Chapter 5 — I Have A Boss Who Works Overtime

On the screen, it was clearly divided into two parts: One was the computer operation log, showing that at 11 o'clock last night — that is, after I finished my shift — someone modified the core data file. The rest are images from surveillance cameras in the office. In the video, not long after I left, a familiar figure sneaked up to my seat. It's Bach Vi. She opened my computer skillfully, operated for a while, then left with a satisfied look. The truth is revealed. The entire meeting room was silent, even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard. All eyes turned to Bach Vi, full of surprise and contempt.

“Bach Vi.”

Co Canh Tham's voice is not loud, but it is as heavy as a thousand pounds.

“Do you have anything else to say?”

“I... I didn't mean it, I just... just wanted to make the plan a little more perfect..."

She stammered and spoke incoherently. Co Canh Tham stood up and looked down at her from above, his eyes cold and without mercy.

“From now on, you are fired.”

"The human resources department will work with you on the final procedure. The company will also retain the right to pursue legal liability against you."

He never glanced at Bach Vi - who was now sitting on the ground - again, but turned to look at me.

“And Trinh Tu,”

He paused for a moment, amidst the gazes of senior leaders and project members, he said each word clearly:

“It was me who misunderstood her. Her efforts and abilities in this project were obvious to everyone.”

“For my doubts earlier, I apologize to her.”

He bowed his head slightly towards me. At that moment, all the self-pity, resentment, and despair inside me seemed to burst, turning into uncontrollable tears. I looked at him, using all my strength not to cry out loud. He helped me wash away all injustices, be upright and righteous, among many people, returning my innocence.

05

After the storm of being harmed at work, my position in the company had a subtle change. No one dared to talk behind my back that I was a "grandfather's son". My colleagues who were once indifferent now proactively greeted me. Competence - forever the toughest passport in the workplace. As for Co Canh Tham's "special interest" in me, it became even more intense. A fixed lunch every day has become a secret that everyone in the company understands. He often used all sorts of business reasons to call me into his office — sometimes to discuss plans, sometimes just so I could make him a cup of coffee. The atmosphere between us, hidden behind the distinction between public and private, created an ambiguous relationship that is hard to describe. Friday afternoon, almost after work, I received an inline phone call from Co Canh Tham.

“Stay here tonight, there are some project issues that need to be discussed further.”

His voice did not allow for rebuttal.

“Do not refuse.”

He also added another sentence, as if he saw through me that I was planning to find an excuse to run away. I helplessly texted my mother: "I'm working overtime, I'll be home a little late." The office was empty, I held my laptop, as if preparing to go to the execution site, knocked on the door of the general manager's office.

“Come in.”

I pushed the door open and walked in. He had changed into a neat suit and was wearing a black shirt, the sleeves were arbitrarily rolled up to his elbows, revealing his toned arms.

“Let's go.”

He picked up his jacket that was hanging on the back of the chair.

“Where are you going?”

I have some doubts or, isn't it said that we will discuss work in the office?

“You'll know when you go.”

He didn't say anything more, walked straight towards the elevator. The car drove through the night of the city, finally stopping in front of a luxury private restaurant. The doorman respectfully opened the car door for him. I followed him in, feeling worried. On a scale like this, it's not like going to discuss business, but more like going to meet an important customer. I immediately switched to work mode, quickly reviewing all project data in my head, preparing to respond to any unexpected situations. We were led to a private room near the window, with a wonderful view, able to capture the sparkling night scene of half the city. I sat seriously, my spirit as tense as a guitar string. Co Canh Tham saw my appearance ready to fight and suddenly burst out laughing.

“Relax.”

He poured me a glass of lemonade.

“There are no customers.”

“…Huh?”

I was stunned.

“So what we came here for is…”

“Reward me.”

He looked at me, the smile clear in his eyes.

“You did very well on this project.”

My heart, because of his words, suddenly beat a beat. This dinner, there was no discussion about work. He is no longer the cold, noble boss, but like a long-time friend. He told many stories outside of work, from the latest financial news to stories about his student days. He said that when he was young, he was very mischievous. The neighbor's dog was angry and was chased for three streets. I listened and couldn't help but laugh. I was completely unable to connect the man who was telling his embarrassing story in front of me with the strict President in the meeting room. It turns out, he wasn't born that cold. Beneath that strong exterior, there is also a heart that needs to be understood. Inside the restaurant is melodious music, outside the window is a brilliant starry sky. An ambiguous atmosphere spread quietly between us. I looked at his profile face illuminated by the candlelight, my heart involuntarily beat faster. I began to not be able to distinguish: was this the attention of a superior to a subordinate, or a date between a man and a woman? After eating, he didn't take me home right away, but drove to the riverside.

“Let's go take a walk, okay?”

I suggest. I don't refuse. The cool night wind blew my hair around my ears. We walked side by side on the riverside road, no one said anything, but didn't feel shy at all. An indescribable feeling gradually rose between the two. Suddenly, he stopped walking and turned to look at me. The river lights reflected in his deep eyes, as if the entire starry sky fell into them. I immediately held my breath.

“Trinh Tu.”