- 4 days ago
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I'm a total bachelor who's never once had a successful blind date.
00:03And yet, a cop shows up at my door, accusing me of child abuse.
00:06You're Evan?
00:07Yes, officer, what's going on?
00:08Someone reported you for child abuse.
00:10Officer, are you sure you have the right address?
00:12We have the right address.
00:13The tip is very specific.
00:15It says you are abusing a young girl at this location, around 5 or 6 years old.
00:18The reporter provided photos.
00:20The child has injuries on her arms and face.
00:22Officer, I don't know this child.
00:24Do you live alone?
00:24Yes, just me.
00:25Are you married?
00:26No.
00:27Do you have children?
00:28No.
00:28Are you living with a girlfriend?
00:29No.
00:30We need to investigate.
00:31Please cooperate.
00:32Cooperate?
00:32Absolutely.
00:33My 400 square foot bachelor apartment doesn't have much to search.
00:36In the bedroom, a single bed, one wardrobe, nothing but my own clothes inside.
00:40The fridge, instant noodles, chili sauce, a few beers, and a box of expired dumplings.
00:45The bathroom, one toothbrush, one towel, one bottle of two-in-one shampoo.
00:49Zhang, there's nothing here.
00:50No children's clothes, shoes, or toys.
00:52This place only shows signs of one man living alone.
00:54Do you normally stay home by yourself?
00:56Yes.
00:56On weekends?
00:57Same.
00:58I play games at home.
00:58You don't go out?
00:59Go out for what?
01:00Socialize with who?
01:01We'll need a few more days to investigate.
01:02Just live normally in the meantime.
01:04But this report, we have to follow procedure.
01:06Your workplace, we'll need to visit tomorrow for a background check.
01:09Wait, you're going to my workplace?
01:10But I haven't abused anyone.
01:12I understand.
01:12But the report is very detailed.
01:14There are photos, descriptions.
01:16We have to get to the bottom of this.
01:17Cooperate with the investigation.
01:19The truth will come out.
01:20Evan, something came up.
01:21Police came to the office yesterday asking about you.
01:23I know about the report.
01:25Don't panic.
01:25The company wants you on paid administrative leave during the investigation.
01:28Come back once it's resolved.
01:30But I haven't done anything.
01:31Hey, I believe you.
01:32But the company has a process.
01:33You know how it is if word gets out.
01:35When I pack up my things, a few colleagues watch me.
01:37Eyes darting away, voices low.
01:39See that?
01:40He got pushed out.
01:41Word leaks from HR.
01:42Suspected of abusing a little girl.
01:43Police showed up at his door.
01:44Oh my god, you really can't tell.
01:46Always so quiet, so ordinary looking.
01:48Turns out he's twisted.
01:49The quiet ones are always the worst.
01:51Exactly.
01:52A man nearly 30.
01:53Staying home alone every single day.
01:54No girlfriend.
01:55Something's clearly wrong with him.
01:56Even the shop owner downstairs changes.
01:58Can I get a cold cola?
02:00Three dollars, right?
02:00The cold ones are gone.
02:02Only room temperature.
02:02Isn't there some in the cooler?
02:04The cooler broke.
02:04Not selling them.
02:05Ms. Lee comes back from grocery shopping.
02:07Oh, Evan, off early today?
02:08Let me press 8 for you.
02:10No, no, I've got it.
02:11You, stay back.
02:11I scroll through my phone.
02:13Someone posts in the neighborhood group chat.
02:15Heard the single guy in Building 7.
02:16Unit 801 got investigated by police.
02:18Something about child abuse.
02:20Seriously?
02:20Doesn't he live alone?
02:21Where would a child even come from?
02:23Who knows?
02:24You can't read a twisted mind.
02:25A grown man sitting home playing games all day.
02:27That's not normal.
02:28Everyone keep an eye on your kids.
02:30Stay away from him.
02:31How does someone like that even deserve to live here?
02:33Can we get him kicked out?
02:34The girl I matched with on a dating app three days ago.
02:37We'd planned to meet this weekend.
02:38She texts now.
02:39Sorry, something came up this weekend.
02:41Maybe another time.
02:42No problem, take care.
02:43So who reported me?
02:44A co-worker?
02:45Unlikely.
02:45A friend?
02:46I barely have any friends, even less likely.
02:48I scroll through my contacts.
02:49I stop at the family group.
02:51No way.
02:51We're family, no matter what.
02:53To talk about my brother Leo and his wife Talia, I have to start with my parents.
02:56Mom always favored Leo.
02:58Not in a subtle, quiet way.
02:59In a blatant, shameless way.
03:00Leo is four years older than me.
03:02He was never a good student and had a terrible temper.
03:04But in mom's mouth, Leo has it rough.
