Chapter 11 — Three Years After Divorce, He Found Out He Had Two Children

Phuong Huc said.

“But don't think about disrupting our current life.”

“Tri Y struggled to step out of the darkness.”

“I don't want you to drag her back again.”

Phuong Huc turned around and left. Tham Nghien Thanh stood under the streetlight. Look at his back. The white blouse flutters gently in the wind. The steps are still steady. Suddenly he remembered a saying. Companionship is the longest lasting confession of love. He didn't believe it before. Now I believe it. But it was too late. After returning to the city. Tham Nghien Thanh changed completely. Before, he worked twelve hours a day. Now there are only eight hours left. He had never asked for leave before. Now every Friday afternoon I leave the company early. I bought a monthly ticket. Go Friday night. Come back Sunday night. Don't bother Khuong Tri Y. Just stand from afar and watch them. In the morning, sitting in the restaurant for breakfast. Look at the family of four eating together. In the afternoon, sit at the cafe opposite the kindergarten. Look at Phuong Huc coming to pick up the children. Sitting on the bench in the apartment complex at night. Look at the lights on the eighteenth floor apartment. I know I look like a pervert. But he couldn't control it. That's your child. Every time you see it is another precious time. By week three. Khuong Niem recognized him at the kindergarten gate.

“Uncle is here again!”

The child rushed forward. Take my hand. Tham Nghien Thanh squatted down.

“Why do you recognize me?”

“Your nose.”

Khuong Niem reached out to touch his nose.

“Like you.”

He laughed. The eye sockets are slightly hot.

“Who is Tieu Niem talking to?”

Phuong Huc stepped forward. Seeing Tham Nghien Thanh. His facial expression was not very pleasant.

“Uncle Phuong Huc.”

“It's the one with the same nose as you.”

Phuong Huc glanced at Tham Nghien Thanh. Then tell Khuong Niem:

“Today mom made ribs that you like to eat.”

“Do you want to come eat together?”

Khuong Niem pulled Tham Nghien Thanh's hand. Don't let go.

“No need.”

“I still have work.”

"Impossible!"

Khuong Niem pursed her lips.

“I want you to come with me.”

Phuong Huc sighed helplessly.

“Mr. Tham.”

“How about… let's go together?”

Tham Nghien Thanh looked at Phuong Huc. Look at Khuong Niem again. Finally nodded. He followed them home. When Khuong Tri Y opened the door. See you. His face immediately turned cold.

“What did he come here for?”

“Tieu Niem insisted on inviting.”

Phuong Huc replied. Khuong Tri Y said nothing. Just turned around and walked into the kitchen. Tham Nghien Thanh stood at the mysterious gate. Silently observe the apartment. Three bedrooms. A living room. Simple decoration. But very warm. On the living room wall hang many paintings by Khuong Tri Y. They are all warm colors. Completely different from the previous style. In the past, she liked to draw cold tones. Just looking at it makes me feel suffocated. And now. Everywhere is orange. Brilliant like the sun. The tea table is full of puzzles and children's picture books. On the TV shelf are two trophies.

“Please sit down.”

Khuong Niem pulled him to sit on the sofa.

“Let me show you the picture I drew.”

The girl ran to get a stack of drawing paper. All are crayon paintings. There is sun. There are puppies. There are two people holding hands.

“Who is this?”

Tham Nghien Thanh pointed to the character in the painting.

“This is mom.”

“This is uncle Phuong Huc.”

“This is brother.”

“And this is me.”

"Four People?"

“No dad?”

Khuong Niem thought for a moment.

"Uncle Phuong Huc is my father."

Tham Nghien Thanh's throat choked. Khuong Du also ran over. In his hand he holds a puzzle plane.

“Look!”

“I did it myself!”

“Very good.”

“Uncle Phuong Huc taught me.”

Khuong Du was full of pride.

“Uncle Phuong Huc knows everything.”

Tham Nghien Thanh rubbed the boy's head.

“Then Uncle Phuong Huc is really very good.”

The sound of cooking rang out in the kitchen. Along with the voices of Khuong Tri Y and Phuong Huc.

“Why did you let him come here?”

“Tieu Niem is determined to drag him over, what can you do?”

“Don't you know how to stop it?”

“Can you stop it?”

“You still don't know what my daughter is like?”

“Just like you.”

“Okay okay.”

“Just an extra pair of chopsticks.”

Listen to those conversations. Tham Nghien Thanh's heart was extremely uncomfortable. Their tone. Completely like a family. Just an outsider. Come to dinner. Khuong Niem insisted on sitting next to him. Constantly picking up food for him.

“Please eat meat.”