Part 27
Accepting love, trying to be a bridge.
-Like that, I stayed at my grandparents’ house for another 7 years. When my father finished building the big house in the city, he planned to bring my grandparents and uncle and aunt to live with me, but they didn’t come. Everyone was afraid that my mother would be lonely, so they stayed, so that my mother would have a home and relatives to return to. My grandparents told my father to take me home to live. My father didn’t dare to go against my grandparents’ wishes, but after taking me home, he sent me to study abroad right away. I stayed on the other side, only knowing how to focus on studying, until the new factory needed a director, my father called me and I returned. I know that my father calling me back was not only because of the factory but also because this was my grandparents’ last wish before they passed away. As for my father, he was probably still angry with me, I myself didn’t dare expect him to forgive me, but honestly, I really craved his love and attention.
Perhaps it had been a long time since Phuc had found a place to confide in, so he freely opened his heart and revealed all his weaknesses. Chi could only sit next to him in silence, occasionally she gently held his shoulder or whispered comforting words in his ear.
-You have tried very hard, and are also extremely excellent, so the general director let you take on the most important position in the company. That is another way for me to show my pride that you don’t know.
-So what, you only know that outsiders see you as the heir to PBK group, but no one knows that you are just a neglected child living without anyone to love you.
Self-mocking and bitter, his shoulders shook again, and each time more violently. Chi sat silently because of sympathy, now she understood one more thing that tall men who seemed very strong also needed love like everyone else. She reached for the driver’s seat, not only using her hand, but also her whole arm to comfort him.
-Don’t think so pessimistically, there are still many people in the world who need and love you.
-Is there anyone else, my dear? The two people who loved me the most, one died because of me, the other had her heart crushed by me, and I had to live in regret all my life. I myself feel so redundant in this world, ha ha ha.
He laughed, tears still welling up in the corners of his eyes. Chi lifted his face, looked deeply into his eyes, and spoke softly but firmly.
-You are smart, talented, handsome, and generous. You give others a sense of security when you are by their side, and you are exemplary and dedicated at work. Why do you think there is no one who loves you? There was one before, there is one now, and there will be many in the future, he cheered up.
Outside, the rain had not stopped completely, the wind was still whistling, making passersby shiver from the cold. Phuc would also be one of them if it weren’t for her gentleness and warmth. He was immersed in the clear eyes looking up at him. In a moment of uncontrollable emotion, he placed his hands on hers and asked,
“So if it were you, would you accept loving someone like me?”
The unexpected question made her silent for a few seconds, the thoughts and questions in her head were running around, making her confused at this moment.
-Why did you confess…what should I say, the days with you made me happy, but when I was away from you, I missed you. The feeling of harmony, safety, and comfort you brought me, is it enough to form love…I’m not sure anymore. But you’re sad, you’re very pitiful, more pitiful than me because I always have someone who loves me with all my heart, my mother, and you haven’t been loved by anyone for a long time…I can make it up to you and be a bridge between you and your uncle…they’re all very good to me, and they deserve to be reunited and live in love.
Thinking that, I let him hold my hand and nodded lightly. Joy welled up inside him, a satisfied smile instantly bloomed on the corner of his lips, and the joy couldn’t be hidden in his eyes, he suddenly and earnestly said the words of love.
-Thank you for accepting my confession…I love you too and hope you respond. I promise to do everything to make you happy and joyful.
As he spoke, he stroked my cheeks with both hands, and when he finished speaking, he hugged me and kissed me. I was so surprised that I pushed him away, but when I saw his eyes still had a bit of sadness, I stopped. The kiss came hastily and hesitantly like that, it was enough to move both of us and marked the first minute of love between the two of us.
The rain had passed, for the first time tonight the moon appeared, and then fireworks bloomed in the sky. For most people, it was to welcome the Christmas season, but for Phuc and Chi, it was a milestone to affirm their love. They got out of the car to witness that glorious moment, side by side, holding hands tightly.
– Be careful, you’re cold, put on my coat.
Phuc said, then took off his coat and put it on her shoulders. Chi was shivering slightly, but was enveloped by his warmth mixed with the scent of mint. She thanked him shyly, but had a great joy in her heart. She willingly snuggled closer to him, willingly let him inhale the scent of her hair and let her body warmth chase away the cold around him.
They had become lovers on such a meaningful night and had also exchanged their first intimate gestures. That night, neither of them could sleep because of the fluttering emotions resounding in their chests and the longing and anticipation for the following days.
At the end of the year, there was a lot of work for the two of them to complete, so after the dates, they were busy with the pile of work waiting.
And perhaps when in love, everything would be revealed on the face, so on the first day after accepting to be Phuc’s lover, at the end of the day, Mr. Danh asked her.
-Are you and Phuc still hanging out together?
