Chapter 22 — After Divorce, We Learn to Love Again

"After three years of establishment, Niem An Logistics has increased its annual revenue from zero to four hundred and twenty million yuan. Customers currently cover seven Southeast Asian countries, operating eleven logistics routes, with a team of three hundred and fifty employees."

Applause rang out.

"Our goal is that within five years, we will be in the top five logistics enterprises in Tinh city. In the next ten years, we will expand our network to key seaports around the world."

The applause became even louder. Halfway through the party, I took a glass of juice to greet the guests when a person not on the invitation list appeared at the door. Not Co Tram Chu. It's a middle-aged man I've never met. He is about fifty years old, wearing a gray suit, gold-framed glasses, and a calm and charismatic demeanor. Behind him are two young assistants, both carrying briefcases in their hands. Thanh Hoa was the first person to recognize him. She walked over, leaned close to my ear and whispered:

"Niem Niem, that's General Director Ly of Vien Dong Shipping. Vien Dong Shipping is one of the largest shipping groups in Southeast Asia, with a market value of more than thirty billion yuan."

"What did he come here for?"

"Don't know."

"Not on the guest list."

At that time, Mr. Ly walked straight towards me.

"Miss Khuong?"

"Hello Mr. Ly."

"Today I took the liberty to come here without notice. I hope you will forgive me."

"You're too polite. May I ask..."

"I came to give Ms. Khuong a meeting gift."

He signaled his assistant to open the briefcase and take out a file.

"This is a letter of intent for strategic cooperation between Vien Dong Shipping and Niem An Logistics."

"We currently own three private seaports in the Malacca Strait, which can give Niem An priority docking rights and preferential storage fees."

"The only condition is that in the next five years, all logistics activities in Southeast Asia of Niem An will prioritize using Vien Dong Shipping's fleet."

I received the contract and scanned it quickly. Terms... Too favorable. Vien Dong Shipping's three seaports are all strategic resources. I don't know how many logistics companies fight to the point of breaking their heads but can't get that priority right. Yet today... He took the initiative to bring it to me. I raised my head to look at him.

"Mr. Ly, I really appreciate your kindness."

"But I want to know..."

Mr. Ly laughed.

"Miss Khuong is truly a straightforward person."

"The reason is very simple."

"The first."

"The growth rate of Niem An Logistics makes me extremely impressed."

"In this industry, it is not much for a new business to achieve revenue of more than four hundred million yuan in just three years."

"Furthermore, her operational efficiency and reputation with customers are both excellent."

He paused for a moment then continued.

"Second..."

"Your grandfather used to help my father."

"In 1987, when Vien Dong Shipping was just established, Mr. Khuong lent my father a ship to operate the Singapore - Jakarta route."

"Not a penny of rent."

"Before he passed away, my father once told me..."

"Thanks to the Khuong family."

"The Ly family must pay."

I was stunned. Mr. Ly smiled.

"This cooperation..."

"Half is for business."

"Half is to repay the favor."

"Miss Khuong doesn't need to feel pressured."

"All terms in Contracts are fair and transparent."

"You should have a lawyer look into it."

"If there are any unsatisfactory points..."

"We will continue to discuss."

I bowed my head and looked at the documents in my hand. My grandfather passed away ten years ago. I never thought... The good seed he sowed that year. Blooming again at this right time.

"Thank you, Mr. Ly."

"I will seriously consider it."

"No rush."

"Just take your time."

He smiled and left. The gratitude party continues. But my mind... Has flown to another place. If cooperation with Vien Dong Shipping is successful. Niem An Logistics' scale of operations will triple immediately. The goal is to be in the top five logistics businesses within five years... Just three years is enough. That night, when I returned home. An An and Lac Lac have been sleeping for a long time. I sat on the balcony, in front of the brightly lit night scene of Tinh City, flipping through the cooperation intent of Vien Dong Shipping. The phone screen suddenly lit up. It's Co Tram Chu.

"Did today's appreciation party go smoothly?"

"How did you know I was having a party today?"

"The official account of Niem An Logistics has posted an announcement."

You follow my company's official account.

"Very smooth."

"Congratulations."

"Khuong Niem."

"What's wrong?"

"Four hundred and twenty million yuan."

"That year it took him five years to achieve four hundred million in revenue."

"That year I also had to deal with the board of directors and my eldest uncle's dark and bright schemes. I don't."

"But I have two kids to raise."

"Raising children is simpler than dealing with the board of directors. At least the kids won't stab me in the back."

He laughed. It's been a long time since I heard his laughter. A low, short laugh, as if something in my chest had finally loosened.

"Khuong Niem."

"I'm better than you."

"You're too complimentary."

"It's not polite."

"It's true."

I turned off the balcony light. The lights of the whole city suddenly became brighter.