Chapter 20 — Husband Takes Little Tam to Party, Big Screen Shows My 31 Million Yuan Project

The other end of the line was silent for five seconds.

“Thank you, Nguyen... Nguyen To.”

I hung up. Outside the window it started to rain again. I raised my head to look at the sky, then turned on the computer and continued working. That month, I heard news about personnel changes at Le Hang Construction Materials Group. It was Dao Vy who told me. Chu Yen was removed from her position as project manager and demoted one level. The reason is that after Due Hang's conference, Le Hang's leadership really clarified that there had never been any direct strategic cooperation relationship between their company and Due Hang. The so-called "connection point" has always been a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding created by middle management. Meanwhile, Chu Yen did not correct it in time, and even took advantage of this opportunity to build the image of "the one who can promote big projects" within the company.

"His image has collapsed." Dao Vy said on the phone. "Nowadays in the company, people talk very harshly."

After listening, I closed the notes page titled "Things related to Chu Yen" in the notes application. It's over. At the end of November, Professor Phuong called me.

"Nguyen To, there is something I want to tell you in advance. The annual technology innovation appraisal council has just completed its own evaluation of your plan."

“Private review?”

"This year's Industry Association Technology Contribution Award. Your name is on the nomination list. The results will be announced on the tenth of next month. This is still not public information, so I'll let you know in advance so you won't be too surprised."

I tightened my grip on the phone.

“Teacher Phuong... is...”

“First Prize.” He smiled. “Passed with an absolute majority.”

I leaned back in my chair, speechless.

"Nine council members, nine votes in favor. There was not one abstention."

In that moment, it seemed like the whole world was silent.

“Congratulations, Nguyen To.”

After hanging up the phone, I sat motionless for about ten minutes. Not because it's too fun. It's the feeling that all the efforts over the years have finally paid off, making people's hearts strangely peaceful. The award ceremony was held on December 1st at the city's largest convention center. It was an annual event of the industry association, larger in scale than the previous Due Hang conference, with more than six hundred delegates attending. Dao Vy helped me choose a navy blue dress with a simple but elegant design.

“Nguyen To, today you must stand out.”

“I'm usually the same.”

“It's your normal appearance that stands out the most.”

Before the ceremony started, I waited in the backstage area for guests. Someone walked up to greet me. A colleague I met at a previous conference, in charge of engineering at a medium-sized technology company, surnamed Lam.

"Nguyen To, today you are about to receive an award. The whole world is spreading the word."

“Is the news already out?”

“Do you think the association is good at keeping secrets?” She laughed. "Remember to give a good speech when you go on stage later. There are so many reporters, who knows, you might even get to be on the main news."

“I'm just telling the truth.”

“The truth is the thing that most easily touches people's hearts.”

The ceremony officially begins. I stood backstage, watching A stream of people entered the hall through the screen. I saw Chu's mother. She came, accompanied by Chu Hue and Mr. Ngo. This is a public activity of the association, with tickets sold so all sectors can attend. Chu Hue pulled Chu's mother and tried to squeeze towards the guest seating area. But was stopped by the tour guide. Without a guest card, you cannot sit in the front row. Chu's mother stood there and said something to the staff. The opponent was still polite but firmly invited her to stand in the outside area. I withdrew my gaze. No longer important. The ceremony progressed to the presentation of the Annual Technology Contribution Awards. The host reads the introduction.

“This year, the winner of the First Prize is an independent technical expert who has completed the technology project with the highest rating in the industry in the last three years…”

The name was announced. The whole hall echoed with applause. I walked onto the stage. Bright lights shine down. In front of us are hundreds of faces. I slightly rolled my eyes and looked around. In the third row of seats next to the aisle, Chu's mother was standing there. The expression on her face was difficult to describe, as if something was stuck in her throat. Chu Hue bowed her head.