Chapter 4 — Boss Huo Waited For Me For Eight Years

The other party was very satisfied with Hoac Thi's plan. Basically, all that remained was to continue the process. The problem happened again at the banquet table. Miss Stephen always talks a lot when she drinks alcohol. She held a glass of red wine and looked at me, then looked at Hoac Hoai Can, and burst out laughing.

“Miss Tham and boss Hoac work really well together, they look like a couple.”

Hoa Hoai Can's hand holding the glass of wine paused slightly. I hastily explained: "Miss Stephen was joking, I am boss Hoac's assistant."

‘’Oh ? Just an assistant?”

Her tone clearly conveyed the meaning "I don't believe it".

"Boss Hoac is such a handsome gentleman, but he has a young and beautiful female assistant next to him for 8 years, are you sure?"

I was about to speak when Hoac Hoai Can spoke first.

“She quit her job next month.”

His voice was very calm. Ms. Stephen raised her eyebrows: “Quit work? Why?"

“She's getting married.”

“Marriage? With boss Hoac?”

“No.” Huo Huaijin put down the wine glass, "With someone else."

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole room was quiet for a moment. Ms. Stephen realized that the atmosphere was not right and quickly changed the subject. And I sat next to it, feeling like I was sitting on a fire. I can't describe why either. It's obviously true. I'm literally about to get married to someone else. What he said was not wrong. But the three words — “with someone else” — that came out of his mouth made my chest tighten. It's like someone tapping your ribs with their knuckles. Not strong. But it's very tight in the chest. The party ended, on the car ride back, he leaned back in the back seat and closed his eyes. I thought you were asleep. When the car arrived at the company lobby, I whispered: "Boss Hoac, we're here." He opened his eyes.

“Tham Khe.”

“Yes?”

“Your handover list..., how many items are left unfinished?”

“There are 6 items left.”

“Finish it soon.”

“Yes.”

He pushed the car door open and got out. Walked a few steps, stopped again. Turn your back to me.

“I wish you happiness.”

After speaking, he went straight into the lobby. Don't turn back. I sat in the car, not moving for half a day. Driver Mr. Phung looked at me through the rearview mirror.

“Miss Tham.”

“Yes?”

“I've been driving for 12 years.”

“Yes.”

“Previously, boss Hoac never let any woman get in his car.”

“…”

“You are the only one.”

I said nothing. Old Phung was also silent. That night when I got home, I lay in bed and couldn't sleep. Uncle Ly's words. Mr. Trinh's words. Trieu Duy's words. And every morning the cup of coffee appears on the desk on time. Valentine's Day watch. When traveling on business, only book 1 Presidential room. Never let another woman get in the car. When he uttered the four words "wishing you happiness", his back stiffened. These fragments turned over and over in my head, like a puzzle that had been disassembled, now slowly, piece by piece, being reassembled into its original form. I suddenly felt confused. * Chapter 5 The fourth week is also the last week before I quit my job. On Monday, I went to the company as usual. There is no coffee on the table. There is also no Tuesday. Neither did Wednesday. I found myself unconsciously looking at the table top. After looking at it, I realized I was mentally ill. It has nothing to do with you, it's normal that people don't give it anymore. You're about to leave. On Thursday afternoon, I went to find Hoac Hoai Can to ask for letters Sign the final handover documents. Knocked on the door and walked in. He was on the phone. Seeing me come in, he said to the other end of the line, "Wait a minute", then looked up at me.

“Final version?”

“Yes.”

I passed the documents over. He took the pen and signed, moving very quickly. After signing, give it back to me. When I took it, my fingertips grazed his hand. Chill. His hands are always cold. It's been 8 years, I know it well.