Chapter 15 — The Ring Has Been Removed

“This time it's not a blind date.” Trinh Gia Thuat burst out laughing. "The hospital is a partner of the project, we were originally in charge of the same presentation." I was about to speak, when a familiar voice rang out from behind. "Van Kieu." Chu Nghien Tu stood not far away. The silver ring on his right middle finger sparkled under the light. His eyes shifted from the glass of water in my hand to Trinh Gia Thuat. "You two came together?" "Just met by chance." Trinh Gia Thuat replied. Chu Nghien Tu ignored him. Just reached out to me. "Come here." There were quite a few guests in the hallway, I didn't move. "If you have anything to do, let's finish the party and talk about it." "Now." "I have to go on stage." "I know." Chu Nghien Tu's eyes darkened. “I came to join you on stage.” I frowned. “No need.” “Van Kieu.” He took a step forward, lowering his voice very low. "I promised you that I would make it public. Tonight everyone will know our relationship." My heart suddenly sank. "What have you done?" He didn't answer. In the banquet hall, the MC's voice rang out: "Next, we would like to respectfully invite Mr. Chu Nghien Tu, Brand Director of Chu Thi Group, to speak for this charity project." Chu Nghien Tu looked at me. “Wait for me.” He turned and walked into the banquet hall. I was about to follow, but was held back by the staff: "Miss Lam, you have to go on stage for the next part, please prepare in advance." On the big screen, Chu Nghien Tu stepped into the center of the light. He stood on stage, calmly completed the project introduction, but did not leave according to the correct procedure. Below, someone looked puzzled at the MC. Chu Nghien Tu held the microphone, his eyes swept across the hundreds of guests, exactly stopping at me. "Taking this opportunity, I still have something personal I want to clarify." My whole body stiffened. He raised his right hand. The silver ring flashed cold light under the lamp. "I'm not single." The entire banquet hall suddenly fell silent. Chu Nghien Tu looked at me, her eyes carrying a determination that was almost like betting everything. "Lam Van Kieu and I have been dating for two years." "It wasn't public before, it was my fault." "Recently there have been some misunderstandings between us. But she has always been my girlfriend." Countless eyes simultaneously turned towards me. My mother looked at Chu Nghien Tu on the podium with a complicated expression. Chu's mother covered her mouth. Tan Hoai's face was stunned, while his friends who didn't know what happened were stunned on the spot. Chu Nghien Tu took out another ring from his vest pocket. It's the ring I gave you back. He stood in front of everyone, reaching out to me. "Van Kieu. This time, there's no need to hide it anymore." Applause rang out. The first person to react was a friend who didn't know about it. He whistled and laughed and scolded: "Good job, Chu Nghien Tu, you hid it well." The others also woke up one by one. "It turns out Van Kieu is that mysterious girlfriend." "No wonder you've been wearing the ring for the past two years." "Isn't it okay to say it too early? We keep linking you with Tri Dao." Someone smiled and urged me to go on stage: "Van Kieu, go over there quickly." "Nguyen Tu Cong." I told you, why are you angry anymore?" Chu Nghien Tu stood under the light, holding my ring in his hand. He looked at me. He was sure that I had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Over the past two years, I have indeed fantasized about this scene countless times. That he would hold my hand, announce to everyone that we were together. I won't have to pretend I don't know him in the crowd, nor will I have to look back and forth every time he comes near.