Chapter 19 — Ex-Wife Reincarnated

I sat down. The worker brought fresh oatmeal and milk, along with fruit. "Thank." I bowed my head to eat. The space is quiet, only the sound of spoons hitting bowls.

“Did you sleep well?” Tham Dinh Uyen asked.

“It's okay.”

"Luc Than Vu left this morning." he said.

My hand stopped.

"What about Ly Hieu Vi?"

“Come along.” He said, “She needs to be hospitalized for observation.”

“How is the baby?”

“You can keep it.”

I nodded and continued eating oatmeal. Tasteless like chewing wax.

“What are you thinking?” Tham Dinh Uyen asked.

“Think nothing.”

“Lie.”

I looked up and looked at him.

“Mr. Tham.”

“Hmm?”

“Why do you collect my designs?”

He smiled. “Because I like it.”

“Like what?”

“Like the world under your pen.” “Clean, powerful, and warm,” he said.

I remained silent.

“The first time I saw your work,” He continued, “It was four years ago. S&L was looking for emerging designers.”

“And then what?”

“Then I saw your entry.” His eyes softened, "A villa in the mountains, called 'First Snow'."

I remember that blueprint. That was when I was the poorest, couldn't get a job, ate instant noodles, but still wanted to design something good.

“That design is very immature.” I said.

“But very real.” Tham Dinh Uyen said, “There is no commercial calculation, just pure expression.”

I bowed my head.

“What happens after that?”

“Then I bought that design back.” He said, "But don't build. Just make models, keep for collection."

I was stunned. "Why?"

“Because I'm sorry.” He smiled, "Good stuff, I want to keep it for myself."

After breakfast, Tham Dinh Uyen stood up. "Follow me." I followed him, upstairs, into the study room. Room is very spacious. A wall covered with books. The other wall, is the model. He went to the corner of the room, opened the safe, entered the password, took out a glass box, and gave it to me. “Open it and take a look.” I opened it. Inside is a small, sophisticated wooden architectural model. It's my design. “The First Snow of the Season”. Drawn 4 years ago, now seeing the real thing, I'm a little panicked.

“You… really made it?”

“Yes.” He picked up the model, "I often think about what the person who designed it will look like."

“Now you know.”

“Disappointed?”

“No.” He looked at me, “Much better than I imagined.”

My ears were burning, I put the box down.

“Mr. Tham.”

“Call Tham Dinh Uyen.”

“… Tham Dinh Uyen.”

“Yes.”

“What do you really want to do?”

He leaned against the edge of the desk. “I want to cooperate with you.”

“We are already cooperating.”

“Not only that.” He said, “I want to sign an exclusive contract with you.”

I frowned. “I'm a freelance designer.”

“I know.” He said, “But S&L can give you the greatest freedom.”

“Conditions?”

“Three sets of designs a year.” He said, “You decide the price yourself.”

“I'm not short of money.”

“I know.” He smiled, "Ten billion yuan from Shen Tinh, enough for you to spend the rest of your life."

I stiffened. “You also know about this?”

“Just guessing.” He said, "With Ly Hieu Vi's level of ability to invite Aria, there is only one possibility - give enough money."

“So what?”

“So I want to give you more.” His eyes were sincere, "It's not money. It's respect, space for development, and people who really understand you."

My heart beats a little fast. “Why are you so nice to me?”

“Because you deserve it.”

Four words, simple, direct, pounded right into my heart.

“I have the conditions.” I said.

“You say it.”

“First, I don't sit in an office.”

“Okay.”

“Second, the design direction is decided by me.”

“Of course.”

“Third,” I paused, “Don't ask about the past.”

Tham Dinh Uyen burst out laughing. “Successful communication.” He held out his hand. I took it. His hand is very warm.

“Happy cooperation, Miss Aria.”

“Happy cooperation, boss.”