Chapter 17 — My Husband Wants AA, I'm Thinking About Divorce

Previously, we only knew each other through professional forums. This time I also specially came to attend. The space is arranged by Tham Nhuoc Dong. Fresh flowers combined with interior design. Sophisticated and harmonious. Next to the signing area is a wall displaying works. From the university graduation exhibition. Until the cultural tourism project. All arranged by timeline. Co Minh stood in front of that wall for a long time.

“From the first time I saw your paintings.”

“I knew this person would be standing here sooner or later.”

“I'm just taking a detour.”

“But the detour is not in vain.”

After the ribbon cutting ceremony. Someone brought a glass of champagne to toast with me. Is a man over forty years old. Introducing himself as deputy general director of a cultural corporation.

“General Lam.”

“I have heard your name for a long time.”

“This time to Hangzhou.”

“I especially stopped by here to take a look.”

“Mr. Ha is too polite.”

“It's not polite.”

He lowered his voice. Smile.

“Let's be honest.”

“Half a year ago I started researching your projects.”

“At that time, I was planning to invite her to the group to be the design director.”

“The results of asking will only be known.”

“She opened her own studio.”

“Even became a partner.”

"Indeed."

“Being your own boss is still more interesting than working for someone else.”

I smiled. Gently clink glasses with him.

“Next time, arrange a time to talk more carefully.”

“Who knows, maybe we have a chance to cooperate.”

After he left. Phuong Dinh immediately approached.

“Ha Minh The?”

“It is a cultural group that is among the top in the country.”

“He personally came to your opening ceremony?”

“Just dropped by by chance.”

Phuong Dinh burst out laughing.

“Just happened to stop by a creative district in Hangzhou?”

“Don't joke.”

She patted my arm.

“Now you have really succeeded.”

I looked around. There were more people coming than I thought. There are acquaintances. There are strangers. But everyone knows me because of my work. Respect me for my ability. It's not because I'm anyone's wife. Not because I ever washed clothes or cooked for anyone. But because I am Lam Niem So. Right at that moment. An unexpected person appeared at the door. Tran Khai Chu. He wears a normal jacket. No more vests. In his hand he held a paper bag. Stand in front of the reception desk. A little hesitant to look inside. Tham Nhuoc Dong was the first to discover it. She stepped forward.

“What are you doing here?”

Tran Khai Chu looked around. It's a bit confusing.

“I came to congratulate.”

He placed the paper bag on the table.

“It's a stone lotus pot.”

“Not worth much money.”

“Previously, Niem So used to raise a pot.”

“After moving house, it was gone.”

Tham Nhuoc Dong did not accept it. I stepped forward.

“Tran Khai Chu.”

He raised his head to look at me. Really getting a bit old. Not because of age. It's because of the demeanor. The natural confidence of the past has disappeared. Instead, it looks reserved and careful.

“Congratulations.”

“I'm not going in.”

He took a step back.

“I just want to see for myself.”

“How do you live now?”

“See it?”

“I saw it.”

He smiled softly. There are many emotions in that smile. But I don't want to read anymore.

“You're better than I ever imagined.”

I didn't reply. He turned and left. The paper bag was left on the reception desk. Tham Nhuoc Dong watched his back disappear into the rain. Then turned to me and asked:

“Do you accept?”

I looked at the paper bag. Inside is a small stone lotus pot. Green leaves. The roots are planted very firmly.

“Put it on the windowsill.”

“Are you softened?”

I shook my head.

“It has nothing to do with him.”

“It's simply a potted plant.”

Tham Nhuoc Dong looked at me for a few seconds. Then burst out laughing. Say no more. Outside the glass door. Spring rain still falls lightly. Inside the new studio. Warm light. People come and go. The sound of conversation mixed with laughter. I stand in the middle of that space. Look at the wall of works in the distance. Suddenly I remembered the day I left my eighty-eight square meter apartment. At that time I was dragging a suitcase. Bring insecurity. And a future whose shape is unknown. And now. I have my own house. Have your own career. There are honest people by your side. Have a life that belongs to yourself. The happiest thing is not to make someone regret. But look back one day. Realizing that I've come a long way. As far as the people who have hurt me. Just a faded name in memory. Became my own light without even realizing it. The first big project after the studio opened was brought by Ha Minh The. His cultural group wants to launch a nationwide creative cultural brand incubation program. It is necessary to build a unified visual identity system and brand strategy. Total budget. 3,000,000 yuan.