Chapter 5 — I Never Made It to Nam Thanh With You

Lam Kien Nguyet holds the top position, and Song Uyen Ninh holds the second.

Giving this spot to Kien Nguyet is the fairest outcome.

Song Uyen Ninh lowers her head, her voice barely a whisper, yet the tears fall heavily, splashing onto the confirmation document. Teacher, I never intended to steal this spot from Kien Nguyet. I just feel so regretful. Ever since she was a child, Kien Nguyet has had mentors guiding her, and she has had every opportunity to go wherever she pleases. This might be the only chance I will ever have.

The office falls into a heavy silence. It was the same in my past life. Back then, Uyen Ninh also wept, claiming this was her only chance. Co Nghien Le had urged me to yield, telling me that I would have plenty of opportunities in the future. Ha Man Nhu had also insisted that since my family was well-off, there was no need to compete with Uyen Ninh. I withdrew from the summer camp. Because of that experience, Uyen Ninh gained the favor of the professors at the Nam Thanh School of Architecture, while my name vanished from the recommendation list for the Heritage Conservation department forever. At the time, I consoled myself by thinking that I would at least be studying architecture alongside Co Nghien Le, and that this spot did not really matter. Looking back now, I realize that no opportunity is unimportant. It was only that I, back then, felt my own worth was insignificant.

Kien Nguyet.

Co Nghien Le walks over to my side. You should give this spot to Uyen Ninh.

He speaks with such arrogant certainty, not even bothering to ask if I agree. The survey project at the Northwest school—didn't you already receive that offer? You already have an opportunity.

So, the email from yesterday was the catalyst that convinced him I should step aside. I look at him and ask, Are these two opportunities mutually exclusive?

Co Nghien Le falters. No, they are not.

Then why should I yield?

Song Uyen Ninh turns pale. Co Nghien Le lowers his voice. She really needs this.

I need it too.

You are different. He blurts out the words without thinking. You have your father, your mentors, and the Te Nguyet Manor project. Even without this summer camp, you will not be affected in the slightest. Uyen Ninh has nothing.

I let out a cold laugh.

So, because I have a father, mentors, and my own projects, my hard work is something that can be handed over to someone else at any given moment?

I am not denying your efforts, Co Nghien Le says, his brow furrowed in frustration. But one must possess a shred of empathy in this life.

I have too much of it already.

Again with this rhetoric. Because I have so much, I am expected to forfeit my opportunities. Because I do not weep, I am expected to sympathize with those who do. Because I can provide for myself, I am meant to be cast aside. In my past life, I yielded for over twenty years. In the end, I yielded my very life. I pick up the form and sign my name in the applicant's confirmation field. The tip of my pen glides across the paper without a single moment of hesitation.

Song Uyen Ninh’s life is not my responsibility. If she wants this spot, she should use her own merits to earn it. I will not yield.

Song Uyen Ninh lets out a sob and dashes out of the office. Co Nghien Le does not pursue her. He stands rooted to the spot, his expression dark and strained. The head teacher coughs awkwardly, clearing the tension. Since Kien Nguyet has confirmed her participation, I will submit the final list now.

I hand the confirmation document to the teacher and walk out. Co Nghien Le follows me, catching up only once we reach the staircase.

Lam Kien Nguyet, what has gotten into you lately? First, you refused to give your drawings to Uyen Ninh, and now you are stealing her summer camp spot.

Stealing? I stop and turn to face him. My name is at the top of the list. My name is printed on the confirmation sheet. How is it that claiming what is rightfully mine has become stealing from her?

Co Nghien Le is left speechless by my question. After a few seconds, he mutters, Uyen Ninh needs it more than you do.

That is your opinion, I reply calmly. Not mine.