Chapter 5 — Who Gave You the Right to Take My Home?

But very quickly, they started working. Mechanical sounds rang out. The smell of disinfectant solution gradually replaced the previous dirty air. I'm not leaving. Just pulled out a chair that was still temporarily usable and sat in the corner of the relatively clean living room. Connect to the network from your phone. Make a list. Don't miss it. From the entrance: Lost Nepali rug. Cheap painting instead. Scratches on the shoe cabinet. Living room: Sofa is dirty—may need to be replaced. The floor is scratched. Some decorations disappeared. The TV shelf was hit. Needs complete cleaning. Check the device. A set of imported dishes... is gone. Office: Books are thrown around—must be inventoried. The redwood table was used as a clothes rack, leaving marks and stains. Master bedroom— Parents' room. I stopped longer. Mom's jewelry box. Must find again. At all costs. The wardrobe is occupied. Bed sheets are dirty. Makeup table— My limited cosmetic set… is almost used up. Toilet. No place is untouched. As I wrote it, I felt like my heart was being squeezed. This isn't just about money. It's memory. It's a trace of a family. Trampled mercilessly. After many hours of cleaning, the house finally revealed some of its old appearance. Even though it's still empty. Even though it's still messy. But at least— No more strange smells. I pay exorbitant fees. Send the cleaning team off. The whole person seemed to be drained. But I'm not sleepy. I stood in the middle of the living room— A place that was both familiar and strange. Then take out your phone. Video call mom. The call was quickly connected. On the screen was her mother's face—haggard but with eyes full of anticipation. Behind is an old room in the countryside, painfully familiar. My father leaned half on the bed. His face was pale, but when he saw me, he still tried to smile. The corners of the mouth are slightly askew. But his eyes... were still bright.

“Van Van… how is… home?”

Mother's voice was urgent. I switched the camera to the back, slowly scanning the house that had just been cleaned.

“Mom, Dad, you two look.”

“My house has been taken back.”

“Ton Tu Anh and Trieu Diem Diem were asked by the police to move out.”

“I changed the locks and hired someone to clean them.”

Mom looked at the screen. Looking at familiar items—although empty, it was no longer chaotic like before. Tears immediately welled up in her eyes.

“It's good to get it back… good…”

“Van Van, you have worked so hard…”

"It's useless parents... bothering me..."

I choked up, but still tried to keep my voice steady.

“What are you talking about, Mom?”

"It's because I'm not around, so you two suffer."

“What happened to Dad?”

“And that thing called ‘debt’—what is it?”

“This time… don't hide it from me anymore.”

Under my questioning, my parents finally told me everything. Half a year ago— My father suddenly fainted while doing morning exercise. Diagnosis: cerebral infarction. Luckily I was saved in time. But it leaves sequelae, difficulty walking, and requires long-term care. The cost of treatment and recovery in the city is too high. You two don't want me to worry. So I decided to return home to recuperate. Ton Tu Anh proactively suggested. An abandoned house is a waste. Trieu Diem Diem wants to go to the city to develop. Can stay temporarily. Convenient to take care of the house. My parents thought it was a good thing to be close, and they thought it would be good to have someone look after the house— So they agreed. Everything is still normal. Ton Tu Anh sometimes comes home to visit. Bring some fruit. Ask a few questions. Two months ago. She suddenly turned around. Take out a wrinkled old piece of paper. It's said that more than ten years ago, my father borrowed fifty thousand from her. Calculate both principal and interest. Must pay twenty thousand. My dad doesn't remember that at all. The signature on the paper is also blurred and unclear. But Ton Tu Anh bit tightly and did not let go. Also threatening— If you don't pay, you'll take the house to clear the debt. My parents were both angry and scared. Dad's illness therefore got worse. Mom didn't dare tell me. Can't resist people like her. Can only be patient. Then let them change the lock. Kick the owner out. My whole body was cold. Ten years ago? Loan papers are blurry? Ask for twenty thousand? Using a house to eliminate debt? A game of chess calculated to the bone. Taking advantage of when my father fell ill. Take advantage of when I'm not here. Set up a blatant blackmail scene.

“Ton Tu Anh…”

I clenched my fists. A cold feeling arose in my heart. Not the kind of angry outburst. The coldness before taking action. I looked at the screen, every word was clear and firm.

“This matter, leave it to me.”

“The house—she can't get it.”

“The so-called debt—she can't even get a penny back.”

“What did she do to you two…”

“I'll make her pay back double.”

I hung up. Outside the window— It was starting to get light. The pale dawn light spread out. A new day begins. I stood there. Watch the light gradually increase. His eyes were cold and steady. Ton Tu Anh. Trieu Diem Diem. Your easy days— It's over. The rest… Is payment. I hold the phone. Message Tran Minh:

“Lawyer Tran, you can send the letter now.”

“One more request: holding responsible for creating fake debts, coercing my parents, and intending to appropriate property.”

“I want them to publicly apologize.”

“And compensate my parents for their mental losses.”

The gears of the bidding— Have begun to turn rapidly. Early in the morning, sunlight filtered through the newly cleaned glass, spreading onto the shiny but empty floor. The air has returned to freshness. Surface stains have been removed. The corners are worn. Replaced items. Things are gone. And the feeling of dislocation after being captured and then hastily exploited— Everyone still quietly recounted what happened. Tran Minh's performance is scary fast. I just finished eating breakfast and called— Your email has been sent. Attached is the PDF file of the lawyer's letter. Strict language. Full evidence. The letter was sent on my behalf, officially addressed to Ton Tu Anh and Trieu Diem Diem. The content is very clear.