Chapter 15 — I Shall Never Set Foot in Nam Thanh Again

The main issue, of course, is that the Nguyen family suddenly retracted the treatment protocol, isn't it? If they had been clear about it from the beginning, things never would have come to this. I read the messages and let out a cynical laugh. They stole someone else’s house key to break in, tripped over their own feet, and fell flat on their faces. Now, they have the audacity to blame the homeowner for not rolling out a red carpet at the entrance. It is quite a novel spectacle.

Tan Tu Bach no longer calls me. He only sends a single text: My mother says the university admission banquet will be held as planned the day after tomorrow. You should come. It was not a question of whether I would attend; it was a command. In my past life, this cold, authoritative demeanor was what I feared most. The more indifferent Tan Tu Bach became, the more frantic I grew. If he ignored me for a day, I would start scrutinizing my own behavior, wondering if I had done something unforgivable. If he ignored me for three days, I would be the one to initiate peace. If it went on for a week, I would have gladly ripped my heart out just to show him how much I cared. But now, looking at those two words, I replied with only one: Fine.

Perhaps Tan Tu Bach did not expect me to agree so readily. A long while later, he sent another message: Do not cause a scene that day. I smiled. Why would I ever need to cause a scene? Making a scene is for those who lack evidence. As for me, I have plenty.

The day before the banquet, Aunt Chu arrived in person, carrying that jade pendant. When I opened the door, her face looked visibly haggard. Tan Tu Bach is injured, and his prospects at the training camp are hanging by a thread. She must have been worried sick these past few days. Yet, upon stepping inside, she forced a smile. Thanh Chi, this is the pendant left behind by Tu Bach’s grandmother. We agreed long ago that once your and Tu Bach’s acceptance letters arrived, I would pass it to you.

I know that jade pendant all too well. It is a deep, forest green with delicate, winding vines carved into its surface. In my previous life, I wore it for eight long years. Later, when Tan Tu Bach and Manh Tri Ha began openly dating, Aunt Chu sent someone to reclaim it. She claimed that, regardless of anything else, it was still property of the Tan family. At that time, I had just returned from the southern city, so frail that my wrists could barely hold up a bangle. Hearing her words, I nearly burst into laughter. It turns out that the Tan family’s possessions are mine only as long as I am wearing them; the moment they want them back, they suddenly become sacred family heirlooms once more.

In this life, Aunt Chu pressed the jade pendant into my palm. Thanh Chi, Tu Bach is just stubborn and harsh with his words. Deep down, he really does care for you. I lowered my head to look at the jade. It felt icy cold—like a small, stone shackle. Is that so? I asked. Aunt Chu nodded. He has been injured for the past two days; he won't admit it, but I know he has been waiting for you to visit. I remained silent. She sighed. Young people have their squabbles, but don't be too cruel. As for that girl, Manh Tri Ha, I have already scolded her. She won't cling to Tu Bach anymore.

Scolded her? Manh Tri Ha stole the protocols in the middle of the night and incited Tan Tu Bach to violate training regulations, causing him to tear his muscles for a second time. Yet, for her, it was merely a scolding. Meanwhile, I simply changed my university preference and stopped playing the servant, and suddenly I was branded impulsive, ruthless, and unreasonable. They certainly have a clear, albeit warped, sense of right and wrong. I placed the jade pendant back into its box. Aunt Chu’s expression shifted. Thanh Chi? I smiled. Just leave it there for now. We can discuss it after the banquet tomorrow.

She stared at me, the unease in her eyes deepening into panic. What exactly are you planning to say tomorrow? I replied, I will say exactly what needs to be said. Aunt Chu finally began to show signs of desperation. Thanh Chi, Tu Bach is injured; he cannot handle any more emotional turmoil. Can we not discuss this in private? In private? In my past life, I had too many private conversations. I told them Manh Tri Ha had crossed the line. I told Tan Tu Bach he needed to keep his distance. I told them I no longer wanted to clean up the messes they left behind at the training gym.