Chapter 23 — The Path of Remembrance

Grandma's voice when she spoke was very calm. But each word is like a stone thrown into water. Luc Uyen Dinh's face slowly turned pale. Luc's mother quickly said: "Mom, we already know about this. We intend to wait for the right time and then slowly tell Uyen Dinh." "When is the right time? It's been going on for so long. Uyen Dinh is no longer young, so she should know." Grandma looked at Luc Uyen Dinh. "Uyen Dinh, your biological parents said they want to take you back. What do you think?" Luc Uyen Dinh sat on the chair, her whole body tensed. She looked at Luc's father and then at Luc's mother. “I don't want to go back.” Her voice was much lower than usual. "I only have my parents. I don't know the other two." Luc's mother's eyes turned red. "Uyen Dinh..." "Mom, I grew up in this house since I was little. This is my home. I don't accept anyone else." Grandma sighed. "I know you can't bear to leave. But this matter needs a solution. Niem Niem is blood and flesh of the Luc family, this has been confirmed. And you, although not your biological child, have been raised for eleven years, of course you still have feelings." "What I mean is that you can continue to live here, the Luc family will not kick you out. But your identity must be set correctly." “What does it mean to set it right?” "It's... Niem Niem is the daughter of the Luc family, and you are a child raised by the Luc family. These two things are not the same." Luc Uyen Dinh's body trembled slightly. Luc Tu Tu was drinking soup next to him, and when he heard that, he raised his head. "Do you mean that Uyen Dinh will no longer be considered a member of the Luc family?" "Not saying it doesn't count, but the status is different." Luc Chan Minh beside him added. "Mom is right. Names must be clear. Niem Niem is blood, and Uyen Dinh is..." "That's enough." Luc's father put down his chopsticks. "Uyen Dinh is my daughter, regardless of whether they are related by blood or not. If anyone mentions anything about their status, I will be angry with that person." There was silence on the table for a few seconds. Grandma snorted and said no more. Luc Uyen Dinh bowed his head, unable to swallow a mouthful of rice. I sat opposite, looking at everything. I want to say something to help her. But I don't know if I have the qualifications or not. Because this situation was formed because of my appearance. If I am not found, she is still the daughter of the Luc family, things will not change. After the meal, grandmother left, and Luc Chan Minh's family also returned. There were only four of us left in the living room. Luc Uyen Dinh sat in the corner of the sofa, not saying a word. Luc's mother walked over and hugged her. “Uyen Dinh, do you believe what I say?” “Believe.” "You will always be my daughter, no blood relation." "But grandma..." "Your thoughts are your business. We are one family, no one can separate us." Luc Uyen Dinh leaned on Luc's mother's shoulder. She doesn't cry. But the eyes were red. I stood at the dining room door looking at that scene. Father Luc walked over and gently patted my shoulder. "Nien Niem, don't think too much. Uyen Dinh has lived in this house for eleven years, parents can't leave her alone." “I know.” “You are also our daughter.” “I know too.” He smiled, but the smile was a bit bitter. Two daughters, one born, one raised. He was stuck in the middle, very awkward. I returned to the room. Sit on the bed, hug your knees. Think for a long time. I don't forget what she used to do. Paintings were destroyed, rumors were spread, I was used as a stepping stone, and I was trampled underfoot in the name of "helping". These things won't be erased just because her status is pitiful. But right now, I can't hate her. Because I know if I were her, I'd probably be scared too. Fear of being replaced. Fear of losing. I'm afraid that one day I'll wake up and find out everything isn't mine. That fear cannot become a reason to hurt others. But I can understand it. Understanding does not mean forgiveness. Just remember it. On school Monday, the atmosphere changed again. Not knowing who leaked the news, the story that Luc Uyen Dinh "was not the biological child of the Luc family" spread throughout the class. The destructive power of this news is greater than any test score. Up to now, Luc Uyen Dinh's image in class has been "a rich and talented person, with excellent and honest studies and qualities."

generous." Now it became "the child was carried by mistake, not her biological child, about to be sent back". Although the last thing was not true, the rumor never needed the truth. During recess, I saw a scene. A few girls who used to always surround Luc Uyen Dinh passed by her without saying hello. It was not intentional ignoring, but an awkwardness like "not knowing what to say". Trieu Giai Giai was still sitting next to her. But Trieu's position was Giai Giai moved a few centimeters apart. Previously, there was no gap between her and her close table. Now there was an invisible gap. At lunch time, Luc Uyen Dinh sat alone in the corner of the cafeteria. Today, only Trieu Giai Giai sat with her. She said she had to go to the bathroom and left anymore.