Chapter 16 — After the Marriage Aborted, I Became Something You Couldn't Reach

Her voice dropped very low. So low that it almost carries the meaning of begging.

“I want to ask you…”

“Can you… help the Phuong family?”

“It's not about helping for free.”

“It can be calculated in a cooperative manner.”

"My family's restaurant brand needs to re-image. If you agree to accept, the price is easy to negotiate."

I looked at her. This woman... Half a year ago, she called me to pay the hospital bill in a matter-of-fact tone. Half a year later, he sat in front of me, using the word "cooperation" to wrap up his request for help. She thought I didn't understand what she really wanted to say. What she really wanted to say was:

“Nhuoc Van, now you have money.”

“The Phuong family needs money.”

"Can you respect your old love and give me a hand?"

“The Phuong family's business is not within the scope of my cooperation.”

Her face changed.

“Nhuoc Van, I honestly…”

“I know you really mean it.”

I kept my voice very calm.

“But the matter of the Phuong family…”

“It has nothing to do with you anymore.”

“Auntie said something half a year ago.”

“Women feel secure when they have something that belongs to them in their hands.”

“I remember very clearly.”

I stood up.

“The things in your hand…”

“It was because I earned it myself.”

“Not taken from anyone's house.”

"I won't give it to anyone's house either."

Phuong's mother's lips trembled.

“Tham Nhuoc Van…”

“Do you really want to be so unfaithful?”

I looked at her.

“Definitely not you.”

“But that moment half a year ago…”

“When I was still your future daughter-in-law…”

“Auntie married another woman for my son.”

I picked up my bag.

“Wishing the Phuong family all the best.”

“I go first.”

I turned around and left. Don't turn back. As soon as he left the hotel, Lam Tri Du rushed out from the coffee shop next door.

“What did she say?”

“Want me to help the Phuong family rebuild their brand.”

“Her face is really thick, isn't it?”

“I refused.”

“Very good refusal!”

Lam Tri Du put his arm around my shoulder.

“Tham Nhuoc Van, do you know how cool you look today?”

I laughed.

“I invite you to dinner.”

“Eat whatever is expensive.”

After that meeting... Phuong's family was completely silent. No phone. No messages. No more performances on the circle of friends. Quiet as if they never knew me. But I know… This kind of silence won't last forever. The Phuong family has never really known how to give up. They are just waiting for the next opportunity. Two months later. Next spring, Te Tri's second major project was completed. A boutique resort hotel. On the opening day, Trieu Khoi Van personally attended. There are many more in the industry, including several design magazines. After the ceremony there was a small wine party. I was talking to the marketing director of a hotel group when Tran Viet leaned closer.

“Nhuoc Van.”

“Someone is looking for you outside the door.”

“Call yourself…”

“Phuong Minh Vien.”

My hand stopped a bit.

“How did he know I was here?”

"Don't know."

“Do I need to call security to block it?”

I thought for a few seconds.

"No need."

“Let him in.”

Tran Viet was stunned:

“Are you sure?”

Phuong Minh Vien came alone. Wear a dark blue jacket. Skinnier than when we met at the year-end party half a year ago. The chin line is more pointed. The eye sockets are also a bit deeper. He stood at the entrance to the banquet hall, looking extremely lost. All around are people dressed neatly, talking about projects and collaborating. And he stood there... Like someone who mistakenly walked into someone else's stage. When he saw me coming, his expression tensed up.

“Nhuoc Van.”

“Phuong Minh Vien.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I heard you have activities today.”

“Want to come see.”

“See what?”

He was silent for a few seconds.

“Nhuoc Van.”

“I know you hate me.”

“I have reason to hate.”

“But I want you to know…”

“For half a year now, I've been looking back at myself.”

“My mother's story.”

“Chu Vy Vy's story.”

“It's all your fault.”

“You are too cowardly.”

“Listen to everything, Mom.”

I looked at him. He continued:

"You and Chu Vy Vy are divorced."

“My company is also handling the matter.”

“Now I'm alone.”

“Nothing more.”

“But I thought of something.”

He raised his head to look at me.

“The person I lost…”

“The best person I've ever met in my entire life.”

In the hall, people passed by. Someone laughed. Someone raised their glass and clinked glasses. I stood in front of Phuong Minh Vien and heard him say those words. If it was half a year ago. If it was a year ago.