Chapter 4 — Don't Use The Two Words 'Filial Obedience' To Tie Me Down

That look was heavy, hesitant, and a little panicked. A moment later, a very soft sigh was heard from behind. Then there was the sound of people turning. He also didn't come close to me. Two people lie in the same bed... but in between is cold space, and a broken relationship. That night, I could hardly sleep. Dreams are chaotic and patchy. Sometimes it's the cold face of her mother-in-law. Sometimes it was Chu Ngon's avoiding eyes. Other times... it's the image of me holding my child, wandering on an empty road, not knowing where to go. Woke up, it was just dawn. Dull headache. Next door was empty. Chu Ngon didn't know when he woke up... or he didn't sleep at all. I sat up, stunned for a moment. The sky outside the window was gray, so heavy that it made it difficult to breathe. A new day... starts as usual. It's just, there are some things that can't come back anymore. I got out of bed, washed my face, changed clothes to go to work. My eyes were a bit swollen, I used a cold towel to cover it, then applied light makeup to cover it. Don't fall. At least… it doesn't seem possible. I walked out to the living room. On the dining table, there was already purchased soy milk and stir-fry, still a little warm. Chu Ngon sat there, head down, scrolling through his phone. Hearing the noise, he looked up, his eyes a bit averted.

“I… bought breakfast.” He said dryly.

"YES." I replied, pulled out a chair and sat down, holding a stick and slowly biting it.

It's a bit boring. I have no appetite, but still force myself to swallow. I need strength. Need to be alert. To face what's to come. The two of them ate in silence. There was only the soft sound of bowls and chopsticks touching each other, and the occasional sound of birds outside the window.

“What happened last night…” Chu Ngon finally spoke, his voice a bit hoarse. "I said that... don't take it to heart. I was... a bit confused at that time."

My hand holding the cup of soy milk paused for a moment.

“I don't take it to heart.” I put down the cup, my voice calm. "I'm just telling the truth. She's my mother, I take care of her... which is the right thing to do."

Chu Ngon breathed a sigh of relief... then felt something was wrong. I'm too calm. That calmness made him uneasy.

“So… what you said…” He asked cautiously.

“It's also true.”

I interrupted him and looked up straight. Eyes clear and determined.

"Chu Ngon, we have been married for ten years. There are some things that I thought you would understand without needing to be told. It seems... I think too much."

“I'll say it again.”

“Listen carefully.”

"When your mother takes care of her old age, that is your duty and also my responsibility in terms of legal and ethical aspects. We need to spend money, we discuss and then take care of it together; we need to visit, we need to take care of it, we can arrange it together. I don't refuse those things."

I paused for a moment, then said slowly and clearly:

“But… letting you move in, letting me stay at home to serve you personally, letting you interfere in the life of this small family, even affecting Niem Niem—no way.”

“I don't agree.”

"This is my home. It is the last place for me and my daughter. No one is allowed to destroy it."

“Even your mother.”

“Even… you.”

The last two words, I said very softly. But it was like a blow straight to Chu Ngon's heart. His expression immediately changed, his lips parted— I didn't give him a chance to continue. I stood up, grabbed my coat and bag from the back of the chair.

"I'm going to work. I can work overtime at night, no need." Wait for me to eat."

Having finished speaking, I went to my daughter's door and knocked lightly.

“Nim Niem, wake up, mom will take you to school.”

My voice calmed down completely, like no storm had ever happened before. Chu Ngon sat still in his seat, watching me skillfully tie his child's hair, arrange his school bag, then take his hand and leave the house. From beginning to end... I didn't look at him again. The anti-theft door closes with a "click". The house immediately fell silent. He was alone... and the breakfast on the table was slowly getting cold. Chu Ngon ruffled his hair, his mind as tangled as silk. He knows I'm upset. I also clearly understand that my mother went over the limit yesterday. But stuck in the middle… what should he do? On one side is the person who gave birth and raised him. On one side is the woman who has been with him for ten years of marriage. Whichever side you lean on... it's all wrong. He thought he just needed to wait a little longer, coax a few more words, and then everything would be over. But now… It can't last any longer. I have changed. No longer the person who swallows everything, always putting himself first. Realizing that, a panic rose up in his heart that was hard to name. I took my child to the school gate. Squat down and adjust your child's collar.

