Chapter 6 — The Door Lock Changes, Marriage Also Locks

He did not speak. Outside the kitchen window is the residential garden. The afternoon sunlight penetrates through the glass pane, illuminating the whiteboard. I raised my hand to wipe each line clean. At the last line, I discovered that there was a line of small letters hidden in the bottom corner.

"Mr. Chu has a stomachache, don't drink cold drinks at night."

My hand stopped. Trinh Vu always remembers that. Remember he doesn't eat coriander. Remember he has a stomach ache. Remember he likes to put the speakers close to the wall. Remember where the coffee maker should be placed. Before, I always thought Chu Canh Hanh asked her for help just because she worked in the furniture industry, understood shopping, understood sizes, and understood after-sales service. Now it seems... What she understands is much more than that. Chu Canh Hanh saw my expression and his voice softened.

"Trinh Vu has known you longer, she knows your habits, that's normal."

"I didn't say it was a problem."

"Then why do you..."

"I just wanted to ask."

I raised my head to look at him.

"She knows your habits, so she can help you fix the office I want?"

"She knows you have a stomachache, so she can write a shopping list in my own house?"

"She knows when you come home, so she can open the door for you, sign your name for you, and even explain for you whether I care or not?"

Chu Canh Hanh could not answer. I went back to the office and put the box on the floor. Below the box is a drawing. I pulled it out. That is the final confirmation of the custom designed cabinets. The position next to the window that was originally labeled "Chieu Ninh's work area" was crossed out with a red pen. Next to it is a handwritten note.

"Hua Chieu Ninh's work area is temporarily under construction. Mr. Chu confirmed the adjustment according to Ms. Trinh's opinion."

I don't stay at my new house until evening. Chu Canh Hanh asked me if I wanted to go back to my old rented house together. I said no. He stood in the mysterious entrance area, as if he wanted to hold me back but didn't know what reason to use.

"Where are you going?"

"Go back to the old rental house."

"Let me take you."

"I caught the bus myself."

"Chieu Ninh."

I pulled up my suitcase.

"Please stop all remaining installation and deliveries today."

"Because now I don't know how many things have been confirmed by the two of you on my behalf."

Chu Canh Hanh's face darkened.

"I told you, Trinh Vu just helps."

"Then don't help anymore from now on."

"Do I have to force her to the point where I can't help her anymore?"

I raised my head to look at him. Perhaps even he didn't realize it, that statement was more truthful than any explanation. In his eyes, Trinh Vu is first and foremost a friend who needs to be protected. As for whether I'll be locked out or not. Whether pushed out of the office or not? I don't even know how my house is arranged. It seems that all can be left behind. I don't answer. Pull your suitcase into the elevator. The old rented house is located in the west of the city, which we rented after registering our marriage. One bedroom, one living room. The living room is very small, every time you lower the drying rack you have to lean around. Before, I always criticized this place for being cramped. The kitchen doesn't have a dishwasher. Criticize the wardrobe for not being large enough. When did you criticize Chu Canh Hanh's toolbox? also took up half the TV shelf. But that night, when I opened the door and smelled the familiar smell of laundry detergent in the house, I stood still for a long time. The password in this place still recognizes me. I placed the suitcase against the wall, without turning on the light. Outside the living room window there is a grill. It's always very noisy at night. Chu Canh Hanh did not like it, and said that after moving to a new house, it would be fine. Before, I always looked forward to the day I moved house. But at that time... I suddenly no longer wanted to go back there. The phone vibrated once. It's a message from Chu Canh Hanh.

"I've re-entered your fingerprint into the door lock."

I looked for two seconds and then didn't answer. A moment later he texted again:

"You have also temporarily revoked Trinh Vu's administrative rights."

A few minutes later:

"The cabinet in the office, tomorrow I will find someone to remove it. The desk will be restored according to your original design."

I still didn't answer. Not because those things are useless. But because each time he is only solving a perceived problem. Take it down. But I don't understand... Did he finally see when the problem started? Ten minutes later, he called. I picked up the phone. The other end of the line was very quiet. When Chu Canh Hanh spoke, his voice was full of fatigue.

"Are you home yet?"

"Have you eaten yet?"

"Let me order you food."

"No need."

"Chieu Ninh."

He was silent for a moment.

"Don't be alone and think nonsense."

I leaned against the door and suddenly burst out laughing.

"Why do you both like to say this?"

"Don't misunderstand."

"Don't think too much."

"Don't think nonsense."

I looked at the unopened moving boxes in the living room.