Chapter 7 — Three Hundred Twenty Eight Yuan Card

I hesitated for a few seconds then picked up the phone.

“Hello, may I ask, is this Hua Niem An?”

“Yes, it's me.”

“I am a teacher in the admissions department of Tsinghua University, my family name is Chen.”

“First of all, congratulations on being officially accepted into our school.”

“There's also something else I need to confirm with you.”

“I have received a special scholarship for new students, there are a few documents that need to be signed by me.”

"If it's convenient, can you give us your current contact address? We will send the application over."

I held the phone and stood there stunned. Mom turned her head to look at me.

“Who called?”

I opened my mouth, but my throat suddenly felt tight.

“It's Thanh Hoa's side…”

“They said I got a scholarship.”

Mom told me to hang up first, go home, and then continue. The mother and daughter returned home. I sat on the sofa and told my mother everything I had just said.

“He said it's a special scholarship for new students and needs you to sign to confirm.”

"How much?"

“Don't say.”

“Just tell me to send the address so they can send the documents to.”

Mom thought silently for a few seconds.

“Send the address to them.”

I opened my phone, composed a message and sent it over. About a minute later, Mr. Tran answered.

“Received.”

“The documents are expected to arrive within three days.”

"In addition, Hua Niem An, the first prize in the National Youth Science and Technology Innovation Contest that she won this year, the evaluation council will also send an official certificate."

“Two sets of documents will be sent at the same time.”

I showed the phone screen to my mother. Mom finished reading. Silence for about ten seconds.

“The story about you participating in that competition… does your eldest son know?”

"Don't know."

“I never told anyone either.”

Back then, my homeroom teacher nominated me to participate. Only me, the homeroom teacher and my mother knew about the entire preparation process. The competition was held in the provincial capital, the teacher paid me in advance for transportation. Later I used the school's allowance to pay it back. About winning the award, I have never mentioned it at any family gathering. No one has ever asked me what else I can do at school besides taking exams.

“How much is the bonus?”

Mom asked again.

“200,000 yuan.”

Mom looked at me.

“More than your older brother's card… 199,672 yuan.”

When she said that, there was still no smile on her face. But I could feel the string that had been tense all morning in her heart... finally loosening a little.

“This thing about scholarships and bonuses…”

“Don't tell anyone for now.”

“Why?”

“Now the older boy is going around saying the bank is at fault.”

“He hasn't finished thinking of a way out for himself yet.”

"Wait until he finishes thinking... let's see how he plays."

I nodded slightly. Two days later, everything was exactly as my mother said. Duong Kien Hoa did not call again. But the group of relatives began to bustle again. The fourth aunt sent a message:

"I heard there was some problem with Mr. Kien Hoa's card? It seems like the bank upgraded the system so the balance is not showing enough?"

Second aunt immediately chimed in:

"That's right, that's right, Mr. Kien Hoa also told me. 3,280,000 yuan has already been sent, it's just that the data at the bank is slow."

Tien Le Binh sent a voice clip, his voice resounding with spirit:

“Don't worry everyone, my Mr. Kien Hoa went to work with the bank director Okay, it'll be done in a few days. That day, Tu Van was too impatient and left without waiting for the matter to be finished, so there was a misunderstanding."

I looked at the phone screen. Look at each line of messages continuously jumping up. Everyone... is helping Duong Kien Hoa clean up the situation. But no one asked my mother... That day, when she saw that balance paper, how did she feel. Day three. Parcel arrived. A large kraft paper envelope, the sender was Tsinghua University. Inside there are two documents. Part one: Confirmation of special scholarship for new students. All four years of university tuition are waived, and each year an additional 15,000 yuan living allowance is also provided. Part two: First prize certificate of the National Youth Science and Technology Innovation Contest. Two sheets of paper. White paper and black ink. Bright red seal. Mom carefully folded them neatly and put them in the lowest drawer of the TV shelf.

“Just leave it there first.”

"Wait until you need to take it out, then take it out."

Another two days passed. The youngest boy, Duong Kien Quan, came to the house. He stood in the living room, rubbing his hands together, looking awkward.