Chapter 1 — Love Behind a Ring

I've been in love with my best friend's brother for three years. Whatever gift I have, my best friend must have an identical part. At first, I teased Phuong Nhu that Phuong Chap Duat was a real sister-crazy person. I also happily accept that fairness. But gradually... Even I couldn't tell who was the chaperone. This time is the three-year anniversary of love. After choosing a couple ring, I blurted out and asked:

“This time also bought it for Phuong Nhu?”

Phuong Chap Duat paused slightly, frowning slightly as if thinking. After a while, he replied:

“I only have this one sister.”

“Besides, aren't you two best friends?”

At that moment, I suddenly felt that everything was meaningless. So, when he went to pay, I bent down to reply to the message the instructor sent yesterday: 【I agree to come to Beijing Medical University to teach.】

01

"Let's go, Tieu Nhu has booked a restaurant to congratulate us."

Phuong Chap Duat finished paying and came back. In his hands were two identical exquisite gift bags. I just casually glanced at it, then calmly put the phone away. If it were before, maybe I would have teased him:

"Mr. Phuong is so crazy about his sister. When Phuong Nhu gets married, are you going to hire a son-in-law to live with her?"

But this time, I didn't say anything. Phuong Chap Duat seemed not used to my silence. When the car drove onto the main road, he pursed his lips, as if explaining:

"Tieu Nhu has always liked this brand. Previously she mentioned wanting to buy a couple ring, but didn't know who to wear it with."

“Now we have the same ring, we can also consider it as a couple ring for best friends.”

After listening, I burst into cold laughter. I lowered the window and turned my head to look outside. This explanation of yours is worse than no explanation. Your best friend's couple ring? Phuong Chap Duat considers everything to be so obvious that it's scary. I never thought you could treat me so fairly. Phuong Nhu located a restaurant near Victoria Harbor. As soon as she saw me, she immediately smiled and ran over. When she was about to put her arm around me, Phuong Chat Duat reminded her in a low voice:

“If you walk, walk normally, don't run.”

“I just finished heart bypass surgery, I have to take care of my health.”

After speaking, he took the vest that was hanging on his elbow and put it on Phuong Nhu's shoulder. The night wind is very strong. Phuong Chap Duat noticed that Phuong Nhu was shivering, but didn't seem to notice that I was only wearing a thin shirt the whole way. Such things have happened before. It's just that I always assumed that Phuong Nhu was Phuong Chap Duat's younger sister and had a heart disease, so it was the right thing for him to care for her more. A brother gives a gift to his girlfriend, but is afraid that his sister will be sad, so he prepares an extra gift, which is understandable. But shouldn't there be some limits between siblings? For example, on my birthday, the gift should belong only to me. For example, on the anniversary of love, Phuong Nhu should not have a bracelet identical to mine. Or like on Valentine's Day, the bouquet of roses should be given to me first. The vague feeling of discomfort that once flickered in my heart suddenly happened today magnified to infinity. Phuong Chat Duat is not a bad person. It's just that you treat me too fairly. But sometimes, I also want to receive a little favor in this love affair. Phuong Nhu leaned closer to me and said in a low voice:

“Today is your three-year anniversary, I spent a huge amount of money to prepare a fireworks display.”

I raised my eyes to look at her. Her eyes were full of laughter, simple and innocent. There is no conspiracy or calculation, nor any desire to compete with me. Because of that, I feel even more petty and evil. Love is inherently exclusive. I really can't continue this relationship anymore. So, when Phuong Chap Duat walked over to hold my hand to go into the restaurant, I dodged his hand, curled my lips and smiled:

“Phuong Chap Duat, let's not celebrate the third anniversary anymore.”

02

Hearing that, Phuong Nhu looked at me in surprise. On the contrary, Phuong Chap Duat only pursed his lips slightly, not revealing any emotions.

“Uong Uong, what do you mean by that…?” Phuong Nhu's voice immediately became impatient.

I smiled:

“Nothing, I'm just feeling a little tired.”

"But don't worry, breaking up with your brother won't affect our relationship. You're still my best friend, my best friend."

Phuong Nhu didn't seem to hear it. She grabbed my wrist and quickly said:

"No, if my brother does something wrong, just tell me. I can scold him or hit him!"

"Uong Uong, I've long considered you my sister-in-law. You can't just break up with your brother like that, I can't accept it."

"You said the three of us would be together forever. Don't lie to me!"

Her emotions became more and more agitated. Finally, she started breathing heavily and coughing continuously. I frowned. When I was about to help Phuong Nhu stroke her back to help her breathe, Phuong Chap Duat pushed me away. His face darkened, his reproachful eyes glanced at me, then he said unhappily:

“Inciting what?”

"Tran Uong is just teasing you, can't you hear that?"

He gently patted Phuong Nhu's back to comfort her. At this time, Phuong Nhu gradually regained her breathing. Her eyes turned red and she looked at me and asked:

“Uong Uong, is what my brother said true?”

I pursed my lips, wanting to say no. But when I looked up to face Phuong Chap Duat's warning eyes, in the end I remained silent. After sitting down in the restaurant, Phuong Chap Duat gave the chosen gift to Phuong Nhu. Seeing a pair of rings inside, her eyes immediately lit up. What just happened seems like it never happened.

“It's a couple ring again!”

Phuong Nhu looked at me excitedly, then pushed the velvet box in front of me.

“Uong Uong, can you wear it for me?”

Sometimes I really can't understand Phuong Nhu's way of thinking. But her eyes were filled with anticipation.