I was born in a poor mountain village, living a life shut away from the outside world, where education was scarce.
When the government expanded its policy to develop infrastructure, they decided to build an eco-tourism area in Hai Chau Hamlet.
The village chief called me over, asking for a favor, he wanted me to help him welcome the Minister during his visit.
"Only you can help me with this."
"Look around—who else here is like you?"
It was hard to refuse, so I reluctantly agreed.
On the appointed day, I was at the stream washing clothes, planning to take a quick bath afterward to freshen up.
Bathing in the stream was a tradition among the women in our village, so without a second thought, I undressed, baring my smooth, pale back to the sun.
I had no idea that a pair of burning eyes were watching me from the shadows.
Ha Nguyen Vu was on the phone discussing political matters, his voice low and steady.
By chance, his gaze landed on the slender shoulders, delicate as a flower, immersed in the cool stream.
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly as he answered the person on the other end.
"When I return, I'll deal with it."
Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call, ignoring the flurry of "Yes, sir" from the other side.
His footsteps turned silent, his eyes predatory as he drew closer to the water.
Without a sound, he picked up my clothes and tossed them behind the bushes, never breaking his gaze, the way a hunter watches its prey.
When I finally finished bathing and turned around, my heart jolted in terror at the sight of a man standing across from me.
"Aaaa…!"
I hastily crossed my arms over my chest, trembling, my words tripping over themselves.
"Y-you… who are you? How dare you…how dare you spy on me while I'm bathing?"
"In broad daylight, you dare bathe in the stream. Me looking at you isn't exactly a crime. This isn't your home, is it?"
Fear drained all color from my face. This wasn't an attempt to lure anyone, it was simply the bathing custom of Hai Chau Hamlet.
Looking at the powerful man before me, I knew he wouldn't understand even if I explained, so I didn't bother.
My eyes darted around before I suddenly asked, "Where are my clothes?"
Ha Nguyen Vu's lips curled into a mocking smile.
"Why bother wearing them? I've already seen every part of you."
I knew this man was trouble. My expression stiffened.
"Please, have some respect. I'm a married woman. Spying on me while I bathe is a violation of the law, one husband, one wife. Return my clothes and leave me alone. If my husband finds out… he will…."
My words faltered when my throat tightened, but he chuckled softly.
"So you're married. No matter. I happen to like other men's wives."