Chapter 8 — When I Learn How to Bloom Again

“First, the house I live in is marital property, I own half.”

“Second, I am a housewife, but in the past ten years, no matter how much effort I have put into my family, the law recognizes that value.”

“Third… is also the most important.”

"Your son raised another woman outside, and even let her send a summons to me, suing me for destroying her family."

"He secretly transferred tens of millions of assets, and even bought insurance with a beneficiary other than me."

"Tell me... who is the one without conscience?"

Every sentence I say is like every stab of a knife. The other end of the line fell silent again. After a while, she changed her tone. No more grumpiness. But it turns soft and begins to tap into emotions.

"Trinh Tranh... you see, Van Bac was just temporarily confused."

"For men, in social situations... it's hard to avoid."

"I respect our relationship for ten years, forgive it this time."

“The two of you living together again is better than anything.”

"As long as you withdraw your application, I guarantee he will completely cut off the other child!"

That's right, mother and daughter. Even the way of speaking... is exactly the same. My voice was cold as ice.

"It's late."

“This marriage, I can divorce.”

“If you're calling just to say these words… then we have nothing more to say.”

"Tan Tranh! Don't be unreasonable!"

Seeing that she couldn't be soft, she immediately revealed her true form.

"Do you believe it? I will make Van Bac not give you a penny! Let you leave empty-handed!"

“Just try it.”

“Let's see in the end… who is empty-handed.”

Having finished speaking, I hung up the phone. Then, block this number too. Chu Van Bac... is this your trick? Let your mother stand up and use morality to force me? The me I am now is no longer afraid. Your family... in my eyes, is dirty enough to be untouchable. Every attempt to sway me... only made me more steadfast. This game, I play to the end. Chu Van Bac collapsed faster than I thought. After the love card failed, he was completely trapped. Trieu Tinh told me that since his assets were frozen, his company was almost completely paralyzed. The bank continuously calls to collect debt. Partner sends letter to cancel contract. It all rushed like a blizzard. The core employees who built the company with him... also submitted their resignations one after another. The tree fell... the monkeys dispersed. The empire he worked so hard to build… is collapsing at a speed visible to the naked eye. He tried to get a revolving loan. But when the wall falls, everyone pushes it. His reputation in the world... was in tatters. Adultery in marriage. Tolerating a lover's affairs in the main house. Intentionally dispersing assets. Every single thing… was enough to make him the biggest laughing stock. No one wants to get involved. It is said that he even went to Lam Hieu Vu. But what awaits him... It's no longer the gentleness of the past. It's Lam Hieu Vu holding a knife and crying hysterically. She asked for wasted youth and money for a breakup. Otherwise... all of your dirty stories will be published online. Chu Van Bac was completely confused. Maybe he never thought... I would be cornered by the two women who loved me the most... And then, Trieu Tinh gave him the final blow. Through several channels, she "accidentally" revealed evidence related to his company's tax evasion... to the tax authorities. The last straw... officially crushed him. He understands better than anyone. Once the tax authorities get involved... What awaits him is not just a divorce. Which is... prison. After another white night. His lawyer... called Trieu Tinh again. On the phone, the other person's voice no longer had any sharpness or arrogance. Only fatigue remains... and helplessness.

“Lawyer Trieu.”

“We… agreed to reconcile.”

“All of your conditions… we accept.”

When I received Trieu Tinh's call, I was standing on the balcony, watering the pot of orchids that I had cared for for many years. The sunlight outside is gentle and warm. When I heard that news... my heart felt strangely calm. There is no joy as imagined. There is also no feeling of gloating revenge. The rock that weighed heavily on my heart for ten years... was finally completely lifted. Everything... it's time to end.

“Tan Tranh.”

Trieu Tinh asked me over the phone.

“Are you sure… you don't want any more conditions?”

"With the current evidence, even if you ask for his company... he still has to grit his teeth and agree."

I looked at the pot of orchids spreading their leaves in the sunlight and shook my head slightly.

“No need, sis.”

“I don't want…to have anything more to do with that person anymore.”

“I just want to take back what belongs to me… then start a new life.”

Zhou Wenbo's company... That shell full of lies and dirty deals... I'm not interested at all. What I wanted was never his empire. Just a fair shot. A justice… that came ten years late. Trieu Tinh was silent for a moment, then smiled softly.

“Okay, I understand.”

“Tomorrow, sign the agreement.”

“Tan Tranh…”

“Congratulations.”

“I'm free.”

Hanging up the phone, I put down the watering can and gently touched the thick leaves of the orchid pot. I'm free. From today onwards... The sky is wide, the earth is long. No one can use the so-called marriage... to bind my life anymore.