Chapter 18 — Cracks Under Light

My father hung the antique clock that he had just finished repairing back on the wall. The bell rang three times. He said: "Van Van, this time our house is really bright." On the day of the public exhibition, the cloud vase was placed in the middle. On the introduction board was written: "Old collectibles of Lam To Nga. Restoration consultant: Lam Van." My mother stood in front of the glass cabinet and looked for a long time, then suddenly told me: "If your grandmother sees it, she will definitely be very happy." Co Minh Nghi stepped forward and gave me a job offer letter: "The restoration department of the provincial museum officially invites you. Not because of gratitude, but because you have enough ability." Uncle Phuong stood next to urge: "Accept it. Don't If you let her hold it for too long, Director Co's hands will get tired." I received the invitation letter. When the applause rang out under the stage, I saw Chu Nghien Tu standing at the back of the crowd. He didn't move forward, just leaned towards me and then turned and left. This time, I am no longer in pain. Later I heard that he took over the most difficult part of the Zhou family's work. Chu's mother also became less arrogant and no longer raised her voice among the ladies of Nam Thanh about who was or was not worthy of whom. Those things have nothing to do with me. I have my own restoration table, my own lamp, and my own name. The day the first work independently under my name was put on display, I placed my grandmother's letter in the deepest compartment of the cabinet. Under the light, the once cracked porcelain stood firm again. Me too.