03:06Me?
03:07I got good grades all my life.
03:08I got into college.
03:09Graduated.
03:10Landed a decent job.
03:11Mom said,
03:12You're the younger one.
03:13It's expected of you.
03:14When Leo got married, mom and dad put up $200,000 for a down payment and bought him a home.
03:19When it was my turn, I asked mom, I want to buy a small place with a mortgage.
03:22I'm a few thousand short on the down payment.
03:24Can the family help?
03:25There's no money left.
03:26Leo's wedding wiped us out.
03:27Figure it out yourself.
03:29Three years of cutting corners.
03:30Combined with everything I'd saved from work, I bought this apartment on my own.
03:33$30,000 for renovations.
03:35Every cent earned from weekend overtime.
03:37Mom never gave me a single dollar.
03:39The day I moved in, she came for a look.
03:40I thought she'd say, son, I'm proud of you.
03:43Instead, you're living in a place this big all by yourself?
03:45What a waste.
03:46Leo's family of three is crammed into that old apartment.
03:48Can't you just swap with him?
03:49He's short on cash lately.
03:51Lend him some.
03:51Every time.
03:52Borrow, borrow, borrow.
03:53Never paid back once.
03:54I don't even have a girlfriend.
03:56And somehow I'm already supporting a grown brother.
03:58Then Leo married Talia, set up by a co-worker.
04:00She's decent looking and incredibly sweet-tongued.
04:02First time she walked in, she called me, Evan, happy new year.
04:05She even gave me a red envelope for the holidays.
04:07Then, Evan, I'm pregnant.
04:09Could you move that massage chair over to our place?
04:11Evan, Mia starts preschool soon and the fees are expensive.
04:14Could you help?
04:14Evan, you make over $10,000 a month.
04:16It's not like you have anywhere to spend it.
04:18Why not help Leo out?
04:19Every word dripped with entitlement.
04:21As if I owed them.
04:22As if my paycheck was born to fund their lives.
04:24But the moment that truly chilled me to the bone was at last year's Lunar New Year dinner.
04:28Talia said it right in front of everyone.
04:30Evan, you're already 28 and still can't find a girlfriend.
04:32What's the point of keeping that apartment?
04:34Living alone, how sad and empty.
04:35Just give it to Leo.
04:37Move back in with mom and dad.
04:38More lively that way.
04:39Talia, I bought that place myself.
04:41I know, but you can't fill it by yourself.
04:43I bought it.
04:44So?
04:44In a family, there's no yours or mine.
04:46Family doesn't keep score.
04:48Leo's place is packed.
04:49Can't you just give a little?
04:50I say nothing.
04:51I finish dinner and leave.
04:52Walking out, I hear Talia say to mom behind me,
04:54Look at him.
04:55With a personality like that, no wonder he can't find anyone.
04:58Ignore him.
04:58He's always been like this.
04:59Not long after the new year, Talia starts calling constantly.
05:02Evan, Mia misses you.
05:03Come over for dinner.
05:05Evan, mom hasn't been feeling well.
05:06Come check on her.
05:07I'll think about it this weekend.
05:08Then mom herself steps in.
05:10Evan, what is wrong with you?
05:11Talia says you won't pick up.
05:13Mom, I'm busy.
05:14Busy doing what?
05:15You write code?
05:15How are you so busy you can't answer a call?
05:17Mom, I'm not giving my apartment to anyone.
05:19Who said anything about strangers?
05:21That's your brother.
05:21My brother is still someone else.
05:23Evan, you listened to me.
05:24You came out of my body.
05:25Everything you have belongs to this family.
05:27Leo married young.
05:28He carries a heavy load.
05:29Why can't you help him?
05:30If your father hadn't saved the best food for you, do you think you would have gotten
05:34into college?
05:34And now you think you don't need us anymore?
05:36You won't even listen to your own mother.
05:38Dad saved the best food for me?
05:39I grew up wearing Leo's hand-me-downs.
05:41The most dad ever did for me was buy a case of instant noodles before my college entrance
05:45exam.
05:45But for Leo, dad took a whole month off work just to stay home and help him study.
05:49Mom, my apartment stays mine.
05:51After I hang up, things go quiet for a month.
05:53I think they've given up.
05:54Looking back now, that month of silence probably wasn't surrender.
05:57It was preparation.
05:58We've largely completed our investigation.
06:00Your apartment shows absolutely no signs of any minor living there.
06:03We've spoken to your social contacts, your workplace, and your neighbors.
06:06You are clearly single.
06:07Most importantly, with your consent, we recovered your phone data, every chat, every purchase,
06:12even your browsing history.
06:13We've gone through all of it.
06:14Evan, your social activity over the past six months is remarkably clean.
06:18You added three blind date contacts.
