Love Song

Autumn came early and brought with it a bit of cold air that made time and space seem to slow down.

Thi San's eyes filled with tears as she passed through the streets covered with yellow leaves falling in the dew.

She constantly looked back at the land where she lived for twenty years through the bus window.

Thi San's mother is a single woman. Her love affair with the rich guy ended when his whole family settled abroad and cut off all contact.

After a month since her lover left the country, she found out she was pregnant.

In the end, the beautiful girl dropped out of school halfway and returned to her hometown to live with her elderly mother.

Thi San's mother worked hard and didn't have a day off for a long time, so she was completely exhausted. Her tearful funeral was just completed a week ago.

- When you go to someone's house, you shouldn't cry, but smile to be liked by them.

Tam Lan took out a stack of tissues from her pocket and gave it to Thi San and kindly advised.

Thi San gently nodded and took it and quickly wiped her wet face.

The woman next to Thi San was a person who specialized in finding gentle and honest girls in remote rural areas. Then she took them to the city and introduced them to wealthy families who needed a maid to receive money.

A week ago, when Tam Lan knew about Thi San's difficult family, she immediately took a bus to come here and discussed going to the city with Thi San, and then Thi San quickly nodded and agreed because she sold her only home to pay off a huge debt that her family had borrowed to treat her mother and grandmother's illness over the years.

The house was sold by Thi San and she became a vagabond, so she felt the same everywhere.

When she agreed, she did not know what life in the city would be like. She only knew there she would have a place to shelter from the rain and sun and earn money to take care of herself. Tam Lan had said that the owner of the house would let the maid stay.

Thi San just graduated from high school and she knew that the door to university was closed for her forever, so she had the intention of finding a job to have the conditions to go to school.

The city would be the place to cherish her plan.

- The house that you will enter to work has only one mother and one son. 3 years ago, Ngoc Vy from the above village was introduced by me to work for a large family. Fortunately, they later hired two more middle-aged maids.

After Tam Lan finished speaking, she laughed again and continued to tell Thi San that Ngoc Vy was miserable in the first few months, but she still tried to stay because they paid well and they treated her kindly, without scolding.

- Most of the rich people in the city are intellectuals and knowledgeable people, unlike in the countryside. If you are hardworking and gentle, everyone will love you.

Thi San gently nodded in agreement with what Tam Lan said because she had witnessed that Ngoc Vy worked for the richest family in the village, so she knew it.

They had thought that a salary as big as the wheel of a bullock cart could accidentally roll over and crush a person's dignity and self-esteem.

Ngoc Vy's family situation was even worse than Thi San's. When she was three years old, her parents died in a traffic accident.

Ngoc Vy's childhood was extremely difficult. She was beaten when she lived with her uncle's family, so she only finished high school and she had to work as a maid, had to stay up late and get up early and she had to listen to curses and criticisms.

The village was completely hidden behind the bamboo ramparts.

The bus went straight to the highway to the city.

From when Thi San was a child until she became an adult, this was the first time she left her hometown and this was also the first time she went to the place where her mother's sad love was marked.

Although the letters that her mother saved every penny to send to her father were countless, he still did not reply. However, her mother told her not to be angry with her father.

Her mother said that because she wrote the wrong address or his family had moved, he did not receive the letter.

At nine o'clock in the morning, the bus arrived at the station.

The bustling scene made Thi San dizzy. She heard loud laughter and loud talking and even the swearing of two saleswomen.

The reason the two of them cursed at each other was that the diners had come to the city from the countryside. He arrived at the door of this restaurant, but before he could order anything, he was invited in by the other restaurant.

Because of his ignorance, he had to drink water while listening to insults, and the surrounding people also had to listen.

- Thi San. Let's come in here to eat a loaf of bread, have a drink of water, and then go on.

Tam Lan said while reaching out her hand to pull Thi San to the restaurant of the fat lady.

When the fat lady saw that two diners were sitting on two empty seats, she also felt comforted, so she stopped cursing and bent down to make bread and squeeze sugarcane juice.

