Chapter 8 — Going Back to Modern Day, Le Vuong Goes Crazy

Because today is the day of seven inter-continental stars. That was also the day I left.

“The National Teacher said, dead people are like extinguished lights.”

“But I don't want to turn it off.”

“I want to turn into wind, turn into rain.”

“Blowing through the wind she once blew, soaking through the rain she once drenched.”

“So… does that count as hugging?”

He held up the Ky Lan jade pendant. Look towards the sky and compare. It was as if I was still there, looking down at him.

“Nim Niem.”

“I came to find you.”

“Don't chase me away.”

“Even if I go to hell, I still want to be a little closer to you.”

A mouthful of fresh blood erupted. Splashing on the white snow, extremely dazzling. Tieu Canh Hanh's body slowly slid down. Falling into thick snow. His eyes opened wide, staring at the sky. The corner of his lips curled up into a strange smile. That is liberation. Also the last hope. The snow grew very quickly and covered his body. Bury him in pure white. Like a cold ice tomb. The next day, when the guards of Le Vuong Palace discovered him. He was stiff from the cold. Weird pose. Both hands clasped in front of chest. Even though he's dead, even though his body is frozen. No one can open those hands. Inside, protecting his only treasure in his entire life. A generation of Le Vuong, from now on, collapsed. A sad death, a wild death. Becoming a folk theme of leftover tea and wine. Some people say he's in love, some say he's worthy. But only he knows. All of these are debts he owed. Use your life to pay... It's still too light.

10

Step out of the museum, the sunlight outside is bright. Somewhat dazzling. I raised my hand to cover it.

“General Manager Tham, there is a charity party this weekend, will you go?”

The assistant held the schedule and asked me. I was in a very good mood, so I nodded.

“Let's go.”

“Ah yes, help me raise some money in the name of the company.”

“Donate to whom?”

I thought for a bit.

“Donate to girls in remote areas. Hope they can go to school and see the world.”

“You can take your own destiny into your own hands.”

Don't be like the girls of that era. Bet your whole life on one man. In the end, living is not as good as dying.

“Yes, Mr. Tham.”

The assistant takes notes. I sat in the car and started the engine. The car radio was playing an old song.

“Later, I finally learned how to love someone.”

"It's just a pity that you left, disappeared in the vast sea of people..."

I softly hum along to a few sentences. Suddenly I felt the lyrics were really good. There are people who are born to miss. Some love relationships are born so that we can grow up. Tieu Canh Hanh taught me what despair is. Also taught me what reincarnation is. I don't hate him anymore. Hating someone is so tiring, it takes so much effort. He doesn't deserve it. To me, he is just an unbeautiful gap in a long life. Turn over that page already. Behind — are all brilliant and glorious chapters. The car merged into the traffic flow and drifted into the sea of people. Ahead is a spacious avenue. On both sides are high-rise buildings. This is my world. Free, equal, full of hope. I stepped on the accelerator and rushed toward the sun. And the man was buried in the ice and snow. The notebook is sealed room in the glass cabinet there. The painting hangs in the corner of that wall. Let history judge. I — Tham Niem. Just live for the moment. (Full text complete.)