Chapter 2 — Trong Was Born At Eighteen Years Old: This Time I Didn't Marry Truc Ma

In my previous life... I wore this ring for 21 years. From the start, it didn't fit at all. But everyone told me... You'll get used to it after wearing it for a while. I forcefully took the ring off and put it back in the box. The atmosphere at the dining table gradually became quiet. My father frowned. I closed the ring box lid.

"Engagement in 10 days... cancelled."

Tham Man Nhu was stunned. My mother was the first to react.

"Is it because Nghien Xuyen is looking for Duong An again?"

"Don't worry, when he comes home, I'll ask Aunt Chau to teach him a lesson."

Tham Man Nhu immediately nodded.

"That's right."

"This matter is truly Nghien Xuyen's wrong."

"I'll call him back tonight and make him apologize to you in front of everyone."

I shook my head.

"No need."

"I don't need him to apologize."

"I just don't plan on being engaged to him anymore."

My father's face completely darkened.

"Lam Van Kieu."

"Don't make trouble just because of a little thing."

"Small matter?"

I looked at the still empty chair on the dining table.

"It's his own engagement, but he didn't even come to try the food."

"And yet everyone thinks... the one who refuses to get engaged is the one who's causing trouble."

My father was interrupted by me, and for a moment he didn't know what to say. Tham Man Nhu quickly grabbed my hand.

"Van Kieu, I know you feel sorry for yourself."

"Nghien Xuyen has been spoiled by us since childhood and doesn't know how to care for others."

"But in his heart he really has grandchildren."

"He and Duong An just get along, they talk very well, they won't do anything that exceeds the limit."

In my previous life... She also told me the same thing. Before getting engaged, she said they were just compatible. After getting married, she said they were just work partners. Later, when Duong An moved into Chau Nghien Xuyen's studio, she told me there was artistic harmony between them, telling me not to make small matters into big ones. I believed. Over and over again. Until the day I die... I still can't wait for the day Chau Nghien Xuyen and Duong An really cut off their relationship. I withdrew my hand.

"Auntie Chau, I've decided."

The smile on Tham Man Nhu's face stiffened for a moment. Right after that, she patted my hand again as if comforting a child.

"Okay, okay, don't mention this again tonight."

"I'm angry, what I say right now cannot be considered true."

"Wait until Nghien Xuyen comes home to comfort you a few words and it'll be fine."

Everyone at the dining table simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief. No one considers what I say to be true. Only then did I understand... Mere talk is useless. In their eyes... I have loved Chau Nghien Xuyen for so many years. Because I wanted to be with him, I was even willing to give up Nam Dinh Academy of Fine Arts. How can I really annul the marriage? I won't explain further. He bowed his head and ate a few bites, then stood up and returned to his room. Closing the door, I turned on the computer. The wish has been locked. My first aspiration is Illustration. At the bottom of the page there is also an announcement about the creative award for new students. The winner will be exempted from tuition for the first semester and will be able to move into the dormitory first. Deadline to submit applications is 12 noon tomorrow. I click view request. It is necessary to submit a complete work, along with the entire creative process from sketch to finished version. I suddenly remembered the unfinished painting in my life before. In the picture are two old houses located next to each other. Outside the gate, there is a road that continues to the south. I don't dare to draw people walking on that road. But now... I can. I create a new folder, type in the name of the work. 《Facing the South》 As soon as I opened the drawing board, there was a knock on the door outside. Tham Man Nhu pushed the door in and placed the ring box on the table.

"Van Kieu, you just take the ring first."

"When Nghien Xuyen comes home later, I will ask him to put it on for you personally."

After speaking, she immediately left. I never touched the ring box. Half an hour later. Outside the window came the familiar sound of a motorbike. Chau Nghien Xuyen returned. He did not go to see his parents first. But directly pushed open the door to my room. His body still smelled of paint and the cold air of the night wind.

"My mother said you want to annul the marriage?"

He stood at the door. There was no panic in his voice. There was only impatience at being bothered by something he considered unreasonable. I raised my head to look at him.

"That's right."

Chau Nghien Xuyen looked at me for a few seconds and suddenly burst out laughing.

"Just because you're with Duong An tonight?"

"Lin Van Kieu, since when have you been so petty?"

I turned off the drawing board.

"It has nothing to do with her."

"Then why?"

"Because I don't want to marry you anymore."

The room fell silent for a moment. The smile on Chau Nghien Xuyen's face faded a bit. But very quickly, he returned to his confident appearance as before.

"Don't say anything in anger."

"I know you don't like me being with Duong An."

"After you get engaged, you'll know to keep your distance."

Still exactly the same as before. Always be... Always be... Will know how to maintain moderation. Not... Not even... He walked to the table, saw the ring box and immediately opened it.

"Your mother chose?"

"That's OK."

He held up the ring and motioned for me to show my hand. I didn't move. Chau Nghien Xuyen frowned.

"Van Kieu, don't overdo it."

"Everyone is waiting outside."

"Don't make it difficult for the elders of both families."

He didn't rush back because he was afraid of losing me. But I'm just afraid I'll make a big deal out of it. I looked at the ring in his hand and suddenly burst into laughter.

"Chau Nghien Xuyen."

"Do you know where my first wish is registered?"

His movements stopped.

"Isn't it the Academy of Design in the province?"

I don't answer. At that moment, a new email suddenly appeared in the lower right corner of the computer screen. 【Nam Dinh Academy of Fine Arts Admissions Office: Your wish information has been confirmed.】 Chau Nghien Xuyen saw it. He stared at the school name on the screen, his expression gradually changing.

"Nam Dinh?"

"Have you changed your wish?"

I closed the computer. Chau Nghien Xuyen's eyebrows furrowed more and more tightly.

"When did you change?"