Chapter 2 — Conflicting Fate

4

The sound of furniture hitting the wall was heard on the other side. After that, everything fell into silence again. I just woke up and realized what I had just done. Panic stepped back, widening the distance between us.

"I'm sleepy, I'll sleep first..."

After speaking, I rolled to the side, leaving some space for Tham Vong Tan. The gloomy atmosphere disappeared in the blink of an eye. He stared at the still warm blanket, not knowing what he was thinking. The room fell silent, only the sound of rain falling outside the window. I closed my eyes, my heart beating wildly. Suddenly, the first time I met Tham Vong Tan appeared in my mind. At that time, I was still busy pursuing Giang Chi Hoai. At Giang University's art performance, I went on stage to dance a classical song. Tham Vong Tan was pulled over by Giang Chi Hoai. Sit in the front row. Those eyes, from beginning to end, never stopped on me for even a second. An extremely cold person. Later, I followed Giang Chi Hoai and met him a few times, but I could count the number of conversations I had with one hand. Completely unexpected, one day we would lie in the same bed. I sighed softly.

“Can't sleep?”

His voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I opened my eyes. He sat sideways, under the dim nightlight, his facial features became even colder. Just like the first time I met him. I tightened the blanket and asked in a low voice:

“Mr. Shen, why did you choose me?”

“Why can't I choose you?”

He lowered his eyes, his pale pupils staring at me:

“To me, everyone is the same. The more people you know, the better.”

“Oh…”

I scratched my head and muttered:

“It feels... human life is so unpredictable.”

He slightly curled his lips:

“Can't predict that you'll marry me?”

“Um.”

He looked at me for a long moment, then calmly said:

“Hua Thuc Chu, I never do unexpected things.”

I was stunned, before I could react, his phone suddenly rang. It's the secretary calling.

"General Director Tham, General Director Dau is going abroad tomorrow, can we postpone the online meeting to now?"

He glanced at the clock, it was exactly one o'clock in the morning.

"Okay, come pick me up. By the way..."

His eyes glanced over me, his tone calm:

“Bring a hot pack.”

My heart trembled slightly. How did he know that every time it was cloudy and rainy, my knees would hurt?

"Mr. Tham, don't bother me..."

“Don't mind.”

He pulled the blanket back to cover me:

“Tomorrow I will send a driver to pick you up, avoid contact with Giang Chi Hoai as much as possible.”

“There's really no need…”

I hastily refused:

"I can take care of myself, don't let it affect your work."

The driver's phone quickly rang, it seemed like the other person was very impatient. Tham Vong Tan hesitated for a second, then said nothing more:

“If anything happens, call me.”

“Yes.”

When he left, the hotel sent a robot to bring a hot compress. Outside, the rain continued until morning. I didn't sleep well. I woke up less than six o'clock. Today the weather is overcast. I gritted my teeth, rubbed my sore knees, got dressed, and prepared to go to the hospital for a follow-up examination. Unexpectedly, while waiting for the elevator, someone suddenly approached from behind. The smell of cigarettes mixed with mint flavor. Even if I close my eyes, I know who is coming. We stood there, no one spoke first.

“Sleep with him?”

Giang Chi Hoai suddenly spoke, his tone full of sarcasm. I crossed my arms, my eyes followed the number jumping on the elevator screen, and replied softly:

“Yes, his physical strength is much better than mine.”

“Do you know whose hotel this is?”

Giang Chi Hoai suddenly grabbed my hand, forcing me to face him.

“From Tham Vong Tan.”

“I want to investigate who is here, is it still difficult?”

“In no more than three days, Tham Huyen will be stripped to the core.”

He tilted his head, his eyes cold:

“Hua Thuc Chu, if I kill your fiance, will you cry?”

I looked up and glared at him.

"The one who plays with emotions is you, what's wrong with me leaving?"

Giang Chi Hoai smirked.

"Hua Thuc Chu, are you worthy to say I'm playing with your feelings?"

“When you received money from me, why didn't you say that?”

I froze.

“What money?”

"Twenty thousand, transferred directly to your account. Or do you have to wait for me to throw evidence in your face?"

Twenty thousand? I remember clearly, the only time I received this amount of money was from a graduate scholarship. I seriously say:

“That money is the scholarship that Lam San helped me register for.”

Giang Chi Hoai's eyes were full of disgust.

“Hua Thuc Chu, do you know why I hate you?”

He let me go and walked into the elevator.

“Lying over and over again, not knowing how to repent.”

The elevator door closed. Only I stood frozen in place. Before graduating, Lam San once told me:

"Tieu Sister, the school is nominating outstanding students, I can register for you by the way!"

We lived in the same dormitory for four years, and personal information often appeared on the same list. Helping each other apply is normal. Half a month later, Lam San said again:

“The bonus has been transferred directly to your account.”

That's right, exactly twenty thousand. Then I had an accident and didn't even have time to check the list of students receiving awards. I sent a message to Lam San.

“The scholarship you helped me apply for back then, was it really from the school?”

She responded very quickly.

"Little Sister, what are you talking about? I've never helped you apply for a scholarship, have I?"

