Chapter 5 — Half a Life Lost, Half a Life in Peace

"There's a restaurant downstairs that sells breakfast."

It glared at me.

"Mom has changed."

I nodded.

"That's right."

Co Minh Vien's face immediately sank.

"To Van, don't take your anger out on the boy."

I suddenly asked him:

"The day Co Niem was born, where were you?"

Co Minh Vien paused.

"Why do you ask that?"

"Just ask casually."

"At the hospital."

"Is it there from beginning to end?"

His eyes suddenly lost their naturalness.

"Of course."

I looked at him and didn't ask any more questions. In my previous life, when I gave birth, I had severe bleeding. He was in a coma for a long time before waking up. When I opened my eyes, the baby was placed next to me. Mother-in-law told me:

"It's a boy."

Co Minh Vien looked extremely happy at that time. And that day... Hua Tinh also went to the hospital. She smiled and said:

"Van Van, you are truly blessed."

"The first child born is already a boy."

At that time, I was both weak and happy. Basically don't pay attention to anything else. But now that I think about it... Why did she appear outside the delivery room? At that time, were she and Co Minh Vien really just friends? Co Niem did not eat breakfast. Put on your bag, then slam the door and leave. Co Minh Vien's face was extremely ugly.

"Are you satisfied now?"

I didn't pay any attention to him. Just pick up the car keys.

"I'm going to work."

He stopped right in front of the door.

"Mom has another checkup today."

"I'll take a break."

"I can't ask."

"I was still able to ask before."

I laughed.

"So I almost got fired before."

His voice was filled with impatience.

"What's wrong with my job selling medicine?"

I looked at him.

"Co Minh Vien."

"Do you know how much money I make each month?"

He stopped. Unable to answer. I continue to ask:

"Do you know what time I go to work and what time I leave work?"

His expression became even more unsightly. I don't stop.

"Do you know how much tuition I have paid for Co Niem over the years?"

"Do you know how much money I spent on medicine for your mother?"

"Do you know how much money I paid for this house?"

He said angrily:

"What's the point of a husband and wife making such clear calculations?"

I looked straight into his eyes.

"Because you plan very clearly."

I opened the drawer and took out a file folder. Inside is the entire history of money transfers I've spent on my family over the years. I placed it in front of him.

"From today onwards."

"All household expenses are divided in half."

Co Minh Vien seemed to have just heard the most ridiculous thing in the world.

"To Van, are you crazy?"

I stuffed the file bag into his hand.

"The part I spent more than thirteen years ago, I won't pursue."

"But from today."

"Electricity and water bills."

"Management fee."

"Co Niem's tuition."

"Your mother's hospital bills and medicine."

"Each person bears half."

Co Minh Vien's face turned pale.

"Did someone instigate you?"

I know the first person he thought of was Hua Tinh. Because in my previous life... The person who was best at sparking separation was her. Only this time, she didn't have time to act. I calmly said:

"No one instigated it."

"I just suddenly thought clearly."

"I marry you."

"Not selling yourself to the Co family."

Having finished speaking, I pushed past him and walked out. On the way to the company, Hua Tinh called next. Her voice was filled with worry.

"Van Van, Minh Vien just called me."

"Are you two arguing?"

I smiled softly.

"Did he tell you this story too?"

The other end of the line was silent for a beat.

"Don't misunderstand."

"He's just worried about you."

I ask in return:

"If he was worried about me, why didn't he call me directly?"

The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds. Very soon, Hua Tinh returned with her familiar gentle tone.

"Your mood hasn't been very stable lately."

"Is it your aunt's problem that puts too much pressure on you?"

Same in previous life. Every time I protest. She always said I was emotionally unstable. Later, my mother-in-law and Co Minh Vien also used that same sentence to oppress me.

"Are you in menopause?"

"Are you sick?"

"Should I go see a psychologist?"

I calmly replied:

"I'm very stable."

Hua Tinh sighed softly.

"Van Van, I really want the best for you."

"In the end, women still have to rely on their family."

"Don't make things too stressful."

"Family?"

I looked at the rapidly receding rows of houses outside the car window. Then softly asked:

"Hua Tinh."

"In your opinion, what is called family?"