Chapter 223 - Handshaking

Despite the weakly appearance of Felix, his eyes somehow cheered slightly as they met Sofia's gaze. He swiftly raised his right hand and waved it simultaneously while looking at her and his grandfather. "Grandpa!"

His grandfather quickly attended to him. "Little girl, our dearest Felix was born prematurely. He is still young and is homeschooled. But, he is doing better and better with his medications and therapy. It's just that he can use his legs yet."

Upon hearing the old man's brief explanations about the young boy's situation, Sofia's eyes landed on Felix's knees. Even if he looked weak, his aura seemed to have held a promising future. Especially how his eyes brightened as he stared at Sofia.

"Hello, Felix! It's nice to meet you!" she took the initiative to greet the boy with a friendly smile on her lips. She took a few steps forward slowly and slightly bowed her head. 

"H-hello, sister..." Felix trailed with a hint of shyness in his tone. Though his appearance looked frail, his voice was of the opposite. It sounded deep and well-modulated.

The young boy copied Sofia's manner of greeting and bowed his head. A weak yet charming smile appeared on his face.

"Young bro, you can call me elder sister Sofia if you want," Sofia casually suggested. She then extended her right hand to offer him a handshake. 

As  Felix gripped Sofia's palm, she immediately noticed that it lacked some amount of force. It was also too brief and the young boy quickly retracted his hand the moment they made close contact with her fingers. 

Such a gesture in the corporate world could surely indicate the person's lack of interest towards the other. But because the young boy's face showed a sincere expression, Sofia understood him too well.

Perhaps, he did not know. Since he was still young and was still ignorant about the heading meaning of a firm handshake.

"Little brother, your hands are fine, right?" Sofia asked while glancing at the young boy's hand. In her mind, since the old man only mentioned his legs, then, this boy should be capable of doing a proper handshake.

"Yes, it is fine. I can even play games. But, I cannot walk for a long time, elder sister. That is why I have a wheelchair," Felix pouted.

"Then, let this elder sister share to you a secret of handshaking. This is just between us. Do you want to know?" Sofia casually asked.

"Yes, I want to know," Felix quickly replied

"Hmmn, this secret that I will tell you must be applied in the future, okay?" Sofia stated while a small curl appeared in her mouth. It may not be his place to point this matter to the young boy. However, Sofia could not also bear letting Felix continue his way of doing things. He was young and teachable.

"Yes, I will remember and use it, elder sister!" Felix agreed.

"There is a symbolic bond or alliance once you make a handshake. In business and other events, the handshake will reflect your character as a person. People can judge you just by this gesture. So, if you have a firm grasp, it also means that you have a strong character. Come, let's have that kind of handshake. Show me your character in this second handshake," Sofia muttered and urged the young boy to take her hand for the second time.

The old man shyly smiled on the side.

Felix finally grabbed Sofia's hand and held it firmly. Then, after shaking them twice, a full grin blossomed on his lips.

"Elder sister, I am just shy earlier. I do not mean to look weak," Felix felt the need to explain his first handshake.

"Aiyyooo, there is no need to be shy. In the future, look straight in the eye and smile too once you exchange a handshake, okay?" Sofia added. 

Felix nodded his head obediently and did not speak anymore. He was staring at the lines of his palm and appeared in a deep trance.

"Felix, show your elder sister some gratitude," the old man urged him.

Upon hearing his great-grandfather, Felix looked up smiled at Sofia. "Thank you for sharing this secret, elder sister! I will remember to use this secret."

"Thank you for giving my great-grandson a hint about the etiquette, little girl. Felix has a hobby of playing computer games since he cannot engage in outdoor games. Then, he saw your broadcasted tournament and became a fan of yours. Luckily, Nate reminded me about you!" the old man spoke with enthusiasm. "Here," he paused and took his phone from his pocket. "I will take a picture of the two of you! Felix, are you happy?" he continued while pressing the camera button on the screen of his phone.

"Mmn," Felix replied.

"Young bro, I'm glad that you find interest in virtual games. But, make sure to exercise self-discipline. Too much of anything is harmful," Sofia stated in a serious tone.

"HAHAHA, now that you've mentioned this, little girl, I will say my thanks too," the old man said. His face showed a meaningful expression on it.

"Grandpa, picture," Felix quickly reminded his great-grandfather before hs the old man could speak more to Sofia. The young boy was actually anxious for he indeed spent too much time playing.

"Yes, yes... I will take a picture!" The old man raised his phone and focused his attention on the screen while looking at the angle of his subject. Soon after, the picture of the two teenagers, smiling politely towards the camera displayed on his screen.

Sofia silently observed the two and looked satisfied. 

"Hehe, good, good," the old man mumbled with a tinge of satisfaction in his voice. He then gave the phone to Felix and looked Sofia in the eye. "Thank you! We will no longer keep your time. Just leave me your contact details and I will give you a call once this is finished."

"Grandpa, thank you for taking my orders. This is really important for there is an event this coming Saturday. We are new and our hostel has not yet opened but we urgently need a uniform. I will save your contact details too," Sofia expressed and the two exchanged their contact information.

"Say goodbye to your elder sister, Felix," the old man urged his great-grandson.

"Bye, elder sister Sofia! I will support you and the Chronos squad!" Felix called and wave a goodbye to her.

"I will contact you for your order, little girl. Just pay me after we finish everything," the old man added and bowed his head.

"Thank you! Bye-bye!" Sofia smiled at them before she turned around and swiftly exited the tailoring shop.