Yaroslav wanted to ask for Duong’s phone number, but she refused.

  Yaroslav: Hey, little fool, can you give me your phone number?

  Duong: No??? That’s my number! lol

  He was a bit disappointed, but he understood. They weren’t exactly close friends yet. But that didn’t matter—he already knew which floor and which room she lived in.

  After some time, Duong finally gave Yaroslav her phone number. He was happy to have it, excitedly waiting for a call or even a text from her. But days passed, and she never sent a single message. Even when he reached out first, she didn’t reply.

  Yaroslav started to worry. It had been days since he last saw Duong, not even by chance in the building. Unable to shake off his concern, he decided to visit her.

  Standing in front of her door, he held a bottle of vodka in one hand. He knocked, and a kind looking, chubby man opened the door—it was Duong’s father. The man seemed surprised to see Yaroslav but still invited him inside to sit in the living room.

  Yaroslav: Hello, sir. I’m Yaroslav. I brought a bottle of vodka to share with you. I’m a friend of Duong’s… I haven’t seen her for few days, and I’m just a little worried about her.

  Duong’s father: Oh, Yaroslav… my daughter has mentioned you a few times. Duong has been busy with her Russian writing assignments. If Duong says some strange things sometimes, please forgive her. I'm always busy with work so Duong has to study by herself.

  Yaroslav (quickly replied): Oh, it’s no problem at all! Her Russian is actually quite good already. I was just worried that something might have happened to her. Anyway… I’m really happy to be Duong’s friend. If possible, I’d be willing to help her with her Russian writing—of course, only with your permission.

  Duong’s father: Uhh... You should ask her. If she agrees, then fine. But honestly, I think it would be more appropriate for a young woman to teach her. You understand, right? As a father, you wouldn’t exactly be thrilled about your daughter spending time alone with an older, single man.

  Yaroslav: I understand.

  Duong’s father: So, are you married?

  Yaroslav: Yes, I'm.

  Of course, that was a lie. But Yaroslav was trying to deceive Duong’s father just so he could tutor her in Russian. His answer didn’t entirely convince Duong's father, but it did ease some of his concerns.

  After a moment, he called out to his daughter.

  Duong’s father: Sweetheart, old Yaroslav is here to see you. He wants to talk to you.

  From inside her room, Duong replied:

  Duong: Dad! Don’t call him that… Just tell him... I’m studying—wait, actually, you can let Uncle Yaroslav come into my room.

  That was all Yaroslav needed to hear. He walked up to Duong’s door, feeling a little nervous—after all, this was the first time he had ever entered a girl's room.

  Yaroslav opened the door to Duong’s room and was immediately hit by a soft, pleasant fragrance...so different from his own room, which reeked of cigarettes and chaos.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  His gaze then shifted to Duong, slumped over her desk, buried under a mountain of Russian-language notebooks.

  Duong: Uncle Yaroslav, I’m so tired… huhu… I have to learn Russian really fast before the school starts… huhu…

  She whined, her tired, teary eyes shimmering as she looked up at him. Yaroslav found himself momentarily lost in her delicate voice and those deep, dark eyes.

  Duong: Yaroslav? YAROSLAV??

  Yaroslav (snapping out of it): Ah… I can help you with your writing.

  Duong: Oh, really? Thank you!

  Yaroslav, suddenly flustered by how cute she was, scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

  Yaroslav: With the spirit of a true Russian soldier, I shall dedicate myself to helping this young lady master the Russian language!

  He proudly declared in Vietnamese to Duong’s father. But the moment the words left his mouth, he felt embarrassed by his dramatic outburst. However, what caught him off guard even more was Duong’s father’s reaction.

  Duong’s father: Damn… The young man can speak Vietnamese? That’s incredible! Please, guide and teach my daughter well. I’d love to properly thank your family—how about you and your wife come over for dinner Tomorrow?

  Yaroslav froze.

  His wife? He didn’t even have a girlfriend!

  Yaroslav sat deep in thought for a moment before an idea struck him. Without hesitation, he threw on his coat and sprinted towards the alley where the prostitutes worked.

  As soon as he arrived, he spotted Elena. Without a word, he pulled out two large bills and slapped them onto her face, leaving her momentarily stunned.

  Elena: What the hell, you bastard? I just finished ‘talking to a client’ can’t you at least let me rest before bothering me?

  Yaroslav: NO! It’s not about that, you slut.

  Elena: Then what is it, you fucking idiot?

  Yaroslav: I need you to pretend to be my wife for a dinner at a friend’s house. Will you do it?

  Elena’s face instantly turned red, and she froze in place. The other women around them gasped in disbelief.

  Elena: I… I… Fine, you bastard.

  Yaroslav: Thanks, Elena.

  Without another word, he turned and practically skipped away like a fool, silly as fuck lol.

  Meanwhile, Elena remained standing there, still blushing from what had just happened. That night, she found herself unable to sleep. She spent hours picking out and trying on different outfits—searching for something mature, something that she thought he would like.

  The next evening, Elena arrived at their meeting spot, dressed in a way Yaroslav had never seen before. She looked like an ordinary Russian woman...elegant, refined, nothing like the street girl he was used to seeing.

  But the saddest part?

  Yaroslav didn’t even notice. :(

  Elena felt a twinge of sadness, but at the same time, she cherished this rare moment.... one of the few times Yaroslav had ever treated her like an normale woman.

  Together, they made their way to Duong’s family home. Just before knocking on the door, Yaroslav instinctively took Elena’s hand in his. The simple gesture made her heart race as she turned to look at him.

  Yes, Elena had feelings for Yaroslav.

  When the door opened, Duong’s father greeted them warmly. Yaroslav responded with polite pleasantries, but before he could say much, his eyes were drawn to a simple yet captivating sight—Duong in the kitchen, wearing an apron, busy preparing dinner.

  The steam from the pot of soup blew into her face, making her cheeks blush. She turned to Yaroslav with a lovely smile warm and bright like the morning sun.

  Duong: Old Yaroslav! You’re here! Just make sure my dad doesn’t drink too much, okay?

  Yaroslav felt his heart skip a beat. There was something about her innocence, her natural charm, that completely disarmed him.

  But then Duong's comfort was broken when he saw Elena.

  Something about Yaroslav's "wife"... She was sure she had seen this woman somewhere before.