Chapter 7 — I'm No Longer A Reasonable Daughter-in-law

This time, I clicked to view the other person's profile. Kien To Design Studio. Established five years ago, the number of projects is not many, but each work is very stylish. Last year's rural library renovation project also won a Silver award in a domestic design award. The studio director is Luc Vien Chu. I thought all night, then answered with just one word: The next morning, we video called for about half an hour. Luc Vien Chu is in his thirties, wears black-rimmed glasses, and speaks calmly. He sent me project documents for me to look over——an abandoned textile factory in the western suburbs, planned to be converted into a general cultural space. The budget is not too abundant, but in return there is freedom to be creative.

“Our team has three people, missing one person specializing in developing space ideas.” He said, “Looking through your work, I see that your direction is very suitable.”

“Currently I don't work at any company.” I speak frankly.

"It's okay, you can cooperate as a freelancer. You can work remotely, no need to go to the office."

“What is the cost?”

"The immediate idea stage is twenty thousand. If the project is approved and implemented, there will be a percentage of profit."

Twenty thousand yuan. It's not a big number, but for someone like me who just quit my job and brought my child back to live with my grandmother's house, it's like a rope being dropped while sinking.

“I need to think more.”

“Okay, no rush.”

Turning off the video, I sat on the balcony, watching Doa Doa playing box jumping with the children downstairs. The spring breeze passes by, carrying with it the smell of damp soil and young grass. I opened my computer, created a new folder. Name: "Weaving factory project". Then start sketching. Every night Ha Tuan calls me. Mostly just trivial things—how today's meeting went, the company cafeteria changed chefs, management announced elevator maintenance. Sometimes Doa Doa snatches the phone, chirps and tells a long story, boasting that she drew a huge dinosaur today, boasting that her grandfather taught her how to play chess and won three games in a row. Ha Tuan's voice on the phone at that moment became soft, gentle to the point of being unfamiliar. But absolutely, he did not mention Ha Man's family. Until the tenth day. After nine o'clock at night, Doa Doa fell asleep. I went to the balcony to answer the phone.

“To Uyen.” Ha Tuan's voice clearly sounded tired, "I talked to my dad today."

I leaned back in my chair, waiting for him to continue.

“I repeat what you think, that you find this unreasonable.”

“How did he react?”

"Dad said..." Ha Tuan hesitated, "He said that house is his, he has the right to decide. If you return, it will be as if nothing ever happened, but if not, then... there is no need to return."

I nodded slightly, even though I knew he couldn't see. Everything is predictable.

"And you?" I asked, “What did you say?”

Ha Tuan was silent for a long time.

"I said... what you said makes sense, Ha Man and his wife should go out and rent a house."

"His mother cried on the spot, saying he had a wife and had forgotten her. Ha Man also cried, saying she didn't expect her biological brother to treat her like that. Dad pounded the table and scolded him for being useless."

Hearing this, my heart slightly wavered. Not for himself, but for Ha Tuan. It's not that he doesn't want to be on my side, it's just that from childhood to adulthood, he never learned how to say "no" to his family. In his world, obedience is synonymous with filial piety, and compliance is synonymous with correct. But sympathy is one thing, principles are another.

“So the results?”

“… They still stay.”

I laughed softly.

"Ha Tuan, do you think talking about it is enough? If talking doesn't solve anything, then what's the point of talking?"

"I'll repeat your thoughts. What about your own thoughts? Do you think it's right or wrong? Which side are you on? Give me a clear answer."

On the other end of the line, there was only the sound of gasping for breath.

“I'm on your side.” He said firmly, “But I don't know what to do.”

“It's easy.” I replied, my voice cold, "Give your sister two weeks to find a house and then move out. If she doesn't go, I'll go."

"You heard me clearly. Two weeks. Either they leave, or you leave. I don't mind letting you stay at my parents' house. But I won't go back to a place where I don't have the right to speak up."

Ha Tuan was silent for nearly half a minute.

“…Let me think more.”

"Okay. Two weeks is enough."

I hung up the phone, then texted Phuong Linh.

“I just gave Ha Tuan an ultimatum.”

She immediately replied: “Content?” I tell the whole story.

“So beautiful.” Phuong Linh sent an applause emoji, "But I bet they won't move out."

“So just wait and see.”

“By the way, what have you been doing lately? Have you disappeared?”

I hesitated a bit: "I just received a project to renovate an old factory."

"What? You quit your job and still work?"