Chapter 14 — Trust is not for others to take advantage of

"Who manages the temporary password and homeowner information?"

"When Ha Minh provided the blank contract form with a scanned copy of the company's old seal, did he use the company's computer and email?"

Mr. Dang could not answer. The mediation session lasted from ten a.m. to two p.m. Finally... Hang Thanh Real Estate agreed to compensate me for all damages including house repairs, damaged property, accommodation costs, notaries, lawyers and other related expenses. The total amount is 286,000 yuan. Including 160,000 yuan in advance payment. Damages due to devaluation and other arising expenses will be paid additionally after the valuation results in the criminal case are available. In addition... The company also refunded all cleaning costs and rental listing service fees that I previously paid. At the same time, an official apology was released. Before signing the conciliation record, Mr. Dang lowered his voice.

"Miss Tham, please stop here, don't continue to rate the company online."

I looked at him.

“I will judge the truth.”

His expression stiffened.

"Doing so will greatly affect the business."

I calmly replied:

"Let the staff take the owner's house to organize a wedding..."

"...the impact on homeowners is even greater."

He didn't say another word. The date the conciliation minutes are signed. Hang Thanh Real Estate's branch had to close for half a day. Later I heard about it from manager Dieu. Ha Minh has been fired. All houses in Trieu Khai Thanh's name were removed by the platform. Hang Thanh Real Estate, because of lax record management, posting fake news and poor internal management, was summoned to work by the housing management agency. At the same time, they are also subject to administrative penalties. All of Co Man's posts on Tieu Hong Thu were also deleted. The Internet always has memory. The article "After half a year of house renovation, finally moving into our French-style bridal apartment" was screenshotted by neighbors and shared everywhere. Someone left a comment:

"Being an interior blogger is too competitive, or switch to being a blogger sharing life behind bars."

When I saw that comment... I didn't like it. I just saved the screenshot. Everything that's useful to me... I keep it. This is also the first lesson this incident taught me. The feelings will pass. There is just no evidence. The day the verdict was announced, I was sitting in my newly renovated house, waiting for the technician to come and adjust the locks. Lawyer Tran sent the results via WeChat. Trieu Khai Thanh committed fraud and theft. Combining the punishment for many crimes, he was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison and fined 80,000 yuan. Co Man committed fraud and theft. Sentenced to 3 years and 2 months in prison, and fined 50,000 yuan. Ha Minh, for helping to falsify documents, assist in evading the company's management process and concealing the truth, should be handled in another case. In the end, he was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison, suspended for 2 years, and fined. Trieu Khai Thanh and Co Man must jointly refund Mr. Trinh 214,000 yuan in rent and deposit. As for me... They must compensate for all damages caused by devaluation of property, damage to the jade bracelet, and remaining economic losses. Finished reading the message. I sit very long at the dinner table. Not exactly fun. There is also no feeling of gloating because of avenging a great enemy. I just see... Everything is finally returning to its rightful place. What they have to face... Shouldn't be my responsibility. The price they have to pay... I shouldn't be forced to pay for it. After that, Trieu Khai Thanh's father once sent me a message.

"Are you satisfied? Both of their lives were ruined by you."

I just glanced at it. Then block the number immediately. I don't answer. Their lives... Who ultimately ruined them... The answer is obvious. Renovating my house took almost a month. Mattress replaced. Carpets have been replaced. The background wall was completely redone. The tea table and dining table were taken to the factory for repair. The entire apartment is cleaned and disinfected three times. The locks were also replaced. Only my fingerprints are saved. The default temporary password function is disabled. All copies of my identification documents have security watermarks added. I even re-drafted the key authorization agreement form from scratch. Anyone who walks into my house. Identity information. Purpose of entering the house. Accompanying person. Camera location. Responsibility for violations. All must be clearly stated in writing. Hua Lam came to help me organize a housewarming party. As soon as she entered the door, she looked around and smiled.

"Finally back to your home."

"It has always been my home."

She laughed.

"Will you still hire a broker in the future?"

I disabled the new lock's permissions management interface.

"Still rented."

"But the key..."

"...will never leave my sight again."

I sat alone eating in the living room. When I was renovating this house... I imagined a lot of scenes where I would move in. Friends come to gather. Mom came to stay for a few days. On weekends, curl up on the sofa and watch movies. I never thought... The first time the house became bustling... It was because a group of strangers were plastered with the word "Happy". I never thought... When I officially moved in for the first time... The first thing I learned was... Report it to the police. Collect evidence. The phone vibrated slightly. It's a message from Mr. Trinh. He said the money has been recovered. Also rented a new house.

"Miss Tham, thank you. You didn't consider me a fraud then."

I replied:

"Wishing your family a smooth move."

I placed the phone face down on the table. Outside the window, the light is still on. The house was strangely quiet. No more wedding music. No more strange relatives. No one steps on my carpet anymore. No one sleeps in my bed anymore. No one uses my house anymore to paint their so-called face. There was only the sound of the new lock closing. I raised my glass of water and took a sip. Finally... They were able to stay in a room with food and lodging included. On the window... There are iron bars.