06:20The longest conversation lasted four days.
06:22Her last message was, I don't think we're a match.
06:25The other two deleted you on day one and day two.
06:27You don't need to read all of that.
06:29There's also one who agreed to dinner, and halfway through the meal, she went to the
06:32bathroom and never came back.
06:33Did you pay the bill?
06:34Yes.
06:35Evan, I can tell you with certainty, your name is fully cleared.
06:38This report is false, but there's something else.
06:40Do you want to know who filed it?
06:41Of course.
06:42The report was submitted through an online platform.
06:44The IP address has been traced.
06:46It points to Sunshine Apartments, Building 3, Unit 402, on Xinhua Road.
06:50That's Leo's address.
06:51To be precise, that's Talia's home.
06:53The report was written in unusual detail.
06:55The reporter described your home address, floor, unit number, even the layout of your
06:59living room.
07:00They also attached a photo of a child with visible injuries on her arms and face, but
07:04we ran a comparison.
07:05The photo has been digitally manipulated.
07:07The original image shows a girl around five years old, with no injuries whatsoever.
07:10Do you recognize her?
07:11I do.
07:12That's Mia.
07:12Leo and Talia's daughter.
07:13My niece.
07:14Evan, what happens next is your call.
07:16Filing a false report carries legal consequences.
07:18If you want to pursue this, we'll pursue it.
07:20I do.
07:21Go home first.
07:22Think carefully about your next move.
07:23Reach out anytime.
07:24One more thing, Evan.
07:25Don't act on impulse.
07:26Solid evidence beats everything.
07:28Understood.
07:29Thank you, Officer Zhang.
07:30Outside the station, I head straight for my college roommate Dylan, now a practicing
07:33attorney.
07:34Talia used her own daughter's photo, doctored it, and reported you for child abuse.
07:37Yes.
07:38You were placed on leave because of it.
07:39Yes.
07:40And the whole neighborhood is talking about you.
07:42Yes.
07:42Filing a false report under aggravated circumstances carries up to three years in prison.
07:46And if you can prove her report directly caused financial loss and reputational damage, you
07:51can also file a separate civil suit for damages.
07:53What evidence do I need?
07:54First, you already have the IP trace.
07:56Second, the photo manipulation report.
07:58The police should be able to provide that.
08:00Third, if you can get her to confess directly, say, a recording.
08:04That's an airtight case.
08:05How do I get a recording?
08:06Someone like Talia, after pulling something like this, she'll brag about it.
08:10Can you get close to anyone in her circle?
08:12I think of someone.
08:13Talia has a close friend named Mindy.
08:14Mindy's husband Ray, I know him.
08:17Ray used to play cards with Leo.
08:18We've grabbed drinks a few times.
08:20Decent relationship.
08:21Perfect.
08:22Recordings, chat screenshots.
08:23Collect anything Talia has ever said.
08:25Don't tip your hand yet.
08:27Your biggest advantage right now is that she doesn't know you know.
08:30Got it.
08:30I'll set something up with Ray this weekend.
08:32Ray, you free lately?
08:33Want to grab a drink?
08:34Weekend works.
08:34Usual spot.
08:35Back home, I scroll through social media and find a post from Talia.
08:38Apartments in this neighborhood are now 21,000 per square meter.
08:41Some people just sit on gold and do nothing with it.
08:43Some people, is that me?
08:45A family should always stay together.
08:46A family photo, five people.
08:48Without me.
08:49I keep scrolling.
08:50Then I find something that sends a chill down my spine.
08:52Molly, checks are getting strict lately.
08:54Is that thing of yours going to be okay?
08:55Mom, don't worry.
08:56I filed the report anonymously.
08:58They can't trace it.
08:59Good.
08:59Once this is done, Evan won't be able to hold out.
09:01Then we make him transfer the apartment.
09:03Mom knew.
09:04Mom didn't just know.
09:05She was part of it.
09:06Dylan, there's more evidence.
09:07I just went through my photos and found something I accidentally captured.
09:10A screenshot of the chat between Mom and Talia.
09:13Your mom is an accomplice.
09:14Don't tip them off.
09:15Keep collecting.
09:16Talia is completely committed to destroying you.
09:18You need to decide whether you're going all the way.
09:20When the evidence is ready, take her down in one shot.
09:22In front of everyone.
09:23Next month on the 15th, my dad turns 60.
09:26The whole family will be there.
09:27Every aunt and uncle.
09:28Perfect.
09:29That's when we close the net.
09:30Hey, what brings you out for drinks tonight?
09:31Man, you look like you've seen a ghost.
09:33Pulling all-nighters again?
09:34Ray, are Mindy and Talia still in regular contact?
09:36Every single day.
09:38Practically joined at the hip.
