Chapter 17 — The Day I Locked the Villa Door

Keep just a few core estates and a trust. That villa... Is one of them. As for the trust fund... Lam Ha never told anyone. Including Zhou Xu. Including To Dao. Grandma called her by her intimate name.

“How are you going to handle it?”

“I want him to back down.”

“How far back?”

“Don't bother me anymore.”

“Don't take advantage of your position to cause trouble for me anymore.”

"From now on, we must cut all ties with Chu Huc's family."

Ms. Tran Tu Lan nodded.

“It's not difficult.”

She tilted her head to look at Aunt Phuong.

“Tieu Phuong.”

“Call Mr. Ha.”

“Tell him to meet Zhu Daguo's superiors for tea tomorrow.”

“There's no need to say anything specific.”

“Just let them know… someone is keeping an eye on their subordinates.”

Aunt Phuong replied. Then go to the corner of the yard to make a phone call. Ms. Tran Tu Lan looked at Lam Ha again.

“This step is enough.”

“He will retreat on his own.”

“This type of person is very smart.”

“When I hear my superiors starting to pay attention to me, I run faster than a rabbit.”

Lam Ha nodded slightly.

“But the name of your ex-husband…”

Ms. Tran Tu Lan's voice changed slightly. Not strict. It's the type that has seen too many people and too many things to understand.

"He won't stay quiet because his uncle retreated."

"He's the type of person who doesn't have any skills, but he has to keep his face in life and death."

“For him, losing face is more painful than losing his life.”

“You have to prepare first.”

“I know.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Wait for him to make his own mistakes.”

Ms. Tran Tu Lan looked into Lam Ha's eyes. Looked for a long time. Then smiled softly.

“Like your grandfather.”

Lam Ha also smiled lightly.

"Grandmother."

“Who is Mr. Ha?”

“My grandfather's old friend.”

“Retired.”

“But sometimes retired people have more say than those in office.”

“Because there are no longer binding interests.”

“There is only love left.”

“Can he touch Zhou Daiguo's superiors?”

“But he promised to drink tea, the other person would have no choice but to come.”

“Here, just casually mention a word…”

“‘Mr. Chu from the construction department has been dancing around a lot lately.’”

“That's enough.”

“The rest is for his superiors to think about.”

“They will understand for themselves.”

Lam Ha took a sip of tea.

"Grandmother."

“Thank you.”

“Thank you for what.”

“This is my story.”

“I just saved you some time.”

Ms. Tran Tu Lan stood up. Go to the vegetable patch next to it. Bend over and pluck two young broccoli plants.

“Eat noodles this afternoon.”

“Aunt Phuong's hand-rolled noodles.”

“When I was little, I liked it best.”

Lam Ha also stood up. Go to the corner of the yard. The fish in the old jar floated to the surface and blew bubbles. Sunlight shines on the water. Broken pieces of sparkling gold. She squatted next to the jar. Use your hand to gently stir the water surface. The fish scattered. Then gathered again. Lunch is noodles. Aunt Phuong's hand-rolled noodles are smooth and even. Flexible, chewy, fragrant with the smell of new dough. Top with stir-fried green cabbage and a scrambled egg. Lam Ha ate two bowls at a time. She hasn't eaten in this yard for a long time. After three years of marriage, the number of times she came here became less and less. Chu Huc doesn't like coming. He said this yard is too old. The old lady spoke slowly, he could not sit. Every time since then, Lam Ha has gone alone. Then I'll help my grandmother do some work. Sitting all afternoon. Grandma never mentioned Chu Huc. Not even once. Until the night of the divorce. Lam Ha called to inform her. She only said one sentence:

“It's late.”

Not “unfortunate”. It's "late". I should have divorced sooner. Her grandmother made her bring some green vegetables and eggs home. Aunt Phuong packed two large bags. Lam Ha carried her bag and walked to the hospital door. Turn your head and look back. Grandmother stood under the pomegranate tree. People are not tall. The back is also slightly bent. But standing in the sun looks like an old tree. The roots are very deep. The wind cannot move.

“Grandma, I'm home.”

“If something happens, call.”

“Don't force yourself anymore.”

Lam Ha left the alley. Start the machine. In the rearview mirror, the alley gradually recedes. The shadow of wisteria swaying gently on the gray wall. The phone vibrates. It's a message from To Dao.

"Are you free this weekend? Let's go out for dinner, I invite you."

Lam Ha thought for a moment then replied:

"It's dinner. You choose your seat."

After sending it, she thought for a few more seconds. Then text again:

“To Dao, there is something I want to tell you.”

“About my grandmother.”

“Back to the villa.”

“And some things you never knew.”

To Dao replied almost immediately:

"Oh my god! You're finally telling the truth?!"

“You have to confess tonight!”

“Not even one word is missing!”

Lam Ha burst out laughing. Put your phone away. Drive onto the main road. Lam Ha stayed at the villa all day.