Chapter 16 — On the day of divorce, I applied to quit my job

Announcing a story? What is it? I stared at the message for a long time, but didn't reply. Three days later, the invitation was indeed sent. Tinh Than Cultural Group received an invitation to attend Co Thi's annual celebration as a partner, Do Minh Vien registered my name.

"Director Lam, you go. Getting to know more people will be very beneficial for connecting Chieu Bach's resources in the future."

I agree. But in my heart I understand very clearly... This is not simply a matter of appearing to create relationships. What Tham Van said...

"Announcing something."

What is the matter? Is it relevant to me? The party was held on Friday night. That day I wore a beige overcoat, a black turtleneck underneath, and a pair of small earrings that Phuong Du gave me. Her hair is tied in a low bun and her makeup is also very light. The location is the banquet hall on the top floor of the Co Thi building. So familiar to me that it couldn't be more familiar. How to arrange each table. Location of each flower wall. How should the light strike? What should the music playlist be like... Three years ago, the entire annual party was organized by me. Today, I entered this place as a guest. But... I understand every corner of this place better than any other guest. The staff at the reception counter smiled politely at me.

"Miss Lam, your seat is at table number five."

Table number five. Position in the middle but slightly back. Previously I sat at table number one. Right on Co Hanh's right hand. I calmly sat down, surrounded by representatives of partner businesses. Do Minh Vien sat on my left and nodded slightly in greeting. The process of the party is almost no different from previous years. Opening speech. Collaborative video projection. Reports of departments. Awarding... Until the last performance. Co Hanh stepped onto the stage. The spotlight shines directly on him. Still the same look. Standards in every gesture.

"The last thing..."

He spoke. The voice transmitted through the microphone echoed throughout the auditorium.

"It's a personal decision for me."

The whole hall immediately fell silent.

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

My fingers under the table unconsciously tightened.

"The new General Director will be assumed by the current Deputy General Director, Trieu Bang. The handover will be completed next month."

The entire hall immediately echoed with soft chatter. Do Minh Vien turned his head to look at me, his eyes carrying a questioning look. My face remained calm, I just raised the glass of wine in front of me and took a sip. Co Hanh continued to say:

"The reason is very simple. Co Thi needs someone with more energy than me to manage it. As for me... some things were done too late, so I wanted to take advantage of the time I still had, to do what I should have done."

When he said those words, his eyes still looked straight ahead, not looking at anyone. But I know. What he calls...

"Things that should have been done."

The possibility is great... It has something to do with me. After the party ended, during the exchange party, I was chatting with Do Minh Vien and a partner representative when out of the corner of my eye I suddenly saw a figure approaching. Co Hanh came over. It's still the same suit. But tonight, his tie was a little looser, the top button on his shirt has also opened. This was the first time in six years that I had seen him appear at a formal event without looking absolutely neat as before. He walked in front of me and stopped. Do Minh Vien and the other representative also understood and quietly moved aside.

"Lin Chieu."

"General Manager Co."

"Call my name."

He nodded slightly, his hands still in his pockets, with no intention of coming closer.

"I saw it today too."

"You resign."

"I see. Wish you all the best."

"Your resignation was not an impulsive decision."

"Why are you talking to me about this?"

"Because you're one of the reasons why I resigned."

I raised my head to look at him. The lights in the hall came from behind, leaving half of his face in shadow.

"For the past six years, I've only done one thing..."

"That is to help Co Thi develop strongly."

"But in the process..."

"I lost everyone by my side."

"You're the first."

"Also the most important person."

"Co Hanh, today you told me these things..."

"I don't ask you to forgive me, nor do I ask you to come back." He interrupted me. "I just want you to know that I am no longer General Director Co Thi. From now on, no matter where you are or what you do, there will no longer be any ties of interest between you and me. Your project at Tinh Than, your company, your customers... no one will touch it."