-Yes, we are.
-Does Phuc treat you well?
-Yes, he does.
Chi repeated her answer and nodded firmly.
-Do you feel happy every time you go out with him, and do you feel reluctant to come back?
-Yes, I do.
Once again, Chi confirmed her feelings to him.
-So I love him.
This time, Chi was not as sure as before, but with the feeling of closeness he brought to her, she felt she could be completely open. She thought for a moment and then answered very honestly.
-I don’t know, I’ve never loved anyone before, I just know that I really don’t want him to be sad, I don’t want him to feel lonely and lacking love.
-That means I’m willing to accompany him to get better and have a beautiful time together. So when he confessed, you agreed, right?
-Yes.
-You don’t regret it at all and are happy with your decision, right? I can see that somewhat in your sparkling eyes and your sudden bright smile. Just like that, develop and get to know each other thoroughly.
He showed his agreement and turned his back to look out the glass door. Chi saw him thinking through the side view and boldly asked.
-Uncle, are you still angry with him?
-He told me everything, he can share that with me, it proves that he loves me very much, that’s good too.
He slowed down, his voice sad and deeper.
-As for you, being angry or not is no longer important, you’ve become used to living like that.
-But he said he really wanted to please you, really wanted you to be happy and craved your affection and recognition. I see that you also love and care about him very much, why can’t you express it specifically so that he can be happy and the two of you can get closer.
Mr. Danh sighed, not understanding what he was thinking, or because her question was too difficult that he chose to remain silent. Seeing that, Chi continued to speak.
-I didn’t experience it so I can’t fully understand the terrible feeling at that time. But I see that if it continues like that, both you and he will be heartbroken, the two of you have experienced that feeling for 18 years, that’s more than enough.
Everything Chi said was true and Mr. Danh knew it. But she didn’t know that since that painful day, his heart had never regained its balance. The reason he could stand up on his own was because of the voice in his head urging him to build the unfinished company for the people who had followed him for so many years.
Seeing that he didn’t say anything, Chi didn’t speak anymore, she waited, or rather, let him have some quiet time to face himself.
In a moment, he suddenly turned back, his gaze was no longer as serious as usual but shone with something both emotional and gentle. It was as if Chi’s words had just gently shaken a heavy door that had been closed for so long. He sat back at the table, propped his chin up and looked into the distance, he spoke, his voice as if it had come from a long time ago.
-You’re absolutely right, but there are many things more complicated than you think. Sigh.
I don’t know how many sighs I’ve heard in today’s story. Then he continued in a low voice.
-There are things that seem to be buried, but just mentioning them makes my heart ache like it was yesterday. Like every time I look at my son.
Right! It’s “son” not “it” or “Phuc”.
-Every time like that, my heart aches, not just the pain but also the regret and reproach that torments my heart. I blame him less than myself. Because that day I neglected to teach my son properly, and because that mischievous nature was a product of my inheritance. So to say that I’m angry with Phuc is to say that looking at Phuc makes me angry with myself. I thought that if I just kept quiet it would subside, if I just let time heal the wound, it would heal. However, the distance created a barrier, along with the busyness and stubbornness that gradually turned that barrier into a bottomless pit that lasted for more than ten years.
Those words poured out somewhat made him feel relieved, he smiled slightly.
-Now he’s grown up, luckily he knows how to think right, do right, so he chose you as his lover. His mother knows for sure she’ll be very happy, thank you Chi.
Chi shyly, but also very happy because your advice to him is effective. Although not specific, but she believes that father and son will soon get closer.
-If you tell Mr. Phuc what you just said, he will be very happy. And not only that, if I say it directly, it will surely make him more excited.
-It’s been almost 20 years, it’s not that easy, I probably need…
-Wa ha ha… Mr. President, I’m back…
The story was interrupted by the hearty laughter of a woman. The older sister walked in with the neat, elegant and attractive appearance of a modern and successful woman. Her hair was neatly tied up, her face was bright with sharp eyebrows, her bright red lips and confident smile exuded the aura of a leader. She wore a straight white shirt, tucked into tight dark blue trousers, a minimalist outfit but clearly showing professionalism and sophistication. The watch with a gold face and black leather strap further enhanced the luxury and power that she holding.
Seeing her enter as if she was very familiar with the room, Chi was a bit surprised. She looked over and saw Mr. Danh’s eyebrows slightly furrowed, but his mouth was smiling.
-That’s just too casual, why didn’t you knock on the door when you entered the room, just barged in, what a leader’s demeanor. Have you been home for a long time? Are you tired that you’re already here…
After a sentence that was half blaming and half asking, Mr. Danh turned to Chi and introduced.
-This is Ms. Ngoc, the director of the Southern region, she was also my secretary before Ms. Ha.