Chapter 21 — On Doan Ngo Day, They Forced Me to Give Up My House to My Younger Brother

The atmosphere at the dining table became bustling again. There are sweet cakes. There are also salty rice cakes. I tried a piece of each type. End of month. The first store rental payment has been transferred. The notes section reads:

“Rent for South alley store.”

I transferred that amount to a separate account. The account name is:

“My grandfather left it to me.”

My mother transferred 2,000 yuan.

“First installment of debt repayment.”

I receive money. Say nothing more. Lam Dieu actually started working the night shift. His cousin saw him once at a convenience store.

“I've lost a lot of weight.”

“Talk less.”

“But I still roll my eyes.”

I replied:

“If you know how to go to work, you can do it.”

Cousin asked:

“Will you forgive them?”

I looked at the lights outside the window.

“No rush.”

The City Gift project is progressing very quickly. Before Mid-Autumn Festival. The company organizes an internal review session. After switching parts. This is Trieu Man's first time returning to the meeting room. She represents the new department to coordinate. Put the file in front of me.

“Master Lam.”

“This is my side's coordination list.”

I flipped through a few pages.

“It's more standardized than last time.”

Her face was a little red.

“What happened last time…”

“The email I read.”

She nodded.

“Thank you for not pursuing further.”

I looked at her.

“You paid the price.”

She smiled bitterly.

"That's right."

The meeting is halfway done. Hua Tri Hanh walked in.

“I have good news.”

Everyone looked over simultaneously.

“The Doan Ngo Lane Nam project has been selected for the list of Outstanding Urban Business Models of the Year.”

“The company decided to give a special reward to the project team.”

“Lam Van alone received a reward of 100,000 yuan.”

The entire meeting room echoed with applause. Even Trieu Man clapped his hands. Not reluctant at all. Hua Tri Hanh looked towards me.

“One more thing.”

“The new store in Nam Kieu is about to open.”

“The City Gifts area will be your entire responsibility.”

I nodded. After the meeting. I received a text message from my father.

“Your mother went to school today to wrap salted egg rolls.”

Right after that. He sent another photo. My mother is standing in the kitchen. Hands are sticky. Funny clumsy movements. I looked at the photo for a long time. Late afternoon sunlight filtered through the window. Shine on her face. For the first time in many years. I don't feel angry anymore. But it cannot be called forgiveness. Some wounds will heal. It just takes time. Just like the dumplings on the table. Before, I could only eat what others left behind. And now. I can choose what I like. And my life. I answered with exactly two words: My mother texted back almost immediately: One day before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Lam Dieu proactively sought me out. The meeting place is the Nam alley bakery. He wore a convenience store uniform and his hair was cut shorter than before. As soon as he sat down, he placed an envelope on the table. Inside is 3,200 yuan. Attached is a crossed-out debt note.

“Gift box compensation.”

“I paid it all.”

I put the envelope away. He sat there, looking uncomfortable.

“I didn't come to make peace.”

“You'll know when you see it.”

He gritted his teeth.

“I just wanted to tell you that I can pay.”

Lam Dieu looked at me.

“Can you please stop talking in that tone?”

“What voice?”

He choked. Unable to answer. A very long time later small talk:

“I always thought before.”

“Everything in the house should be mine.”

I didn't speak up.

“Now being scolded by the convenience store owner.”

“I just found out.”

“When I go out, no one gives in.”

“It's the basics of life.”

His face immediately turned red.

“Can't you say something nice?”

I looked at him.

“At least pay.”

“You did the right thing.”

Lam Dieu paused. Then bow your head.

“I will also pay off all the money I owe my parents.”

“That's between you and them.”

He stood up. He hesitated for a long time. Finally, it is difficult to say:

“About that photo that day.”

I looked at him. That was the first time. Lam Dieu sincerely apologizes. I put the envelope in my pocket.

“I heard you.”

He seemed like he wanted to say something more. But in the end did not say. Just turned around and left. The shopkeeper poked her head out from behind the counter.

“He has changed.”

“Just a little.”

She laughed.

“A little bit is just the beginning.”