Chapter 3 — The Ring Has Been Removed

“I want to use my single status to take care of her, but force you to continue being my girlfriend.” “I didn't say that.” “But that's what I'm doing.” Chu Nghien Tu looked at me, a little more helpless in her eyes. It was as if I was a child who refused to sympathize with him. "Van Kieu, you weren't like this before." "What was it like before?" "You're very understanding and reasonable." He paused for a moment, his tone softened. "There are some things between you and Tri Dao that haven't been clearly explained to each other. Give me a month, wait for me to clearly define my thoughts, and I'll give you an answer."I looked at him quietly. Turns out he knew he hadn't thought clearly. I also know that I will probably choose Hua Tri Dao again. But before he was sure, he didn't want to let me go. "What if she also likes me?" Chu Nghien Tu didn't answer. But this silence was clear enough. The dull pain in my chest suddenly subsided. I lifted my right hand and took off the ring. Worn for nearly two years, the ring slid over the knuckle with a slight hiss, leaving a faint red mark. Chu Nghien Tu's face changed. "What are you doing?" He instinctively reached into his vest pocket and took out his ring, holding it tightly in his palm. I put my ring in his hand. Two silver rings collided, making a very soft sound. "A month is too long." "Lam Van Kieu." His hand suddenly tightened. I raised my head to look at him. "Don't you need time to confirm?" "Then I will withdraw first." Chu Nghien Tu stared at the two rings in his hand, his eyes completely darkened. "Don't threaten me with the breakup." "Not a threat." I slowly withdrew my hand. "Let's break up." From afar, footsteps sounded. Hua Tri Dao pushed open the balcony door and stuck his head in to look: "Nien Tu, grandpa is looking for you." Chu Nghien Tu reflexively turned his head. I didn't wait for him to look at me again, turned around and left from the other side. After walking a few steps, I heard his voice calling from behind: "Lin Van Kieu." My steps stopped for a moment. "Wait until you calm down, we'll talk later." He still thought I was just angry. And still believe that, as long as you turn around, I will be like before, standing still in the same place waiting for you. I never turned around. * When I got home, it was almost dawn. My mother was sitting outside in the living room arranging photos taken at the party. Seeing me home alone, she was a little surprised: "Didn't Nghien Tu take you home?" My movement of changing shoes stopped. "From now on, don't ask him to take you home again." Mom looked up at me: "Did you two quarrel?" I didn't want to explain, just said I was a bit tired and went straight upstairs. There are dozens of unread messages on the phone. Mostly from the general chat group. Someone sent a photo of Hua Tri Dao and Chu Nghien Tu standing next to each other. The elders of the two families sit in the middle, surrounded by young people. In the photo, they stand very close to each other. Tan Hoai joked in the group: 【Some people have been waiting three years, finally the day has come to pick the sweet fruit.】 Below are a series of messages to follow. Chu Nghien Tu did not explain at all. He only sent me a private message: 【Let me know when you get home.】 I didn't reply. Just as I was about to turn off my phone, my email inbox suddenly notified me of a new message. From the Florence Academy of Restoration of Ancient Paintings. 【Your reserved admission status will expire at the end of this month, please confirm within seven days.】 I stared at the screen, not moving for a long time. A year ago, I had already prepared my luggage. Chu Nghien Tu himself said that he had just taken over the most important project of the group and needed me by his side to get through this year.