Chapter 1 — My Husband Wants AA, I'm Thinking About Divorce

My husband just increased his salary to 50,000 yuan a month. The first thing after returning home was to request to apply the AA regime. He said it's financial independence, it's mutual respect. I smiled and agreed. He was extremely satisfied, feeling that he had married an understanding wife. Two weeks later, he took both his parents and younger sister to Hangzhou to live with him. Luggage large and small filled the living room. At seven o'clock in the evening, he stood at the kitchen door and called out:

"Nien So, why haven't you cooked rice yet? My mother wants to eat braised ribs, Vu Vy wants to drink soup, hurry up."

I sat on the sofa, not moving at all.

"Cooking is fine. Hourly wage is 60 yuan, meal for four people plus grocery expenses, today about 320 yuan. Pay in cash or transfer money?"

His face immediately turned pale.

“Nien So, I want to discuss something with you.”

Tran Khai Chu placed his work bag on the shoe cabinet, his tone as if he were in a project meeting. I closed my laptop.

"From next month, your salary structure will change. Basic salary plus performance bonuses and project commissions, average monthly after-tax income can reach 50,000 yuan."

He looked at me, waiting for a reaction.

“Congratulations.”

“Not only that.”

He pulled out a chair and sat down at the dining table, tapping his fingers on the table twice.

“I think we should do the AA regimen.”

"Yes. Financial independence, everyone manages their own money. Reduces conflicts, making the relationship more pure. Many couples are like that now."

I looked at him. Thirty-three years old, every time he speaks, he has the habit of raising his chin slightly, as if reading a previously prepared plan.

“What about housework?”

"It's still the same. You cook, I wash the dishes, and clean up together on weekends. Only money is separate."

“House payment?”

"Divided according to income ratio. You earn 15,000 yuan a month, I earn 50,000 yuan. You pay one-quarter, I pay three-quarters. Fair and reasonable."

“What if my family needs money urgently?”

He paused for a moment.

"That is my family's responsibility. Just like when my family has something to do, I handle it myself. Isn't it better to have clear boundaries?"

I looked at him intently. Suddenly it felt like every word coming out of his mouth was drawing boundaries. One way, then another. The distance between me and him.

"Really?"

He was a bit surprised.

"I've thought it over carefully. Just do as I say."

Tran Khai Chu leaned back in his chair and breathed a sigh of relief.

"I know you are a reasonable person. Someday I will make a statistical table, clearly listing all common expenses, both fair and transparent."

That night, I lay with my back to him. In less than three minutes, he was asleep. I looked at the light filtering through the curtains, constantly thinking about the two words "fair" he said. Four years of marriage. Ultimately, a spreadsheet is needed to define what is fair. The next night, Tran Khai Chu indeed sent me documents via WeChat. Much more detailed than I thought. House installment payment, management fee, electricity, water, gas, internet, food, household appliances, parking management fee. The last line also reads:

“Family emergency fund: each person deposits 500 yuan a month.”

“Consumables such as laundry detergent and paper towels will be purchased on a monthly basis.”

While eating, he said:

“I will send you a statement on the 5th of every month, before the 10th of your transfer money."

The chopsticks in my hand stopped.

“Do paper towels count too?”

“For AA, it must be thorough, otherwise disagreements will easily arise.”

He raised his chin slightly.

“Ah yes, I also used the tube of toothpaste I bought last week. Half a tube, charge me one-third, give me 9 yuan.”

I put down my chopsticks.

“Okay. Anything else?”

“That's it for now. Just do it one month in advance, if there is anything missing, add it later.”

After eating, he pushed the bowl into the middle of the table and then went to the sofa to sit and look at his phone. Bowls, chopsticks, and plates were arranged in a row on the table, still glistening with grease.

“Go wash the dishes.”

“Um, wait a moment.”

Twenty minutes passed. The pile of bowls is still there. I didn't move my hand. After another ten minutes, he sighed and stood up, muttering:

“There's no need to rush.”

Then carry the bowl into the kitchen. The sound of running water stopped in less than two minutes. I went over to take a look. There is still a layer of oil at the bottom of the bowl. I said nothing. That night, I read and reread the spreadsheet he created from start to finish. Then open a new document. Take notes on other things. For the past four years, cooking dinner has taken an hour and a half every day. Cook two meals on the weekend, a total of three hours. Go to the market twice a week, forty minutes each time. Every month, arrange seasonal clothes, schedule maid appointments, and pay all kinds of bills. Wash his shirt. Iron his trousers. Empty the sink every time he shaves. Schedule a medical examination for him. Remind him of his parents' birthday. Buy a holiday gift and send it home for him. All of those things. Never included in any statistics. If he wants to calculate. So calculate clearly.