Chapter 173 She Deserves It
Everyone turned their attention to Olivia and Daniel at the center.
Being watched by so many people, Olivia felt unusually nervous, but more than that, she felt joy.
She looked at Daniel beside her, thinking they would go on stage together.
But this guy was still sitting there, showing no signs of getting up. He even shrugged at her and said, "One person is enough for accepting an award. You're the main character here.
You developed the system, so there's no point in me going up. If someone asks professional questions and I can't answer, that would be embarrassing. So I'm not going up."
Olivia felt helpless seeing him so confidently playing the hands-off boss.
Beatrix waved at her with encouraging eyes, "Go on, you can do it!"
Everyone was waiting for her to go up. Olivia had no choice but to walk steadily onto the stage.
"Congratulations Ms. Smith on winning first place."
The organizer shook hands with her. Olivia smiled calmly and shook back, "Thank you."
She took the trophy handed to her, thinking she would just leave the stage like this.
But unexpectedly, the host's voice rang out again, "Now, let's invite Ms. Smith to share with everyone her original intention in developing 'Project M One', the difficulties she encountered, and the joy of achieving success!"
Olivia hadn't prepared a speech.
She hadn't expected this part at all.
Being called on by the host, her expression froze slightly, and she felt a bit flustered inside.
Her eyes unconsciously searched for Daniel's direction below the stage.
Did this guy know about this part, so he didn't come up?
He clearly knew they would be accepting an award, so why didn't he prepare in advance?
Olivia couldn't blame Daniel. She herself had been too busy to think of it.
Now standing on stage with the host already handing her the microphone, it would be a lie to say Olivia wasn't nervous.
Just then, she suddenly saw a figure at the center seat nearby.
The figure had taken a seat under cover of darkness.
He wore a well-tailored pure black suit, as if merging with the darkness.
Though she couldn't see his face clearly, somehow Olivia could recognize him at a glance.
Andrew really came???
As if sensing her gaze, the man below also looked this way, their eyes meeting.
Just then, a beam of light swept across below the stage, and the man gave her an encouraging, reassuring look and a gentle smile.
Like a warm breeze blowing over, Olivia inexplicably felt less nervous.
She broke into a relaxed smile and slowly walked to center stage.
Many people below were dazed by that smile.
Soon, Olivia began her speech, saying slowly, "My original intention in developing Project M One wasn't really any lofty ideal. I just wanted to gain recognition.
However, at that time, I didn't have that ability yet. I majored in medicine but suddenly switched careers. For me, this was almost impossibly difficult.
During that time, I had to take care of my daughter while investing huge amounts of energy into learning relevant knowledge. Those days were really tough... But fortunately, in my career, I met many helpful people.
Like my former development team, and also a... computer expert I happened to meet online, sort of my teacher.
He taught me a lot of professional knowledge and abilities in this area.
All the good, bad, difficult, and lucky encounters colliding together led to the birth of 'Project M One'..."
At this point, Olivia's voice paused, then she smiled, saying with gratitude and joy, "I'm very grateful. The success of 'Project M One' after many years wasn't accidental.
But my experience is still too little compared to many established companies here.
I'm very happy and honored to meet everyone here today.
I hope to have opportunities to exchange ideas with you industry leaders and make progress together. I also thank the organizers for this award and the recognition it represents. Thank you very much..."
After her brief speech, Olivia bowed.
Even more enthusiastic applause erupted from below than before.
Everyone looked at Olivia with appreciation.
People had a very good impression of her speech.
You know, most people in their field, after achieving some glory, become somewhat arrogant.
But Olivia's performance showed everyone that even though she won the best award today, she remained humble and composed, without any arrogance, and didn't forget to praise the other companies present.
Of course, those present also heard shocking news from this!
That is, Olivia switched careers midway.
In other words, she had only been involved in system development for a few years.
During this time, she also had to take care of her child and family.
Under these circumstances, she could still independently develop such a system. Is this really humanly possible?
Many people below were already discussing this.
"If it were me, I really couldn't develop such a system in just a few years."
"Can only say Ms. Smith is truly a genius, right?"
"While having to take care of her daughter, she could still study and develop... It's really too much. Suddenly feel our team isn't working hard enough."
"Indeed, she's really amazing. I heard she used to be Mrs. Johnson?"
