Chapter 25 — The Day I Return

The curve at the corner of his eyes — exactly like the moment of parting at the intersection two months ago. As if a burden had just been lifted. It was as if — finally the wait had come. I took a deep breath. Pulling the suitcase, walked towards him. Fifteen meters. Ten meters. Five meters. Three meters. Come before me.
“I…” His voice was hoarse than on the phone, pausing for a beat, “It's here.”
"YES."
I dropped my suitcase. Raise your head to look at him. The winter sun penetrated through the glass roof of the airport terminal, covering his shoulders with a warm glow. He got thinner. Still skinny. But my demeanor is much better than two months ago. The dark circles under the eyes have faded.
“You've gotten a little fatter.” I said.
He was stunned. Then burst out laughing. That was — a smile that came from the bottom of my heart, without any defense. It's been three years since I saw him smile again. Not a self-deprecating smile, not a bitter smile, nor the patience held back when peeking through the car window - But a real, sincere smile, wrinkles clearly visible at the corners of the eyes.
“I told you to live well.” He replied, “I eat and drink properly.”
My throat constricted.
“That pen, I haven't taken it yet.” I suddenly said.
His smile briefly paused.
"Next time —" I lowered my eyes, looking at the location of his dinner jacket pocket, "Give it to me personally. Don't do it in the middle of the street. It'll be embarrassing."
He was stunned for another two seconds. Then — From his pocket, he pulled out a small dark blue velvet box. He always carries it with him.
“Now it's in hand.” His voice was light.
Open up. The old fountain pen lies quietly inside. The writing on the barrel of the pen — I can finally see it clearly. Not “Wait for me”. Which is —
“Jiang Duong”.
Two words. From the very beginning, the name engraved on it was my name. Engraving from eight years ago. My finger touched the pen. Cool metal pen body. It was like touching a time that had been sealed away for a long time. Eighteen years old. Revolving restaurant. Stress makes hands sweat. He said, "Go ahead and study properly." But his eyes were always — Looking at me. From start to finish. I picked up the pen and held it tightly in my hand. Very light. But very solid.
“Ky Lang.”
"YES."
“I have something to give you.”
I took my phone out of my bag and opened the encrypted file — a memo written two months ago. Turn the screen over, facing him. He bowed his head and read for a few seconds. Article 1. Article 2. Article 3. Article 4. After reading, he raised his head. Eye sockets are slightly red.
“The fourth thing.” His voice is extremely, extremely deep.
"YES."
“Live well.”
"YES."
He held out his hand — This time there was no more hesitation. Gently, carefully, like touching a fragile treasure — Touch the back of my hand. Temperature from the tip of a finger pressed close to it. Not for a second. But — just stay there. I did not withdraw my hand. Surrounded by a hustle and bustle of people, the sound of loudspeakers echoing, and the sound of rolling suitcase wheels. But at that moment — No sound reached my ears anymore. Only bright winter sunlight. And the warmth from his palm. Nguyen Tieu Ngu emerged from nowhere (perhaps she had been hiding behind a pillar and was secretly looking up until now), at this moment she let out an extremely shrill howl, almost calling the security guard:
“Aah ah ah it's finally done!”
Ky Lang and I simultaneously turned our heads to look at her. She stood three meters away with a happy expression on her face, holding up the phone — The screen was clear Understand the interface of a WeChat group. The group's name is "The Association for A Gathering of His Brother-in-law's Journey of Pursuing His Wife of 8 Years". The team members include — Doctor Truong, Director Lam's Assistant, Giang Ninh, and even a person named "Tong Dai (Assistant Ky Lang)".
“I —”
“Hehehe.” She quickly hid the phone behind her back, "Go, go home to eat! Your mother made sweet and sour fried ribs!"
Ky Lang laughed softly next to him.