Chapter 14 — After Divorce, I Take Everything Back

“What is it?” she asked, her voice as quick as ever.

“The money has been paid.”

“It's all gone?”

“Yes, it's all gone.”

The other end of the line was silent for two seconds then burst into laughter.

“Oh my god, Lam Niem Senh, you're so cool.”

“It's not that I'm the best, it's just that whatever has to happen will happen.”

“Okay, this is something to celebrate, come over to my house tonight, I'll cook.”

“You cook, can you do it?”

“Who are you looking down on? I just learned something new.”

“Fish cooked in pickles.”

“Okay, then I'll bring the wine.”

“Okay, see you tonight.”

Hanging up the phone, I stood in front of the window, the summer wind blowing through carrying the clear smell of leaves. Outside it was so blue it was blinding, as if the whole world had just been renewed. I have lived in this room for almost a year. But for the first time, I feel like I'm really living here. Next month I will move, not renting anymore but buying. A two-bedroom apartment of eighty-five square meters, bright and airy. The price is one million three hundred thousand, I can pay a deposit of four hundred thousand. The monthly loan amount is more than three thousand, lighter than I thought. The day I signed the contract, I went alone. I don't need anyone to go with me, and I don't need anyone to stand behind me. The salesperson asked if I needed a family member to come look at it. I said: “No, just me is enough.” I signed each page of the contract, each handwriting very firmly. On the last page, the pen stopped for two seconds. The words "buyer: Lam Niem Senh" lie there, alone. Don't add anyone else. I signed down, very decisively. There was only one thought in my mind—this is my home. Going to the parking lot, I met Trieu Thanh. He also came to see the house.

"Mr. Lam? Do you also buy here?"

“I'm looking to see if there are any suitable apartments to invest in. Which one should you buy?”

“Court twelve.”

“Nice location, congratulations.”

He stood there, hands in pockets, his voice very relaxed.

“Remember to call me when cleaning the house, I'll come over and help.”

“Me, let me help you move things?”

“What can't be done?”

“Someone like you… is not suitable for moving things.”

He smiled, very naturally.

“Then I'll stand by and watch, okay?”

I also laughed.

“Let's see.”

“Yeah, let's see.”

He left. I sat in the car, my hands on the steering wheel. Sunlight shines on the back of the empty hand. The wedding ring was taken off a long time ago, I don't know where it is anymore. But it's no longer important. Some things are gone, leaving only relief. On moving day, Tri Thu arrived first. There weren't many items, only six boxes were shipped. She helped me hang curtains, spread carpets, and adjust the sofa. As for Trieu Thanh... he really came to "sit and watch." He pulled a chair to the middle of the room, folded his arms and watched. Tri Thu and I were spinning like pinwheels in front of him. Tri Thu walked by and kicked his chair leg.

“Don't you feel embarrassed sitting like that?”

“I told you, I'm in charge of looking.”

“What are you looking at? Get up and work.”

She shoved the box of light bulbs into his hand. He took it, stood up, and went to the balcony to install the light. After installing, come back and brush your hands.

“Is there anything else?”

“The kitchen shelf.” I just went inside.

He rolled up his sleeves and went straight to work. Tri Thu leaned close to my ear, her voice low and thoughtful.

“Lin Niem Senh, this man… is good.”

"I know."

"I know, but why haven't you expressed your opinion yet?"

“No rush.”

"It's almost a year, aren't you in a hurry?"

"What's the hurry? Good things won't run away."

Tri Thu glanced at me, her eyes full of meaning.

“Okay, you decide, you're really different these days.”

“Where is it different?”

“Talked to you before Me, you say the three words 'forget it' most often."

She said as she adjusted the pillow on the sofa.

“Now it is—‘I decide’.”

I didn't say anything, but it was clear in my heart. Before, I lived under someone else's arrangements. Luu Que Lan arranged my money, Tran Hao arranged my position, and I arranged my patience. For now, I just arrange my own life. No one has the right to interfere anymore. Trieu Thanh finished installing the kitchen shelf and walked out of the kitchen. There was a small scratch on his hand.

“Get hit?” I looked over and asked.

“It's okay, the screw edge is just a little sharp.”

I took the band-aid from the table and gave it to him. He took it, finished pasting it and looked at me.

“General Lam.”

“You've moved house, can I change my calling method?”

“Change to what?”

“Call her Niem Senh.”

I looked at him for two seconds then nodded. The corner of his lips moved slightly, not smiling clearly but his eyes lit up. Tri Thu stood next to her and pretended not to hear. But as soon as I turned around, I knew right away—she was secretly laughing. Three months later, Phuong Chinh's second phase project officially kicked off. Scale of sixty million, I'm in charge of the whole thing. The team increased from five people to fifteen people.