Chapter 9 — Love at 19 Years Old

To Diem left the Luc Thi building, her legs still shaking. The areas of skin touched by Luc Vu Mac were still as hot as fire, as if the feeling of his hands remained... in her head, still echoing his words. "Come home with me, I'm still Mrs. Luc!" "I think it's easy for the Luc family to come in and out on their own, or is it because Luc Vu Mac has a good temper, allowing others to control him easily!" Those words kept echoing in her head, making it difficult for To Diem to breathe. She stood outside for a long time, then returned to her rented apartment. The old apartment of 60 square meters, with only rudimentary furniture, was completely different from the To family's previous villa. That day, Aunt Tham stood in the narrow living room in silence for a long time. To Diem knows she's not used to it, but right now, that's all she can do. In the kitchen, Aunt Tham is cooking soup again. Seeing To Diem return, she quit what she was doing: "How is your brother?" To Diem did not mention Luc Vu Mac, she bowed her head to change her shoes, and said softly: "He told me to find a lawyer named Manh Yen Hoi, said he could help us sue." "Manh Yen Hoi?" Aunt Tham thought: "I seem to have heard of this name! No matter what, we must find this person, if he is really capable, then my brother can also go out." To Diem nodded: "I just called Lam Tieu and asked her to help me find out." She and Lam Tieu have known each other since childhood. After graduating from university, Lam Tieu became a model, traveled all over the world, and made many acquaintances. Hearing the name Lam Tieu, Aunt Tham seemed complicated. Before, she didn't like To Diem hanging out with Lam Tieu, because she thought Lam Tieu belonged to the entertainment industry, a complicated group... but she didn't expect that now she would have to rely on her. Aunt Tham was silent for a moment. She scooped a bowl of soup for To Diem: "Drink, the soup is nutritious, you've lost a lot of weight lately. Don't you have to go to work at the training center next week?" To Diem lowered his head to look at the bowl of soup and said softly: "No more going! I will find another job." Aunt Tham sat down next to her: "Why is that?" To Diem didn't want her to worry, pretending to be gentle: "It's Luc Vu Mac! He told someone... they rejected me! It's okay, aunt, I will find another job, there are many recruitment ads in the press, I will definitely find one." She thought Aunt Tham would scold her. But Aunt Tham was silent for a long time, only saying: "It's good that your brother is out." She got up and went to the kitchen. But a moment later, Aunt Tham's choked cry rang out in the kitchen: "To Diem, don't think I'm cruel, forcing you to live by looking at Luc Vu Mac's face. I also know his character well, but how can I do that! If your brother doesn't make it out, how will you live in the future?" Aunt Tham said while crying. To Diem was also heartbroken, but she still tried to suppress it, gently leaning on her grandmother's shoulder: "Auntie, I'm grown up! Without my brother, I can still take care of the family." Aunt Tham cried loudly... To Diem searched for several days but could not find a suitable job. She understood that large organizations had probably been told that they could not accept her. So she lowered her request, going to an event planning company. Saying it's a company, actually it's just running opening and anniversary shows, charging based on the number of shows. To Diem is beautiful and plays the violin well. The person in charge paid her 300 per session. If there was a lot of work, To Diem would run three or four sessions a day. Every day she played for at least 6 hours, her fingers were long, calloused and blistered. The days were hard and busy, but To Diem never regretted it. She didn't call Luc Vu Mac, nor did Luc Vu Mac... occasionally she saw news about him, attended parties, and bought companies. Every time he appears, Luc Vu Mac is handsome and noble. On these occasions, in the past, To Diem also occasionally went with him, seeing his gallant manner, she was quietly moved. But now, looking back at these things, To Diem only feels strange. … Late afternoon, on the top floor of the hospital. To Diem sat still

silent, next to her was a bottle of cold Coca-Cola she had just bought from the grocery store. Before, she would not drink this drink, because it was not good for her health, but now she will drink a little from time to time. Ha Ky Duong now approached, tall and wearing a white surgeon's blouse. He stood next to To Diem, quietly watching the sunset with her. When the last ray of light disappeared, To Diem turned around, saw Ha Ky Duong, stood up, slightly embarrassed: "Doctor Ha." Ha Ky Duong looked at her, his eyes carrying lasting memories, very gentle. To Diem's heart was not at peace. At this time, Ha Ky Duong looked into the distance and said softly: "Tieu Diem, when I was little, I called you Mr. Ky Duong... in the summer at night, I liked to sleep in a small tent, your mother always brought me ice, these past years she missed you very much." To Diem was stunned for a long time, and finally remembered... She whispered and called: "Mr. Ky Duong." These four words, she said with a bit of sadness, because when she had "Mr. Ky Duong", To Diem did not have to worry, she was still the precious little princess of the To family. When we met again, everything had changed. Ha Ky Duong tilted his head and looked at her quietly. Then, he pulled out a bank card from his pocket: "There's 2 million in here, the password is your date of birth, it should be enough for your medicine." To Diem did not accept: "I can make money myself, really." Ha Ky Duong looked at her hands, which were covered with medical tape and were no longer as smooth as before. He swallowed softly: "Tieu Diem, you don't have to work so hard." He took ointment and treated her wound. Having finished, To Diem gently curled his thin white fingers and said in a soft voice: "Before, I always lived under the protection of others, without self-esteem. Yes, even though I have nothing now, I am only 24 years old, I want to start again on my own." After speaking, she raised her head to look at Ha Ky Duong. As always, his eyes are gentle and carry a bit of depth. … To Diem was only at the hospital for two hours. At seven o'clock in the evening, she went to a bar opening. It's over, it's almost midnight. To Diem wore the violin and walked on a deserted street, the cold wind blew, she hugged herself tightly to keep from shivering. Late at night, the lights are dim. The large screen of a high-rise building broadcasts entertainment news, maintaining the bustle of the night. "The general director of Luc Thi Group, Luc Vu Mac, specially flew to H City, with his red soulmate to celebrate the romantic Mid-Autumn Festival." In the picture, secretary Tan pushes Bach Tieu Tieu's wheelchair, and is blocked by reporters at the elevator. Next to him, Luc Vu Mac looked uncomfortable. To Diem thought, maybe being photographed made him quite angry. Next, there was an interview with Bach Tieu Tieu. She smiled sweetly at the camera: "This Mid-Autumn Festival is very happy. I hope my leg will heal. Besides, I also hope to learn violin from the talented teacher Wei... You ask about general manager Luc? He is the most important person in my life." After speaking, Bach Tieu Tieu's eyes flashed with worry. Four years ago, she impersonated To Diem, making Luc Vu Mac think that she was playing the violin every day. She was afraid that Luc Vu Mac would find out. But very quickly, she convinced herself that when Luc Vu Mac woke up, it was her Bach Tieu Tieu sitting in the hospital room holding the violin, Luc Vu Mac would not know. … Late at night on City B Street. To Diem stood still, looked up at the big screen, and saw Luc Vu Mac taking care of others. Until your body is cold. She just woke up vaguely and whispered softly: "So, it's Mid-Autumn Festival." She put on the violin, turned around and left. Street lights on both sides, lengthening her shadow...