09:39Why?
09:39What's Talia been up to lately?
09:41Up to what?
09:41Scheming against you.
09:42What do you mean?
09:43Let me tell you something.
09:44Last time Talia came over for dinner, she had a few drinks and started bragging to Mindy.
09:48I'm telling you, Evan's apartment will be ours eventually.
09:51I already have a plan.
09:52What kind of plan?
09:53She never said, just got all secretive and said she'd make him want to leave on his own.
09:56Ray, is there any way you can see the chat history between Mindy and Talia?
10:00Why?
10:00What happened?
10:01She used her own daughter's photo, doctored it, and filed a report with the police accusing
10:05me of child abuse.
10:06Are you serious?
10:07Using her own daughter's photo to file a false report?
10:10What kind of person does that?
10:11Because of this, I've been put on leave and my neighbors treat me like a criminal.
10:15If the police hadn't cleared me, I'd be in a detention center right now.
10:18And my little 400 square foot apartment would have quietly fallen into Leo and Talia's hands.
10:22I cannot stand women like that.
10:24You wait.
10:24I'm calling her right now.
10:25Hey, can you pull up your chat history with Talia?
10:27The last month.
10:28Screenshot it and send it to me.
10:30What?
10:30It's late at night.
10:31Why are you acting crazy?
10:32What do you need her chat history for?
10:33Don't ask why.
10:34Just send it.
10:3515 minutes later, Mindy's screenshots come through.
10:37Ray hands me his phone.
10:39I read them one by one.
10:40My blood pressure spikes with every line.
10:42Done.
10:42Evan is definitely getting investigated.
10:44He doesn't even have a girlfriend.
10:45How's he going to explain himself?
10:47Once he loses his job, let's see how tough he acts.
10:50Then he'll hand over the apartment like a good boy.
10:52That's brutal.
10:52Brutal?
10:53He's a single guy with a place like that.
10:55What did he do to deserve it?
10:56Mia doesn't even have her own room.
10:57And it's anonymous.
10:58No one knows it was me.
10:59Besides, even if they trace it back, I'm his sister-in-law.
11:02What's he going to do?
11:03Call the cops?
11:03Does he want to lose his family?
11:05His parents are on my side.
11:06He can't do a thing on his own.
11:07Evan, don't do anything rash.
11:09I'm calm.
11:10Ray, can you save a copy of all these for me?
11:12Of course.
11:12One more thing.
11:13Next month, the 15th, it's my dad's 60th birthday.
11:16The whole family will be there.
11:17Don't leave early that day.
11:19You and Mindy, stay till the end.
11:20Deal.
11:21Back home, I lay out everything.
11:22The IP trace, the photo manipulation report, the chat screenshots.
11:26Still not enough.
11:27I need more.
11:27Someone like Talia doesn't stop at one move.
11:30Check your credit history.
11:31On Dylan's advice, I request a full credit report from the bank.
11:33Two hours later, the report comes back.
11:35There's a credit card under my name with a $50,000 limit.
11:38I don't have this card.
11:39I never applied for it.
11:40Balance used.
11:40$47,000.
11:41Talia used my personal information to open a credit card and charged $47,300.
11:47$47,000.
11:48Plus the 60-something thousand I'd lent Leo over the years, plus my reputation.
11:52How much has this family taken from me?
11:53I send Dylan the screenshots.
11:55Credit card fraud, opening a card using someone else's identity, is a criminal offense.
11:59Talia just walks straight into a trap.
12:01The evidence chain is complete.
12:02What do you want to do next?
12:03I think for a moment.
12:04I type back four words.
12:06Time to close the net.
12:07Hey, Evan's here.
12:08Long time no see.
12:08What have you been up to?
12:09Not much.
12:10Come on in.
12:10Mom and Dad are waiting.
12:11It's Dad's 60th.
12:12Of course I'm here.
12:13Dad has had a few drinks.
12:14Cheeks flushed and warm.
12:16After a few rounds, Talia stands up.
12:18Dad, I'd like to raise a toast, wishing you great health and happiness.
12:21Wonderful, wonderful.
12:22Dad, Mom, now that everyone's here, I want to bring something up.
12:25What is it?
12:25Mia starts elementary school next year, and Leo and I have been worried about the school
12:29district.
12:29The schools near us aren't good, but Evan's apartment is zoned for the top elementary
12:33school in the district.
12:34So I was thinking, Evan, could we register Mia's residency at your place?
12:37Yes, I was going to bring this up too.
12:40Evan, you live there alone.
12:41It wouldn't affect you at all.
12:42Mia is your own niece.
12:44Just help out.
12:45Exactly, Evan.
12:46We're all family.
12:47Right, it's really not a big deal.
12:48Evan, when you have kids someday, you can sort it out then.
