Chapter 7 — Three Years of Patience, One Day of Flipping the Cards

From Co Canh Tham. Arrive at To Uyen Ninh. Then he scolded the whole Co family. I listened quietly. The corners of the lips slowly curled up. Because I know. This play... It's almost time for the curtain to end. Waiting until Luc Dao finished scolding and had to stop to take a breath, I spoke up:

“Can you help me with something?”

“Come get your hair done with me tomorrow afternoon.”

The other end of the line was silent for two seconds.

“That's all?”

“That's all.”

"Alright."

Luc Dao sighed.

“Anyway, I can't control you.”

“But have you thought it through?”

“Think carefully.”

“Do you know what you have to do?”

“I know.”

“Okay then.”

After hanging up. I stood at the intersection waiting for the red light. On the roof of the office building opposite is a giant electronic advertising screen. A news bulletin is being broadcast over and over again.

"The city's largest commercial real estate project – Hoa Thanh Center – is about to officially start construction."

"The investment unit is an extremely private holding company."

The company name just flashed by in the blink of an eye. I bowed my head. Look at the white paint on the crosswalk below my feet. The green light turns on. I move on. Friday. Co family's family party. The name is to celebrate Co Group just winning a new project. But actually. It was To Uyen Ninh's coronation ceremony. I was told to be present. Tien My Hoa threw a message into the family group:

“Tonight, six thirty, old house of the Co family.”

“All must come.”

The Co family's old house is a three-story villa with a private yard. The person who lives there all year round is Co Canh Tham's grandmother. This year she is eighty-two years old. Health is still very good. In the whole Co family. She is the only person who has never said a harsh word to me. When I arrived. The living room was filled with more than a dozen people. Uncle's family. Second uncle's family. Along with a few distant relatives whose names I can't remember. To Uyen Ninh sat next to Co Canh Tham. Wearing a striking red dress. Pearl earrings in her ears. It is the jewelry Tien My Hoa bought at the beginning of the year. The year I got married. She said she would give it to me. Then changed his mind again.

“Haven't decided who to give it to.”

Then put it away. Unexpectedly, today it appeared in To Uyen Ninh's ears. I found a hidden corner and sat down. No one greeted me. Or maybe... Everyone saw me. It's just that no one wants to say anything. It's time to start the party. Co Canh Tham stood up and raised his glass.

“There were two funny things today.”

“Firstly, congratulations to the company on successfully signing a new project.”

“Second…”

He turned his head to look at To Uyen Ninh. His eyes were so gentle that they made others nauseous.

“I want to officially introduce someone to everyone.”

“This is To Uyen Ninh.”

“In the future, it will be a member of the Co family.”

The entire dining table immediately fell silent. All eyes turned back and forth between her and me. Co Canh Tham's eldest uncle put down his chopsticks. Cough loudly.

“Canh Tham.”

“What do you mean?”

“You and Niem Khanh are going through divorce procedures.”

"It won't be long before we officially go to court."

His voice was gentle as if announcing his leave tomorrow.

“Tell everyone in advance today.”

“There's no need to explain to each person individually.”

To Uyen Ninh immediately stood up. Bow to the whole table.

“Hello, uncles and aunts.”

“I am To Uyen Ninh.”

“In the future, I hope everyone will care and help.”

Tien My Hoa was the first to clap. Then there were a few scattered applauses. No one looked at me. Or to be more precise. Everyone is secretly looking at me. But no one dares to face it directly. There was only grandmother in the corner of the room. She put down the tea cup. Look at me. She did not clap.

“Canh Tham.”

Her voice is not loud. But the whole room became quiet.

“Nien Khanh is still sitting here.”

“Doing that... is not in accordance with the rules.”

Co Canh Tham burst out laughing.

“Times are different.”

“Nem Khanh also agreed to the divorce.”

He looked over at me.

“Right, Niem Khanh?”

More than ten pairs of eyes turned towards me at the same time. I put down my chopsticks. The voice was calm and unruffled.

"That's right."

"I agree."

Grandma's lips moved slightly. Seems to want to say something more. But in the end I just sighed. Then take a sip of tea. To Uyen Ninh immediately seized the opportunity. She walked next to her grandmother. Sit down. Intimately took her arm.

“Let me pour you some tea.”

“I will take care of you from now on.”

Grandma did not withdraw her hand. But did not respond. Just quietly looked at me one more time. There was something very strange in those eyes. Not pity. It's like... I don't understand. I don't understand why I'm so calm. The meal is halfway done. My second uncle's wife quietly sat down next to me.