Chapter 23 — Pride And Scholarship

Three days after the successful surgery, when Ms. Hanh was transferred to the regular hospital room for continued monitoring, Hoai An had enough time and mind to think more carefully about the mysterious anonymous donation that saved her family. She decided to go to the hospital and ask the accounting department directly, hoping to find some clues.

“Sorry,” the accountant replied, after Hoai An presented his wishes, “the contributor requested absolute confidentiality, we cannot disclose any information, even to the patient's family.”

Hoai An left the accounting room disappointed, but still wondering in his heart. She remembered Bao Tran's somewhat confused reaction when asked about this issue, and her premonition became stronger and stronger.

That afternoon, when Gia Huy - a classmate who was Bao Tran's "henchman" in the past, has now become closer to the group after witnessing Bao Tran's positive change - happened to visit and ask about Ms. Hanh's health, Hoai An decided to ask him directly.

“Do you know anything about the person who donated a large amount of money for my mother's surgery?” she asked, her eyes searching for Gia Huy's reaction.

Gia Huy paused for a second, clearly considering whether to reveal the secret or not. “I... I'm not sure if I should say it,” he faltered, “Bao Tran told me to keep this a secret.”

That answer, even without direct confirmation, was enough for Hoai An to know for sure the identity of the mysterious benefactor. She felt a rush of complicated emotions - both deeply moved and a little guilty because Bao Tran had secretly spent such a large sum of money without wanting to be recognized for her efforts.

That night, Hoai An proactively went to Bao Tran's house, determined to clarify everything. When Bao Tran opened the door and saw Hoai An standing there with emotional eyes, she had a premonition of what was about to happen.

"You come in here," Bao Tran said, leading Hoai An into the living room, trying to stay calm even though she couldn't help but feel nervous.

“I know it's you,” Hoai An said directly, without beating around the bush, her voice shaking with emotion, “the one who contributed a large amount of money for my mother's surgery, right?”

Bao Tran was silent for a long time, then sighed, no longer trying to hide it. "Yes, it's me," she admitted, her voice quiet, "I'm sorry for keeping this from you. I don't want you to feel grateful, or guilty about having to accept help from me, after all I've treated you so poorly in the past."

Tears welled up in Hoai An's eyes. She walked over and hugged Bao Tran in a tight, emotional hug. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice choked up, “thank you for everything, not just for the money, but for the sincerity you gave to my family.”

Bao Tran hugged her back, unable to contain her emotions. “I just want to do the right thing,” she said, her voice shaking, “after all the trouble I've caused you, this is the only way I can think of to make up for my mistakes, even though it may not be enough to make up for all the hurt I've caused.”

"You don't need to atone for anything," Hoai An replied, stepping back to look Bao Tran straight in the eyes, "we've forgotten all of that a long time ago. I consider you my best friend, not because you owe me anything, but because of who you really are — kind, sincere, even if sometimes a bit clumsy." in expression.”

Bao Tran burst out laughing through her tears at that humorous comment. “Thank you for understanding,” she said, “I truly appreciate our friendship, more than anything I've ever had before.”

“But I have one condition,” Hoai An said, her voice becoming serious, “I will find a way to refund that money to you, no matter how long it takes. I don't want our friendship to be entangled by a material debt.”

Bao Tran intended to object, but seeing the determination in Hoai An's eyes, she understood that this was important for her friend's self-esteem. “Okay,” she agreed, “but I won't get any interest, and you can pay it off in installments for as long as you like.”

They both laughed, making that agreement as a way to balance gratitude and mutual respect, ensuring that their friendship would always be built on a foundation of equality and sincerity, not influenced by any gap between rich and poor.

At that moment, Mrs. Kim Ngan walked into the living room and happened to witness an emotional moment between the two girls. “What's making you two so emotional?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Bao Tran, after a moment of hesitation, decided to tell her mother the whole story, from the anonymous donation to the conversation just now. Mrs. Kim Ngan listened, her eyes shining with a hard-to-conceal pride.

“I didn't know you did this,” she said, her voice filled with emotion, “I'm proud of you, Bao Tran. This is truly the most meaningful use for what our family has.”

“I just did what I thought was right, mom,” Bao Tran replied, smiling, touched by this rare compliment from her mother.

Mrs. Kim Ngan turned to Hoai An, her voice was sincere. “I also thank you,” she said, “for being a good friend, helping my daughter see life in a much more meaningful way than what I used to teach her with lessons about status and power.”

Hoai An bowed her head politely, touched by the change in the attitude of Mrs. Kim Ngan, who had made her feel pressured and afraid during their first encounters. “Thank you,” she replied, “and I'm also very grateful that Bao Tran has become such a wonderful friend to me.”

That evening ended in a rare warm, sincere atmosphere, marking not only a complete reconciliation between the two girls, but also the opening of a new relationship full of respect between Hoai An's family and Bao Tran's noble family, something that neither of them dared to think of when the story began with a tense collision many months ago.

Before leaving, Mrs. Kim Ngan held Hoai An a little longer, her voice became serious. “I have a proposal,” she said, “my group has a scholarship fund for excellent medical students from difficult circumstances. If you agree, I would like to introduce you to the list of potential candidates for this fund when you enter college."

Hoai An was stunned by this unexpected proposal. “I... I don't know what to say,” she faltered, “thank you so much for this opportunity.”

“You deserve that opportunity,” Mrs. Kim Ngan said, smiling, “not because I want to make up for what happened before, but because I really believe you will become a good doctor, dedicated to your profession, just like you. has shown strength and character throughout the past time.”

Hoai An bowed her head in thanks, her heart filled with an indescribable feeling of gratitude for the unexpected opportunities that were gradually opening up before her eyes, not only financially, but also in terms of precious relationships that she had never dared to dream of when she first entered this strange Royal School.

On the way home, Hoai An called and told Minh Khoi the whole story. Her voice was still shocked by the unexpected developments of the day. “Can you believe it,” she said, “from a seemingly irresolvable rivalry, I now have a close friend, and support from his own family.”

“I'm happy for you,” Minh Khoi replied, his voice filled with happiness, “you deserve all these good things, after everything you've been through and overcome with your own strength.”

"You know," Hoai An said, her voice thoughtful, "looking back on this whole journey, I realize that if I hadn't had the courage to face Bao Tran that day, and hadn't dared to stand up to protect my dignity, perhaps things wouldn't have come to such a good result today."

“Exactly,” Minh Khoi agreed, “your tenacity and sincerity are the keys that open all these good doors. He not only changed his life, but also changed Bao Tran's, his mother's, and many other people's perspectives."

Returning home, Hoai An sat down at his desk, opened his notebook, and wrote a thoughtful line: "Today, I learned that kindness always has a way to repay kindness, even though sometimes it takes a long time, through many challenges and misunderstandings, to see the full results. Thank life for allowing me to meet such precious friends and opportunities." She closed the notebook, filled with faith in the good things that lie ahead, as both herself and the people around her are growing up together, understanding each other better through each challenge they have overcome together.