- Mrs. Tam Lan, how far is the way to their house? - Thi San asked.

- The road is still far. The two of us should take a motorbike taxi to save money. - Tam Lan said and raised the glass of water to take a sip.

After both of them finished eating, Tam Lan took out the money in her wallet to pay and then continued to pull Thi San towards the drivers who were actively inviting passengers who had just stepped off the bus.

If Thi San didn't go with Tam Lan but she went to the city alone to earn a living, she would probably get lost because the bus station was wide and the people were crowded like ants.

- I'm sorry... sorry.

Thi San hastily said. Then she bent down to pick up the bag and return it to the opposite person.

Because she was busy looking around, she carelessly bumped into someone.

When she looked up, a handsome face with no dead corners appeared in front of her, making her dizzy.

The white shirt made the handsome guy stand out even more.

- No problem. It was because I was careless not to see you. Thank you. - Thanh Phong humbly said.

Thi San breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Thanh Phong say that and then she turned her back and ran towards Tam Lan while Tam Lan was about to return to find Thi San because she discovered that the country girl was not following her.

- How many people? Two people, right? If it's two people, go with two motorbikes.

A man with skin as black as coal asked and answered questions and made his own decisions. Then he waved his hand at the man next to him to prepare to carry passengers.

Tam Lan nodded, read the address to both of them, and then she asked for a little more discount.

- I and this girl are planning to share a motorbike, but now we ride on two motorbikes. The price is twice as high, so please give a little discount.

- Oh my god, do you want to break traffic laws to get caught by the police? I work all day and earn only a little money. If I get fined by the police, I will be hungry. Okay, let's get on the motorbike. - The man urged.

Thi San and Tam Lan quickly got on the motorbike as the driver said.

Tam Lan told Thi San to keep her bag tight for fear that the robbers would think there was gold in the bag.

If she was robbed, her clothes would be lost. Those clothes also cost a lot of money to buy again, no joke.

Before Thi San had time to reply to Tam Lan, the motorbike ran through the crowd and ran to the main road.

She turned her neck to look, but she did not see Tam Lan's figure anywhere.

Overcrowded traffic obscured Thi San's view.

At the intersection of traffic lights, the motorbike carrying Tam Lan had to stop and wait, so the distance between the two of them became even further.

Thi San's face showed a worried expression.

In the past, she had heard adults talk about bad guys who cheated and kidnapped young women to sell across the border, so she was terrified.

Her small hands gripped the bag tightly as if it would become a weapon to protect her.

However, when Thi San thought of Ngoc Vy, she was also somewhat reassured.

Last summer, Ngoc Vy visited her uncle's family once, which was enough to prove that Tam Lan did not sell Ngoc Vy.

The motorcycle ran through the main roads and minor roads, and then it entered the alley. Then it continued to run through the fork in the road and then it came to the crossroads.

More than an hour passed, and they still hadn't arrived.

Fortunately, when Thi San almost fainted from fear, the motorbike stopped.

Because the driver braked too hard, so she staggered and bumped her pretty face into the driver's back.

- This is the correct address. Well, this family is so rich. The villa is so big and beautiful.

Thi San quickly glanced around when she heard the driver's praise.

In her life, she had never seen a house as high-class and beautiful as this castle. When Tam Lan said that Thi San would go to work as a maid for the rich, she thought they were as rich as the family that Ngoc Vy worked for, but she did not expect them to be so rich.

This villa seems to be the largest and most elaborate design.

Her heart was pounding, and a feeling of nervousness filled her whole body. She didn't know if she could take the job in a place beyond her imagination.

- Oh my god, why are you running so fast? You made her scared, didn't you? - Tam Lan jumped down, ran to Thi San's side, and patted her shoulder.

- You act like I'm about to kidnap her. - The driver quickly spoke up.

- I mean, your speed will make her scared. I am not saying you kidnapped her.

Tam Lan quickly opened her wallet to pay for both of them, then she grabbed Thi San's hand and pulled the country girl to the front of the closed gate and rang the bell.

- Do your job well to make the mistress happy and you don't worry too much because the mistress is very gentle. - Tam Lan quickly told while waiting for the mistress to open the gate.

