Chapter 9 — I Returned After 18 Years and Found Mother's Lifelong Secret

I looked at him. The last bit of pity disappeared. He's a parasite. And never know enough. I said one word. His face was red with humiliation and anger.

"Giang Vi! Don't be too harsh!"

He rushed forward like a dog whose tail was trampled. Grab my backpack. I'm prepared. Lean away to avoid his hand. Then lift the knee and push it straight into the lower abdomen. He groaned, bending over like a boiled shrimp. At the same time, the alarm in the safe room rang loudly. I don't look back. Wear your backpack, turn your back. Step out of the stuffy room. The heavy metal door closed behind. Stop the cursing and whining. I got out of the bank. The weather has been gloomy ever since. The cold wind whipped my face. But I'm more alert than ever. At that moment, the phone in my pocket vibrated. I answered the phone. Lam Dao's voice slowly passed through.

“It seems you have chosen.”

"Congratulations."

“You are much more interesting than your mother.”

“Miss Giang.”

“The game really begins now.”

“Ten o'clock tonight.”

“West dock, warehouse number three.”

“I have some last stories about your mother… to tell.”

“Come alone.”

“If not, tomorrow it will be in the news… maybe it won't just be your father's old case.”

Phone disconnected. But Lam Dao's voice still rang in my ears. Bring a bit of ridicule. And the malice is not hidden.

“The game really begins now.”

I stood on the steps in front of the bank. The cold wind blew dry leaves under my feet. The sky was gloomy as if it was about to rain. This city welcomed me in the worst way possible. I'm not afraid. Only a cold calm remained in my heart. Like the sea before the storm.

“Mom's last story.”

What could be more cruel than using my life to exchange for my brother's peace? I don't dare to imagine. But I know, I have to go. This is not a multiple choice question. Which is the last piece of the puzzle I had to uncover. I call a car. Do not go straight to the harbor. I told the driver to keep driving around the city. I need time. Digest all that happened today. Dad's weakness. Mother's calculation. The younger brother's shamelessness. Lam Dao's cruelty. Each face alternately appeared in my head. Together they weave a net. Locked me up for eighteen years. Now I will tear it up myself. Outside the window, neon lights flash past like a stream of broken stars. The city is both familiar and strange. I leaned my head against the window. Empty. I opened my backpack. Take out the purple wooden box. The rough diamond lay silent. Like a dusty star. It witnesses a love betrayed. A hidden crime. And thirty years of a family's distortion. Now it's my only weapon. Also the ultimate prey in Lam Dao's eyes. I squeezed it in my palm. The cold feeling keeps me awake. I can't lose. This game, I have to win. Nine thirty at night. I got off the bus some distance from the west port. The rest of the way, I go by myself. The harbor air is salty and smells of sea and rust. The giant cranes stood still like steel beasts. Desolate. In the distance, a few train whistles sounded empty. I found warehouse number three. An abandoned warehouse with rusty walls. The iron door opened a crack. Pale yellow light shines out. Like the mouth of a trap. Wait for me to come in. I don't hesitate. Adjust your backpack. The sound cut across the night. I walked in. The inside is so empty it's creepy. Dust suspended in the air. In the middle of the warehouse there is only one lonely light bulb. Under the light is an old table and two chairs. Lam Dao sat on a chair. Turn your back to me. He didn't look back. As if he knew I was coming.

“You're here.”

His voice rang out, echoing in the empty space.

“More punctual than I thought.”

I pulled out a chair and sat down opposite. We were separated by a patchy table.

“What do you want to say?”

I get straight to the point. Not social. He slowly turned around. Still the smile controls everything.

“Don't rush.”

"I've waited all these years, what's wrong with a few more minutes?"

He withdrew the medicine. White smoke obscured his wolf-like eyes.

“Aren't you curious?”

he asked.

“Why didn't your mother call the police that year?”

“In her hands, she has enough evidence to incriminate your father.”

“She can absolutely get justice for my brother.”