Chapter 55: The Final Lesson
Summer passed by in the blink of an eye.
On the final tutoring day, Kieu Ly stood by the window, gazing down at the street. This was a wealthy villa neighborhood, so it was sparsely populated, and even in summer, the roads remained quiet.
She lifted her head to look at the vast, clear sky. Thousands of stars glittered as if encircling the perfectly round moon. Occasionally, wisps of white clouds drifted lazily across the moon, half teasing, half lingering in farewell.
It had been a long time since the sky looked this high, the moon this beautiful. It felt as though she were touching a distant memory—those summer nights of childhood when she'd lay on a mat in the yard, counting stars in the evening breeze.
Now, she was no longer that carefree child. Every step she took carried an invisible weight.
Ahead of her lay a faraway land, waiting.
Eyes fixed on the moonlight reflected in the water below, Kieu Ly softly murmured into the still night:
"Today's our last lesson."
Toan Phuong had been quietly sitting with his arms resting on the desk, gazing at her in silence. Perhaps, in this moment, he was the saddest one of all.
"Let me take you home," he said, his voice heavy with melancholy.
Kieu Ly didn't object, but she did have something she wanted to speak to Toan Phuong's mother about.
"Then bring my backpack downstairs for me. I need to go down and settle the final paperwork and get paid."
Toan Phuong gave a silent nod.
Because it was Kieu Ly's last session, Thu Thao was already waiting downstairs. On the table sat a bouquet of flowers and an envelope. If Toan Phuong was the saddest, then Thu Thao was the most regretful. She regretted that such a responsible and talented tutor could no longer continue guiding her son. Since meeting Kieu Ly, her son had changed in a way that was clearly visible.
Kieu Ly went downstairs and, as usual, sat down at Thu Thao's invitation.
Thu Thao handed her the envelope and flowers, saying:
"Our family is very grateful for your help with Phương over the past few weeks. It's such a pity you won't be able to continue. We wish you success on your path ahead."
Kieu Ly politely accepted both and smiled:
"Thank you. I was just doing my job. I'm sure someone else might've been even more dedicated than me."
She placed the flowers and envelope on the table, then added:
"I truly believe in Phuong's potential. I don't think he'll disappoint you. Soon, he'll be my junior at university."
Thu Thao smiled, satisfied:
"Once you come back from studying abroad, if you have time, come visit us sometimes. Our family holds you in high regard."
Kieu Ly nodded cheerfully. After a short pause, she finally brought up the subject:
"I heard that Phuong's dream is to become an idol. I think he can pursue both—his studies and his dream. I hope you and your husband will support and encourage him."