- Yes, I will try my best. - Thi San replied.

The large gate opened.

A woman with a kind face appeared in a light blue dress.

Tam Lan bowed and then she pulled Thi San forward and smiled.

- I would like to introduce to you a very gentle and hard-working maid. Her name is Thi San.

- Hello madam. - Thi San politely bowed.

Mai Hoang gently nodded. Her eyes quickly moved from head to toe to the girl, and then she stopped on the innocent face with a satisfied expression.

The maid of Mai Hoang's family left a week ago, so she had to hire a new maid because she and her son constantly had to go out and they needed someone to cook and clean the house.

There was no shortage of job placement centers in the city, but Mai Hoang wanted to find herself a reliable maid.

When she heard that Tam Lan was the one who introduced maids from poor rural areas to rich families, she asked Tam Lan to help her.

- Please come in and have a cup of tea with me.

Mai Hoang stepped aside to let the two guests enter the house.

The three of them walked together to a white stone table placed in the right corner of the villa, under the canopy of the Indian Oak tree, which was blooming with bright red flowers, and sat down.

Thi San reached out to pick up the flowers that had fallen on the table and dropped them next to her feet.

This minor act made Mai Hoang thrilled because it showed the girl's consciousness.

- You and Thi San drink tea and wait for me a moment. I'll go get the money and give it to you.

Mai Hoang poured water into a glass and whispered. Next, she went straight into the house.

When the figure of the luxurious woman disappeared, Tam Lan hurriedly told Thi San that she must not tell everyone that her house had just had a funeral lest they fear bad luck and they would let her quit.

- Yes, I get it. Thank you so much for recommending me to such a good place.

Tam Lan sighed softly when she heard what Thi San said.

She reached out and gently stroked the girl's hair. Actually, she just introduced jobs to people to earn money. She wished this poor girl could be at peace here until she found a good husband to rely on.

- Thi San, try to save some money and learn a profession to take care of yourself.

As soon as Tam Lan finished speaking, Mai Hoang also returned with a white envelope in her hand.

After Mai Hoang thanked Tam Lan, she gave the money to the introducer as their agreement.

Thi San's nose was stinging when she saw Tam Lan's fat body hidden behind the big gate.

Now she was alone in this strange place.

She told herself to be strong and try. Although her studies have been unfinished for a long time, she still has her own dream. She believed that one day she would overcome her fate and shine like a star in the night sky.

- Come here, Thi San. - Mai Hoang said and walked forward.

- Yes madam.

Thi San quickly replied and followed Mai Hoang.

This villa was designed by architects in neoclassical style, making Thi San unable to take her eyes off the places she passed.

The highlight of this work was the meticulous decorative art installation creating an ancient and majestic beauty.

The solid shape and distinctive pieces reminded the country girl of the castles she had seen on television.

- Thi San, this is the room for you. Put your bags in your room, then I'll take you around the house to familiarize you with the daily tasks.

Mai Hoang's warm voice, friendly eyes, and gentle smile reminded Thi San of her mother.

She nodded in agreement, then quickly put her things in the room and went out.

- The house is enormous so you don't have to clean it all at once. Today clean this room, tomorrow clean another room.

Mai Hoang stopped in front of the large room next to Thi San's room and said that this was her son's bedroom.

Thang Vu had a gentle disposition, but he didn't like strangers entering his room, so Mai Hoang told Thi San that she could go anywhere in the villa except to this place.

- I am Thang Vu's mother, but I rarely go to his room.

Next, the two of them entered Thang Vu's office together.

Thi San glanced at the books neatly arranged on the wooden shelf, and then she looked down at the table.

She saw a few small pots the size of a hand on the polished wooden table.

- When you clean this place, put everything back in place. If Thang Vu can't find what he needs, he won't be happy. Mai Hoang laughed.

- Yes, I'll keep that in mind. - Thi San politely replied.

Thi San felt the sacred motherly love that Mai Hoang had for Thang Vu when she heard what Mai Hoang had just said.

