Chapter 15 — After Rebirth, I Won't Marry You Anymore

The rain outside has stopped. I pushed open the warehouse door and walked out. The scent of osmanthus flowers rushed in. Chu Chieu Da followed behind me, not too close, not too far. This time, he finally learned to keep his distance. 17 Not a universal band-aid The day Lam Tri Dao moved out, she sent me a text message. She said she would go to the next city to work, change to a new environment, and let her mother try to adapt to the new way of care. At the end of the message, she wrote: "I've bothered you before. Wishing you good business. Don't wish me too well, I'm afraid you'll be reluctant." I looked at that sentence and laughed. I answered her:

"Then I wish you a normal life."

She sent back a crying and laughing emoji. This relationship finally finds a thread amidst the chaos. Not everyone needs to shake hands to make peace, there are people who just need to withdraw from each other's lives which is a very kind ending. After Lam Tri Dao left, Chu Chieu Da became even busier. Fall is the time to increase security patrols, he is often on duty at night. Before, I would worry because he was busy, feeling that every overtime was reminding me that I was always behind. Now he will notify the work schedule in advance, and after finishing work, he will also text one more sentence:

“It's safe today, I'm ready to sleep.”

Very short sentence. But very solid. I don't need to guess. No need to wait. There's also no need to hold the phone and turn it over. One Friday night, the restaurant received a large order. The nearby residential area committee organized an activity on the occasion of Chongyang New Year, ordering eighty meals for the elderly, requesting soft, low-fat food that also had to be delivered on time to the activity center. My father was as nervous as if he had encountered a great enemy. He had started stewing the soup since morning. Even A Loc chopping carrots was watched by him standing next to him to the point of psychological obsession. I am in charge of coordinating delivery, Tieu Man is in charge of packaging, and Tong Chi is in charge of labeling. Ta Nghien Thanh suddenly went on a business trip to discuss cooperation and called repeatedly to apologize. At four o'clock in the afternoon, Chu Chieu Da texted:

"I'm off today. Do you need my help?"

I looked at the kitchen full of lunch boxes flying back and forth and answered: Half an hour later he came. Change into your old coat, roll up your sleeves and go straight to the kitchen to help move boxes. My father looked at him, didn't chase him away, just threw him a pair of gloves:

"Don't spill the pot of soup. A pot is worth more money than you."

Chu Chieu Da nodded seriously:

“I understand.”

Tieu Man stood next to me and asked me in a low voice:

“Boss, who is that handsome guy?”

I haven't been able to answer yet. Tong Chi passed by the cashier counter:

“The landlady's future ex-husband.”

Tieu Man's eyes widened. I just want to pack Tong Chi into a lunch box and deliver it. Ten minutes before the delivery time, Chu Chieu Da's personal phone rang. I stood quite close, and on the screen appeared the name... Lam Tri Dao. In the kitchen, people passed by. The lid of the pot was steaming. This scene was too similar to countless moments in my previous life. As long as she calls, my life will automatically give way. Chu Chieu Da also saw what I saw. He didn't avoid it, nor did he immediately answer the phone. The phone rings until it stops automatically. Very soon, a message appeared:

"Chieu Da, me I've arrived in a new city, it's a bit unfamiliar. Can I talk to you a few words?"

Chu Chieu Da bowed his head to answer a message.

"I'm no longer suitable to be your emotional support. In the new city, there are colleagues, friends and even a psychological support line. Find people who will be with you for a long time. I wish you all the best."

He put his phone in his pocket and continued moving the rice box. I stood still, looking at his back. When he moved to the door, he turned around and asked:

“I'm okay.”

He thought for a moment and then seriously explained:

"Her matter is not something that needs to be handled, nor is it something that must be resolved by you."

I nodded: He said:

“Before, I always thought that if someone called, I would have to come. It's like if you don't go, you'll be in debt to them. But I'm not anyone's universal Band-Aid.”

“This is a good sentence, we should print it on the back of the police contact card with the people.”

He also laughed. That day, eighty meals for the elderly were delivered very smoothly. After eating, the girls at the activity center all praised the delicious soup and tender chicken, and also praised Chu Chieu Da for looking very bright. An old lady pulled my hand and asked:

“Girl, is this your boyfriend?”

Before I could deny it, Chu Chieu Da spoke up:

“I'm still chasing her.”

The old lady immediately laughed:

“Then please endure a little more hardship. Looking at it, I know this girl is very difficult to follow.”

I hugged the empty box, almost laughing out loud.