Chapter 6 — I Returned After 18 Years and Found Mother's Lifelong Secret

I looked at them. Look at this family — selfish to the core. Suddenly I find it funny. I said nothing. Just turn around and pick up a simple backpack. Prepare to leave this nauseating place.

“Where are you going!”

Dad staggered to his feet, intending to hold me back.

“Vi Vi, don't go looking for him!”

"Lam Dao is not a good person! I can't fight you!"

I stopped walking. Don't turn around.

“This matter is mine.”

My voice is cold.

“Since eighteen years ago, it no longer has anything to do with you guys.”

I pulled the door. Prepare to step out. Giang Minh seemed crazy and rushed to block the door.

“You can't go!”

He stretched out his arms to block the way.

"If you make a fuss, Lam Dao will definitely find me to cause trouble!"

"It's all because of you! It's all because of you!"

“You have to solve this!”

I looked at his face distorted with fear. Eighteen years. He's still someone who only cares about himself.

"Handle?"

I laughed. I pulled my phone out of my pocket. Right in front of him, about to dial three numbers.

“I'm calling the police.”

“Reporting the construction site accident that year.”

“Denunciation of usury loans.”

“And denounce your collusion to appropriate my property.”

“Let them handle it.”

Giang Minh's face turned white in the blink of an eye. Giang Minh is really scared. His mouth was still screaming to gain momentum, but his feet didn't dare take another step. He is not afraid of Lam Dao. He is afraid of the police. Fear of losing everything you have. House, car, reputation, the cover of "successful person" that he clung to for eighteen years. I didn't say another word. Push him aside. The door behind him slammed shut. Stop all the arguing and sobbing. I stood in the middle of the dark staircase. The air is still musty and stale. But I felt strangely relieved. Eighteen-year shackles. Today, I broke it myself. I went downstairs. Catch a taxi in front of the apartment complex gate. I didn't go to the hotel. Also don't go to the airport. I told the driver an address. A name assembled from pieces of information in mother's letter. Old Tea Alley. The driver looked at me through the rearview mirror. The eyes look a bit strange.

“Girl, that place is a mess.”

“What are you doing there?”

“Find someone.”

I answered briefly. He did not ask further. The car rolled away. The city falls behind. The road gradually narrows. The house is getting lower. Finally the car stopped in front of an alley so narrow that it was impossible to enter. I pay. Step down. The smell of dampness, grease and cheap tea mixed together hit me. On both sides are rows of old houses. Peeling paint. Electric wires are tangled like spider webs. This place is like the dark side of the city. Forgotten. But still living in a very wild way. I stepped deeper inside. The prying eyes followed. My clothes, my aura, were completely out of place here. I don't mind. At the end of the alley is a tea shop without a sign. The door is small and dark. Several tattooed men sat in front of the door, their upper bodies naked. Seeing me, they whistled. Eyes full of invasion. I pretended not to listen. Stop in front of the shop.

“I'm looking for Lam Dao.”

My voice is not loud. But clear enough. The whistling sound stopped. Several people looked at each other. A guy stood up and examined me from head to toe.

“Who are you?”

“He won't see you.”

I took out a black and white photo from my pocket. Lam Phong's photo.

“Show this to him.”

“He will see me.”

The guy hesitated for a second. Then took the photo and walked into the darkness. Not long after, he returned. The attitude is different.

“Mr. Dao told you to come in.”

I nodded. Inside the light was dim. Thick cigarette smoke. Just a few old tables. At the deepest table, there was a man sitting there. About fifty years old. Short, a bit fat. Faded t-shirt. From the outside, it looks no different from the crowd outside the door. But his eyes are different. Cold. Sharp. Danger. His name is Lam Dao. He was also looking at me. In front is a tea tray. The kettle boiled. He didn't speak. Just rolled his eyes and signaled me to sit. I pulled out a chair and sat down opposite.

“Daughter of the Giang family.”

He spoke up. Light hoarse voice.

“I've been waiting for you for a long time.”

“You're later than I thought.”

I raised my eyebrows slightly.

“You knew I was coming?”

He laughed softly. Pour me a cup of tea. The tea is as dark as amber.

“You and your mother are alike.”

“There is something very tough in the bones.”

“She's dead.”

“The debt naturally transferred to you.”

I looked at him. Not expressive.

“650 thousand, I accept.”

He said casually.

“Your sister's life, I also ignore it.”

“Looks like it's over between us.”

His voice changed tone. His eyes sparkled with play.

“Before you left, your mother came looking for me again.”

"She's afraid I haven't let go of your family yet."

“So she suggested another deal.”

My heart tightened slightly.

“What transaction?”

Lam Dao did not answer immediately. He reached into his pocket. Take out an object. Place on the table. Gently push towards me. A key. Bank safe key.