Chapter 19 — A Retreat Called Love

I asked softly:

“So why send it to me now?”

The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds. Cao Chi Vien slowly said:

“Because it wasn't that long ago.”

“He is seriously ill.”

“I almost lost my life.”

“Lying in a hospital bed.”

“He thinks a lot.”

“He said he did a lot of wrong things his whole life.”

“But I don't want to take that guilt to the grave.”

“Then he saw the news.”

“Knowing that the Chu family has been arrested.”

“I also know you.”

“So he feels…”

“This diary.”

“It should belong to you.”

Speaking of this. Cao Chi Vien sighed softly. A very light sigh. But it's as heavy as a lifetime.

“He said he didn't need the money.”

“I also don't expect to be forgiven.”

“I just hope my heart is at peace.”

After hearing everything. I hold the phone. Silence for a long time. It turns out that there really is cause and effect in this world. There are good intentions so small that no one pays attention. But in the end, he silently turned the wheel of fate. The day the “Clear Sky Fund” was officially established. I held a simple announcement. Not too big. But very warm. Lam Man comes. Lawyer Truong arrived. The people who helped me during the most difficult times were also present. Stand on stage. Look down at the kind faces below. For the first time in many years. I smiled with all my heart. I tell my own story. Tell about the seemingly happy years of marriage. Tell about your father-in-law's diary. Tell about the reason why this fund was born. Then I said:

“I used to think marriage was a shelter from the wind and rain for women.”

“But later I understood.”

“What can protect you has never been another person.”

“It's you.”

“Your kindness.”

“Your resilience.”

“And the fact that you don't give up on yourself.”

“That is the strongest armor.”

I looked at the women below. Continue saying:

“I hope the Clear Sky Fund can become a small umbrella.”

“Cover those who are still walking in the rain of life.”

“Let them know that.”

“You don't fight alone.”

As soon as the sentence ends. Applause echoed throughout the auditorium. After the announcement that day. The fund received a lot of support. Lots of donations. Also received the attention of many social organizations. My life completely took a different direction. Every day is busy. Busy reviewing and approving applications for assistance. Busy meeting with a team of lawyers. Busy meeting people in need of help. In their eyes. I see myself from before. Was also desperate. Used to be helpless. I once thought that life had no way out. I told them my story. Show them how to take up the weapon of the law. Teach them how to protect themselves. Every time I see someone coming out of the darkness. Find your life again. I feel a very special happiness. That joy. Even bigger than making the best cake in the world. Truly the best cure. One year later. I was able to walk with a cane very proficiently. The bakery that Lam Man and I invested in together. Finally officially opened. The store is not big. But very cozy. Business is also quite favorable. My life became busy. Meaningful. Names like Chu Nghi. It hasn't appeared in my thoughts for a long time. They are like a puddle of mud on the path of life. I used to fall into it. Once fell down. Was pulled down. But now. I stood up on my own. Wash off the mud and dirt on your body. Change to a new pair of shoes. Then continue walking forward. One evening. After closing the shop. I'm cleaning the tables and chairs as usual. The wind chimes in front of the door suddenly jingled. I raised my head. Saw a shadow of a person. Just familiar. Just strange again. It's Cao Chi Vien. He wears everyday clothes. Holding a bouquet of sunflowers in her hand. Standing at the door with a slightly embarrassed smile.

“I... just passed by on the way.”

He spoke first.

“See the lights in the shop are still on.”

I laughed.

“Convenient?”

“My house is in the west of the city.”

“And my shop is on the east side.”

“You've been around nearly half the city today.”

His face immediately turned red. After a while, he reluctantly admitted:

“Okay.”

“I confess.”

“I came on purpose.”

He gave me the bouquet of flowers.

“Congratulations.”

“Congratulations on your new life.”

I received the bouquet. Bright yellow sunflower petals. Warm like the sun.

"Thank you."

I spoke softly. Cao Zhiyuan scratched his head. It looks unusually tense.

“Actually…”

He hesitated.

“I always wanted to ask you something.”

“Do you still believe in love?”

I was slightly stunned. Then burst out laughing. I walked to the window. The city has turned on its lights. The line of cars continues endlessly. Further. In the middle of the night sky. Some stars still persevere in shining. I turned my head. Look into Cao Chi Vien's sincere eyes. Then seriously answered:

“But the more I believe that…”

“A beautiful love.”

“It's just something that makes already beautiful things even more beautiful.”

I smiled slightly. Eyes of peace like never before.

“And the first thing I have to do.”

“It is to make yourself become that beautiful thing.”