Chapter 12 — 50 Years of Wrongfulness

“Whether it works or not, you should invite me.” She put up the menu and gave it to him. "I haven't thanked you about the house yet. There's also your care and help during this time." "Just helping out." He took the menu, glanced at it, then put it down and casually ordered a portion of seafood noodles. As soon as the food was served, Tong Can Nien's friend arrived. That person's eyes stopped on Tham Thanh Tu's face, his eyebrows immediately raised. "Oh, who is this?" Tong Can Nien without raising his head, used a fork to roll a piece of noodles: "Student." "Student?" The friend pulled the empty chair next to him and sat down, smiling meaningfully. “I've never seen you eat alone with any students.” Tong Can Nien coldly glanced at him. The other person immediately reconciled: "It's just a joke, you two just eat slowly, I still have friends over there." After speaking, he turned around and left. Three days later, rumors in school spread everywhere. Tham Thanh Tu walked through the hallway, the lowered voices behind him still clearly reached his ears: "On what basis did you recommend her..." "I heard that she stays with Professor Tong every day, do you still not know where that position came from?" Tham Thanh Tu didn't pay attention and went straight to class. In the evening, Tong Can Nien stood waiting for her at the door of the teaching building. The afternoon light casts a long shadow on him. He leaned against the wall, saw her coming, stood up straight, and said: "I heard the words in school. I will handle it." "It's okay, just a few rumors." Tham Thanh Tu didn't pay too much attention, but early the next morning, she was blocked by a female student in front of the lecture hall's steps. It's Lorenzo. She knelt in front of Tham Thanh Tu. "Sorry, I was the one who spread the word. My family originally wanted me to get the spot this time, I thought it would definitely be me, but in the end I wasn't chosen, it was too embarrassing so I got angry... I beg you to help me tell Professor Tong, don't expel me, my dad will beat me to death." Tham Thanh Tu took a step back. She lowered her head to look at the female student kneeling on the ground, her voice was very light: "If you spread the rumors, you should clarify it yourself. It's useless for you to kneel in front of me." The female student raised her head in bewilderment. "After clarifying, let's handle it how we have to handle it." Tham Thanh Tu pushed the classroom door. “Don't kneel here anymore.” Two days later, a correction appeared on the school forum pinned to the top of the page. The bottom is signed Lorenzo. After that, the results of the two-city exchange exhibition were announced on the official website. Tham Thanh Tu won first prize. On the awards day, she wore a dark blue dress with her hair tied up, revealing her slender neckline. When the host read her name, she walked onto the stage, the light shining on her face was a bit blinding. Under the podium receiving the award, Co Lam wearing a black vest, holding a trophy in her hand, was walking towards her. Co Lam brought the trophy in front of Tham Thanh Tu, her face still cold as before. Tham Thanh Tu stiffened for two seconds, then turned to another corner, facing the stands and bowed slightly. The hot stage lights shone on her shoulders and neck. She did not look to the side, the corners of her lips still maintained a polite curve. Under the stage, Tong Can Nien crossed his long legs and leaned against the back of the chair. The eyes behind the black glasses were resting on her body, no emotions could be seen, only her chin was slightly retracted. When she stepped down from the side of the stage, Tong Can Nien stood up. He looked at her, saw that she was only wearing a thin tuxedo, immediately waved to the staff next to him, lowered his voice and said a sentence in Italian. The staff quickly brought a dark gray cashmere scarf. "Thank you, teacher." Tham Thanh Tu pulled the scarf tighter and said thank you. The two of them walked side by side towards the exit. Before they could even step through the door, a familiar voice rang out behind them. "Thanh Tu." Co Lam chased after her from inside, her eyes gliding from her face.

Tham Thanh Tu moved to the cashmere scarf on her shoulder, then stopped at Tong Can Nien standing next to her. "Long time no see." He stepped forward, leather shoes stepping on the marble floor, making a dull tapping sound. "Can't you even look at me?" Tham Thanh Tu pulled the shawl tighter, not turning around. Co Lam walked around in front of her, his eyes fixed on her face and then turned to Tong Can Nien: "Who is this?" "It has nothing to do with you." Tham Thanh Tu replied coldly. Co Lam raised his hand to hold her wrist, his knuckles shaking slightly: "You're still blaming me, right?" He looked at her, his eyes red. "What happened before was my fault, I didn't clarify the truth, I misunderstood you." "Let go." Tham Thanh Tu's voice was half a tone higher than before. In the hallway, another guest passed by and tilted his head to look this way. Co Lam didn't let go, his thumb pressed on her wrist bone: "You heard everything I said. I sent To Nhu to jail, all the evidence has been handed over to the police. Thanh Tu, please forgive me, I..." Tham Thanh Tu strongly pushed his hand away, taking a step back. "We are no longer able to. I'm living very well now, I just hope you don't come and bother me." Co Lam took a step forward, still wanting to say something. Tong Can Nien took a half step forward from beside him, blocking Tham Thanh Tu behind him.