Chapter 19 — After All, We All Learn How to Be Better People

"It's not because you're sorry. It's... after all, you're still my grandfather. I can't hate you. But... I also can't go back to how it was before."

I walked in front of him. Sit down, at eye level.

"From now on, I won't disappear from your life anymore. But I decide my own affairs. My money, I spend it myself. My life—no need for anyone to interfere."

I stood up. Looking at Tien To Phuong.

"As for you, I won't pursue the letter. But in the future, if you talk about me behind my back—I won't stay silent like this time again."

She raised her head. Don't react as harshly as before. Just looked at me… then nodded. I turned around and walked out the door. Going to the place to change shoes— A very soft sentence was heard behind me.

“Thank you... still willing to come back.”

That was grandfather's voice. I don't turn around. But the footsteps stopped for a second. Then open the door and go out. Moonlight filled the yard. The shadow of cinnamon flowers shines on the ground. As I stepped out of the gate, I looked up—the second-floor window was slightly open. Behind the curtain, there was a shadowy figure. Diep Minh Huy. He stood there listening from the beginning. But from beginning to end... no stepping down. I don't call. The engine vibrates slightly. The car glided out of the old house, blending into the city lights. The phone on the passenger seat vibrated three times. I don't look. When the car stopped by the riverbank, I picked it up. Three messages. Luc Thoi Hanh: "What's going on?" Mother: "Tieu Thanh, I remember everything you said today." One more news— Diep Minh Huy. Just two words. I looked for a long time. Then answer.

“Just be kind.”

Do not block. There are things... that don't need to be blocked anymore. It will subside on its own. Thinh Hang's fall press conference took place on the last weekend of October. Location: international exhibition center in the middle of the city. Stage, lights, big screen. More than a thousand seats were filled. More than forty media agencies were present. The front row seats are investment funds. Behind are analysts and partners. Luc Thoi Hanh stood on stage, wearing a custom-made dark blue suit. You're perfect for moments like that— Steady voice. Precise rhythm. Every sentence hits the mark. On the big screen, each new product appears one after another. Under the stands, the applause did not stop. I sat in the VIP area on the second floor. Through the one-way glass, you can see the entire hall. But no one saw me. In hand is a cup of black coffee. Tieu Ha stood next to her and lowered her voice:

“Mr. Diep, do you think anyone will come today?”

"Mr. Ma from Hong Yuan. Sitting in the third row on the left, fifth seat."

“What did he come for?”

"His company is cooperating in land services with Thinh Hang. Maybe he came to check on the situation."

“There's one more person.” Tieu Ha hesitated.

"My grandfather also came. He sat in the last row. My uncle came with me."

My hand holding the coffee stopped.

“You know there's a press conference today?”

"Not sure. You can see it in the newspaper."

I put the cup down. Step in front of the glass. Look towards the last row. Grandfather wore a gray Zhongshan shirt, sitting in the corner. The eldest uncle sat next to him. They both looked confused. Grandpa's eyes followed Luc Thoi Hanh on stage. Very attentive. Perhaps you still don't understand what this company does. But he knew— This company… was related to his niece. On stage, Luc Thoi Hanh started talking about third quarter data.

“Thinh Hang Technology achieved revenue of 4,200,000,000 yuan in the third quarter, growth of 27%.

Net profit 830,000,000 yuan, a growth of 31%. Market value exceeds 17,000,000,000 yuan.” Numbers danced across the screen. Under the stands, applause rang out. Grandpa sat in the last row and looked up. Maybe he doesn't understand "growth", doesn't understand "net profit". But surely you understand— 17,000,000,000 yuan. His hand holding the cane tightened. Then let go. The press conference gradually came to an end. Luc Thoi Hanh said the last sentence.

“Thinh Hang is where it is today thanks to the trust of partners and investors. But I especially want to thank one person—Thinh Hang's earliest investor, who is also our largest individual shareholder. She doesn't like appearing in public, but every important decision of the company has her participation."

“I won't say her name here—because she told me not to.”

In the stands, someone laughed. But in the last row— There was one person… who was silent.

“But I still want to say one thing to her—thank you.”

Applause rang out. I stand behind the glass. The cup of coffee in my hand... has since cooled down. When the press conference ended, the crowd began to disperse. I stood at the VIP entrance, waiting for almost everyone to leave, intending to turn through the side door and leave. Just as he pushed the door open— Grandpa stood at the corner of the hallway. There is no uncle. Only you. Use a cane and lean your back against the wall. Seeing me, he was not surprised.

“Sure enough I'm in there.”

“How do you know?”