Chapter 17 — From the day I reported losing my card, I started a new life

Very soon, my phone vibrated. Notification of money in account. First is 630,000. Then — 1,000,000. Plus watches and handbags. Not a penny missing. I stood up. Looking down from above at those two broken people.

“Money — I've had enough.”

“The grudges between you, or the turmoil between you and Liu Yumei — no longer have anything to do with me.”

“From now on, we owe no one anything.”

Having said that, I didn't bother to look at them again. Together with Lam Man, he turned around and left the room filled with the smell of calculation and deception. The moment the door closed — inside immediately rang out more intense arguing sounds. But all that... was no longer important. Step out of the building. The sunlight was so bright it was blinding. I took a deep breath. In my chest — is the smell of freedom. I walked with Lam Man out of the apartment building. Behind that door is the self-destruction of two people who once defied everything for desire. And in front of me - is the endlessly wide sky, which belongs only to me. Lam Man drove me. Soft music sounded in the car, the melody was clear as if it had just been washed by the rain.

“How does it feel?” she asked.

“It's like just throwing away a glass of milk that's been left for ten years until it's gone stale.”

“Even though the cup was empty… the air suddenly became easier to breathe.”

Lam Man burst into laughter.

“Good analogy, I like it.”

“What are you going to do next?”

When I said those two words, my heart was strangely quiet.

“To my own home.”

“Clean up the last of the trash.”

Lam Man glanced at his watch.

“I'll go with you.”

“No need, apprentice.” I shook my head.

“This is my matter, I want to end it myself.”

“Besides… now they probably don't have the strength to cause trouble anymore.”

"That's OK." She nodded.

“But I still sent my assistant and two security officers over there.”

"They didn't come up to the house, they just stood downstairs waiting for me."

“It's better to be safe than sorry.”

This time I didn't refuse. Faced with people like them - no amount of preparation is ever too much. We arranged to meet at the gate of the residential area. When I arrived, Lam Man's people were already standing there: an agile female assistant, and two tall bodyguards in black suits. Just looking at it is enough to make people feel secure. I gave a few instructions and then walked alone into the building that had been so familiar for the past ten years. Today is the last day of the three-day deadline I gave them. Standing in front of the house, I didn't use the key. I rang the bell. Inside, the sound of hurried footsteps was heard. Chu Minh Hien stood there. Compared to when he was in Lieu Y Y's apartment, he was even more emaciated. His eyes were hollow, his beard grew jagged — as if his soul had been drained overnight. Seeing me, his lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something. But in the end, he just quietly moved aside. I walked in. The living room was even more pathetic than last time. Half-closed cartons and belongings scattered everywhere — like the scene of a robbery. Luu Ngoc Mai and Chu Kha Han sat on the sofa. Both eyes were red. On his face was the same dumbfounded look... and resentment. They no longer rush forward like before. Just staring at me — like I was the one who ruined their entire lives. I don't bother to pay attention. Just calmly say:

“My paralegal and security are standing downstairs.”

“I also called the moving company. They'll be here in fifteen minutes.”

“The People can put things down themselves.”

“Or let them help — throw it all down.”

My words made all three stop.

“Hua An Nhien! Don't be too much!”

Chu Kha Han screamed.

“We have already paid! What else do you want?

“That's what you owe me.”

I looked at her coldly.

“And now — you guys owe me a clean house.”

“Kha Han, shut up.”

Chu Minh Hien interrupted. He looked at me, his eyes filled with helplessness.

“We will move…”

“Give us a little more time.”

“My time is precious.”

“Since the day you opened my safe, I have given enough.”

“Now — not even a minute.”

My phone rang.

“Hello Ms. Hua, we have arrived at the gate of the area.”

“Okay, you guys go up now.”

I hung up and looked at them one last time.

“The car is here.”

“Choose for yourself.”

Suddenly, Luu Ngoc Mai stood up. She stared at me. That look was no longer aggressive, nor resentful — but rather calm to the point of being terrifying, like ashes after a big fire.

“Hua An Nhien.”

She said every word.

“In my whole life, the thing I regret most... is letting Minh Hien marry you.”

“My biggest regret… is marrying him.”

I responded immediately, without avoiding it.

“You think you ruined ten years of my life?”

“The one who was destroyed — was the second half of your son's life.”

“Without me…”

“What is Chu Minh Hien?”

Having finished speaking, I turned away. Go to the balcony and open all the windows. Let the wind bring fresh air to blow away the rotten smell that has accumulated over a decade. Soon, the moving staff arrived. Looking at the messy room, they hesitated. I pointed to the packed boxes.

“You guys move all of this down.”

“And all the things in the other two rooms — also take them away.”