Dung swerved into a dark alley, his tires splashing through puddles of stagnant water scattered across the road.
The moment he spotted his target, he veered the car closer, then laid on the horn, loud and relentless.
"Út! Út!"
At first, Đông Anh shrank back, alarmed. But once he recognized the driver, his eyes flared with fury.
"Come on, sir," Dung called out, voice less teasing now. "Hop in. I'll take you home."
Dung's voice rang out but Đông Anh ignored him, storming off with heavy, angry steps. After a few more blaring honks that went completely unanswered, Dung swore under his breath, swerved the wheel hard, and cut the car directly across Đông Anh's path. He jumped out in a rush, running up to his little boss.
"Sir, what's wrong? Just get in. I'll take you home."
"I can get home on my own." Đông Anh jerked his arm out of Dung's grip.
"Do you even know the way back?"
The silence of Đông Anh said it all.
Dung's tone hardened. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to walk around alone at this hour? Do you even know what kind of people lurk in alleys like this? Get in the damn car!"
He reached for Đông Anh again, trying to pull him toward the door. But the boy resisted, eyes blazing.
"Let go! I don't want to go anywhere with someone like you."
Dung snapped. "You don't want to? Too bad, you're getting in!"
This time, he grabbed hold with force, shoving Đông Anh into the passenger seat.
"Let me go!"
"Quiet! Stop drawing attention. We'll talk once we're out of this dump."
Dung slammed the door shut, then circled back to the driver's side. The car peeled out, leaving the alley behind in a rush of shadows.
Only when they hit a well-lit main road, with passing scooters and the occasional pedestrian, did Dung slow the car and pull over. He knew the boy beside him was fuming. If he didn't clear things up, he'd never hear the end of it.
"So what's with the sudden attitude, sir?" Dung asked, trying to sound casual.
Đông Anh stayed silent, eyes locked straight ahead. Dung sighed, cracked the window, letting the night breeze chase out both the sticky heat and the thick silence between them. Only after the silence had settled did he speak again.
"Sir… can you just tell me what this is about? Why you're mad at me? You stormed off without a word, I was running around the city trying to find you."
"Don't act innocent, you're the one who called me out. You're the one who set the whole thing up."
"Set what up?" Dung asked, voice flat.
"That girl told me everything. She said you told her to do it."
"What girl?"
"You…"
For a moment, Dung thought Đông Anh was about to punch him. He could see the boy's hand clenched tightly, trembling with rage. But instead, Đông Anh spat the words out:
"The girl who begged you for help. Don't tell me you're still going to lie."
Dung smiled. The more tangled things got, the more he felt like testing just how far this little boss could be pushed.
"What exactly did she tell you?"
"She said you told her… to seduce me into…"
"Into what?"
Furious, Đông Anh slammed his fist against the car door. He fumbled for the handle, but it wouldn't budge.
"Why're you punching the door, not me?" Dung said calmly. "That's gotta hurt!"
"I'm not like you!"
"Of course you're not," Dung muttered. "You're such a saint, the word 'sex' can't even cross your lips, huh?"
"Fine, sex!" Đông Anh shouted. "You told her to do it, didn't you?"
Dung shrugged. "It's just… regular boy-girl business. Even if something did happen, it's not like you'd wake up a devil the next morning."
"I'm not like you!"
"Really? Then how come you followed her up to that private room, huh?"
"She asked me to help take her mother to the hospital."
"Oh, I see," Dung said, voice thick with mockery. "And did she ask you to kiss her too? Or maybe… help her take her clothes off?"
That did it. Đông Anh turned and punched Dung square in the face.
"I'm not like you!" he shouted again.
Dung touched the corner of his bloodied lip, letting out a dry laugh.
"Well, well. So the virgin saint does get angry. Good to know!"
"Cut it out," Đông Anh snapped. "Do you even realize how insulting that setup of yours was? You acted like I was..."
"What? Like you were what?" Dung cut him off. "Go on, say it. You're mad because I dared to assume someone like you might have... needs? I laid out a little treat, thought you'd appreciate it. Didn't expect to get punched in the mouth for it."
He dabbed his lip again and let out a deliberately loud groan.
"Ow… Poor Dung. Orphaned, abandoned, easy to beat up and spit on like trash."
