Chapter 8 — After Breaking Up, I Just Learned How to Love You

“I thought you two were really broke!” Tieu Vuong was completely unaware of the dangerous look in his eyes and continued to speak, "Last time I asked Captain Tham, he only said 'yeah', exactly one word 'yeah'! He threatened me for half a month and didn't dare talk to me!"

I couldn't help but laugh.

“Shut up,” Tham Ngo said finally, his voice as cold as ice, “go organize last month's case report.”

"Huh? Captain, it's time to get off work..."

“Now. Immediately.”

Tieu Vuong ran away screaming, not forgetting to turn around and shout loudly: "Sister-in-law! For the past half year, team leader Tham has worked overtime every day! We thought he had already moved into the department! You coming back really saved our lives!" I laughed so much I couldn't stand up straight.

“Tieu Tham brought his girlfriend?!” A middle-aged woman heard the movement and ran over, "Tieu Tham, didn't you break up?"

"I'm back," Tham Ngo calmly replied, "Ms. Vuong, in the future you don't need to introduce the person to me anymore."

Ms. Vuong's expression turned from surprise to joy: "It's good to be back, good. This girl looks so smart, much better than the previous ones." Tham Ngo gently squeezed my hand, as if to reassure me. After chatting a few more words, he led me back to his office.

“Sit here,” he pulled out a chair for me, “waiting for me to get off work.”

“One hour,” he said, “one report left to complete.”

I sat down, took out my phone and scrolled through the video. Tham Ngo returned to his desk and turned on the computer. The room was very quiet, only the sound of typing on the keyboard and occasionally a few small conversations outside. I secretly glanced at his face and saw that when he worked, his eyebrows were slightly furrowed, his lips pursed into a straight line. Very serious, very focused, also very... attractive. I turned on the camera and secretly took a photo. Just after taking the photo, a message appeared on my phone: 【What are you taking a picture of?】 I raised my head and saw him looking at me, with a smile in his eyes. 【Take a photo of me.】 I replied, 【beautiful.】 【Let me take a photo at night.】 【…Tham Ngo! I'm working!】 【Yes, that's why I said it was dark.】 I turned my phone face down on the table, my face was hot. This man… is becoming more and more indecent. Just like that, I became the unofficial "sister-in-law" of the criminal team. Every time I come to see Tham Ngo, I get the whole room shouting "sister-in-law!" Tieu Vuong became even more enthusiastic in being "eyes and ears", occasionally reporting: 【Sister-in-law, today captain Tham worked overtime until eleven o'clock, take care of him!】 【Sister-in-law, captain Tham didn't eat this afternoon, only drank coffee!】 【Sister-in-law, there was a female police officer asking Captain Tham for help, standing a bit close! Even though he has a cold face all the time, you should still come over and declare sovereignty!】 I was both amused and warmed my heart. It turns out that being chosen by a steadfast person is such a feeling. One month later, one evening, Tham Ngo took me home. Coming downstairs, he suddenly said: "Ha Linh, I have something to give you." He took out a small velvet box from his pocket. My heart immediately beat fast.

“This is…”

“Open it and see.”

I tremblingly opened the box, inside was a diamond ring. The design is simple but sophisticated, under the bright sparkling streetlights.

“Prepared for a year ago,” he said, “I was planning on taking you on your first anniversary.”

“Now,” he knelt down on one knee, “I want to ask you one more time.”

“Ha Linh, do you agree to marry me? Tham Ngo?”

"Marry someone who is clumsy, but is willing to learn how to love you for the rest of his life?"

I looked at him, tears falling uncontrollably.

“Tham Ngo,” I choked, “you are so hateful.”

“I know.”

“You always make me wait, guess, and be sad.”

His eyes darkened a bit: "Sorry."

“But…” I wiped my tears and held out my hand, “I still agree.”

I pouted, "Who said I like you?" He paused for a second, then hugged me tightly, as if he wanted to engrave me into my bones.

“Ha Linh,” his voice was hoarse, “say it again.”

“I agree, Tham Ngo.”

He leaned down and kissed me, lasting a long time. In the night breeze, his heartbeat rang out clearly, mixing with mine.

“Ha Linh,” he whispered in my ear, “I love you.”

I was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing.

“Captain Tham, I finally know how to say 'I love you'.”

“Yes,” he hugged me tighter, “we'll talk about it every day from now on.”

“Then I have to record it,” I said, “in case you change your mind.”

“It won't change,” he replied, “it won't change for the rest of my life.”

Under the streetlights, our shadows lengthened, blending together inseparably. As if we had never been apart.