Chapter 3 — My Husband Wants AA, I'm Thinking About Divorce

The document that Tham Nhuoc Dong sent was more detailed than I thought. A local chain milk tea brand is looking to upgrade its entire identity system. From public accounts, product packaging, in-store display materials to short video samples. All are combined into one overall project. Price quotes range from 150,000 yuan to 250,000 yuan. If done well, the partner can also sign a long-term cooperation contract within a year. The scale of this project is larger than any order I have ever received before.

“Do you know their marketing director?”

I asked Tham Nhuoc Dong.

"Familiar, why not? I even organized her wedding last month."

Her voice message rang out very quickly.

"I sent her your portfolio to see. She's quite interested. You come up with a style plan first, I'll help you move on."

It took me three days to complete the proposal. During the day, go to work, cook, and clean. At night, I close the office door and draw from ten o'clock at night until two in the morning. Tran Khai Chu never asked me what I was busy with. It wasn't until the morning of the third day, before leaving the house, that he said one sentence:

"The office light is on every night. This month's electricity bill will be a little higher."

I didn't bother to respond. Saturday afternoon, Tham Nhuoc Dong helped me send the plan to the partner. That evening, the brand's marketing director responded.

"The style is very suitable. The colors are clear, my boss especially likes that set of illustrations. Can we arrange a face-to-face meeting to discuss?"

I looked at the phone screen. Unconsciously clenched his fists. If you get this project. That will probably be my biggest income in years. It could also be the start of something completely new. I replied:

“Any time is fine.”

Also that night, Tran Khai Chu was calling outside the living room. He turned on speakerphone. Ms. Luu Que Phuong's voice from the other end of the phone rang out clearly:

"Khai Chu, I bought your sister's train ticket and will arrive the day after tomorrow. Please clean her room and help her. Mom and Dad will come on Monday. I'll see if there's a good bone and joint hospital around there. My back hurts so much. Oh yeah, tell Niem So to buy two new sets of blankets and mattresses, it's about to get cold."

“Yes mom, leave it to me.”

He hung up. Didn't even turn around, just stood outside the office and called out:

"Nien So, tomorrow I'll go buy two sets of blankets. My parents and Vu Vy will arrive the day after tomorrow."

I put down my brush. Walk out the office door. Leaning against the door frame, he looked at him.

“What did you just say?”

"Go buy blankets and mattresses. Go tomorrow."

“How many people are coming?”

“My parents and Vu Vy.”

“How long?”

"Until Vu Vy finds a job. My mother can also examine her back."

“Why didn't you discuss it with me first?”

He turned his head, his expression full of confusion.

"What's there to discuss? It's normal for parents to come to their son's house to stay."

I said nothing. Just look at him. Five seconds later. I turned back to the office. Conveniently close the door. Outside, he muttered a sentence:

“I don't know what's wrong.”

Then continue watching TV. He also didn't go buy blankets or mattresses. Monday evening. Tran Khai Chu comes home from work. Behind him are three people. Luu Que Phuong. Tran Quoc Dong. Tran Vu Vy. Three people followed suitcases, big bags and small bags, standing at the door with a smiling face.

“Nien So!”

Ms. Luu Que Phuong smiled with wrinkles.

"Long time no see. Khai Chu told us to come and stay for a while. The house is bustling with new people."

Tran Quoc Dong nodded once. Carry your suitcase and go straight to the extra room. Tran Vu Vy had already plopped down on the sofa. She kicked her shoes aside, put her legs on the chair and sent a voice message:

"My loves, I've arrived in Hangzhou. My brother and sister-in-law's house is too small, but it's okay to stay temporarily."

I stood in the middle of the living room. Quietly look at the scene before your eyes. The apartment is only eighty-eight square meters. One master bedroom. An extra bedroom. An office room. Bring a ton of luggage. The bedroom belongs to Tran Vu Vy. The office has a folding bed for the parents-in-law. My drawing desk. My computer. My documents. All are in the office.

“That room is where I work.”

I spoke up.

“Isn't it okay if I move to the living room?”

Tran Khai Chu replied while pouring tea for his father.

“It's only a few days.”

Ms. Luu Que Phuong opened the refrigerator, looked around, then closed it. The voice immediately rose:

"Nien So, why is there not much food in the refrigerator? Your parents-in-law are coming and you haven't prepared anything? Hurry down and buy something. Your father wants to eat braised pork, Vu Vy doesn't eat spicy food, remember to add a pot of soup."

Tran Vu Vy lies down on the sofa. His head didn't even bother to raise his head.

"Sister-in-law, I really want milk tea. I ordered it for delivery. Please come down later to get it for me."

My temples twitched repeatedly.

“Tran Khai Chu.”

He held the cup of tea and turned to look at me.

“AA mode was suggested by you, right?”

The living room immediately fell silent.

"According to your rules, housework is either divided equally or converted into money. Now there are naturally three more people eating, living, and cleaning. My workload has tripled. Are you going to let me do it for free, or will you pay at market price?"

Ms. Luu Que Phuong had not yet received the cup of tea. The arm floats in mid-air.

“What did you say?”

I don't look at her. Just staring at Tran Khai Chu.

"Cooking costs 60 yuan per hour. Cleaning costs 3 yuan per hour. Going to the market and running errands costs 30 yuan per hour. I don't care how long you stay. Just tell me the budget in advance and I'll start working."

Tran Vu Vy jumped up from the sofa.

"Brother, look at her! What kind of attitude is this?"

Tran Quoc Dong put down his cup of tea. His face darkened. Tran Khai Chu's face was sometimes red and sometimes white. He walked closer to me, lowered his voice:

"Lam Niem So, do you have to cause trouble at this time? This is the first time my parents have come to stay permanently. Can't you give in a step?"

“Have you ever given me a step?”

I calmly looked at him.

"You brought three people into the house without asking me a single question. Have you thought about what I have to do? Have you thought about the extra work that will arise, who will do it? The AA regime is a rule you set up. So what? Now the rules are only used to bind me?"

"How can that be the same? It's a relationship!"

“My mother is in the emergency room, why don't you talk about love?”

I didn't raise my voice at all. But every word is clear.

"That day you told me, rules are rules. If you break the rule once, there will be a second time. Okay. So now just follow the rules. Or pay. Or do it yourself.”

Tran Khai Chu's throat was so blocked that he took half a step back. Ms. Luu Que Phuong immediately rushed forward, her voice high-pitched:

“What kind of daughter-in-law is this? Your parents-in-law come and you won't even cook a hot meal? Would you lose face if you spread it out?

“Then don't stay.”

I turned around and walked towards the bedroom.

“Tran Khai Chu, either arrange for them to stay in a hotel, or pay them at the market price. No one gets free food tonight.”

“You stop!”

Ms. Luu Que Phuong shouted behind her. I don't turn around. Vaguely heard Tran Vu Vy mutter:

“It's over, sister-in-law is really crazy.”