Chapter 2 — Fluent in 9 foreign languages, I just want to be a normal employee

Finally... He revealed his true purpose. Want to save money on layoff compensation. They also strive to build the image of leaders who think about their employees. It's true that the calculations are impeccable. I looked at that fake face. Gently nodded. I agree so emphatically. To the point that all the words he had prepared were stuck in his throat. He was stunned for a few seconds before reluctantly smiling.

"That's good."

"I knew right away that you were an understanding employee."

"During the last week, you hand over your work carefully. The company will not mistreat you."

The corners of my lips curled slightly. A smile without any warmth.

"Yes, I understand, General Manager Vuong."

Having finished speaking, I turned around and left. Just as the door closed, he heard a sigh of relief behind him. Return to your seat. Giang Anh and her group immediately gathered.

"Lam Khe, what's wrong?"

"What did General Manager Vuong say?"

I don't bother to answer. Just open the computer and start preparing handover documents. My calmness... In their eyes, it looked like a provocation. Therefore, they are even more outrageous.

"Hey, everyone tell me."

"After Lam Khe retires, who will take care of this stone lotus pot?"

"Throw it away."

"It's bad luck to see."

"Don't throw it away in the company."

"It's very embarrassing. It's better to tell her to take it herself."

Every sentence, every word. They are all like poisoned needles. Tried to pierce my shell of calm. The hand holding the mouse tightened. Finger joints turn white. But my face still hasn't changed. I just quietly memorized... Each person's name. One by one. The executioners are having a party to celebrate. Just calmly wait. Waiting for the moment... The verdict was announced. The resignation procedure takes a week to complete. Perhaps in Giang Anh's eyes, it would be a waste if he didn't take advantage of this week to torture me to the end. So she suggested organizing a farewell party. It's a nice thing to say — a happy farewell, a farewell to a former colleague. But everyone understood that it was nothing more than a carefully choreographed Hongmen Banquet. A public denunciation. A party dedicated to humiliating me.

"Lam Khe, you must come. This is the heart of the whole room."

She plopped the newly printed restaurant brochure on my table, smiling brightly like a flower. It is a newly opened high-end European restaurant, famous for its expensive prices and authentic local flavors. The brochure is filled with the restaurant's name in French and advertising lines in Italian. She did that on purpose. Want to remind me every moment that... I am a failure who was eliminated just because I don't know a foreign language. I just replied calmly. My obedience made the group even more excited. Maybe they thought... I was so oppressed that I was paralyzed, and I could only let others dictate to me. Friday night. Melodious violin music echoed throughout the restaurant. The light from the giant crystal chandelier cast a light that was both warm and distant. The whole department sat around the long dining table. "thoughtfully" arranged in last place. Like an unrelated outsider. Giang Anh wore a branded evening dress. Is the focus of the whole party table. She held the thick menu, looked like a queen, and announced:

"I invite you today."

"Everyone, feel free to call."

Right after Then, she started using her English and half-skilled Japanese, mixed with a few French words she had just memorized to "introduce" the dish.

"Escargots de Bourgogne — French-style grilled snails, a classic."

"And Risotto ai funghi porcini — porcini mushroom risotto, a Northern Italian specialty."

Every time I finished speaking. She glanced at me with satisfaction. The people nearby immediately coordinated juggling.

"Oh my god, Ms. Giang is so good!"

"I know everything."

"Following you really broadens my knowledge."

The whole dinner table. English, Japanese, French... All kinds of words fly around like a flock of headless flies. They loudly discussed foreign customs. Comment on the vintage and production area of each bottle of wine on the menu. It has nothing to do with me. From beginning to end, I didn't say a single word. Just quietly drink the glass of lemonade in front of you. The ice cubes hit the sides of the cup, making a clear jingling sound. It's a rare bit of quiet left for me. Tran Mac sat opposite. Several times I tried to open a conversation, but was interrupted by the sound of clinking glasses and the wine pressing of Giang Anh. He looked at me. There was a flicker of worry and helplessness in his eyes. I shook my head slightly. Signaling him not to worry. After a few rounds of wine. Giang Anh's cheeks were red. She was clearly drunk. She held the glass of wine and staggered to her feet.

"Everyone raise a glass."

"Sending off our departing colleague..."

Everyone raised their glasses in unison. All eyes turned towards me.

"Lam Khe."

"It's a pity that she can't continue to stand side by side with everyone in the future."