Chapter 9 — 20 Million Yuan Buys Freedom, Not Marriage

After resolving the Vuong Thuy Lan matter, I thought it would be peaceful for a while. Unexpectedly, the next day the company had a big problem. Director Truong called me into the room.

“To Niem, there is a project I want to put in charge of for you.”

“What project?”

"Duyet Lan Phu model house area in the west of the city. The investor is Hong Vien."

Hong Vien — top three real estate companies in the city.

“What's the budget?”

"Design fee is 2,000,000 yuan. High requirements, must have a truly outstanding product. I've looked at several people's portfolios, you are the most suitable."

"Time?"

“One month to create a concept, two months to complete construction drawings.”

The next two weeks, I almost stayed at the company. Every day he painted until midnight, and showed up at seven o'clock in the morning. Co Tham texted and asked if he hadn't seen me for a few days. I said I was running a project. He didn't ask more, but every night when I came home, there was a bag of groceries at the door — sometimes fruit, sometimes bread, sometimes a cup of hot milk. Never ring the bell. Just put it there. The third week, I brought the concept to present to the investor. Hong Vien's meeting room has seven or eight people ready to sit. There were seven or eight people in the meeting room. The project manager, marketing director, head of design, and a young man sat in the center. I glanced at his nametag — Tong Minh Vien, deputy general director of Hong Vien. The presentation went very smoothly. I presented for forty minutes, from the spatial flow, material selection to lighting design, every detail was carefully considered. At the end, Tong Minh Vien was the first to applaud.

"Very good. Exceeded my expectations. Designer To, what projects have you worked on before?"

I gave him my portfolio. He turned a few pages and looked up at me.

“Asia-Pacific Spatial Design Silver Award?”

"I know about this community library project. At that time, the judging panel had a debate, some people thought it should be awarded a gold award."

“I don't monitor the grading process.”

He smiled slightly.

"Designer To, I am very satisfied with the plan. But I have one more request - Duyet Lan Phu is a key project this year, I don't want the designer to just make a beautiful sales room. I want it to become a work. Can you do it?"

“Can do it.”

"Okay. Then sign the contract."

Leaving Hong Vien, I called Director Truong.

“The project is finished.”

"That's great. To Niem, go back to the company and come to my room."

Back at the company, Mr. Truong told me some news.

"Senior management quotas are available. This year the company has two spots, one for Mr. Chu in marketing, the other I nominated you."

"Thank you."

"No need to thank me. Your ability is there. If you do well at Duyet Lan Phu, you can try for the director position at the end of the year."

As soon as I left the room, the phone rang.

"To Niem? I'm Tong Minh Vien."

“General Tong, what's the matter?”

"Are you free tonight? I'll meet a few people for dinner so we can discuss the project more. Can you come with me?"

I thought for two seconds. The meal arranged by Tong Minh Vien was at the most expensive private restaurant in the west of the city. A table of eight people. Besides him, there are several people in the real estate and finance industry. I am the only designer. When I sat down, the man opposite saw me and his eyes lit up. I recognized him — Liu Duong, Tran Hao's college friend.

“Are you familiar?” neighbor ask.

Luu Duong smiled and didn't speak, but his eyes said it all. The meal talked from the project to the market, then to the recent economic situation. I rarely participate, only when someone asks about the design do I give a brief answer. Tong Minh Vien sat next to me, leaning over to talk several times.

“Designer To, how do you locate Duyet Lan Phu?”

"Customers are high-end. They need experiences and a sense of identity. The sales room is not a showroom, but a lifestyle stage."

He nodded.

"Okay. I agree with this direction."

At the end of the meal, Luu Duong came from across the table to sit next to me.

"To Niem, long time no see. You and Tran Hao—"

“We broke up.”

“Ah.” He nodded, "Tran Hao hasn't been doing well lately."

“It has nothing to do with me.”

“He said you swallowed all his dowry money—”

"That's the money my father gave me. Do you believe whatever he says?"

Luu Duong choked. Tong Minh Vien looked over.

"What is up?"

"Nothing." I stood up, "President Tong, I'll go home first. I'll send you my corrections tomorrow."

“I'll give it to you.”

"No need."

I took my bag and went straight.