Chapter 4 — The Call from Another Me

I was already simmering with irritation, so I immediately turned around, intent on forcefully shaking her hand off my arm. But no sooner had I lifted my arm than Chu Than, standing right behind her, reacted with a reflexive instinct. He lunged forward and shoved me hard. There was a sharp, cacophonous crash of breaking bowls and plates. My entire body collided with the food cart. Broth and bits of food splattered everywhere—covering my hair, my face, and my dress. My ankle, already twisted, buckled under me, and I lay there for a long time, unable to drag myself up. It was a moment of utter, wretched humiliation. A collective gasp echoed around the room. Chu Than froze, his pupils dilating in shock.

"It wasn't... I didn't mean to... I thought you were raising your hand to hit someone, so I just..."

Trinh Oanh was the first to regain her composure. She immediately crouched down to help me, her tone dripping with feigned concern. "Are you alright? Let’s get you up. Chu Than didn't mean it..."

But when I met her eyes, I saw a flicker of triumph so intense it looked as though it might rob her of sleep. I gritted my teeth and pushed her hands away. I hauled myself up from the floor, my own strength the only thing left to rely on. Soup dripped from the hem of my dress, sticky and revolting—much like the hypocrisy the two of them displayed toward me. I said nothing more, turned on my heel, and marched straight out. Behind me, Chu Than naturally gave chase. "Thanh, I was wrong. Please, don't be angry, I'm sorry."

"There is truly nothing between Oanh and me. They were just teasing earlier. The three of us grew up together like family; how could you possibly believe those words?"

"I really only acted on instinct. I never intended to lay a hand on you..."

I stopped in my tracks and looked back at him. Suddenly, I let out a laugh, and with terrifying calm, I said, "Actually, I think you two look like a married couple."

"You make a perfect pair."

After that day, Chu Than called me countless times and sent over a hundred messages. He even stood outside my building waiting for me. I neither saw him nor responded; I blocked everything. Trinh Oanh’s number met the same fate. There was no longer any need for contact. Then, two days before the honors ceremony, I received an anonymous audio recording. The background noise was chaotic, but their voices remained crystal clear.

"Thanh isn't acting like herself. She’s never been like this before. During that class meeting, breaking up with you in front of so many people—that just isn't her."

"And this time, she even blocked my number. It's so strange."

Chu Than’s voice sounded laced with irritation. Trinh Oanh was silent for a moment before laughing. "She’s just used to being competitive. You accidentally pushed her that day and she fell flat on her face in front of everyone; she probably just feels embarrassed."

"Is that all it is?" Chu Than sounded uneasy. "I’m worried she knows something..."

"How could she? You know her better than anyone. If she really knew something, with her personality, do you think she’d just sit quietly? She would have grabbed you and me by now to demand answers. She’s just sulking."

"Besides, she’s liked you for so many years; how could she just let go? Just coax her a little, and she’ll come around."

Chu Than seemed partially convinced. "How am I supposed to coax her? She’s blocked me everywhere; I can’t even see her."

"Oh, what is there to worry about?" Trinh Oanh scoffed dismissively. "Let her block you; it’ll pass in a few days."

"Think about it. Once the admission results are posted the day after tomorrow, and she realizes she only got into a vocational college, she’ll be absolutely devastated."

Chu Than fell silent for a moment, as if he had truly reasoned it out. "That’s right. When that happens, I’ll go find her. I’ll comfort her properly and tell her it’s fine, that no matter where she goes, I’ll still need her and I’ll take care of her."

"She’s been competitive since she was a child. When she hits rock bottom and finds that I’m the only one left by her side, who else will she cling to but me?"

"What kind of future can someone with a vocational degree have? She’ll be stuck in some tiny town, finding a job that pays two or three thousand. I won't hold it against her; she should be moved to tears of gratitude."

Trinh Oanh nodded. "Exactly. And don’t forget that I helped you with this, too."

"I won't forget."

Finally, Chu Than laughed. "Once this is all over, you can have whatever you want."

The recording ended abruptly, followed by a text message: "These two are up to something. Be careful."

It was likely a former classmate. I pressed my lips together and sent back a simple word of thanks. Outside the window, the sky had turned pitch black. I listened to the recording twice more. By the third time, my hands were shaking uncontrollably. Not out of fear, but out of disgust—a revulsion so profound it was suffocating. We shall see, then, if a "vocational student" like me will be moved to tears of gratitude by a man like him.

On the day of the honors ceremony, the weather was glorious. Every teacher and student in the school was in attendance, along with local town officials. After all, I was the only student in recent years to be admitted to the top university in the capital, and the town took great pride in the achievement. Leaning on my crutches, I stood amidst the crowd.