Chapter 20 — The Child You Never Knew

The next day at three o'clock in the afternoon, the room included a tea shop. The deputy lady arrived five minutes early. Today she did not wear a cheongsam, but instead wore a dark blue casual outfit, did not wear a jade necklace, only wore a small pearl pin on her collar. Khuong Niem walked in on time. The two sat facing each other, away from a tea table. The waiter poured two cups of tea and then left, closing the door. The deputy lady spoke first. “What was said on the last show was a bit too much.” This is not an apology, but coming from the mouth of the Deputy Lady, it is a huge concession. Khuong Niem did not answer. “She said there was something she wanted to say in person.” Madame Fu's finger stroked around the rim of the teacup once. Her expression was unnatural, like she was doing something against her nature.

“I want to tell you about Wen Tam Duyet's story clearly.” Mrs. Pho raised her head and looked straight into Khuong Niem's eyes, "That year Tu Nien wanted to have you murdered, I did not object. Not because I believed that video, but because I felt you were not worthy of being the daughter-in-law of the Pho family."

Khuong Niem's face did not change at all.

"Your background, your profession, your position in this industry, are not the standards of a daughter-in-law that I want. Wen Tam Duyet is different. Behind her is the On family, although that family has declined now, but its reputation is still there. Her image is popular with people, and can add points to the image of the Pho family. At that time, I felt, let her go, let her come, to everyone. good.”

The deputy lady spoke very slowly, each sentence seemed to be forced out from between her teeth.

“It wasn't until last month that I saw the original video.” Her fingers tightened into a cup, "I just realized what is hidden under Wen Tam Duyet's face. A person who can attack a five-year-old child, my Pho family cannot raise him."

Khuong Niem picked up a cup of tea and took a sip. Then put it down.

“You didn't come here today to talk about these things.”

The deputy lady looked at her for three seconds. Then she took out a file from her bag, placed it on the table and pushed it over.

“This is an educational trust fund.” Mrs. Pho said, "Established under Chau Chau's name, the capital is from the Pho family fund, not related to Tu Nien's personal account. The right to manage this trust fund belongs to her alone. This money can only be used for Chau Chau's education, not for other purposes, and also without any conditions."

Khuong Niem did not touch that document.

“I know you don't want to accept money from the Pho family.” Mrs. Pho said, "But this child has half the blood of the Pho family. He should receive the best education. You raise him alone, how much can you give him? Public school? Ordinary extra classes? His talent is palpable there, you see it, I see it too. You let him study in Khai Minh's genius class, but the cost of interviews in the capital, future international exchanges, long-term training plans, an actress How long can an 18th line player like you, who has been retired for three years, be able to carry the burden?"

Every sentence and every word is very accurate. Not malicious words, but needles of truth. Khuong Niem was silent for a very long time.

“Management rights belong to I." Finally she spoke up, "It means how to use it, whether to give it or not, when to give it, what you say doesn't count."

"That's right."

“The Pho family cannot use this excuse to contact Chau Chau. If I find out that someone is using the name of the trust fund to harass us, I will return all the money without keeping a penny.”

"I agree."

“Final condition.” Khuong Niem looked into Mrs. Pho's eyes, "You tell your son clearly. This child does not have the surname Pho. No matter whose blood flows from its body, it is only Khuong Du Chau. This name was given by me.”

The corner of the Deputy's mouth twitched. It took her a few seconds to suppress the urge to refute. Khuong Niem took the document, flipped through a few pages, and confirmed that the terms were exactly as Mrs. Pho said. Then she placed the documents back on the table.

"I'll take it home and read it, then I'll sign it."

The two sat for another minute. The deputy lady hesitated twice, but finally spoke out loud.

“I saw its performance in a variety show. That child is smarter than Tu Nien when he was young. But more kind than Tu Nien.”

Khuong Niem pushed the chair and stood up. “That's because he didn't grow up in the Pho family.” She walked out of the room. The deputy lady sat alone at the tea table, facing two cups of cold tea, and sat for a long time.