…

5

“Miss Hua, unfortunately, with your current condition, you probably won't be able to dance anymore.”

I don't remember how many times I heard the doctor say this. Stepping out of the hospital, it was raining outside. My classmate texted me.

“She told you straight, without any text messages or evidence. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I know. Can't sue.”

I held an umbrella and stood in the rain, sighing softly. The anger in my heart, before it could flare up, turned into ashes. A black Rolls-Royce quietly stopped in front of me, through the rain. The glass door lowered, revealing Tham Vong Tan's face. Tiny raindrops make vision blurry. Just hear his faint voice:

“Hua Thuc So, get in the car.”

I didn't expect him to come personally to pick me up. He's so busy that even when he's in the car, he doesn't stop doing work.

“What did the doctor say?”

He took the opportunity to ask a question.

“Um.” I pretended to be comfortable, "It's fine, recovery is quite good."

Tham Vong Tan just glanced at me, then immediately asked:

“What's wrong with you?”

He look out. The smile on my face stiffened for a moment. I pulled my lips together and smiled softly, saying softly:

“Ah, it's okay.”

After speaking, I bowed my head, afraid he would see my red eye sockets.

“Hua Thuc So.”

Tham Vong Tan put down the phone.

“Look into my eyes and say it.”

I was silent for a few seconds. Emotions that had been pent up for so long suddenly burst out.

"Mr. Tham, from now on... I can't dance anymore..."

I smiled awkwardly.

“Everyone thought I received money from the Giang family, but in fact, Lam San deceived me.”

"And I, today, learned the truth."

“If we could have broken up peacefully at that time, perhaps that accident would not have happened.”

“I might as well keep dancing—”

Tam Vong Tan's eyes stopped on my face, pretending to be resilient, and little by little it became cold.

"Hua Thuc So, are you happy being played by someone else?"

My throat was choked, I couldn't say anything. Then suddenly, tears kept falling.

“Sorry.”

“It's not your fault.”

Tham Vong Tan was silent for a long time, then said:

“It's their fault.”

The rain fell, each ripple spread and then disappeared. The air became still. Suddenly, I felt like today wasn't so bad. At least, there are still people who believe me. Before leaving, Tham Vong Tan said:

“Don't worry about your feet, the doctor will let me take care of it.”

“Thank you—”

His eyes were calm:

“No need.”

The car left. As soon as I got home, I received a call from an old friend, saying he wanted to bring me some specialties. I returned to the apartment complex gate, and not long after, she got out of a taxi and ran over.

“Hey, you know, what happened between you and Giang Chi Hoai a few days ago caused the class group to explode!”

As soon as we met, she was eager to chat.

“What happened?”

“They bet, in less than half a month, you will return to Giang Chi Hoai.”

“Are you kidding?”

"Someone saw him arguing with Lam San, it's definitely because of you. Are you really not planning to meet him?"

Actually, I should meet. The money must be returned to him. The slander he heaped on me must also be returned in full. Seeing my friend's teasing eyes, I said:

“I'll find him to talk, between us... there are some things that need to be clarified.”

She smiled brightly:

“That's right, it's okay to say anything.”

I smiled slightly, but when I turned around, I suddenly saw a black Rolls-Royce parked not far away. It's Tham Vong Tan. He hasn't left yet? I raised my umbrella and called out:

“My lord—”

The car suddenly started and drove away. My friend stopped by curiously:

“What's wrong?”

“It's nothing... he probably didn't hear it.”

The following days, I was busy adapting to the new working environment. What a coincidence, my superiors sent me to Tham Vong Tan's company to discuss work. When I finished, I happened to see him coming out of the meeting room. Just as I was about to say hello, his eyes glanced at me as if he didn't know me. On the contrary, the secretary next to him politely nodded to greet me.

“Miss Hua, General Manager Tham asked you to wait a moment.”

“Okay…”

I watched his leaving, my heart suddenly became heavy. In the afternoon, the secretary walked in and politely asked:

"There's a party tonight, general manager Tham asked if you want to attend. If you're tired, I'll take you home."

"It's okay, I can go."

6

When I arrived, the party had already started. As soon as I entered, I immediately saw Tham Vong Tan. He's so outstanding. Just standing there, became the focus of the whole room. Almost at the same time, his eyes swept over to me. Amid the bustling crowd, our eyes quietly met. Today I wore a very beautiful dress. Metallic yellow color, the collar is delicately designed, slightly deeper than usual, hugging the body curve. A sparkling blue sapphire necklace hangs on the hollow of her neck. Sparkling brilliantly. Tham Vong Tan stared at me, not moving at all. It wasn't until someone came to talk to him that he withdrew his gaze and left amid the crowd of people around him. Just as I was about to move forward, the secretary stopped me. He hesitated for a moment, then said:

"Miss Hua, about you and Mr. Giang reuniting... General Manager Tham has heard it. Although this is your personal matter, but... if there is a misunderstanding, it would be better to explain clearly."

