Chapter 22 — On Doan Ngo Day, They Forced Me to Give Up My House to My Younger Brother

I did not respond. Mid-Autumn Festival that year. I'm not going back to my old home. I attended the opening ceremony of a new store in Nam Kieu. The City Gifts area was filled with customers. Hua Tri Hanh stood next to me.

“The revenue is there.”

“The first day reached 1,200,000 yuan.”

I looked at the crowded stream of people.

“Higher than expected.”

He smiled.

“You did very well.”

I shook my head.

“It's the whole team doing well.”

He laughed.

“Now you look like a leader.”

I glanced at him.

“The survey period is not over yet.”

He nodded.

“I know.”

At that moment the phone vibrated. It's a message from mom. She sent a photo. On the table are red bean dumplings, salted egg dumplings and moon cakes. Accompanied by a line of text:

“This year is Mid-Autumn Festival.”

“We won't wait for you to come home for dinner anymore.”

“Just wanted to let you know that there is still a part in the house for you.”

I looked at the photo for a long time. Finally answer:

“Thank you, mom.”

She doesn't send any more long messages. Just reply:

“If you're busy, just work.”

“Don't let yourself get too tired.”

I put my phone away. Hua Tri Hanh asked:

“Family?”

I nodded.

“Some progress.”

He looked at me. I smiled.

“I also made progress.”

I looked at the bright lights in the store.

“I learned not to carry other people's mistakes on my shoulders anymore.”

He spoke softly:

“It's a huge step forward.”

I laughed.

“Don't praise too much.”

“No points will be added during the survey.”

“So I'll keep trying.”

One year later. Nam lane cake shop opened a second branch. The City Gift project achieved annual revenue of more than 28,000,000 yuan. I was promoted to deputy brand planning manager. Salary doubled. I paid part of the loan in advance for the two-room apartment in Nam Kieu. The rent for the South Lane store is regularly transferred every month. My parents also paid their debt on time. Although the amount is not large. But never interrupted. Lam Dieu changed two jobs. Finally settled at a logistics company. He still complains. But he no longer opened his mouth to ask for my things. Another Doan Ngo season has come. I received a box of baby cakes my mother sent me. There are red bean dumplings. Salted egg dumplings. Meat cake. Red apple cake. Two of each type. In the box there was a small piece of paper. Written on it:

“This year, you can choose for yourself.”

I put the piece of paper in the drawer. Hua Tri Hanh came to pick me up to cut the ribbon to inaugurate the new branch. He saw the box of dumplings on the table.

“What kind to eat?”

I picked up the salted egg cake.

“This kind.”

“Are you sure?”

I nodded. The opening ribbon cutting ceremony was very crowded. The former shop owner has now become the owner of two stores. I was still a bit nervous when speaking. But much more stable. On stage.

“Got it today.”

“We have to thank Lam Van.”

Applause rang out. I stood under the bleachers. Don't step up to compete for credit. Hua Tri Hanh leaned close to my ear.

“Don't you come up and say a few words?”

I shook my head.

“Today she is the main character.”

He nodded. Then quietly asked:

“So can I spend some time with you tonight?”

I looked at him. He took out a small box from his pocket.

“The survey period has completed one year.”

“I want to apply for an official transfer.”

I looked at the box in his hand.

“Are you planning to take advantage of when Doan Ngo is crowded?”

“So you can refuse right here.”

I turned on laugh.

“Who said you want to refuse?”

His eyes immediately lit up. I received the box.

“Let's move on to the probationary period first.”

He bowed his head and laughed.

"That's OK."

Out of the crowd. I see my parents. They did not come closer. My mother carried a bag of dumplings in her hand. Seeing me look over. She just nodded slightly. I also nodded in response. Lam Dieu stood next to them. In hand holding a shopping bag from the new branch. He shyly raised his hand in greeting. I didn't step forward. But don't avoid it either. When the opening ribbon is cut down. The second branch of South Lane officially opened. The shop owner hugged me. Crying and laughing at the same time.

“Miss Lam.”

“We did it.”

I smiled.

“You can do it yourself.”

She shook her head.

“If it weren't for you.”

“There wouldn't have been this beginning.”

I raised my head to look at the brand new sign on the store.

“Doan Ngo Ngo Nam Gift.”

A year ago. I was pushed to the limit. Cornered in front of the residential area gate. You have to risk your life to prove who you are. One year later. I stood in the middle of the busiest street in the city. No need to prove anything to anyone anymore. The house is mine. The store is mine. Life is also mine. Those people. Those words. The reunion meals were full of shame every year. Stayed very far behind. Hua Tri Hanh held my hand.

“Let's go, Deputy Chief Lam.”

I glanced at him.

“It's okay to call Mr. Lam.”

He laughed and nodded.

“General Lam.”

“Wish Doan Ngo a happy life.”

I picked up a cake. Peel off the green leaves. Take a bite. Sweet is fine. Salty is fine. Because this time. It's my own choice.