In that case, tonight's trip wasn't in vain!
Perhaps because after interacting with him, she found Andrew was still the same, Olivia gradually relaxed and returned to her previous familiar attitude.
She chatted about her business trip to Harmony City, including the smooth progress of tonight's dinner with the two bureau chiefs, her eyes sparkling with confidence.
Andrew listened quietly, then added, "I think this collaboration will be the best decision they've ever made in their lives."
Olivia laughed. "You're probably the only one who trusts my abilities this much?"
"Why wouldn't I? Starting from the Military Base Housing project, I've witnessed every miracle you've created. Ms. Garcia is more outstanding than anyone."
This was undoubtedly the greatest affirmation of her!
Olivia's heart stirred.
David, standing guard at the door, witnessed their conversation and interaction.
An inexplicable feeling of "they're perfect for each other" arose in his heart!
Their looks matched, and Olivia's abilities were indeed beyond question. Her future was limitless—she was more than good enough for his boss!
Not to mention Andrew's unusually special attitude toward her.
If something really developed between these two in the future, Harmony City's high society... would probably be turned upside down!