Chapter 22 — Leaving You, I Shine

Whether he participates in this race or not is his freedom. I will not retreat because of him, nor will I change direction because of him. This is my area. If he wants to come, he must obey my rules. A month later, at a summit conference of the creative cultural industry, Co Hanh and I met each other again. This time it's not a social party, but a serious industry forum. I am one of the speakers, the presentation topic is: "Systematized methodology from 0 to 1 for creative cultural brands". Co Hanh sat in the audience. He did not come secretly, his name was on the guest list - as "Founding Partner of Phong Hoa Creative Culture Foundation". I stood on the podium and shared for 30 minutes. In the slide there are actual data from Thap Quang's case study, a pre-production strategic framework of the tourist town project, and Chieu Bach's methodological model. The whole hall had more than 200 people. Loud applause. After getting off the stage, there were many people gathered around, giving business cards and asking questions. I talked to each person in turn. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Co Hanh standing in the distance, chatting with an investor, his eyes occasionally passing over me. When the hall cleared, he proactively walked forward.

“Very well said.”

“Thank you.”

“Phong Hoa just invested in a domestic perfume brand, are you interested in taking over their operations?”

“Are you introducing customers to me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

"Because you are the best leader in this field, if I invest in people, I also want the brand to thrive. It's simply business logic."

I looked him straight in the face. His expression loosened a lot compared to half a year ago. There was no longer the cold and tense look of a General Director, as if part of that shell had finally been removed.

“Send me the brand documents. I will evaluate.”

“Okay.”

He didn't say another word, turned around and walked away. Decisive, neat. Phuong Du was also present at the scene that day, witnessed it from beginning to end. On the way back, he asked me:

“What is your relationship with Co Hanh now?”

“Colleagues in the same industry.”

“Same industry?”

"He does investment, I do operations. There may be an intersection in the business side later."

“That's all?”

“That's all.”

Phuong Du snorted, his expression clearly showing disbelief. But it doesn't ask more. Back at the office, when I turned on the computer to process emails, I suddenly discovered that the corners of my lips were curling up slightly. I thought for a moment, this is probably because - Today at that forum, I stood on the podium with the identity of "Lam Chieu". Not Mrs. Co, not Assistant President Co. It's the founder of Chieu Bach, Lam Chieu. And he was sitting in the stands. This position exchange is not intended to take revenge on anyone. But to prove - from the beginning, I was inherently worthy of standing in that position.

—

The perfume brand that Phong Hoa Fund invested in is called "Vu Xuyen", a team of three young people, starting a business from a small niche line of incense sticks. I looked through the documents, the quality is very good, but the branding area is almost 0 - there is not even a decent set of identification (VI). Meet and talk with Vu Xuyen team one hour, I quoted the price and signed the contract. The focal point for making the contract is the Phong Hoa Fund, that is, the party pouring the money is Co Hanh's company. I also hesitated about this. But in the end I thought it through - business cooperation does not involve personal feelings. He pays, I provide professional services, both parties take what they need. If you don't accept the contract just because the other person is your ex-husband, then that's a form of being influenced by him.