"I heard that too. She's so capable, such a treasure is hard to find even with a lantern. Why did Mr. Johnson divorce her?"
"Hey, don't you know? It was all over Emerald City before. That guy abandoned Ms. Smith for his first love. Then recently, there was that formula theft incident, and even the Johnson Group made a complete fool of themselves..."
"There's actually such a thing? Didn't they say Mr. Johnson had good judgment? Seems not so great after all."
"Tsk tsk, seeing his ex-wife's achievements now, wonder if he regrets it..."
Though people tried hard to lower their voices, many words still gradually reached Michael's ears.
Michael's lips were tightly pressed, his aura cold to the extreme, yet he couldn't help but be dazed, his mind full of what Olivia had just said.
Though Olivia on stage spoke lightly, as someone who lived under the same roof, Michael knew better.
Besides work, she not only had to take care of the child but also managed everything at home perfectly.
In that situation, she could still find time to study and try to develop.
Olivia said her original intention was to gain recognition.
It was... his recognition, wasn't it?
At this moment, for some reason, Michael felt uncomfortable inside.
Sophia, sitting in the last row, naturally also heard the discussions around her.
Like those in front said, all praising Olivia's excellence and belittling Michael's poor judgment.
Wasn't this saying she couldn't compare to Olivia?
Sophia was so angry her eyes started turning red.
The formula theft incident happened so long ago, when would these people stop?!
This was all Olivia's fault!
If not for her, there wouldn't be so many people gossiping about her.
Olivia on stage wasn't affected at all.
She came down from the stage calmly, her steps light and very quick.
Returning to her seat, she originally wanted to see Andrew.
But to her surprise, when she came down, the center seat was empty again.
As if that person had never appeared.
This made Olivia wonder if she had been seeing things earlier.
The doubt in her heart wasn't too obvious, and those around her didn't notice.
Seeing her return, Beatrix happily said, "Congratulations on winning the award and gaining the goodwill of the seniors present."
Olivia came back to her senses and smiled back, "Thank you."
Then her eyes couldn't help but look toward the center seat, asking, "Just now... was there someone there?"
Beatrix looked puzzled, turned to look, then shook her head, saying, "I don't know, I didn't notice. Everyone's attention was on you just now."
Daniel said, "I didn't notice either."
Olivia thought that made sense.
After all, they were several seats apart.
With so many people present, even if someone moved around, no one would specifically look at who was in the center seat.
But... she still felt she probably hadn't seen wrong.
Just then, her phone suddenly vibrated.
She took it out and saw it was a message from Andrew.
Andrew: [Congratulations on your award. From now on, you can be yourself and do as you please. You're excellent enough and don't need anyone's recognition!]
This brief sentence seemed to weigh a ton, hitting Olivia's heart, leaving her unable to recover for a long time.
If someone had affirmed her like this before, she wouldn't have done so many foolish things for a man...
Olivia's heart filled with boundless emotion.
She replied: [Yes, I know now! I said it out loud also because I've completely let go!
But Mr. Hamilton, why did you leave after just arriving? I thought I was seeing things!]
Andrew seemed not busy, replying quickly: [Today's occasion doesn't require my presence. Sending a representative is enough!]
Looking at this message, Olivia blinked her beautiful eyes, a bit confused.
If there was no need to appear, why did he show up when she was on stage?
She didn't think much of it, just felt a bit regretful...
By now, Andrew and David had already left the conference venue, heading to the VIP lounge of the celebration reception.
After entering, David brought tea and asked puzzled, "Mr. Hamilton, why didn't you wait until the conference ended before leaving?"
Andrew took a sip and said, "Nothing interesting after that."
Hearing this, David thought for a moment, seeming to understand something.
So his brief appearance earlier was because Olivia's award acceptance was more interesting to watch?
He didn't know what to say for a moment.
Say he doesn't know how to pursue women? Sometimes he seems quite good at it.
But it seems he's not obviously good at it either...
He couldn't help but say again, "There's still quite a while before the conference ends. Mr. Evans probably won't come until very late. Why don't you stay a bit longer and talk with Dr. Garcia, congratulate her in person?"
Andrew put down his cup and replied calmly, "No problem, I'll just wait! As for congratulations... there might be a chance to see her later."
David got it. So this "waiting" also included waiting for Olivia, right?
Looks like he spoke too soon earlier.
Andrew is actually quite good at this...