Chapter 11 — After the Cracks, I Become Myself

The interview is scheduled two days before the residency program ends. That afternoon. Chu Nhien brought a photographer to the workshop. She is very young. But every question is very sharp. After taking some working photos. The official interview begins. When talking about creative inspiration. Chu Nhien asked:

"Her 'Return' and this new series have very different styles."

"'Return' has a gentle, enveloping feeling."

"And the new set."

"Full of cracks again, very straightforward and naked."

"What happened between those two periods?"

On Nhuoc Van thought for a moment. Then smile.

"I've been through..."

"Once Kintsugi."

Chu Nhien was a bit stunned.

"Can you explain more clearly?"

"In life."

"Some things will break."

"You can choose to throw it away."

"To start over again."

"Maybe..."

"Pick up every broken piece."

"Use gold to mend it."

"After being welded."

"It won't be what it was before."

"Cracks."

"Will become veins."

"Become a whole new part of it."

Chu Nhien looked at the collection of works on the table.

"Series this time."

"Is that the crack?"

Wen Nhuoc Van looked at the cup that had been completely soldered with gold. Gently shook his head.

"This is..."

"The process of repairing a crack."

"But not the results."

After the interview ends. Before leaving. Chu Nhien turned his head to look at her one more time.

"There is one sentence."

"I don't know whether to say it or not."

"Just say it."

"This set of works..."

"It's going to shake a lot of people."

"It's not because of the technique."

"Because it's real."

On Nhuoc Van smiled slightly.

"Thank you."

Last day of the residency program. Wen Nhuoc Van is in the workshop completing the final stages. All works have been completed. Arranged neatly on display shelves. Afternoon. Ms. Lam came for acceptance. She walked around the Kintsugi collection three times in a row.

"Nhuoc Van."

First time. She called her directly by name. No longer called "Miss On".

"This set of works..."

"I want to buy."

"Not the buying company."

"But it's me personally."

On Nhuoc Van was a bit surprised.

"What do you want to buy?"

On Nhuoc Van gently shook his head.

"This set is not for sale."

"At least..."

"Not yet."

Ms. Lam did not ask further. Working as an art broker for so many years. You understand very well. When to move on. And when to stop.

"What about after the exhibition?"

"After the exhibition..."

"Don't count."

Ms. Lam nodded. Look at the Kintsugi cup one more time. The crack on the body of the cup has been covered with a layer of dark gold. Under the lights. It was like a slender bolt of lightning.

"Then you will be famous."

Ms. Lam spoke very calmly. As if telling a predetermined truth. On Nhuoc Van did not answer. Just bend down. Continue packing the work. Arrived late afternoon. She transferred the last box to the brand's transport vehicle. On Nhuoc Van stood outside the door. Turn your head and look back. Huge space. The bamboo bushes in the middle of the yard swayed slightly in the afternoon light. Like... Seeing her off. Step out of the alley. The phone suddenly vibrated. It's a message from Pho Hanh Chi.

"Is the exhibition going well?"

Wen Nhuoc Van stood under the streetlight. Think for a moment. Then answer.

"Favorable."

It was the first time in two years. She officially replied to his message. The other side. Haven't texted anything for a long time. He's afraid Talking too much will make her uncomfortable. On Nhuoc Van put away his phone. Quietly walked towards the high-speed train station. She will return to Loc Khe. Return to your small house. Return to the cinnamon tree. Return to Dau Bao. Return to the furnace. Feeling this time. It's completely different. She left to run away. And this time. She simply returned. Those two words. It took her two full years to understand the difference. First thing after returning to Loc Khe. I went to Mrs. Phuong's house to pick up Dau Bao. Gained weight all around. Apparently, Mrs. Phuong secretly fed him a lot of extra food.

"It's been very well taken care of."

Mrs. Phuong hugged Dau Bao and gave it to her.

"Just picky eating."

"She won't touch the fish she cooks."

"Definitely only eat seeds."

"What a city cat."

"Difficult to please."

Wen Nhuoc Van hugged the heavy cat and returned home. Cinnamon tree in the yard. New shoots have sprouted. She put her luggage away. Make yourself a cup of tea. Sit down on a chair in the yard. It's really quiet. Half a month in Hangzhou. Like a dense dream. Conversation in the noodle shop. Meeting with Tong Thanh Nghi. Creative days at the workshop. Interview. All crammed into those fifteen short days. She has returned. The air became lighter again. Time is also slower. In her heart. Something has changed. That knot. Really removed. It's not because Pho Hanh Chi said anything right. She finally dared to face it. Face him. Face the past. Facing the very things I've been trying to avoid for two years. Then she realized. Still not falling down. She is not so soft-hearted that she loses herself. She listened to all the explanations. Accept the truth. You can still calmly turn around and leave. Just that alone. Already the answer. She no longer needs Pho Hanh Chi anymore. I don't hate him anymore. The gap lies between those two things. It is serenity. Three days after returning. Wen Nhuoc Van went to Mr. Tham's workshop as usual. Mr. Tham is glazing a batch of tea cups. Saw her walk in. He just slightly raised his chin.