It worked. Đông Anh's expression faltered the second he caught sight of the blood. His eyes flickered with guilt.
"I'm sorry. I lost my temper. If it makes you feel better, hit me back."
"Oh please," Dung said, waving it off. "An orphan like me wouldn't dare. Just… let's say that punch cleared the air, yeah?"
Still no answer.
"Truce, sir? Please?" Dung gave Đông Anh's sleeve a playful tug.
"Only if you promise not to pull that kind of stunt again," Đông Anh muttered. "And stop using desperate girls like that."
"Hey, I didn't force her. She asked for it. She practically begged for the gig. I mean, she's the one who lured you upstairs, isn't she?"
"If you'd given her a proper job in the first place, she wouldn't have had to resort to that."
"She didn't want a 'proper job.' She wanted fast cash. Lots of it. So when you shoved your kindness into her hands, you think she cherished it? Hell no!"
He jabbed a finger at Đông Anh's chest.
"You, sir, need to learn how to hand out kindness properly."
"And you," Đông Anh shot back, "should try living like a decent human being before karma drags you to hell."
Dung burst out laughing.
"Damn, that tongue, your sister'd be proud. Real family resemblance, huh?"
Đông Anh gave him a side glance, then asked:
"So… we heading back to pick up my sister?"
"Nah. She's probably gone by now. I ran off looking for you and didn't say a word to her. I'm probably screwed."
"Well, serves you right for messing with her."
Dung gave a mischievous grin.
"Then maybe I should start messing with you instead?!"
Đông Anh didn't respond. The only sound left was the engine revving to life as the car sped down the quiet night road. Dung whistled softly, feeling oddly… cheerful.
"What're you so happy about all of a sudden?" Đông Anh asked.
Was just thinking… can't wait to have some fun with you, sir."
"You really don't know when to quit, do you? Just be serious for once!"
"Fine, serious mode it is." Dung straightened up, then said, "Listen, sir! From now on, if someone asks you to do anything—anything—don't just say yes right away, alright? You could end up getting tricked. If it's a trick to get you in bed, well, at least there's some pleasure in that. But if it's a trick that drags you into politics… you'll rot in prison before you know it. Got it?"
Đông Anh didn't answer.
"Sir… got it? Say it."
"…Got it," Đông Anh muttered, clearly reluctant.
.
"Why the hell did you leave me all alone last night, huh, Dung?"
The moment she caught a glimpse of him near the sitting room, Ms. Tư's voice rang out like gunfire.
"Get in here. Where do you think you're going? You're not getting off the hook until I get a straight answer out of you."
"Shh—keep it down, unless you want the whole house to hear," Dung whispered, grabbing her hand. "Is your father home today?"
"So what if he is? Don't think just 'cause he's here I won't give you hell." Her volume dipped, but the threat in her tone remained razor-sharp.
"For heaven's sake," Dung sighed, "if I hadn't rushed out last night, what if something had happened to your brother?"
"Oh great. So now even you are trying to kiss up to that little brat?"
Dung threw an arm around her shoulder, coaxing her.
"Come on, Út's a bore. Why would I follow him when I've got someone way more exciting right here?"
"You still left me hanging last night." She jabbed him hard in the ribs.
"Alright, alright…"
"What's with all this hand-holding?"
The sudden voice cut through their flirting like a blade. Mr. Liễu had walked in.
"Private business. No need for you to butt in," Ms. Tư shot back.
Dung gave a polite bow. "You asked to see me, sir?"
"I'll speak with you in a bit. For now, go up to Út's room. He's looking for you."
"But I'm not done talking to Dung," Ms. Tư protested.
"You want to come to the restaurant with me, or stay here with him?" her father asked, feigning sternness.
Ms. Tư pouted. "Seriously? I'm already dressed up and you're still asking?"
Mr. Liễu laughed, patting his daughter on the head.
"Smart girl. I'll be waiting in the car. Don't keep me too long."
With that, he walked off, still chuckling to himself. It was plain to see which child he doted on most, and it wasn't his youngest.
As for Dung, he exhaled quietly, grateful to have dodged a potential minefield. But the relief didn't last long. Something was waiting for him upstairs. He glanced toward the staircase, wondering what Đông Anh could possibly want from him now.
