Chapter 21 — Three Keys, One Broken Marriage

“I'll keep an eye on my brother.”

I smiled slightly and did not answer further. Then put the phone in your pocket. The loudspeaker blared to announce that my train had started checking tickets. I pulled my suitcase and walked towards the ticket gate. The high-speed train rushed through every field and city. I leaned back in my chair, opened my laptop, and started writing a new work plan. After coming to Hangzhou, the first big customer I was in charge of was a smart home system development company. They are researching a remote-controlled door lock that integrates fingerprints, facial recognition and temporary passwords. In the project introduction, there was a sentence that made me read it over and over again for a long time.

“We hope to bring to every home a key that belongs only to ‘the family’.”

I bowed my head and wrote a small line below.

“Family is not determined by blood.”

“It's not because of the name.”

“It's out of respect.”

The high-speed train headed straight east. The sky gradually brightened from silver gray. In the distance, a silver strip of the Qiantang River looms. The day I arrived in Hangzhou, the weather was sunny and beautiful. The wind on the river is very strong. Each wave rolls up endlessly. Sitting in the taxi, watching the city pass quickly through the window, I suddenly had a feeling of anticipation that had not appeared for a long time. The employee dormitory is not far from the company. It's a slightly old apartment complex, but clean. The room is not big. One bedroom, one living room. Simple but neat. Outside the window you can see the overpass and a patch of greenery in the distance. I put the suitcase in the bedroom, opened it, and used to hang each piece of clothing in the closet. Toothbrushes, towels, and cosmetics are placed in the bathroom. Mini kettle and coffee placed in the kitchen. Having finished everything, I stood by the window, watching the sun slowly sink between the gaps in the buildings in the distance. The river breeze carries steam through the slightly opened door. At that moment, I suddenly realized it very clearly. From now on... My life will no longer have any connection with the key that was arbitrarily copied by others. I took out my phone and opened the surveillance camera app. On the screen was the empty living room of the house that had been sold. After I moved out, the broker hired someone to clean the whole thing. The sofa is wiped clean. The tea table is free of any clutter. The floor reflects light. That was the first time I saw that house so clean on camera. Also the last time. I looked for a few seconds. Then press and hold the application icon. Uninstall. The screen flashed once. The familiar icon disappeared. It was like there was an invisible string… It was finally completely severed. The following days, I was busy adapting to the new environment. Colleagues at the new company are very enthusiastic. Project progress is rapid. Every day I have to run back and forth between different meeting rooms. The day is so busy that there is no time to think about random things. In the evening, when I returned to the apartment, I spread the drawing out in the middle of the living room, looking at it and editing it. On weekends, I sometimes sleep until I wake up. Then go to the river for a walk. Sometimes I sat all afternoon in a riverside cafe, watching the river flow, remembering old stories. There are also a few moments... I remember Trieu Vu. I remember when we first got married, we went to choose furniture together, and we argued all day over just a hanging lamp. Miss The first winter in that house. The heater is not warm enough. The two of them had to hide under a blanket to watch a movie. Those memories aren't all bad. Many times, they used to be really warm. That's why... I understand more clearly. It's not that I've never been in love. But that love, at a certain point, was eroded little by little. I no longer visit your circle of friends. I no longer pay attention to the gossip among relatives. I focused all my attention on the design in my hand. Into your new rhythm of life. Half a year later, the smart door lock project was officially launched. The customer invited our entire team to attend the product announcement. On stage, the MC introduced:

“The feeling of security in a home starts with the locks.”

“It should not become someone else's tool.”

“Which should only belong to those who are truly trusted.”

Sitting in the stands, I suddenly felt my heart tremble slightly. After the press conference, the person in charge of the customer side proactively came to shake my hand.

“Miss Lam, this time we are very satisfied with your plan.”

“In the future, there are still many projects that need your help.”

“It is my pleasure.”

I smiled back. After the session, everyone left one by one. Someone called me to eat with them. I said I had other things to do and politely declined. I went alone to the riverbank. Sunset gradually falls. The river surface is covered with a thin layer of mist. The lights on the bridge in the distance brightened little by little. I leaned against the railing, watching the water's surface cut into sparkling silver pieces by the light. The phone vibrates. It's a strange number. I picked up the phone. A familiar voice rang out.

"Is that Lam Y? I'm Aunt Luu, your old neighbor."

I was a bit stunned.

“Why do you have my number?”

“My cousin gave it to me.”

Aunt Liu laughed.

"I met him in front of the apartment complex a few days ago. I heard you moved to Hangzhou."

“I have a problem…”

“I kept thinking about it and thought I should tell you.”

“Her old house…”

"The other day, I passed by and saw Trieu Vu leading his parents downstairs."

"The old man uses a cane, sits by the flower bed, keeps looking up at the window."

“Mumbling something, I can't hear clearly.”

“Then Trieu Vu helped him up and said…”

“Dad, this place will be my home from now on.”

“If you want to come, just let me know in advance.”

“I will come pick you up dad.”