Chapter 6 — Want the house to be named after your father? So You Pay The Money

“This apartment has a nice view, fifteenth floor, clear view.”

He pointed out

“Below there is a walking path and a small garden.”

“Cheaper than Vinh Giang.”

To Tinh said casually.

“That area is a school district, of course it's expensive.”

“I don't need a place to study.”

“Miss Chu, if it's finalized today, I can ask for a preferential treatment.”

Mr. Tran's eyes lit up.

“How much reduction?”

I looked at him.

“50,000 yuan off, effective immediately.”

He spoke very seriously. I thought for a few seconds, then looked at the green space outside.

“Okay, take this apartment.”

“That's too good.”

He immediately opened the official contract

“I'll print it for you right away.”

When I signed, I held the pen. In the buy side line, I write: Chu An Ninh. The ink hasn't dried yet. I looked at those three words for a few seconds. No hesitation. This is the first house... named after myself.

“Congratulations Ms. Chu.”

Mr. Tran brought the contract over

“You are so decisive.”

I took it, my fingertips touched the rough paper, and my heart also stabilized. After paying the deposit, To Tinh and I walked out together. The early summer wind blew past my face, carrying with it the smell of young grass.

“How does it feel?”

She tilted her head to look at me.

“Very solid.”

I took a deep breath

“Finally, there is a place… that completely belongs to me.”

“When it's time to repair the house, I'll watch over the workers to help you.”

She patted my shoulder

"By the way, I'll help you choose the curtains, look at the tiles, and choose the sofa."

“Okay, I'll approve all of your tastes.”

I took To Tinh's arm and the two of us slowly walked along the green strip to the parking lot

"Go, I'll continue, let's change to a better restaurant."

“Still eating?”

She laughed

“Lately, you're like... emptying your stomach of years of storage, right?”

“When you're happy, anything you eat will be delicious.”

I blinked, my steps were as light as stepping on clouds. The phone vibrates again. I pressed listen. On the other end of the line was Trieu Xuyen's voice, slightly pleasing

“Sister-in-law… no, An Ninh, I want to see you once.”

“No see.”

My voice was as pale as if a speck of dust had been brushed away.

"Ms. An Ninh, these past few days we've barely eaten or drank anything, and we're all skinny."

He lowered his voice and begged cautiously

"Just meeting once... it's like marking the end of these years."

I watched the gray and white pigeon fly across the buildings in the distance, silent for a few seconds

“Okay, tomorrow noon, same place.”

“Thank you, An Ninh!”

He breathed a sigh of relief, his voice light. I hung up. To Tinh turned her head to look at me, her eyes were both bright and serious

“Are you really going to leave?”

“Let's meet one last time, make it clear.”

I nodded, my voice low but steady

"There are some roads... you have to go to the end yourself to know how to turn back."

“Then I'll go with you.”

She reached out to hug me.

"No need."

I shook my head slightly, placing her hand back

“There are words… that must be faced, sentence by sentence, returned to the right person.”

The next day at noon, I arrived ten minutes earlier than scheduled. The coffee shop is so familiar that it couldn't be more familiar. The wind chime on the door had faded, and as soon as the door was pushed, a tinkling sound rang out softly. Three years ago, on the same hot summer day— Trieu Hao held a glass of bitter Americano, opening our story right here. I ordered a warm latte. The milk foam drew a distorted heart... exactly like the mood at that time—both nervous and expectant. I sat in my old seat next to the window. The shadow of the corn leaves shook gently, the sunlight slanted through the wooden table, burning the palms of my hands. Exactly twelve o'clock. The wind chimes rang again. Trieu Hao walked in. The shoulders become thinner and thinner, Dark gray eye circles, sunken chin, as if he hadn't taken care of himself for several days. He saw me immediately. The footsteps paused for a beat... then slowly advanced. He sat down opposite, his voice as hoarse as sandpaper rubbing wood. I didn't give him time to prepare

“Whatever you want to say, just say it.”

He was stunned. Fingers unconsciously scratched the rim of the cup. Obviously I didn't expect me to be so straightforward.

“An Ninh… can we… start again?”

He looked at me, his eyes almost pleading

“I know I was wrong, I shouldn't have left you alone to carry things that don't belong to you.”

“Where did you go wrong?”

I raised my glass and blew gently.

“You shouldn't always listen to your parents... you shouldn't even agree to have the house registered in your father's name.”

His voice was quiet, as if he was reading a review.

“That's it?”

I looked at him, my eyes flat. His throat moved slightly

"When you weren't feeling well, I pretended not to see. When you were forced to talk, I stood by... not saying a word for you."