Chapter 346 Crazy Heartbeat
Aurelia realized she had oversimplified things.
She thought winning over Andrew's family would be enough.
But no matter what she did, she just couldn't fit into his circle.
Why?
They'd known each other longer and knew each other better!
Aurelia couldn't accept it, but for now, there was nothing she could do to change the situation.
Fortunately, Andrew had to entertain guests tonight and wasn't stuck talking to those two the whole time.
That uncomfortable feeling in Aurelia's heart finally eased up a bit.
Although Olivia didn't attend this welcome dinner, someone was constantly updating her on every detail of the party.
All thanks to Evelyn.
The moment she walked through her door, she received countless photos of Andrew.
From every angle.
Some showed him moving gracefully among the guests.
Some captured him standing among countless political and business elites, his presence still standing out from the crowd.
Some showed him holding a wine glass, his fingers long and elegant, his expression casual.
Every photo was like art, making her heart race.
After sending them, Evelyn added: [I've got tons more photos like these. Want to buy them?]
Olivia found this amusing but replied without hesitation: [Yes!]
And so that night, both she and Andrew were shaken down for quite a bit of money by their respective paparazzi.
But they were both happy to pay!
After finishing up matters at her own research institute, Olivia threw herself back into work at the research academy.
As the research projects hit their stride, the team got even busier.
Several times, the team went into lockdown mode, and Olivia couldn't go home for days.
Under such intense conditions, efficiency really showed.
The group led by Olivia received excellent reviews from the leadership several times.
The R&D tasks they handled were completed the fastest and the best.
Originally, many newcomers at the research academy had talked behind Olivia's back about her position.
Many thought she only got to lead an entire team right from the start because of Rodolfo.
After Olivia's achievements, those people shut their mouths, and no one dared look down on her anymore.
There was no denying that Olivia was truly outstanding among this batch of newcomers.
The senior staff leading the teams paid even more attention to her because of this.
According to gossip circulating at the research academy, the seniors intended to groom her.
Olivia didn't know about this gossip. She only knew her workload had suddenly increased recently.
After finishing her own tasks each day, she had to go help other seniors.
Though it was just assisting, the content she was exposed to helped her learn a lot.
Olivia kept improving.
Seeing this, Zoey felt somewhat dissatisfied. "We're all on the same team, and I've put in just as much work as Olivia. So why are the seniors only mentoring Olivia? How are we any worse than her?"
Zoey's resentment ran pretty deep.
But she only dared complain quietly when Olivia wasn't around.
Oscar didn't share her view.
He had always admired Olivia.
After spending this time together, he was even more impressed by her abilities.
Now, hearing Zoey's complaints about Olivia, he spoke up to reason with her. "Don't think like that. Olivia may be younger than us, but her abilities are truly above ours.
During the R&D process, she identified several key points.
Otherwise, forget standing out from the other teams—whether we could even finish on time would've been a big question.
So it makes sense that the seniors value her now.
She deserves all the special treatment she's getting.
As for us, if we work harder, we can get there too."
Hearing Oscar praise Olivia so wholeheartedly didn't sit well with Zoey.
In their daily interactions, he made no effort to hide his admiration for Olivia.
And now in private, he was defending her even more.
She didn't think they were any worse than Olivia!
Given a bit more time, she could've found those so-called key points too!
"At the end of the day, Olivia only gets this treatment because of Mr. McCoy, doesn't she? I don't believe those seniors aren't considering that!"
Seeing his reasoning didn't work, Oscar looked helpless.
Before, he just thought Zoey was a bit proud and arrogant.
But now, this look of contempt was strangely annoying.
Oscar couldn't be bothered to humor her.
He said coldly to Zoey, "Instead of this, you'd be better off improving your own abilities.
In a place like the research academy, talking is the most useless thing—ability is what counts.
We were selected as the most outstanding young team, but there's still competition.
If you can't recognize your own shortcomings and just keep complaining, we'll get left behind sooner or later!"
"What are you trying to say!" Zoey's temper flared up instantly.
