Chapter 5 — Global Livestream, Her Dress Shows My Name

Under the lens of global live broadcast. In front of all the judges and the media. In front of Ha Mat, Luc Ngan and Chu Minh Vien. I laid out the tools one by one on the work table. Pick up the scissors. Start work. During the three days of shaping, I hardly left that room. Occasionally, Ha Mat knocked on the door a few times, asking how the progress was going. I just answer:

“Everything is normal.”

Noon on the second day. Luc Ngan's voice sounded outside the door.

“Ha Tinh, let's go out and eat something.”

“Not hungry.”

“I locked myself in there for two days.”

“Don't let problems happen to your body.”

“I'm okay.”

Silence for a few seconds. He lowered his voice:

“Your attitude makes it very difficult for me to speak up for you.”

He doesn't know. Standing behind the door, I heard the next sentence he said to Ha Mat.

“Her personality is still the same.”

“Don't take it to heart.”

"Wait until she finishes her work, we don't need to worry about her anymore."

Ha Mat sulkily hit his hand lightly.

“Don't say that.”

“Anyway, she used to help me.”

This role of benefactor and helpee. She acts as proficiently as breathing. Tuesday afternoon. I completed the entire shaping process. But before that. I spent the whole morning. One class at a time. Apply a sinking pattern dye between the layers of fabric. Each movement is very light. Each stroke is precisely controlled for hand strength and moisture. Once completed. I use cold air to dry the entire surface. Then hang the dress back on the mannequin. Take a few steps back to observe. Didn't see any traces. Fabric softness. All are identical before processing. Even a little nicer. Because the hidden pattern dye itself contains natural plant glue. When exposed to light, it will give the fabric surface a softer and softer light. If Ha Mat knew about the existence of this dye. Maybe she'll see it as a premium fabric softener. She will never know. I opened the door and stepped out. Ha Mat and Chu Minh Vien are sitting and drinking tea in the reception area. See me appear. Ha Mat immediately stood up.

“Are you done?”

“Can I come in and see?”

She hurried in. Walk around the mannequin twice. Raise your hand to stroke the skirt.

“The fabric feels better.”

She turned back to look at me. His eyes lit up.

“It's really much better.”

“Much softer than before.”

“Ha Tinh, your skills are truly impeccable.”

Chu Minh Vien also walked in. He took off his glasses and wiped them. Bend over to check the seams and connection positions between fabric layers.

“Not bad.”

“The shaping process is very solid.”

He nodded at me.

“In terms of skills, I have never doubted you before.”

“Unfortunately, I used my intelligence in the wrong place.”

He means plagiarism. I laughed inside. But no response.

“I will ask Luc Ngan to transfer the salary to you before the end of the month.”

Chu Minh Vien wears glasses again.

“What are you going to do later?”

“First rest for a while.”

“That's good.”

“When this matter calms down, I will help you find a small design studio in the South.”

“Received a few custom orders.”

“Live in peace for a few years.”

“This designer path, I'm still young.”

“It's not impossible to start over.”

Ha Mat came out from inside. Jacket took Chu Minh Vien's arm. The voice carried a bit of pampering.

“Teacher, don't just worry about Tinh Tinh.”

"You should also care about my sister's affairs."

"The defense of the international preliminary round the other day, have you watched the presentation for me yet?"

Chu Minh Vien's attention immediately turned to her. And I'm standing next to it. Like a seasonal employee who just finished work. Wait for people to chase you away. Before leaving. Ha Mat looked at me. Then walked next to me. Use a volume just loud enough for only me to hear.

“Tinh Tinh.”

“You know what?”

“Last night Luc Ngan told me something.”

"He said that in the three years he's been with you, he's never had a happy day."

She carefully observed my expression. The corners of the lips curled slightly.

“You are too cold.”

“He couldn't stand it.”

“He needs someone warmer.”

“So don't blame him.”

“Don't blame me either.”

She smiled and left. The sound of high heels hitting the floor. Clarity. I stood still. Wait until her back disappears before moving.

“In the three years he's been with you, he's never had a happy day.”

This saying. Was the last sentence Ha Mat said to me before I jumped into the sea. I stood in the sea breeze for a long time. Then climb over the railing. And this life. After listening to that sentence. I just looked at the sky outside the window. The day after tomorrow is the preliminary defense round. After the preliminary round, there is about a month of preparation left. One month later. It will be International Fashion Week. I left Ha Mat's office. In the elevator. I replied to Tan Lang's message. Just two words: Tan Lang met me at an old noodle shop in the west of the city. He is much thinner than in my memory.