Chapter 23: Proving His Determination
Kieu Ly didn't post much on social media. Only once in a while, when she had special memories with friends or family, would she share something. Unlike most other girls, who often posted just to show off or to get attention, her posts felt genuine.
The photos she shared were unedited and honest. Her clothes weren't expensive name brands, nor were they flashy or colorful. Mostly, she wore white and light blue—sometimes a soft yellow. But everything she wore suited her well, highlighting her fair skin and slim waist. Her gestures were gentle and graceful, and even her voice was sweet and pleasant, the kind that made people want to keep listening. Most of all, it was her eyes—clear and pure, as if they had never known hatred, anger, or any kind of burden. Kieu Ly possessed a rare, natural, unpretentious beauty. From the very first time Toan Phuong met her, he had been surprised that his tutor could be such a stunning girl.
But her appearance was in stark contrast to who she was inside. On the outside, she looked soft and fragile, but inside, she was solid as a rock. Remembering her nickname, Toan Phuong smiled and peacefully drifted off to sleep.
Every night, Toan Phuong would visit Kieu Ly's social media page, just to ease his longing. He looked at her photos over and over again, until there was nothing left to see. A few days later, he couldn't stand it anymore. He went downstairs, casually approached his mother, and asked:
"Mom… Did my tutor really quit?"
Thu Thao put a stack of résumés on the table and replied:
"Usually when I pick tutors for you, it doesn't go well. So this time, I'll let you choose. These are profiles of tutors—take a look and pick one."
Toan Phuong flipped through them quickly. All of them were top-tier teachers from elite schools and university lecturers. His parents truly invested in his education. Unfortunately, they always wanted him to follow a path he didn't enjoy. He slammed the stack face down on the table and said:
"Can I choose Miss Ly?"
Thu Thao looked at her son in surprise. She liked Ly very much, but business was business. If Ly wasn't effective, she couldn't keep her on. She answered firmly:
"No. I already let Ly go. You weren't making progress—in fact, you were falling behind. I can't let her teach you again."
But Toan Phuong persisted:
"If you want me to improve, I will. But it has to be with Miss Ly."
Seeing how insistent her son was, Thu Thao softened a bit:
"Then show me you're serious. In two weeks, bring me concrete results."
Toan Phuong nodded and went back up to his room.