Chapter 20 — The House Without Me

Wei Thua Le folded the file.

“Tomorrow's opening ceremony, you won't come?”

“Not coming.”

“Chu Tu Bach will find you.”

“Let him find it.”

He looked at me for a moment.

“The Hac Son side has finished preparing.”

“When you arrive, the project committee will officially announce the appointment.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you for what?”

“Recommend me.”

Wei Thua Le's voice faded.

“I only recommend suitable people.”

“Just coming to Hac Son, it doesn't mean everyone will listen to you.”

“I know.”

“That side is more difficult to do than this side.”

“I know too.”

He nodded.

“That's okay.”

Before leaving my old house, I checked one last time. The main beam in the lobby has been reinforced. The crack in the east wall has been patched. The carpentry workshop retains its old appearance. The chimney of the old kitchen was re-opened. The spare room is empty. The bed, desk, and wardrobe are still there. But there isn't a single item that can prove I ever lived in this place. I stood at the door, not entering. Outside the yard, the photographer's voice was heard directing where to stand.

“Mr. Duong and Mrs. Duong stand in the middle.”

“Miss Duong Chi stand closer for a moment.”

“Mr. Chu stood next to her.”

I followed the voice to the end of the hallway. Duong's parents, Chu Tu Bach and Duong Chi, are standing in front of the old house to take photos to promote the opening ceremony. Duong Chi wore a long white dress, holding a bouquet of fake white apricot flowers in her hand. Chu Tu Bach stood next to her. The distance between the two is very close. The photographer smiled and said: "It's like a family, a little more natural." No one informed me to come out and take photos. No one remembered that the person who actually lived in this old house was standing right in the shadow down the hallway. There is a new advertising sign next to the door.

"The work of the Duong family's daughter - Duong Chi."

I looked for a long time. A thought suddenly arose in my heart. If I just leave like that. Do they think it's because I lost? Duong Chi got the old house. Her parents still love her. Chu Tu Bach was also still standing next to her. And I can't get anything back. Even the engravings on the wall were smoothed by my own hands. I turned around and walked out the back door. Uncle Luong is loading things into the car. Seeing that my face was not okay, he did not comfort me. Just throw the ink cartridge to me.

“Hold it.”

I accepted it firmly.

“Uncle Luong.”

“Huh?”

“Let's leave early tomorrow.”

“What time?”

“Before the opening.”

He tied the rope on the car tightly.

“Okay.”

I lowered my head to look at the words engraved on the ink tube. The house receives pillars. Mind receiver. My mind has seen clearly. Ha, why should I stay and watch them act out a belated show of regret? * Nine o'clock the next morning. Chi Vien officially opened. Chu Tu Bach sent a driver to the studio to pick me up. The door is locked. When the driver called me, I was on my way to the train station.

“Madam, sir told you to be present.”

“Tell him I'm not free.”

“But the opening ceremony is about to begin.”

“Then let's get started.”

I hung up the phone. Ten minutes later, Chu Tu Bach personally called.

“Where are you?”

“On the way.”

“Be right back.”

His voice tried to contain his anger.

“Today, adults from both families and the media are present.”

“I'm the original designer of The old house is also my wife."

“Cannot be absent.”

I watched the street recede outside the window.

“Chu Tu Bach.”

“Didn't you change the person in charge of the project?”

“The design name is still in my name.”

“So what?”

“I had to come.”

I suddenly burst out laughing. Until now, he still thinks that as long as he says "must", I will appear.

“The ceremony may not need you.”

“Your life is the same.”

The other end of the line suddenly went silent.

“What do you mean?”