Chapter 3 — Long-term Contract Marriage

His hand was still on my waist, the warmth coming from his fingertips through the fabric of my shirt. Grandpa reacted the fastest, hitting the ground with his cane: "Who are you? What nonsense are you talking about?" “Co Dien Chau.” He let go of my waist, took a business card from his vest pocket, and leisurely handed it over. "Khuong Nghien Nhu's legal husband. We have been married for two years." The business card has a matte black background, laminated lettering, and only prints a name and phone number. But as soon as my father took one look, his face immediately changed. “Co Dien Chau… Co Dien Chau of Canh Thuy Group?” His voice trembled slightly. "Yes." Co Dien Chau retracted his hand and calmly glanced at Lam Canh Nguyen. "Mr. Lam, right? I'll return the sentence 'I'm very satisfied with her' verbatim. My wife's condition is indeed very good, no need for you to worry. We don't know each other, so pay attention when we talk later." Lam Canh Nguyen's face was sometimes red, sometimes white. He looked at Co Dien Chau, then looked at the business card, his lips moved, and in the end he couldn't utter a word. Khuong Van Nhu supported her grandfather, her voice tense: "Nguyen Nhu, when did you get married? Why didn't you tell your family?" “I don't need to report to you whether I get married or not.” I looked at her. “When you agreed to go on a blind date for me, didn't you really like being in charge for me?” “Sister…” Her eyes turned red, she turned her head and took a step towards Luc Nghien Tu. Luc Nghien Tu did not move. Since Co Dien Chau appeared until now, he has not said a word, his jaw is tight, his eyes are always on my face. I avoided his eyes and looked at my grandfather: "I've talked about my marriage, I have my own plans in mind, I don't need everyone to worry. He is my husband, the one I chose. Now it's too late if everyone is dissatisfied." Grandpa looked at Co Dien Chau for a long time, and finally he was the first to lower his voice: "If you're married, today's matter stops here. Let's go inside and talk." Co Dien Chau did not move. "My wife has already said that her marriage doesn't need everyone's concern. As for other things, how the Khuong family treats my wife, we will slowly figure it out later. Nghien Nhu, go visit your aunt first." He grabbed my hand, his fingertips using a little force. I didn't pull away and followed him into the elevator of the dormitory. The elevator door closed, the numbers kept jumping up. I let go of his hand and said thank you. “It should be done.” He leaned against the elevator wall, tilting his head to look at me. “How is your mother?” "Waiting for a liver source. Yesterday the situation was not very good, today I still haven't woken up." “Has the expert arrived yet?” "Yesterday, Nghien... the team arranged by Luc Nghien Tu arrived and also consulted. He said the source of the liver is being found." “His portion is his portion.” Co Dien Chau raised his chin. "I've found Director Wei of Hiep Hoa Hospital. He will come this afternoon, let him re-evaluate at that time. My liver source is also contacting, you don't need to owe the Khuong family any favors." I looked at him: "Aren't you afraid of causing trouble?" “What is there to fear?” He laughed. "You are my wife, we have registered our marriage. Their family bullies you, isn't it obvious that I will fight back?" I was silent for a few seconds. "Thank." "Thank you for what? What did we say at the beginning? A contract is a contract, but when you need support on the surface, I will definitely support you. I haven't had a chance to use it in two years, and today it's finally time." He always speaks frankly and concisely. That year, we met each other at a trade party abroad. I need an identity to escape the search and arrangement of the Khuong family. He needs someone to stand by his side on the outside to deal with his family. As soon as the two parties met, they agreed to sign an agreement and register the marriage. Whoever is busy will not interfere with each other. In two years, the number of contacts should not exceed ten times. Every New Year, we just send each other a "Happy New Year". This morning, I called him and said only one sentence: "Co Dien Chau, I need you." He didn't ask why, just said what time his flight was.

Elevator to the sixteenth floor. In the hospital room, my mother was still sleeping. Director Wei would arrive at three o'clock in the afternoon. I sat down next to the hospital bed. Co Dien Chau stood by the window looking at her phone, quiet as if she didn't exist. After ten o'clock, someone knocked on the door. Khuong Van Nhu pushed the door and walked in, behind was Luc Nghien Tu. "Nguyen Nhu, grandpa told me to come home for lunch this afternoon, and told everyone not to stress too much." Her voice was gentle, but her eyes turned to Co Dien Chau and observed for two seconds. "Mr. Co... come along too." Co Dien Chau raised his head from the phone screen: "Okay." The meal was filled with the smell of gunfire. Grandfather sat in the chair. On the left is my father and Khuong Van Nhu, on the right is Luc Nghien Tu. Opposite are me and Co Dien Chau. The long table in the dining room was now filled with people. Crystal lights shine, making the expressions on each person's face clearly visible. “What industry does General Director Co work in?”