Chapter 23 — Chess Game Grandfather's Will

They helped Khuong Man who was still unconscious. Pulling Vuong Kien Quan was crying without a sound. And dragged Vuong Hao with him with dull eyes like a lost soul. Get all three people out of the building. From the place they once thought belonged to them. I stood and watched that struggling back disappear through the door. Their story has ended. What awaits them ahead. It is a coercive order from the court. These are assets that are being sold off one after another. It's a life of wandering after losing everything. And a regret that lasts for the rest of my life. But I will have no more pity. That road. It's their own choice. I turned around. Looking towards the veteran shareholders who have always stood by my side from beginning to end. They stood up simultaneously. In his eyes was admiration and joy.

“General Khuong!”

Professor Chu moved forward emotionally.

“We know!”

“We know you will definitely do it!”

I bowed deeply before them.

“Uncles, uncles…”

“Thank you everyone.”

“If it weren't for everyone.”

“I couldn't last until today.”

“The company is suffering very heavy losses right now.”

“The road ahead will not be easy.”

“I hope everyone can continue to accompany me.”

“Get the company back on track.”

"Certain!"

“We will definitely do it!”

Shareholders spoke up one after another. Everyone was full of enthusiasm. Darkness has weighed heavily on their hearts for more than a month. Finally disappeared. That afternoon. I took the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors and the new General Director. Convene an all-employee meeting. Standing on the podium to speak. Facing hundreds of employees below. On their faces. There is still confusion and insecurity. I don't speak grandiose or empty words. Just stating a few things.

"The first."

“From today, all employee benefits previously cut will be restored.”

"At the same time, the company will fully pay all last month's bonuses."

A commotion immediately rang out below. I continue.

“All employees have chosen to stay during these difficult times.”

“At the end of this quarter.”

“Each person will receive an additional three months salary.”

“This bonus is called: Loyalty Bonus.”

The whole hall suddenly became quiet. Many people's eyes were red. I looked at them. Continue speaking slowly.

“The new materials research project will be restarted immediately.”

“Investment capital doubled.”

“I will directly take on the position of project leader.”

“The next three years.”

“We will create a result that will shock the industry.”

The eyes of Professor Chu and the research team members immediately lit up.

“And one last thing.”

I looked around the hall. Every sentence and every word is clear.

“This comedy.”

“This is the end.”

“From today onwards.”

“Khuong Thi Group only looks at capacity.”

“Don't look at relationships.”

“Anyone who wants to sit and play and get paid.”

“Want to take advantage of the company for personal gain.”

“You can go to the human resources department to receive severance pay right now.”

“And those who are willing to overcome the storm with the company.”

“I, Khuong Van…”

“I promise everyone.”

“I will never mistreat any public servant.”

My words just ended. There was silence below for a few seconds. Applause rang out like thunder. Bigger and bigger each time. Lasts endlessly. Dispel all fear. It also rekindles hope in everyone's heart. After the meeting. I went back to the CEO's office. The place that originally belonged to me. Ms. Tran had someone clean it up a long time ago. All ostentatious and flashy items were removed. Everything returns to its original appearance. Just like when grandpa was still here. And full of spirit. I walked in front of the giant floor-to-ceiling glass window. Quietly looking down at the brilliant city outside. That scene. No different than my first day back. But my mood. Has completely changed. I feel like this place is like a cold chess board. A cage that I want to escape from. And now. When looking down at it all. I only see before my eyes. It is a large battlefield. Waiting for me to conquer. Thank you. Thank you for using the cruelest method. To make him grow up overnight. He did not directly give the crown to me. He let me walk through the mud on my own. Walk through blood and tears. Then pick it up yourself. Put it on your head. Also for yourself. His final lesson. I have learned it already.