Chapter 59: A New Friend
Kieu Ly was lying on her bed resting when she heard a knock at the door. Since she had just arrived and didn't know anyone yet, she figured it must be Thuy Linh. She happily opened the door, and sure enough, she had guessed correctly. Thuy Linh appeared with a friendly smile.
"Hi Ly, I'm Thuy Linh."
There was something indescribably comforting about meeting a fellow Vietnamese, the same age as her, in a foreign country. Kieu Ly beamed and opened the door wider to invite Thuy Linh in.
"Come on in, Thuy Linh."
Thuy Linh was also a third-year student, but she had been studying in London since her first year of university, so she was already very familiar with life there.
Her hair was long, curled into braids, and dyed a chestnut color. Her face was carefully made up, giving her a naturally fair and rosy look. It seemed her family was well-off, and from her appearance, Thuy Linh came across as lively and fashion-conscious — a stark contrast to Kieu Ly's simple and modest style.
Thuy Linh sat down on a chair and asked,
"What's your relationship with Mr. Tuan Anh?"
Kieu Ly poured some water and calmly placed the glass on the table.
"I'm just one of his students, not particularly close. Here, have some water."
Thuy Linh took a polite sip, then continued,
"That's strange. He was very specific in telling me to take good care of you. If you're just a regular student, why would he care that much?"
Hearing that, Kieu Ly also found it a bit odd. It was true that Professor Tran Tuan Anh had always treated her kindly. Then again, he had a reputation for being gallant at school — he was kind to everyone.
"Do you like him?" Kieu Ly asked bluntly.
Thuy Linh laughed and shook her head.
"No. Tran Thuy Linh, Tran Tuan Anh — I'm his cousin."
After a short pause, Thuy Linh continued,
"He really is a good guy. He's been here since high school, so he's got that Western open-mindedness. Very gallant with women. And he's still single."
"What are you trying to say?" Kieu Ly chuckled. If there's something to say, just say it — why beat around the bush?
"I mean... oh never mind, if he wants something, he'll find his own way."
After another pause, Thuy Linh said,
"Let's go out for a bit. I'll show you around."
Kieu Ly reached for her green crossbody bag, slipped in her phone, bank card, and some cash, then headed out with Thuy Linh.