From the kitchen hallway, Mr. Liễu's wife, peeked out silently, eyes following Dung.
Dung knocked on Đông Anh's door, but there was no reply. He knocked again, still nothing. After a moment's hesitation, he pushed the door open just a crack. No one was inside. Only the sound of running water echoed from the bathroom.
"What's he up to now?" Dung muttered, before casually nudging the door open wider and stepping in.
This was his first time inside Đông Anh's room. It had always been locked, only cleaned when the young master returned home. The decor was simple: a bed, a reading desk, and a large mirror set atop a vanity. The most striking feature was a large crucifix hanging on the wall.
Dung glanced around, then made himself comfortable in the armchair by the desk.
He scanned the room, half-curious to see if there were any framed photos of the boy. But nothing, only a neat stack of books on the desk. On top lay a fine leather-bound Bible—the same one Dung had risked his life to protect. Tucked between its pages… a folded slip of paper...
Dung's eyes darted toward the door. He hadn't closed it completely earlier, just enough to spot the shadow lurking outside.
Still, he stayed put, eyes fixed on the Bible, waiting for Đông Anh to appear.
A few minutes later, Đông Anh stepped out of the bathroom with a towel draped over his head. He froze when he spotted someone in his room. Even though he was dressed modestly in gray pajamas, the intensity of Dung's gaze made him visibly uneasy.
"What are you doing here?"
"Your father sent me. Said you were looking for me."
"Oh," Đông Anh murmured, then pulled the towel off his head and tossed it into the laundry basket.
"You keep smiling to yourself. What's so funny?" Đông Anh asked.
"You just look too damn cute, that's all."
"Cute?" Đông Anh turned to the mirror, inspecting himself. Gray pajamas, plain as ever—what could possibly be cute about that? He glanced at Dung, puzzled.
"When you get flustered, your cheeks go all pink," Dung said, smirking.
"You're teasing me again."
Dung raised both hands in mock surrender. "I wouldn't dare. So? What was it you wanted to talk to me about, sir?"
"It's nothing serious. I just wanted to talk to you about… that girl from last night."
Đông Anh trailed off as Dung sank deeper into the armchair and pressed a finger to his lips, motioning for silence. The look in his eyes was enough to tip Đông Anh off — someone was outside the door.
Without a word, Đông Anh got up and quietly shut the door tight. Then, in a lowered voice, he said:
"Sorry. That was probably my mom. She must've thought you were trying something, so she was lurking around out there."
"Heavens," Dung whispered back. "Like I'd ever dare try anything. You're the one who'd probably end up doing something to me." His voice turned teasing again.
Đông Anh dragged over a little stool from the vanity and sat down right next to Dung. He looked just like a houseboy waiting on some big-shot boss.
From his higher seat, Dung looked down and asked:
"You sure you don't wanna trade places, sir? If your mother walks in now, I'm the one who's getting yelled at."
"No need. It's just a seat," Đông Anh replied. "And… I do have a favor to ask you."
At that, a flicker of amusement passed over Dung's face. Đông Anh continued:
"So, I talked to my father. I asked him if he could give that girl a job, just something simple at the club…"
"You're still hell-bent on playing the saint for her, huh? And did Mr. Liễu agree?"
"Well… he said I'd have to ask the new manager of Liberty first."
That made Dung raise an eyebrow.
"If the manager agrees," Đông Anh added, "then…"
Dung leaned back again and said slowly:
"You trying to trap me again, sir?"
"No. It's what my father said. That if you agreed to take the job managing Liberty, then whatever you decided… would be up to you. And honestly, it sounds like a decent position."
Dung looked down at those wide brown eyes, still as clear and honest as ever. "Amazing," Dung thought. "He can keep that innocent little face on even while setting a trap."
"Is there something on my face?" Đông Anh asked, a little embarrassed under Dung's stare.
"There is…" Dung murmured. "I was just wondering what your real face looks like once you take this one off."
"Huh?" Đông Anh blinked, confused, running a hand across his cheeks.
Dung reached out and caught his wrist.
"That's something only I can remove. You won't be able to do it yourself."
"But what's on my face?" Đông Anh asked again.
