Chapter 21 — Pride And Scholarship

Two weeks after a frank conversation with her mother, Bao Tran still has not received any official answer about whether Mrs. Kim Ngan accepts her to pursue literature or not. The prolonged silence made her nervous, although she appeared to be much more open than her initial rigid attitude.

One evening, while Bao Tran was studying in her room, Ms. Kim Ngan suddenly stopped by, holding a thick file. “I have researched carefully,” she said, sitting down next to her daughter, her voice serious but no longer as cold as before, “about literature, about prestigious universities at home and abroad that offer training in this field, along with realistic career prospects.”

Bao Tran held her breath, anxiously waiting for the final decision from her mother. “I still have a lot of worries,” Mrs. Kim Ngan continued, “but I realize that if I force you to pursue a path you don't like, you will never be truly happy, and it will also affect your long-term future.”

“So that means…” Bao Tran asked, her voice trembling with hope.

“Mom agrees to let me pursue literature,” Mrs. Kim Ngan said, making Bao Tran unable to help but hug her mother in bursts of happiness, “but with one condition — you still have to learn some more subjects related to basic business administration, so that in the future, if you want, you still have enough knowledge to participate in running the corporation in a more suitable role, for example, in charge of communications and branding.”

“I agree,” Bao Tran replied immediately, without hesitation, feeling that this was a completely reasonable and goodwill compromise from her mother.

After Mrs. Kim Ngan left the room, Bao Tran sat quietly for a long time, enjoying this rare feeling of relief and happiness. She remembered the conversation with Hoai An a few weeks ago, about daring to speak out her true dream, and felt deeply grateful for that sincere encouragement.

She took her phone and immediately texted Hoai An. "My mother agrees! I will study literature! Thank you for giving me the courage to tell the truth."

Hoai An responded almost immediately, filled with joy. "I'm so happy for you! See, I told you, as long as you dare to be honest, everything will be okay."

Bao Tran smiled, put down the phone, looked out the window of her room, where the city lights sparkled in the dark night. She thought about her journey over the past few months — from an arrogant lady who always looked down on those in more difficult circumstances than her, she had now learned to appreciate the truly important values in life, thanks to her unexpected friendship with the scholarship girl she once considered her archrival.

The next day at school, Bao Tran excitedly told the good news to Diem Quynh and her close friends, but their reaction was not as positive as she expected. “Are you really going to study literature?” Diem Quynh asked, her voice somewhat confused, "It sounds like a waste of your business talent."

“I think this is the most suitable choice for me,” Bao Tran replied, her voice was steadfast, no longer paying much attention to opposing opinions like before, “each person has their own path, I don't need to live according to the mold that others expect.”

The change in Bao Tran's way of thinking and attitude made her friends Old people couldn't help but be surprised, some people seemed even more distant, perhaps because they no longer found anything in common with the new version of her - a sincere Bao Tran, confident in her own worth rather than just relying on family status to assert herself.

“Are you sad when your old friends seem to shun you?” Hoai An asked, as the two sat having lunch together in the cafeteria.

"A little bit," Bao Tran admitted, "but I think, if friendship is only based on having to live up to other people's expectations, then it's not real friendship. I'd rather have a few sincere friends than many superficial, fake relationships."

Hoai An nodded, feeling deep sympathy with this thought. “I understand that feeling,” she said, “and I believe, true friends, like me, will always support you, no matter what path you choose.”

Bao Tran smiled, touched by that sincere affirmation. “Thank you,” she said, “for always being yourself, and for inspiring me to be more true to myself.”

In the afternoon, after school, Bao Tran stopped by the school library. For the first time in many years, she spent time wandering among the shelves of literary books that she had previously only dared to read secretly in her own room, afraid that her mother would scold her for "wasting time on useless things". Now, she can freely choose and borrow her favorite novels without having to hide them from anyone anymore.

She sat down in a quiet corner of the library, opened a newly borrowed book, and felt a freedom and relief she had never felt before. The afternoon sunlight penetrates through the large glass window, illuminating the book pages, creating a strangely peaceful scene, different from the busy, stressful life she has been accustomed to over the years.

“What are you reading?” A familiar voice rang out. Hoai An walked over and sat down opposite her.

“A classic novel,” Bao Tran replied, holding up the cover for Hoai An to see, “I've wanted to read this book for a long time, but never had the chance.”

"Sounds good," Hoai An said, smiling, "I also like reading, even though I don't have as much free time as you. Maybe we can start a small reading club in class?"

“That's a good idea,” Bao Tran nodded, her eyes lit up with excitement, “I'll help you plan, maybe you'll attract many friends to join in.”

The two sat down and talked enthusiastically about their favorite books and ideas for a new reading club, a completely different image from the first days of tense confrontation, clearly demonstrating the positive change that has taken place in the relationship between these two girls who once stood at opposite ends of the Royal School.

“You know,” Bao Tran said, closing the book, her voice thoughtful, “more and more, I realize that your life, despite its material deprivation, has many things that I always crave — freedom of choice, sincere love from family, and friends who really care about you for who you really are, not because you can bring any benefits.”

"I think," Hoai An replied, her voice gentle, "each person has their own needs, and also their own blessings. The important thing is that we know how to appreciate what we have, instead of just looking at what others own that we don't have." Have."

“You're right,” Bao Tran nodded, her eyes shining with deep understanding, “I think, this is the biggest lesson I learned from you, since the day we met in that not so smooth situation.”

They both laughed at the humorous reminder of their first tense encounter, a memory that has now become a fun story to look back on, instead of an unforgettable heartbreak like before. The afternoon sunlight gradually fades through the library window, covering the space with a warm yellow color, as a symbol of the positive change in the relationship between the two, from harsh confrontation to a sincere, deep friendship that both cherish.

Before leaving the library, Bao Tran suggested a surprise. “Are you free this weekend? I want to invite you and your aunt to my house, if your health conditions allow. I want to introduce you to my mother officially, not just as a classmate.”

Hoai An was a bit surprised by this invitation, but also felt warmed by Bao Tran's sincerity. “I will ask my mother,” she replied, “but I think, if my mother's health is stable, she will definitely be happy to meet you.”

“I hope to meet you soon,” Bao Tran said, smiling, “I've heard a lot about your extraordinary strength, I really admire it.”

The two of them parted ways in front of the library gate, each with a feeling of relief and happiness after an afternoon of meaningful conversation. Hoai An walked out of school, filled with gratitude for the miraculous changes that had taken place in the few short months since the day she set foot in this strange Royal School - from a sworn enemy, Bao Tran had now become one of her closest, most trusted friends, a living proof that, sometimes, the worst beginnings can lead to the most beautiful friendships in life.