Chapter 17 — A Retreat Called Love

And in it. Definitely hiding a secret that has never been exposed. I took it to a veteran unlocker. The old worker wears glasses. Fiddled with the lock for a while. Just heard a very soft "click" sound. The lock popped open. I hugged the diary and returned home. Close the curtains. Sit down on the sofa. Take a deep breath. Then slowly open the first page. The writing inside is very beautiful. It is the typeface of the previous generation. Full of strength. The first line contains the date. The starting point was the year I married Chu Nghi.

“Day X, month X, 20XX, the sky was clear.

Today, my son Chu Nghi got married. The daughter-in-law's name is To Tinh. Be a good girl. The eyes are very clear. When smiling, there are two faint dimples. The girl's eyes looking at Chu Nghi were like they were filled with stars. I can see it. She truly loves my son. I hope Chu Nghi will treat her kindly.” My vision immediately blurred. The bridge of the nose is stinging. Tears suddenly fell onto the page. I never knew. In the eyes of my father-in-law. I'm seen like that again. I wiped my tears. Continue turning to the following pages. Inside are all very small things. Very ordinary. He recorded the first time I cooked rice for the whole family. Say my workmanship is very good. He took note of the massage chair I bought as a gift. Said it was the gift that made him happiest in many years. He recorded the story of me helping my mother-in-law go downstairs for a walk. Compliment me for being more thoughtful than my own daughter. Each page. Every line. All contain the love of a father. And the warmth of a family that he always tries to preserve. From one day. The atmosphere in the diary began to change.

“Day X, month X, 20XX, the weather was overcast.

Today Chu Khai came home. He talked with Tu Lan and Chu Nghi for a long time in the room. When I brought in the fruit. The three people immediately fell silent. Tu Lan's eyes were red as if she had just cried. Chu Nghi's face was also very ugly. I have a bad feeling.” I kept flipping.

“Day X, month X, 20XX, the weather was cloudy and rainy.

Zhou Kai came more and more often. It always pulls Chu Nghi out. Came back late at night. The person smelled strongly of cigarettes and alcohol. When I asked, Chu Nghi said he was discussing business. I don't believe it. What kind of person is Chu Khai? No one understands better than me. People like him can't do business properly." I tightened my grip on the notebook. My heart sank little by little. Flip again.

“Day X, month X, 20XX, strong wind.

Today I went to the bank. Planning to withdraw money to buy a birthday gift for To Tinh. When checking account. I discovered that the one hundred thousand yuan of retirement money in my savings book had disappeared. I asked Tu Lan. She stammered and said she would invest it in Chu Nghi. But inside I am very uneasy.” Every line makes my chest tighten. Until now. I just understand. Why for the past three years? My father-in-law always treats me very well. But his eyes always carried melancholy. Often sit quietly alone. Or unconsciously frown. Because he soon realized the abnormality. He just doesn't have the power to stop everything. I turned to the last page. The date is written on it. It was the day before the accident. The page only has a few short lines. But each word is as heavy as a stone.

“Day X, month X, 20XX, the sky was clear.

I've heard it all. The words they said in the kitchen. Me Standing outside the door, I could hear every word clearly.” Vehicle accident. Unintended accident.”

“So they are thinking about those things.”

“My whole life has been a failure.”

“Raising an ungrateful child.”

“Marrying a vile wife.”

“The only person I blame.

It's To Tinh."

“She's a good girl.”

“We don't deserve to be dragged into our family's dirty mud.”

“In my drawer there is a trust fund that I bought when I was young.”

“I originally intended to leave it to my grandchildren.”

“But now it probably won't be needed anymore.”

“The password is To Tinh's birthday.”

“Hopefully later.

She can be at peace for the rest of her life.” The page stopped there. There are no more lines added. I closed the diary. Tears had covered his face without realizing it. He knows everything. Knowing they want to kill me. Know danger is approaching. But he did not protest. No denunciation. Don't run away either. He just silently used his own way.