Chapter 16 — When the Ex Returns

Pho Tu Tham felt his eyelids twitch violently. A thought had clearly crossed his mind, a fleeting spark of light in his eyes that vanished as quickly as it had appeared. The guard, watching the retreating back of his commander, could not help but release a heavy sigh. In the five years since Pho Tu Tham had transferred here from the Northern City, his life had consisted of nothing but daily patrols, rigorous training, and solitude. Twice, while helping to organize his belongings, the guard had discovered a photograph tucked away between the pages of a book. Though the paper had yellowed with age, it was clear that Pho Tu Tham cherished it above all else. Just then, a group of visitors approached from a distance. The guard went to greet them, his gaze landing on Lam Thoi Ha, who walked at the center of the group. Her features were nearly identical to the person in the photograph. The guard’s eyes brightened. He instructed a few soldiers to lead the others on a tour, while he hurried toward the commander’s office as fast as his legs would carry him.

Commander Pho, you must come out and see. There is an architect here whom you know.

The hand that had been signing documents froze mid-motion. A flicker of intensity burned in Pho Tu Tham’s eyes. He set his pen down, but after only two strides, he stopped in front of a mirror to adjust his collar. Noticing the undisguised impatience on his own face, a wry smile touched his lips. It was true—he was always this restless whenever it concerned Lam Thoi Ha. Minutes later, Pho Tu Tham reached the open ground outside the outpost, his gaze locking instantly onto the figure amidst the crowd. In that single second, he had recognized her. As if feeling the weight of his stare, Lam Thoi Ha turned, and their eyes met. For a moment, Pho Tu Tham’s entire body went rigid. Compared to five years ago, her face had not changed much, yet her aura was completely transformed. She was poised now, radiating a quiet, luminous charm that made it impossible to look away. He stared at her, dazed, remembering the rumors he had gathered during his few brief visits home over the years. After graduating from the University of Moscow, she had been invited to stay and teach at the University of Kinh Bac, all while establishing her own design firm. She was thriving in her career and equally fulfilled in her personal life. The love between her and Tham Yen Thu was common knowledge; everyone who spoke of them remarked on how perfectly matched they were. It was only when the guard nudged his arm that Pho Tu Tham finally returned to reality.

Architect Lam, it is a pleasure to meet you.

Lam Thoi Ha offered a polite, professional smile.

Commander Pho, hello.

Those five simple words left Pho Tu Tham lingering in a daze for several seconds. He struggled to regain his composure before beginning to introduce the post.

I hear you and your colleagues are here to survey the land and find inspiration. Perhaps I could personally guide you through the safe zones? Consider it the courtesy of a host.

Lam Thoi Ha’s colleagues exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. Only Lam Thoi Ha stood silent, eyes cast downward in thought. A few seconds later, she nodded, her gaze calm.

Very well.

From beginning to end, Pho Tu Tham’s eyes never once left her.

The northwest wind was biting and cold. As she walked, Lam Thoi Ha pulled her scarf tighter around her neck. Pho Tu Tham, walking two paces ahead, noticed immediately and signaled the guard with a subtle glance. The guard quickly produced a crisp, military-issue coat.

Architect Lam, this is a new one. Please, put it on.

The guard’s genuine, warm smile made it impossible for her to decline, so she donned the coat with a polite nod. Before long, they arrived at a broad, expansive mountain slope. One of her colleagues could not help but exclaim, The grandeur of our landscape is truly breathtaking. I feel my creative inspiration surging! This trip has been worth every moment. If Thoi Ha’s husband, that translator Tham, were here, he could surely describe this scenery in a dozen different languages!

They laughed and chatted, the topic shifting from the scenery to Lam Thoi Ha. Pho Tu Tham watched her gentle smile, his heart—long accustomed to silence—beginning to hammer against his ribs once more.

Is Architect Lam married?

Before she could speak, a kind-hearted female architect nearby smiled and chimed in, You couldn't tell? Thoi Ha and the translator Tham registered their marriage two years ago. That ring on her finger is the best proof!

Pho Tu Tham’s eyes followed the direction indicated, finally noticing the simple ring reflecting the cold light. Though the design was understated, one could tell at a glance that it was no ordinary trinket. His smile turned stiff, and he forced himself to look away. They walked and talked until they finally came to a stop beside a mountain stream. Pho Tu Tham looked at Lam Thoi Ha, who was standing beside him, staring out into the distance for a long time. Finally, he ground his teeth and spoke.

Thoi Ha, you have lived well these past years.

It was a statement, not a question. Lam Thoi Ha nodded slightly, glanced at him, and began to relay the message his mother had asked her to deliver when she had visited her half a month prior.