Chapter 21 — After the Cracks, I Become Myself

Oven opening day. It's a beautiful sunny day. When the kiln door is opened. A stream of hot air immediately rushed out. Wen Nhuoc Van carefully took out each work. Place neatly in the yard. Sunlight shines down on the ceramic glaze. Kintsugi lines shined with a gentle light like jade. Mr. Tham walked forward with his cane. Quietly look at each dish. He watched for a long time. Stop in front of the main flower vase of the entire exhibition. Three cracks. A line covered in gold. A line paved with silver. One way... He raised his hand. Gently touch the open crack. The tip of the finger penetrates the gap. The inside of the vase can be seen.

"This crack..."

"I intentionally didn't solder."

He only said one word. Then gently patted her shoulder. Mr. Tham rarely compliments others. One word "Good." From his mouth. Heavier than any lengthy compliment. The bridge of On Nhuoc Van's nose suddenly widened.

"Mr. Tham."

"March."

"Would you like to come to Shanghai to see the exhibition?"

"This old body."

"What are you doing going to Shanghai?"

He waved his hand.

"I'll book a ticket."

"I'll take care of everything when I go home."

"You just need to come see it for one day."

Mr. Tham looked at her. No nod. Don't even shake your head.

"We'll figure it out later."

On Nhuoc Van smiled. He will definitely come. The outside of the mouth is still hard. Late February. Wen Nhuoc Van packaged the entire work. The day the delivery vehicle arrives to pick up the goods. She stood in front of the factory door for a long time. Twenty works. Containing everything she had been through in two and a half years. And let go. They're all in those wooden crates. They will go to a larger place. Be seen by more people. Also ready. Not because others can see it. Because she was prepared. So I allowed myself to step into the light. Very important. Early March. Wen Ruowan arrived in Shanghai. Exhibition location. It's an entire floor of an old villa located near Nanjing West Road. Independent art space. Renovated by Phuong Dat. Area three hundred square meters. Just for her alone. First time entering there. On Nhuoc Van was stunned. Tong Thanh Nghi arrived early. Directing staff to set up the exhibition.

"Nhuoc Van!"

"Quickly come and see!"

Right in the middle of the exhibition floor. Tong Thanh Nghi had someone create a real crack. Made from cement. And gold powder. That crack. Start from the entrance. Extending to the deepest point of the exhibition. When guests enter. The first thing they had to do. Is to bow your head. Because right under your feet. It's a yellow crack. They will follow that crevice. To go through the entire exhibition. Each work in turn. From intact. To the point of cracking. Come heal. And finally. It's a wall named...

"The Void."

Tong Thanh Nghi looked at her. On Nhuoc Van stood at the door. Quietly look at that yellow crack. Light poured down from the skylight. Sparkling golden powder particles. Like countless small stars on the ground. She walked in. Follow that crack. The works seem to be talking to her. All created by her own hands. Every crack. All left by her own hands. Go to the end point. It's the central flower vase. Placed on a low pedestal. Around. There isn't anything else. Three cracks. Quietly present. Golden road. There's still that space. Let the light through again. Wen Nhuoc Van stood in front of it for a long time. Just turned his head to look at Tong Thanh Nghi. Tong Thanh Nghi smiled laugh.

"So it's decided."

"Day after tomorrow."

"Opening."

One day before the exhibition. Wen Nhuoc Van received many messages.

"Tomorrow I fly from Beijing! Remember to keep the best spot for me!"

Thanks to Tieu Mien for sending it.

"Tieu On, please ask Tieu Mien to open a livestream of the exhibition for you to see. Remember to stream it live."

Message from Mr. Tham. There are only two words. On Nhuoc Van burst out laughing. She knew immediately. He will definitely come. Last message. Coming from Pho Hanh Chi.

"Nhuoc Van. Wishing tomorrow's exhibition success. I won't come to bother you."

On Nhuoc Van looked at that line. I won't come. In her heart. There is no feeling of disappointment. Not feeling relieved either. Just simply think. She replied. Just one word. Opening day. Wen Nhuoc Van wore a long purple-blue linen dress. It's a pair of Kintsugi earrings. Hair is tied in a bun. Revealing a slender neck. She stood in front of the exhibition door. Quietly looking at each guest. Slowly step in. Mr. Phuong also came. Accompanying him were several important collectors and many media reporters. The first person to rush forward and hug On Nhuoc Van was Trinh Man.

"On Nhuoc Van! You're so good!"

"This exhibition is unbelievably beautiful!"

"Keep your voice down."

On Nhuoc Van laughed and patted her friend's back.

"I have to say it out loud!"

"My best friend opened a personal exhibition!"

On Nhuoc Van could only smile helplessly. Mr. Tham also came. He wore a Zhongshan-style outfit that he normally never wore. After entering the exhibition. He did not immediately look for Wen Nhuoc Van. Just quietly go step by step. See each work. From the entrance. Go all the way to the end of the exhibition space. Then stop in front of the main flower vase. He stood there. Almost ten minutes. On Nhuoc Van stood from afar looking at his back. His back was slightly bent. But the spine is still straight. A moment later. Mr. Tham just walked in front of her. Don't say a word. Just pat her firmly on the shoulder. Then turned around to drink tea. The bridge of Wen Nhuoc Van's nose suddenly stung. Go to the opening sharing session. Wen Nhuoc Van stood in front of the crowd. Visitors were much more numerous than previous touring exhibitions. She did not bring the manuscript with her.

"This exhibition."

"The name is Duong Khau."

Her voice was calm.

"A lot of people think."

"Today I will talk about Kintsugi."

"Talk about how to mend broken things."

"But actually."

"What I want to say."

"It's not a fix."