Chapter 10 — The Second Life of the Italian Examiner

I replied: Right after that. The second message appears.

"Let's go sign the papers on Saturday."

I typed again:

"Okay. What time?"

"Ten o'clock in the morning."

The conversation ended. I put my phone in my pocket. Raise your head and look at the sky. A clear blue color. No clouds. Ten o'clock in the morning. Department of Civil Affairs of Thanh Nam area. When I arrived. Khuong Ngan was waiting outside the door. Dark blue polo shirt. Hair neatly cut. Looks quite neat.

"I'm here."

We went in together. Waiting for your name to be called. The two sat down in front of the check-in counter. Staff checks information.

"Both parties confirm their voluntary divorce?"

"Confirm."

"Both sides confirm that custody of the child belongs to Tham Tri Y?"

"The south will pay three thousand yuan in alimony every month?"

"Both sides confirm there is no property dispute?"

"Do not have."

"Do not have."

Fingerprint roll. The whole process is less than fifteen minutes. When stepping out. Bright sunlight spreads across the steps. Khuong Ngan stopped.

"There's something I want to say."

I stopped walking.

"Tran Tam Di's story..."

"No need to say more."

I interrupted him.

"Now it no longer has anything to do with me."

Khuong Ngan paused. Then nodded slightly.

"What about Tieu Niem..."

"I can see you anytime."

"Just let me know in advance."

He stood there a moment longer. Finally speaking:

"So... goodbye."

"Goodbye."

I turned around and walked down the steps. Take a few steps. Behind him, his voice sounded again. I stopped. But don't turn back.

"You're much better than before."

I stood still for two seconds. Then continue walking forward. Don't look back. Not because I'm trying to be decisive. But because in my heart I really understand. There was nothing left behind that was worth turning around to look at. One week after completing the divorce proceedings. I took Tieu Niem out of the house that once belonged to that marriage. Mother and daughter rented a two-bedroom apartment in an old residential area. Not located on a high floor. But it has a very large balcony. First day of moving in. Tieu Niem stood in the middle of the balcony, her eyes shining.

"Mom, the balcony is really big!"

I laughed.

"You said you wanted to grow flowers."

"Tomorrow, mom will take me to buy flower pots."

She was so happy that she spun around on the spot. I stood at the balcony door. Quietly look at your child. The corners of the lips suddenly curled up. A new start. Five days later. At the Provincial Construction Department building. The review session to evaluate model conservation areas for historical and cultural cities officially took place. I am the youngest person in the representative group participating in the evaluation. In the hall there were twelve appraisal experts. Below are project delegations from all over the province. The content I am in charge of is:

"Evaluating options for activating and exploiting historic neighborhoods."

I listened to the reports of five project delegations. After the third delegation's presentation. An expert on the panel turned to look at me.

"Tieu Tham."

"How do you evaluate the inclusion of commercial elements in this plan?"

I hold the microphone. Take three minutes to analyze. From organizing the flow of movement. Go to the ratio of business type allocation. Then the people flow model. All issues are clearly dissected. After I finished. The expert table was silent for a few seconds. The expert next to him nodded slightly.

"Very coherent analysis."

Luu Duy Binh sat opposite. Grandfather Take off your glasses. Don't say a word. But a satisfied smile appeared at the corner of his lips. The review session ended. Outside in the hallway. Mr. Phuong called me back.

"Tieu Tham."

"Hello Mr. Phuong."

"Performed very well today."

"This afternoon there is an internal discussion."

"Please join in."

The afternoon discussion was held privately. Those present were all key figures in the field of architecture and urban planning in the province. Director of design institutes. Head of planning department. University professor. I sat in a corner. Quietly listen to people discuss the future development direction of the industry. When the meeting is almost over. Mr. Phuong suddenly called my name.

"Tieu Tham."

"What are your thoughts on the topic: How can young designers participate in the urban renewal process?"

Everyone's eyes turned towards me simultaneously. I stood up.

"My point is very simple."

"Give them a chance."

“Give them the platform.”

"And give them trust."

I stopped for a beat.

"Don't use seniority to limit a person's abilities."

"I took a five-year hiatus."

"If Mr. Lam hadn't given me that chance..."

"I think I'm still at home cutting fruit right now."

The whole room burst into laughter. Mr. Phuong nodded.

"Very realistic."

After the discussion ended. Two people proactively came to me.