Chapter 13 — The Evil One Wants to Replace Me as the Chief Master's Wife

Master Luc now knows how to smile, knows how to squat next to the crib to count the number of times his children blinked, knows how to secretly practice calling "daddy" with his children, and even blushes when he is kissed by Tham Mach. Yesterday, when he returned from work, he was carrying a crucian carp in his hand. The fish was still alive, kept in a plastic bag, constantly jumping around. I asked: "Chief, don't you hate the fishy smell of fish the most?" He said Tham Mach likes to drink crucian fish soup. Carp fish soup. Someone like him who had never stepped into a kitchen stood next to the stove and watched me stew the soup for an hour, even using a notebook to write down: Three slices of ginger, a spoonful of cooking wine, heat on high heat until it boils, then switch to low heat. I asked: "Chief, why did you write this down?" He didn't say anything, his ears turned red again. I guess he wanted to cook it himself for Tham Mach to drink. This morning I went to buy food. As I passed by the communication room, Mr. Truong called me back, saying that Master Luc had another package sent. I took a look. Oh my, it's the packaging from Shanghai No. 1 Department Store. Mr. Truong stopped by and asked what was inside. I said, "Why do you care? These are the personal belongings of the leader's family." Mr. Truong laughed and said that the number of items that Master Luc sent home in the past half year was more than the total number of items in the previous three years. I picked up the package and went home. When passing by the bench in front of the housing area for military families, regimental leader Chu's wife was sitting there knitting clothes. Seeing me, she immediately called out: "Sister Trieu, Sister Trieu! Did Master Luc buy something for Tham Mach?" I asked how she knew. She pointed to the package in my arms: "It's clearly written on it, Shanghai No. 1 Department Store." Ms. Tiet sat next to her, biting a melon seed, smilingly said: "In our area, who doesn't admire Tham Mach. Master Luc cradled her in the palm of his hand, afraid she would disappear." Out of my mouth I said: "Okay, okay, don't ask nonsense." But my feet walked faster. When he entered the yard, Tham Mach was drying clothes. Two children lay next to each other on a cool mat in the hallway, their four little feet raised in the air, kicking happily. I gave the package to her. She opened it and inside was a milky white cashmere sweater, with a small wreath embroidered around the collar. She placed the shirt on her face, gently rubbed it, then smiled. "Luc Tranh, you're spending money on random things." She said so, but the smile on her face... I've been cooking at Luc's house for three years, this is the first time I've seen Tham Mach smile like that. Okay, this meal I have to stir-fry two more dishes. No, three dishes. Last night, Master Luc taught me how to stew crucian carp and studied very seriously. Even though the first time burned the bottom of the pot, the second time added too much salt, and the third time was finally able to be reluctant to drink... I didn't tell him that I secretly tasted it. Salty and acrid. But when serving soup to Tham Mach, his tense appearance was exactly the same as when he participated in the first battle in the past. Tham Mach took a sip and said it was delicious. Luc Tranh bowed his head to drink his bowl, the corner of his lips curled up forever and never lowered. Okay, I'll go buy another crucian carp. The two of them are so sweet and happy, I feel comfortable looking at them. Say no more. I have to go wash the dishes!