Chapter 11 — I'm Busy All My Life, And You're Lonely

Even if I told you, would you leave your work behind and run home? Luc Kien Quan did not say anything more. Tong Tuyet also remained silent, bowing her head to clean up the things she brought. She twisted the lid of the cage and the aroma of bone broth wafted out.

"After surgery, you can drink it. I've already asked the doctor. You have to eat and drink a little more sparingly."

She took out a notebook again and flipped to the middle page.

"These are things to note after surgery. I copied them into two copies, one for Tu Ngang, one for your mother."

The writing is regular and the divisions are very clear. Luc Kien Quan stared at that notebook, suddenly feeling an indescribable feeling in his heart.

“Tong Tuyet, if… I mean what if, this surgery I…”

“There are no such things.” Tong Tuyet stopped him, "This type of surgery is very common now, you will be fine."

Her voice was firm. But Luc Kien Quan heard another layer of meaning in her words. She wasn't trying to reassure him. She is reminding him not to use illness as an excuse to ask for pity. At nine thirty, the nurse came to push the bed. Tong Tuyet stood up and followed the hospital bed out. Luc's mother also wanted to follow, but was stopped by Tong Tuyet.

"Mom, you just wait here, the operating room is very crowded and noisy. You're old, don't follow and jostle."

Luc's mother was not very happy, but did not insist on going with her. The operating room is located in another building, halfway through there is a long hallway. Tong Tuyet walked next to the bed, her steps steady. Sunlight shined through the hallway window, stretching her shadow.

“Tong Tuyet.” Luc Kien Quan suddenly spoke up.

“If… if the surgery doesn't go well, you should…”

“Luc Kien Quan.” Tong Tuyet stopped and looked at him, "Don't say these words, I'll be fine."

Her eyes were very calm, but Luc Kien Quan saw a trace of impatience in them. She hates words like this. Don't like him using illness to tie her down. Luc Kien Quan fell silent. At the door of the operating room, the nurse signaled the family to stop. Tong Tuyet stood outside the door, watching Luc Kien Quan being pushed inside. The moment the door closed, Luc Kien Quan turned his head to look. Tong Tuyet stood there, her back straight. Like a tree, despite many rains, it still stands upright. The surgery lasted more than two hours. When Luc Kien Quan was pushed out, the anesthetic was still in effect and he was still drowsy. He heard the doctor talking.

“The surgery was very successful, the stent placement was very good, rest well in the future, don't get excited, don't overwork.”

Next was Tong Tuyet's voice.

“Thank you, doctor.”

After that, he was pushed back to the hospital room. By the time he fully woke up, it was past three o'clock in the afternoon. Tong Tuyet sat on the edge of the bed, holding a small knife to peel apples. The apple peel is connected into a strip, hanging to one side, never broken.

“Are you awake?” Tong Tuyet saw him open his eyes, "How do you feel?"

“It's okay.” Luc Kien Quan's voice was a bit hoarse, "Where's Tu Ngang?"

“Night will come.” Tong Tuyet cut the apple into small pieces and put them in a bowl, "My mother is going to eat, she will be back later."

Luc Kien Quan stared at the apple in her hand. Tong Tuyet peels apples very skillfully. In the past, he liked eating the apples she peeled the most. But it seemed like it had been a long time since he had eaten. It's been so long that I can't even remember the last time any.

“Do you want to eat?” Tong Tuyet asked.

Luc Kien Quan nodded. Tong Tuyet used a toothpick to insert a piece and brought it to him. Luc Kien Quan took it and put it in his mouth. The apple taste is very sweet.

“Tong Tuyet,” Luc Kien Quan said while chewing, “When I leave the hospital, we…”

“Luc Kien Quan.” Tong Tuyet put down the fruit knife, "Wait until I'm discharged from the hospital before talking."

She used this sentence again to stop him. Luc Kien Quan's chest felt tight.