Chapter 9 — The Day She Returned, I Left

Truong Duong knew that On Van was alone in this city, with no relatives or friends, so he took special care of her.

“On Van, do you want to go see the beach together this weekend?”

“On Van, is my daughter's painting beautiful?”

"On Van, this banh cuon shop is especially delicious, I'll take you there."

On Van knew Truong Duong had sympathy for her. But she neither accepted nor refused. It wasn't because she was still thinking about Luc Han Chau. It's because she hasn't finished preparing yet. She spent four years loving someone who didn't love her. She needs time to learn to love herself. Truong Duong did not urge her. He just stayed by her side. One day, On Van asked him:

“Why do you treat me so well?”

Truong Duong thought for a moment then said:

“Because you deserve it.”

On Van's eyes turned red. No one had ever told her that “she was worthy”. Luc Han Chau is not there. To Niem is not there. Neither did her parents. Everyone felt she was "not worthy". Not worthy of Luc Han Chau. Not worthy of that world. Not worthy of a better life. But Truong Duong said:

“You deserve it.”

On Van did not cry. She laughed. This was the third thing she learned in this small southern city. Accept goodwill, admit yourself as worthy. One year later. Wen Wan was promoted to head of the company's content department. Monthly salary increased to twelve thousand. She moved house, rented a larger apartment, two bedrooms and a living room, with a balcony and a view of the sea. She grows flowers on the balcony, wakes up every morning to water the flowers, dry the blanket, and listen to music. She bought an old, blue electric car. Very old, but still works. Every day she rides it to and from work. The wind blew into her face, her hair was blown askew, but she felt free. She is still learning brand planning. The course is about to end, she does a graduation paper. Is a branding plan about "women's independence". The teacher gave her the highest score, saying:

“This plan has soul.”

Sometimes she will also remember Luc Han Chau. Not longing. But I suddenly remembered. Remembering that man, her heart did not waver. It's like remembering a book you read a long time ago. I still remember the title of the book, remember roughly the content, but the details are vague. She no longer hates him. Hating someone takes a lot of strength. She wants to use that energy in better places. Luc Han Chau no longer came to look for her. But she heard a few things. It is said that To Niem is engaged to someone else. I heard that the stock price of Luc Thi Group decreased. I heard that Luc Han Chau's mother had a stroke and was hospitalized. I heard that Luc Han Chau sold the Luc family villa and moved to a smaller house. When she heard the news, she didn't have any feelings. It's like listening to a stranger's story. One day, Tieu Loc asked her:

“On Van, do you still want to return to Giang Thanh?”

On Van thought for a moment then said:

“Don't want to.”

“Why?”

“Because this is my home.”

“Isn't Giang Thanh your home?”

On Van laughed:

"Giang Thanh is where I grew up, but it's not my home. Home is the place that makes me feel secure. In Giang Thanh, I have never felt secure."

“So is it safe here?”

On Van looked out the window at the sea. Sunlight shines on the sea surface, glowing golden brilliant.

“Don't worry.” she said.

Side story Three years later. Wen Wan opened his own advertising company. The company is not large, six people, mainly serving small local stores. She doesn't pursue a big job, she just wants to do some interesting things. Her office is on the second floor, the window faces south, you can see the sea. On the windowsill is a pot of gardenia flowers, which she planted herself. Truong Duong became her partner.