Chapter 9 — Ten Tickets and Blood Debt

The final bonus amount is divided according to the contribution ratio, after deducting the deceased's share and workers' compensation.

Van can pay off her debt, buy a new house and leave town. But she proposed to use part of the money to set up a vocational training fund, and the rest to turn the factory into a cooperative.

Her father is no longer there, but his skills are still in every weld of the young people.

Hau was sentenced. Before the court date, he sent Van a letter of apology. He said he chose to stay silent because he was afraid of losing his job, then turned his fear into a reason to deceive the whole factory.

Van did not forgive immediately. She kept the letter in a file and did not burn it or hang it on the wall.

Phuc returned to vocational training with a long scar on his arm. He doesn't go with Bach's people anymore.

Son received the money for his mother's medical treatment and signed as a witness. Loc applied to work as a safety manager in a cooperative.

On opening day, Van placed ten laminated tickets in the cabinet. Each sheet has the name of a contributor, including those who have died. No one should be allowed to tear them from the collective memory.

A reporter asked her if she felt like she won.

“I just stopped them from winning by making us bite each other,” Van said.

In the evening, she received a call from an unknown number. The other person said that Mr. Lam also hid a notebook abroad, which contained the names of many other factories.

Van asked: "What do you want?"

“I want to sell information.”

Van hung up the phone. She no longer intends to run after every secret alone. She sent the number to Hanh, the lawyer and the investigation agency.

Revenge can begin with one person, but justice can only live when many people hold the evidence.

The workers' council met in the old canteen. Everyone debated whether to divide the money immediately or use it to pay off debt. Van proposed dividing it into three parts: compensating the deceased's family, paying the withheld salary, and then distributing it to the ticket contributors.

Some people object. They have waited too long and want to hold the money in their hands. Van understands. She does not use morality to force others to sacrifice, just provides a transparent spreadsheet and invites a lawyer to explain each item.

Phuc stood up and said he had leaked the book. He offered to use his portion to repair the house for Tam, who lost his job because of the fake video.

The meeting was silent. Then Loc nodded, then Son. The others in turn agreed.

Hau from the detention center sent an affidavit with the names of the people he had signed on behalf of. Among them are the names Lan and Lam, but also the name of a retired insurance officer.

Van handed over the statement to the police. She didn't see it as forgiveness, just a way to force Hau to take responsibility until the end.

On the day of receiving money, people did not open champagne. They buy boxed lunches and place a portion in front of photos of those who have passed away.

Van kept the laminated sheet 07. The piece of paper is wet, the number is still readable. Next to it is another family's 09 note.

A strange call informed Lam that he still had a notebook abroad. The caller wants to sell information.

Van asked: "Do you want me to pay with money or with silence?"

“By both.”

Van hung up the phone. She knew this case wasn't over, but for the first time, she no longer had to face it alone.