Chapter 14 — Eating a piece of sea cucumber, I sent my husband's family out the door

“General Zhao has said too much.”

“Dinh Thinh Company's plan is also excellent.”

He laughed.

“General Manager Lam.”

“Hopefully there will be opportunities to cooperate in the future.”

"Certain."

I nodded. Then get in the car. Before leaving, I looked back at the city government building. Sunlight reflects on the glass outside. So bright that it makes people squint. This project... Is a new beginning for Tinh Than Technology Company. Also a new beginning in my life. The company is starting to enter a busy period. Every day I leave early and come home late. Even meals are done right in the office. My aunt stayed at my house for a week and then returned to her hometown. Before leaving, I was told again and again to eat and drink on time. I verbally agreed. But in reality, it's still instant noodles every day. That night. I worked overtime until ten o'clock. Preparing to go home. Tieu Ngai knocked on the door and entered.

“General Manager Lam.”

“There is someone downstairs who wants to see you.”

“Been waiting for three hours.”

“She said her name was... Chu Tieu Man.”

I was momentarily stunned. Chu Tieu Man. That name. I haven't heard it in ten years. Stepmother's daughter. My titular stepsister. From small to large. Her stepmother always treated her like a princess. Every time I get hit. She just stood aside and laughed. Eighteen years old. When I left that house. She wore a dress bought with my tuition money. Standing at the door waving.

“Ms. Nhuoc Van.”

“After you leave, that room will belong to you.”

Ten years no see. Now it suddenly appears. Definitely not a good thing. I picked up my coat.

“Let her come up here.”

Two minutes later. Chu Tieu Man walked into the office. She changed a lot. Fatter than before. His face no longer looks youthful. Small wrinkles appear at the corners of the eyes. On his body was a worn wool sweater. Hand carrying a plastic bag. Completely different from the arrogant princess of the past. See me. She was stunned for a few seconds. Then try to smile.

“Nhuoc Van.”

"Long time no see."

I leaned back in the chair. Looked coldly at her.

“If there's something wrong, say it directly.”

The smile on her face stiffened.

“Nhuoc Van.”

“I know you hate me.”

“But I came here today... not for myself.”

“It's because of my father.”

My eyes immediately turned cold.

“He is not my father.”

Chu Tieu Man bit her lip.

“He is not my biological father.”

“But these past few years... his health has been very poor.”

“Last year was diagnosed with cirrhosis.”

“The doctor said I need a liver transplant.”

“Otherwise…”

She bowed her head.

“He has no money.”

I laughed.

“So you came to find me?”

She was silent.

“When you kicked me out of the house.”

“Have you ever thought about whether I have money or not?”

“When you guys use my tuition money to buy dresses.”

“Have you ever thought about whether I have enough to eat or not?”

Chu Tieu Man's face turned red.

“Nhuoc Van.”

“I know I was wrong for you when I was little.”

“But I was young then.”

“I don't understand.”

“Don't understand?”

My voice is a bit higher.

“At thirteen years old.”

“You told your mother that I stole your necklace.”

“Your mother told him to beat me.”

“In the end, the necklace ended up right under her pillow.”

Chu Tieu Man bowed her head. Can't say a word.

“Nhuoc Van…”

“Me tell her to go.”

She stood still for a few more seconds. Then turned around and left the office. She suddenly stopped.

“Nhuoc Van.”

“He probably won't survive this year.”

I didn't reply. The door closed. I sat motionless in the office. Outside the glass door. The night was pitch black. I always feel a little uneasy in my heart. Busy day with work. But every night I lie in bed. Old memories came rushing back. My stepfather was drunk and beat me. I hid under the bed. Through the bed sheet. Seeing his feet step by step getting closer. My stepmother tore up my textbooks. Scolding that girls study so much for nothing. It's better to go to work and make money. And my father. My biological father. He sat in the corner. Don't say a word. It's not like he didn't know I was wronged. He just didn't dare to speak up. He is afraid of his stepmother. Afraid of stepfather. Afraid that the so-called "family" will break up. He chose to sacrifice me. When I was fifteen years old. One night I woke up hungry. I sneaked down to the kitchen to find food. Caught by stepfather. He kicked me hard in the stomach. My father stood right at the bedroom door. Look at all. I called out: Take a step back. Then close. Since that moment. I understand. That man is not worthy to be my father. Now he is about to die. An old man over sixty years old. Need a liver transplant. There is no money for treatment. If I let it go. He will probably die. Should we help? Friday night. I called her.

“Do you know about his illness?”

She was silent for a moment.

“Why didn't you tell me?”

“I'm afraid you'll be in trouble.”

“It's really difficult for you.”

“Nhuoc Van.”

“Whatever you decide.”

“I also support you.”

I leaned against the balcony railing. Look at the lights in the distance.

“Do you think I should help?”

“This question.”

“Only you can answer that.”

I thought for a long time. The next day. I asked Tham Thanh to help me find the best hospital to treat my liver. I called Chu Tieu Man.

“I will pay for the surgery.”

“But I have the conditions.”

“What conditions?”

“The story of treatment and surgery.”

“You arrange it yourself.”

“The money will be transferred directly to the hospital account.”

“I won't show up.”

“I won't visit him either.”

The other end of the line was silent for a long time. After hanging up. I took a deep breath. That is not forgiveness. I just don't want to spend the rest of my life feeling like I abandoned someone's life. It's as simple as that. Together with the government, I organized one meeting after another. Every detail in the implementation process is unified and gradually improved.