Chapter 8 — The Six Year Lie

There were many people at the party, everyone holding a glass of wine to greet each other. Thinh Tri Ha was not good at coping, holding a glass of juice and standing in the corner. Gian Dien stood next to her and helped her refuse alcohol a few times. A female doctor came over, looked at Thinh Tri Ha from top to bottom, then smiled and said: "Doctor Thinh, I heard that you brought your younger brother here alone? It's not easy. Some people even think he's your son, the rumor is very interesting." The people next to them exchanged glances, some bowed their heads and pursed their lips, smiling. Thinh Tri Ha's hand holding the glass clenched, she said nothing. Gian Dien put the glass down on the table and turned to look at the female doctor. His voice was not loud but very clear: "Doctor Thinh came here to practice, everyone can see her professional ability. She brought her younger brother along because there was no one else in the house who could take care of her. Doesn't the person who spreads such nonsense feel embarrassed?" The entire lobby was silent for a moment. The smile on the female doctor's face stiffened, she held the glass of wine, not knowing what to say. Gian Dien didn't look at her anymore, turned around and said to Thinh Tri Ha: "There are a few Singaporean doctors over there, I'll take you over to get acquainted." Thinh Tri Ha looked at him and nodded. Gian Dien took her through the crowd, to a round table on the other side and introduced her to a few Singaporean professors. When introducing, he said very briefly: "Doctor Thinh, specializing in pediatric nursing, has a lot of experience in the country." The professors shook her hand and chatted a few words about their expertise. Thinh Tri Ha gradually relaxed and said a few more sentences according to the topic. When the party was almost over, Gian Dien took her to the hotel door. The Singapore night wind blew, both humid and hot. "Thank you, Gian Dien." Thinh Tri Ha spoke up. "Nothing." Gian Dien took off his jacket and gave it to her. “It's cold at night, put it on.” Thinh Tri Ha took the jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Two people stood in front of the hotel door, no one said anything. A taxi slowly drove by, Thinh Tri Ha raised his hand to call back. She opened the door and sat in. Before closing the door, she said to Gian Dien: "I'm going." "Be careful on the road." Gian Dien said. She nodded and closed the car door. The car left, in the rearview mirror, Gian Dien was still standing in the same place. He watched until the car disappeared at the turn before he looked back, took out his phone and dialed a number. "Someone help me investigate." His voice was calm. “Female doctor at the party today.” In less than half an hour, the assistant sent a message. Gian Dien glanced at the screen, the corners of his lips moving slightly. That female doctor's name is Lam Van Van, she is a college friend of Ha Giao Giao, the two of them always go back and forth. On the other side, Lam Van Van went to a corner and called Ha Giao Giao. "Giao Giao, guess who I just met? Thinh Tri Ha. I intended to help you vent your anger, but next to her there was a male doctor. I asked about her, her last name is Gian. He directly scolded me in front of everyone, making me lose face." On the other end of the line, Ha Giao Giao paused: "Last name Gian? Gian Dien?" "You know me." "Not exactly familiar. They went to Singapore to study at the same time. I looked at his profile, it's very clean, there's no background." Ha Giao Giao's voice was calm. "Well, don't pay attention to her anymore. She can't make any waves now." Lam Van Van replied, complained a few more words before the two hung up the phone. PART 10 Two years later, Thinh Tri Ha brought Tri An back to the country. Tri An is much taller. After two years of rehabilitation, his health finally improved. Gian Dien helped him contact a school in the country. On the first day of school, Thinh Tri Ha took him to school. Tri An carried her bag, held her hand, her eyes sparkled: "Sister, I can go to school forever, right?" "Yes." Thinh Tri Ha squatted down and adjusted his collar for him. “I will be able to go to school forever.”Tri An

Smiling and running into the school gate. Thinh Tri Ha stood and looked for a moment then turned and left. She and Gian Dien returned to the hospital together. The two years of training have ended, and both names are on the list to be invited back to work. One day before officially accepting the job, the hospital held an annual recognition ceremony in which all departments attended. Thinh Tri Ha was chosen to represent those who have just returned from training and went on stage to speak. She wore a white shirt, her hair tied up, standing on stage, holding a microphone. Her voice was not loud but very steady. "Thank you to the hospital for giving me the opportunity to practice this time. Two years of studying have helped me gain a lot. When I return to my work position, I will apply what I have learned to my work, without relying on the hospital's training." Having finished speaking, she bowed. Applause rang out below. When she raised her head, her eyes scanned the crowd below and then stopped. In a nearby position, To Cam Xuyen is sitting there. He wears a white blouse, the collar is slightly open. Ha Giao Giao sat next to him, holding a child in her arms, wearing a loose dress, curly hair, and delicate makeup. The moment he saw Thinh Tri Ha, To Cam Xuyen's whole body stiffened. He stared at the face on the stage then suddenly stood up. The chair made a noise and the people around turned to look.