Chapter 2 — Mom's Perfect Cousin

“I told you because I wanted the best for you.” “I know.” I nodded. “So I thought, just letting Hieu Van come stay for a few days and sign up for a class, I wouldn't learn anything.” “Let's just let her move in permanently.” “Just let her perform well.” “It also allows children to open their eyes and learn how 'understanding' and 'competent' people are." I said in a very sincere voice. Her bright eyes looked at her. Full of "sincerity" and "expectation". Mom was completely convinced by me. Or to be more precise, she was convinced by the beautiful scenery in her imagination. It seemed she had seen it. After Hieu Van arrived. This family will be completely renewed. I was "reformed" into a new daughter, in accordance with her expectations. She can show off to anyone she meets. “Look, my two daughters, each one is better than the last.” "Okay! Okay! Okay!" She spoke three times in a row. Happy like crazy. So excited that my face turned red. “My daughter really knows how to think!” "Tomorrow! No, I'll call your aunt now!" She picked up the phone, her hands shaking. In this matter, mother demonstrated an unprecedented ability to act. The phone call ended less than half an hour ago. She burst into my room. “Quick, take out your blanket for Hieu Van to use.” “And my new four-piece bedding set, Hieu Van likes blue.” “You should also clean up your desk, Hieu Van still has to study.” I didn't move. “Mom, my room is the extra bedroom.” “Isn't there still an empty living room in the house?” That room is bigger than my spare bedroom, and the lighting is also better. “How can that be!” Mom refused without thinking. “That room is empty and has not been cleaned.” "Besides, Hieu Van is here, of course he has to stay in the best room!" She looked around my room. “I think this place is very good for you.” “Go move to the living room, I'm not home often anyway.” Her so-called "not often at home" means that I go to work every day from early morning to late at night. "Okay." I nodded. No arguments. Silently began to pack things up. Books, computer, some regular clothes. My belongings are not many. It didn't take long for a suitcase to be packed. My mother is very pleased because I "know how to think about the big picture". Early morning the next day. She and her father drove to the long-distance bus station. Go pick up her "perfect daughter" herself. My younger brother also followed. I heard it was to help carry luggage. I'm not going. I said the company suddenly had an urgent matter. Mom impatiently waved her hand. “Go, important work.” "With Hieu Van in the house, there's no need for you anymore." I looked at the three of them. It's like welcoming a distinguished guest. Joyfully walked out of the house. I returned to the empty house. Open the computer. Send an email to your direct supervisor. The subject is: Application for business trip. Location is: A branch two thousand kilometers from home. Time is: Three months. The reason is: Supporting the branch to complete an urgent project, I myself have a lot of experience with this project. In the attached file is a detailed analysis and plan to advance the project that I stayed up all night to work on. I know. My boss won't refuse. Done sending email. I started packing my luggage. No need to move to the living room. It's about moving out of this house. I only brought a few clothes that were in season. Along with some essential items. Three o'clock in the afternoon. The boss called. “Tieu Chu, I have approved your application for a business trip.” "Urgent project, you can leave tonight." “The company booked you the earliest flight.” “Yes, boss.” I hung up. Bring your suitcase. Looking back at the house I've lived in for more than twenty years. Three days later. I'm in the branch meeting room, monitoring project progress. The phone in silent mode continuously vibrates. I picked it up to see. It's dad. More than a dozen consecutive missed calls. I went to the end of the hallway and called back. The phone was picked up almost immediately. “Go home quickly!” Dad's voice came. Carrying irrepressible trembling. “Go home quickly!” “This house cannot live anymore!” Right after that. The younger brother's voice message on the messaging app was sent

continuously like a bomber. I opened the news first. It was its almost pitiful cry. "Sister! Please go home quickly! I beg you!" "I'm about to go crazy! I'm about to be forced to go crazy by that woman!" 04 Dad's trembling voice and little brother's crying. Doesn't create any ripples in my heart. I'm just a little curious. It's only been three days. What did my “perfect” cousin do? Time goes back three days ago. I just landed. Mom's phone called. “Daughter, you really have to learn Hieu Van properly.” In her voice was filled with pride. “We just got home, our luggage hasn't even been put down yet.” “He took up cleaning jobs and cleaning tables.” “No matter how much you stop it, you can't stop it!” I can imagine that scene. My cousin tied her hair in a ponytail. There was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. On his face was a pleasing, humble smile.