12:50For now, just let Mia use it.
12:52Everyone stares at me like this is the most reasonable thing in the world.
12:55Talia, hold on.
12:56You just brought up registering residency.
12:58Well, since everyone's here, I also have something to say.
13:00What?
13:01A month ago, someone anonymously reported me for child abuse.
13:04Police searched my place, investigated me for three days, and found that I don't even
13:08have a girlfriend, let alone a child.
13:09Who would do something so awful?
13:11Right.
13:11Who filed that report?
13:12Talia, do you know who it was?
13:14How would I know?
13:14Who'd be so bored?
13:16Interesting, me too.
13:16But the police trace the IP address.
13:19It leads to Sunshine Apartments, Building 3, Unit 402 on Xinhua Road.
13:23That's, that's Leo's place.
13:24What IP address?
13:25Maybe they got it wrong.
13:26Could have been someone on their Wi-Fi.
13:28Right, maybe it's a mistake.
13:29Evan, don't go throwing accusations around.
13:31Today is Dad's birthday.
13:32Exactly.
13:33It's your father's birthday.
13:34Save it for another day.
13:35Don't ruin the night.
13:36Evan, we're all family here.
13:37Whatever it is, say it calmly.
13:39Besides, what if the police made a mistake?
13:41Don't go accusing people without proof.
13:42Evan, there's no way Talia would do something like that.
13:44You must have it wrong.
13:45Evan, how can you suspect me like this?
13:48I'm your sister-in-law.
13:49Why would I ever hurt you?
13:50You are truly breaking my heart.
13:51Molly, don't cry.
13:52Evan has always been like this.
13:54Evan, apologize right now to Talia.
13:56Apologize?
13:57Let's all listen to something first.
13:59Done.
13:59Evan is definitely getting investigated.
14:01He doesn't even have a girlfriend.
14:02How's he going to explain himself?
14:04Once he loses his job, let's see how tough he acts.
14:06Then he'll hand the apartment right over.
14:07A total bachelor living in a place like that.
14:10What gives him the right?
14:11Still think I owe you an apology, Talia?
14:12Talia's mouth falls open.
14:14Five seconds of silence.
14:15Then, that's taken out of context.
14:17I was joking.
14:18I'd been drinking.
14:19I was just messing around with my friend.
14:20Mindy, Mindy, you betrayed me.
14:22What kind of friend are you?
14:23Talia, that's not the only evidence.
14:24This is a message my mom sent Talia.
14:26Everyone can see it.
14:27Molly, checks are getting strict.
14:29Is that thing you did going to hold up?
14:30Mom, don't worry.
14:31I filed it anonymously.
14:33They can't trace it.
14:34Good.
14:34Once it's done, Evan won't be able to hold out.
14:36Then we get him to sign the apartment over.
14:38Is all of this real?
14:39Oh my god, the nerve.
14:40Mom, this is your own message.
14:42I, that wasn't, you don't understand.
14:44You and Talia teamed up to report your own son for his apartment.
14:47I didn't know.
14:48I didn't mean it like that.
14:49We're not done.
14:49This is my credit report.
14:51Eight months ago, someone used my identity to open a credit card.
14:54I never knew.
14:55I never authorized it.
14:57$47,300 charged.
14:59Every transaction at the stores, baby shops, and tutoring centers Talia frequents.
15:03Talia, who opened this card?
15:04Using someone else's identity to open a credit card is credit card fraud.
15:08At this dollar amount, it carries up to three years in prison.
15:11Add the false report charge on top.
15:13Talia, how many years do you think you're looking at?
15:15Say something.
15:15Leo, you're never short of words.
15:17So talk.
15:18Leo, you've gone quiet?
15:19Are you even a man?
15:20And Leo, you have something to tell everyone too, don't you?
15:22Why is Talia so desperate to get my apartment?
15:24Everyone must be wondering.
15:25Because Leo has gambling debts.
15:27Gambling debts?
15:28How much?
15:28I don't know the exact amount.
15:30But Talia told Mindy that if they don't figure something out soon, the debt collectors are coming
15:33to the door.
15:34Leo, you gambled?
15:35You actually gambled?
15:35No, it's not like that.
15:37How did things get like this?
15:38So, from start to finish, Leo racked up gambling debts, and Talia decided to steal my apartment
15:43to pay them off.
15:44Mom was in on it.
15:44To force my hand, Talia filed an anonymous report and doctored Mia's photo with fake
15:48injuries.
15:49I lost my job, got talked about by co-workers, treated like a monster by my neighbors.
15:53My reputation was completely destroyed.
15:55And you all think, hey, we're family, he should just give in.
15:58You know what, Talia?
15:59You're right.
15:59I can't even get a blind date to work out.
