Chapter 19 — The Last Word Is Myself

I leaned back in the chair. Tong Thanh Man has debt. The real reason she quit her job... Was fired. She didn't return to this city because she missed her old love. It's because out there... I can't live anymore. As for Co Dinh Phong... It was the ATM she found. Just like in the past... I was taken advantage of by Co Dinh Phong. In this city… Bloodsuckers are always looking for the next host.

“How is Mr. Phong now?”

Tran Dao's voice lowered.

“He locked himself in the house.”

“Don't answer anyone's phone calls.”

“What about Tong Thanh Man?”

“I heard she bought a train ticket today.”

“Probably going back to my hometown.”

Probably won't come back again. House sold. The money is no longer in her hands. That free accommodation is no longer available. The man who once stood to shoulder everything for her... Now he can't bear it anymore. This city for Tong Thanh Man... is no longer worth taking advantage of. Until the expiration date. Co Dinh Phong's money transfer arrived on time. 150,000 yuan. Not a penny missing. I don't know where he got that money. Don't even ask. From now on… 2,130,000 yuan. Fully returned to my account. That day, Trieu Man came to the new store to help me check the tableware. She wiped the plate and said:

“Where did he get 150,000 yuan?”

"Don't know."

“Aren't you curious?”

I put the stack of bowls in the sterilization cabinet.

“No more curiosity.”

Trieu Man looked at my face sideways.

“You really don't hate him?”

I dry my hands.

“I used to hate.”

“The night I discovered that house certificate…”

“I hate it to the point of staying awake.”

“What happens after that?”

“After that, I was busy making plans.”

“There's no time to hate anymore.”

Trieu Man burst out laughing.

“You really are…”

She put down the plate. Then he took something out of his pocket. It's a key.

“Spare key to the new store.”

“I'll go fight more for you.”

“Save the trouble of forgetting your key every day and then standing outside the door.”

I take it. The key is still warm. It must have been in her pocket for a long time.

“Trieu Man.”

“Thank you.”

She paused for a second. Then he raised his hand and patted the back of my head.

“Stop using this trick on me.”

“Invite me to the first meal on opening day.”

The day the new store opened... It rained a little. At three o'clock in the morning I arrived. It was the same time frame as the first time the roadside stall was set up seven years ago. Old Chu even arrived earlier than me. He had already turned on the stove in the back kitchen.

“It's been six years.”

“It's the two of us who arrive first.”

I tied up my apron.

“This time there is no need to push the tricycle anymore.”

Old Chu burst out laughing. Half past five. Other chefs arrived one after another. Fifteen people. In this brand new kitchen... Everyone takes their place. New range hood. But the hands standing in front of the stove... They are all experienced hands. The lobby staff arrived. Trieu Man appeared. She was dressed in red.

“Opening Hong Phat.”

In his hand he also held a bouquet of flowers.

“You made it sound like you were proposing.”

“You deserve it.”

Phuong Dong Huy arrived. He wears a suit. In his hand he held a small brocade bag and gave it to me.

“Mistress To.”

“Just a small gift.”

I opened it to see. Is a gold coin. On it were engraved four words:

“Opening the door is great.”

Eleven o'clock. Start of the noon rush hour. In the group of regular customers, the address was announced in advance. The first people to arrive were all familiar faces. The whole hall Full seat. There was a female guest who rushed to the reception desk.

“Is that Mrs. To?”

“You finally opened a new store.”

“I haven't eaten your braised meat in half a month.”

“I want to die.”

I poked my head out from the kitchen.

“Eat freely today.”

That afternoon, the table was turned three times. Before each dish was brought out... I stood at the counter and looked at the dish one more time. Color of braised meat. The shine of ribs with sauce. Broth of spicy and sour fish dish. All of those things... I tried each spoonful myself. From the roadside stall… To eight branches… Then to today. The winding road… I walked for seven years. It was stolen by someone on the way. Ever been lied to. Was treated like an ATM for three years. But this workmanship. This taste. These people follow me. No one can steal it. That evening, Mr. Chu came out of the kitchen.

“There is someone outside who wants to see you.”

I paused a bit.

“What did he come for?”

I laughed softly.

“So today everyone has food to eat until late.”

Old Chu laughed.

“It's good to be busy.”

“Being busy is like life.”