Chapter 5 — Messages From the Extra Bedroom

On weekends, they also organize barbecue parties in the common area and spend their own money to buy food and drinks. She also took fruit and went door to door to visit, begging people to vote for her. In just a short time, her reputation in the area reached its peak. The group of residents were full of flattery. "Tieu Truong is such a good girl, so enthusiastic." "Thanks to her, the relationship with neighbors in our building is much better." "I will definitely vote for Tieu Truong this time!" Truong Thien read those flattering words, her happy tail seemed to curl up to the sky. She also pulled me into a small group that didn't include Ky Hoai, but were all residents who had been taken advantage of by her. There she posted a photo of the scratch on my car. People in the group immediately realized: "Isn't that Ms. Lam's Aston Martin? Limited product, just repainting the scratches will cost hundreds of thousands." Truong Thien immediately continued: "Guys, look, that's the owner of house 3201, Lam Duyet. Last time her car was scratched, she suspected I did it, and even accused me of going around smearing it." She began to play the pitiful role. "I'm just a girl, I'm not related at all, being treated like that by her, I'm really wronged." Everyone in the group immediately defended her. "That's too much! Why is Lam Duyet like this?" "Knowing your face doesn't know your heart." "Don't be afraid, Tieu Truong, we support you!" That's exactly what she wanted. Not only did she aim for the award, but she also wanted to tarnish my reputation before going on stage to receive the trophy. She also secretly hinted that I had a bad job. She was afraid of being exposed, so she didn't let her hire me. The rumors are becoming more and more thrilling. Some people said they saw luxury cars taking me home in the middle of the night. I became the “mysterious and fallen woman” in the whole district. Looking at the phone screen filled with insults, my eyes grew cold. Ky Hoai called out, his voice filled with worry. "Miss Lam, public opinion is unfavorable. Can I speak up and explain?" "I don't need to." I replied calmly. "Let her cause trouble, the noisier the better." "But..." "Ky Hoai, the bait has been released, now the job is to wait for the fish to be hooked."I don't need a simple vindication. I want her to fall from the top, broken into pieces. 7The "Star Resident of the Year" vote has entered the final round of voting. Truong Thien's votes far exceed everyone. She has begun to consider herself an official “resident star.” In the management office, she pointed five fingers at her colleagues, her tone bossy. Even right in front of Ky Hoai, she dared to slap a stack of repair tickets on his desk, forcing him to handle it. Ky Hoai lowered his eyes, his fingers clenched the file tightly, his joints turned white, but still gently replied: "Okay." That makes her even more arrogant. She thought that soon, this whole area would be under her control. The night before the voting deadline, she sent me a WeChat message: "Lin Duyet, tomorrow is the residents' conference, then the results will be announced. As a neighbor, I sincerely invite you to definitely come, to witness my glorious moment with your own eyes." After that sentence, there was also a smiling emoticon. The provocative intention is clear in every detail. I only replied with two words: "Okay." Maybe she didn't expect me to agree so easily, so half a day later she still hasn't texted back. I put down the phone, opened the computer, gathered all the evidence I had collected recently, and cut it into a video. At the end of the video, is a document. A copy of the real estate ownership certificate, stamped in bright red. The “Owner” section clearly states my name. I saved it to USB, the corner of my lips curled up into a cold smile. Truong Thien, your moment of glory? No, that will be your day of reckoning. The resident conference is held in the multi-purpose hall of the area. That day, a lot of people attended, it was full

seat. Truong Thien wore a branded white dress, sitting in the front row in the center, as arrogant as a peacock with its tail spread out. She linked arms with her parents, all three faces beaming with joy and pride. The director and several colleagues in the company were also present — all specially invited by her to "witness". She wanted everyone to see her victory, while I was trampled underfoot. When I arrived, the ceremony had already begun. I didn't go past the registration desk, but walked straight through the side door backstage. Ky Hoai is waiting.