Chapter 5 — 7 Year Marriage Isn't Real

Thursday. I met Pho Thinh Lan at his office. There is a yellow paper envelope on the table.

"Luc Can Nien works very discreetly."

Pho Thinh Lan said as she opened the envelope, took each item inside and placed it on the table.

"But no matter how careful..."

"There will still be loopholes."

The first thing... Is a screenshot of a transfer transaction. Eight million yuan was transferred from Luc Can Nien's personal account to a company in Hong Kong. The notes section reads:

"Design fee."

Pho Thinh Lan smiled faintly.

"The real beneficiary of this company is Tong Dao's uncle."

"That eight million yuan is not a design waste."

"It's money to buy a retirement apartment in Hong Kong for Tong Dao's mother."

It's a recording. Pho Thinh Lan pressed the play button. Luc Can Nien's voice immediately rang out from the phone. Brings a very clear smile.

"You hid it very carefully at Niem Tri."

"In three months the baby will be born."

"At that time I will tell her this is adopted."

"With Niem Tri's personality..."

"She won't suspect."

Next was Tong Dao's voice.

"But... wouldn't that be unfair to Ms. Phuong?"

Luc Can Nien smiled softly.

"She will be a very good mother."

"It's just..."

"Can't let her know the truth."

"If I knew..."

"She will be heartbroken."

"I don't want her to be heartbroken."

The recording ends. I sat still in my seat. The face has no expression at all. Pho Thinh Lan glanced at me.

"There's a third thing."

"This thing is heavier."

"Are you sure you want to watch?"

He pushed the last file in front of me. A copy of Consent for Medical Treatment. Signed by: Luc Can Nien. Authorizing Nhan Hoa Duong Oriental Medicine Clinic to develop a separate treatment plan for his wife, Phuong Niem Tri. In the Treatment goals section, clearly state:

"Supports reproductive cycle control, reduces the possibility of natural pregnancy."

It was seven years ago. My fingertip stopped on that line. Supports reproductive cycle control... Reduces the possibility of natural pregnancy... Very civilized way of expressing it. To put it bluntly... It's because I quit smoking so I can't have children.

"Phuong Niem Tri."

Pho Thinh Lan's voice pulled me back to reality. I raised my head. It's rare to see his face as serious as this.

"Currently..."

"You have two choices."

"The first."

"Take all of this and go find Luc Can Nien to confront him."

"He will kneel."

"I will swear that I will change."

"And then used his best tricks to coax her back."

"Three months later..."

"Everything is back to the way it was."

"What about the second choice?"

"Second..."

Pho Thinh Lan leaned back in the chair.

"The day after tomorrow is the anniversary party for the establishment of Luc Thi Group."

"The whole city's business community."

"Communication."

"All will be present."

"Luc Can Nien will go on stage to speak."

"There are more than three hundred guests below."

I quietly looked at him.

"Including Tong Dao's mother."

Pho Thinh Lan smiled faintly.

"Luc Can Nien even specially kept an invitation card for her."

"After all, her daughter is about to give birth to a grandchild for the Luc family."

"Should let her have some fun."

"What do you mean..."

"At that party?"

"Just play the recording in front of more than three hundred people..."

"This whole life..."

"Luc Can Nien will lose face."

Pho Thinh Lan's voice was calm as if talking about the weather.

"What does Luc Can Nien value most?"

"It's a name attend."

"He can secretly keep a mistress."

"You can quit smoking, wife."

"It's possible to cheat on a marriage."

"But absolutely unacceptable..."

"Let the whole world know that I am that kind of person."

I bowed my head and looked at the treatment consent form. His signature is very nice. Each stroke of the pen... Exactly like the signature on the wedding vows that year.

"I choose the second option."

The corner of Pho Thinh Lan's lips slightly raised.

"Then..."

"Get ready."

"See you the day after tomorrow."

The night before the party. Luc Can Nien returned home very early. He also carried two bags in his hand.

"Try it on."

He placed two bags on the sofa.

"I told them to choose this party dress for you."

"Tomorrow..."

"I will be the most beautiful person at the whole party."

I opened the bag. Inside is a long wine red dress. High quality materials. Tailored seams hug the body.

"Isn't it beautiful?"

He hugged me from behind. Chin rested lightly on my shoulder.

"Then try it on for me to see."

"Let's wear it tomorrow."

He refused. Lips gently brushed against my ear.

"I want to see it now."

I turned around. Place your hands on his chest and gently push him away.

"Luc Can Nien."

"What will you say tomorrow?"