Dung smiled faintly, something unreadable flickering behind his eyes, before steering the conversation in a new direction.
"Sir… do you know why your father agreed to let me manage Liberty?"
Đông Anh shook his head.
"You're not curious?" Dung asked, his voice playful. "Well, here's the deal, he said I could take the job if I agreed to babysit you. Every single day."
"I'm not a child," Đông Anh muttered. "I don't need a babysitter."
Dung chuckled.
"Maybe your father's afraid you'll mess around and forget your way back to God. But the real kicker is I'm supposed to report everything you do back to him."
Đông Anh's shoulders sank slightly. His face shifted—half surprised, half vacant.
"So now that you know… do you still want me managing Liberty?"
This time, Đông Anh was the one to study Dung closely. His brows knit slightly.
"Is managing Liberty a bad job or something? You don't look too thrilled about it."
A flicker of caution passed over Dung's face. Then he said, "On the contrary, it's a gold mine. Big money."
"Then why…"
Dung cut him off.
"If I manage to get you back to the seminary, your father promised me an annual cut of Liberty's profits. A massive payout, all for playing nanny to a holy little saint like you. If you were me, would you take that deal, sir?"
Đông Anh dropped his gaze, thoughtful. From the side, Dung continued, voice low:
"Let's be honest with each other. Who are you really? A closet playboy? Or someone plotting something bigger… and darker than I was told? Why else would your father throw a fortune at me just to keep someone like you safe?"
Đông Anh stayed silent.
"Just tell me the truth," Dung said. "And I'll work with you, no tricks."
"If I were living wild like my brother Hai," Đông Anh said softly, "you wouldn't have a job right now. Dad didn't hire anyone to watch over him." His eyes turned distant. "I don't even know why my father doesn't trust me anymore. Even the priests at the seminary… when I told them I wanted to come back here, they worried I wouldn't return. Is the world really that tempting?"
Then he looked up at Dung.
"Do you think I'll go back to God?"
Dung froze. He hadn't expected that. That question cracked through all his assumptions. He'd been so sure—so damn sure—that he was about to rip the mask off this boy, expose whatever scheme was hiding behind those soft eyes. Instead, he was right back where he started, being thrown into the fog again.
Dung clenched his fists, trying to rein in the surge of anger bubbling in his gut. A part of him wished he could reach across and tear that innocent face open, just to see what the hell was hiding underneath.
"You're really okay with letting your father monitor everything you do?"
"If he thinks you're the one who can bring me back to God, then I'll go along with it. Either way, if you don't take the job, he'll just find someone else. And that person probably won't be as upfront with me as you've been. So maybe you should take the job and your share of the profits. And if there's ever anything I want to keep from my father, I'll tell you."
"What is it you want to hide, sir?" Dung asked directly.
Đông Anh shook his head.
"Nothing yet. But if there is… I'll tell you."
Dung frowned, tapping his fingers thoughtfully against his thigh. Then he said:
"The profits—that's your father's way of paying me to keep an eye on you. But if you want me on your side… I'll need something from you too. A little show of good faith."
Đông Anh offered a faint smile.
"The money I use all comes from my parents, and as for my body… I don't have much that's worth anything. So…"
"So that good faith," Dung cut in, "can be something you do value."
Đông Anh looked at him and caught Dung's eyes drifting toward the fine leather-bound Bible on the desk.
"That Bible… my father had it custom-made for me the day I entered the seminary. It was blessed by the Cardinal himself. It means a lot to me. If you'll take it…"
Dung gave a satisfied smile, waiting to see if the boy would really go through with it.
Đông Anh walked over, picked up the Bible with both hands. He ran his fingers across the leather cover—slow, lingering—before holding it out.
"You don't want to take anything out first?" Dung asked, raising an eyebrow.
Đông Anh shook his head and placed the Bible gently into Dung's hands.
"This is my offering of trust. I'm asking you to be the one to babysit me from now on."
"Damn it," Dung swore silently, eyes locked on the Bible.
"Give me a few days to think it over," Dung said finally. "If I decide not to take the job… I'll return it to you. Deal?"
He threw the line deliberately just to see how the boy would react.
"Deal," Đông Anh answered without a second thought. "Just… don't take too long. I'm afraid that girl might not be able to wait."
"Damn it!"