Viet Nam News by Lê Hoài Nam To meet Diễm, his ex-wife, Đổng went to a refreshment stall on the side of a street. A few minutes later, she turned up in a black Camry. Getting out, at first glance she seemed greatly displeased with his casual clothes. “You’ve come by bus, haven’t you?” she asked him in a contemptuous voice. “Pawned your motorbike?” she went on. Blushing with shame he replied, “I needed the money to wire a building for lighting and high-tech gadgets. I’ll get it back soon.” “Hmm, at the age of fifty, with a degree in electrical engineering, you should be ashamed of yourself for having pawned your terrible motorbike,” she mocked him. “It’s not a big deal, I’ll be sorted soon.” “Really? What did you want to see me for then? Not for money, eh?” “Certainly not! Have I ever borrowed anything from you?” “Don’t beat around the bush, please. I haven’t got much time to waste here.” After a moment of hesitation, he put forward a proposal. “Diễm, I beg you for a favour. Can you take care of Thụy Phương, our poor daughter, instead of me for a short time?” he asked. She was greatly surprised at first and then refused point-blank. “My husband doesn’t want involved in my past while we’re leading a happy life. If the kid stays with us, our life would change dramatically,” she said. Đổng felt totally confounded. He tried to convince her once again. “By the end… [Read full story]
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