Chapter 11 — Check for Twenty Million and Trillion Billion

That evening, Chu Ngan sent a text message.

"Tong Anh Tai and Tong Anh Kiet had a big argument at the family meeting. Tong Anh Tai requested to stop all actions against Luc Thi, Tong Anh Kiet did not agree."

"Good. It's a civil war."

“There's one more thing.”

“Yes, say it.”

"This afternoon Luc Tu Lam verified what you said. She looked up Thu Thach Capital's investment process in Luc Thi, the unit implementing the supplier replacement plan, and the review records of the Provincial Department of Construction... all pointed to you."

“Her reaction?”

"She called Phuong Cam Hoa three times in a row. I don't know the reaction over there yet, but one thing is certain - the Luc family has already started discussing her true identity."

I turned off the phone, lay down on the bed, looking at the ceiling. The storm... is coming. What will Phuong Cam Hoa do? Bring your doubts and insecurities to question me? The doorbell rang. I glanced at the clock. Eleven o'clock at night. Phuong Cam Hoa stood in front of the door. She was still wearing her day clothes, her hair was a bit messy, her makeup had faded. Red eyes. She looked ten years older than when I first met her.

“Diep Tri Thu.”

Her voice… the first time I heard such a feeling. No longer lofty and superior. No more oppression. Only left... confusion, even a little fear.

“Who… are you?”

I opened the door wider. She hesitated for a second, then entered. Looking at my house of less than sixty square meters—old sofa, cloth curtains, bookshelves full of books—my expression became even more complicated.

“Sit down.” I poured water.

She sat down, her hands on her knees, clasped together.

"Tu Lam told me a lot today. She said Thu Thach Capital's investment, the supplier's replacement plan, the matter of the Provincial Construction Department... even the raising of the Tong Dat flag... she was all behind it."

I don't deny it.

“500 million yuan.” She stared at me. “A twenty-six year old girl… 500 million yuan, how is that possible?”

“Do you remember the 20 million yuan check you gave me?”

Her body stopped.

"That day I called the bank, the VIP line called my name directly. At that time, he just thought I was acting."

“…You don't act?”

"The largest share of Hung Hoa Bank was left to me by my grandfather. Thu Thach Capital... is the same."

Her hands began to shake.

“Thu Thach Capital… manages 80 billion yuan. You said—”

“I am the actual controller of Thu Thach Capital.”

Phuong Cam Hoa leaned heavily on the sofa, as if her strength had been drained from her.

“No way… you live here, work at a bookstore, dress like that…”

“It's all my choice.” I spoke softly. "Before my grandfather passed away, I told him not to reveal his identity before he was thirty. For the past three years, I've been with Dien Chu with this identity."

“Three years…” Her voice trembled. “You haven't said a word in three years?”

"I want to know... how much a Diep Tri Thu with nothing in his hands is worth in your eyes."

“What about the results?” She smiled bitterly. “Twenty million.”

I said nothing.

“Even twenty million is not enough.”

The room fell silent. Her fingers tightened until they turned white. After a while, she raised her head.

“Dien Chu… does he know?”

"No. I promised him I would tell him everything within a week."

“What are you going to say?”

“I haven't finished thinking yet.”

“It will be angry.”

"I know."

“Not just angry.” Her voice lowered. “Dien Chu hates being tricked the most. Even if it is concealing it with good intentions... in its eyes there is still disbelief."

I remembered what he said—

“Whoever you are, don't leave me.”

“So I can't last any longer.”

Phuong Cam Hoa stood up.

“Diep Tri Thu.”

“About that check last time… I'm sorry.”

After she finished speaking, she turned around and left without looking back. The door closes. I stood in the middle of the room, looking at the glass of water that no one had touched. Phuong Cam Hoa... apologized. Faster than I thought. But the hardest problem... is not her. It's Luc Dien Chu. The next morning, I texted Chu Ngan.

“Prepare a share diagram of Thu Thach Capital. The information has been omitted.”

“Show it to whom?”

“Luc Dien Chu.”

“Are you sure?”

"Sure. Tonight."

Then I texted Luc Dien Chu.

“Come over to my place tonight. I have something to say.”

He answered immediately.

“Okay. What time?"

Don't ask anything more. Perhaps… he had somewhat guessed it. The day passed slowly. The wind chimes in the shop occasionally ring softly. Guests come and go. Sunlight shines through the old window, dust floats in the air. I finished reading the book I held for half a month. Closing the last page— The phone vibrates. Tham Truong Ha.

“Miss Diep, I found out a few more things.”

“Your grandfather—Mr. Diep—also has a fortune abroad. A family office registered in Singapore, managing more than 30 billion yuan.”

I didn't speak up.