After that massive blowup, I walked away with exactly what I wanted, the freedom to choose which country I was going to for my study abroad program.

Slipping the credit card into my bag, I flipped them all off and took off. Leaving the country wasn’t just some impulsive impulse; after spent twenty years doing nothing but studying, I finally had money, and I wanted to see the world and actually live my own life for once.

I wasn’t about to let Minh Chau milk the Tuong family’s fortune dry on her own, though. I swapped out my SIM card, only giving “Mom Tuong” a call whenever I needed my allowance topped up.

Two years flew by in the blink of an eye. Dad Tuong kept nagging me to come home, but I ignored him completely, until Mom Tuong pulled out the ultimate threat: “We’re cutting off your card.” That finally forced my hand to reluctantly board a flight back.

The day I landed, the entire Tuong family was waiting to greet me. Mom Tuong forced a stiff smile. “An An, you’re finally back home.”

Dad Tuong silently set his teacup down on the table before speaking up: “Next week is the elder master’s birthday gala at the Ta family estate. You’ll be coming with us.”

“Why?” I cut him off cleanly. “Looking to ship me off for another strategic marriage?”

Dad Tuong’s face darkened in anger. “With an attitude as wild and reckless as yours, do you honestly think the Ta family would even spare you a second glance?”

Minh Chau chimed in immediately, gloating with a triumphant smirk: “Ta Chi is the sole heir to the Ta dynasty. He returned to reclaim his place last year. You’re not even in his league.”

Her face was practically flushed red with petty satisfaction. I just curled my lips into a cold smile: “Don’t press your luck with me. I spent the last two years taking martial arts classes. Next time I lay a hand on you, it won’t be a slap, it’ll be a hospital stay.”

I stood there, bouncing on my heels, utterly satisfied. Between keeping my temper in check and letting my inner psycho loose, I choose the psycho path every single time, crushing everything in my way with absolute equality was endlessly cathartic.

A week of laid-back living passed as fast as a summer breeze.

Saturday evening at six o’clock sharp, I arrived at the Ta family estate alongside the rest of the Tuong family.

Just the mere thought of Ta Chi set my nerves on edge. Two whole years had passed; I wondered if he still held onto the past.

The moment I stepped through the main doors, my eyes landed straight on him.

To be completely honest, I had rarely thought about Ta Chi over the last two years, but seeing him again made my heart betray me with a sudden, erratic flutter.

He was wearing a custom-tailored black suit adorned with a subtle silver brooch pinned to his lapel. Cold, noble, and effortlessly striking, he was the kind of handsome that made people catch their breath.

I stole a quiet glance, taking note that his physique was even more solid and defined than before.

Then, his gaze swept across the room and landed on me.

His eyes passed over mine, as cold and indifferent as a passing breeze, as if he couldn’t even remember who the hell I was.

Feeling a sudden wave of awkward embarrassment, I quickly averted my eyes, pretending I hadn’t seen a thing.

The Ta family certainly lived up to their legendary reputation, the gala was breathtakingly grand, filled with polite, high-society chatter. I grew bored within minutes, slipping away to wander through the lush gardens outside.

In the quiet center of the garden, a solitary swing swayed gently in the breeze. I quickened my pace toward it, only to realize as I got closer that someone was already sitting there.

It was him.

I froze instantly, taking a step back to beat a quiet retreat.

“Tuong An.”

His low, deep voice resonated behind me, sending a sudden tremor straight through my chest.

I forced on a sweet, obedient smile as I turned back around. “What a coincidence! I had no idea you were out here. I’ll get out of your hair.”

The second I turned to leave, his hand clamped firmly around my wrist.

“You think you can just play around with me and then run away? What am I to you?”

…Well, you just happened to be the unlucky guy I grabbed.

I cleared my throat awkwardly. “Ta Chi, everyone does stupid things when they’re young and foolish. I’m sorry, okay?”

He raised an eyebrow, his voice dropping to a temperature near absolute zero. “You used to be so arrogant and bossy back then. You really think a simple ‘sorry’ wipes the slate clean? Based on what?”

Irritation flicked through me. “Then what do you want from me? It’s not like I have anything to offer you as compensation. Are you seriously short on cash?”

Ta Chi tightened his grip on my wrist, his dark eyes deepening into an abyss.

A sudden, wild idea popped into my head. Stepping in close, I wrapped my arms around him and brushed my lips softly against his.

His breathing hitched sharply, his voice dropping into a raspy growl: “Tuong An! What do you think you’re doing?”

I blinked at him with pure, faux innocence: “Well, since you wouldn’t let me go, I just assumed you were holding out for a kiss. If that wasn’t it, then let me go.”

He went dead silent for a long moment before slowly releasing his hold. His tone returned, twice as cold as before:

“Tuong An, from now on, whenever I call, you show up.”

Without another word, he turned his back and walked away, leaving me standing alone under the moonlight, utterly dazed, completely unable to tell whether I had just crossed paths with a guardian angel or an absolute nightmare.

Would you like me to continue translating the next chapter or adjust the tone of any specific character’s dialogue?