Chapter 12 — When I Don't Need Them Anymore

But To Uyen Ninh did not fall. She did something unexpected by everyone. She opened the livestream. In the livestream room, she removed her makeup, wore a simple sweater, and sat on the sofa.

“I admit that the date on that manuscript is indeed problematic.”

“It's because I'm too impatient, too eager to prove myself.”

“But those design ideas… it was true that I was inspired after seeing my sister's manuscript at the Co family's house.”

“I'm not a thief.”

“I was just inspired.”

“I know I was wrong.”

“I am willing to publicly apologize and also willing to compensate you.”

"But please don't blame my parents. They are innocent."

“They just love me too much.”

She cried very sincerely. Said very sincerely. And the wind direction in the comment area... Changed again.

"People have already admitted their mistakes, and even agreed to compensate, so let's stop."

“Tham Niem An should also know when to stop.”

“Anyway, she didn't copy it completely, she was just 'inspired'.”

A terrifyingly smooth series of operations. The word stealing turned into “inspired.” The word plagiarism turned into "gratitude". The word fake turned into “too hasty”. But from beginning to end… Her core logic never changed. Forever a victim. Forever being forced to the edge. I finished watching the video playback and then turned off the screen. Someone knocked on the door. It's Lam Vuc. He held a cup of tea and leaned against the door frame.

“How are you going to respond?”

“No answer.”

He slightly raised his eyebrows.

"I know you have plans in your heart. But this type of person will cling to you forever."

“Just because she doesn't speak up doesn't mean she'll stop.”

"I know."

“So what?”

“Next month there is the Asia Jewelry Design Summit.”

“I signed up.”

“The venue is in the country.”

Lam Vuc put down his cup of tea.

“You want to go home?”

“About a week.”

“Resolve things that should be finished.”

He looked at me for a few seconds.

“What do you need me for?”

“Write me a letter of introduction.”

He turned and walked back to his office. Take two steps, don't turn back, just throw one sentence:

"I finished writing it a long time ago. Put it on her desk."

Asia Jewelry Design Summit. Industry-leading event. Each year, the most influential designers, brands, media and judges in Asia are invited to attend. Being able to appear on this stage... means receiving a passport to the design world. I applied for the “Outstanding New Designer of the Year” category. There are only five spots each year. Selected by a panel of judges from all applicants. The day I received the admission notice, I looked through the list. Among those five names... The second name is To Uyen Ninh. She also signed up. Furthermore, her exhibited work is called “Rebirth”. As for my work... The name is "Forging". Same stage. Same exhibition. Face to face. One month later. When I landed at the domestic airport, it was two o'clock in the afternoon. I haven't been back for over a year. The sunlight outside the airport was so intense it was blinding. There is still that familiar smell in the air. I pulled my suitcase out. A car parked opposite the exit. The driver got out of the car and opened the back door for me.

"Miss Tham, this is the car arranged by Mr. Lam Vuc. Will we go straight to the hotel?"

Go to the hotel, put your things away After that, I went into the bathroom to wash my face. The phone has a few new messages. One piece of news is a confirmation letter from the conference organizers. Another news is greetings from Chu Nghien. She is a friend I met online, makes jewelry in a niche style, and has a very straightforward personality. Her message read:

"Beautiful sister, are you really here?! I almost fell out of my chair when I saw An Lac's name on the conference list! Let's talk tomorrow!"

There's another text message from an unknown number.

"Nien An, I heard you returned home. I'll come see you tomorrow. Don't hang up."

It's Luc Canh Tham. I don't answer. The phone rang again. This time it's a call. It's still your number. I hesitated a bit then picked up the phone.

“Let's meet tomorrow at the conference.”

“I didn't call about the conference.”

His voice is very low.

"By Uyen Ninh... she's preparing something, I'm not sure. But I think you should know first."

“Your news is really fast.”

“I'll go investigate.”

“Investigate what?”

“The work 'Rebirth' she brought to the exhibition.”

“Nien An, she paid for that dish and hired a veteran artist in the industry to model it.”

“She couldn't draw it herself.”

I was silent for a while.

“What are you telling me all this for?”

“Being a spy for me?”

“I want to help you.”

“Three years ago when you pointed at me in front of the police and said 'she's the litigant', why didn't you help me?”

The other end of the line was silent for a long time.

“I know what I did.”

“I don't expect you to forgive me.”

“But Uyen Ninh's story... I need someone by her side to monitor.”

“I can be that person.”

"No need."

“It doesn't matter if you can help or not.”

"The important thing is, Luc Canh Tham, there is no longer any relationship between you and me."

“What identity do you take to help me?”

“Ex-fiance?”

“The son-in-law of the Co family?”

“Or To Uyen Ninh's protector?”