Chapter 2 — The day I was left behind in the abandoned temple, the Princess kicked in the door to welcome me home

“It's just a kid, what's not easy to talk about?”

"Besides, in Van Hien's heart there is only Chi Nhi, a melon that is forced cannot be sweet."

"I think the eighth day of next month is a good day. It's better to choose that day for Van Hien to marry Chi Nhi. What do you think?"

"That's very good! Very good!"

I stood outside the door, listening to the laughter and joy inside. Sunlight shines on people. But I don't feel any warmth. Streams of cold air continuously oozed from the bones. I lifted my foot and kicked the main hall door open with one kick. The door panel slammed against the wall, making a resounding noise. All sounds inside immediately stopped. More than ten pairs of eyes simultaneously looked at me. My father. Lam Thi Lang. Mrs. Lam. Lam Van Hien. He had changed into a clean robe, his hair was carefully combed without any carelessness. As soon as he saw me, his pupils suddenly shrank, and the teacup in his hand fell to the ground with a "bang" and broke into pieces. I dragged my feet, step by step, entering. The blood and mud on his body left behind a long, dirty and unkempt streak on the clean, shiny floor. I walked to the middle of the hall and stopped. His eyes slowly scanned each person one by one. Finally stopping on his father's face. The smile on his face had completely stiffened, replaced by a look of surprise and anger.

"Tham Chieu Ninh! Look at your appearance! What else can you see?"

I opened my mouth. The voice was hoarse like the rubbing sound of a broken gong.

“Father.”

“Shouldn't you give me an explanation?”

My father's face turned from white to blue. Then from blue to purple. He suddenly slammed down on the table.

“Does anyone talk to elders like you?”

"Quickly go back to your hospital! Don't stand here and embarrass yourself anymore!"

Lam Thi Lang and Mrs. Lam stood up awkwardly. Wanting to say goodbye but not daring to move. Lam Van Hien's lips moved slightly. It seemed like he wanted to say something. But in the end, he still bowed his head. Lose face and shame? I look at my good father. In his eyes there was only anger. There's just frustration because a good deal was ruined by someone else. There was not the slightest concern for his injuries. There wasn't even a single question about how we survived last night. I burst out laughing.

“Father, who have I embarrassed?”

“Who else will make you lose face?”

“Is it because I was left behind in the wild mountains and deep forests, almost becoming food for wolves, making you lose face?”

“Or is it because I came back alive, interrupting your elegant pleasure of selling your daughter, causing the light to no longer appear on your face?”

My voice is not loud. But each word is like sharp ice spikes, piercing people's hearts. The hall fell into silence. It's so quiet it's scary.

“You...what nonsense are you talking about!”

Father was so angry that his whole body trembled and he raised his hand and pointed straight at me.

“Where are you?”

“Quickly bring the young lady down to me!”

Two burly ladies immediately rushed in from outside. One left and one right is going to hold me. My eyes turned cold.

“Who dares to touch me?”

The two women were scared by that look. Hesitantly, he stood still in place, turning his head to look at my father. I slowly rotate People. Looking towards Lam Van Hien. He kept his head down from beginning to end, not daring to look at me.

“Lam Van Hien.”

I call his name. His whole body immediately stiffened.

“Don't you have anything to say to me?”

He slowly raised his head, his eyes averted.

“An Ninh, I…”

"I already sent someone to pick her up, really. It's just that the mountain road was swept away by floodwaters and they couldn't get up."

"Only she... she had a high fever last night and was in a daze all night long. The doctor said that if she were a little slower, her life would be in danger."

He spoke extremely urgently. It's like I really have countless heartaches and countless reluctances that cannot be put into words. I nodded.

“So, can you feel free to leave me alone there?”

"Lam Van Hien, touch your conscience and ask yourself, when the rocks rolled down from the mountain, who pushed Bach Chi out?"

“This leg of mine, why is it injured?”

His face instantly turned pale.

“I... I...”

He stammered "I" for a long time. But still can't say a complete sentence. Seeing that, my father immediately loudly interrupted.