Mai Hoang's eyes were slightly sad, but every time she mentioned Thang Vu, her eyes suddenly sparkled.

He must be very talented. That's why she was proud.

- The third floor is Thang Vu's piano practice room. You can also go up there to clean the dust normally.

Mai Hoang looked up the stairs and then she leisurely went down.

Thi San thought that perhaps Mai Hoang's legs were tired, so she did not continue.

The word "piano" made the girl feel so many emotions. Her dream was it. She wanted to someday sit at the piano and play tunes.

The image of famous female pianists who wore long skirts and sat on the stage under the lights and lightly waved their fingers on the keys made Thi San's heart skip a beat. She yearned to be like them.

The last job that Mai Hoang instructed the new maid was cooking and using gas stoves, ovens, and rice cookers.

Every day, her family only had dinner at home because Thang Vu was busy with school and she was busy with work, so the two of them went to a restaurant for convenience.

- These are the dishes that alternate for half a month. If Thang Vu and I want to eat something else, I'll let you know first. You just have to look here and cook like this. Recipes are available.

Mai Hoang said as she pulled out the menu from the kitchen drawer and handed it to Thi San.

The country girl realized it was all the food of the rich. One meal of them was enough for the whole working family to buy food for a few days, not less.

- But... I don't know the way to the market, is it far? - Thi San said timidly.

- The company is off tomorrow, so I will take you to the market to familiarize yourself with the road. By the way, I will show you where to buy fresh and cheap food. Don't worry too much, you'll get used to it. Well, you must be exhausted, you go take a shower and rest.

Mai Hoang patted the maid's shoulder, and then she went up the stairs.

There was a warm intimacy creeping through Thi San's body. She missed her mother, but she still tried to hold back the tears that flowed back inside.

Thi San quickly put the menu back in the kitchen drawer and then she went upstairs.

She suddenly realized that her bedroom was as big as the young master's room.

At first, she thought the maid should be on the bottom floor and in the small room, but she didn't expect it to be on the same level as the master.

After Thi San folded the clothes and put them in the big closet, she hurriedly went to the bathroom.

Although she had never touched modern appliances, after a while of trying, she knew how to open and close the shower as well as adjust the temperature. However, her skin almost peeled off because the water was too hot in the beginning.

While Thi San was immersed in the cool water, she dreamily recalled her unhappy childhood memories and quietly encouraged herself to try. She thought that maybe her mother had blessed her to have such a good place to work.

In the room covered with blue, Mai Hoang happily chatted with her son, who was abroad.

As soon as the holiday came, Thang Vu went abroad to take part in an international piano competition for young professional pianists.

Thang Vu was born into a family with a business tradition. Because he was so passionate about music, he studied both business administration and piano at the city's Academy of Music.

He won a lot of big and small awards in his country and he wanted to reach out to the world to try his hand in this field.

Before Thang Vu flew abroad, the maid retired, so he was anxious about Mai Hoang. He repeatedly urged his mother to hire someone else to replace her, but his mother kept procrastinating because she wanted to find an honest person. In the end, Thanh Phong's mother introduced Tam Lan to his mother, so she hired a suitable maid.

- I'm very reassured. If she's with you, I'll be less worried. - Thang Vu's warm voice rang out.

- Yes, focus on completing the piano competition well. Don't let yourself be distracted. It's late, you go to bed early.

- Yes, mom, please take care of your health.

When Thang Vu heard Mai Hoang had hung up the phone, he slowly lowered his hand.

Since his father died, he only had his mother, so when he was away from home, he was anxious about her.

Previously, the maid was still in the house, so he was also reassured, but recently, she retired to go back to her hometown to live with her children.

Fortunately, his mother found a replacement.

- A country girl? It sounds cute, right?

The question for oneself echoed softly in the quiet night and a slight smile appeared on the corner of the pianist's lips.

Thang Vu was not like his friends of the same age. As soon as they entered college, they had girlfriends.

He was moved by the melodious music, but he never fell in love with a girl, even though she was both talented and beautiful.

