Chapter 12 — 20 Million Yuan Buys Freedom, Not Marriage

The day the trial opened was a sunny day. I wore a black suit, my hair tied in a bun, and walked into the court. Lawyer Trieu and lawyer Ta were both present. Tran Hao sat in the defendant's chair. He was thinner than last time, wearing an old coat, and his hair was messy. Next to him was a rather sketchy-looking lawyer - later found out that he was the appointed lawyer. Vuong Thuy Lan sat in the audience, and Tran Hao's father also came. There is one more person — Tran Quoc Cuong. That bad debt guy. The judge announced the opening of the trial. Lawyer Ta, on my behalf, presented the lawsuit request: one, asking the defendant to repay the entire loan and pay a total of 437,600 yuan; two, claim compensation for loss of honor of 100,000 yuan; Third, demand a public apology. Tran Hao's lawyer argued that the money was a voluntary gift during the relationship, not a loan. Lawyer Ta smiled.

"Dear jury, regarding the defendant's 'voluntary donation' argument, I would like to present the following evidence."

He presented the first evidence — the chat between me and Tran Hao.

"On March 15, 2021, the defendant told the plaintiff 'Dad is hospitalized, urgently needs 120,000 yuan deposit, wait until I receive the year-end bonus to pay'. The plaintiff transferred the money on the same day. But the defendant never refunded it, and this money was actually used to pay the deposit to buy a house. This is not a gift, but a loan created under false pretenses."

Second piece of evidence — car loan bank statement.

"Since 2020, the defendant has asked the plaintiff for 4,000 yuan every month under the pretext of paying in installments to buy a car. But bank records show that this loan was paid off in January 2021. After that, the defendant continued to receive 4,000 yuan per month from the plaintiff through fraudulent acts, a total of 96,000 yuan."

Third piece of evidence — a recording of a call between the defendant and the plaintiff's client.

“Between October and November 2023, defendant repeatedly contacted plaintiff's commercial clients, spreading false information that 'plaintiff had a financial dispute,' causing actual harm to plaintiff's professional reputation."

The courtroom was silent for a few seconds. Tran Hao's lawyer flipped through the documents, his face very unsightly. The judge asked Tran Hao.

“Defendant, regarding the evidence submitted by the plaintiff, do you have any comments?”

Tran Hao stood up, his lips moving.

“That… about the car loan, I plan to pay it off, just haven't said it yet…”

“Your lawyer answers for you.” the judge said.

Tran Hao's lawyer stood up.

“The defendant has no opinion on the authenticity of some of the evidence, but believes that financial transactions during the relationship should be considered—”

“Dear jury.” Lawyer Ta interrupted, "If the defendant believes that these amounts are gifts, then please provide evidence that the plaintiff has received any financial benefits from the defendant during the three years. Has the defendant ever given the plaintiff a penny?"

Tran Hao's lawyer opened his mouth, unable to speak. In the audience seats, Vuong Thuy Lan's face turned gray. The trial lasted two hours. Finally, the judge announced deliberations and would issue a decision later. Leaving the court, Vuong Thuy Lan chased after her.

"To Niem! Wait!"

I don't stop. She ran up to block me.

“To Niem, can I withdraw my application?”

"Can we pay 437,600 yuan in installments? Auntie's family doesn't have it lots of cash—”

“Auntie, it's not about money anymore. Your son contacted my client to defame me, affecting my work. The part about violating honor is not something I can withdraw if I want to withdraw it."

“So what do you want? Do you want to push my whole family into a corner?"

“I want to be very simple. Give me my money back. Apologize publicly. Don't appear in my life anymore."

Tears fell from Vuong Thuy Lan's eyes.

“Nien Niem, I beg you. Tran Hao was under great pressure, he was just confused for a moment—”

“Auntie, it's not temporary. From the first day he met me, he was calculating. You know well, right?"

Her tears stopped.

“I knew he had not broken up with his ex-girlfriend and approached me. I know he found out about my family situation before deciding to be with me. I also know where that 120,000 yuan went. Because the house is in my aunt's name."

She bowed her head.

“I'm not a blindfolded mother. Aunt is an accomplice.”

She did not say more. I walked around her and headed towards the parking lot. Lawyer Trieu followed.

“To Niem, with the current evidence, the result is very favorable for you. The refund is almost certain. The honorary compensation can be adjusted, but the possibility of acceptance is very high.”

"Thank you."

“One more thing. After the trial, Tran Hao's uncle, Tran Quoc Cuong, came to find me.

“What is he looking for you for?”

"If you want to reconcile, say you will spend money to help Tran Hao pay."

“Tran Quoc Cuong? A person being executed? Where did he get the money?”

Lawyer Trieu smiled lightly.

“So I refused.”

When I got home, I plopped down on the sofa. The doorbell rang. Opening it, Co Tham stood there.

“Done?”

"Done. Waiting for the verdict.”

“Are you hungry? I've cooked rice."

I looked at him.