Chapter 6 — Five Years After the Truth

"Five years ago, in an incident related to the wishes of classmate Le Toc, I spoke inappropriately without fully understanding the truth, causing hurt to her a second time. Now I solemnly apologize."
Not many likes. But there are a lot of comments. Someone said: "You're taking it too seriously." Someone said: "What's the use of apologizing now?" Some people also sarcastically said: "Le Toc is living well now, is everyone starting to come back and apologize?" I looked over once. Then turn it off. In the afternoon, my mother called me. Her voice was very soft.
“Toc Toc, I saw what happened on the internet.”
My nose is a bit stingy.
"Mom."
She said: “Your father also saw it.”
“He sat on the balcony for a long time.”
“Then he said, our daughter is finally vindicated.”
I couldn't help it, tears fell. In these five years, I have never cried in front of anyone. But when I heard my mother say this, I suddenly felt like I was eighteen years old again. That summer was too hot. It's so hot that I can't breathe. Mom asked: "Are you coming home for dinner tonight?" I said: “Yes.” She laughed.
“Mom packed dumplings for me.”
“Egg chive filling?”
“Yes, my favorite.”
I wiped my tears.
"Yes."
As soon as I hung up, the law office receptionist knocked on the door.
“Lawyer Le, someone is looking for you.”
I raised my head.
"Who?"
The receptionist's expression was a bit strange.
“Sam Yeu's father.”
9
Sam Yeu's father's name is Sam Kien Binh. Before, he spoke very little. Every time their family causes trouble, it is usually Tan Man who rushes in first. He stood behind, smoking tobacco, saying nothing. But not saying anything doesn't mean being innocent. When he entered, his hair was disheveled. In his hand he carried an old cloth bag.
“Le Toc.”
He stood at the door.
“Can I say something to you?”
I look at the time.
“Ten minutes.”
He sat down and placed the cloth bag on the table. Inside is cash. Heap by stack. Tied with elastic band.
“There is one hundred and twenty thousand yuan here.”
“Now our family can only take out this much.”
I don't touch.
“What do you mean?”
Sam Kien Binh bowed his head.
“Compensate you.”
I laugh.
“Uncle Sam, what your daughter stole is not only worth one hundred and twenty thousand yuan.”
His hands trembled.
"I know."
“So what did you come for?”
He suddenly raised his hand and slapped himself. Very loud. The receptionist outside also looked over in surprise. I frowned.
“Don't act in front of me.”
Sam Kien Binh's eye sockets turned red.
“I don't act.”
“For five years, I have never slept well.”
“The day Yeu Yeu received the admission notice, I knew something was wrong.”
“His score is not enough.”
“But his mother said that when the opportunity comes, you have to take it.”
“Qin Shao also said nothing would happen.”
“I… I won't stop you.”
I coldly said: "It's not that you didn't stop me."
“But I tacitly agreed.”
He choked.
"Correct."
“I tacitly agreed.”
“I think your home's conditions are good.”
“Think my parents are capable.”
“I think I can retake the exam for another year.”
“I think my daughter can finally change her life.”
“So I pretended not to see.”
He cried. A man over fifty years old cried so much that his shoulders shook.
“But over the past few years, it has become more and more useless.”
“Lying, comparing, wanting the best in everything.”
“His mother even said it was what he deserved.”
“Not until he wanted to get engaged to the house Huo, I just realized it couldn't stop anymore."
I looked at him.
“So you regret it?”
He nodded.
“Regret.”
"It's late."
He closed his eyes.
“I know it's late.”
“I didn't come today to beg you to forgive him.”
“I just beg you not to pursue his mother.”
I laugh.
“Did Tan Man tell you to come?”
He said nothing. I immediately understood. I pushed the money back.
“Take it away.”
Sam Kien Binh panicked.
“Le Toc.”
“Your father saved me once that year.”
“Do you remember?”
Of course I remember. When he was young, Sam Kien Binh fell and was injured at a construction site. My father helped contact the hospital and even advanced the hospital fees. After that, the two families became close. Sam Yeu just became my friend. He said hoarsely: "Out of respect for your father..." I suddenly stood up.
“Do you still have the face to mention my father?”
He was startled. I stared at him.
"My dad helped you, not letting your whole family come and harm me."
"That year my father had a heart attack. Did you all go to the hospital to see him once?"
“You guys are not.”
“Qin Man also said in the apartment complex that he faked his illness to gain pity.”
Sam Kien Binh's face turned pale. I said every word: "Today if you dare to use my father's kindness to force me, I will immediately throw you out." His lips trembled. Finally he slowly bowed.
“Sorry.”
I dialed the internal phone.
“Sending guests off.”
Sam Kien Binh carried the money and walked to the door. He suddenly turned his head.
“Le Toc.”
“Can Yeu Yeu really go to jail?”
I looked at him.
“She planted the seed when she was eighteen years old.”
“Now I'm twenty-three years old, it's time to receive my reward.”
Tears immediately fell from his eyes. This time, I am not soft-hearted.
10
The case progressed very quickly.