“Nien Niem, today at school you have to listen to the teacher and play nice with your friends, do you understand?”

She nodded strongly, hugged my neck, and kissed me on the cheek.

“Mom, your eyes are so red… did you not sleep well?”

The child's voice was immature, but full of concern. The bridge of my nose suddenly stung, and tears almost came out again. I hugged my baby a little tighter.

“Mom, it's okay. Go to class, or you'll be late."

Looking at my child's tiny figure running inside, disappearing behind the gate, I slowly stood up. Take a deep breath. Forcing all weakness and self-pity to the bottom. Then turned around... walked towards the train station. Morning rush hour is still crowded. Everyone's face has the same tired look. I stood leaning against the corner of the car, following the slight shaking of the train. My mind was strangely alert again. I understand very well— What happened last night was just the beginning. Mother-in-law... will definitely not stop. With her personality, there are many more tricks behind her. As for Chu Ngon... Thinking about that, my heart turned cold. I can't continue to rely on him. At least… in this matter, he is not worth relying on. Even when needed, he may turn to pressure me. I can only rely on myself. Work… is the only thing I'm holding on to. It is also the root for me to stand firm in the future. I work as an administrative manager at a small foreign trade company in Hangzhou. Lots of work, not high salary, but stable. Before, I just wanted to take it easy and take care of my family and children. Can't think like that anymore. I need money. Need more money. We need enough capacity so that... even if we leave this marriage, my child and I can still live a decent life. Entering the office, I immediately adjusted my state. Show a standard smile, greet colleagues, handle emails, and organize work for the day. I have never worked as focused as I did today. During lunch break, I don't chat or surf videos. I opened my computer, went to recruitment sites, looked at the requirements of higher positions, and silently wrote down the points I was lacking. Log in to the industry forum that you haven't visited in a long time and read the latest news and professional articles. I still quietly contacted one An old friend who works in finance asked about investments and side income. Step by step, I go very slowly. But I know what I'm doing. Like a mother beast that quietly sharpens its claws before danger comes. Just to protect my child… and the last bit of territory. When it was time to get off work, as expected, I had to work overtime. By the time the final report was processed, the lights were on outside. I'm the only one left in the office. So quiet that you can clearly hear the empty space after the sound of the keyboard stops. I picked up the phone. Screen is clean. No missed calls. No messages. Chu Ngon did not ask me when I would return. On the mother-in-law's side... there has been no movement yet. That silence... makes people even more uneasy. I packed my things and walked out of the office building. The early autumn wind brings a bit of cold, blowing on your face, making your mind more alert. I'm not going home right away. I turned to a small cafe next door, ordered the cheapest Americano, and sat down near the window. Outside, car lights stretched into strips of light, people passing by hurriedly. I slowly took sips of bitter coffee. I'm waiting. Waiting for a call. Or… wait for yourself to be completely decisive. Sure enough, only half of the coffee was drunk when the phone rang. I looked at his name on the screen, let it ring a few more times, then leisurely picked up the phone.

"Have you finished work yet? When will you be home?" His voice sounded a bit tired, and there was a TV sound in the background.

“Just finished, on the way.” I replied leisurely. “Is there something wrong?”

“Um… that…” He hesitated. "My mother just called, saying her heart was a bit upset, her head was dizzy, and she was alone at home. My sister and her husband went out, so she couldn't call. I... have to go over there."

My hand holding the coffee cup tightened slightly. Faster than I thought. Just the first day.

“Yes, then go ahead.” I said, my voice waveless.

“Won't you… come with me to check it out?” He asked, carefully probing.

“What did I do there?” I asked back. "I'm not a doctor. Besides, Niem Niem is home alone, I don't feel secure."

The reason is completely reasonable. No one can refute it.