Chapter 6 — The Call That Locked My In-Laws Out

Sister-in-law, the hotel just prints invoices randomly; it has nothing to do with us.

I folded the invoice and tucked it into my pocket.

If you touch it one more time, I will immediately call the police to report you for attempted theft.

Meng Shi An’s hand froze in mid-air. The man in black from the rental company also sensed that something was wrong and promptly took a half-step back.

Ms. Ha, our company only recognizes the signature of the car’s owner. If you wish to take the vehicle back, there is no issue at all.

I pointed to the scratch near the car door.

First, take photos and clearly document the current condition of the vehicle.

Meng Shi An grew frantic. It is just such a tiny mark; is it really necessary to make such a scene?

I stared at him. It is my car; do you think it is necessary?

The man in black immediately called for someone to bring over the inspection form. I took photos of the front, the doors, the rims, and the entire interior. The baby safety seat in the back had been ripped from its moorings, and there was a white stress mark on the anchor point where it had been yanked violently. I had bought that seat a month in advance. I had imagined the day I would be discharged from the hospital, with my child tucked safely inside as I drove us home. Instead, it had been tossed onto the floor mats like discarded trash. I crouched down to prop the seat back up. The car reeked of cigarette smoke, and tucked near the passenger seat was a lipstick cap. It was not mine; I had never bought that brand. Meng Shi An was still on the phone nearby.

Brother, you need to get here quickly; my sister-in-law is actually insisting on taking the car back.

I could not hear the voice on the other end, but his tone dropped lower. She has already seen the invoice too.

I looked up. Meng Shi An immediately clamped his mouth shut. I did not ask any questions. Asking now would only give them time to concoct a lie. Once the inspection form was completed, the man in black handed it to me to sign. I noticed that under the deposit section, Meng Shi An had signed his own name. Below that was a handwritten note: The vehicle is shared family property, and the owner has agreed to its use for the wedding. I pointed at the line.

Who wrote this?

The man in black coughed, looking flustered. Mr. Meng read it out, and our staff recorded it.

I need a copy.

Of course.

Meng Shi An’s expression shifted. Sister-in-law, there is no need for this.

I looked at him. When you used my car as collateral, did you feel there was a need for that?

His lips moved, but he could not form a response. I took the copy and requested that the company stamp it. The man in black was very cooperative; after all, the owner had arrived in person, and no one wanted the trouble. I sat in the driver’s seat, and as I adjusted the seat, I noticed the car’s Bluetooth was still connected to an unfamiliar phone. The name displayed was Man Man. I stared at the two characters for two seconds before taking a picture. Meng Shi An stood in front of the car, refusing to move.

Sister-in-law, I am begging you, just for tomorrow.

I rolled down the window. Move.

Then what am I supposed to do about my wedding?

That is your own problem to solve.

His face turned bright red. Are you really trying to force me to my death?

I looked at him calmly. Meng Shi An, I am not the one forcing you. It is your own vanity that is forcing you.

He wanted to say more, but the rental company staff stepped forward and pulled him aside. I drove out of the lot, but I did not head home. I went straight to a twenty-four-hour repair center. The mechanic finished his inspection and stated that the door would need to be repainted and the child seat anchor point would need to be replaced. I told him to draft an official repair quote. By the time everything was handled, it was nearly midnight. I sat in the lounge and sent all the photos to my lawyer friend. She replied quickly.

Keep the evidence safe. Do not lose the invoice either. And for now, do not alert this person named Shen Man.

I stared at my phone screen. Suddenly, a message from an unknown number popped up: Ha Thanh Hoa, sooner or later, you will know why he didn't come home that night.

The message was unsigned. But looking at the final words, I already had the answer in my heart. I did not reply. I took a screenshot of the phone number and forwarded the entire message to my lawyer. She replied instantly.

Do not engage, do not argue. Let the other party keep sending them; the more, the better.

I placed my phone face down on the table. Outside the glass walls of the repair shop, the night was thick as ink. I sat for a few minutes before picking up my phone again. Meng Shi Vien had missed over twenty calls. Phung Le Binh had sent a series of long voice messages. I did not open a single one. Meng Shi An had sent another text: Sister-in-law, I was wrong. Let me borrow the car just for tomorrow, and I will definitely pay you back later. I looked at the words "later" and nearly laughed out loud. All their promises were like blank, unstamped paper. When they need me to pay, we are one big family. When they need to take responsibility, they talk about "later." At one in the morning, I drove home. My mother was still awake. She was sitting in the living room, holding the baby in her arms, with only a single lamp lit. The child was fast asleep, her small mouth slightly parted. As soon as I entered the door, my mother asked her first question.

Did you get the car back?

I nodded. I got it back.

She looked down at the baby, her voice sinking to a whisper. That is good.

I placed the invoice on the coffee table. My mother glanced at it, and her expression turned cold. She did not ask me if I was having a misunderstanding like the others had. She simply asked:

What do you intend to do?