16:01But I have an apartment.
16:02Every single cent earned by me.
16:04You have a husband, children, in-laws.
16:06But not one thing you have is clean.
16:08Filing a false report, credit card fraud.
16:10The legal notice arrives tomorrow.
16:12Talia, you'd better start thinking about how you're going to explain to Mia why her mother
16:15is going to prison.
16:16Evan, come back.
16:17Evan walks out of the restaurant.
16:18Outside, it's raining lightly.
16:20I stand in the rain and take a long, slow breath.
16:23My phone rings.
16:24It's Ray.
16:24Hey, man.
16:25You absolutely crushed it.
16:26Thanks, Ray.
16:27I hang up.
16:28Another message from Dylan.
16:29Officer Zhang says he can open the case anytime.
16:31Just give a date.
16:32I reply with one word.
16:33Tomorrow.
16:34The next morning, I walk into the station.
16:36Officer Zhang is already there.
16:37I've reviewed everything.
16:38The evidence is solid.
16:39We can formally open the false report case.
16:42For the credit card fraud, file a report with the bank.
16:44They will handle it as well.
16:45File both.
16:46Officer Zhang takes my statement.
16:47Thorough, start to finish.
16:49When we're done, he looks at me.
16:50We'll issue a summons for Talia and your mother.
16:52She's implicated for knowing and conspiring.
16:54But given your family situation, we'll follow procedure.
16:57Officer, those chats were just jokes.
16:59And that recording, Mindy took it out of context.
17:01I was just talking.
17:02I didn't mean to actually hurt him.
17:03This photo is of your daughter.
17:05You used a photo editing app to add fake injuries.
17:07You used that photo to anonymously report your brother-in-law for child abuse.
17:11Do you know what that's called?
17:12Filing a false report.
17:13Fabricating facts and reporting someone to the authorities with intent to have them criminally prosecuted.
17:17Under aggravated circumstances, that's up to three years in prison, detention, or probation.
17:21You caused Evan to lose his job.
17:23His reputation was destroyed.
17:25That fully meets the threshold for aggravated circumstances.
17:28I didn't mean to.
17:29I just wanted to scare him.
17:30I really didn't mean it.
17:31Didn't mean it?
17:31You told your friend, done deal.
17:33You said once his reputation was ruined and he lost his job.
17:35That's not intentional.
17:36There's also a credit card under Evan's name.
17:38He did not open it himself.
17:40Balance, $47,300.
17:42Every transaction at the places you frequent.
17:44Using another person's identity to open and use a credit card.
17:47That is suspected.
17:49Credit card fraud.
17:49The threshold for a major offense is $50,000.
17:52You charged 47%.
17:53$3,000 short.
17:54But here's the thing.
17:55The bank may have added interest and late fees.
17:57Add those in and you're over the line.
17:59I'll pay it back, officer.
18:00I'll pay right away.
18:01Paying it back is one thing.
18:03Committing a crime is another.
18:04Sign here.
18:05Dylan texts me.
18:06Talia has been released on bail.
18:07No detention for now.
18:08Then my uncle calls.
18:09Hey, Evan.
18:10Talia was clearly out of line, but...
18:12But what?
18:12But she's still Mia's mother.
18:13Uncle, she used Mia's own photo, doctored it, and reported me for child abuse.
18:17Mia is her daughter and her tool.
18:19I hang up.
18:19Then my aunt calls.
18:20Evan, Talia has already been dealt with.
18:22Can't you just...
18:23No.
18:24Evan, mom is begging you.
18:25Don't pursue this.
18:26If she goes to prison, what happens to Mia?
18:28Your father, his blood pressure spiked today.
18:30He's already in bed.
18:31Do you want this family to fall apart?
18:33Mom, I'm not the one tearing this family apart.
18:35You are.
18:36You and Talia teamed up to report your own son.
18:38You said in your messages, let him sign the apartment over, and it's done.
18:41Who destroyed this family?
18:42You already know the answer.
18:43On the third morning, there's a knock at my door.
18:45I go and open it.
18:46Leo is standing outside.
18:48Come in.
18:48I'm sorry.
18:49How much do you owe?
18:51230,000?
18:52230,000?
18:53You can't pay it back yourself, so you let your wife come steal mine?
18:56I didn't ask her to.
18:57You didn't ask her?
18:58You didn't know when she filed that report?
18:59You knew.
19:00You knew everything.
19:01But you didn't stop her, because you wanted my apartment too.
19:03You're just like Talia.
19:04Just like mom and dad.
19:05All of you.
19:06Every one of you thinks what's mine is yours.
19:07I grew up wearing your old clothes using your hand-me-downs.
19:10When you got married, mom and dad put up 200,000.
19:13When I bought my home, I got nothing.
