Chapter 10 — I Bring My Grandparents to Celebrate Tet

Lawyer Chau closed the file and looked at me.

“But a lot of people when dealing with this kind of thing… will choose to pretend to forget.”

He looked at me for a long time then said:

“Miss To, my advice is that you should talk to your father first.”

“If it can be resolved peacefully, it's best.”

“If that doesn't work... we will proceed according to the law.”

"I got it."

Leaving the law office, I stood on the side of the road. Early January in Hangzhou is bitterly cold. The wind blew straight into the collar. I took out my phone to call my dad. This is the first time during this trip... I proactively called him. The bell rang twice before being picked up.

“Tieu Niem?”

His voice was calmer than I expected.

“Dad, I'm home.”

“It's good to be back.”

“When are you coming home?”

"This afternoon."

He said "yes" once.

“You came alone?”

"Alone."

He said "yes" again.

“My aunt made fish, I like to eat fish.”

Having finished speaking, he hung up the phone. He said I like to eat fish. But what I like is braised sawfish. When my mother was still alive, she did it once a week. I can eat a whole one. He remembers I like to eat fish. But I don't remember... which type I like. At two o'clock in the afternoon, I arrived at my father's new house in Suzhou. Four bedrooms, two living rooms, the first floor also has a small yard. There were a few flower clusters planted in the yard, but in the middle of winter, only the spindly branches remained. The person who opened the door was Trieu My Phan.

"Tieu Niem is back? Come in quickly, it's cold outside."

She wore a camel-colored cashmere sweater, her hair tied in a bun, and just enough delicate makeup. The smile is also very fitting. Not too enthusiastic. Not too cold either. In the living room, my father was sitting watching TV. Seeing me walk in, he put down the remote. Trieu Uyen Tinh came down from upstairs. She was dressed in white, had soft fur slippers on her feet, and her hair was loose naturally. Seeing me immediately smiled:

"Tieu Niem is back? Are you happy, Tama? You've turned a little darker."

Trieu Hao did not appear. Trieu My Phan said he was playing games in his room and didn't like going out.

“Sit down and eat some fruit.”

She brought a plate of cut fruit and placed it on the tea table. I sat down, not touching the fruit plate. I looked straight at him.

“I have something to ask.”

Dad's hand rested on the sofa armrest.

“What?”

"The house is in my mother's name at 74 South Street, Cam Ho Town... do you know that someone is currently carrying out the transfer procedures?"

The living room was silent for two seconds. The teapot in Trieu My Phan's hand stopped in mid-air. The smile on Trieu Uyen Tinh's face also slowly disappeared. Dad looked at me and then glanced at Trieu My Phan.

“That…”

“It was dad who told my aunt to go to work.”

He spoke up.

"That house has been abandoned for many years. I heard it was about to be cleared so I thought I'd just take care of it to avoid trouble."

“What does it mean?”

“Change to Dad's name.”

"In the future, the compensation money will be transferred directly to my father's account, which is more convenient."

“What about you?”

“What about you?”

“That house was left to me by my mother.”

I looked straight at him.

“You also have the right to inheritance.”

Dad's face immediately changed. Not angry. It's the type of person who exposes you right on the spot, making you feel awkward and uncomfortable. Trieu My Phan slowly put down the teapot.

"Tieu Niem, your father has discussed this matter with me."

"You're still young, your job is stable. That money for release is not worth much to you."

"Wouldn't it be more convenient to let your father be the joint manager? I'll still have it in the future keep it for me..."

“Aunt Trieu.”

I interrupted her. The smile on her face immediately stiffened. Up until now, I have never interrupted her.

“I'm telling my dad about this.”

“It has nothing to do with aunt for now.”

Trieu My Phan's face suddenly turned pale. Trieu Uyen Tinh stood on the stairs, not speaking. My father opened his mouth first.

“Tieu Niem, what are you talking about? Your aunt just wants the best for you."

I calmly looked at him.

“This house was left to my mother by my grandfather.”

"Mom passed away, according to the law, I am the first heir."

"Anyone who wants to touch that house... must have my consent."

“I am your father.”

His voice began to get heavier.

“Dad, don't you still have the right to handle it?”

“Dad can handle his part.”

“But don't touch my part.”

The living room was silent again. Trieu My Phan's fingers unconsciously rubbed the seam of his pants. Trieu Uyen Tinh retreated up two stairs as if she wanted to return to her room. But in the end she still stood there looking at me.

“Tieu Niem!”