Chapter 11 — Seven Years, Letting Go Once

Paired into a jade face shaped like a peace coin. Very exquisite workmanship. The cracks are still dense. No matter how I fix it... I can't go back to how it was before.

"I asked someone to fix it."

His voice was hoarse.

"I know..."

"It can't be compensated."

"But I still want to give it back to you."

I received the box. Bui Nghien Tu's eyes suddenly lit up. But... The next second. I turned around and gave the box to Ta Hanh Xuyen standing behind.

"Please help me send it to the museum."

"Do the donation procedure."

The light in Bui Nghien Tu's eyes... immediately went out.

"Even it..."

"Don't you need it anymore?"

I looked at the rain in front of me.

"It's not my jade necklace anymore."

Bui Nghien Tu stood on the steps. Rainwater dripped down from my chin drop by drop.

"What about you?"

I calmly looked at him.

"No longer mine."

His shoulders sagged. Like just a moment... Has aged a lot. Ta Hanh Xuyen held an umbrella and stood quietly next to me. Bui Nghien Tu saw it. A flash of pain flashed under his eyes. He doesn't get angry. Also no questioning. Just quietly take a step back.

"He..."

"Are you treating me well?"

I replied softly.

"It has nothing to do with you."

Bui Nghien Tu nodded. Lips trembled violently. The rain is getting heavier and heavier. The steps also became slippery. When he turned to leave... Bui Nghien Tu staggered a step. Had to hold on to the railing to stand steady. The palm of his hand was cut by the iron edge. Blood mixed with rainwater. Flowing in streams to the ground. If it was before... I would definitely be heartbroken. But now... I just quietly pulled the umbrella further towards me. One year later. Duong An Technology officially re-hangs the sign. My father's photo was also included on the company's wall of honor. I stood in the hall, watching workers take down the words "Bui Thi Technology". When the last word fell to the ground... A heavy sound rang out. Tong Lan Anh has been to the company several times. The first time, she wore an old coat, stood at the reception desk and made a fuss, scolding me for being ungrateful. After the security guard called the police, she sat down on the ground and cried.

"Our Bui family raised you for seven years!"

The receptionist girl protested in a low voice:

"Isn't the Chairman of the Department always supporting himself?"

Tong Lan Anh was stunned. The second time, she came carrying a bag of apples and said she wanted to see me. The secretary asked if I had seen him. I looked through the surveillance camera. She stood in the corner of the hall. My hair has turned a lot gray. The bag of apples in my hand had a hole torn in it. Two apples rolled out. No one helped her pick it up.

"No see."

The third time the person who came was Bui Nghien Tu. He was wearing a delivery uniform, standing in front of the company door. The rain soaked half of my shoulder. The receptionist recognized him and called in panic.

"Chairman of the Department, he said he just wanted to deliver things to you."

When I got downstairs... He was squatting in front of the door, picking up the lunch boxes scattered on the ground. The person who once valued dignity more than anything... Now the backs of his hands are full of cracks due to the cold. Seeing me, he quickly stood up. The delivery box was hidden behind his back.

"I'm not here to cause trouble."

He took out an envelope from his chest. The corners of the envelope were soft from the rain.

"Pay me this month."

After Bui Kien An was convicted, assets The Bui family was liquidated. Bui Nghien Tu paid part of the debt on behalf of my parents, then compensated me according to the judgment. Every month, money is transferred to the court's execution account. I don't accept envelopes.

"Just follow the procedure."

He slowly collected the envelope. Doan Doan stood next to my feet and cried softly. Bui Nghien Tu bowed his head to see it. His eyes immediately turned red.

"He's gotten fatter."

Doan Doan sniffed his shoes. Then turned around and hid behind me. His sitting motion stopped midway.

"Before..."

"It sticks to you the most."

I said nothing. People remember wounds. Cats are the same. Raindrops fell from the eaves. Bui Nghien Tu raised his head to look at the company sign.

"The name Duong An..."

"It's really nice."

"My father ordered."

His throat moved slightly. Those three words... He said it many times. In front of the court gate. Downstairs company. And in each transfer note. The first time I heard it, I found it jarring. It sounds like the sound of rain. Hear that. But it doesn't stop me anymore. Ta Hanh Xuyen came from the parking lot. In hand holding an umbrella.

"Van Duong, the Board of Directors meeting is about to start."

Bui Nghien Tu saw him. Immediately bowed his head. The other day... The thing he couldn't stand the most was that there was someone else next to me. And now... Even his jealousy, he hides it deeply.

"You two..."

"Are you getting married soon?"

Ta Hanh Xuyen did not answer. Just turned to look at me. I took the umbrella.

"Next month."

Bui Nghien Tu's face suddenly turned pale. He tried to smile.

"Congratulations."

That smile... It's even more unsightly than crying. The phone rang with a notification. The screen shows a message that the court's execution account has received the money. Payer: Bui Nghien Tu. I turn off the screen. Bui Nghien Tu took two steps back. Put on your helmet.

"Van Duong."

I raised my eyes. He stood in the rain. Voice hoarse.

"This time..."

"I won't stop you anymore."

I calmly replied:

"I can't stop you either."

He nodded. The electric car started twice before starting. Running a few meters out... He stopped again. Don't turn around. Just wipe your face with your hand. Probably rainwater. Maybe not. The glass door of the hall slowly closed. Blocks the damp wind outside. Also separating his bent back. Ta Hanh Xuyen asked:

"Do we need to go through the tunnel?"

I shook my head.

"No need."

The elevator door opens. I picked up Doan Doan. Step into the brightly lit elevator compartment. Right before the door closed... The sound of the rain outside was also completely cut off. The floor number on the screen... Little by little goes up.