Chapter 11 — The Final Flip: When I No Longer Have Patience

“Miss Xu Qin, according to Mr. Zhou Weiguo's will and the trust contract with our office,” she handed me a stack of documents, her voice clear, without a trace of unnecessary emotion.

"Although the apartment in Han Lam Uyen is in the names of two people, there is an additional clause, according to which she owns ninety-nine percent, and Chu Minh only owns one percent."

“More importantly, you have full authority to handle this property, including selling it without the other party's consent.”

“The proceeds will also be divided according to that ratio, meaning ninety-nine percent belongs to you.”

I looked at the contract and couldn't say anything for a few seconds, because the person who had left had arranged a clearer future for me than the person who was still alive. He not only left a house, but also left absolute decision-making power, as if he had foreseen everything that would happen. Every favoritism, every protection... he wrote it clearly in the law, so that no one could take it away from me again.

"In addition, Mr. Chu also left a letter, instructing him to deliver it to you personally," lawyer Ton took out an old envelope from the safe, the edges of the paper had discolored over time.

I received it with slightly shaking hands. On the envelope were strong, decisive handwriting.

“Daughter-in-law Tu Cam is open.”

I opened it, inside there was only a thin sheet of paper, but each word felt heavy.

“Tieu Cam, if you can read this letter, it means the thing I was most worried about has happened.”

"I haven't done anything great in my life. I haven't left Chu Minh any significant assets. I've only given him a healthy body and a mind that's enough to use. Unfortunately, he doesn't use it in the right place."

"It's because I didn't teach you well, so you had to suffer."

“This house, consider me giving it back to you, you deserve a better life.”

“There is something in the envelope that can help you in times of need.”

“Forget that kid, live well.”

At the bottom is his name, Zhou Weiguo. I gently stroked the envelope, feeling something hard inside the paper, like a secret kept until the last minute. I carefully tore off the lining. Inside is a small USB. The small USB rested in the palm of my hand. The cold, heavy metal shell seems to be hiding an unnamed secret inside. I borrowed lawyer Ton's computer, plugged in the USB, and an encrypted folder appeared immediately. There are no password hints. I tried Chu Minh's birthday, it was wrong. Tried Trieu Hong's date of birth, it was also wrong. Tried Zhu Weiguo's date of birth... still wrong. My heart slowly sank, as if being pulled to the bottom of the water. Could it be… this is just a joke? A person like you… never does anything meaningless. So what is the password? I stared at the box, my mind blank. Lawyer Ton stood next to me, not urging me, just waiting quietly, his eyes as if he believed I would find the answer myself. I closed my eyes. Trying to find every little piece of memory about him. A wedding. One sentence.

"If Chu Minh dares to bully you... just tell me, I will beat him."

A ray of light flashed through my head. I opened my eyes, put my hands on the keyboard, and entered eight numbers. My and Chu Minh's marriage anniversary. People like you... definitely believe in family. Perhaps, that was the last hope he had. The folder opens. I guessed right. Inside… there was only one video. The file name is a long string of time. I click open. The screen is dark, the image shakes slightly, it seems okay secretly filmed in a dimly lit room. A few seconds later… the frame stabilized. A hospital bed. Zhu Weiguo lies on it. The body is thin and weak, filled with ducts. His face was so pale that people didn't dare look at it for long. The sound rang out. Two familiar voices. And Zhao Hong.

“Mom… dad… really won't survive?”

Chu Minh's voice trembled.

“The doctor said, there are only a few days left.”

Trieu Hong's voice... was coldly calm.