Chapter 12 — 120 Thousand Yuan And A Divorce

Today he looked a little better than yesterday, his hair was combed and his clothes changed, but he still couldn't hide the tiredness in his eyes. To Thanh didn't beat around the bush and directly pushed the draft in front of him.

“Chu Minh Khai, this is the draft divorce agreement, please take a look.”

He lowered his head to read, his eyebrows gradually furrowing. After reading, he looked up at me.

“Nhiem Nhiem, this house…”

“What?” I asked.

He hesitated a bit.

"The deposit was paid by my parents, I..."

"Chu Minh Khai," To Thanh interrupted, his voice very calm, "the installment payment in marriage is common property, there is nothing controversial about this. Furthermore, during the marriage, your wife had her privacy violated, suffered great mental pressure during the confinement period, and at the same time you clearly committed adultery, these are all grounds to determine the guilty party."

His expression darkened.

“I know I'm wrong,” he bowed his head, his voice hoarse, “but can the house... be changed in another way, for example I compensate you for the deposit?”

My mother stood at the kitchen door, saying nothing. I looked at him, not saying a word. To Thanh answered instead.

“How much compensation?”

He was silent for a few seconds.

“Thirty thousand yuan.”

To Thanh smiled slightly, without any emotions.

"Your uncle once said fifty thousand yuan, but now you've reduced it, sincerity doesn't seem enough."

His fingers tapped lightly on the table, then stopped.

“So… fifty thousand yuan.” He gritted his teeth, "In addition, I will pay to repair the house for you, and the child support fee every month... I can give you eight thousand."

Finally I spoke up.

“Chu Minh Khai, you misunderstood something.”

He looked at me.

“I didn't come here to negotiate.” I looked straight at him, “this agreement is my limit, not my starting point.”

His throat moved slightly.

“If you find it inappropriate,” I paused, “then go to court.”

The three words fell, like a stone thrown into the water. The space was silent for a few seconds. He bowed his head, looking at the table. To Thanh did not push. Neither do I. The baby in the crib moved slightly, making a very small sound. He looked up and looked in that direction. His eyes… something changed. Then he slowly bent down and picked up the pen To Thanh had prepared.

“In the agreement… can I add one thing?”

His voice was very low.

“Say it.” To Thanh replied.

“I want… to see my child twice a month.”

The room was quiet again. I looked at him. For the first time, there was no calculation, no panic in his eyes. There's only... a very simple request left.

"Okay." I heard myself say.

His eyes turned slightly red, he quickly bowed his head and signed. The sound of the pen hitting the paper is very light. But I know… The page has turned. After signing, To Thanh collected the documents.

"This agreement requires both parties to bring their identification documents to the civil service to complete the procedures and complete the divorce registration." She told Chu Minh Khai, "The time the two of you can arrange will be no more than seven days at the latest."

He nodded, said nothing. Sitting there, my whole body seemed to be drained of strength. Only an empty corpse remained.

“One more thing.”

To Thanh took out another file.

"The bank's apology notice has been sent to print, and will be published in the newspaper in two days. The police have officially received Chu Minh Hao's case. As for Chu Kien Quan, the bank will send an official notice to the unit this week."

Hearing the name Chu Kien Quan, his role shrink slightly.

“Does this… have to go to that extent?” he asked, his voice very low.

I looked at him.

“Chu Minh Khai, that is my condition.” I said, "That day your uncle stood in front of me, pointed his finger at me, and asked me to get compensation for his son, while you stood next to me, not saying a word."

He was silent.

“You were also present that day.”

He bowed his head and said no more. The air calmed down again. My mother brought a bowl of rib soup from the kitchen, breaking the silence. She put the bowl of soup on the table and looked at Chu Minh Khai.

“Tieu Khai, drink a bowl of soup and then go home.”

He stopped and looked up at my mother. On her face... There was no resentment. There's also no irony. Just… calm. He opened his mouth slightly, then his eyes suddenly turned red.

“Auntie… I'm sorry.”

His voice was hoarse. After speaking, he bowed his head and quickly wiped the corner of his eyes with the back of his hand. My mother didn't say anything, just turned around and went into the kitchen. To Thanh sat next to him, bowed his head and reviewed the file, not looking at him. Chu Minh Khai sat for a while longer, then stood up, pushed his chair in, and picked up his coat.

“Nhaem Nhiem… I go first.”

I nodded slightly. He walked to the door, stopped for a moment, turned his head to look at the cradle. The baby at that time had open, dark eyes, staring intently at the ceiling. He stood for a few seconds. Say nothing. Then gently close the door. The sound this time... was lighter than last time.