Chapter 22 — After Notarizing 5 Houses, I Just Got Married

"To Niem, no matter how many houses you have in the future, no matter how much money you earn, no matter how big your career is... I will not change the way I treat you because of those things. Whether you are poor or rich, failed or successful, I am still me."

“Sounds like a promise?”

"It's not a promise. It's the truth."

The green light turns on. The car rolled again. City lights drift along outside the window. I laughed. This time, I smiled widely. Two years later. Cam Hoa Design Company completed Series B capital raising round, valued at 1,500,000,000 yuan. Thinh Hang Investment Fund is one of the leading parties. During the signing ceremony, Co Dien joked:

“Investing in my girlfriend's company, I was asked more than twenty questions about independence by the Board of Directors.”

The whole hall burst into laughter. I stood next to him, saying nothing. After signing, I went downstage and clinked glasses with Ha Chi Vien.

"General Manager To, two years ago you came to present to me. At that time, there were only three people in the department. You were so nervous that your palms were sweaty. Now the company's valuation is 1,500,000,000 yuan... are your hands still sweaty?"

“Negotiating big contracts is still sweaty as usual.”

"That's good. Sweating means you're not flying in the clouds yet."

I smiled. That evening, my aunt was waiting at home. She is seventy years old, her hair is mostly gray, but her eyes are still very alert. On the table there are two salty dishes and one soup.

“Done?”

“It's done.”

“1,500,000,000 yuan already.”

"In the past, I gave you five houses, a total of less than 100,000,000 yuan. In two years, you have multiplied it fifteen times."

“Now the prices of those apartments have also increased.”

“The Sangha is still yours.”

She raised her glass of wine. Thanh Mai wine is brewed by her herself.

"Nien Niem, I'm old. I'll gradually step back from company matters. The road ahead, you go on your own."

"Don't be emotional. Come on, drink."

We clinked glasses. Thanh mai wine is a bit sour in the mouth, then gradually sweetens. That night, I stood on the balcony and made two phone calls. The first match for Lam Dao.

"To Niem, are you showing off to me? 1,500,000,000 yuan? Do you still consider me your friend?"

“Let's have a meal.”

“The kind of 1,000 yuan per person?”

“3,000 yuan per person.”

“Oh my God, then I forgive you.”

The second call was to Co Dien.

“You worked hard today.”

"Me too."

“When are you going to marry me?”

The other side was silent for three seconds.

“Are you sure?”

“Is it necessary to notarize assets before marriage?”

I thought a bit.

"Yes. But this time it's not because I don't believe it. It's because it's the principle."

"Okay. You choose the time, I'm always ready."

“The day after tomorrow?”

"It's not urgent. It's because everything is ready."

He laughed. Still smiling slightly, the corners of his eyes curled up. Even though I couldn't see it, I could still hear it clearly. Three days later, we each notarized our pre-marital assets. Mine: five real estate properties and 30% of Cam Hoa company shares. His: 25% of Thinh Hang Fund's partnership shares and three real estate properties. The notary is still the same person. Looking at the two declarations, he raised his eyebrows.

“You two…notarized two-way?”

"It's rare. Usually only one side does it."

Co Dien signed his name.

“Respect each other, no one takes advantage of anyone else.”

He paused for a moment, then laughed.

“I wish you two happiness.”

Stepping out of the notary office, the sun was shining brightly. Exactly like the afternoon two and a half years ago, when I walked out of the Civil Affairs Department. It's just that the person next to you... is different. Try Dien held my hand.

“Next stop, Civil Affairs Bureau?”

After taking a few steps, he spoke again.

“Your luxury apartment… I won't take it.”

I lightly hit his hand.

"If you even mention the house, I won't get married anymore."

“I'm just kidding.”

“Not funny.”

“Okay, let's change it to another one.”

“What you are—I take it.”

I don't say. Just squeeze his hand tighter. The road to the Civil Affairs Department is not far. Sunlight spreads ahead. Step by step, steadily. Because this time, the path is my own to choose.