Chapter 19 — Leaving You, I Shine

"Lin Chieu, this is Tham Van. Hanh Hanh won't let me bother you anymore, but there is something I must inform you of. Co Thi's annual anniversary party next week, invitations have been sent to partner businesses. You are Tinh Than's partner, there is a high probability that you will also receive an invitation. Let me tell you in advance - at that party, Hanh Hanh will announce something. Prepare yourself mentally."

Declaring something? What? I stared at the message for a long time, not responding. Three days later, the invitation indeed arrived. Tinh Than accepted the invitation to attend Co Thi's annual party as a partner. Do Minh Vien put my name on the list.

"Director Lam, you go. Get to know each other a little, it's good for connecting with Chieu Bach's resources in the future."

I accepted. But in my heart I understand - this is not just a matter of "getting to know each other".

What is the "something that needs to be announced" that Tham Van said?

Is it relevant to me? The gala takes place on Friday. That day I wore a beige trench coat, a black turtleneck underneath, and a pair of small earrings given to me by Phuong Du. Hair tied in a low bun, makeup very light. The conference hall is located in the banquet hall on the top floor of Co Thi building. I'm so familiar with this place. The table layout, the position of each flower wall, the lighting, the music playlist - the annual party 3 years ago was all handled by me. Today I entered here as a guest, but I understand every corner of this hall better than any other guest. The staff at the front desk smiled politely at me: "Miss Lam, your position is at table number 5." Table number 5. The middle position is slightly backward. The other day, I sat at table number 1, right to the right of Co Hanh. I calmly sat down, surrounded by representatives of partner businesses. Do Minh Vien sat on my left and nodded slightly in greeting. The party process is the same as every year - opening remarks, collaborative videos, departments reporting, awarding prizes... Until the last step. Co Hanh stepped onto the stage. The spotlight shines straight on him, it's still the same face - leisurely, indifferent, doing the work according to the law.

“The last thing,” he said, his voice through the microphone echoing throughout the hall, “is about a personal decision of mine.”

The whole hall was silent.

“I will resign from the position of General Director of Co Thi Real Estate.”

My fingers suddenly tightened under the tablecloth.

"The new General Director will be taken over by current Deputy General Director Trieu Bang. The handover will be completed next month."

There were whispers in the hall. Do Minh Vien tilted his head to look at me, his eyes carrying a questioning look. My expression remained unchanged, I raised the glass of red wine in front of me and took a sip. Co Hanh continued: "The reason is very simple. Co Thi needs someone with more strength than me to manage it. As for me - there are some things that have been done too late, now I want to take advantage of the time to go do some things that should be done." When he said these words, his eyes looked straight ahead, not directed at anyone. But I know, the "thing that should have been done" that he mentioned - There is a very high possibility that it has something to do with me. After the dinner ended and moved to the drinks party, I was standing and chatting with Do Minh Vien and a partner representative when Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a figure approaching. Co Hanh walked over. It's still the same suit, but tonight his tie is a bit loose, and the top button is also undone. In six years, this is the first time I've seen him on a formal occasion without dressing conservatively and scrupulously as usual. He walked in front of me and stopped. Do Minh Vien and the other representative understood and immediately moved away.

“Lam Chieu.”

“The late general.”

“Call my name.”

“Co Hanh.”