Chapter 6 — Summer Bearing Fruit

Luc Tinh Da suddenly laughed softly, the smile carrying bitter helplessness: "I haven't known you for a day or two. Even if the whole world doesn't believe in you, I will still stand by your side." His voice gradually softened, like a balloon that had just deflated: "But why...don't you believe me?" He was silent for a few seconds, as if he had just thought of something, then suddenly narrowed his eyes, his eyes were sharp: "Is... is someone threatening you? Don't be afraid. Just tell me. I will help you, I will protect you." His eyes darkened slightly, whispering again as if reminding himself: "Think carefully... the words on the paper that day... seem... I've seen them somewhere before..." My heart was pounding. Afraid that he would continue to think further, I quickly interrupted: "Luc Tinh Da, I really did it." “No way!” He almost didn't need to think and flatly denied it. 15. His eyes glanced over the stack of exercises on the podium, his eyes suddenly lit up: "That's right! Just look at the class's handwriting, I will definitely find out who the culprit is!" Just as he was about to walk towards the podium, I immediately blocked him and sighed: "Luc Tinh Da, are you so sure... that I can't cheat?" He nodded without hesitation: "Of course! I understand you." I laughed bitterly, shaking my head slightly: "No, you don't understand me. You've never known... how dark I actually am inside." He was stunned on the spot. I paused for a moment, then continued without holding back: "Do you know how much I hate you? You were born with everything, everyone loves you... What about me? I'm like a black background to highlight your light, nothing at all. You exist, like a mirror reflecting my misery and pity." “Sometimes I really wish you… would stop appearing in front of me.” "So, stop meddling in my business. We are... not from the same world." The class fell into a long silence. The white light shined down on his face. The expression on that face — from shock, gradually turned into endless sadness. He just stood there, quietly looking at me, as if trying to find a trace of a lie on my face. I don't know how much time passed, but he finally opened his mouth, his voice cracked: "Ha Ha... you're lying." "You said with your own mouth... you are my future wife. But now you say... we are not on the same path?" His eyes were empty, his whole body seemed to be broken, severely injured. I know clearly — if I just say a gentle word right now, the light in your eyes will shine again. But I can't risk it. Only 24 days left. With Luc Tinh Da's intelligence and stubbornness, you can truly find out who is harming me. I can't let that happen. I have to cut off all your hope. You must be dead hearted. I had to look straight into his eyes, my voice cold and numb: "It's all fake." "I just learned about the things related to you." “Do you really think… I like you?” "What about your future wife? I really didn't expect that she would trick you so easily." I slightly curled my lips, smiling almost cruelly: "To be honest, I've seen you before, your appearance is okay. But after a while of contact... I just feel so annoying. Just worrying about so many things all day long." "Time and time again, you want to clear your name for me, want to appear on my behalf. Luc Tinh Da, how old are you? Do you still play heroic games to save beauty?" “You rich guys... are all that free?” Luc Tinh Da stared at me, there was no longer any light in his eyes, only a dead silence. His voice was hoarse, almost gritting his teeth as he said each word: "Ha Boi Qua, very good." “If it wasn't for wanting to stay by your side... I would have gone abroad for vacation long ago.” “In this world, how many children are told that they still go to school like this every day?” I laughed softly, my voice as light as water: "Then you just go on a trip, who needs you to stay?" His eyes were red and scary, glaring at me fiercely as if he wanted to tear me apart. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said each word as if drawing blood: "Ha Boi Qua, I hate you to the core." 16. He picked up his school bag, turned around and left. Don't turn around. Didn't stop even for a moment. The moment he stepped out of the classroom, all the lights of the lecture hall building went out. Darkness immediately covered everything. Very dark. Dark enough to be just right. That way no one will see me unable to hold back my tears. I raised my hand and wiped the corners of my eyes. Everything was pitch black, so the task of cleaning the classroom was only half done and had to be put aside. Looks like... we'll have to come early tomorrow to continue cleaning. I took a deep breath and told myself: "There are only twenty days left, just try to endure a little longer." Waiting until the mission is over, I can return to reality. Return to mother. Relying on the faint moonlight through the window, I groped my way to my seat. Just as I was about to pick up my schoolbag, I... touched a hard object placed on the backpack strap. It's a flashlight. I pressed the switch. Strong light ripped through the darkness, illuminating the entire room. My nose was stinging, as if something was stuck in my throat. It's just... this time, there might not be a chance to say thank you anymore. 17. The next morning, Luc Tinh Da did not come to class. His seat was empty. Books, pens... have all been cleaned up by the housekeeper. Doesn't leave a single trace. I quietly looked at that table, feeling so empty that I panicked. Luc Tinh Da is no longer here. The whispers and laughter that were once extinguished by him with just a look, a teasing sentence... Now quietly arose again. Luckily, the sprint is near. People don't have extra time to focus on making fun of me. Only occasionally would someone laugh softly behind my back, or deliberately bump into my desk when passing by. I didn't raise my head. Didn't respond either. Just squeeze the pen in your hand, bow your head a little lower. 18. All morning, my heart was as empty as if it had been hollowed out. It turns out... the days without Luc Tinh Da were so long and unpleasant. Fortunately—— there are only 23 days left until the university entrance exam. Very soon, I will be completely liberated. That night, after school, Luc Tinh Da's housekeeper came to the classroom to help me clean up. I quickly shook my head: "No need, really no need to do that." But he didn't listen, he just quietly got to work: "This is the young master's order. Please don't make things difficult for me." I paused for a moment, then softly asked: "Is he... okay?" The butler was silent for a long time. In the end, he only replied very quietly: "Not very good." 19. The next day, the housekeeper still showed up on time. I no longer refuse, just quietly do my part. Day after day, time passes like water flowing continuously. Right before the university entrance exam, I finally couldn't hold back and asked softly: "Ah, this butler... Luc Tinh Da, is he at home?" Because I know, after the university entrance exam, I will leave this world. If possible... I really hope that during those two exam days, I can see Luc Tinh Da one more time. The butler looked at me and replied very seriously: "The young master said that tomorrow he will travel abroad." I was stunned. Then he bowed his head again and smiled softly: "……That's good. It's over." The butler hesitated for a moment, then softly asked: "Do you want to... send any words to the young master?" I was silent for a moment, then finally said seriously: "Then... have fun with him."