Chapter 3 — The Wedding House Was Destroyed, I Want It All Back

The night is still very long, but my battle has just begun, this time there is no more humility, no more compromise, only the law and each debt must be clearly calculated. That night I didn't go back to the apartment I rented with Chu Da, but drove to a familiar hotel near the company, where I used to stay when working on a long-term project. While checking in, the receptionist looked at me a few more times, perhaps sensing that my calmness was different from other people carrying luggage in a hurry. I don't have a suitcase, I just bring a bag to work, inside is a laptop, charger, wallet, keys and a new lipstick that I just peeled off in the car. Swipe the card, open the door, plug in the power, I put my bag on the luggage rack, the room is clean and tidy, but cold like a space that has never had a human presence. I pulled the curtain, looked down at the stream of cars below like long streaks of light, stood for a long time, so long that it felt like time had stopped. Then I turned around, opened my laptop, connected to Wi-Fi, and started working, but not on a company project, but on my own "case". I created a new folder, named it "Damage to Van Duyet Phu Apartment 2003", inside it was divided into clear sections: scene photos, invoices and contracts, exchange history, police documents, repair quotes. I transferred all the photos and videos from the scene, renamed each area, then logged into the cloud to download all relevant documents over the past year. House purchase contract, deposit transfer, loan contract, interior design contract, purchase orders, payment statements, photos of text messages exchanging construction details... I rearranged each thing one by one, neatly as if there had never been chaos. When I finished, there was a glimmer of gray light outside. I didn't feel sleepy at all. I just made a cup of instant coffee and continued with the next step. I opened an empty file and began listing the damage, line by line, clearly, without missing a single detail, as if writing a verdict on everything that had happened. Part one is the structure and fixed items of the house, from the broken anti-theft door, broken balcony glass and kitchen door, damaged walls, cracked floors and tiles, to the entire vandalized cabinet system, all recorded in detail about brand, size and cost. Part two is furniture and equipment, from sofas, tables and chairs, beds and cabinets, to TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, ovens, dishwashers, each item has its origin, purchase price and current value. I typed each word, each number, neither fast nor slow, but as surely as a nail, each line that appeared was as cold as a cut. It was like I was personally writing the final verdict, not for them, but for the feelings that died that night. …Next is the soft furnishings and personal items. I list each item meticulously, not missing even the smallest detail. Curtains, carpets, decorative paintings, decor, all the things that once made the house warm are now cold numbers. Clothes were torn, some still had tags intact, bedding, bedding, cosmetics, skin care products, each item was mercilessly destroyed. Books, notebooks, documents... things that seemed not worth money but were filled with time and memories, are no longer intact. For each item at the back, I try to attach a screenshot or link Buy goods if they can still be investigated. If there is not enough evidence, temporarily write "added later or priced according to the market". The list keeps getting longer, the text scroll bar slowly shortens, each number overlaps as if building a solid wall of reason. It blocked all the emotions that should belong to "Chu Da's fiancee", preventing them from overflowing again. When it was fully daylight, the first list was completed, not perfect but cool enough to stand up to anyone. I saved the file, closed the computer, went to the bathroom, splashed cold water on my face, and looked at the faint dark circles under my eyes in the mirror. Then I took my phone, texted a close lawyer friend named Tham Du, summarized the situation and sent the initial list. She called back very quickly, her voice was still a bit hoarse because she had just woken up, but after just one sentence, she changed into a clearly professional state.

“Nien Niem, are you okay?… I saw it, the method is very clear, your sense of preserving evidence is very good.”

"This is an act of illegally entering a residence combined with intentional destruction of property, of great value, and can be handled both criminally and civilly."

"What you need to do now is, first, to coordinate with the police to fix evidence. When taking statements, you must maintain a clear attitude and firmly demand prosecution."

"Second, quickly find an appraisal unit with legal status to evaluate the property and the extent of damage. The appraisal report is the key to claiming compensation."

"Finally, all communications with Chu Da and his family should be via text message or email, retain evidence, and absolutely avoid verbal agreements."

“If they come looking for you, just say that they have followed the legal process, and if you have any problems, go through the police or a lawyer.”

“I understand, thank you.”

Tham Du was silent for a beat then added, his voice low but clear:

"You also have to be mentally prepared. When it comes to your future husband's family, they can easily manipulate your emotions, put pressure on you, and even turn white into black."

"Your advantage is that the house is in your name alone, the ownership is clear, but the weakness... is those three years of love, you have to differentiate clearly for yourself."

Not long after I hung up, the phone vibrated again, this time it was Chu Da calling, the screen lit up like an untimely disturbance. I looked for a few seconds and then picked up the phone. His voice came through, trying to be soft but unable to hide his nervousness.

"Nien Niem, I heard you called the police? Does this... need to be such a big deal? Chu Tinh is just impulsive, can you forgive him this time?"

His voice sounded like he was pleading, but underneath it was impatience because "the story was exposed", because "the family lost face", not because of what I had lost. I closed my eyes for a second, then opened them, my voice so calm that even I felt strange.

“Chu Ye, I will not withdraw the application. I have calculated the damage, estimated at 4,530,000 yuan, the final figure will be according to the appraisal results.”

"This is a criminal case, it is not up to me to decide whether to pursue responsibility or not, but I will coordinate the entire investigation process and file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation."

“That is my current attitude, and the only attitude going forward, if nothing else, I have to work.”

The other end of the line was silent for a second then flared up.

"4,530,000 yuan?! Are you crazy? Is your house a palace? How can it be that much! You're blackmailing!"

I slightly curled my lips, my voice still steady without any ripples.

"Whether it's blackmail or not will be determined by the examiner and the law. You should remind your family to prepare a lawyer for Chu Tinh."

After speaking, I hung up and switched his number directly to do not disturb mode.