Chapter 8 — The wind stops and the fate also dries up

I interrupted him. His body immediately stiffened. I said softly:

“I just feel like it's not worth worrying about.”

“Chu Kinh Ngoc.”

“You never noticed whether I felt humiliated or not.”

“I never noticed how I had to bow my head and beg others.”

“You don't even care if my sister might lose her life because of that delay.”

“In your eyes, I just need to obediently obey and that's enough.”

I looked straight into his eyes.

“My life.”

“My difficulty.”

“I leave it all to another woman to decide.”

“Right from that moment…”

“I am no longer your wife.”

“It's just an outsider who has to go from one level of review to another level of review.”

“Then I will receive some pity from you.”

Chu Kinh Ngoc's face turned pale. Lips moving. But couldn't say any words. The scene from that year suddenly appeared in my mind. Application for review. Tong Tinh Van's gentle but proud smile. And Chu Kinh Ngoc stood behind her. Calmly said:

“If you want money, fill out an application.”

"Wait until Tinh Van approves, I will sign."

That scene. No matter how many years have passed. I will also never forget. How much did I love this man? Love to the point of giving up work. Love so much that she tries to learn how to be a perfect Mrs. Chu. Love to the point of shrinking your whole world. Then in that world there was only him left. But in the end. It was you who taught me to understand one thing. Poverty is not scary. The scariest thing is losing self-esteem because of love. Chu Kinh Ngoc's eyes turned red. The voice was hoarse and trembling.

“Khuong Yen.”

“I really know I was wrong.”

“Only now do I understand how desperate you were at that time.”

“Can you give me a chance?”

“I will never let you suffer that kind of pain again.”

I shook my head.

"It's late."

He took a step forward.

“It's not late.”

I took half a step back. Avoid the hand that is reaching towards you. His arm stiffened in midair. I looked at that hand. The day before. How I longed for it. Longing for him to hold my hand. Just once. When Tong Tinh Van intentionally caused trouble. When I stood in front of the hospital fee counter helplessly. When my sister was dying on her hospital bed. But never once. He extended his hand towards me. I don't need it anymore either.

“Chu Kinh Ngoc.”

I spoke softly.

“I live very well now.”

His voice was hoarse.

“Is this considered good?”

“She lives in a cramped apartment.”

“Crammed into the bus every day.”

“Eat food at a convenience store.”

“Overtime until late at night.”

I laughed. The smile is very light.

“But those are all my choices.”

He was stunned.

“I live in a small house because that's where I can afford it.”

“I take the bus because I want to go.”

“I can eat whatever I want.”

“Buy whatever you want.”

“No need to ask anyone's permission.”

"There's no need to look at Song Jingwen's face."

“There's no need to wait for me to show you any mercy.”

I looked at him.

“Maybe you think that life isn't worth it.”

“But for me…”

“That is freedom.”

Chu Kinh Ngoc's eyes gradually crumbled. A long time later. He asked hoarsely:

“What about me?”

I looked at the man who once occupied my youth. Calmly answered:

“You are part of the past.”

“But to have freedom.”

“I had to give up cancel."

His body staggered slightly. It was as if someone had hit me straight in the heart. I don't look at you anymore. Quietly walked past him. Go towards the bus stop ahead. A hoarse, suppressed voice rang out.

“Khuong Yen.”

“I won't give up.”

My steps still didn't stop. Right at that moment. The bus slowly entered the station. I got into the car. Then sat down in the familiar position next to the window. The car started rolling. Through transparent glass. I saw Chu Kinh Ngoc still standing there. The streetlight stretched his lonely shadow on the ground.