Chapter 9 — I Am No Longer His Burden, But He Refuses To Let Go

Van Chu returned to the capital. My mother and I were arranged by Tran So Ngon to temporarily live in a small hospital, fully furnished, warm and quiet. From there it's not far from where my father works. Tran So Ngon stopped by every once in a while, but mostly just talked to my mother, seemingly intentionally avoiding me. Perhaps he is truly filial, not only to his biological mother, but also to other people's mothers. My mother still clearly remembers how the two of us used to correspond, so she found an excuse to create an opportunity for you and me to be alone together. In the room, the fireplace burned brightly, extremely warm. Mother and the chef were busy making dinner in the kitchen. She did not let me help, only told me to come out and receive guests. I offered him some dried fruit, and he sat respectfully and neatly, as if he had a ruler leaning against his back. He still didn't look at me. As I chewed the dry fruit, it was just like the first time we met, he didn't open his mouth, and I didn't say a word. This time, it was still the guy who spoke first:

"Miss Lac... what Uncle Lac wrote in the letter... is it true?"

I was stunned, my father actually wrote a letter to you? The bright red coal light shone on Tran So Ngon's face, making him appear to be covered in a layer of red. It was unclear whether it was from the fire or confusion. He said softly:

"The story in the letter is difficult to explain clearly, so I found an opportunity to meet and ask her directly."

A serious look suddenly appeared on his usually gentle face. He looked at me intently, his voice steady:

“Miss, do you really care about me and want to get married with me?”

I didn't have time to prepare, my hand squeezed the dry fruit until it was crushed, and I blurted out:

“What did my father tell you?”

That old man, arbitrarily speaking up behind my back. Perhaps seeing my surprise, Tran So Ngon paused for a moment and replied:

"The Venerable wrote a letter to me, saying that if we have feelings between you and me, we will not stop them. It's just... the only request is that I must find a way to transfer them back to the capital."

He frowned slightly, his face full of confusion - a man who had been an official for many years, at this moment had an indescribable naivety:

“But now you guys have come to You Chau, so… do I still have to return to the capital?”

It wasn't until then that I slowly understood what he said before - "first love matches"? My father misunderstood me, so let it go, but Tran So Ngon said it was a first love match... Could it be that the pile of coals burned so loudly that it heated up his mind? Tran So Ngon did not answer, just pursed his lips. But just looking at the pink color gradually spreading on his cheeks is enough to understand people's hearts. I was slightly confused and muttered:

“… I am the daughter of the god of sin.”

His voice softened, like a spring breeze passing across a lake:

“My heart is like a shining mirror.”

I raised my head, he was looking at me - his eyes were soft but deep, the corners of his lips were slightly curled, smiling but not too obvious:

"She's very good. From the first time we met, I knew she was good. The more we got to know her, the more certain I became of that."

I felt my throat was a bit dry, so I picked up the cup of water and took a sip. It was still a bit hot in the room. I walked over and opened the window, the cold wind outside immediately hit my face. Tran So Ngon still sat in place, I looked out the window without saying a word. His mother brought in the food, and he quickly stood up to receive it. The meal ended, neither of them said anything else. When you left, my mother told me to see you off alley entrance. After walking for a while, there was still silence surrounding me. He spoke softly:

“What my father said, I haven't agreed yet, I just want to wait for you to truly agree first.

But if that makes you feel awkward..." He sighed softly, his tone as light as a breeze:

“Then consider what I just said, I never said it.”

He clasped the jade pendant at his waist, pursed his lips and said no more. Coming to the carriage, he looked at me with sincere eyes:

"Farewell, Miss Lac. See you next time."

I stood still and watched him get into the car, then watched as the car gradually disappeared. On the way back, I slowly pondered every word he said. If you don't say it now, don't you still want to say it later? I hid my face in the scarf, hiding my mouth and nose, walking in the bright moonlight and returning home. Well, let's talk about it later. If there are no surprises, I'm afraid you and I will know each other for a long time. Every day in You Chau, I can live in peace, and when I return to the capital, I will definitely have a place to live. The future is still long, there is no need to rush. (FULL TEXT)