Chapter 10 — Ex-Wife Reincarnated

“I'll be home tonight.” He said, “Is Binh An still at your place?”

“Still here.” I looked at the dog on the windowsill, "He didn't come home last night."

“Rain?”

“Yes.”

“It's afraid of thunder.” He paused, “Thank you.”

“Nothing.”

"Let's have dinner tonight? Consider it a favor."

I wanted to refuse, but Binh An jumped off the sill, walked over, rubbed my leg, his eyes full of expectation, as if saying: Go, go. I sighed. "Okay."

“I'll come pick you up at seven o'clock.”

Hang up the phone. I picked up Binh An. “Your master is coming home soon.” The dog barked "Woof" and happily wagged its tail.

“Do you miss me?” I asked.

The dog licked my hand, tickling it. At seven o'clock in the evening, the doorbell rang on time. I opened the door. Outside is a man. High, very high. Wear a gray shirt, roll the sleeves up to the elbow. I wear a watch on my wrist, I don't know the brand, but it doesn't seem cheap. He looked… I can't find the words to describe it. In short, very handsome. Not the delicate beauty like Luc Than Vu, but the angular beauty, with a bit of distance. Binh An slipped out from under his feet and jumped into my arms.

“Binh An.” He bent down to look at the dog, his voice gentle, "You're bothering people again."

The dog barked, "Woof", as if he was gossiping. He looked up at me. “I am Tham Dinh Uyen.” he said.

“To Van.”

We shook hands. His hand is very warm.

“Let's go,” He said, “I've booked the restaurant.”

I followed him out the door and got into the car. Binh An obediently lay in the back seat. The car started and Tham Dinh Uyen drove very steadily.

“Binh An is not normally a human being.” He suddenly said, "He likes you very much."

"Probably because the food I make suits his taste."

He smiled. “It's not just about the food.” I didn't say anything, just looked outside. The night scene of Van Thanh, with bright torches, is like another starry sky. The restaurant is located on the top of the mountain, located on the balcony, with a panoramic view of the entire valley. The food is delicious, the wine is also great. We didn't talk much, most of the time we ate and drank quietly. Binh An squatted on the chair next to him, eating the steak reserved for him.

“Are you a designer?” Tham Dinh Uyen asked.

I was wary: "How do you know?"

“Your hands are stained with paint.” He pointed at the back of my hand, "Besides, recently Binh An often runs to your house, there's drawing paper on your desk."

Really sharp observation ability.

“Yes.” I nodded, "Just drawing and stuff."

“Architectural design?”

I raised my eyes to look at him. “Why did you guess that?”

“The color of the paint.” He replied, "Blue, gray, brown, yellow, often used in architectural hand drawing."

I bent down to look at the back of my hand, it was true.

“That's right.” I admitted, “Architectural design.”

“That's good.” He raised his glass, "To talent."

I clink my glass with you. The wine is very smooth.

“What do you do?” I asked.

“Running errands.” He said lightly.

I raised my eyebrows. “Running errands for whom?”

“For yourself.” He smiled, "Doing some cross-country trade, flying back and forth all the time."

It sounds like a counter-argument, but I don't inquire further. Between strangers, maintaining distance is best. After eating, he took me home. Come to the door. “Thank you for taking care of Binh An these past few days.” he said.

“You're welcome.”

“It's my birthday next week,” He paused, “Organize a small gathering, all friends just friends. Are you coming?”

I hesitated. “I don't have any formal clothes.”

“No need for formal attire.” He looked at me, "Wear whatever you feel comfortable in."

Binh An next to him barked "Woof", as if urging: Accept.

“Okay.” I said.

He smiled. “So see you that day.” After speaking, he turned around and left. The shadow under the streetlight lasts forever.