Chapter 34: Sitting by the Lake
Toan Phuong didn't go looking for a place to buy pens. Instead, he parked his bike beside the lake. He sat down and told Kieu Ly to rest for a while. Kieu Ly had a vague feeling that this brat was trying to skip class, so she frowned and asked:
"Is that what this is all about? You're just trying to skip school, huh?"
Toan Phuong shook his head.
"No. I promised you I'd do my best to get into Foreign Trade University, and I'm not going back on my word."
It was spring. A few gentle breezes blew in from over the lake, carrying with them the scent of the earth, of blooming flowers and grass. The air was fresh and soothing. Kieu Ly didn't argue further and quietly sat down beside him.
She looked out at the vast lake and absentmindedly said,
"You really must be some kind of reincarnated genius, huh? Your parents are successful and still care deeply about you."
After a brief silence, Toan Phuong shook his head lightly.
"That's just how it looks to outsiders. In truth, they're always trying to control me, the same way they control their employees. They always treat me like a child who needs to be corrected."
Kieu Ly found it a little amusing. This brat, trying to act all grown-up? Maybe it was time to knock some sense into him.
"How old are you again?"
"Seventeen. You already know that, why ask?"
"Seventeen is still underage. Your parents keeping a close eye on you is totally reasonable."
"You're only three years older than me. Don't act like you're ancient."
"I actually don't want to grow up at all. I used to think getting into university would be a rosy dream, the final goal. But after I got in, I realized it was only the beginning of a harder road. The change in environment, the heavier workload, and having to act like an adult... It's exhausting sometimes."
Hearing Kieu Ly's honest feelings only made Toan Phuong want to grow up faster — to become someone she could lean on. But for now, he was still just an 11th grader, with his every move under his parents' control.
Toan Phuong relaxed and gazed into the distance.
"With your looks, you could just find a man to lean on."
Kieu Ly shook her head and smiled:
"If every girl just wanted to find a man to lean on, all the men would run away in fear."
Toan Phuong slowly turned to look at Kieu Ly, his words clear and deliberate:
"I'm not afraid. If you ever want someone to lean on — I'm always here."
"Huh?"
Kieu Ly wasn't sure she heard him right. She wanted to ask again, but felt too shy. She turned away and looked out over the lake. It was spring, and a few couples sat close together, holding each other in their arms — some even kissing passionately.