In his heart, there was only love for parents, love for unfortunate people, and love for music. However, he was still waiting for the girl of his life to appear.

The mist of the night gradually dissipated and the morning light appeared to bring light back to the beautiful city.

Thang Vu leaned against the door and looked out into the distance, where the lights scattered throughout the apartment complex were fading.

In his hand was a cup of hot tea.

Thang Vu had to pass the preliminary round held 3 months ago with over two hundred candidates. After that, he had to perform three solo performances in a row through stages to gradually eliminate until twenty-five spots remained to enter this upcoming final round.

Thang Vu didn't care whether he won or lost because he had a soaring artist's soul, but his mother was different. Certificates of merit or medals, gold and silver cups, always made her happy and proud of her son.

She kept and cherished everything like a treasure.

She said the awards were proof that she raised a grown-up child.

This time, because Mai Hoang encouraged Thang Vu too much, he took part.

After Thang Vu finished his cup of tea, he slowly lowered the curtain and went back inside to prepare to go to breakfast.

When he had just finished changing his clothes, there was a knock on the door from outside.

He reached for the phone and walked over and gently turned the round lock because he knew the person outside the door was Nha Tien.

- Brother, let's go.

Nha Tien winked mischievously. Her two centipede-shaped curls swayed with her movements.

Thang Vu nodded, closed the door, and entered the elevator with the girl.

This contest was age-restricted from twenty to thirty-two, so Nha Tien could take part.

The two of them have known each other since childhood. He was one year older than her. Nha Tien's father was a major shareholder of Thang Minh company and he was also a college friend of Thang Vu's father. The two families were very close to each other.

Many years passed. When the friendship grew and turned into love between men and women in Nha Tien's heart, Thang Vu remained indifferent and unmoved even though she was always with him. He still considered her like his sister.

- I found a place that sells delicious food to your taste. I guarantee you will like it.

Nha Tien excitedly said and read the address to the taxi driver.

Because she understood that Thang Vu did not like foreign cuisine and he only liked the taste of his hometown, she researched and discovered this place.

In the past few days, she saw he had eaten less, so she was very sad and worried that he would lose weight and not be healthy enough to perform in the upcoming competition.

- I can eat anything, you don't have to worry. - Thang Vu shyly said.

- You must eat well to be healthy. You will win first prize after you eat this breakfast. - Nha Tien smiled brightly, excitedly affirming.

Thang Vu gently shook his head because he also knew his ability.

If he was lucky, he might have won the third prize or the consolation prize, but the first prize would be too vague.

The International Piano Competition had always established itself as one of the premier opportunities for musicians to achieve fame, shine and strengthen their careers.

It was the most prominent event in the musical life of this country whenever it was held.

A lot of talent came out of the competition and they all made it to the list of the top piano, violin, and cello performers in the world. Most of the famous singers also had their starting points in this big competition.

- If I win first prize, what will you win? - Thang Vu turned his head and looked at the girl next to him, softly asked.

- I don't need a prize. I mainly follow and cheer you on.

Nha Tien's childish appearance made the driver laugh.

The car ran around the streets and stopped in front of a restaurant.

Thang Vu took his wallet to pay and then he and Nha Tien walked out.

The outside layout of the restaurant was enough to make him feel as warm as at home.

- You are great. You have found this place.

Thang Vu said while walking.

Nha Tien also followed him.

She didn't explain that she asked her friends because she wanted to get compliments for herself.

This country was the place where she was born and lived until the age of 6, so since childhood, she had a few close friends and they kept in touch until now. Sometimes when her father came here on business, she still followed him to travel and visit them.

Just like what Nha Tien thought. When Thang Vu saw the food with the taste of his homeland, he ate more, but compared to his friends of the same age, he still ate very little.

The way he worked, studied, or ate was always slow and gentle. That was what fascinates her.

- I'm sure your mother will watch you on TV too. - Nha Tien hastily swallowed the vegetable roll and then spoke.

- Today is still on company holiday. - Thang Vu replied.

- Ah, I forgot, all the employees in the company are on vacation. - Nha Tien smiled shyly.

