Chapter 15 — Three Keys, One Broken Marriage

Stepping out of the bank, I suddenly felt a little more relieved. It's not because the money has been "protected". But because in the end... I also personally cut off every little rope that used to tie me to Trieu Vu. In the past, we used to draw the future together. Each said they would save money and move to a bigger house. It was said that the account must be transparent, whoever has more money should contribute a little more. Those plans... Now that I think about it, it's just funny. I don't want to continue sharing my economic lifeline with anyone anymore. For a very long time to come, it won't. The phone vibrated once. It's a message from the company's finance department.

“Tham Thanh, I heard you changed your salary card?”

“The bank has just sent a notice of change.”

“Are you recently… going through divorce proceedings?”

The other person asked very directly. I'm not surprised either. Finance people are always sensitive to these things. I don't deny it.

“Okay, so I understand the situation.”

"Some people after a divorce will run to the company and make a fuss, telling us to arbitrarily affect our salary."

“If you take the initiative to change like this, I will feel more secure.”

I smiled softly.

“I won't do that.”

“I just hope every month's salary is transferred on time.”

“You can rest assured about this.”

“She is now one of the most important designers in the company.”

“We expected you to make more money.”

That half-truth, half-false joke made my tense mood finally relax a bit. Returning to the company, I continued to bury my head in making a plan. Late in the evening, the project manager tapped on my desk.

“Tham Thanh, tomorrow morning the customer wants to have a discussion first.”

"You prepare a little, bring the first plan and compare it with them."

“This project is very important.”

“If things go smoothly, the matter of adjusting your position will also be on the table.”

"I get it."

The project manager laughed.

“I heard you've been dealing with family matters recently.”

“If you have any difficulties, just let me know, the company will try to facilitate.”

"Thank you."

This time I mean it.

“I will do a good job.”

It was after eight o'clock at night when I left the company. This time I didn't go back to the hotel. I took a taxi to an old apartment complex. That was my first residence in Guangzhou. When I first graduated, I used to squeeze into a room smaller than ten square meters here. The homeowner is an aunt over sixty years old named Vien, with a very laid-back personality. Later, the economy got a little better, so I moved out and rented with friends. But before I married Trieu Vu, I rented a small studio from Aunt Vien. That house... Has spent many sleepless nights working alone with me. I didn't check out until before the wedding. But Aunt Vien and I always keep in touch.

“Thanh Thanh?”

On the stairs, Aunt Vien, dressed at home, saw me and was stunned. Immediately after that, he smiled brightly.

“Hey girl, why do you have time to come to my aunt's place today?”

I walked over and took her arm.

"I want to ask if there are any small rooms available."

Aunt Vien paused.

“Did you and that boy have an argument?”

“The argument was quite big.”

I smiled faintly.

“So I want to find a temporary place to live first.”

“I just found out there is a small studio.”

“The girl rented it last month just moved out.”

Aunt Vien patted the back of my hand.

“If you need me, just stay ahead.”

"I'll rent it to you cheaply."

"If you don't have the money in hand, then it's okay to pay in two months."

I shook my head.

“I don't lack any money.”

“Just wanted to find a quieter place.”

“That's good.”

Aunt Vien led me upstairs.

“You're lucky too.”

“This apartment is a renovated studio on the top floor, with a small balcony and a view of the river.”

“It's just a bit sunny in the summer.”

“But winter is very warm.”

The door opened and the familiar old smell immediately rushed in. The room of more than ten square meters simply contains a bed, a desk and a small wardrobe. On the balcony there is an old bamboo chair. Next to it are some potted green plants. The walls are a bit yellow but extremely clean.

“The girl who rented in advance was very neat.”

Aunt Vien said.

“When we moved out, we cleaned it up very well.”

“Do you think it's satisfactory?”

I stood in front of the balcony, looking at the sparkling reflection of the lights on the river surface in the distance. Suddenly there was a feeling of peace in my heart that was hard to describe in words. I turned my head and smiled at Aunt Vien.

“Auntie Vien, I'll take this apartment.”

“I'll move my luggage over tomorrow.”

Aunt Vien nodded.

“You can rest assured.”

“If anything happens, call aunt.”

"I'm alone in this building, so I'm not afraid of noise."

"At night, I go to bed early. I feel more secure when I hear people walking around."

After completing the simple procedures, I promised to deliver the key tomorrow before leaving. The night wind blew across my face. I suddenly felt like I was... Starting from the beginning. Returning to the hotel, I called the front desk.