Chapter 10 — When I Don't Need Them Anymore

“The true genius of the Co family turned out to be an emerging designer at the Milan exhibition.”

"After being abandoned by her whole family, she went abroad to fight against the tide. This is a real-life great lady."

"The original work of To Uyen Ninh brand is suspected of being plagiarized by her own sister?"

After just one night, the direction of public opinion completely reversed. Three partners cooperating with Uyen Ninh Jewelry simultaneously sent a notice to "temporarily suspend cooperation". Tien Nhuy also deleted all photos taken with To Uyen Ninh on her friends circle. The phone call from the Co family's house called Lam Vuc's studio. The person answering the phone is the assistant.

“Let Niem An answer the phone.”

It was Co's mother's voice. The assistant turned to look at me. I shook my head.

“Miss Tham is inconvenient to answer the phone.”

The other end of the line was silent for a moment then hung up. Ten minutes later, the phone rang again. This time it's Co's father. The assistant narrated:

“He said he was your father and wanted you to call back.”

I'm disassembling a metal sample. Hands don't stop.

“I don't have dad.”

The assistant opened his mouth to say something, but finally turned around and answered. That evening, I returned to the small apartment I was renting. Turn on the computer and see a new email in the mailbox. The sender is Luc Canh Tham. I don't know how you found my email. The content is very short.

"Nien An, I need to meet you to talk face to face once. Give me the address."

I don't delete. Didn't answer either. Turn off the computer and go to sleep. The next morning when I arrived at the studio, there was a car parked in front of the door. A man wearing a gray jacket was leaning next to the car, holding two cups of coffee in his hands. Luc Canh Tham. He flew for more than ten hours, his eye bags were a bit pale. But he didn't show any signs of fatigue. His back was still straight, just like when he met him at the exhibition a year ago. He brought over a cup of coffee. I don't accept.

"This is where I work. It's not appropriate for you to stand in front of the door."

“Then let's go somewhere nearby to talk.”

“No time.”

“Ten minutes.”

"Three minutes. Once finished, leave."

He placed the coffee cup on the stone pedestal next to him.

"The relationship termination papers and annulment agreement have not been signed yet."

“I do not agree to annul the marriage.”

"Your consent is not a mandatory condition. Once the publicity period expires, it will automatically take effect."

“I know.”

“That's why I came here.”

He stopped for a moment.

"Nien An, I've been looking for you every day for more than a year now. I've investigated everything related to you, including the name An Lac."

“What if we can investigate?”

"I discovered that the time it took to create your design was actually two years earlier than Uyen Ninh's brand."

“I know she used your things.”

I looked at him.

“And then what?”

I looked at him.

“Are you going to take charge of me?”

He was silent.

"Luc Canh Tham, when I was at the Co family, you didn't believe me. At the hospital, you didn't believe me. In front of the police station, when you pointed at me and said 'she's Tham Chi Dao', have you ever believed me?"

“Now that I can stand up on my own, you appear again.”

“What are you doing here?”

His throat moved slightly twice.

“I came to apologize.”

"No need."

“Three minutes are up.”

I entered the studio and closed the door. It was quiet outside for a long time. About ten minutes later, through the glass I saw him get into the car and leave. Three days after he left. To Uyen Ninh arrived. She goes alone. Do not bring Tien Nhuy along. Also don't bring anyone with you. She wears a dress Black, hair tied neatly. Standing in front of the studio door, as soon as he saw me coming out, he immediately smiled. This smile is not the same as before. Before, she always smiled in a gentle and soft way that made others feel sorry for her. And now... In that smile there is something I can't describe. Like someone who has been backed into a corner for too long, and finally bounces back with aggression.

“Sister, long time no see.”

“If there's anything, just say it.”

“I came to discuss conditions with you.”

She leaned against the door frame.

"You're famous abroad, I'm satisfied. I won't compete with you on design anymore, I've lost."

“But sister, you have to understand something.”

She slowly took a step forward.

"The Co family's things, parents, company, relationships, social circles... you don't need them anymore, right? The separation papers have already been signed."

“So those things are yours now.”

"I'm abroad as my An Lac. You're at home as my To Uyen Ninh."

"Two separate roads, river water does not violate well water."

“What are your conditions?”

“She openly stated that the similar design style was just a coincidence.”

“You and Uyen Ninh Jewelry do not have any disputes.”

“And then what?”

“After that, I will tell Tien Nhuy to delete those posts.”

"From now on, I'll go my way, you'll go my way. Both sides will be safe."

I looked at her.

"Impossible."

The smile on To Uyen Ninh's face disappeared.

“Because my design is not a coincidence.”

“It was you who snuck into my room, stole my manuscript and used it.”

“I will not cover up your theft.”

To Uyen Ninh's face gradually cooled down. She stared at me for a few seconds.

“Tham Niem An, don't force me.”

“What can you do?”

I asked back.

“I don't know what you can do.”

She turned around and left.