19:14I've lent you over 60,000 over the years.
19:16You never paid back a cent.
19:17I let it go.
19:18I thought, fine, he's my brother.
19:20But your wife reported me for child abuse.
19:22Your wife used your daughter's photo and doctored it.
19:24Your wife stole my identity to open a credit card and charged 47,000.
19:28And your response is to ask me to let it go.
19:30Leave.
19:30From today on, I have no brother.
19:32Evan, your gambling debts are yours to pay.
19:34I won't cover your legal fees either.
19:36Get out.
19:36Evan, Talia's case is moving fast.
19:38The false report charge has been approved for prosecution.
19:41What about the credit card fraud?
19:42The bank has officially filed as well.
19:44Two cases at once.
19:45She can't hold up.
19:46What does she want?
19:46Talia's defense attorney just reached out.
19:48She wants to settle.
19:49Settle?
19:50Yes.
19:50The attorney's exact words.
19:51Talia is willing to repay the full credit card amount.
19:54Plus your lost wages and emotional distress damages.
19:56She hopes to get a leniency letter from you for a reduced sentence.
19:59What did they offer?
20:0050,000.
20:01Not enough.
20:02I knew it.
20:02Name your number.
20:03I'll go negotiate.
20:04Credit card principal.
20:0547,000.
20:06Eight months of interest and late fees.
20:088,000.
20:09Lost wages during my suspension based on my monthly salary.
20:1212,000.
20:13Emotional distress damages.
20:1550,000.
20:16Total.
20:17117,000.
20:18Right.
20:19117,000.
20:20Not one cent less.
20:21Got it.
20:21I'll put that number on the table.
20:23But be ready.
20:23They may push back hard.
20:24Good.
20:25Let them hurt.
20:25And one more thing.
20:26The most important thing.
20:27Tell them, even if they pay every single dollar of 117,000, I will not drop the criminal prosecution.
20:32I will not sign a single word of a leniency letter.
20:35I'll pass that on right now.
20:36Bro.
20:37Heard Talia's done.
20:38Completely finished.
20:39How do you know?
20:39Mindy told me.
20:40Your lawyer friend put 117,000 on the table.
20:43Talia went quiet for two days, then caved.
20:45Said she'd wire the money within three days.
20:47It's her only chance to shave years off her sentence.
20:49She'll scrape every penny together.
20:50But that's not even the main thing.
20:52The verdict hasn't even come down yet.
20:53And Talia and Leo have already divorced.
20:55They split?
20:56Who filed?
20:57Leo filed.
20:57But don't think for a second your brother suddenly grew a conscience.
21:00Thought he realized she was toxic?
21:02No.
21:02The debt collectors came knocking.
21:04Talia is facing criminal charges.
21:05Leo is sitting on over 200,000 in gambling debt.
21:08Together, they'd only drag each other down.
21:10When the ship sinks, everyone swims for themselves.
21:12What about Mia?
21:13Mia's custody went to Talia.
21:15But Talia is still waiting on the court's verdict, with no stable income whatsoever.
21:18Mindy told me.
21:19Talia's own mother rushed in from out of town to help with Mia.
21:22Apparently, the moment she walked in, she pointed at Talia and screamed at her for a solid afternoon.
21:26Saying she'd lost her mind, using her own child's photo to file a false report like that.
21:31Was she trying to get herself killed?
21:32Let's drink.
21:33Evan.
21:33Mom knows she was wrong.
21:34Your father was hospitalized after the birthday dinner.
21:37Blood pressure.
21:37He just got home from the hospital.
21:39Can you come see him?
21:39That night, my phone suddenly buzzes.
21:41The caller ID says,
21:42Dad.
21:43Evan.
21:43I'm sorry.
21:44Your mother.
21:44She's always favored Leo.
21:45I knew.
21:46I just never did anything about it.
21:48You've been carrying that for years, and I'm sorry.
21:50That apartment is yours.
21:51You bought it yourself.
21:52No one will touch it.
21:53It's yours.
21:53If you don't want to come back, I understand.
21:56But I miss you, son.
21:57Dad.
21:57Take care of yourself.
21:58We can talk about the rest later.
22:00I hang up.
22:00I stare at the ceiling for a long time.
22:02Then I get up and cook myself a bowl of noodles.
22:04Not instant noodles.
22:06Real noodles.
22:06I find two eggs in the fridge.
22:08Crack them in.
22:09Add some greens.
22:09While I cook, I think about when I was little.
22:11Mom.
22:12I got first place in class.
22:13Hmm.
22:14Keep it up next time.
22:15Your brother also got praised by his teacher today.
22:17Have a chicken leg to celebrate.
22:18What was he praised for?
22:19He didn't get into a fight.
