Chapter 8 — My Cousin Used My House To Swindle 11,800,000 Yuan, But Didn't Know The House Was Cleared

“Registered capital of fifty million yuan, the actual controller's name is Hua Quang Dat.”

“In the scope of business, there is a section called 'real estate mortgage consulting services', but in reality they do a lot more than consulting."

“There are quite a few complaints online, most of them related to high interest rates and violent debt collection.”

“There's one more thing.”

“What?”

“The person who handled Tham Tu Hien's loan documents is named Trieu Bang.”

"I checked. Trieu Bang is a senior customer manager of Hang Thai. Last year, he was internally punished for disbursing money illegally."

“But after being punished, he continued to work, proving that someone above had his back.”

“Not manager Ton?”

"Manager Ton is the regional director, the documents reach him for approval."

“But the person directly running the process is Trieu Bang.”

“Think about it, for a loan of 11,800,000 yuan, you only need to go there and look at it to know if the house book is real or fake.”

“Trieu Bang or intentionally didn't go.”

“Or he already left, but colluded with Tham Tu Hien.”

This observation completely coincides with lawyer Ha's speculation. Tham Tu Hien alone cannot handle everything. Someone was behind him helping him. What does the person who helps him want in exchange? Of that 11,800,000 yuan, how much went into Tham Tu Hien's pocket? And how much goes into other people's pockets? I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. The phone lights up again. Vuong Tu Lan's WeChat messages. A voice chat. I pressed open the recording.

"Nhuoc An, I've been thinking all night, I feel that a family member shouldn't end up like this because of this."

"Tomorrow, my aunt will prepare a table of food. Come over to our house to eat. Let's sit down and have a nice talk to clear up any misunderstandings."

"My uncle also told me that Tu Hien's story will definitely give you an explanation."

"We're all family, there's nothing we can't overcome, are you right?"

The voice clip is forty-two seconds long. Every word is sweet. So sweet that it makes my teeth hurt.

“Come home for dinner.”

“One family.”

“Sit down and talk.”

I can almost imagine Vuong Tu Lan's expression when sending this voice clip. There are things that cannot be avoided. I answer in two words.

"Twelve noon! Auntie goes to the kitchen herself!"

The response speed was so fast that it seemed like she was always holding the phone waiting. I placed the phone screen face down on the table. Chu Man's message has not been answered yet. I thought for a moment then texted her a sentence.

“Tomorrow at noon, Vuong Tu Lan called me to his house for dinner.”

Chu Man immediately sent back three question marks.

“You're not really going there, are you?”

"Are you crazy? This is clearly Hongmen Yen."

“You still go if you know?”

“I want to see what she plans to do.”

Chu Man was silent for half a minute then sent a sentence.

“Then I'll go too.”

“What are you going to do?”

"I'm your best friend. If you go out to dinner, can't I come along?"

“Besides… if you sign something haphazardly, at least someone will stop you.”

I hesitated for a few seconds. Before I put the phone down, I did one more thing. Turn on the recording function on your phone and test the sensitivity once. The sound is very clear. Before leaving the house, I did one more thing. I put a photocopy of the clearance compensation contract, the certificate of cancellation of ownership, and the bank statement in my pocket. Not for anyone to see. Which is to in case of unforeseen circumstances. Noon the next day. Tham Quoc Luong's house is located in an old neighborhood, an old apartment with two rooms and a living room. When Chu Man and I arrived, the door was already open. Vuong Tu Lan dressed neatly in a floral shirt and apron, smiling warmly and walked out to welcome him.

"Nhuoc An is here! Come in quickly!"

"This is your friend, right? Welcome, welcome!"

She was enthusiastic as if nothing had ever happened. On the round table in the living room were six dishes, and an open bottle of wine. Tham Quoc Luong sat on the sofa. When he saw me coming in, he stood up to say hello. As soon as I entered the door, I looked around. Two-room apartment with one living room. The bedroom door is closed.

“Where is Tham Tu Hien?”

"Tu Hien will be here soon! On the way!"

Vuong Tu Lan smiled brightly and put the chopsticks on the table as he spoke.

“Nhuoc An, sit first, sit first.”

I sat down. Chu Man sat next to me, silently observing the surroundings but saying nothing. Vuong Tu Lan brought a bowl of porridge and placed it in front of me.

"When I was little, I liked this bowl of porridge the most. My aunt specially cooked it for me."

I don't touch it. I looked at her.

“You called me here today… what do you want to say?”

The smile on her face stiffened for a moment.

“Let's just eat rice!”

"When family members sit together to eat, everything can be slowly discussed."

At that moment the door opened. Tham Tu Hien walked in. He lost weight. His face was gray. The previous arrogant look had completely disappeared, replaced by a cowering look full of insecurity. As soon as he saw me, he called out:

“Nhuoc An…”

The voice was as small as a mosquito's cry. Then seeing Chu Man, he stopped and turned to ask his mother:

“Nhuoc An's friend.”

Vuong Tu Lan winked and signaled him to sit down. Six-seat dining table. Currently there are five people sitting. The extra chair is still empty. Vuong Tu Lan raised his glass of wine.