Chapter 15 — After You Locked Me In The Villa, I Left You Empty

Returning to the company, everything still operates as usual. WAN's fall-winter collection has begun to appear. The exclusive supply contract with Tran Thi operates very stably. The plan to merge new brands is also proceeding smoothly. This world... Doesn't change even a little bit because of Tham Diec Chu's disappearance. Only my world… Is different. Cleaner. Just like when I was twenty... When I stood in the drawing room of the design academy, holding my first pen in my hand— Full of possibilities. One month later, the cover of the magazine 《Phong Thuong》 was officially completed. The title has only two words: The photo was taken in my studio. I wore the first design of the 《Pha Ken》 collection, standing in the middle of the row of mannequins. Don't laugh. But editor Truong said:

“In the photo, she is more beautiful than any of the smiling cover characters.”

“Because there is something in your eyes.”

The day the magazine was released, I received countless messages. Greetings from colleagues. Congratulatory message from customer. Invitation from industry media. But the first message I opened... It was from Hoac Canh Diem. There is only one photo. He placed the magazine on the desk, next to a cup of coffee.

“Every day when I go to work, the first thing I do is look at my future boss.”

I answered with exactly one word: Then, blushing, I turned my phone face down on the table. Three months later. The WAV awards ceremony was held in Shanghai. I wore a long dark blue dress designed by myself and walked up to the stage to receive the award. Below were more than three hundred people filling the hall. The president of the jury — Professor Bernard of the Milan Fashion Academy — personally presented the trophy to me.

“Miss Jiang, your work is a masterpiece. Congratulations.”

I received the trophy and said a few thoughts when receiving the award. No mention of Tham Diec Chu. No mention of the past three years. Don't say any touching words either. I'm just saying one thing.

“Ten years ago, I designed my first piece at a college graduation exhibition.”

“At that time, there was only one person standing in front of that work for twenty minutes.”

“Today, this trophy…”

“I want to share with that person.”

In the third row of seats below the stage, Hoac Canh Diem's eyes turned red for a moment. But very quickly, he smiled again. Applause echoed throughout the auditorium. But I only heard your part. At the dinner party after the awards ceremony, someone came to greet me. Tran Bach Thanh. He is currently WAN's exclusive fabric supplier. Business is twice as good as before.

“Mr. Giang, congratulations.”

“The matter of fabric is hard for you.”

“Not difficult.”

“Working with you... is very reassuring.”

He hesitated a moment then continued:

“What happened before…”

“I didn't do it right.”

He nodded, then left. When the party was almost over, Tieu Ninh rushed over.

“General Giang!”

“There's news!”

"The verdict on the remaining cases of Tham Diec Chu has been announced today."

“Crime of infringing on trade secrets: three years.”

“Crime of rape: two years.”

“Crime of financial embezzlement: two years.”

“Plus the one year and six months of the double marriage…”

“Multiple charges accumulated, totaling seven years and six months.”

My hand holding the glass of champagne is still very steady.

“I know.”

“After paying all the fines and collecting taxes, the Lam family's factory declared bankruptcy.”

“Lam Mien Mien is currently working as a residential design assistant a small fashion company.”

“Monthly salary 8,000 yuan.”

“It doesn't concern me anymore.”

Tieu Ninh left. Hoac Canh Diem walked over from the side, holding two glasses of champagne in her hands.

“I've had three drinks already.”

“Then this glass is considered drinking water.”

I took it, gently clinking my glass with him.

“Canh Diem.”

“Seven and a half years.”

“What seven and a half years?”

“Since the day you stood in front of my graduation work for the first time…”

“For now.”

“It's been seven and a half years.”

“I don't count.”

“You liar.”

"Alright."

“Seven and a half years plus three days.”

“Are you still counting all day?”

“If I have three days left over, I will pursue you.”

“It's obvious you're after me.”

“Then you must have remembered wrongly.”

That night was very beautiful. Shanghai's autumn is not cold. The wind blew carrying the faint scent of cinnamon flowers. I stood on the hotel balcony, holding the trophy. Next to me is the person who waited for me for seven and a half years plus three days. At that moment, I suddenly remembered the night I sat in the dark in that villa, quietly waiting for dawn. What was I thinking then? I remember. I thought:

“After dawn…”

“Everything will be different.”

And it's really different.