Chapter 13 — Behind the 50cm Wall Is a Secret

That voice— I recognized it immediately. She is Vuong Chan's wife. No more crying, no more weakness. The calmness is chilling. And the pleasure of someone who has just taken revenge. My voice was dry.

“Of course I am.”

The other party laughed.

“How is it? My skills aren't bad, right?”

“Shove him into your perfect walls—just right.”

“Not one inch too much, not one inch short.”

“You're crazy!”

I lowered my voice and growled.

“Why did you do that?!”

Her voice suddenly rose— Full of resentment and madness.

“You ask me why?!”

“Because he is useless!”

“A guy who is only good at torturing his family!”

“Installing air conditioning—just to keep a cheap man's face!”

“She complained—he cursed her.”

“The manager came—he beat people.”

“His brother was sent to a camp by her—losing his only source of survival.”

“He didn't dare to look for you—he took it all out on me and my child!”

“He hit me! Cursed me! Called me unlucky!”

“He even planned to sell the house—take the money and leave alone!”

“Let me and my child die here!”

Like a knife.

“That night…”

“After Wang Lei was arrested.”

“He's drunk again.”

"I'm about to strike again."

“I can't stand it anymore.”

“I can't stand it anymore.”

“I hold the ashtray.”

“By the time I wake up…”

“He's not moving anymore.”

“Everywhere—blood.”

It feels like falling into an ice cellar. My voice trembled. She laughed again. There is also satisfaction.

“I thought of you.”

“Think of your wall.”

“It's soundproof, heatproof—it's perfect for hiding things, right?”

“That whole night…”

“I chiseled from the wall of my house.”

“Make a hole.”

“Then… stuff him in.”

“Little by little.”

“Finally…”

“I used expanding foam and plaster—sealed it.”

“My side of the house—no one can see.”

"Still with you..."

“Miss Chu—”

“You are my accomplice now.”

I burst out. She smiled coldly.

“Will the police believe you?”

“Someone who has a deep hatred for him.”

“Someone just brought his brother to the camp.”

“The body... is inside the wall you built yourself.”

“Do you think they believe you—or me?”

“A pitiful abused wife?”

Sink to the bottom. She's right. Before everything— Every word I say— Is meaningless. I'm tied to this case.

“What do you want?”

I gritted my teeth.

“Very simple.”

Her voice— Finally revealed her purpose.

“The money Vuong Loi gave you—you haven't used it yet, right?”

“I want that money.”

“I want you to use it—get me and the baby out of here.”

“Go where no one can find you.”

“As long as we are safe…”

“I will keep this secret—for life.”

“If not…”

Her voice lowered. Cold to the bone.

“I will call the police anonymously.”

“Say—my husband has been missing for a week…”

“Actually sleeping in the neighbor's wall.”

A naked threat. A trap— No way out. Or I become an accomplice. Or I become a suspect. I held the phone tightly. Palms are wet with sweat. Scorch. Cannot be led by the nose. Can't lose. Must find a way to break the block. I took a deep breath. Keep your voice calm.

“I agree.”

"How can I trust you?"

“What if you take the money and run away, then come back and accuse me?”

On the other end of the line, Ly Tinh seemed to not expect me to accept so quickly. She was silent for a bit.

“You have no choice.”

“No, I do.”

I immediately interrupted.

“I can call the police right now, confess everything!”

“At best—we're together die!"

My toughness— Clearly made her wary.

“…What do you want?”

“Very simple.”

I told the plan.

“Let's meet.”

“Money given—proof of giving.”

“You must give me all the evidence of the murder.”

“Or—write a detailed confession, sign it, get fingerprinted in front of me.”

“That will be my talisman.”

“As long as my child and I leave safely, you can handle it however you want.”

Ly Tinh almost immediately agreed. In her eyes— Just run away— That confession sheet is just waste paper.

“Time, location?”

“Tomorrow, 12 noon. Starlight Square, city center. Crowded places—both are safe.”

“…Okay. It's decided.”

I fell down on the sofa. His whole body was drenched in cold sweat. This is the only chance. Also the last chance. Starlight Square. It's a battlefield. Is forever without turning back. I hardly slept. The brain works like an overloaded machine. Calculate all possibilities. I can't report it to the police right away. No evidence— Just puts yourself in a passive position. My only card— Ly Tinh thought she had me firmly in her grasp. Subjectivity— It is the breaking point. Before morning— I do three things. I contacted the elderly police officer who had helped me. Don't talk too much detail. I discovered important clues related to Vuong Chan's disappearance. I make an appointment with you— 12:30 tomorrow— Whether I contact you again or not— Please come to the “Meeting” cafe at Anh Sao Square.

“It all… could be there.”

This is a bet. One wrong step— I will completely lose trust from the police. But I have no way back. I gathered all the evidence. The entire incident diary I wrote. Set a timer to send emails. Recipients— Three major media agencies. And the other police officer's work email. Delivery time— 13:00 tomorrow. If something happens to me— This will be the final counterattack. I must also clearly die. I prepare for the meeting. A suitcase— Full of cash. A voice recorder— Disguised as a car key. A tiny camera— Mounted in a brooch. A heart so calm it's scary. I arrived at the square early. Don't go into the shop right away. Go around. No ambushes. Not unusual. I walked into the coffee shop. Choose a place near the glass door— But you can observe the entire space. Many ways out. I ordered an Americano. No sugar. But keeps me awake. Ly Tinh appeared. Beige windbreaker. Wide brimmed hat. Holding a child about three years old. The child sleeps. Face is red. She used the child— As a shield. This woman— Scarier than I thought. She stood outside and looked around. Then quickly discovered me. Sit down opposite.