Chapter 9 — When the Ex Returns

It is so good to see you again, my dear.

Xu Nan Shan felt deeply moved. Lam Thi Ha’s parents had passed away more than a decade ago, at a time when he had been living abroad. Though he had repeatedly invited her to join him over the years so he could look after her, she had always found reasons to decline. Now that she had finally agreed to study abroad in Moscow under his guidance, he felt a sense of immense relief.

Time has flown by in the blink of an eye; Ha Ha has truly grown into a young woman. I am so glad we have reunited. Come, let us head to the airport.

Lam Thi Ha nodded, reaching out to clasp his hand. With his assistance, the check-in and boarding process went smoothly. Before long, the thunderous roar of the massive jet engines began to fade, replaced by the sight of billowing clouds and the ground receding into the distance. In that moment, it felt as though she were looking down at the city of the North, where she had spent the first twenty years of her life. That place held all the memories of her childhood and her coming of age; it held the man named Pho Tu Tham, and it held the painful, bitter death of her previous life. Now, however, she finally possessed the strength and the conviction to forge a new path. The ten-hour flight ended quickly. Upon landing in Moscow, her uncle escorted her to the apartment he had prepared in advance. As he helped her unpack, he spoke with gentle concern:

Ha Ha, your admission papers for Moscow University and the letters of recommendation are all prepared. Tomorrow, you can head to the Department of Architecture to complete your registration.

Looking at his kind, solicitous face, Lam Thi Ha embraced him, a smile of genuine relief softening her expression.

Thank you, Uncle. I will study hard, and I promise to take good care of myself.

That evening, as she lay on the plush, comfortable bed, Lam Thi Ha slept soundly, far better than she had anticipated. When she awoke the next morning, she felt completely refreshed. After a quick wash, she took a taxi to the university. Upon arrival, a fellow student from her homeland—a senior—offered to show her the way to the Department of Architecture, which eased the last of her anxieties. After settling into her dormitory, she made her way to the main auditorium for the freshman orientation, only to find herself hopelessly lost. Faced with buildings that looked nearly identical, she stood frozen, unsure of how to proceed. Just as she was about to flag down a stranger for directions, a man with a tall, upright stature and a refined face approached her.

Hello, are you lost?

Hearing the familiar cadence of her native tongue, Lam Thi Ha offered a sheepish smile.

Yes, I am. I am a first-year student in the architecture department. A senior helped me find the dorm, but I cannot seem to find the auditorium.

As she spoke, her ears flushed a faint, embarrassed pink. She lowered her gaze, hiding her chagrin. Shen Yen Thu gave her a polite, reassuring smile and gestured toward the southeast.

As it happens, I am heading to the orientation as well to assist with the event. My name is Shen Yen Thu, and I am a year ahead of you.

His voice was gentle, carrying a calming presence that put her at ease immediately. Without further hesitation, Lam Thi Ha followed behind him. In less than twenty minutes, they arrived at the grand hall. After offering a quick word of thanks, she located the seating area for the architecture students. The ceremony soon began. Under the stage lights, the university president spoke first, followed by representatives of the elite students and the incoming freshmen. When Shen Yen Thu appeared on stage, realization dawned on Lam Thi Ha, and she could not help but smile. The student sitting next to her, another fellow countryman, began to praise him with fervor.

Senior Shen is the most brilliant student we have had in years. He is fluent in eight languages. Everyone says he is destined to become the greatest interpreter of his time. The only pity is that he is still single; no one seems to be able to catch his eye!

As the girls gathered nearby whispered and giggled, Lam Thi Ha merely smiled, choosing not to comment. However, she knew one thing for certain: she would strive to emulate Shen Yen Thu’s dedication. Having been granted a second life, she was determined to transform her existence entirely. She was no longer the same girl she had once been.

***

The color drained instantly from Co Tieu’s face. Her body went limp, and she collapsed onto the floor. Seeing the dark, menacing expression on Pho Tu Tham’s face, she desperately clutched at his sleeve.

Tu Tham, I was wrong. I only did it because I love you so much. Even though you said you only ever saw Lam Thi Ha as a sister, she pursued you so many times before. I was just terrified that she would take you away from me...

Co Tieu wept, her tears falling like rain, frantically begging for mercy while obsessively recounting their past memories together. But to Pho Tu Tham, every word felt sharp and cutting. He realized now how he had been blinded by her, time and again hurting Lam Thi Ha for her sake, even going so far as to strip away the accolades that rightfully belonged to her.

Get out! Co Tieu, how much longer do you intend to lie to me?

Pho Tu Tham shoved her aside with such force that she fell back, a look of cold, predatory fury flashing in his eyes.