Chapter 5 — Behind the 50cm Wall Is a Secret

There was a long silence outside the door. I can almost imagine the struggle in Vuong Chan's heart. And an uninhabitable house. He must choose. About half an hour later, my phone rang. I answered the phone and didn't say anything. On the other end, Vuong Chan's voice was tired and hoarse.

“Miss Chu... it's me, Vuong Chan.”

“I… I agree.”

“I agree to all conditions.”

The moment he said that, I almost heard something break. But there was no wave in my heart.

“Okay.” I only replied with two words.

"I transferred the money immediately. I wrote an apology letter immediately. I also contacted the air conditioner technician. They will come as early as tomorrow morning."

He spoke very quickly, as if wanting to prove his sincerity.

“I need to see the money and the letter first.” I replied coldly.

“Okay, okay, I'll do it now.”

In less than ten minutes, my phone received a bank message. The number—not one penny wrong. The doorbell rang again. I opened the door. Vuong Chan stood outside, holding two A4 sheets filled with words. He didn't dare look at me, bowed his head, and held out the paper with both hands. I received it and read it carefully. The words in the letter—vile to the core. He clearly wrote that he intentionally installed air conditioning, ignored objections, and used false arguments. Then he admitted that he was a "bad neighbor", "didn't understand the law", and "petty and petty". Finally, solemnly apologize and commit not to repeat the mistake. The writing is squiggly, even crossed out. It's clear—writing these lines, he had to swallow every ounce of humiliation.

“Okay?” He asked softly.

I nodded and kept a copy.

"The remaining copy, paste it yourself."

“Yes… yes.”

He held the remaining piece of paper, as if holding a verdict, and absent-mindedly walked towards the notice board. I don't need supervision. Because I know—he doesn't dare to play tricks. The next morning, it wasn't even dawn yet— I was woken up by the sound of construction outside my window. But this time— That sound… was the most pleasant symphony I had ever heard. I walked to the window and pulled the curtains open. Three workers wearing blue protective suits are hanging in mid-air. They are removing four "white lumps" that were nailed to the outside wall of my house. Cut, remove, move. Skillful and professional movements. Vuong Chan stood downstairs, raised his head, his expression tense and monitoring. The sunlight shone on his face, but his whole body seemed to be in darkness. I made myself a cup of hot tea, sat by the window, quietly enjoying the scene. That feeling... was like watching a doctor remove a malignant tumor from my body. The process is a bit noisy. But the result—relieved people to the bone. Ten o'clock in the morning. The four hot spots have been removed. Workers began repairing the wall. They used specialized waterproofing putty, filled each ugly hole, then repainted the color to match the exterior wall. Everything... gradually returned to its original state. As if that nightmare never existed. At twelve o'clock noon, the work is completed. The workers packed up their tools and left. My outer wall—returned to its original clean, smooth appearance. Vuong Chan raised his head to look, then dragged his heavy feet into the building. I stood by the window. The world… was finally completely quiet. I stretched, feeling each joint feel liberated. The war lasted nearly a month— Finally, it ended in my absolute victory. But just when I thought everything was over— The doorbell rang again. I frowned slightly. I walked to the door, looked through the cat's eyes— Then stopped. Outside the door, it was not Vuong Chan, nor the management board. It was a middle-aged man, neatly dressed, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, looking elegant. Behind him, there were two men wearing black suits with cold eyes. That atmosphere... made my heart sink slightly. A feeling of insecurity and quiet arose. I didn't open the door right away.

“Who are you looking for?” I asked through the door, my voice carrying caution.

“Excuse me, is this Ms. Chu Vu?”

The voice of the man wearing glasses was very gentle, carrying the calmness of someone accustomed to standing in a high position.

“Hello Ms. Chu, my name is Ly, I am Vuong Chan's older brother—Vuong Lei.”

Vuong Chan's brother? Countless thoughts immediately appeared in my mind. Look at this aura—clearly not an ordinary person. Hit me... you're coming?

"I'm here to apologize on behalf of my younger brother. He didn't understand and caused such big trouble."

The words are tight, without any gaps. But I still felt it—underneath that layer of calm, an underground current was rolling. I thought for a moment, then opened the door. Not out of fear. But because I know—avoiding it won't solve anything. Those who come will continue. When the water comes, it is blocked.

“Hello.” I stood in the door, not intending to invite them in.

Vuong Loi smiled, his eyes quickly scanned around my room. When his gaze stopped at the giant gray soundproof wall in the bedroom— His pupils shrank in the blink of an eye. But very quickly, he hid it.

"Miss Chu, I'm really sorry. My younger brother was pampered since he was young, worked without thinking, caused such great trouble, I'll officially apologize to you on his behalf."

After speaking, he also bowed deeply. The two people behind also bowed slightly. The pressure from this scene—compared to Vuong Chan's apology, was many times heavier.

“There's no need to apologize. The matter has been resolved.” I said leisurely.

“No, not done yet.” Vuong Loi smiled and gently shook his head.

“The compensation my brother gave you—too little, completely insufficient to compensate for the loss. That's disrespectful to you.”

He took out a check from his inside pocket and brought it in front of me.

"Miss Chu, this is a bit of sincerity. The code is six-eight. I hope you accept it, as if I were to atone for my brother's mistake."

I looked down at the check. The number on it— Made my heart sink slightly. Seven digits. Ten times the amount Vuong Chan paid. Make a big move. Are you planning on using money... to pressure me? I don't accept. I raised my head and looked straight into Vuong Loi's eyes.

"Mr. Vuong, you're in vain. This matter stops here. I don't want to have anything more to do with your family."

A very slight trace of surprise flashed across Vuong Loi's face. Maybe he didn't think I would refuse.

“Miss Chu, you misunderstood.” He still kept smiling.

"This money is not for hush money, it's just compensation. Also, I came today... there's something else I want to discuss with you."

The real card is also revealed.

“What?”

“It's about the wall in your bedroom…” He pointed to the soundproof wall.

“Can you… take it off?”

His voice was still very polite. But I heard it—inside was an irresistible compulsion. I laughed.

“Mr. Vuong, I installed one Soundproofing walls in my own home, to protect my legal rights... isn't it illegal?"

I said every word clearly. The smile on Vuong Loi's face finally began to falter.

“Of course it's not illegal.” He pushed up his glasses, "But Ms. Chu, as a human being, you should leave room for retreat. We will meet later. My younger brother admitted his mistake and also paid the price. This wall of hers, like a thorn, makes everyone uncomfortable. Do you think that's right?

“I don't feel uncomfortable.” I replied without giving in. “On the contrary, it makes me feel very safe.”

The air seemed to freeze. Vuong Loi's eyes gradually cooled down. The gentle shell is torn away, revealing the cold nature inside.

“Miss Chu, I'll ask you again.”

“Are you sure... not taking it off?”

His voice was also low, cold as ice. I crossed my arms, leaned against the door frame, looking straight without fear.

“I'm sure.”

“This wall is my final limit. No one can touch it.”