Chapter 5 — Mom's Perfect Cousin

His voice sounded like it had been sandpapered over. “My cousin Hieu Van… he…” “Hieu Van?” I interrupted him. “Isn't she very nice?” "Mom said she's both understanding and talented, and much more careful than you." “With her there, how could something like this happen?” My words are like a sharp awl. Precisely piercing his most painful nerves. The other end heard the sound of heavy breathing. “Don't mention it again!” He finally exploded. "It's all because of your mother! It's all because of her!" “Lead the wolf into the house!” “Go home quickly, only you… only you remember where those things are.” His voice carried a plea. An almost humble request that I had never heard before. "Dad." My voice remained calm. “I'm on a business trip, the project is very urgent, I can't leave.” “Besides, even if I come back, what can I do?” “Didn't mom say that only having Hieu Van in the house is enough?” I threw the question back. “You… this child!” He was so angry that he lost his temper. “Is now the time to talk about this!” “It's all chaos in the house!” “Dad, hasn't this house always been like this?” I said softly. “It's just that someone used to clean up the mess.” “Now the person who cleaned up that mess is no longer there.” The other end was silent for a long time. “So… what should we do?” Finally he spoke again. The voice was filled with helplessness and confusion. Like a lost child. “How do I know what to do?” I said. “This is everyone's home.” “A guest invited by everyone.” “If a problem occurs, of course everyone has to solve it themselves.” “I…” “Dad, let me give you a hint.” I didn't wait for him to finish speaking. “Dad and younger brother, please reach an agreement first.” “You two think clearly about who this house really needs.” “Need a 'perfect daughter' who only knows how to say good things, making chickens fly away and dogs run away in the house.” “Or need someone who works quietly, can help people live peacefully like you.” “After thinking clearly, find me.” “Before you return, everyone must clean up the ‘trash’ in the house.” “If not, I won't have a place to set foot when I return.” 08 The alliance between my father and younger brother. Established faster than I imagined. After all, they are also the direct victims. A person who suffers destructive attacks in his career. A person whose beloved treasure was completely destroyed. Their common "enemy" quickly made them stand on the same front line. That afternoon. My brother sent me a text message. “Sister, I already told dad.” “We all support you.” “The other woman must go.” I answered with one word. "Okay." After that, I sent another message. “Mom's side, you two can solve it yourselves.” The younger brother replied with the "agree" symbol. I know. This negotiation will be very difficult. The rope protecting Hieu Van in her mother's womb was tighter than steel wire. Wanting her to bow her head is like forcing her to admit that her educational method for more than twenty years has completely failed. This upset her even more than death. After I hung up the phone, the argument in the house temporarily subsided. Dad and younger brother were unusually silent. This silence made her more insecure than the screams. Hieu Van hid in his room, not daring to come out. Mom brought him rice and water. “Don't be afraid, auntie is here.” "Your uncle just has such a hot temper. In two days it will be fine." "Your younger brother is also spoiled, don't compare yourself with him." Hieu Van blushed and nodded. “Auntie, it's all my fault.” “Or… you better go.” "I don't want to cause the whole family to quarrel because of me." It uses retreat as progress. Acting to the point of being pitiful. “Nonsense!” Mom immediately hugged it. “This has nothing to do with you!” “Whoever dares to tell you to leave, I will risk my life with that person!” “You can rest assured, I'll see who dares to do anything to you!” She is like a lioness protecting her young. Put all the spikes up. Prepare for a great battle. The great war broke out in the evening. Dad smokes cigarettes all day long. Lock yourself in your office. Didn't come out until dusk. Bloodshot eyes. He said to his mother who was sitting on the sofa watching TV: "Come here, ma'am."

a moment.” Mother did not volunteer to follow him into the room. The younger brother pressed his ear to the door. Report directly to me via messaging app. “She told Hieu Van to go.” It's dad's voice. Restrained but steadfast. “Based on what!” It's my mother's voice. Loud, full of anticipation. “What did he do wrong that you sent him away!” “Did something wrong?” Dad laughed coldly. “You asked him to see where my contract was!” “Then ask your son where his jersey is!” “It's only been a few days and this house has already been turned into something by it!” “Are you blind?” “It was all unexpected!” Mom is still stubborn. “Everyone makes mistakes sometimes!” “Your daughter has never made a mistake!” “Last time he broke a bowl, why didn't you tell him!” “Is breaking a bowl the same as ruining a five-million-star contract!” Dad's voice also rose. “Truong Tu Mai, can you explain a little more reason!” “I'm not making any sense!” Mom started to yell.