Chapter 9 — The Ring Has Been Removed

“If she said she was willing just now, would you still be standing here?” Chu Nghien Tu did not answer. I nodded. "Look, I'm too lazy to lie to you anymore." A flash of panic flashed through his eyes. "Van Kieu, you just need to think carefully." "Just think slowly." I pulled open the office door. "But don't use my life to think with me anymore." He didn't go out. "Are you really going to deny our two years because of two text messages?" "Not because of two text messages." "It's my time." took off the ring, I didn't even think about whether you were sad or not." "It was me who stood in front of everyone and said that I didn't have a girlfriend." "It was me who used the family's objection to prevent me from going abroad." "Even until now, I still think that as long as Hua Tri Dao rejects me, we can go back to the way we were." My voice was very light. "Chu Nghien Tu, I can't go back anymore." He stared at me for a long time. Finally he put the ring in his pocket. "You're not in a good mood right now." "I'll be back in a few days." I didn't bother to correct him anymore. He still doesn't believe that I really want to leave. Perhaps my past self really gave him so much confidence. * After Chu Nghien Tu left, I closed the door. As soon as the door closed, the little strength I had tried to carry all day disappeared. I sat down on the ground, tears falling drop by drop onto the back of my hand. Last night, when I heard him deny that he was dating, I thought it was the saddest moment. Now I know, what's more painful than not loving me, is that maybe he really did love me. It's just that that part of love is not enough for him to be faithful, nor is it enough for him to respect my choice. The phone rings. It's Lam Chieu Ninh. She is my cousin, also a partner of this office. As soon as the phone was connected, the first question she asked was: "Are you crying?" I wiped my tears. “No.” “Every time I cry, my voice is very nasal.” She didn't ask further, just said: “Open the door, I'm outside.” I paused for a moment, then walked over and opened the door. Lam Chieu Ninh carried two cups of coffee in his hands, with some rainwater still on his shoulders. Seeing my face, she put the coffee cup aside. "Miss Chu called me." I dropped my eyes. “Why does she say that?” “She's worried about you.” Lam Chieu Ninh walked in, saw the messy desk, then glanced at my hand. “Where's the ring?” “Give it to him.” She nodded. Don't praise me for doing it right, and don't scold Chu Nghien Tu. Just pulled up my chair and sat down. "Have you seen the school email?" "Yes." "What do you plan on doing?" I looked towards the computer screen. The confirmation page is still open. "I don't know." Lam Chieu Ninh picked up the cup of coffee and took a sip. "I don't know if you don't want to go, or are you afraid that if you confirm now, it will look like you're sulking with Chu Nghien Tu?" I paused. She can always hit me where I don't want to admit it the most. "I'm afraid I'll regret it later." "Regret what?" "If he's really just impulsive..." "What about you?" She interrupted me. "You postponed your studies for a year, were you impulsive?" I didn't answer. "Van Kieu, trusting someone is not your fault." Lam Chieu Ninh looked at me. "Knowing the truth but still deceiving yourself for him, that's your fault." Tears welled up again. I bowed my head. "I feel so stupid." "I just seriously loved someone." She pulled out a tissue and gave it to me. "Being serious is not a weakness." "But I can't continue to waste the second year because I wasted a year." I tightened the tissue. "If I leave, what will he do?" Lam Chieu Ninh laughed.