Chapter 3 — Before Closing Time, I Changed Grooms

Outside the door, Bui Tu Xuyen finally finished picking up the beads. Nguyen Tinh Hoa walked in holding the box, the tip of her nose was red.

“Kien Vi, I will sew it together very quickly.”

“No need.”

I turned on my phone and canceled the marriage registration. Hearing the notification tone, Bui Tu Xuyen reached out to grab my phone. I took half a step back.

“What are you doing?”

“Cancel the appointment with me.”

“I'm here.”

“The counter called three times. You're not present.”

He looked towards the counter.

"Get the number again. If you don't make it today, it will come next Monday."

Next time. Those two words, he said so familiarly. I gave him the prepared velvet box. Inside is the proposal ring he gave me last year. Invoice and warranty card are intact.

“There will be no next time.”

Nguyen Tinh Hoa quickly interjected:

"Kien Vi, don't get angry because of a bracelet. It's my fault, can't I just leave?"

“You don't need to go.”

I pointed at Bui Tu Xuyen.

“I give you my position.”

Her face was pale. Bui Tu Xuyen closed the ring box and lowered his voice:

“Tang Kien Vi, don't cause trouble here.”

"I'm settling my marriage, it's not called rioting."

“Seven years of love, what do you mean when you say you quit?”

"The first time, I took her to the hospital. The second time, I helped her find her cat. The third time, I stood under her company building until midnight. The fourth time, I fixed her plumbing. The fifth time, I took her to have her stomach cleaned. The sixth time, I slept in her living room. The seventh time, I came to look at a wound one centimeter long."

I looked at the beads in her hand.

“The eighth time, I chose a broken string.”

The whole hall was silent. Tears fell from Nguyen Tinh Hoa's eyes.

“I remember everything… Turns out I always hated you.”

“Not enough to hate.”

I looked at Bui Tu Xuyen.

“He made eight choices. Today I also want to make one choice.”

Bui Tu Xuyen tightened the ring box.

“What is the ninth time?”

The glass door was pushed open by someone outside. To Ky Bach stood in front of the door. The back of his white shirt was soaked with a small amount of sweat, and he clutched his ID card in his hand. Seeing me, the first thing he did was confirm the time.

“Can I still get the number?”

“Hurry.”

He walked in front of me and placed his identification card in my palm.

"Duong Kien Vi, I'll ask again. Are you sure?"

“Sure.”

“Are you sure you want to register your marriage today, not use me to annoy someone?”

“I don't have that kind of free time.”

“Have you thought through the consequences yet?”

"I've known you for ten years. As for today, I've thought carefully."

His breath stopped. Then, he extended his hand towards me.

“Let's go.”

4

The receptionist receives two identification cards and prints out the last serial number before stopping giving out numbers. Next to it there is an automatic photography room. We sat next to each other, the machine started counting down. To Ky Bach's tie was askew, and my hair was also messy. There were still people waiting behind us. After taking the photo, we immediately took the photo and walked out. Three generic photos slid out of the slot. We took the photo and went to the counter. Bui Tu Xuyen stood in front of the check-in window.

“To Ky Bach, are you crazy?”

To Ky Bach pulled me aside, blocking my face, but didn't lay a hand on him.

“Get out of the way.”

“She came here today to marry me.”

“She canceled.”

“We are together seven years, what are you?”

“The next person in line.”

The employee couldn't help but coughed softly. I also almost burst out laughing. This person ran until his tie was completely askew but his mouth was still so steady. Bui Tu Xuyen turned to me.

“Kien Vi, getting married is not a joke. Now if you follow me home, I'll pretend like nothing happened today."

“I do.”

“Do you understand him?”

“At least he knows what time the registration counter closes.”

To Ky Bach added in a low voice:

“Also know that in the hall there is an automatic photography room. I asked on the way here.”

Bui Tu Xuyen's expression stiffened. Our previous photos are no longer available. Three new photos are in my hands. Bui Tu Xuyen didn't know about that. Even today, how many photos did he need to bring, he asked me three times. The receptionist checked our documents.

“Are both sides willing?”

“Voluntary.”

To Ky Bach looked at me and answered again:

“Voluntary.”

Before the minute hand touches the hour, the staff receives all the documents. The back door was closed by the security guard. The lobby was much quieter, with only the sound of the printer rustling. Bui Tu Xuyen's phone rang. It was my mother calling. He clicked to listen. Before I could open my mouth, my mother asked:

“Are you done registering yet? The in-laws are waiting for you two to come home for dinner."

He looked at me signing my name.

“Auntie, something happened.”

I held out my hand.

“Give it to me.”

I don't let go.

“Kien Vi, tell your aunt yourself. Do you really want to spend your whole life being angry with me?”

I turned on the speaker directly.

“Mom, Bui Tu Xuyen and I have annulled our marriage.”

The other end was silent for two seconds.

“Are you willing?”

“Yes.”

“A safe person with a clear mind?”

“All awake.”

“Okay. Are all the things packed?"

Bui Tu Xuyen was stunned. My mother knew the deadline I set. Last night, I also confirmed with her: if you still fail the eighth time, I will move out on the same day, and will not accept anyone's advice to reconcile. She only asked one question:

“Are you sure you have enough money and documents?”

She's always like that. Heartbreaking words cannot be said, but first make sure documents and money are kept carefully.

“I've had enough.”

“Then come back for dinner.”

To Ky Bach stood next to him and spoke:

“Auntie, I'm coming too, is it convenient?”

“Who are you?”

“My new son-in-law.”

The other end was silent for a moment.

“Bring two bottles of wine. Don't buy expensive, you won't be able to tell the difference."

The employee behind the counter bowed his head, his shoulders shaking slightly. A few minutes later, the steel seal was hammered down. Two red certificate rolls were pushed in front of us. To Ky Bach was in no hurry to take it. He asked me first:

"There's still time to regret it now."

I put one in my pocket.

“It's late, Mr. To.”

“That's good.”

He picked up the remaining book, and finally the corner of his lips couldn't help but curl up.

“I've been waiting for this day for ten years.”