Chapter 17 — After Rebirth, I Won't Marry You Anymore

Applause and laughter rang out together. When stepping off the stage, the hem of her dress was blown away by the wind. Chu Chieu Da stepped forward. The hand reached out in mid-air and then stopped:

“Do you need help?”

I looked at that hand. Remembering the backstage of the wedding ceremony in my previous life. At that time, he also extended his hand towards me. Then I let it go because of Lam Tri Dao's call. But this time... He's asking me. No default. Don't decide for me. I placed my hand in his palm: His hand gently closed. The grip is very strong. The crowd was still bustling. The pot of soup is still fragrant. The white skirt of her dress glided across the bricks on the square. I suddenly saw that this dress was beautifully edited. A little lighter. A little shorter. I no longer need anyone to walk behind me to adjust my skirt. Chu Chieu Da accompanied me back to the booth and said softly:

“You said it very well just now.”

I looked at him:

“Stewed beef is not tough.”

I laughed:

“Captain Chu, your aesthetic taste is truly very ordinary.”

He said:

“Because that sentence is the most similar to you.”

My heart trembled slightly. Those two words... Make me happier than the beautiful sentence. 19 Sunny days at the Civil Affairs Department When winter comes, Nam Phong restaurant opens a second food pick-up point. Located on the first floor of an office building. There is only a small window selling noodles, boxed lunches and hot drinks. Ta Nghien Thanh is in charge of preparing the first phase. Tong Chi designed a new sign. Tieu Man and A Loc took turns assisting. On the face of it, my father criticized the small counter as having no soul. Yet on the morning of the opening, he was the first to wake up and stew a large pot of soup. I'm so busy that I'm like a top being chased by life. But this time... I had fun running. Chu Chieu Da is still as busy as before. The difference is... He no longer keeps me guessing. His job still has unexpected tasks, he still works overtime, and there are still nights when he can't arrive on time. But he began to articulate uncertainties. If it can be done, it will be done. If you cannot do this, please notify us in advance. One day, he asked me to go see a movie. In the middle, he accepted the mission again. When he texted, I was checking the goods at the food pick-up point.

"I can't go tonight. I've already paid for the ticket. I'm not asking you to wait for me, but I want to tell you that I missed my appointment. When we're off, we'll reschedule. If you're angry, just be angry."

I looked at that message for a long time. Then suddenly burst into laughter. I replied, "Allow me to make you angry for ten minutes. As punishment, you have to buy popcorn next time." He answered very quickly: That night, I went to see that movie by myself. The movie is very normal. Popcorn is too sweet. But when I sat in the theater, I didn't feel sorry for myself. Also not disappointed. Because I know... He hasn't forgotten me. He just went to do what he had to do. And don't let me find an excuse for him missing an appointment. At the end of the year, Luc Tue Phuong went to the restaurant again. This time she did not bring the two girls along, nor did she bring bird's nests. Only brought a bag of dumplings that she personally wrapped. She sat next to the window, finished eating a bowl of noodles, then suddenly said to me:

"Truong Uong, before, you always said that policemen must be reasonable. Now that I think about it, these two words 'reasonable' are really hateful."

I didn't reply. Just scoop more soup for her. She bowed her head and smiled:

"When I was young, I didn't like people telling me I was reasonable. I didn't expect it When you're old, you'll use that same sentence to pressure me."

When leaving, she put down the bag of dumplings:

“Your parents should try it too. Don't be pressured, this is not a reconciliation gift, it's just dumplings."

I take it. There are relationships that don't need to become close immediately. Just gradually not being too sharp is enough. On the twenty-seventh day of the December month, Zhou Zhaoye asked me:

“Are you free after Tet?”

At that time I was comparing the books: He paused for a moment:

“Go to the Civil Affairs Department.”

The tip of the pen gently draws a short mark on the page. I raised my head to look at him. Chu Chieu Da stood in front of the counter. Very serious expression. In that seriousness, there was a bit of tension. That tension reminded me of the first time he confessed his love. That day he stood on the side of the road for half an hour. Finally, I choked out one sentence:

“Hua Trung Uong, I want to date you. It's not a reconciliation, it's an official request for permission."

At that time, I laughed so much that I squatted on the ground. And now... He looks like he's applying again. Put your whole heart before me.

“I'm not forcing you.” He immediately added. “If you don't want to go, we won't go. I just want to make it clear. I want to marry you, not because you have forgiven me for who I was before, nor because I once stood and waited one night. But because of the person I am now... want to live with the person you are now.”

I looked at him. Say nothing. He continued:

“You're still a police officer. Work will still be busy, and there may be times when you won't be able to live at the same pace as normal people. But I won't let you bear all the uncertainties alone anymore. I will warn you, I will keep boundaries, I will put you in my life, not just put you on my lips.”

There is wind outside the door. The wind chimes jingled softly. I bowed my head and looked at the notebook. The ink mark just now is very clearly askew. Like a corner of my heart... Gradually softening.

“Chu Chieu Da.” I said. “I won't marry a policeman anymore.”

His face immediately turned white. I looked at him and slowly finished the sentence:

“If I marry... I will only marry Chu Chieu Da.”

He was stunned. At that moment, the light in his eyes was like a lamp suddenly shining in the middle of the snow. So bright that it looks a bit stupid. I couldn't help but laugh:

“Don't celebrate too early. I haven't said the date yet.”