Chapter 13 — 20 Million Yuan Buys Freedom, Not Marriage

He was wearing home clothes, his hair was a bit messy, and his hands were still covered in flour.

“Do you know how to cook?”

"Know a little. Make spaghetti."

I went to 1702 with you. The spaghetti with tomato sauce he made... delicious beyond expectations. After eating, I sat on his sofa, looking out the window at the night scene.

“Lawyer Ta really doesn't charge a fee?”

“He owes me a favor.”

“What favor?”

“When his company went public, I helped raise capital.”

I turned to look at him.

“You help me a lot.”

“Not much.”

“How do I pay?”

He thought for a moment.

"Later, help me design the interior of my house. It's free."

I laughed. The day the verdict was announced, I was at Duyet Lan Phu construction site. Lawyer Trieu called.

“To Niem, you won the case.”

"The court ordered Tran Hao to repay 437,600 yuan of loans and unreasonable expenses. Compensate for defamation of 80,000 yuan. At the same time, he must publish an apology notice in the city-level newspaper."

“What about execution?”

"If he doesn't volunteer, it will be forced. Even though he doesn't have a house, but he has income, it can be blocked. As for the house in his mother's name in Hong Van, if it can be proven that the money to buy it came from you—"

"I have confirmed. The 120,000 yuan deposit is mine."

“Then you can request a distraint.”

Hanging up, I continued to supervise construction. Half an hour later, the phone rang again. I wonder where he got my new number.

"To Niem, you won. Are you satisfied?"

"You have received your sentence. Thirty days, voluntary execution."

"I have no money."

"That's your job. The court will enforce it."

"Do you have to corner me? 437,600 yuan, do you want my life?"

“When you lied to me, did you ever think about this?”

"You lied to me? You stayed with me for three years! You treated me honestly—"

"Honestly? Is your truth a fake car loan, fake hospital admission, fake feelings?"

He was silent.

"To Niem, I ask you one last time. Will you withdraw your application? If you withdraw, I will immediately disappear from your world. Never bother you again."

"Why? I don't lack that money."

"Because this is not about money. This is about principles. You trick me, you have to pay the price. That's a lesson you should learn."

The call ended. Two days later, the court blocked Tran Hao's bank account and salary card. Every month his salary is 15,000 yuan, after deducting basic living expenses, the rest is deducted to pay off debt. At that rate, he would need more than three years to pay it off. At the same time, the house in Hong Van area also had results. The court determined that the 120,000 yuan deposit was the amount of money I lent. Vuong Thuy Lan was forced to repay. She couldn't gather enough cash and eventually had to sell the house. When she called to beg me, her voice was hoarse.

“To Niem, that's my only house.”

“Auntie, that's the house bought with my money.”

I hung up. From then on, there was no more contact from the Tran family. After the lawsuit, I put all my energy into work. Duyet Lan Phu entered the completion stage. I almost stayed at the construction site, checking every detail. The angle of light, the grain of the stone, the metal connection point — not even the slightest deviation is allowed. Tong Minh Vien came to check the progress twice. The first time, he stood for a long time in the middle of the hall.

“To Niem, this space is even more beautiful than the original.”

“The light and materials are real, drawings cannot show it all.”

“You used to think Thinking about opening your own studio?

“I did think.”

“If you open, I will invest.”

I looked at him.

“What does President Tong want to invest in?”

“Invest in your talent. Next year Hong Vien has five new projects, if your studio receives—”

“I haven't decided yet.”

“No rush. Just do this project well first.”

On the opening day of Duyet Lan Phu, a lot of people came. Press, colleagues, customers. I stood in a corner, watching the flow of people entering the space I created. Sunlight passes through the skylight and falls on the gray stone floor, creating a warm light area. That's the effect I wanted — for the person entering, at the first moment, to relax.

“Very nice.”

Co Tham didn't know when he was standing next to me.

“When did you arrive?”

“Tong Minh Vien invited. His company once received capital from me."

“You invest in Hong Vien?”

I looked at him.

“So this project—”

“It has nothing to do with me. She won it herself. Tong Minh Vien chose her because her plan was the best. I can guarantee this point.”

I was silent.