Half a world away from here, Mai Hoang was constantly sneezing.

She was sitting in front of the TV screen and her hand was holding the remote to change channels continuously. Occasionally, she looked up at the clock hanging on the wall, even though she knew it was a few hours before the competition started.

In the neat and clean kitchen, Thi San had just finished cleaning everything. After she dried her hands, she quickly left.

When she passed through the living room, Mai Hoang's call stopped the girl's footsteps.

- Come here, Thi San, I will show you my talented son's face.

The country girl hurriedly went to Mai Hoang's side and stood behind the mistress, her face as bewildered as a male swan.

She glanced at the big screen that was showing a shampoo advertisement and she saw the handsome angular face of the male model, so she nodded slightly and silently praised him.

He looked very manly and had a hybrid look. She did not expect Thang Vu to be a model.

- Sit down, baby, it's only a few hours left.

Mai Hoang excitedly slapped her hand on the sofa next to her and she eagerly urged Thi San.

Because the competition was nearing its end, it was not surprising that she was nervous and hungover.

The heart and intuition of a mother who has always followed her child every step of the way from toddler to adult had told her that Thang Vu would win the top prize in the piano performance category.

Although Thi San was embarrassed, she obediently obeyed Mai Hoang and sat down next to the mistress.

The smell of shower gel from Mai Hoang's body crept into Thi San's breath and made her feel very close, even though it was not like the smell of the sun on her mother's skin and hair.

Mai Hoang reached for the cake on the table and put it in Thi San's hand.

While she waited, she showed Thi San how to use the television.

Thi San secretly thanked Tam Lan because Tam Lan helped her find this temporary accommodation.

- My son is only a year older than you. He's been passionate about piano since he was a child. Tonight is the international piano final.

Thi San's lips suddenly smiled when she saw Mai Hoang's proud face.

It was not wrong to say that children were always the pride of their parents. Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do for her mother. Before Thi San's mother passed away, she carried with her worries about her immature daughter.

From then until now, all Thi San could bring back to her mother were certificates of merit from her classes, but all of that became meaningless when she stopped on the doorstep of the university.

Time passed and when the clock hit eight o'clock, the show was televised live.

After the MC introduced the members of the jury, the contest officially started with the first part of the piano performance.

- That girl is Nha Tien. She is my son's childhood friend.

Thi San's eyes widened when she heard Mai Hoang say that the girl sitting in front of the piano was Thang Vu's friend.

Thi San dreamed that she could wear a flowing dress and waved her fingers rhythmically on the keyboard.

The girl on TV seemed to have it all.

After Nha Tien finished the opening performance, the applause resounded throughout the auditorium and continued to be contested performances by young male and female artists.

Mai Hoang took a sip of water and then she secretly guessed that her son was the last contestant, so she had not seen him appear.

- That is my son. - Mai Hoang hissed in confusion when Thang Vu appeared.

Thi San's eyes continued to stare at the TV screen where the camera was filming a close-up of the handsome and somewhat romantic white face of the male pianist.

Thang Vu wore an extremely elegant black suit. His hair was divided into two parts to let it loose, but it did not cover his handsome features.

After he bowed to everyone, he slowly sat down next to the piano and began his performance.

Thi San and Mai Hoang almost held their breath so as not to miss any melody that came from the angelic hands.

Romantic melodious music seems to bring people to heaven, lost in dreamland.

Thi San didn't see the TV anymore. She only saw the young man playing the piano in the middle of a field full of sunflowers reaching for the sun.

Magical light from heaven painted his face and piano with a halo.

The moment the music stopped, and the applause sounded, Thi San still dropped her soul into the distance.

When Mai Hoang turned her head and asked Thi San how she felt, she was startled to wake up.

- He plays so well, it's like a tune for the gods. I like to see a flower paradise in front of my eyes.

The young girl's honest answer and sparkling eyes full of emotion made Mai Hoang extremely satisfied.

Thi San's expression showed that she felt it with all her heart.

- Thang Vu often plays the piano at home. If you like, you can sneak upstairs to listen. - Mai Hoang winked and smiled.