Just as the two were arguing, Olivia happened to return after submitting her materials.
The research academy's closed R&D session had kept everyone busy for nearly a month.
Her tasks had reached a satisfactory milestone, so the higher-ups had given their team two days off.
Olivia was thrilled.
She was thinking about telling Andrew the good news later.
After all, she hadn't been able to spend time with him or Bianca for days.
She told Oscar and Zoey the news and said politely, "Make sure you both rest well these next two days."
"Great, finally we can take a break." Oscar was clearly happy too.
Zoey, still upset, had no reaction and just said "Oh" flatly.
Olivia didn't mind her coldness.
She knew Zoey had always had issues with her.
But the woman was still clear-headed enough not to slack off at work.
So she didn't take her cold remarks to heart.
Having delivered the message, she didn't want to linger and prepared to leave.
"Wait, Olivia..." Oscar suddenly called out to her.
Olivia turned around, and Oscar handed her an invitation. "This is for you."
Olivia looked at the invitation with confusion and asked, "What's this?"
Oscar briefly explained the invitation.
It was for a medical exchange conference where many renowned doctors would be invited, and many people of considerable status would come seeking medical advice.
These people included political and business elites, and noble families!
Olivia immediately understood.
It was essentially free consultation, but also a good opportunity to expand connections and network with the elite.
Not to mention, if you could become a private doctor for a wealthy family, the income would be beyond what ordinary people could compare to.
Olivia wasn't particularly interested in this at first.
But then Oscar added, "The exchange also has medical skills competitions. The format is someone poses a question, presents a certain condition, and then the competitors write out treatment methods and prescriptions.
Most importantly, you can meet some reclusive ancient medical families!"
Hearing the last part, Olivia became interested.
With modern medicine developing so rapidly, many ancient medical families had declined, with only a few remaining.
These surviving ancient medical families basically all had their own medical traditions.
Before, Rodolfo had told her that if she ever had a chance to exchange knowledge with them, she absolutely shouldn't pass it up!
She hadn't been able to connect with them in Emerald City.
She didn't expect to have this opportunity so soon after coming to Harmony City.
Olivia was about to agree when Zoey suddenly reacted strongly, saying, "Oscar, why are you giving her this? How is she qualified to attend?"
Oscar found her dismissive comment ridiculous. "How would Olivia not be qualified? Don't forget, she's the current head of the Medica Vitae Sect.
And the Medica Vitae Sect has the most complete ancient medical tradition."
Of course Zoey knew that.
But hearing Oscar so eagerly invite her still made her look unhappy.
She had put in so much effort to attend this exchange conference.
Why should Olivia just waltz in?
Seeing Zoey's reaction, Olivia felt a bit put off by her too.
At the same time, she guessed these invitations might be hard to come by.
So she asked, "Are these invitations hard to get for this competition?"
Oscar didn't deny it.
However, he emphasized, "I have family connections with one of the medical families, which is how I got these few invitations."
Hearing this, Olivia pushed the invitation back. "In that case, don't waste this spot—give it to someone else.
As for me, I should be able to get an invitation in the name of the Medica Vitae Sect."
Oscar was taken aback, realizing she had a point.
But he had wanted to give it to Olivia out of personal consideration.
Olivia still didn't accept.
She was clear-headed—taking this kind of invitation meant owing someone a favor.
She didn't want to owe one right now.
So Olivia smiled politely at him. "Thanks for the thought, I appreciate it, but you should keep the invitation and give it to someone who needs it.
It's getting late, I need to head back."
Seeing this, Oscar had no choice but to say, "Alright, but you must come. If there's a chance, let's have a friendly competition."
Olivia agreed, then said goodbye and left.
After leaving the research academy, Olivia immediately spotted someone waiting for her by the roadside at the main gate.
Under the moonlight, the man looked elegant and distinguished, his eyes reflecting the soft glow, gentle as water.
A joyful smile spread across her face as she jogged over to him.
Then she threw her arms around him and asked happily, "How did you know I'd finish today?"