Chapter 9 — I Shall Never Set Foot in Nam Thanh Again

That is chillingly cold-hearted. Athletes fear injury above all else; how could she use such words to provoke someone? I heard her father is a renowned rehabilitation specialist who has always monitored the injuries of Tu Bach. Is she really going to cut ties just because of an argument? No wonder Ha cried so miserably last night.

Manh Tri Ha remained silent. Yet, the more she stayed silent, the more others spoke on her behalf. After a while, she finally sent a message: Everyone, please stop talking about sister Thanh Chi. Perhaps she is just in a bad mood.

How familiar that sounded. In my previous life, she pulled the exact same trick: first, spark the fire, then weep and beg everyone not to let it burn. Before I could even turn off my phone, Tan Tu Bach called. I answered. His voice was laced with suppressed rage.

Did you see what is happening in the group chat?

I saw it.

Then why haven't you explained yourself?

I let out a soft, mocking laugh. You were there. Why didn't you explain it?

There was a moment of hesitation on the other end. Tan Tu Bach said, Ha did not mean anything by it. She did not post the video herself.

Did I ever say she was the one who posted it?

Nguyen Thanh Chi. His voice sounded weary. Can you please stop targeting her all the time? Because of your words yesterday, she cried all night.

My fingers tightened around the phone. There are some things that, no matter how many times you hear them, still make you feel as nauseous as eating leftover soup. I asked him, And so what?

Tan Tu Bach fell silent.

I continued, She cried all night, so I must be the one to apologize?

I did not mean that.

Then what did you mean?

His voice lowered. Everyone in the training camp is gossiping about you. If you just post a quick explanation saying you did not mean it that way, you would give Ha a way to step down.

Look at that. There it is again. They push me into a pit, and then they demand that I personally build them a ladder so they can climb out. I said, I will not post anything.

Tan Tu Bach was stunned. What?

I said, I will not post.

Nguyen Thanh Chi, do you really want to escalate this to such a level?

Tan Tu Bach, that video was edited out of context, and you know it.

He did not reply. I gave a cold chuckle. You know the video was doctored, and you know exactly why I said what I said. Yet, instead of explaining, you demand that I be the one to apologize. This is not the first time you have done this to me.

Tan Tu Bach's breath hitched. I only meant...

Meant what? Only that you were afraid Manh Tri Ha would be embarrassed? Only that you were afraid people would call her manipulative? Only that you thought I was already used to suffering, so taking a step back would not hurt me?

I let it all out, and once finished, I felt strangely calm. Tan Tu Bach, I am not stepping back this time.

He stayed silent for a long time. Finally, his voice rasped, You have changed.

I looked out the window. The sunlight rested upon the camphor tree below. The leaves were a blinding, vivid green.

That is right, I replied. I have finally changed.

After hanging up, I did not offer any explanation in the group chat. I simply downloaded the video to keep as evidence, then took screenshots of the entire chat history from start to finish. Let this crowd curse me as much as they want now. The harder they strike, the more it will sting when they realize the truth later. That is perfect. It will make the upcoming celebration of my university admission all the more lively.

At ten in the morning, Manh Tri Ha sent me another message, this time from a different number.

Sister Thanh Chi, I am sorry. I did not encourage them to post the video in the group chat. I know you hate me, but brother Tu Bach truly values his chance to enter the Nam Thanh Sports Academy. Can you please stop using his leg as a way to vent your anger?

I stared at the last sentence, finding it almost laughable. She was the one who stole the training plan. She was the one who goaded him into overworking. She was the one using his leg injury to polish her own reputation. And now, she claimed that I was the one using his injury to vent my spite.

I did not reply. I forwarded the message directly to my father. He replied almost immediately: Ignore her.