Chapter 33: The School Heartthrob’s Heartbeat

Olivia never paid any attention to doubts and mockery.

The exam went very smoothly, and just as Olivia walked out of the exam room, she received a message from Mayor Scott.

Mary had been sentenced for years of child abuse and oppression.

The new director was temporarily unable to come, so the entire orphanage would be under Olivia's full control for now.

Mayor Scott: [Olivia, I hope you understand my good intentions.]

Olivia raised her eyebrows, understanding immediately.

It wasn't that the new director couldn't make it—Mayor Scott was giving her a chance to become the actual person in charge of the orphanage.

This was the best outcome for both her and all the children at the orphanage.

Olivia: [Thank you for your trust, Mayor Scott.]

——

After the exams ended, Alice Academy organized one last group activity—mountain climbing.

Olivia walked along the mountain path, looking at the flowers and plants around her, gradually feeling relaxed.

Unlike her, many students around weren't very interested in this activity, and most classmates didn't come.

But Olivia noticed that Vivian, who usually didn't like sports, had come.

Not only had she come, but she'd dressed up carefully.

When Olivia accidentally spotted Ryan, the school heartthrob, she finally understood.

The moment Olivia's gaze fell on Ryan, not only did Vivian notice—her eyes filled with fury—but even Evan, who had been following behind Olivia, narrowed his eyes slightly.

At this moment, everyone seemed to assume that Olivia still liked Ryan, and her silence was just fear of rejection.

Only Olivia had no idea about this.

After walking for most of the day, the group finally reached the summit.

Olivia looked at the distant scenery, feeling the breeze blowing past her, and squinted slightly.

Just then, Ryan stood on a cliff edge beside Olivia, having a classmate take his photo.

"Move up a bit more, it'll look better."

The classmate taking the photo kept directing him, and Ryan obediently climbed higher.

The moment the shutter clicked, the cliff beneath Ryan's feet gave way.

"Watch out!"

The classmate cried out in alarm, his face full of terror as he dropped his phone and rushed toward Ryan, but he was too far away—there was no time.

Even though Ryan reached out his hand, it was useless.

In that instant, many scenes flashed through Ryan's mind, and he even closed his eyes, ready to accept his death.

Just then, Olivia grabbed Ryan's outstretched hand—the hand desperately reaching for life.

Ryan suddenly opened his eyes to see the blinding sunlight and Olivia's palm-sized face seemingly glowing golden in the light.

Such a thin, weak girl, yet in this situation, she risked her own life to save him without a second thought.

In that moment, Ryan felt his heart, which had never wavered before, begin to beat wildly.

Olivia didn't notice any of the changes happening deep in Ryan's heart.

After pulling him up, she immediately let go and walked away, as if she'd just done something completely insignificant.

But Ryan had fallen.

Completely fallen!

He began following Olivia everywhere, not only constantly expressing his gratitude but also telling her every childhood story he had.

Even though Olivia didn't respond to him once the entire time.

When the evening sun cast its glow on Olivia, bathing her in a soft orange-red light, Ryan couldn't hold back any longer and confessed to her.

"Olivia, I like you too. Please be my girlfriend!"

Vivian, who had been following behind them, had already been building up rage inside. Hearing Ryan confess to Olivia, whom she'd always looked down on, was worse than being killed.

Vivian immediately forced her way between them and spoke to Ryan with a wronged tone:

"Ryan, snap out of it! She's Olivia—the girl everyone at school knows as ugly and stupid. How can you say such nonsense?"

Evan, who had been silently watching Olivia, remained calm throughout.

Though he didn't understand what had gotten into Ryan, he could see clearly that Olivia had no feelings for Ryan whatsoever.

But those involved couldn't see it.

Seeing Vivian talk about his beloved this way, Ryan immediately defended her:

"Vivian, that's enough! Olivia was just hiding her abilities before. The last monthly exam showed her true level, and the scars on her face have all healed.

I won't allow anyone to insult her anymore!"

That one word—"beloved"—not only made Olivia uncomfortable but also darkened Evan's face.

Olivia quickly interrupted Ryan's continued defense with a twisted smile:

"If you had confessed to me when my grades were poor and my appearance wasn't good, I might have thought better of you. But now, I can only assume you have ulterior motives."

Abandoning someone when they're down, then crawling back when they're successful—Olivia had no respect for that kind of affection.

Ryan understood what Olivia meant and tried desperately to explain, but Olivia wouldn't listen.

Finally, Ryan shouted at Olivia's retreating back:

"Time will prove my love for you!"

Seeing Olivia act as if she hadn't heard, Ryan felt dejected, but even more upset was Vivian, who had been standing beside him.

Vivian was nearly mad with jealousy.

If looks could kill, she would have killed Olivia thousands of times over with her eyes.

Just as Vivian couldn't hold back anymore and wanted to beat Olivia up to vent her anger, a message appeared that greatly improved her mood.

The dean of Washington University's School of Technology had seen her work—the one she'd stolen credit for from Olivia's technology award—and she'd been offered guaranteed admission to Washington University!

Remembering how she'd had the director drug Olivia, ensuring she'd bomb this exam, Vivian felt wonderful.

She immediately shared this good news with those around her, drawing gasps of amazement:

"Oh my god, you're so amazing! Getting guaranteed admission to Washington University—that's the best university in our country!"

"That's our Vivian, always quietly giving us such huge surprises. Not like some people who only know how to seduce men."

Vivian was very pleased with these comments.

Seeing Olivia not far away, she couldn't help but mock her:

"I'm different from those pitiful people who just put on a show. Some people might do well on one exam, but they'll never get into Washington University."

As she spoke, Vivian looked at Ryan with an affectionate gaze.