Chapter 7 — I Overturned My Own Sentence

In the first month in Bang Vien, I did three things. One, handle the entire backlog of data for half a year of the Strategic Investment department. Second, from that data, the initial diagram of Hoa Kien's money laundering ring was assembled. Three, was collectively isolated by the remaining seven reserve administrators. The reason is very simple. Someone looked up my criminal record. Friday afternoon. Tea room. A female administrator named Hua Dinh held a cup of coffee in front of me.

“Lam Van, I heard you were in prison?”

Behind her, the others started whispering.

“It's a college entrance exam cheating case, right?”

“No wonder I only finished high school.”

“Can someone like that even get into Bang Vien?”

I passed her, grabbed a paper cup and poured water.

“Get away.”

Hua Dinh did not move.

"Hey, I'm asking you. Did you rely on some connection to get in? Or was it General Manager Co..."

"Stop pretending. A person who served time in prison suddenly got into Bang Vien's most important department. What is your relationship with General Manager Co?"

I took a sip of water.

“You really want to know?”

"Of course."

“He once came to the milk tea shop where I worked to buy a glass of milk tea.”

Hua Dinh's expression was distorted as if he had just swallowed a fly.

“Do you think I'm stupid?”

"Believe it or not. Get out of the way, I have work to do."

I leaned over to pass. A sentence suddenly rang out from behind.

“People who have been in prison really have thick skin.”

I stopped walking. Then turn around.

“Hua Dinh.”

"The project analysis report she submitted to Ms. Ly last week had three places citing incorrect data sources, the analysis model used a framework from five years ago, and the conclusions and data contradicted each other."

Hua Dinh's face immediately changed.

"Sister Ly didn't say anything because she was saving face for you."

Having finished speaking, I turned around and left. As soon as she returned to her seat, Ly Nhuoc Lam poked her head over from the next table.

“I overheard the conversation in the tea room.”

“You don't mind?”

"I was in prison for three years. I've heard too many harsher words than this."

She looked at me for a long moment.

“Your work ability is really not at the high school level.”

She paused for a moment then asked:

“What did you learn in prison?”

“Whatever I can learn, I will learn.”

“So do you want to hear some news?”

“Next Wednesday, Bang Vien has a trade party.”

“What does it have to do with me?”

“Celebrating the second anniversary of the opening of Cam Bang Center.”

I still type on the keyboard. Until she said the next sentence.

“Hua Jian's people will also come.”

My finger stopped.

“Tran Kien Hoa.”

She looked at me.

“Along with his daughter.”

“Tran Duyet.”

The party was held at Thien Te Hall on the top floor of Cam Bang Center. My name is not on the guest list. But a group of reserve administrators were asked to assist in welcoming guests. Black trousers. White shirt. Hair tied in a neat ponytail. I stood behind the check-in desk, holding the guest list in my hand. Ten minutes past seven. Tran Kien Hoa arrived. The man is in his fifties with a pronounced beer belly, and on his face is always the filtered smile typical of the business world. Behind him are Tran Duyet and Tong Dat. Tran Duyet wore a bright red evening gown, her diamond necklace under the reflected light was so dazzling and uncomfortable. She walked to the reception desk and glanced at the name tag on her chest I.

“Lam… Van?”

I raised my head, meeting her eyes.

“Welcome Ms. Tran.”

Tran Duyet's pupils twitched for a moment.

“Why are you here?”

“I work in Bang Vien.”

Tong Dat standing behind also saw me. His expression is even more unique than Tran Duyet's. The lips opened and then quickly closed.

“Mr. Tong, hello.”

I handed over the signature book.

“Please sign.”

Tran Duyet quickly recovered his expression. She took the pen, signed and lowered her voice.

“You still have the face to appear in a place like this.”

“This is my job.”

“A person with a criminal record can still find a job in Bang Vien?”

She glanced around, deliberately raising the volume a bit.

“Or is there someone…”

A voice rang out behind me. It's Co Tham.