Chapter 5 — After Seeing Through It, I No Longer Love You

I sat there, just feeling like I was immersed in cold water, my hands and feet were cold. I want to object. I want to say that money was given to me by my father, I have the right to decide. If you want to talk about old age care being the responsibility of them and their son, why do you want to use my dowry to bear the burden? I want to say that they work hard, so is it easy for my father to earn that money? But all those words were stuck in my throat, as if blocked by something, unable to be said. Because every sentence she says is based on so-called "morality". Family, harmony, filial piety. Those words were like a mountain pressing down on me, making my chest suffocate.

“Auntie…” My voice trembled slightly, “I… I really don't think that much, I just feel… buying that house will be good for everyone in the future…”

“Is it good for everyone?” She shook her head, the disappointment on her face did not hide, "Tieu Ninh, do you really think, you are alone in a brand new big house, while we old couple are still huddled together in the old, dilapidated house, Tu Ngang is stuck in the awkward middle... is that good for everyone?"

I opened my mouth, but couldn't say anything.

"Today I say these words, not to force you to do anything, but to teach you how to be a human being, how to be a bride." She picked up her chopsticks again, her tone softened, carrying a bit of fatigue, "That woman, once married, can't just look at her own affairs anymore, she has to think about the whole family, she has to know how to understand things, and know how to let everyone in the family live together peacefully."

"The matter of adding names, go back and think carefully. It's not for anyone's face, but for Tu Ngang's sake, for the feelings of the two of you, because in the future the family can be peaceful."

"Wait until you think it through, tell me, I'll go with you to do the procedure. If you still can't think it through..."

She didn't say everything, but I understood her meaning very clearly. At this meal, I could barely taste anything. On the contrary, she ate very well, and occasionally picked up food for me, constantly telling me to eat a little more. It was as if those sharp words from before... had never been said by her. When paying, she decided to pay first. Leaving the restaurant, the night wind blew past me, bringing with it a bit of cold. She took my hand and gently patted it.

"Tieu Ninh, what I said, you slowly think about it. Beside Tu Ngang, I will also say a few words. A husband and wife live together, how can they avoid collisions? Sit down and talk clearly and it will be fine."

I nodded, my voice very soft: "Yes, thank you."

“There's no need to be polite to her, we're family.” She smiled, leaned slightly, lowered her voice, "Oh right, about this extra name, it's best you don't tell your parents. Adults think too much and can easily misunderstand. In our family, we can handle it ourselves, okay?"

I looked at the gentle smile on her face, but inside I felt cold. I still nodded, didn't say anything else. Watching her get into a taxi and leave, I stood on the side of the road for a long time without moving. The streetlight stretched out my shadow, spreading alone on the ground. I took out my phone and looked at the empty chat box. Tham Tu Ngang still hasn't texted anything. Didn't ask how I talked to his mother, didn't ask if I was home yet, and didn't even say a word of concern. Nothing. An indescribable feeling of fatigue suddenly arose in my heart. I called a car and didn't go back to the room I was renting with him read the address of my new, unfinished house. The key was inserted into the lock, I turned it slightly. Inside is still a rough, empty house, with only a cement floor and white walls. But the area is very large, the lighting is also very good. Outside the window is a strip of lights along the river and the whole city is glowing with neon light. I closed the door, leaned my back against the cold door, and slowly slid down to sit on the floor. I hugged my knees and buried my face in them. Tears could no longer be held back and silently fell. All the resentment, confusion, anger, and helplessness that had accumulated over the past few days all came pouring out in this moment. I really don't understand why things have come to this point. I just took the money my dad gave me and bought a house. I thought it was a guarantee for the future of two people, a surprise. But why, in the eyes of Tham Tu Ngang and his mother, did I become selfish, calculating, not understanding, and not filial? Why should the money in my hand... be prioritized for retirement care for other people's parents? Why does the house I buy... have to add someone else's name? Based on what？ Just because I want to marry you? Just because I like you? So everything that belongs to me... must automatically become "ours"? As for my thoughts, and my father's heart... are they not worth mentioning? I don't know how long I sat there, my tears gradually dried. My eyelids are swollen and painful every time I blink. I raised my head and looked out the window, the light was bright. But inside... it's like ice. The phone suddenly vibrated. I thought it was Tham Tu Ngang, my heart suddenly sank. I picked up my phone to look. Not Tham Tu Ngang. It's a message from close friend Han Tinh.