Chapter 13 — After the Cracks, I Become Myself

But it seemed like they were having a silent conversation. While setting up the exhibition. The curator asked her:

"Do you want to write a few lines about your inspiration to put next to it?"

On Nhuoc Van thought for a moment. Then write a sentence.

"There are broken pieces that don't need to be put back together like the original. They can completely become a new shape."

Opening day. There were many people coming. Designer. Reporter. Collector. Even young art-loving students also come. Wen Ruo Wan wore a simple linen shirt. Tie your hair neatly. It's a pair of Kintsugi earrings that she made herself. One side is intact. One side has a gold weld line. Someone curiously asked:

"Did you intentionally make these piercings asymmetrical?"

On Nhuoc Van smiled.

"It wasn't intentional."

"It was originally broken on one side."

"I just welded it back together."

During the opening ceremony. There was an exchange session with the winning authors. Wen Nhuoc Van stepped onto the stage. No manuscript in hand. She told about Loc Khe. Talk about clear mornings in a small town. Tell about Mr. Tham's kiln. Tell about the cinnamon flower tree in Mrs. Phuong's yard. Telling about the afternoons when Dau Bao chased butterflies. She did not mention Pho Hanh Chi. Also do not mention the past marriage. Everyone can feel it. Behind those peaceful days. It's a life full of turmoil. A truly great work. No need to tell the whole back story. Itself. Know how to speak up. After the sharing session. A middle-aged man walked over. Neat vest. Elegant temperament.

"Sorry for bothering you."

"My name is Phuong."

"Is the founder of Phuong Dat Cultural Company."

Wen Nhuoc Van knows that name. Phuong Dat is one of the leading artist management and art brokerage companies in the country. Has accompanied many famous young artists.

"Hello Mr. Phuong."

"Her work really moves me."

He gave her his business card.

"If you're interested."

"We can discuss the possibility of cooperation."

Wen Nhuoc Van received the business card.

"I will consider it."

"No rush."

Mr. Phuong smiled.

"A good artist."

"Always worth the wait."

After he left. Wen Nhuoc Van put the business card in his pocket. If it were you two years ago. Just such an invitation. It was enough to make her so happy that she couldn't sleep all night. But now. Inside, she was very calm. Opportunity comes. It's a good thing. She wouldn't settle for a business card. Which changes the rhythm of my life. Things to do. Still keep doing it. Third day of the touring exhibition. After finishing the shift at the exhibition area. Wen Nhuoc Van prepares to return to the hotel. Just walked out the door. She saw a person standing under the sycamore tree in front of the exhibition hall. It's Deputy Hanh Chi. He was wearing a dark gray jacket. In his hand he held a paper bag. Saw her coming out. He didn't come forward. Don't call her by name either. Just stood there quietly. On Nhuoc Van stood still for two seconds. Then proactively step forward.

"Are you coming to see the exhibition?"

Pho Hanh Chi nodded slightly.

"I came in the afternoon."

"Watched for almost two hours."

On Nhuoc Van was a bit surprised. The exhibition room is not large. Go all the way around. Half an hour is enough.

"What are you holding?"

Pho Hanh Chi lowered his head and looked at the bag in his hand.

"It's chestnut cake."

He smiled softly.

"I used to like this store the most."

"Above way here."

"I see they're still open."

Wen Nhuoc Van looked at the paper bag. Chestnut cake. It's exactly what she likes. The day before. Every time the two go on a date in Shanghai. Everyone will stop by to buy one. She reached out her hand to receive it. Two people stood under the canopy of a sycamore tree. The autumn wind blows. The leaves rustle. A moment later. Pho Hanh Chi spoke softly.

"My collection of works..."

"Kintsugi series..."

"I understand."

Wen Nhuoc Van did not ask. He understood something. Because she knows. I really understand. Those cracks. Those golden weld lines. Forms are born from fragments. You all understand. In those fragments. There was also his own silhouette.

"Hanh Chi."

On Nhuoc Van suddenly spoke.

"Divorce petition..."

"No need to send it by mail anymore."

Pho Hanh Chi paused.

"After I return to Loc Khe."

"I'll come once."

On Nhuoc Van looked straight at him.

"We will sign directly."

"Direct end."

"Definitely."

Pho Hanh Chi quietly looked at her for a long time. He nodded slightly. On Nhuoc Van did not say anything more. She carried a bag of chestnut cakes. Turn around and walk towards the hotel. Pho Hanh Chi still stood under the sycamore tree. Quietly looking at her back. Until it disappeared completely at the end of the street. Second stop of the touring exhibition. It's Hangzhou. Second time back to the old street. Wen Nhuoc Van's mood was completely different from before. She came here to compose. My heart is still filled with knots that have not been removed. And this time. To display my work. Let things sprout from suffering. Be seen by more people. The exhibition space in Hangzhou is much larger than that in Shanghai. Located in an art center by the lake. Opening day. The number of visitors is even larger than before. The design world in Hangzhou is very vibrant. Most of them are young faces. After the sharing session. A girl walked up to On Nhuoc Van. About twenty years old. Carry a drawing board on your back. Red eyes.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Just ask."

"How..."

The girl bit her lip lightly.

"...What to do when you're at rock bottom."

"Can you still be creative?"

Wen Nhuoc Van looked at her. Been many times. She was asked this question. The answers are all different. But today. Look at those red eyes. She only said one true sentence.

"I'm not creative."

The girl was stunned.

"When times are at their worst."