Chapter 10 — Two Million Yuan Ends Eight Years of Marriage

Life after divorce is as quiet as a deep lake. No more arguments, no doubts, no more endless patience. The air also carries the scent of freedom. I took Chu Niem to a new apartment complex. The two-bedroom apartment is not large, but warm and bright. The balcony is filled with green trees, sunlight passes through the curtains, pouring sparkling streaks of light onto the wooden floor. Chu Niem quickly adapted. I have my own room, the walls are covered with superheroes and dinosaurs. Every day, he hugs his toys and tells me stories at school in a voice as clear as wind chimes. That laughter is the most beautiful sound in my heart. My new job is also gradually stabilizing. At a newly established investment company, my boss highly values my abilities. Colleague relationships are simple and clear. No one was prying into my private affairs, no one looked at me with strange eyes. I found my confidence and self-worth again. Turns out, I'm not a vine that has to cling to someone. I can become a tree, protecting myself and my son. Life opens up like a new picture, every day is a different color. I started exercising and learning to cook healthy. On weekends, I take my children on picnics, go to exhibitions, fly kites, and build sand castles. I make up for the lost years, little by little. My parents also feel more secure. No more sighing, no more feeling sorry for me. Mom often comes over, bringing with her boxes of hand-made dumplings. She held my hand, looked into my eyes, and spoke softly.

“My daughter, finally living true to herself.”

In the end, I lived for myself. I didn't take the initiative to ask about the Chu family's news. But Lam Nguyet still regularly sends "battlefield newsletters".

“Kha Tinh, their house has been sold by the bank!”

“The starting price is 500,000 yuan lower than the market!”

“Because the loan of 3,000,000 yuan cannot be repaid, the bank will enforce it!”

“Now his parents have to rent a house, it's small and shabby.”

I read the news, my heart was not wavering. That house was my dream. I used to give my all for it. But now, it's just cold concrete. Being sold, changing hands, has nothing to do with me anymore. That's the price they have to pay. For your own greed and ignorance. I turned off the phone and walked into Chu Niem's room. I was sleeping soundly, the corner of my lips still had a sweet smile. I lay down next to her, holding my baby in my arms. Outside the window, the moonlight is like water. My world is strangely peaceful. The past... has ended. The future of me and Niem Niem has just begun. Wind and waves always silently accumulate under the seemingly calm sea surface. I used to think that all ties with the Chu family would end after the house was sold. But I still underestimate their brazenness. That afternoon, I was in a meeting at the company when my phone kept lighting up in silent mode. It's Lam Nguyet, more than a dozen consecutive missed calls made my heart sink. As soon as the meeting ended, I immediately called back. On the other end of the line, her voice was urgent and mixed with anger.

"Kha Tinh! Something's wrong!"

"Chu Van Ky is crazy, she came to your parents' house to cause chaos!"

My head made a "buzzing" sound, blood rushing straight to my brain.

“What did you say?”

"Just now! I don't know where she got the address from, so she rushed straight in!"

"Crying and kneeling, telling him she's about to die from debt, asking your parents to hand you over!"

“As long as you're willing to show up Pay, she is willing to be a buffalo and a horse!”

"Your parents refused, she rolled out into the hallway, ranting, cursing them for raising such a cruel daughter, seeing death and not being able to save her!"

"The neighbors came out to see everything, your mother almost had high blood pressure because of anger!"

My hand tightened on the phone, shaking with anger. Chu Van Ky. I let go, without recourse to those two million. But she was unreasonable and dared to touch my parents. Where did they get that liver?

“How are my parents?”

My voice was cold as ice.

"Don't worry, your sister and I are both here. She was stared at so she ran away."

"I'm fine, I'm just scared."

I let out a breath, but the anger in my heart flared up even more. Do they really think I'm easy to bully?

“Nguyet, do me a favor.”

“You say it!”

“Look up what company Chu Van Bac owes.”

Just half an hour later, Lam Nguyet sent back the company name and phone number. A notorious debt collection company in the city. I didn't hesitate and called straight away. On the other end of the line was an annoyed male voice.

“I need to see your boss.”

“Who am I to ask to see you?”

“I am Chu Van Bac's ex-wife, Kha Tinh.”

I stopped for a beat, my voice clear.

“I have something he would definitely be interested in.”

“How to turn dead debt into money.”

The other side was silent. A few seconds later, another voice lowered. I laughed coldly.

"Chu Van Bac has a sister named Chu Van Ky, under her name there is a company that just went bankrupt."

“More importantly, she once received two million yuan in illegal transfers from her brother.”

I talk briefly about cash flow and legal basis.

“I can sue this, but it will take a long time.”

“I believe you have a faster way.”

“If you ask for money, I'll take half.”

“The remaining half, plus the 500,000 yuan debt and interest, all belong to you.”

“Do?”

The line was silent again. Then the breathing became heavy, full of greed.