Chapter 7 — Boss Huo Waited For Me For Eight Years

“You… don't talk nonsense.”

“I asked you, do you like him?”

“That's my boss —”

“It won't be anymore.” Trieu Duy said every word, "From today onwards, that person is no longer your boss. So I ask again, do you like that person?"

The greasy smoke from the barbecue restaurant flew past, making Trieu Duy's face blurry. All around were the sounds of shouting and arguing, the sound of clinking glasses, and loud laughter and cursing. I sat on a plastic chair, clutching a beer bottle in my hand. My palms are full of sweat. Do you like it? I remember the feeling every morning when I walked into that office. Remembering how he sometimes smiled at me. I remember when I was on the plane on a business trip, he leaned his head against the window and fell asleep. I secretly increased the air conditioner temperature by 2 degrees. Remember that watch. Remember the birthday cake. Remembering the moment in the morning, his eyes turned red and he quickly turned away. My heart ached. Dull pain. It was like someone was holding a blunt knife sawing back and forth.

“I…”

“You say it.”

“I don't know.”

Trieu Duy took a deep breath.

“Okay, you don't know. Then I'll ask you another question.”

“What question?”

“That guy over there.”

“What?”

“When you're around him, do you feel your heart beat fast?”

I pondered. Are not.

“Can you not control yourself and keep wanting to look at him?”

No.

“Do you want to know what he does every day?”

No.

“What about Huo Huaijin?”

I did not answer. But I know the answer. For the past 8 years, my phone notification ringtones have been divided into levels. Hoac Hoai Can's message is a completely separate bell. Every time that sound rang out, I would open it immediately. No matter what you're doing. No matter what time it is. I always thought it was professional behavior. But now that I think about it —

“Blurred.” I slammed the beer bottle down on the table.

Trieu Duy saw the change on my face and slowly nodded.

“Enlightenment already?”

“Me.”

“Yes, keep cursing.”

“Am I… suffering from hydrocephalus?”

“Yes, the disease is very serious. I have been sick for 8 years.”

"So what should I do now? I've resigned! It's been signed! The wedding is next month!"

Trieu Duy sighed.

“That's why I told you that the woman who has been blind for 8 years is finally completely blind.”

“No, why didn't you tell me sooner! Why didn't you tell me sooner!”

“I told you!” Trieu Duy's volume increased by 3 tones, "3 years ago I told you that boss Hoac treated you abnormally! So what did you answer? You said 'Don't think nonsense, people just treat employees well'!"

“…”

That's exactly what I said.

"Five years ago at the year-end party, boss Hoac personally ladled soup for you, and you were the only one in the whole hall to enjoy that treat. When I told you, how did you reply? 'Maybe it's because the boss can't come'? Can't come?? He's eight feet tall and can't reach the pot of soup?"

“…”

"There's more! Last year on boss Huo's birthday, she gave him a fountain pen. He was as happy as he had found gold, and used it for a whole year. As a result, she told me, 'Maybe the boss is missing a pen'. Missing a pen? Huo Hoai Can? General Director of Huo Thi Group? And missing a 68 yuan pen???"

“Don't talk anymore…”

"That pen is still used by the boss to this day! I saw it with my own eyes! On the desk No matter how many pens you have, you only use that pen! Why do you think it is? Because the pen writes well? That pen's ink doesn't even come out evenly!"

I covered my face with both hands. Flowing from between my fingers, I don't know if it's sweat or something else. My mind is a mess. Regret. Concussion. And there was an overwhelming feeling rising from deep within my chest. It's too intense. So intense that I don't dare name it.

“Trieu Duy.”

“Um.”

“Am I the dumbest person in the world?”