Chapter 18 — My Husband Wants AA, I'm Thinking About Divorce

The contract was signed after only two rounds of negotiation. Ha Minh The told me:

“General Lam.”

“Her aesthetic taste and execution ability are top in the industry.”

“I give you full control of this project.”

“But I have one condition.”

“What conditions?”

“Must be completed before the end of the year.”

“In March of next year, it will be announced nationwide.”

“Time is quite urgent.”

“No problem.”

“Then I wait for good news from you.”

After he left. Co Minh sat opposite me, looking at me.

“3,000,000 yuan project.”

“Year-end handover.”

“It's really a bit rushed.”

“It's better to hurry.”

“I'm not used to being so idle.”

He shook his head.

“You are different from five years ago.”

“How different?”

“In the past, I painted because I loved it.”

“Now I draw because I know I'm worthy.”

I looked at him. Say nothing. Because he's right. The day before. Every time I pick up a pen. I always feel like I'm not good enough. Not good enough. Not qualified yet. In that marriage. I was convinced little by little. That I'm not independent enough. Incapacity. My time is not worth money. My talent doesn't matter. A tube of toothpaste worth 9 yuan also has to be shared with me. Even 50,000 yuan of life-saving money can be refused to lend to me. My effort is free. My emotions are redundant. But in the end. I can still walk out. It's not because anyone pulled me up. It's because I stood up for myself. And since that day. I didn't bend down again. The cultural and creative project was handed over on time at the end of the year. After acceptance. Ha Minh The's team sent three words:

“Exceeded expectations.”

The national announcement was held in March of the following year. Twenty-seven cities simultaneously deployed. The event took place in Shanghai. Larger scale than all previous programs. More than three hundred guests. Major media agencies in the industry were present. I stand on stage. Present the entire project. The large screen continuously displays images. From concept sketches. Go to the actual project. Space. Up to online and offline systems. Every frame. These are all results that my team and I perfected with every stroke. When the presentation ends. The applause lasted about fifteen seconds. But I remember it very clearly. After getting off stage. Ha Minh The raised his glass to me.

“General Lam.”

“You brought me a very big surprise.”

“I have already proposed it to the board.”

“Next year's long-term strategic cooperation contract will be assigned to your studio.”

“Thank you Mr. Ha for your trust.”

“It's not about trust.”

He shook his head.

“It's because what you make is worth that price.”

That night. During the celebration party. I drank two glasses of wine. Not much. But enough to sit in Tham Nhuoc Dong's car. I leaned my head against the glass door and laughed.

“What are you laughing at?”

“I'm thinking of Tran Khai Chu's AA board.”

“When have you been thinking about him?”

“Not thinking about him.”

I lowered the window a small crack. Shanghai's March night wind blew in with moisture.

“I just suddenly remembered something.”

“That year he charged me 9 yuan for toothpaste.”

“Now the value of my contract is enough to buy how many tubes of toothpaste?”

Tham Nhuoc Dong burst out laughing and couldn't help but laugh.

“Let's not count anymore.”

“You're not his type.”

I also laugh.

“I'm not.”

At the annual awards ceremony of Hangzhou design community. I received an award.

“Emerging Brand Design Power of the Year.”

My name is engraved on the base of the trophy. Sparkling yellow letters. Award date. I wear a black dress. Wear the short boots you just bought. It's no longer 2,800 yuan. Which is 4,200 yuan. My money. I can spend it however I want. No need to explain to anyone. When the spotlight shines down. Below is someone I know. There are people I don't know. Some people applauded heartily. Some people clapped politely. Some people just go through the motions. All are not important. The important thing is. I'm standing here. By your own ability. Hold the trophy in your hand. I only said one sentence into the microphone:

“Thank you to everyone who looked down on me.”

“It was you who helped me understand that I deserve to be appreciated by myself.”

Applause rang out again. When stepping off the stage. I saw the last corner of the auditorium. There is a person sitting. Tham Nhuoc Dong. She didn't clap. Just sitting there smiling. That smile seemed to say:

“See?”

“I've known for a long time.”

That evening returned home. I placed the trophy on my desk. Next to it is a small stone lotus pot. It grows very well. New shoots even grow. Outside the window is the night view of Hangzhou. Far away there is a construction site still under construction. The lights shine brightly all night. Could be a project of Tran Khai Chu company. Maybe not. But that is no longer important. I opened the refrigerator. Take out the bottle of wine that has been stored for half a month. Pour yourself a drink. A table. A glass of wine. Outside the window. The night breeze is very beautiful. When raising the glass. I don't wish anyone. I just wish for myself. Wishing the woman who was charged every dollar for toothpaste. Finally living the look she loves the most.