Chapter 15 — The Wedding Was Broadcast Live, I Came Back To Life From The Coffin

That she was willing to denounce Chu Lam and Tham Ky Bach. I just hope I give her a way to live. When the lawyer delivered his words, he carefully observed my expression. I just ask one question.

“Has she pleaded guilty?”

“She said... I'm also a victim.”

I laughed.

“Then let the law continue to educate her.”

Chu Lam confessed very quickly. Everything that could be blamed on Luc Hanh... She blamed it all. Everything that can't be dumped... Pushes it all to Tham Ky Bach. In the end, she cried and said she was just a woman who was deceived because of her feelings. After reading the summary of testimony. My father only said one sentence.

“From beginning to end... the person she loved the most was still herself.”

The most awkward person... is Tham Ky Bach again. He pleaded not guilty. Don't ask for forgiveness either. They even tried to control outside lawyers and media right in the detention center. Until the Tham group officially announced. Completely cut off all responsibility for his personal behavior. At the same time, coordinate to collect all damages of the group. The last layer of Tham Ky Bach's aura... Has completely shattered. Before the opening of the trial. Finally he asked to see me. I agree. He lost a lot of weight. Two deep sunken eye sockets. But still try to keep a neat appearance.

“Tri Mien.”

He spoke up.

“I want to ask you something.”

“Have there ever been a time when... have you truly loved me?”

I looked at him. Suddenly I felt strangely ridiculous. When he wanted to kill me... He didn't ask. When he robbed my family... He didn't ask. When he took me to the sanatorium... He didn't ask. Until today... When there was nothing left. He wants to confirm... That he was once loved. His eyes immediately lit up. I continue.

"So later... I feel even more disgusted."

That little light... He was silent for a long time.

“If that year... I wouldn't have chosen Minh Chau.”

“Would we be different?”

My voice is still very calm.

“It's not because you chose her that you became evil.”

“It's because your nature is inherently evil.”

“That's why I chose the path that helps me most easily gain power.”

Tham Ky Bach tightened his grip on the receiver. The knuckles trembled.

“Hua Tri Mien...”

“Do I have to be so cruel?”

I slowly stood up.

“When I was cruel…”

“At least you're still alive.”

Tham Ky Bach was stunned. I hung up. It's truly goodbye. One year later. The first instance court officially announced the verdict. Luc Hanh was sentenced to life in prison for committing many crimes. Tham Ky Bach was sentenced to twenty-five years in prison on charges of attempted murder, appropriation of property while in office, money laundering, and many other crimes. Chu Lam was sentenced to twenty years in prison. Hua Minh Chau was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. The day I heard the news of the verdict being announced... I was attending the inauguration ceremony of Ngoc Hanh's new research center. New building... No longer bears the Hua group's name. On the gate there are only two words engraved. My mother's laboratory... Finally returned. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, a reporter asked me:

“General Manager Hua, after going through all of this, what do you want to tell your past self the most?”

I thought for a moment. The old me... There are many versions. It's a ten year old girl holding a cake Try to learn how to be a good sister. She is a seventeen year old girl who believes that Tham Ky Bach will protect her for the rest of her life. She was a twenty-two year old girl tied to a hospital bed in a sanatorium, unable to even cry. It's the same me three years ago... Immersed in the deep sea, my lungs filled with blood but I still risked my life to swim up, determined not to let go. I looked into the lens.

“Don't turn around.”

The reporter paused. I smiled.

“Just keep moving forward.”

That evening. My father and I returned to the old villa. The villa has been redeemed. The magnolia tree in the yard is still alive. Last spring. Most of the flowers have fallen. Only a few white flowers remained, quietly swaying on the branches. My father stood under the tree. Raise your head and look for a long time.

“My mother likes this tree the most.”

“I know.”

My mother often hugs me and reads a book under the tree. Magnolia flowers are not as brilliant as roses. But it still has its own light. Later, Chu Lam criticized fallen flowers as being difficult to sweep. Many times I wanted to cut down that tree. My father did not agree. It was one of the very few things... He was determined to do it right. When we entered the house. The living room has been rearranged. All traces of Chu Lam have been cleaned up. My mother's photo was also placed back above the fireplace. Dad looked at me.

“Are you going to move back here?”

I shook my head.

"No."

“Let Dad rest here.”

“I live near the company for convenience.”

He was a bit disappointed. But don't advise anymore. I thought for a moment then said:

“I will come back for dinner on the weekend.”

He immediately nodded.

“Dad told the kitchen to make sweet and sour fried ribs, which you like.”

I laughed.

“The doctor told me to eat less fatty foods.”

“Dad, make me something to eat.”

Father and son stood in the middle of the living room. Like two clumsy people. Trying to reconnect the relationship that was once broken. It will not heal immediately. No problem. We are still alive. I returned to the harbor alone. Three years ago... This was the place. The old railing has been replaced with a new one. Only the sea breeze... Still cold as ever. I stood on the edge of the shore. Bend down and look at the deep black sea. When it sinks to the bottom of the sea. I used to think... My life would forever stop there. But it turns out... As long as people don't admit defeat yet. Even the deep sea... is just a road that must be traversed. The phone vibrated slightly. It's a message from Uncle Lam.

"General Manager Hua, the project has just been approved. Tomorrow morning's meeting at nine o'clock, don't be late."

I replied:

“I know.”

He added another message:

“Ah yes, everyone in the company wants to throw a party for you.”

“Budget three hundred yuan.”

Uncle Lam texted back:

“What can three hundred yuan buy?”

I thought a bit.

“Enough to buy banners.”

He sent back a string of ellipses. I smiled. Put your phone in your pocket. The sea breeze blows my hair. I placed a bunch of white orchids on the beach.

“Goodbye... Hua Tri Mien of the past.”

“You have worked hard.”

I turned around. Step towards where the light is shining. Behind is the cold sea. In front of you is humanity. I no longer need anyone to protect me from the wind and rain. It's me... It's just the storm that's coming back.