Chapter 8 — Behind the 50cm Wall Is a Secret

I showed all the evidence on the phone. Photo of Vuong Chan's apology letter on the bulletin board. Camera video recorded the scene of Wang Lei arriving at the door. And also the photos I just took—the suspicious water stains on the outside of the wall. Chain of evidence—complete, clear. After listening and looking at the evidence, the police gradually turned serious. Their eyes looked at Vuong Chan and Aunt Ly—already carrying scrutiny.

“Is what she said true?”

The police asked Vuong Chan. He bowed his head, his lips pursed, not saying a word. The police turned to Aunt Ly.

“Can you confirm that your water is leaking from above?”

“I… I…”

Under the police's gaze— Aunt Ly's psychological defense completely collapsed. She burst into tears.

“Not me! Not me!”

"It's them! It's them telling me to do it!"

She trembled and pointed towards Vuong Chan.

"It's his brother! It's Vuong Loi looking for me!"

“He gave me twenty thousand!”

“Tell me to pretend the house has a water leak, then blame it on Ms. Chu!”

“He said that if he could only force Ms. Chu to remove the wall—he would give me another thirty thousand!”

“My son needs money for surgery... I'm suddenly confused!”

That confession— Like a bomb exploding in the hallway. Everyone—was dumbfounded. Tieu Truong stood still. The workers took a cold breath. As for Vuong Chan— No longer gray-faced. It's utter despair. The policeman's face immediately darkened, his eyes sharp as knives. Completely exposed. This is not inherently a water leak. This is a carefully staged, planned, intentional act—slander and harm. Aunt Ly's collapse and full confession completely reversed the nature of the incident. This is no longer a neighbor dispute. Which has escalated to a civil case, even reaching the border of criminal. The police officer's expression immediately became serious. A young police officer quickly turned on the camera and pointed it at Aunt Ly.

“Auntie, we will record everything you just said.”

“You must be responsible for every word you say.”

“Now, please tell me the whole story in detail.”

"When did Vuong Loi come to you? How? How was the money given?"

Facing the camera, Aunt Ly was clearly scared. But she also understood—there was no turning back. Honestly, there might even be leniency. Hiding it will only make you sink deeper. She wiped her tears, her voice choked, and recounted the entire process of being bribed. It turned out that after being rejected by me, Vuong Loi never gave up. Through the management, he found information about Aunt Ly—who lived below my house. Knowing that her son is seriously ill and needs money. He immediately took advantage of that weakness. Initially, he pretended to be a member of a charity association, bringing gifts and support money. Build trust. Then, step by step "brainwashing". Calling me an "annoying" and "unreasonable" neighbor. Say that my house renovation affects the building's structure. Say I'm a danger to the whole area. After fully preparing, he came up with a plan. Let Aunt Ly coordinate a "water leak" performance. Promise to pay handsomely. At the same time, ensure that she will not be held legally responsible. As for the “water leak scene”—also created by him. At night, he used a high-pressure water hose to spray the area under Aunt Ly's window sill from the fire escape window on the 11th floor. Creates the illusion of water seeping from top to bottom. So those strange water stains I photographed this morning—that's exactly what it was. The complete plan—step by step tight, almost perfect. If not from the beginning I would always be wary. If not, I will promptly collect evidence. If I hadn't chosen to report to the police at a crucial moment— I could very well have been in an indefensible position. Criticized by neighbors. Pressured by management. Drowned down by public opinion. In the end—there was only one way to bow and compromise. Thinking about this, I can't help but shiver. Deep, cruel—many times more terrifying than Vuong Chan. Aunt Ly finished telling. The hallway was as quiet as paper. Everyone was frightened by the viciousness of this plan. The two policemen looked at each other.

“Vuong Chan.”

The old policeman called out in a cold voice.

“Where is your brother—Vuong Lei—now?”

Vuong Chan's whole body trembled. He raised his head, his eyes filled with fear.

“I… I don't know…”

“Don't know?”

The police laughed coldly.

“Buying others, creating false scenes, slandering and causing harm.”

“Your brother has shown signs of breaking the law.”

"You're the one who knows, if you cover it up - then you're an accomplice."

“What are the consequences? Think carefully.”

Those words fell like a sledgehammer. Vuong Chan struggled for a while— Finally, he completely collapsed.

“He… is probably at the company…”

He read out an address. The older police officer nodded and turned to his colleagues.

"You stay here, continue taking statements. Make a record with the management board and the water supply."

“I went to see this King Lei.”

After speaking, he turned around and walked quickly towards the elevator. Vuong Chan sat down on the ground, his face pale. The peaceful days of the Vuong family... are over. The police left. The atmosphere in the hallway became awkward. Tieu Truong looked at me, full of guilt.

“Miss Chu… sorry… I really didn't know it was like this.”

“Our management is also responsible…”

I shook my head.

“I don't blame you. You were just fooled.”

I don't want to pursue it. I looked at Aunt Ly—still crying. She is to blame. But also pitiful. Pressured by life. Being taken advantage of by bad guys.

“Auntie, accepting money from others—there is a price to pay.”

I said calmly.

“I hope you think again.”

She cried even louder. I don't pay attention to them anymore. I turned around and returned home. Close the door. Block out all the noise and chaos outside. I walked in front of that giant, silent soundproof wall. Raise your hand and gently touch it. It's this wall. It doesn't just help me block out noise. But also like a mirror—clearly illuminating the ugliness and darkness of humanity. Also like a shield—protecting my last limit and dignity. This battle, up to now— And an absolute victory.