Chapter 10 — Check for Twenty Million and Trillion Billion

“Very excited.” His voice carried a hint of laughter. "The largest individual shareholder of Hung Hoa Bank, who is mysteriously connected to Thu Thach Capital, Diep Tri Thu. Twenty-six years old, works at a small bookstore. Her profile... is more attractive than any script I've ever seen."

“You have looked up the story of Hung Hoa Bank.”

"Looked up part of it. But not enough. So I want to meet in person to ask clearly."

“What if I don't see you?”

"Then I will continue to investigate. Miss Diep, you understand... in this industry, things I haven't been able to investigate... are almost non-existent."

I thought for three seconds.

"Tomorrow afternoon, three o'clock. Luc Vu tea shop."

I hung up. Khuong Tieu Ngu's face turned pale.

“Shen Truong Ha came straight to you?”

“Faster than I expected.”

“Are you still planning to go see him?”

"Of course."

"Are you crazy? What if he exposes you on the spot—"

“He won't do that.” I said very calmly. "He came to try. The information in his hands... was not enough to piece together a complete picture."

“Why are you so sure?”

"If he had determined that I was the person behind Thu Thach Capital, he would not have made an appointment. He would have sold that information directly to Tong Anh Kiet."

“So what's the point of meeting you?”

"Confirming the last piece of the puzzle. And that piece... is in my hands. Whether I give it or not, it's up to me to decide."

The next afternoon, three o'clock. Luc Vu tea shop. Tham Truong Ha... is younger than I thought. Over forty, bearded, extremely sharp eyes, wearing a casual black suit. He sat in a private room, in front of him was a kettle of Dai Hong Pao. Seeing me enter, he stood up and raised his hand.

“Miss Diep.”

I don't shake hands. Sit down. He didn't pay any attention, just smiled and sat back.

“Miss Diep… is as cold as rumored.”

"People from Hung Hoa Bank said that their largest shareholder is a young girl with a personality colder than tea. I thought they were exaggerating."

“You asked the people of Hung Hoa.”

"Yes. But they are very tight-lipped. I can only get a little information from the outside."

He poured tea and pushed a cup towards me.

"Miss Diep, I'll be honest. I'm working for Tong Anh Kiet, my mission is to clarify the internal affairs of Thu Thach Capital. The relationship between you and Thu Thach... I have investigated about seven parts."

“What seven parts?”

"She is one of the beneficiaries of the trust fund behind Thu Thach Capital. The shares in Hung Hoa Bank are also in the same structure. This fund was established eight years ago, and the founder was not her... but an elderly person named Diep."

I said nothing.

"Old Diep... the legend of City A thirty years ago. He single-handedly built the forerunner of Hung Hoa Bank. It is said that before he passed away, he transferred all his assets to a nephew."

He looked straight at me.

“That nephew… is you, right?”

I picked up the tea cup and took a sip.

“He investigated very methodically.”

“But you are wrong in one place.”

"You think that all of Mr. Diep's assets... are just Hung Hoa and Thu Thach."

Tham Truong Ha's eyes suddenly changed.

"Not?"

“That's just part of it.”

“So what else?”

I put down the tea cup.

"Mr. Tham, you are receiving money from Tong Anh Kiet. Your profession does not allow you to turn back. But I can give you some advice."

“What advice?”

"Don't get too involved in this game. The 3% shares that Tong Anh Kiet gave you... no worth."

“Miss Diep is threatening me?”

"Are not. It's a reminder."

I stood up.

“Twenty years ago, my grandfather beat his master… not because he was absolutely stronger. But because he's on the right side. And your master… chose wrong.”

“I've been doing this for twenty years—”

“Twenty years… should have understood one thing.” I turned back to look at him. “Until you see all your opponent's cards... don't go all-in.”

I walked out the door. Before leaving, come back one more time.

“Your seven parts of information… three parts are wrong. If you bring that wrong information to Tong Anh Kiet... you will bear the consequences."

I opened the door to leave. Getting in the car, Khuong Tieu Ngu sat waiting, her forehead covered in sweat.

“He's smarter than I thought… but also more stubborn.”

“Did he hear you?”

“You mentioned that Mr. Diep has other assets?”

“I'm just suggesting.” I leaned back in the chair. “Enough for him to spend another week verifying. One week… is enough.”

“Enough for what?”

“Enough for the Song family… to fight themselves first.”