Chapter 9 — Three hours before the wedding, I locked the house as a dowry

Mom nodded.

“I will learn.”

Those two words made my throat tight. Mom is over fifty years old. Yet I'm still learning how to protect myself for me. I can't even step back. After receiving the document confirming the status of the application. I don't use it right away. The first thing I do is: Scan the document. Give each file a unique name. Then store the paper in a moisture-proof bag. Manh Mien stood next to me and watched me do each job one by one. Suddenly she understood. Why was I still so calm that day in the middle of the wedding? It's not because I was born without fear. It's because even when I'm most panicked... I still know where to put that piece of paper next. Dong Khac Kiem lives in a self-built house in the west of the city. Next to the yard wall are filled with old wooden planks. On the doorstep there was a boy bowing his head doing homework. Next to it is a crutch. Dong Khac Kiem took out an old blue-covered notebook. He opened the pages of July's notes. July 28. Manager Phan was present at the construction site and requested that the extra bedroom be repaired to standards so that others can stay long-term in the future. July 30. Khai Nam came to measure the bed size, accompanied by a girl. Ask if it is possible to install a small sink in the balcony area. August 5. Re-measurement of the project. The notes were then taken away by General Director Chuc to add content. Next to him, Mr. Dong's wife said softly:

“He doesn't dare testify.”

“Chuc Dong Nghieu has been in debt to him for two months.”

"Our son's rehabilitation fee must be paid next week."

I don't advise him to have the courage to stand up. Also do not use morality to coerce. I just took out the prepared document and gave it to him. Inside is: Timesheet. Construction diary. Reconciliation table of outstanding wages.

“This document can help you reclaim your wages.”

“Should the documents be submitted or not…”

“You decide for yourself.”

Dong Khac Kiem looked at the file for a long time. Finally, he pulled out a faded piece of carbon paper from his notebook.

“I give you this.”

“The measurement form is made in two copies.”

“One copy was taken away by Mr. Chuc.”

“This is the print left over from the backing paper.”

At the same time. In the group of relatives, Ton Thu Binh posted another photo. It's still a photo of my mother bowing her head and signing her name. She deliberately noted:

"The bride's mother personally confirmed the apartment repairs."

"Now the girl has turned around and refuses to accept it."

I don't argue. Just zoom in on the photo. Then discovered a very small detail. In the upper left corner of the paper there is a staple hole. Next to the pin hole, half a trace of the page number remained. I stared at that symbol. If this is truly the first page... It cannot bear page number P4. I immediately replied in the group:

“Please send all documents in full.”

“Including pages P1, P2 and P3 which are before the page my mother signed.”

“Just posting a photo of the signature cannot prove that my mother knew what she was confirming.”

Ton Thu Binh did not answer. Also do not send additional documents. But at that moment, something unexpected happened. A distant relative intends to help Ton Thu Binh prove her innocence. As a result, the wrong screenshot of page P1 was sent. The title on the photo is only half exposed. But still readable:

"Taste Comparison Form Tri Electric and Water System Unit 402, Nam Que Ly Area"

I looked at that line for a long time. My mother signed... Initially it was just to confirm the location of electricity and water. Then someone changed the front page. Turn it into a completely different document. Right at that moment. Phan Nghien Chu sent me a private message. Attached is a photo. That is a photo of the original signature page. He texted:

"If you want to see the entire document."

"Come to my house tonight."

"I came alone."

I immediately took a screenshot of the conversation and sent it to Tham Le. Not long after. Tham Le replied:

"Don't go alone."

"They've started setting traps."

When I left Dong Khac Kiem's house, it was completely dark. The light bulb in the yard was swayed by the wind. The boy was still sitting on the doorstep doing his homework. The tip of the pencil was so short that it was almost impossible to hold it. I turned my head and looked back once. I know Dong Khac Kiem is not a hero. He can even withdraw at any time. But the carbon paper you gave me... Was all the greatest goodwill you could muster in the current situation. Manh Mien walked next to him and asked softly:

“Do you blame him?”

“Because he didn't want to immediately testify?”

I shook my head. I looked at the dark road ahead.

“Because what I need right now is the truth.”

“Not someone else risking their life for me.”

Finished saying that. I myself was silent. Before, I always thought resistance had to be fierce.