Chapter 6 — After Divorce, I Take Everything Back

The mediator tapped lightly on the table.

"It's true that the money was given by her. But the source of that money was from Ms. Lam's salary card. In other words, she used her daughter-in-law's income to support her youngest son."

"Currently, the two sides are divorced, Ms. Lam requests a refund. Legally, this request is well-founded."

"If she marries into the Tran family, she is a member of the Tran family!"

Liu Guilan slammed the table.

"It also belongs to the Tran family! Is it okay if I take it for my son to use?"

This time Tran Hao shouted louder.

“Mom, can you talk less?”

Liu Guilan was stunned. Then his eyes turned red.

"You yell at mom? Because of outsiders, you yell at mom?"

"I'm not defending outsiders. I'm just telling you to stop talking. The more you talk, the more detrimental it will be."

"I'm at a disadvantage? I raised it for eight years—"

The mediator interrupted. The voice is still light, but has weight.

"According to the records, after getting married, Ms. Lam and Mr. Tran Hao did not live with her. They had their own house and spent money independently. So what is the basis for your saying 'raised for eight years', may I ask?"

Liu Guilan opened his mouth. …then closed. She has no proof. For the past eight years, Tran Hao and I have taken care of our accommodation and activities ourselves. The only contact with Luu Que Lan is when they stop by for a meal during the holidays. But just that... she upgraded herself to "nourishment".

“Mr. Ngo.”

Lawyer Chu spoke up.

"I'll add one point. In addition to the bank statement, my client also has a handwritten notebook, clearly stating the direction of each sum of money over the past eight years. The content completely matches the bank data."

“More—”

She opened a folder and pulled out a few sheets of paper.

"This is a screenshot of the WeChat between my client and Ms. Liu Guilan. In it, Ms. Liu actively requests money transfer many times. For example—"

“‘Niem Senh, Tieu Vu is short of money this month, please transfer him 5,000.’”

“‘For Tieu Vu's girlfriend's birthday, I transferred 2,500 for her to buy a necklace.’”

“‘Tieu Vu is about to buy a car, isn't it too much for you to contribute a deposit?’”

With each sentence read, Luu Que Lan's face became more unsightly. Red turns white. White turns pale. Tran Vu bowed his head, his face buried in his hands. Attorney Chu pushed the documents toward the mediator.

"All of this evidence together proves one truth: for eight years, Ms. Liu Guilan acted in the name of 'custody', but in fact systematically appropriated Ms. Lin Niemsheng's income without her full consent. The total amount was 715,300 yuan."

"Most of this money was used for Mr. Tran Vu's personal expenses and buying a house and car."

“We demand a full refund.”

The mediation room was silent for a few seconds. Mediator Ngo finished looking at the documents and closed it.

"Ms. Liu, the evidence is very clear. I suggest that the two sides agree on a debt repayment plan. If reconciliation cannot be achieved, the outcome will be even more unfavorable."

Liu Que Lan pursed her lips and did not speak. Tran Vu's forehead was covered in sweat.

“We need time to discuss…”

She finally uttered a sentence.

"Okay." The mediator nodded. "Give you seven days. After seven days, come up with a plan. If not, move on to trial."

The working session ended. Luu Que Lan, Tran Vu and Tran Hao walked ahead. Luu Que Lan's back was bent. Lawyer Chu and I walked behind.

“Miss Lam.” Lawyer Chu lowered his voice. "If mediation is completed, it will be faster than litigation. It depends whether they mean it or not.”

“If they were sincere, it wouldn't have lasted eight years.”

She looked at me, didn't say more. Leaving the court gate, lawyer Chu and I separated. After walking a few steps, someone called from behind.

“Nien Senh.”

Tran Hao chased after him from the steps. I stopped, turned around.

“What else?”

“Mom's attitude today... don't take it to heart. She was like that.”

“I don't mind. Her attitude did not affect the verdict.”

Tran Hao's face stiffened.

“Nien Senh, I will think of a way to pay. No matter how long it takes... I will pay you back.”

I won't say more. He took a step forward.

“Are you okay these days?”

I looked at him. Eight years of marriage. The first time he asked me “are you okay”… was after the divorce.