Chapter 6 — The Last Word Is Myself

Co Dinh Phong's mother's house is located in an old apartment complex in the south of the city. Old apartment with three rooms and a living room. When I arrived, the living room was full of people. Co Dinh Phong's second aunt, second uncle, and their son Co Loi. Plus Co's mother. Four people facing me alone. Co Dinh Phong is standing on the balcony calling on the phone. Seeing me walk in, he hung up and walked over.

"Already here? Sit down."

I sat down at the dining table. There are a few cold dishes on the table. The first one to speak was the second aunt.

“Nien Chan is here.”

She smiled and poured me a glass of water.

“Is the store busy these days?”

"Dinh Phong told me that recently the two of you have had a bit of a conflict."

The second girl sighed.

"It's a husband and wife, there's no one who doesn't collide."

It sounds like he's advising peace. But the next sentence revealed the intention.

"But Niem Chan, you should also think from Dinh Phong's perspective. A man also needs face when going out. About your store, just let him participate a little more, then he will feel a sense of accomplishment."

I held the glass of water and said nothing. Co's mother came out from the kitchen carrying more dishes.

"That's right. Niem Chan, you really are too. You keep everything tightly in your hands. What's the point of separating husband and wife so clearly?"

Co Loi sat next to him, biting a melon seed and interjecting:

"Sister-in-law, those stores of yours are actually thanks to Mr. Phong's connections to be able to do business like they are now. Listening to him is definitely not wrong."

Co Loi himself is still working as an employee at a milk tea shop, with a monthly salary of 3,500 yuan. What right does he have to sit here and talk about sex with me? Co Dinh Phong finally spoke up.

“Don't beat around the bush, say it straight.”

Mother Co took off her apron. Then sit in the chair's position.

“Nien Chan, I'm telling you straight.”

"For the past few years, Dinh Phong has helped her manage her business. Without merit, there is also hardship."

“Now that you two have made such a fuss, I mean… regardless of whether there's a divorce or not, the store's affairs have to be re-divided.”

I looked at her.

“How to divide?”

"Eight stores, at least Dinh Phong has to manage four. Let him decide on personnel and finances."

“I'm in charge of the remaining four.”

“That way your burden will be lighter.”

Giving half of the business I built with nothing to give to someone who only knows how to spend money... Is that called a light burden?

"Impossible."

“To Niem Chan.”

Co's mother's voice turned cold.

“Do you think a girl from another place like you, without the support of the Co family, can stand firm in this city?”

The second girl also immediately continued:

"Nien Chan, stop being stubborn. A woman like you, when she gets older, will she still wake up early in the morning to go to work?"

“Wouldn't it be better to have Dinh Phong help you share?”

My second uncle said nothing from beginning to end. But still nodding along. I feel like I'm surrounded. All four directions are the voices of the Co family. Everyone is saying "it's for your good", "you should", "you can't". But no one asked me... How I lived these past years.

“I told you.”

"Impossible."

Co's mother stood up.

“Then don't blame me.”

“Tomorrow I will ask Dinh Phong to come to the store to take over all finances.”

“If you don't cooperate…”

“We'll meet in court.”

Co Dinh Phong stood to one side, his hands in his pockets.

“Listen My mother is better.”

he said.

“Making a big deal of it in court won't be in your favor.”

I stood up. The chair scraped hard against the floor, making a harsh sound. All eyes were on me. I looked at each face before my eyes. Co's mother's clarity. The fake "good intentions" of the second girl. Co Loi's gloating look. Second uncle's accompanying silence. Co Dinh Phong. My husband. Taking my money to buy another woman's house. Now I want to swallow my whole store.

“When you go to court, you go to court.”

I picked up my bag.

“But Co Dinh Phong, I advise you to think carefully about one thing.”

I walked to the door.

“Do you really think those eight stores are yours?”

“Then you better go take a look…”

"Whose name is written on the contract?"

The door closed behind me. The sensor light in the hallway does not light up. I stood in the dark. Hand touches the phone in the pocket. Mr. Chu's message was sent half an hour ago.

“Miss To, the list is done. Nineteen former employees. Fifteen chefs. Everyone just listens to you.”

I answered one question.

“Let's meet tomorrow and talk.”