Chapter 13 — After Taking Mother Away, We Changed Our Lives

“Listen to me.”

“The most important thing now is absolutely not to let our sign collapse!”

“Bach Vi Giai can monopolize the chili source in Dung Thanh.”

“Could it be that they can still manage the supply of goods from other provinces?”

“I have a compatriot who is a wholesaler in the chili growing area of the neighboring province.”

“I will contact you for you!”

“Guaranteed to find the same quality chili!”

I immediately raised my head, not daring to believe my ears.

“And the production license…”

“This can't be rushed.”

“But we can't sit around waiting to die like that!”

After speaking, he took out his phone and called continuously.

"Hello, Mr. Truong, doesn't your noodle shop always complain about the sauce not being good enough?"

“Hello Mr. Vuong, the hot pot restaurant next to you…”

He made seven or eight consecutive phone calls. These are all small restaurant owners around here. After hanging up, he turned to look at me.

“Nguyet Nguyet, listen to me.”

“Small businessmen like us really can't compete with sharks like Bach Vi Giai.”

“But we are not fish lying on the chopping block for others to cut!”

“I told them just now.”

“Everyone will collect 20,000 yuan in advance for me!”

“Not a loan.”

“It's not alms.”

“Consider paying for the goods in advance!”

“We're all waiting for your chili sauce.”

"When you can reopen the factory, continue delivering goods to us!"

“We believe in who you are.”

“I also trust my mother's skills!”

My mind was completely blank. I was shocked by this sudden change. Small bosses like us... Every day, we stay up late and get up early to earn hard-earned money. Yet at our most desperate moment... They didn't choose to stay away. Which chooses to be on our side. Mr. Tran took out a thick wad of cash from his wallet and placed it firmly on the table.

“Here is your 5,000 yuan.”

“They will bring the rest this afternoon one by one.”

“Nguyet Nguyet, take it!”

“Use this money to pay the fine in advance.”

“Then go outside the province to find a source of chili!”

“Don't disappoint our regular customers!”

I looked at the stack of money on the table. Look at Mr. Tran's dark but sincere face. Tears finally completely burst. I don't say thank you. But stand up... Bow deeply before him. Because I know… This is not money. It's the human heart. It is the most precious warmth we receive in this cold city called Dung Thanh. Having that belief... Even if ahead is a mountain of swords and a sea of fire... I must continue to move forward. The 20,000 yuan that Mr. Tran and the shop owners collected... Like a timely rain falling on our nearly parched land. The first thing I did was go to the Market Supervision Bureau to pay a 5,000 yuan fine. When the staff collected the money, there was still a bit of contempt on his face. It's like saying: What if I pay a fine? You can't reopen the factory either. I said nothing. Just hold the receipt, hold your head high and walk out. I won't let you look down on me. Definitely not. With the remaining money, I immediately contacted the chili supplier in a foreign province that Mr. Tran introduced. Over the phone, I spoke very carefully about the requirements for chili varieties, spiciness and aroma. The other party was extremely professional and even agreed to send us a sample right away to try first. If suitable, the price is even cheaper than importing goods from Dung Thanh before. Resolved the original issue I wonder if the rock in my heart will finally lighten up a bit. But the production license issue... Still looks like a mountain blocking the front. Our small workshop is definitely not qualified anymore. If you want to continue... You must have a standard factory. That means... Need a larger amount of money. This 20,000 yuan is completely insufficient. Right when I was still having a headache about it… Friday morning… The moment that changed my destiny finally came. That day it was not yet completely bright. Aunt Tran seemed crazy, holding a newspaper and rushed in from outside. My aunt was so excited that she couldn't speak.

“News… newspaper!”

“Nguyet Nguyet, quickly read the newspaper!”

I immediately grabbed it. It's Dung Thanh Afternoon Newspaper. Right in the most prominent position on the front page, a bold black headline hit my heart like a heavy hammer.

“A jar of chili sauce on the brink of survival: Who is crushing a mother's dream?”

There are also subtitles below:

“Exposing Bach Vi Giai's commercial oppression — a tearful denunciation from a small, anonymous factory.”

It's Tieu Tien! She really did it! She really put our story on the front page! My hands began to shake, reading each word. The opening of the article did not directly mention the company name. Using a very delicate and emotional tone to describe the image of a mother under the pale yellow light... Quietly cooking chili sauce for her daughter.

“It's not just an ordinary jar of chili sauce.”

“It's the wordless love of a mother for her daughter.”

“The last hope of a family in desperate circumstances.”