Chapter 8 — 58 Lakhs And His True Face

Tan Dieu's message was like a stone thrown into cold water, making my heart sink. Bank card problems? I unconsciously tightened my grip on the phone, my knuckles turning white. But I immediately forced myself to calm down. Yesterday afternoon I just went to the bank and all the security settings were adjusted. The counter staff did not say there were any abnormalities. The words "don't worry" when you left still ring in your ears. Most likely... this is a new trick of his. A lie is designed more sophisticatedly, hitting directly on the psychology. I took a deep breath, forcing down the feeling of panic. Then reply.

“What's the problem?”

My typing speed is neither fast nor slow. He responded extremely quickly, as if he had prepared a paragraph just waiting for me to agree. The tone pretended to be worried, every word tried to show "care for you". As if we were still in love, he was still the same attentive boyfriend as before.

“I have a friend who works in the banking system, internal channel!”

“Recently, there have been a series of cards being monitored by the system because of risky transactions, which can be frozen at any time, or even withdrawn!”

"The card number he mentioned is very similar to your card! I was so scared when I heard it, I immediately told you!"

A gross lie. Also carries a bit of intimidation. He wanted to scare me, make me lose my sense of security with that money. Then what next? Will it come to a point where he "offers a safe plan", helps me "temporarily hold the money" or "spreads the risk"? Or tell me to transfer money to a "safer" place that he suggested? I can almost imagine the whole scenario behind. The last ripples of old love in my heart... also disappeared. Like a fire that has gone out, only ashes remain, blown away by the wind. Only cold alertness and a feeling of disgust remained. Disgusted with his greed. Disgusted that he treated me like a three-year-old child to trick.

“I know, thank you.”

I answered, my voice very calm.

“I just went to the bank to ask questions this afternoon, everything is normal.”

Obviously he didn't expect me to react so coldly. The line "the opponent is entering..." on the screen flashed several times, stopped and then appeared again. As if considering another way to say it. Then a new message popped up.

"Don't underestimate me, my friend works in the headquarters system department, has access to all internal data, and can't talk nonsense."

"Quickly transfer part of the money from the card, split it up and transfer it to another card, or leave it with me temporarily. I'll help you rotate it, at least you can avoid the chain of cards being tracked."

"If you wait until the system really locks the card and you can't move the money, you won't be able to redeem it in time!"

"I'm now taking the risk of being misunderstood by you to remind you. Believe it or not, don't make fun of your parents' hard-earned money."

I finished reading that long message, my finger stopped on the screen for a few seconds. In the living room, there was only one standing lamp on. The light was soft but could not dispel the coldness that ran down my spine. I pulled back the entire chat from the beginning and read it again.

“Tracked by the system”, “can freeze”, “transfer money immediately”, “let me keep it for you”.

He chooses his keywords very well. Risk, urgency, safety, help. If it were a few months ago, I probably would have panicked and immediately wanted to ask him for help. But now, I just sat at the bank counter all afternoon, seeing that money with my own eyes stay in the system. The statement that the staff printed for me is still stuck in a folder on the table. I put the phone down on the coffee table, picked up the statement, took a look, and then folded it. It's like there's a rock in my heart, the heavier it is... the more stable it is. I replied.

“I just went to the bank to ask directly this afternoon, the card is completely normal.”

“Thank you for reminding me.”

This time, I even typed the full two words "thank you". Maintain enough outward politeness. The line "the enemy is entering..." appears and then turns off, turns off and then appears. About half a minute later, he changed his tone.

“Why aren't you worried at all?”

“Hieu Ninh, I know you're still angry and prejudiced against me right now, but this is really not a joke.”

"That friend of yours can't talk nonsense. If he gets caught leaking inside information, he'll lose his job. Would he take such a risk just to tease you?"

If this scene were placed in a movie, with a bit of tense background music added, it would be easy to get carried away. But my cousin's words echoed in my head: "There are people who only target the point you fear the most." I leaned back on the sofa, letting my back stick to the soft cushion, making me sit a little more comfortably. If he wants to act, I don't mind watching the play to the end.

“So what exactly did your friend say?”

I typed a reply.

"Which card number? Which bank? What's the risk? Tell him to give me an official notice."

“If there really is a problem, the bank can't just rely on your friend's verbal reminder.”

The other side clearly stopped. The line "the enemy is entering..." took more than ten seconds to appear again, this time lasting even longer. A long time later, he answered with two words. Immediately after that sent more.

"Of course this matter cannot be announced publicly, it will immediately appear that the bank is in turmoil."

"It's because I'm close to you that I was kind enough to mention it first."

“Don't argue anymore, just listen.”

I looked at the words "kind" and laughed softly in my heart. Cold smile.

“Then tell your friend to contact me directly.”

I continued typing.

“I can talk to him and see how he explains it.”

“Anyway, it concerns my personal assets, the clearer the better.”

Every sentence and every word I send. It's very clear in my heart that that "friend"... nine-tenths of the time only exists in his words. The other side was silent. This time it took even longer.