Chapter 3 Hunting Overture

Olivia's hands paused, her back tensing like a drawn bow.

Her shoes were a cheap online purchase, which she only realized were knock-offs after wearing them for half a month.

But Olivia didn't feel ashamed. She had bought them with Indigo's hard-earned money, a legitimate online transaction, and found them comfortable.

What was wrong with that?

Thinking of this, Olivia turned, her face pale but her eyes bright, staring straight at the blond guy.

Charles's eyes darkened, ready to step in.

Olivia spoke first.

Her voice was small, even trembling, but clear and firm.

"I'm earning my own money here, clean and honest. I am better than some people who just leech off their families like... parasites."

Her words were like ice picks.

The guys' faces changed instantly.

"You bitch! What did you say?"

Celestial University was filled with kids from wealthy families, attending for the prestige their parents couldn't achieve through grades.

Olivia, who had earned her place through merit, knew their weak spots.

Sure enough, the blond guy, usually carefree, suddenly became serious, enraged, stepping forward to retaliate.

Three slow, deliberate claps echoed.

Everyone turned to look.

Charles stood at the entrance of the flower shop, his tall figure exuding an invisible pressure.

Dressed in black sportswear, his face expressionless, his deep gaze bypassed the frozen guys, landing on Olivia.

"Well said."

His voice was low, but it silenced the shop.

The guys recognized Charles; their arrogance deflated, their faces souring.

Whispers spread around.

"It's Charles!"

"He... he applauded Olivia?"

"What's going on?"

"What's their relationship? When did they get together?"

"Isn't Charles supposed to be uninterested in girls?"

"He's so handsome; it's a shame if he doesn't like girls... but could he like Olivia?"

Olivia was stunned.

She hadn't expected him to show up.

Meeting Charles's gaze, she remembered him cleaning the pool cue yesterday, her face flushing with embarrassment, fingers nervously twisting her apron.

Charles ignored the curious stares and walked straight to the cashier, casually picking out a bouquet of the most vibrant sunflowers.

"Wrap it up."

Olivia snapped out of her daze and quickly lowered her head, efficiently wrapping the bouquet.

She kept her head down the entire time, not daring to look at him.

When it was time to pay, Charles handed over the cash with his long fingers.

Olivia took it quickly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Th...thank you for earlier..."

Charles picked up the wrapped sunflowers, his gaze lingering for a moment on her lowered, slightly flushed face.

"No need to thank me. You weren't wrong."

With that, he straightened up, took the flowers, and turned to leave.

Olivia stood there, her heart pounding uncontrollably in her chest.

The men who had been causing trouble had already slunk away when Charles entered.

The flower shop finally quieted down.

Olivia sat on a small stool in the corner, her heartbeat still not fully settled.

Charles's words echoed in her ears.

"No need to thank me. You weren't wrong."

He said she wasn't wrong?

Did he also think those men were like parasites?

But the Green family was a well-known family in Emerald City...

Then again, Charles was also a famous and wealthy individual, but he didn't rely on his family at all.

Charles... that name carried real achievements, especially at Celestial University, where he was practically a legend.

Olivia occasionally overheard John complaining angrily on the phone, always mentioning Charles's name.

His tone was filled with frustration, yet he couldn't help but respect him—because Charles was always the top student in their computer science department, and John could only envy him.

And she was just an ordinary student, a year below Charles.

Why did he buy those sunflowers?

Such bright flowers.

Was he planning to give them to someone? Or... was it really just to help her out?

She was lost in thought when the next shift's employee arrived.

Olivia packed up her things and quietly returned to school.

With no classes in the morning, she went straight to her dorm, wanting some peace and quiet.

As soon as she opened the dorm door, her friend Lily Martin pulled her to the balcony, speaking in a hushed tone.

"Olivia! Spill it! How do you know Charles?"