Chapter 18 — After Seeing Through It, I No Longer Love You

Just like life... after a break. It's still possible... to start again. I know very well, this house is not simply a place to live. But also the starting point… where I picked myself up again. As for Tu Ngang. Later, I occasionally heard some news about him from mutual friends. I heard that you changed jobs and went to another company to do sales. It was said that he seemed to be walking quite close to a major female customer. I heard that in his circle of friends, he posted a few photos of him going to see houses... it still looks like he's still not over it. Every time someone cautiously mentions it, I just smile slightly.

“Wish him well.”

I really don't want to go into any more details. Not because I no longer care. But I understand, there are stories... once ended, they should not be turned back. It's about respect for the past. It's also respect for yourself in the present. Time just goes by. Life gradually stabilizes amid the chaos and trivialities. Regarding work, after the annulment, I took a short break. When I came back, I felt like I had become a different person. No longer spending all my time and energy on emotions, but starting to seriously plan my career path. I proactively take on more difficult projects, participate in training, and improve my expertise. The nights of overtime... are no longer for the sake of a "future home". It's because of me. For the life I want. Because of who I want to be. The living room at Tien Duong Cong Quan is constantly lit. Sometimes it's me and Han Tinh each holding a laptop, everyone doing their own work. Sometimes a few friends get together, cook a few dishes, eat and chat. Talk about work, talk about life, talk about the future.

“Are you still planning to get married?” One night, a bit drunk, Han Tinh suddenly asked.

Outside the window, rain fell. On the table, several empty wine bottles were lying around. I thought a bit.

“Maybe… still will.”

“What maybe?” Han Tinh laughed, "I thought you were scared by the Tu Ngang incident and planned to be single for the rest of your life."

“I'm scared.” I admitted, "But I'm even more afraid... because I'm afraid, I lock myself into a mold. I still want one day, to meet someone... not because I have a house and money but want to calculate, nor because I'm better than him that makes me feel inferior. Simply treat me as a normal person."

“So first of all, you have to learn to consider yourself a normal person.” Han Tinh said, "Don't always think you owe anyone, and don't always try to please others."

“I'm studying.” I raised my glass, lightly clinking hers, "For that, have a drink."

The two of them tilted their heads and drank. The wine is a bit spicy. Burning in the throat... but warming in the heart. At the end of that year, a major project of the company was successfully implemented. I, as one of the key members... was transferred to the newly established business department. The person in charge of the department is Co Phan. A neat, sharp woman, a few years older than me, her eyes are always calm, and her work is organized. It is said that Co Phan's family background is very good, he has his own company, and there is no shortage of money and influence. But she herself is not arrogant at all, and even works harder than many ordinary employees. At the first meeting, Co Phan flipped through the project documents and looked up at everyone.

“I don't like entanglements.” She said frankly, "Work decisively, fight for what needs to be fought, fight for what should be Let go then let go. This time, what we want is not only the project's revenue... but also the right to speak up in the future."

Right to speak up. Those three words... hit me straight in the heart. I suddenly understood why, when Co Phan walked into the meeting room that day... his aura was so steady. Not because of the family behind. It's because of... what she was able to get out on her own. The project is not favorable at all. Customers constantly change their requirements, and internally there are many mixed opinions. There was a time when we changed the plan all night. By two o'clock in the morning, everyone was tired and frustrated. Some people complain, what is the point of doing that, the reward is not much. Co Phan looked at his watch and stood up.

“Stop here today.” She closed her laptop, "Everyone go back to sleep, come back tomorrow at nine, clear your mind and continue talking."

Someone was about to say more, but she interrupted.

“Don't force yourself to be exhausted just because you look like you're trying hard.” She said, “We don't do it for others to see, but for ourselves. Don't forget, salary and bonuses are only one part... experience and ability are the rest.”

At that moment, I suddenly wanted to ask her a question. After going through such a breakdown... Can people really get stronger? Or just... learn to stand up straight, even though there are still wounds in your heart.

"Have you ever... in love, decidedly chosen for yourself like that?"

After that, I gradually heard some stories about Co Phan from my colleagues. It is said that a while ago she had just annulled her marriage, and the other side was also making a fuss about the house and dowry. It's just that Co Phan is not like me before, letting others lead me. On the contrary, she gradually collected evidence, eventually bringing both the person and the other person's affairs before the law.

“I heard that the dowry her father gave her was also 500,000 yuan.” Someone in the tea room sighed, "As a result, she went straight to buying a school district house, and even paid in one lump sum."

“Oh, isn't that like you?” Han Tinh laughed and teased me.

“They are much better than me.” I laughed, "I only know how to cry, but others know how to fight back."

“Now you are no longer the type to just cry.” Han Tinh gently pushed my shoulder, "You see, now that I'm telling that story, your face isn't even red."

I paused a bit. The old me... just hearing the words "dowry" and "house" makes my whole body tense, my heart feels like it's being squeezed, and has gradually become a part of a distant memory. Now, when I listen to similar stories again, I still have some echoes in my heart... but I will no longer be pulled straight into the abyss like before. The wound is still there. It's just scabbed over. No more bleeding.