Chapter 10 — Mother-in-law Slaps Me, I Make The Whole Family Pay

I just stood there. Look calmly. Until she was injected with a sedative and fell silent again. In my heart, I told her the last sentence.

“That day she slapped me and said my mother didn't know how to raise her children.”

"Today, I use my own way to answer her. My mother taught me one thing - whoever hurts me, must repay it tenfold. And never underestimate an independent, capable woman with her own career."

Having finished speaking, I turned away. This time... it's truly over. My mother's company was also completely exonerated. The bribed tax officer has been dealt with. After the incident, my mother's reputation was even stronger than before. Everyone knows... Tuong Lam is not only good, but also very tough. Not easy to touch. Work therefore develops further. As for the Co family's relatives... On the outside they stayed away from me, but behind my back they tried to flatter me, ask for favors, and give me gifts. I don't care. I used the money I earned to buy a penthouse with a sky garden in the most beautiful location in the city. Welcome your parents to stay with you. On the day of moving house, sunlight penetrated through the large glass door, covering the entire living room. My mother is out in the garden taking care of the plants. My father was in the kitchen tinkering with the new oven. The air was filled with the smell of food and damp earth. I leaned back on the sofa, looking at everything. This is home. My life... Finally back on track. Even better than before. One year later.

“Studio Lam Van” has a solid foothold in the industry.

The first app developed by our team, thanks to its excellent user experience and refined design, won a prestigious international design award. I became a familiar guest at technology conferences and forums. The last news about Gu Wei I saw in the newspaper. Combined for many crimes, he was sentenced to three years in prison. Not long… but enough to be left behind by the times. When I read the news, I was preparing a speech for an important event. In my heart... no ripples. He... no longer has anything to do with me. My mother started hinting at an affair. Says that no matter how successful a woman is... she still needs someone by her side. She enthusiastically arranged a blind date. I smiled and skillfully refused each time. On the surface, it's not too early to say. But deep inside... I'm still a little wary of love. Until that time. At a global technology conference in Shanghai… I was a guest speaker, sharing the studio's perspective on the next generation of human-machine interaction. As soon as the speech ended, the entire audience applauded like thunder. I walked down the stage and was about to leave when a shadow stopped me.

“Lin Van, long time no see.”

The deep voice... strangely familiar. I looked up. The person standing in front of me, dressed neatly in a suit, had a calm demeanor and courteous temperament. Phuong Viet. One-time rival in college. We were always the two competing for first place in the class. I used to admire his talent and design thinking. After graduating, he went to Silicon Valley, and since then he lost contact. I didn't expect... to meet you here again.

“Your speech was very impressive.”

He held out his hand, his eyes sincere.

“Even better than when I was in school.”

“You're not bad either.”

I smiled and shook his hand.

“I heard that you are now a technical director at a large corporation.”

We stood in a corner of the hall and talked for a long time. From new technology trends... to the future of the industry... And then the years each person has gone through. An equal conversation. That feeling... I never had it when I was with Co Vi. Gu Wei needs admiration. As for Phuong Viet... He looks for harmony. Before leaving, he looked at me.

“Can we have dinner together?”

He stopped for a beat.

"Not talking about work... just want to hear you tell me how you've lived these past years."

I looked into his eyes. Sincerely. And curious... not hidden at all. Suddenly, the ice in my heart... cracked slightly. A new story, it's time to begin.

"Okay."

Another year has passed. My birthday. This time, it was held in my own home — a penthouse filled with sunlight. No more pressure. No more fake relationships. Only people I truly love. The core team of the studio. Some close friends. And… Phuong Viet. He didn't bring expensive gifts. Just a pot of green flowers that he took care of himself. Flowers bloom brilliantly. He said, its color... like mine. But there is still a very unique romantic feature. Everyone gathered together. Eat my father's dishes. Drinking good wine my mother kept. Laughter spread throughout the room. Exactly eight o'clock. My mother pushed the cake closer. The candlelight flickered, illuminating her gentle smile. On the cake, the words in chocolate read:

“Wishing my queen a happy birthday.”

Singing sounded.

“Happy birthday…”

I looked at the faces around me. Sincerely. I closed my eyes, clasped my hands, and silently wished. First wish. Parents are always healthy and always smiling. Second wish. Favorable career, constantly growing. Third wish… For myself. Hope I - Lam Van - Always be free. Always stay alert. And always know how to love yourself. I opened my eyes. Blow out the candles. Applause rang out. Cheers filled the room. It's a real smile. Radiant like the sun. The Black Forest cake shattered that year. The slap was painful. The birthday party was stuffy and suffocating. Has become a distant past. Those wounds... Have closed. Turns into the toughest skin. Reminds me of how I once fell. And how did you get up? Stronger. More pride.