Chapter 3 — The end of filial piety is learning to let go

“What do you mean?”

"To Tinh, you're taking revenge for not being able to share the house yesterday, right?"

“How petty is your heart!”

“It's just a few houses!”

“That is the property of the Trieu family, what does it have to do with someone with the last name To like you?”

"Now that you're stubborn, you want to vent your anger on your grandmother, right?"

I quietly listened to him scolding me. I don't know why... I find it a bit funny.

“I'm not venting my anger.”

“I just feel that it is inappropriate for an outsider like me to keep meddling in the Trieu family's private affairs.”

“Grandma is your biological mother.”

“You guys have six biological grandchildren.”

"The matter of supporting and taking care of old age should be done by your family members themselves."

"If you continue to spend money and effort... aren't you robbing everyone of the opportunity to repay their filial piety?"

“I did that... just thinking about you guys.”

“I... I farted!”

Trieu Quoc Cuong was so angry that he cursed loudly. All kinds of vulgar words poured out non-stop. I held the phone a little further away. Wait until he gets tired of scolding. Huff. I slowly spoke up.

“Are you done scolding yet?”

“Instead of standing there cursing me…”

“How about quickly go cook and give grandma some medicine.”

“I remember your blood pressure medicine... you can't miss it even for a day.”

I immediately hung up. The house was once again quiet. You don't need to look to know. At this moment, Trieu Quoc Cuong on the other side must be stomping his feet in anger. Less than five minutes later. The phone rings again. This time it's second brother Trieu Quoc Phu. I didn't pick up the phone. He still persisted in making a second call. Then the third. I switched my phone to silent mode and conveniently threw it on the sofa. Open the laptop. Continue to handle unfinished work from yesterday. The sun is beautiful. Coffee is fragrant. No more people bothering me... My weekend finally returned to its original state. Mom knocked on my door. Her eyes were red. Obviously just cried.

“Tieu Tinh.”

“The boys call mom all the time.”

“Finally... what do you want to do?”

I looked at my mother and gently placed the cup of coffee in my hand on the table.

“I just want them to learn how to take care of their own mother.”

“I have raised my grandmother for three years.”

My mother's tears immediately flowed more intensely.

“What are you saying?”

“Why foster?”

“That's my grandmother!”

“What if I spend a little money?”

“Now that you have earned money, isn't it natural to respect your elders?”

"Of course?"

I slowly repeat those three words.

“It's natural for me to respect my grandmother.”

“The same goes for the eldest uncle, second uncle and six cousins.”

“Now…”

“I give them back the opportunity to do that 'natural' thing.”

Mom was about to say something. At that moment, the phone I threw on the sofa vibrated repeatedly. On the screen appears the name: Trieu Quoc Phu. I walked over and picked up the phone. Still turn on the speakerphone as before.

“Tieu Tinh.”

The second boy's voice was not as impatient as the first boy. He always likes to take a detour first.

“Listen to your eldest son... have you let Ms. Ly quit her job?”

I only replied once.

“Hey kid, why are you so impulsive?”

"What happened at the birthday party yesterday was because the eldest brother drank too much and spoke without moderation."

“Don't take it to heart.”

"His personality is as hot as a firecracker, his mouth is always faster than his brain."

“Let me I apologize on his behalf."

The words sound beautiful. Unfortunately... I don't believe a word of it.

“If there's nothing else to do, hang up the phone.”

“I'm busy.”

“That's it, don't!”

He was immediately impatient.

“Tieu Tinh.”

“Let's talk a bit.”

“Is this okay?”

"Miss Ly's salary will be shared by our families in the future."

“Can you tell her to come back?”

I opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of water.

“Everyone contributes?”

"That's right."

"My eldest uncle's family, my uncle's family, and then my cousins, each family contributes a little."

“I can't let you carry it alone forever.”

“We were negligent before.”

Listen... It's really sincere.

“Miss Li's salary is 8,000 yuan a month.”

I said calmly. On the other end of the line... Suddenly there was silence. I clearly heard my second brother's heavy breathing. A long time later... He asked in a hoarse voice.

“How... how much?”

“8,000 yuan.”

“That is actual money received.”

“Not including triple holiday overtime pay and year-end bonus.”

“That money…”

“I paid for 36 months.”

Trieu Quoc Phu was completely silent. For them... It's not impossible. But telling them to regularly take out that much money every month... It's even more unpleasant than taking their lives. Especially after just dividing the house. Everyone thinks that from now on they can rest assured and enjoy happiness. Right at that moment. The high-pitched voice of the eldest aunt was heard on the phone.

“8,000 yuan?”

“Robbing?”

“On what basis does a maid demand 8,000 yuan?”

“Trieu Quoc Phu, ask him if he intentionally deceived me!”

Immediately after that was the eldest son's voice.

“I told you so!”

“It doesn't mean anything good!”

“It definitely takes commission!”

Perhaps the second boy put his hand over the microphone. The voice became vague.

“Everyone, one less sentence!”

When he spoke again... His tone had completely changed.

“Tieu Tinh.”

“8,000 yuan is really expensive.”

“How can a normal family like ours hire such an expensive maid?”

“Or…”

“Shall we find someone else?”

“About three or four thousand is fine.”

I opened the water bottle cap. Take a sip.

“Okay.”

“Everyone goes looking for themselves.”

“Just need to find someone to take good care of my grandmother.”

“So what should we do these two days?”

“What is what?”

“Your mother.”

“You guys take care of yourselves.”

“That's natural.”