Chapter 4 — I Have Conceded Enough

As the guests filed out, their eyes looking at the Ta family were all strange. My mother was about to take Hua Tinh Mien to change clothes. Hua Tinh Mien grabbed her hand again, tears falling like rain.

“Mom, did I ruin your engagement party?”

“In the future, I will definitely not forgive you anymore.”

My mother immediately comforted him.

“It won't.”

"Tri Vi just returned home and is still angry."

“Wait until it calms down and it'll be fine.”

I stood next to it and listened to it all. Turns out I'm still angry. Even I didn't know that myself. Luc Tram Le walked in front of me.

“Talk to me for a moment.”

“Not free today.”

“Ta Tri Vi.”

His voice sank. If he called me that before, I would immediately stop. Hearing it now, it just feels a bit strange.

“Tomorrow,” he said, “I will go to the Ta family to find you.”

“No need.”

“What do you mean?”

“The engagement has been canceled.”

I glanced at Hua Tinh Mien.

“If you want to discuss wedding details, go find her.”

Luc Tram Le's lower jaw bulged out.

“I never agreed to change people.”

“Then why didn't you say anything just now?”

“I'm trying to take care of her feelings.”

“Then keep worrying.”

I turned around and walked out. He chased after two steps.

“What you learned abroad is to avoid problems like this?”

My steps stopped. Turn your head to look at him.

“I'm not hiding.”

“The problem wants you.”

“So I threw you back to the problem.”

3

When we arrived at the Ta family's house, it was almost ten o'clock at night. After a year of not coming back, the living room layout has hardly changed. The vase of white lisianthus that mom likes is blooming. Outside the mysterious gate are Hua Tinh Mien's brand new shoes. Family photos hang on the wall, and there are many more photos of him and everyone than before. My photo is still there. Just pushed to the very edge. In the photo, I was 20 years old, standing at the far right edge. Hua Tinh Mien held her mother's hand, her eldest brother stood behind her. Between me and them there was a space half the size of a person. At that time, the photographer told me to move a little closer. But mother said, Tinh Mien's health is not good, don't jostle her. I didn't move. So that empty space half the size of a person remains forever in the photo. Like a prophecy. Aunt Tran brought tea to welcome me.

“The eldest lady is back.”

She saw the toolbox in my hand and looked out the door again.

“Where is your luggage?”

“No luggage.”

Aunt Tran was stunned. The eldest brother entered the house right behind me. Hearing that, I frowned.

“Are your belongings still abroad?”

“Let's say so.”

“I'll send my assistant to pick it up tomorrow.”

“No need.”

I didn't explain, went straight upstairs. My room is at the end of the second floor. The silver nameplate mounted on the door had a thin layer of dust on it. I wiped it with my hand.

“Ta Tri Vi.”

These three words were written by my grandmother herself before she passed away. Mom hired someone to cast a nameplate based on her handwriting and attach it to the door. At that time she hugged me and said:

“From now on, this will be my home.”

I've believed that for many years. The room was cleaned very neatly. The bed sheets are brand new, and there are fresh flowers in the vase. It seems like there's always someone waiting for my return. But in the bottom drawer of the wardrobe are some Hua Tinh Mien's jewelry box. In the dressing table drawer there were also hairpins that she forgot to bring. It must come here often. I placed the toolbox on the table. As soon as I opened the wardrobe, I heard a gentle knock on the door. Hua Tinh Mien changed out of her formal clothes and wore a white nightgown. Eyes still red.

“Sister, can I come in?”

As soon as he asked, the person stepped inside.

“What's going on?”

“I came to return the ring.”

He placed the ring in the palm of his hand, holding it out in front of me.