Chapter 13: Lunar New Year Break
After a month of working with him, Kieu Ly realized that Toan Phuong's strongest subject was math.
The only reason his grades were so terrible was because he refused to study.
If he really focused and gave it his all, he would be no different from a fierce tiger.
After checking his homework, Kieu Ly nodded and smiled:
"I promised your mom I'd help you get into Foreign Trade University.
But with your current academic record, it's almost impossible to pass the admissions screening.
That leaves only one way: winning a national prize.
This year, if you rank first in math among 11th graders, you'll qualify to compete nationally next year.
And if you win, we'll both reach our goals.
What do you think?"
Nguyễn Toan Phuong stared blankly for a moment, then burst out laughing:
"You want me to win a national math award in 12th grade?"
Kieu Ly nodded with all seriousness.
That only made him laugh harder:
"Has anyone ever told you you're crazy?"
She stayed silent for a bit, then calmly replied:
"No one's ever said I'm crazy.
They just call me 'Ly the Stubborn.'
I never give up until I've tried my absolute best."
He laughed so hard his eyes welled up with tears. After a while, he finally nodded:
"Alright, alright. Whatever you say."
Before long, Lunar New Year was just around the corner.
Right before the break, Kieu Ly handed Toan Phuong a thick stack of holiday homework, then got ready to leave.
As she came downstairs, she saw Thu Thao waiting at the tea table.
It was a good thing—she had wanted to say goodbye before the long holiday anyway.
As usual, Thu Thao invited her to sit and handed her a red envelope:
"This is your salary for the month."
Then she passed Kieu Ly a festive gift basket:
"And this is a Tết gift for your family."
Kieu Ly happily accepted both the payment and the gift.
Her heart felt full.
She silently vowed to give her all to help Toan Phuong get into Foreign Trade University.
With a bright smile, she thanked Thu Thao and wished the family a joyful holiday before heading out.
Her bicycle, loaded with Tết goodies, rolled along cheerfully.
She couldn't hide her excitement.
In her mind, she was already planning how to use the money—specifically, to buy a present for her boyfriend.
The next day, Kieu Ly invited Huong Tra to go shopping with her at Vincom Center.
She wanted to buy a gift for her boyfriend.
Lately, things between them had been feeling distant.
So she hoped that during this holiday, she could do something romantic to rekindle their love.
It was her first love, after all.
Luckily, this year, Valentine's Day coincided with Tết.
Kieu Ly loved Tết—not only because of the break from school and the chance to return home,
but because it was one of the rare times she could see her boyfriend.
He rarely came back to Vietnam, usually only during Tết or extended holidays.