Chapter 23 — Winning 5.8 Million Yuan Lottery, I Just Told My Parents I Won 200,000 Yuan

Auntie, Uncle Hai and cousin are temporarily unable to leave. Outside the police station gate, their sister-in-law cried so much that she couldn't even stand. But this time... No one asked her to come beg me anymore. When mom passed by. She was still about to call out: Mom, stop a bit. Finally, just gently say:

“Go back and take care of your child.”

“Stop using the child as an excuse.”

Their sister-in-law's cries were immediately choked. I helped my mother walk out of the police station. The wind is so cold it's bitterly cold. Mother's palm was still cold. But for the first time... She no longer held my hand hoping I would soften. She just cautiously asked:

“Gia Gia…”

“Later... can you still call me?”

I looked at my mother's gray hair at her temples.

“But for a while to come…”

“Let's let us both calm down.”

The edges of her eyes turned red again. But this time... She couldn't bear it.

“Mom will wait.”

“Wait until you're ready to listen to me more... then I'll talk.”

Dad drove over. I sat in the back seat. Quietly looking at the yellow lights along the roadside in my hometown. Since the night I won the lottery... Everyone thinks... Having money will make life better. But money... Simply illuminates everything that has been hidden in the so-called love. Dignity. Weakness. And even old debts that have been gathering dust for many years. It shines everything into light. No one has anywhere to hide. It also made everyone... Finally, I couldn't continue pretending to be confused anymore. 21Everything after that happened very quickly. My cousin stole my documents, sent threatening emails and participated in forging power of attorney, so he was officially prosecuted. Uncle Hai participated in falsifying documents and even led people to the bank to impersonate an authorized person. The words "just a family misunderstanding" couldn't help him escape. Her aunt was the one who organized the fake commitment. Incited my mother to record a video admitting guilt on her behalf. Repeatedly posting false information online. By the time she was investigated... She no longer cried and felt sorry for herself like before. She asked someone many times to come find my father. He did not meet once. He just said:

“Before, I always thought…”

"If we're relatives, we shouldn't tear each other's faces apart."

“Now I understand…”

“There are relationships that have been broken for a long time.”

“We just pretend we never saw it.”

I did not sign the petition. Also do not accept the apology or compensation they offer. Fake commitments. Fake power of attorney documents. Threatening messages. Along with all the recordings... I handed them over to the lawyer to handle. The video defaming me online... Deleted and then someone reposted it. I leave everything to the lawyer. If you need to complain, then complain. If you need to collect evidence, collect it. If you need to send a lawyer's official letter, just send it. I no longer get into arguments myself. Because I finally understand... The scariest thing about a mud puddle... Isn't that it's dirty. Just step one foot down there... You will be pulled back, forced to prove why you are not dirty. I have no obligation... Explaining my life to each person who just watches for fun. After paying taxes... I use the winnings to do three things. Not a villa. Just a residential area with better security and more privacy. Send a separate amount of money to your parents old age care. Rules for using the account are clearly stated. Can only be used for medical, living and nursing expenses. Do not lend to others. No guarantor allowed. I hired a professional financial advisor. Plan to allocate all remaining funds. I do not send photos of any bank accounts to anyone. Mom didn't ask anymore. After being discharged from the hospital... She seemed to turn into a different person. In the past... Mom liked standing at the front of the village chatting the most. If someone just compliments me one sentence... You can say ten more sentences. And now... If anyone asks around about my winnings... Mom only answers one question.

“That's Gia Gia's story.”

Some people say she is blessed but does not know how to enjoy it. She just laughed.

“Before…”

"It's because I want to enjoy the blessings of others..."

“I almost sacrificed my daughter.”

When that sentence reached my ears... I was rearranging the bookshelves in my new house. Dad sent me a recording. There was also a hint of laughter in his voice.

“Your mother is very terrible now.”

"Mr. Ba came again to ask about donating money to build the road."

“Your mother told them to bring the stamped documents first.”

“People say she's wised up.”

“She replied…”

“Not smart.”

“But I finally know how to use my brain.”

After listening... I also laughed. That was the first smile... It truly came from the bottom of my heart after all the recent events. The relationship between me and my mother... Can't immediately return to the way it was before. Once trust is broken... You can't fix it with just an apology. Every time she calls me... Mom no longer asks about money first. She asked me if I had eaten yet. Did you sleep well? Is the new housing area safe? Sometimes while talking... She suddenly became silent. Then quietly said one more sentence.

“Gia Gia…”

“Mom doesn't want to control you.”

“I'm just asking.”

I still answer her. But I no longer tell all my stories like before. That's not punishment. I'm also gradually learning to accept that. One day... Mom sent me a parcel. Inside... Not a country chicken. Not peanuts. Nor are gifts heavy with emotions that make the recipient have to carry a burden. An old iron box. Inside is a copy of the mortgage note for the gold ring. Copy of Uncle Hai's loan note. And also a photocopy of the old notebook. Placed on top... It's a letter. The writing is not good. But every stroke is very careful.

“Before, I always thought…”

“People in a family must know how to help each other.”