Chapter 5 — 700,000 Yuan And An Annulment

There is a photo from last winter, we came out of the model apartment outside the construction site, stood under the bus stop taking photos together, that day the wind was very strong, I wrapped a scarf around my neck, Luong Khai stood next to me, still holding the apartment diagram that the seller gave me. Below the photo is a sentence he sent.

"Just try a little harder, wait until the house is closed, we will really have a roof."

At that time, I believed it so much that I had no doubts. Also conveniently answer him one question.

“Then from now on, the shoe cabinet at the door must listen to me.”

He sent back a smiling emoji.

“You all listen to me.”

I looked at those three words for a long time and just found it funny. Turns out it wasn't like he never promised. It's just that when he promised, he never considered it something that needed to be done. I continued to scroll up and saw that this year during Tet we went to see houses. Vuong Tu Cam stood at the door of the spare bedroom, raised his hand to estimate the size, and smiled.

"It's good to keep this room. In case your cousin goes to the city to find a job in the future, it would be convenient for him to stay temporarily for a few months."

Then I stopped and turned to look at Luong Khai. He didn't agree or disagree, just smiled appeasingly.

"My mother just said nonsense, don't take it to heart."

A little further away, we went to see the wedding hotel for the first time. That day, the manager put the menu and deposit slip on the table. Luong Khai checked his phone and said his salary card was limited, asking me to pay in advance and transfer it back later. At that time, I didn't think much and gave the card directly. After that, it wasn't that he didn't pay, it just took more than two weeks. In the end, it was still me who asked, and it was as if he just remembered and transferred it back. Before, I always found reasons for him. Busy with work. Men are often careless. His mother talks straight. But when these fragments were spread out before my eyes, I saw clearly that in this relationship, the thing that happened the most was not that he really forgot. But he knew I would give in first, so he wasn't in a hurry. Like house books. Like 700,000 yuan today. I opened my computer and turned on my most familiar spreadsheet. The moment the empty box lit up, the chaos in my heart that had been going on all afternoon suddenly calmed down. In the subject line, I deleted the previous "family spending plan after marriage" table. Then on the new page, I typed down four words. List of marriage annulments. I paused for a moment, then entered the first line. Deposit, 700,000 yuan. At that moment, I suddenly realized that what I took away from the house sale room yesterday was not just that card. But also the determination, I will not continue to pretend to be stupid for their family anymore. The next afternoon, Luong Khai arranged to meet me at a tea shop near the company. He said he just wanted to make things clear. When I arrived, Vuong Tu Cam was already sitting inside. Today she's wearing a light gray coat, with a thermos next to her. She doesn't look like she's come to discuss annulment, but like she's going to a neighborhood meeting. Luong Khai sat next to her, his face was not good, his eye circles were clearly dark, as if he hadn't slept all night. I put my bag down and sat across from them. The teapot on the table had just brewed, the steam had not yet dissipated, no one spoke first. In the end, it was still Vuong Tu Cam who spoke.

"Thanh Hoa, we are all about to become one family. There were a few words I didn't say harshly in front of everyone yesterday, just to save your face." She screwed the lid of the bottle and spoke calmly, "But you can't rely on yourself to be young and not leave room for escape." others.”

I looked at her.

“You say it.”

Maybe she didn't expect me to be so calm, she paused for a moment before continuing.

"Whose name is listed in the house before marriage is a matter of discussion between the two families. Yesterday you made a mess in the house sale room like that, not only was it unsightly but it also hurt your feelings. Outsiders looking in would think that our Luong family really mistreated you."

I almost burst out laughing.

“So you came today to correct public opinion?”

Luong Khai frowned.

“Thanh Hoa, don't talk like that.”

“So what should I say?” I looked at him, "like you, you'll have to make all your decisions before letting me understand."

His throat moved slightly, suppressing his anger.

"I told you yesterday, I didn't think this through carefully. My mother was just worried about mishaps in the future, not intentionally excluding you."

“Not on purpose?” I unzipped the bag and took out a pre-printed list, "so you two prepare all the documents. The copy the consultant gave me was also confirmed in advance. You told me it wasn't intentional."

Vuong Tu Cam's face immediately changed.