Chapter 3 — Ten Years Waiting for a Taste

His voice calmed down a bit. But still carries a heavy nasal sound.

“It's nothing, sir.”

I took the bowl. He looked at the almost intact plate of cod on the table.

“Serve this dish.”

After speaking, he turned and went upstairs. I dumped the cod in the trash. Wash the bowl. Everything returned to quiet again. Like what just happened was just an illusion. The next day. I still work as usual. In the morning, while going out, Mr. Co looked at me. I pretended not to notice. Ten o'clock in the morning. He suddenly returned. This is very rare. Normally, he is at the company during the day. He called me into the office.

“Miss Truong, sit down.”

I cautiously sat down on the edge of the sofa. He poured me a glass of water.

“Miss… Truong.”

It seemed like he didn't know how to open his mouth.

“About yesterday... thank you.”

“Don't say that.”

I quickly replied.

“It's just a meal of dumplings, it's not worth it.”

“No.”

He shook his head. He looked out the window.

“For me, it's just a dumpling meal.”

“But for me…”

He stopped. Eye sockets became wet again.

“I've remembered that dumpling flavor for ten years.”

My heart suddenly skipped a beat. Ten years? What does a meal of dumplings have to do with ten years? It seemed he had sunk deep into his memories. The office is extremely quiet. I can hear the wall clock ticking. Every sound, every sound. Knock on my heart. A long while later, he regained consciousness. He took out an envelope from the drawer. Give it to me.

"Miss Truong, this is this month's salary."

“More.”

“From next month, my salary will increase to 20,000 yuan.”

I was startled. Currently my salary is 8,000 yuan. In this city, that salary is considered very high for the maid profession. Twenty thousand yuan. That is the income level of many senior office workers.

“No way, sir. It's too much!”

I pushed the envelope back.

“I can't accept.”

“It's not worth it, it's just a dumpling meal.”

“Just take it.”

He pushed the envelope towards me again. The voice does not allow refusal.

“Not for a meal of dumplings.”

He looked at me, his eyes were very sincere.

"But because you reminded me of some very important... things."

"Miss Truong, from now on, stay in this house."

“Do whatever you want.”

“Don't worry about those rules.”

“If you want to cook anything for Tieu Tiep, just cook it.”

“As long as the boy likes to eat and it's healthy.”

I held the thick envelope. Feels heavy in hand. I don't know what to say. Mr. Co stood up.

“I'm going back to the company.”

“In the evening... are there still dumplings?”

He asked very carefully. Like a child afraid of being rejected. I nodded.

“Yes, sir. I put it in the freezer.”

A smile appeared on his face. Very pale. But extremely true.

“Okay.”

He turned and left. I sat alone in the office, my mind blank. Until Van Lam called. Her voice was cold as winter ice.

"Miss Truong, I heard Tieu Tiep say that you wrapped dumplings yesterday?"

My heart immediately sank.

“Yes, ma'am.”

“What cause?”

“… Sliced vegetables.”

The other end of the line was silent for a long time. Then, I heard her cold voice.

“I immediately returned about."

04

Half an hour later. A white Porsche drove into the yard. Stop in front of the door. The car door opens. Van Lam walked down. She was wearing a beige office dress. The face has no expression at all. She went straight to the kitchen. I was standing in there, my limbs frantic. She didn't look at me. Go to the refrigerator and open the freezer door. Cold air blew out. She saw. A few bags of white dumplings were pre-portioned by me. She didn't take it directly. Instead, turn around and grab a pair of rubber gloves from the cabinet under the sink. Slowly put it on. Then take out all the dumpling bags. She placed them on the kitchen table. Arrange each bag neatly. It's like looking at evidence of a case. She finally spoke up. The voice was very calm.

“Miss Truong.”

“What is this?”

“Dumplings.”

My voice trembled.

“Where from?”

“… I pack it myself.”

“What cause?”

“Sliced vegetables and pork.”

“Where do you get Thai Thai vegetables?”

I don't dare lie.

"In the yard... grows in the corner of the wall."

Listen. There was an expression on her face that I couldn't describe. Both disgusting and confusing. It was like looking at an uncivilized primitive man. She doesn't get angry. Don't scold me either. Just pick up a bag of dumplings. Go to the food trash. It's a smart trash can. Just use your foot to gently step on the lid and the lid will automatically open. She threw in the bag of dumplings. Then comes the second bag. Third bag. She threw all the dumplings away. I've been wrapping dumplings all afternoon. The dumplings that Mr. Co ate while crying. Just like that, it's treated like trash. Finished throwing the dumplings. She took off her gloves and threw them in the trash. It's as if those dumplings are some kind of scary pollutant.