Chapter 20 — After Divorce, I Made My Husband's Family Bankrupt

In the evening, Truong Khai Son called me to eat. In a private room on the upper floor of the Tu Huong Cac, he personally opened a bottle of wine.

"Let's celebrate a little. Today you won the counterclaim, Chu Khai's detention was extended again, but I'm happy."

“There's nothing to celebrate.”

I raised my glass, lightly touching it.

“Just what needs to be done, eventually gets done.”

Truong Khai Son smiled softly.

“Do you know what I respect about you?”

“What point?”

"From beginning to end, she never scolded Chu Khai. She used the law and the marketplace to solve everything."

He looked at me, his eyes deepened.

“That way… is more painful than being scolded ten thousand times.”

I put down the glass of wine.

"President Truong, cursing people also requires strength. But my strength... was used up a long time ago."

“Where does it end?”

“It's over in eight months.”

Outside the window, the city spread out like a strip of light. Looking towards the old street, the neon sign of Chu Gia restaurant has been taken down, leaving only the empty, silent roof in the night. The phone vibrates slightly. Save Error message:

"General Director Diep, today's new employee training session tested me in class. The team leader said I did well. Thank you for giving me the opportunity."

I answered in two words: Truong Khai Son glanced over and burst out laughing.

"You're texting your ex-husband's brother's husband. If this plot goes online, the comments will explode."

I picked up a piece of ribs.

“Ah, President Truong, there is something I want to discuss with you.”

"Next year Dinh Vi expands to other provinces, I want to bring the Tu Huong Cac brand along with it. You have the local channel, I have the provincial supply chain. Combined, costs will be very low."

Truong Khai Son put down his chopsticks and his eyes became serious.

“What scale?”

"Six cities. The first year about 80,000,000 to 100,000,000 yuan. Then three times as much."

He raised his glass.

“General Manager Diep, cooperating with you is the best decision I have made in recent years.”

One month later. Roof topping ceremony for Diep Thi's new factory. Bach Tung Thao arrived. General Manager Vuong arrived. Truong Khai Son arrived. Leaders of the Department of Trade were also present. The square in front of the factory gate had a bright red welcome gate, both sides were lined with congratulatory flowers. My father wore a straight Zhongshan suit, standing next to the stage, his eyes red. Uncle Tran said softly:

"He didn't sleep last night. Before dawn, he walked around the factory several times."

I nodded. After the leader's speech, the MC called my name.

"Please invite the legal representative of Diep Thi spice factory, exclusive strategic partner of Dinh Vi, in charge of the provincial standardization project - Ms. Diep Thanh to speak."

Applause rang out. I walked up to the podium. In the yard, people stood crowded. Workers wearing white uniforms line up. The reporter raised the camera. Partner holds phone to record.

“Hello, I am Diep Thanh.”

My voice echoed through the speakers, spreading throughout the factory.

“Standing here today, I remember something.”

The whole hall fell silent.

“Five years ago, when I brought the spice recipe I had researched into the city, someone said - you selling spices, where do you have the right to enter this place?”

The crowd stirred slightly.

“Three years ago, when I won the supply contract for my first store, someone said — you are just an outsider, don't meddle in their family affairs.”

“A year ago, when I was dragging my suitcase around looking for supplies, someone said — Diep Thanh, do you have a problem?”

“Eight months ago, when I returned with the 80,000,000 yuan contract, someone said - you were divorced. After the kiss, the whole family voted and she left empty-handed."

The space was silent.

“And now…”

I turned around and pointed towards the new factory behind me.

“I want to ask a question — to those of you who said I couldn't do it, where are you now?”

Applause exploded. Not the social type. It was the sound of hundreds of people echoing at the same time, vibrating the air. My father quietly wiped the corners of his eyes. Bach Tung Thao stood in the front row, smiling and shaking his head.