He didn't finish his sentence and quickly chased after Tham Vong Tan, leaving me standing rooted to the spot. Seeing the words "Giang Thi Group" on the banner right at the door, I suddenly realized it. This is the area of Giang Chi Hoai. Tham Vong Tan is creating an opportunity for me to meet him again. Realizing he had misunderstood, I quickly lifted my skirt, intending to run after him. Suddenly someone blocked my way.

“Miss, good evening.”

A slightly fat middle-aged man with a smiling face.

"I'm Tham Vong Tan's second uncle, surely you've heard of it, right?"

It turned out to be an elder in the Tham family. I nodded politely:

“Hello sir.”

He raised his glass of champagne, his eyes searching:

"You're so beautiful. Do you have a boyfriend?"

Realizing that the intention was not pure, I quickly took a step back, keeping my distance.

“Sorry, I have to go first.”

Not waiting for him to say another word, I quickly left. Just as I turned a corner, someone blocked me in front of me.

“Tieu Sister.”

Lam San appeared from nowhere and asked curiously:

“That man just now is… your fiance?”

“No.”

"No wonder they're called Tham."

She smiled faintly, as if she understood my weakness:

"That's Tham Vong Tan's second uncle. I heard there is a mistress outside. I didn't expect that mistress to be you."

Her voice was deliberately loud, immediately attracting the attention of those around her. Everyone started whispering and pointing at me. I quietly stared at her.

“Enough said?”

Lam San smiled and intimately took my arm.

"What's wrong? I exposed you, so you lost face?"

“For the two years you pursued Giang Chi Hoai, I slept with him every day.”

“…He dated you because I told him if it was interesting. The third person is really you.”

“This kind of thing is strange the first time you do it, but if you do it a lot you'll get used to it.”

The anger that had been pent up for days, finally exploded. Under her smug eyes, I picked up the glass of water next to her and poured it straight down on her head. Boom! The glass fell to the floor, shattering. The entire auditorium immediately fell silent. Lam San was stunned for a moment, then suddenly shouted.

“Hua Thuc So, what are you doing?!”

I looked straight at her.

“Calm down yet?”

“If that's not enough, there's still a lot of water left, no need to re-introduce yourself here.”

“You—”

Suddenly, someone roughly pulled me out and threw me hard Go to the buffet table. Dishes, cutlery, and forks fell to the floor. A piece of broken porcelain slid past my ankle, making a gash. Blood immediately gushed out. I frowned in pain, looked up, and faced Giang Chi Hoai's cold eyes.

“Hua Thuc So, are you crazy?”

His voice was dark and scary.

“You dare to cause chaos right on my territory?”

Without thinking much, I pulled out a card from my pocket and threw it straight at his face.

“Shut up.”

"If you take this damn twenty thousand and treat it like a treasure, don't you feel embarrassed when you say it? If I knew that that amount of money was stolen by Lam San from your house, I would feel even more dirty!"

Lam San burst into tears.

"You're just the third person, how do you dare to show up?"

“The third person?”

Giang Chi Hoai squinted his eyes.

“She is engaged to Tham Vong Tan's second uncle!”

His eyes glanced over me, full of confusion. I took out my phone and laughed coldly.

"If you have the courage, then speak directly here. Say it out loud, we'll meet you in court."

Lam San was frightened and immediately hid behind Giang Chi Hoai.

“That's enough.”

Giang Chi Hoai laughed mockingly, his face full of disgust.

“Hua Thuc Chu, you really make me feel nauseous.”

“Who makes you nauseous?”

A low voice rang out from the crowd. Everyone automatically gives way. Tham Vong Tan is back. I stood there, looking extremely disheveled, glaring at him. I know clearly, he is also not happy to see this such a commotion. He walked straight towards me, lowered his eyes, and asked:

“Where are you injured?”

“There is no—”

Suddenly, I remembered what the secretary said. As I changed my tone, I looked pitiful:

“The ankle is torn, it hurts a lot…”

“Who did it?”

“Him.”

I pointed straight at Giang Chi Hoai. He smiled contemptuously.

"You really think everyone wants to seduce you. Let's see if I kill your fiance, will you still be able to laugh."

Tham Vong Tan calmly walked towards him. Passing by the banquet table, he conveniently picked up a bottle of wine. Giang Chi Hoai thought he was going to help her, so he laughed mockingly:

“Just in time, you don't like your Second Uncle either, help me—”

In the middle of speaking, he suddenly choked. Cup! The crimson liquid slowly flowed down his hair, dripping drop by drop onto his expensive white shirt. The wine bottle in Tham Vong Tan's hand was completely empty. He calmly put one hand in his pocket, still maintaining the same position, just like me just now. Casually poured the entire bottle of wine over his head. The entire auditorium was as quiet as paper.

“Tham Vong Tan.”

Giang Chi Hoai's voice was a bit distorted because of anger.

“Did you take the wrong medicine too?”

Tham Vong Tan nonchalantly threw away the empty wine bottle, conveniently picked up the tie on Giang Chi Hoai's chest and wiped his hands, his voice was cold, carrying a bit of arrogance.

"Sorry, I didn't hear clearly just now. Are you sure... you want to kill me?"

…