22:21He didn't fight and that earns a chicken leg.
22:22But first place in class only gets in mum.
22:24I finish the noodles.
22:25Wash the bowl.
22:26Wipe down the kitchen.
22:27Then I sit on the couch.
22:28Just quiet.
22:29My apartment.
22:30400 square feet.
22:31Not big.
22:31But it's mine.
22:32Every brick.
22:33Every wall.
22:34Every single cent.
22:34Mine.
22:35No one can take it.
22:36One month later.
22:37Sunshine.
22:37I'm in a crisp button-down shirt.
22:39Holding a neat stack of documents.
22:41Walking into the office building.
22:42Mr.
22:42Mr.
22:42Joe, you're back.
22:43Hmm.
22:44Manager Zhao hears the door and snaps his head up.
22:46Rushing out from behind his desk.
22:47Evan.
22:48Welcome back.
22:48Welcome back.
22:49That whole situation.
22:50The police cleared it up.
22:51The company looked into it.
22:52It was a misunderstanding.
22:54Completely.
22:54The company acted too hastily on this one.
22:56And on behalf of everyone, I apologize.
22:58Please don't take it to heart.
23:00Manager Zhao, it's in the past.
23:01Yes, yes, it's in the past.
23:03Your desk has been waiting for you.
23:04Go take a look.
23:05My co-workers have changed too.
23:06Now when they see me, they can barely look me in the eye.
23:09Evan.
23:09So.
23:10Heard Talia got arrested.
23:11Released on bail.
23:12Respect, man.
23:13Going after your own family like that.
23:14You've got real clarity.
23:15Before, we just weren't seeing straight.
23:17We believed all that gossip.
23:18Don't hold it against us.
23:19Mmm.
23:20I closed the game I paused a month ago and opened my code editor.
23:23Fingers back on the keyboard.
23:24Easy and familiar.
23:25The shop owner downstairs is back to her old self.
23:27Evan here.
23:28This one's on me today.
23:29You've been through it.
23:30No need.
23:31I used to run my mouth.
23:32Stirring things up in the group chat.
23:34Don't hold it against me.
23:35We all heard that recording you played.
23:37Family like that.
23:37Cutting them off is a blessing.
23:39Payment received.
23:40Three dollars.
23:40The elevator opens.
23:41Ms. Lee lights up when she sees me.
23:43Evan.
23:43Off early today?
23:44Yeah.
23:45Ms. Lee.
23:45Out what happened.
23:46That sister-in-law of yours.
23:47How could she do that to her own family?
23:49I heard she's been charged.
23:50Good.
23:51She deserves it.
23:52It's in the past, Ms. Lee.
23:53I always said, Evan looks like a good kid.
23:55How could he do something like that?
23:56Turns out the one who filed was his own sister-in-law.
23:59To steal his apartment, she used her own daughter.
24:01Unbelievable.
24:02That young man worked so hard to buy that place on his own.
24:05That family is so shameless.
24:06I watch the messages scroll by.
24:08I don't type a single word.
24:09I just tap.
24:10Leave group.
24:11This is life.
24:12Come on.
24:12Come on.
24:13Toast to Evan.
24:13Pulled off a clean win.
24:14Thanks, Ray.
24:15Seriously.
24:16Respect.
24:17I never thought Talia was right for this family.
24:18Hey, Evan.
24:19I have a co-worker.
24:20Her name is Lily.
24:21Really great girl.
24:22Want me to introduce you to?
24:23Another blind date.
24:24This one's different, I promise.
24:25Lily is genuinely wonderful.
24:27You said that last time.
24:28Last time?
24:29Which time?
24:29The one who walked out halfway through dinner and never came back.
24:32That wasn't me.
24:33Forget it.
24:33These things can't be forced.
24:34Just live well first.
24:36Yeah.
24:36Live well first.
24:37A summer evening.
24:38A soft, warm breeze.
24:39I walk home alone.
24:40My shadow stretches long under the amber glow of the streetlights.
24:43Identity confirmed.
24:44Building 7, Unit 801.
24:46Evan.
24:46I open the door.
24:47The motion sensor light comes on.
24:49400 square feet.
24:50The coffee table is clean.
24:51No more empty noodle cups.
24:53Last week I finally bought a rice cooker.
24:54Still learning to make congee.
24:56I stand by the window.
24:57My phone buzzes in my pocket.
24:59A new message.
24:59Hi.
25:00My name is Lily.
25:01Mindy says you're a really good person.
25:02Would it be okay if we got to know each other?
25:04Hi.
25:04I'm Evan.
25:05Fair warning.
25:06I'm not great at cooking, but I'm learning.
25:08That's okay.
25:08I'm not great either.
25:09So I guess we can both be bad at it together.
25:11That works for me.
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