Chapter 3 — Never Look Down on Women

At the meeting, Co Thanh held On Nha's hand and walked out under the spotlight. His face is haggard, but his eyes are strangely steadfast, perfectly playing the role of a lovesick man, hurt by rumors but still determined to protect the one he loves. Wen Nha wore a long white dress, tears streaming down her face, pitifully weak. She looked into the camera, crying until she choked.

“I don't understand why Miss Tham hates me so much…”

"A Thanh and I truly love each other, we have gone through many hardships to be together..."

“That document is really fake, I can use my personality to guarantee…”

“Please everyone… stop using baseless rumors to hurt us…”

The more she cried, the more painful and angry Co Thanh's eyes became. He pulled her into his arms, facing hundreds of cameras, loudly declaring.

“I, Co Thanh, will always trust Tieu Nha!”

"For the malicious slander of ex-wife Tham Nguyet, we have officially sued!"

“I don't care what her purpose is, anyone who hurts Tieu Nha... is my enemy!”

An emotional speech, both real and fake, is enough to move people's hearts. The livestream room was immediately filled with comments.

"I love Wen Ya so much", "The General is really great", "Support to protect rights"...

The reporter's flash flashed continuously like rain. The air was pushed to a climax. Everyone is immersed in this touching "love wins, fights against evil ex-wife" drama. Right at that exact moment. Press the send button. I did not send those documents to any editorial office. But through special channels, directly push the most unique video... straight to the top 1 search on the entire network. Simple, brutal title.

“Wen Ya's post-image: Me and my 'foster fathers'.”

The video has been edited extremely delicately. The opening scene is a close-up of Wen Ya crying during the press conference. Right after that, the image changed scene. Becoming scenes on luxurious yachts, private private parties, high-class hotel rooms... where she was intimate with different men. Those men's ages, skin colors, and nationalities were all different. The only thing in common is the expensive watch on their hand, luxurious clothes... they all say one thing: wealth. In the video, On Nha smiles gently, expertly passing by each person like a fish in water. Say the same words of love. Make the same intimate gestures. The background sound... was replaced by the recording of her "using her personality to guarantee" during the press conference. On one side, her voice was firm: "All my life I only love Co Thanh." On one side, her voice swears, "I will only love Co Thanh in my whole life." On one side... are images of her flirting with other men. The contrast is fierce, creating a bone-chilling irony. The last frame stopped at the photo she took with the silver-haired old man. Below is a small line of text.

"Congratulations Mr. Co Thanh, happy adoption."

That video, like a sink bomb. In just the blink of an eye, the seemingly calm lake of public opinion exploded. At the press conference scene. Just a second ago, reporters were asking questions. The next second, everyone bowed their heads. On screen Everyone's phone… was playing the same video. The air fell into absolute silence. Immediately after that, there were uncontrollable cold sniffles. And the sounds coming from the phone's speaker... On Nha's heavy breathing and pampering voice rang out continuously. The livestream lens captured the expressions on Co Thanh and On Nha's faces. From bewilderment, to surprise, to disbelief... then finally panic and whiteness. Co Thanh's body began to tremble uncontrollably. He stared at the phone screen of a reporter standing closest. His eyes were bloodshot, as if he wanted to swallow people whole.

"Turn it off! Turn it all off for me!"

He lost control and screamed, rushing to snatch the phone. The scene immediately became chaotic. As for me, I just leisurely turned off the livestream. Hidden behind it all, leaving no trace. The phone rang at that moment. Shown is a strange number in the country. I received the phone. On the other end of the line, was an old but calm voice. There is no emotion, but there is a kind of pressure that does not allow resistance.

“Miss Shen.”

“I am Co Thanh's father, Co Vien Son.”

“Let's… talk a little.”

07 Negotiation with Co Vien Son Co Vien Son's voice on the line did not sound happy or angry. But every word carries the pressure of someone who is used to standing on high ground. He's... much harder to deal with than that stupid boy.

“Miss Shen, please bid.”

Co Vien Son gets straight to the point, without a single redundant sentence.

“How much money do you need… to stop this?”

His voice sounded like he was discussing a business deal. A transaction can be valued in money. Trivial. I took the glass of wine and walked to the glass door. Outside is a city filled with brilliant lights, like a sea of stars pouring down to earth.

“Mr. Gu.”

I smiled softly.

“You think… I lack money?”

Although the Tham family is no longer the same as before, the camel is still thinner than the horse. What's more, what Co Thanh has now... is there anything that wasn't built with money from the Tham family? Use my money… to compensate me? Truly the most ridiculous thing in the world. Co Vien Son was silent. Obviously he didn't expect me to refuse so decisively.

“So what do you want?” His voice lowered.

“What I want, you can't give me.”

My voice was very light, but carried a cold smile.

“I want the Co family to be ruined.”

“I want Co Thanh to be empty-handed.”

"I want Wen Nha... to go back to the dirty mud puddle where she came from, forever unable to raise her head."

“Those things… can you give them?”

On the other end of the line, the sound of a cup of tea being placed firmly on the table was heard. Co Vien Son is angry.

“Young people, don't be too extravagant.”

His voice was cold.

“In everything, there should be a way out.”

“When the Tham family was trampled under your feet, why didn't you think about leaving room?”

I did not politely respond.

"When my father was seriously ill and needed money to turn around, Co Thanh took away the last sum of money from the Tham family to buy a villa for his moonlight, did he think about leaving room?"

"You father and son, consider me a step on the ladder, throw it away after using it, plotting against me, taking advantage of me... at that time did you ever think of the words 'leave room'?"

My voice gets colder with each sentence.

“Co Vien Son, don't tell me the way back.”

“From the moment you guys chose to betray me… it was between us All that remains is not death."

Perhaps I have never had anyone refute me so directly. His breathing became heavy.

“Tham Nguyet! You are looking for your own death!”

“Whether it's suicide or not... we'll just have to wait and see.”

I gently shook the wine glass, looking at the dark red liquid in it.

“Oh right, I almost forgot to remind you.”

“You better quickly fix the company's stock price.”

"Anyway, the president married a professional fraudster, and is also married... this kind of scandal will not have a small impact on his reputation."

“Besides… who knows, does she hold any business secrets of the Co family in her hands?”

“What if one day, she sells those things to a competitor…”

“What are the consequences… you probably understand better than me.”

With every sentence I said, Co Vien Son's breathing became a little faster. He is an experienced businessman. In just a blink of an eye, I understood how terrible the business risks behind this... were. This is no longer a matter of family dignity. It's a time bomb... enough to shake the foundation of the Co Thi Group. He could only say one word, then couldn't continue. Because he knows, what I said... is all true.

“The words have been said, Mr. Co.”

I'm as light as nothing.

“Wishing you… a nice night.”

Having finished speaking, I hung up the phone. Completely block the rage that could erupt on the other end of the line. I finished my glass of wine. Co Vien Son. This… is just the beginning. The real drama... is still behind. I turned on my computer and sent the anonymous informant a message.

“The final gift, can be prepared.”

“I want this fireworks display… to be a little brighter.”