Chapter 8 — Love Behind a Ring

After recovering, I couldn't help but laugh, and at the same time completely let go.

“Phuong Chap Duat, I really care about Phuong Nhu.”

“But that's your problem to solve, not yours.”

After speaking, I took a sip of coffee. Then he stood up to leave. Phuong Chap Duat suddenly spoke up. His voice was hoarse and difficult to the point of almost choking:

“What if it wasn't for Phuong Nhu?”

“What?” I stopped moving and turned my head to look at him.

Phuong Chat Duat is looking up at me.

“If you say…”

He said every word, as if trying to push out a rock that had been weighing heavily on his heart for a long time.

“What if I want you back?”

My breath immediately stopped.

“What if I said… the person who can't live without you is me?”

Phuong Chap Duat said every word clearly, but at this time I couldn't understand.

"It's not because of Phuong Nhu. Even if Phuong Nhu isn't there, I will still come find you."

"I bought a new pair of rings. This time Phuong Nhu doesn't have one."

"In the future, Phuong Nhu will no longer have any gifts that belong to you. Whatever favor you want, I can give you."

“Tran Uong, I love you.”

When the last word fell, I was completely frozen in place. In the past three years, this is the first time Phuong Chap Duat said he loves me. He finally admitted that he loved me. But I've been waiting for this for so long. To the point where now when it suddenly appears, I just feel paranoid.

"Phuong Chap Duat, we broke up."

12

Phuong Chap Duat refused to admit that we broke up. He said the three hundred thousand yuan he transferred to me was because he was worried that I wouldn't live well in Kinh City, not because it was a breakup fee. He also said that if I didn't want to return, he could fly back and forth between Port Island and Kinh City. He no longer uses Phuong Nhu as an excuse. He said:

"Tran Uong, the person who cannot live without you is me."

Phuong Nhu continues to cause chaos. She used all sorts of ways to send messages and call to bother me. After Phuong Chap Duat knew about it, for the first time he limited Phuong Nhu's freedom. He confiscated all of her communication devices and also sent her for psychological treatment. In the past, he always tolerated Phuong Nhu, because he thought he could unconditionally handle the consequences for her. No matter what trouble Phuong Nhu causes, whether murder or arson, he has the ability to handle it. But now it's not possible. Because Phuong Nhu has influenced my life. Phuong Chap Duat seemed to be fulfilling his promise, completely tilting the balance towards me. He bought all the gifts from the past three years to give to me. Each item is unique, of great value, unlike Phuong Nhu's gift. You have learned to put me first. He started to pay attention to my feelings. But I still didn't waver. I returned the gift and did not receive any attention from him. Phuong Chat Duat clumsily asked all his friends around him how to love me. But love originates from instinct. Love does not need to be taught by others. After three years, Phuong Chat Duat finally realized he loved me. But also at this moment, I completely let him go. Three months later, Phuong Chap Duat flew again to Kinh city. I had just finished teaching and walked out of class and saw him. Phuong Chap Duat stood next to the window at the end of the hallway not far away. The figure is tall and straight, holding a large bouquet of auspicious flowers in his hand. There were many students around who secretly looked at him, then said to me:

“How many times has Phuong come here?”

"Mr. Phuong is handsome, romantic, and has money. Or should you agree with him?"

I pursed my lips and said nothing. Lately, I've heard a lot of words like that. Someone also advised me:

"This is not a matter of principle. It's normal for couples to argue, there's no need to go to this extent."

But I just feel annoyed. I refuse to give in or forgive Phuong Chap Duat not because I hate him too much or hate him too much. But because I really no longer have feelings for him.

“Tran Uong, I came to pick you up from work—”

"Phuong Chap Duat, can you stop coming?"

Two voices rang out one after another. Phuong Chap Duat's body immediately stopped. The arm holding the bouquet of flowers stiffened in mid-air. His throat moved, as if he wanted to say something. But in the end, he just spoke a hoarse voice, very softly and very slowly:

“Okay.”

Mature people should know when to stop in love affairs. Continuing to meddle will truly become impolite.

13

After that, Phuong Chat Duat did not appear again. But he also did not withdraw his investment in the research institute. The project is still proceeding normally. Two years later... Chu Lang chose to study abroad in depth, and I took over his position, becoming the head of the research institute. During those two years, Chu Lang once suggested that we get back together. But in the end, both just smiled and let it pass. Actually, you and I both understand. Some feelings that have passed are past. It's only because people still have regrets that they stubbornly refuse to let go. A broken mirror will never be as whole as it was in the beginning. After receiving treatment, Phuong Nhu's emotions were much more stable. Although she still likes to cling to others, she is no longer as anxious and stubborn as before. Later, at a celebration party... I met Phuong Chat Duat again. This year he is thirty-three years old, still single. There was no shortage of women who wanted to find a way to climb into his bed, but all of those attempts were bluntly quashed by him. The couple ring on his ring finger has never been taken off. That was the ring he bought back later. Unique. Just belongs to me and you. Phuong Chap Duat has always stopped in the past, never been able to move forward. He stubbornly locked himself in memories, living every day in regret. But my life has entered a completely new chapter. Not bound by love. Don't be held back by the past.

— End —