Chapter 17 — Reclaiming the Future

Just slowly turn around. “I didn't dare before.” “But today you dare.” Ha Man's eyes panicked for a moment. At that moment, the human resources man outside the door returned. He stood outside, holding up the phone, his voice tense. “Mrs. Manh.” “Our boss just looked at the documents.” “He said this fake signature file had a very bad impact.” "If Mr. Ly does not give an explanation, our factory will cancel the cooperation and hand over the entire exchange history to you." Dad suddenly looked over. The HR man added again. "In addition, we will no longer pay the introduction fee for Mr. Ly that was promised." Mom turned her head to look at dad. “Introduction fee?” Dad's face immediately turned white. 18 The three words “introduction fee” fell like a basin of ice water into the living room. I stared at dad. “Dad takes me to the factory and still gets money?” Dad's lips trembled, but his first reaction was no explanation. He screamed at the HR man. “Don't talk nonsense!” “What is the referral fee?” The man also did not want to bear the burden for him. “Mr. Ly, you said it yourself.” “He said her performance was good and the factory used it as propaganda to show off her face.” “He also said that as long as we were willing to pay a sum of money in advance, he could guarantee that she would sign for two years.” “We did not agree to pay upfront.” “Just say that after the person officially starts working, they will pay referral bonuses according to regulations.” I listened until my hands and feet were cold. It turns out that in my father's eyes, I am not a girl. It's a slot that can be exchanged for a bonus. Is the labor force that can be forced into the factory. A chess piece used to protect sons and daughters-in-law. Mom looked at dad, for the first time true disgust appeared in her eyes. “Ly Hoai Nhan.” “You really make me nauseous.” Dad seemed to be stabbed by that sentence and suddenly turned to her. “What right do you have to say that to me?” "For many years, in this house I have not had any merit, but I have also suffered." “I just want to help my family overcome difficulties.” “Where did I go wrong?” Mom closed the window. “The mistake is that you never considered Nam Chi a human being.” “He just sees her as a daughter who can be sacrificed.” “Being a sister can make up for a brother.” “It's a score that can be exchanged for money.” Dad was so angry that his chest was heaving. “Don't say you're so noble.” “Don't you only have a few houses and some money?” “If you don't have your mother's house, what are you?” Mom looked at him. “I am the one supporting this house.” “The one who sends his son to study and get married.” “The one who protects his daughter from going to college.” “And you.” “Staying in my house, spending my money, and wanting to sell my daughter.” “What are you?” Dad raised his hand to point at her, his fingertips shaking. “Manh Ngoc Hoa, don't force me.” Lawyer La immediately took a half step forward. “Mr. Ly, please pay attention to your words and behavior.” Dad glared at her fiercely. “You should also stop meddling.” “This is my family's story.” Mother said calmly. “From now on, no more.” She turned to lawyer La. “Help me prepare two things.” “First, take back the house Ly Khai and Ha Man are borrowing.” “Second, review the assets between me and Ly Hoai Nhan.” Dad's face changed. “What do you mean?” Mom looked at him, saying every word. “I want to break up with you.” Everyone in the room was stunned. Grandmother reacted first, pounding her stick on the ground repeatedly. “You dare!” "At this age, why would you want to break up?" "Aren't you afraid that people will laugh at you if you spread it out?" Mom turned her head to look at her. “Eighteen years ago, when I was looking for a school for Nam Chi, I was not afraid.” “When I raised my family alone, I wasn't afraid.” "If you protect him from going to college today, you won't be afraid." Ly Que Phan panicked. “Sister-in-law, your thinking has been distorted by Nam Chi.” "When children go to school, they just go to school. How can husband and wife say it's over?" Mom laughed coldly. "When you borrowed money and didn't pay back, why didn't you advise me that husband and wife are one unit?" "When you guys forced Nam Chi to give way, why didn't you advise me not to be too harsh?" Ly Que Phan couldn't keep his face and hid behind his grandmother. Dad suddenly looked at me. Those eyes were not like looking at a girl, but like looking at an enemy. “Nam Chi.” “Are you satisfied?” “My mom wants to break up with dad.” “Your brother's family is also about to break up.” "The child in my sister-in-law's womb doesn't know what's happening yet." “It's all because I insisted

study at university.” Before I could speak, my mother was standing in front of me. “It's not because he's in college.” “But because you don't want to see it have a way.” I gently held my mother's hand. Then step out from behind her. I looked at my father, his voice was so steady that even I was surprised. “If this family must rely on sacrificing children to survive.” “Then it shouldn't have existed a long time ago.” Dad felt like his throat was blocked. For a long time, I couldn't say a word. Teacher Do spoke to me in a low voice. “Nam Chi, I'll wait for you at school tomorrow morning at eight o'clock.” “I will bring the documents back first.” I nodded. “Thank you, teacher.” Mom put my ID back in my palm. “I'll sleep with mom tonight.” “Mommy goes to school with me tomorrow.” I hold all the papers tightly. At that moment, for the first time I felt that this small card was very heavy. It doesn't just prove who I am. But it also reminds me that I can decide for myself where to go.