Chapter 6 — Don't Use The Two Words 'Filial Obedience' To Tie Me Down

"That house belongs to mother. Whoever she wants to give it to is her right."

“We take care of you… because you are his mother.”

“It's not because of that house.”

The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds. Then Chu Manh's voice became sharp:

"Okay, you're really noble. If you have the courage, don't regret it later."

“I have never aimed for something that does not belong to me.”

After I finished speaking, I immediately hung up. Put the phone down. I gently rubbed my temples. This call... only proves one thing more. Their chessboard— It's already laid out. They not only wanted a "free worker" like me, but also wanted to use that house as bait and chain, to tie up Chu Ngon, and even tie up this small family. Unfortunately, I didn't fall into the trap, I don't need things that don't belong to me, but things that belong to me I absolutely won't give up. It was calm on the outside, but inside the waves were getting more and more fierce. I knew clearly that a bigger storm was still behind. I had to stand firm first, otherwise once I was caught up, there would be no way back. Sure enough, half a month later, the storm hit. It was Friday night. I had just picked up Niem Niem from gifted class and was preparing to cook when Chu Ngon called.

"Wife... mom... mom fainted! The neighbors called me, called an ambulance, they're taking me to Hangzhou No. 1 Hospital, you have to come over immediately!"

His voice trembled so much that his panic was audible. My heart clenched, this time it didn't sound fake. I forced myself to calmly ask: "Is the situation serious? What do the neighbors say?" He replied quickly: "I'm not sure... just said I suddenly fell down, couldn't wake up... I don't say anymore, I have to go now!" After speaking, he hung up, as if he couldn't wait another second. I looked at the half-washed vegetables in my hand and took a deep breath to stabilize myself. Whether real or fake, since I was in the hospital, I technically had to go, but I couldn't get into trouble, and I couldn't bring my child with me. I quickly cleaned up, called my neighbor to help babysit Niem Niem for a while, saying I had urgent business and had to go out. After arranging, I changed clothes, grabbed my bag and phone, and immediately ran to the hospital. On the way, I texted Chu Ngon: "I will contact you when I get to the hospital. Niem Niem has already sent the neighbors, don't worry." He didn't answer, probably still panicking. The emergency department of Hangzhou No. 1 Hospital was brightly white, noisy people, and the smell of disinfectant mixed with anxiety made the atmosphere heavy. Outside the emergency room, I saw Chu Ngon walking back and forth like a shuttle, his face pale, his forehead full of sweat. Next to them were Chu Manh and her husband. Chu Manh had red eyes, had clearly been crying, and was leaning on her husband. I walked over and called: "Chu Ngon." He turned around, as if he had found support, and immediately held my hand tightly: "I'm here... mom is still inside, the doctor hasn't come out yet... what should I do..." His hand squeezed so hard that it hurt me. I removed his hand and patted his hand gently: "Let's wait for the doctor to come out first." I tried to keep my voice steady, not revealing my emotions. At that moment, the emergency room door opened, a doctor wearing a surgical gown stepped out, took off his mask and asked: "Patient Luong To Phan's family?" Chu Ngon and Chu Manh immediately surrounded them.

"Yes! Yes! Doctor, how is my mother?"

Their voices almost overlapped. The doctor quickly said: "The patient has a sudden brain hemorrhage, the amount of blood is not large but the location is dangerous, it is currently under temporary control, but not yet in the dangerous stage." dangerous, need to go to ICU for monitoring.” He continued: "The family goes through the hospital admission procedure, pays a sum in advance, the patient is elderly, treatment and recovery will be very strenuous, everyone is mentally prepared." Hearing "brain hemorrhage", my heart sank. This time it wasn't an act, she was really sick, and it wasn't mild. Chu Manh immediately said: "Doctor, use the best medicine, invite the best experts, money is not a problem!" Chu Ngon also hurriedly said: "Doctor, please save my mother!" The doctor nodded: "We will try, everyone go do the procedure first." After speaking, he returned to the emergency room. The two cousins stood still, completely confused, not knowing what to do next. I spoke up: "I'm going to do the procedure." Chu Ngon seemed to wake up and quickly gave me the documents. I took it, didn't say anything else, and went straight to the counter.

“Five thousand in advance.”

The staff spoke briefly.

“I swiped my card.”

I showed my card, without hesitation. This is not the time to calculate. What needs to be done... must be done first. When I returned, she had been transferred to the ICU, and her family could only stand outside and watch through the monitor. On the bed was a thin body, filled with tubes, looking at it made my heart heavy. Chu Ngon sat down on the chair, covering his face with both hands. Chu Manh stood next to her and sobbed. And I stood silently in front of the closed door. There was only one clear thought in my heart— Everything... from here really begins. Chu Manh still kept calling, like he was trying to find more acquaintances to help him cope. The air is so heavy that it makes it difficult to breathe. I leaned my back against the cold wall, looking at the familiar but distorted face on the surveillance screen. All kinds of emotions arose in my heart, some pity, some sighs, but more were worries for the days ahead and a cold alertness. She fell down this time, so many things... I'm afraid it will get messed up. I understand clearly that this is not just a disease, but a chain of consequences that follow.