Chapter 18 — Check for Twenty Million and Trillion Billion

"Are you sure? It was announced four years early."

“He has forced it to this point.” I said calmly. "If I'm still behind... he will tear away layer by layer. It's better to step out on your own... than be pulled out."

“But Master Diep's teachings—”

“Grandpa said that showing up early would ruin your temper.” I smiled softly. “But eight years have passed… I have proven enough.”

I looked up at the bookshelf. The set of "Thai Can Dam" he left behind... is still there.

“Besides…” I said softly, “my mind now… is not afraid of the light anymore.”

Chu Ngan let out a breath.

"Okay. I'll arrange it."

The next day. Urgent meeting of the family council. Co Thanh Son. Khuong Tieu Ngu. Three votes—agree. Reject Diep Trong Thanh's complaint. The minutes clearly state the reason. He sent a letter of protest, his tone harsh. No one replied. That same evening— Thu Thach Capital issued an official announcement:

“In the next three days, a media meeting will be held to introduce the management team.”

No mention of “founder”. But everyone understands— This is the reveal. The financial world exploded.

“Thu Thach Capital finally let 'Mr. Thu' appear!”

“Guess… is it really a 26 year old girl?”

Three days later. Floor 38, City Financial Center A. Meeting room of Thu Thach Capital. More than fifty media agencies. Cameras and lenses filled the last three rows. I wear a black vest dress. Hair tied in a bun. Light makeup. High heels. Khuong Tieu Ngu stood behind me, adjusting my collar for me.

“Are you nervous?”

"Lie. Your hands are sweaty."

“Need me to come with you?”

"No need."

I looked at myself in the mirror. Twenty-six years old. The owner of Thu Thach. Bookstore girl. Luc Dien Chu's girlfriend. Grandfather Diep's niece. From today— All… is one. I pushed the door. Step out on stage. The light was so bright that I had to squint my eyes a bit. Then I looked clearly below. Top row—Chu Ngan. Second row— Luc Dien Chu. Dark blue vest. He looked at me... smiled slightly. Third row— Phuong Cam Hoa. Her eyes were complicated. Fourth row— Luc Tu Lam. She nodded at me. The last corner of the hall— Tham Truong Ha. He leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms, and looked like he was enjoying a good play. I stepped in front of the microphone.

"Hello everyone. I am Diep Tri Thu. Founder of Thu Thach Capital."

The flash flared up like fireworks.

“Previously, everyone called me ‘Mr.

Laughter rang out from the stands. Questions rushed in.

“Miss Diep, are you Mr. Diep's granddaughter?”

“Thu Thach Capital's 120 billion yuan assets... are all controlled by you alone?”

"It's not just me. For the past nine years, Chu Ngan has supported me in management. But the final decision... belongs to me."

"There is an article online saying you used money from Thu Thach Capital to help your boyfriend's company. How do you respond?"

"First, it is an investment that has undergone full appraisal and is a purchase below actual value. A third-party report will be provided later. Second—Thu Thach's average rate of return over nine years is 23%/year." I stopped for a beat. “If that is still called public-private confusion... I suggest other fund managers also try to do the same.”

Laughter erupted more clearly.

"Miss Diep, 26 years old, holding trillions of billions in assets, how does it feel?"

“Still going to work, still reading books.”

“Go to work… at a bookstore?”

“Yes. It's a hobby mine. The bookstore may not make money… but it makes me remember I'm still a normal person.”

The question and answer session lasted half an hour. I walked down the stage. Luc Dien Chu stood waiting in the hallway.

“You said you made bad tea… who would have thought that opening a press conference would be so neat.”

“The two skills are unrelated.”

He gave me a bottle of water.

“Diep Tri Thu.”

“You are very good. But I have to say something—the tea you made is really hard to drink.”

“Luc Dien Chu, do you believe I will take back 15% of my shares right now?”

"Not believe. I can't bear it."

I took a sip of water. Say nothing. I can't bear it. After the press conference— Public opinion completely reversed.

“Mr. Thu turned out to be Miss Thu! 26 years old, 120 billion yuan!”

“Nine years, 23% return! Is this the person who is said to have 'confused public and private'?"

“Diep Tri Thu—probably the most secretive rich woman in city A. Lives in the old area, opens a bookstore, takes a taxi.”

Comments are almost one-sided.

“This is the truly rich person. Unobtrusive.”

“Compared to that… should we investigate the person behind that attack?”

Diep Trong Thanh is panicking. He didn't expect me to turn over the cards so quickly. Even more unexpected— After turning over the cards, public opinion was on my side. Before he could make his second move— I exposed all of his cards to the light. The next day, Chu Ngan submitted a report of violations of the Cayman fund to the financial regulator. At the same time, send a lawyer letter to the account that posted the offensive post. Diep Trong Thanh's phone exploded— Not a consolation. But creditors, partners... each one called to question. Investors in the Cayman fund simultaneously requested to withdraw capital. The Fund is at risk of dissolution.