Chapter 10 — I Return From The Deep

I don't look at her. Look straight at the president.

“Mr. Chairman, I have one more request.”

“Please talk.”

“Considering that the evidence related to this accusation may face the risk of being destroyed——at dawn at 3 o'clock today, someone used the access card of the Tong Uyen Nghi research group to enter laboratory 407.”

I presented the screenshot of the card swipe record that Luc Tham gave me.

“I request the Council to immediately initiate the evidence preservation process for laboratory 407. Proceed to seal electronic storage in old equipment in the room.”

Tong Uyen Nghi's face changed in that moment. Not that pitiful red look anymore——but pale white. Pure white. She turned to look at me, tears still in her eyes, but the things hidden under those eyes had changed. A resentment that is dark and cold like a poisonous snake. Just one flash. Then she immediately bowed her head, used a tissue to wipe her eyes, and covered it up. The Chairman looked at the photos and exchanged a few words in a low voice with the members next to him. Then nodded: "Reasonable request. This afternoon we will send someone to seal the relevant equipment in room 407." I let out a sigh of relief. But just a little. Because if she had done it last night——then the seal would have only gotten an empty, formatted hard drive. Just bet. Bet she hasn't cleaned up all the traces yet. The testimony session ended. When I walked out of the administrative building, the sun was already very high. The sunlight blinds my eyes. Her steps were a bit wobbly——it wasn't clear whether it was due to exhaustion from stress or an illness that was progressing. Luc Tham's car is still parked in the same place. I walked over, just about to open the car door——

“Giang Niem So.”

There was a call from behind. I turned my head. Tong Uyen Nghi is standing on the steps of the administrative building. There was no one else around. The tear stains on her face had dried. The weak appearance also disappeared. Instead, there was an expression I was all too familiar with——the superior, the superior, certain of victory. She slowly walked down the steps, her heels clacking on the stone. Stopped two meters away from me. Smile.

“Little sister Niem So, do you really think a USB and some old torn notebooks can overturn the verdict from 4 years ago?”

I said nothing. She tilted her head.

"Do you know who the chairman of the appraisal committee for this case is? Trieu Duc Minh. Last year when he approved the professorship, the letter of recommendation was written by me."

Her smile widened a little. “Do you think he will help you?” My hands clenched into fists. Nails dug into palms. But I didn't say a word. Lawyer Chau advised——not to be emotional. When Tong Uyen Nghi saw that I didn't answer, she burst out laughing again. Take half a step closer, lower your voice:

"Also, last night your brother came to see me. Guess what he said to me?"

My teeth clenched.

"He said——'Uyen Nghi, Niem So just went out, his mental state is not very good. If he does anything to offend you, I will take responsibility'."

She stared into my eyes, saying every word clearly: "He is responsible."

"Niem So, up to now your brother is still cleaning up the consequences for you. Don't you think you should be grateful?"

My breathing stopped for a second. Then I heard my own voice, very flat, very cold.

“Speak Are you done yet?”

She froze. I turned around and pulled the car door. “Tong Uyen Nghi, I don't have time to fight with you.” Sit in the car, close the door. Luc Tham looked at Tong Uyen Nghi through the rearview mirror. “Let's go?”

“Go.”

The car rolled away. I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes. Hands are still shaking. Don't be afraid of her. It's hate. Hate Giang Tu Hanh. Today, we have come to this step. He still spoke up for Tong Uyen Nghi. Still consider me a crazy person "in a bad mental state". Four years in prison taught him nothing.