Chapter 11 — My Nameless Occupation

I stared at this list of over three hundred entries, and suddenly, a thought struck me: Perhaps the time had finally come for someone else to see it. My phone chimed. It was an unrecognized number. I answered.

Is this Su Van?

Who is this?

I am Co Vien Chu, an independent director at Hang Vien Group. I would like to speak with you about a matter.

Chapter 13. Co Vien Chu arranged to meet at a quiet family-style restaurant. He was over sixty, dressed in a dark gray Zhongshan-style jacket, and spoke with a measured, deliberate pace, yet every word carried significant weight.

Ms. Su, let me first introduce myself. I am an independent director of Hang Vien, and I have been an investor since the very early days when Ha Kien Quoc first launched the company.

I took my seat.

What is it that you wish to discuss with me, Mr. Co?

Two things. First, I have reviewed the operational plan that Thuy Hoa designed for Hang Vien. I know that you were the one behind it.

Yes.

It was excellent. Truly exceptional. The system is far more structured and robust than many of the listed companies I have encountered over the years.

Thank you, sir.

The second matter. He set his teacup down. What kind of person is Chu Han? How much do you truly know about him?

I looked him straight in the eye.

Please, speak plainly.

Before Chu Han joined Hang Vien, I conducted a background check. On the surface, the reason for his departure from his previous firm was cited as seeking better development opportunities, but in reality—

He hesitated for a moment.

It was due to an internal investigation regarding the acceptance of kickbacks from suppliers. There was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges, but he was forced to resign.

My hands tightened instinctively.

Does Ha Kien Quoc know about this?

He does not. He was introduced through a headhunter, and Ha Kien Quoc was too rushed to conduct a deep background check. It was only later that I managed to obtain that information.

Then why haven't you told Mr. Ha?

Co Vien Chu fixed his gaze on me.

I require evidence. Not rumors, but concrete proof.

I finally understood what he was after.

Do you believe I possess such evidence?

You were in charge of procurement coordination at Hang Vien for twelve years. You handled the supplier evaluations and the vetting of contract terms. If Chu Han has been repeating those same patterns at Hang Vien—

He left the sentence hanging. A memory suddenly surfaced. Three months ago—just before I resigned—the procurement department switched to a new office equipment supplier. The prices were fifteen percent higher than before, but the head of procurement claimed it was a quality upgrade. At the time, I found it suspicious, though as an administrative specialist, I had no authority to intervene. I recalled looking through that supplier's profile and discovering that they had been registered for less than six months. Among the shareholders was an individual whose name differed by only one character from that of Chu Han’s wife. I had recorded this information in my list of concerns. It was item number 287. I hadn't dug any deeper; it was not my responsibility. But now, Co Vien Chu was sitting right before me.

Ms. Su, I am not asking you to do anything illegal or unethical. I only wish to ask if you have any leads in your possession.

I looked at him.

Mr. Co, what if I told you that I did?

Then I ask that you guard it carefully. When the time is right, it will prove useful.

He stood up and left a business card on the table.

Ms. Su, Hang Vien was the first company I ever invested in. I do not wish to stand by and watch as someone tears it apart.

After he departed, I remained in my seat for a long while. I am not a person who seeks out trouble. For twelve years, I did only one thing: I performed my duties to the best of my ability. However, there are times when you cannot avoid trouble simply by ignoring it. It was already standing right in front of me. I pulled out my phone and sent a message to Tham Dich.

Mr. Tham, I need your help looking into a company. Cam Thanh Trading; it was registered earlier this year.