Chapter 7 — After Divorce, I Take Everything Back

Much better than when I was with you. I didn't say that. But maybe he understands. I turned away. Don't look back. That night, Tri Thu and I ate at that Japanese restaurant. Average 420 yuan per person. She ordered snow crab and Wagyu beef. I ordered a portion of sea urchin sashimi.

"How's it going? Is the reconciliation okay?"

Tri Thu gave me a piece of salmon belly.

"The evidence is out there. She can't argue."

“So do you get it?”

"Not yet. But talk about discussion."

Tri Thu smirked.

"What are we discussing? Maybe we just want to get away with it."

"It's up to her. The law is there."

"Okay. I like your aura now."

Tri Thu raised his glass.

"Respect you. Respect you for thirty-one years, finally living to the fullest."

I clink my glass. Take a sip. Sake. The first taste is slightly sweet, the aftertaste is very clean. Just like life now. Not really sweet. But airy. I put the glass down.

“Tri Thu, I have something to say.”

“New company… the boss officially talked to me today.”

“What?”

"Let me be the project manager. In charge of the company's largest package."

Tri Thu chopsticks stopped.

"What? How long have you been here? Two weeks?"

“You've been promoted to director for three weeks?”

“He looked at three plans I had worked on.”

I picked up a piece of sea urchin.

"One more thing today, the customer made it clear that they want to work directly with me and don't want to change people. The boss decides."

Tri Thu put down her chopsticks and reached out to pinch my cheek.

"Lam Niem Senh. Before, you were forced into a distorted state by that house, right? Now that you've escaped, your whole personality seems to have changed."

I said nothing. But I know… she's right. During those eight years, it wasn't just money that was drained. But my whole being was forced to suppress. Confidence, desire, sharpness— All crushed by the three words "family". Those three words... are no longer valid. Things that were once forced down, are little by little... coming back. After eating, Tri Thu called a car to go home first. I stood on the side of the road, looking at my phone. WeChat has new friend requests.

"I am the assistant of Mr. Trieu Thanh, the party signing the contract today. Boss Trieu wants to make friends with you to easily discuss projects."

I agree. A few seconds later, Trieu Thanh texted.

"General Manager Lam, we discussed very good plans today. I hope to work directly with you in the near future."

I replied: "Mr. Trieu is being polite. If the plan needs any adjustment, please discuss at any time."

"Okay. Oh right, next Monday there will be a project kick-off meeting, shall we discuss in more detail then?"

"No problem."

Brief. Clear. Professional. I turned off the phone and called a car. On the way back to the motel room, I did a quick calculation in my head. New company salary is 60% higher. Up to the position of director also has a percentage of projects. If this bidding package is finalized, this year's income will be nearly equal to the previous two years combined. Seven hundred thousand was taken— Even if they don't pay back… I can still earn it back myself. But I still have to get the money. Not for money. But because of eight years... every mouthful of shame I swallowed. There must be an answer. Seven days passed very quickly. Luu Que Lan did not offer a debt repayment plan. It's not that I don't want to. But there isn't. 715,300 yuan. Luu Que Lan's pension is 3,200 per month. Tran Hao's salary is 9,000, except for the car, which is more than 2,000. Tran Vu quit his job last month and currently has no income. Three people combined, a year without eating or drinking... still couldn't collect seven hundred thousand. The only valuable thing most— The house is named after Tran Vu. But he refused to sell.

"That's my wedding house! How can I explain to Tinh Tinh if it's sold?"

“That Chimpanzee hasn't paid any attention to you for four days, what are you waiting for!”

Liu Que Lan frantically walked around.

"I don't care! The house is not for sale!"

Tran Vu locked the door. Luu Que Lan sat down in the living room, her eyes dizzy. The phone rang. She thought Tran Hao. When I picked it up, I found out it was a strange number.

“May I ask, is it Ms. Liu Guilan?”

“Yes, who is it?”

"I am the clerk of the civil court. Regarding the dispute between you and Ms. Lam Niem Senh, the time for conciliation has expired. Because your side did not submit a debt repayment plan, the case will officially move to litigation. The trial opening time is tentatively scheduled for the 15th of next month. Please be present on time."

The phone hung up. Liu Que Lan held the phone and her whole body seemed to freeze. That night, Tran Hao returned and saw his mother sitting in the dark living room.

“The court is calling.”

Her voice was dry.

“The trial is about to start.”

Tran Hao sat down next to him.

"Where's the plan? Have you thought about it yet?"

“…Tieu Vu does not agree to sell the house.”

“If you don't sell, where will the money come from?”

Liu Que Lan was silent.