Chapter 9 — On the day of divorce, I applied to quit my job

His expression was quite awkward.

"Just say it."

"There was an announcement from above."

"For the time being, the company will no longer cooperate with outside consultants."

"Everything will be handled internally."

"But the contract has already been signed."

"I know."

"My side will pay the compensation for breach of contract in full."

"But this is not my decision."

"It's the boss's idea."

He hesitated for a moment. Then lower your voice.

"Our boss has a very good relationship with Co Thi."

"Last week you two just went golfing together."

"Upon arrival, she immediately requested that the entire outsourced project be revoked."

My fingertips lightly tapped twice on the table.

"I got it."

"Director Lam."

"I'm really sorry."

"Your plan is very good."

"It's our side that has the problem."

"No problem."

"Just handle it according to the compensation terms in the contract."

Leave Hoa Duyet's office building. I stood on the side of the road waiting for a taxi. Quickly piece together everything in my head. Co Hanh through his mother's relationship network. Putting pressure on my customers. Force them to end cooperation. Last time Tham Van invited me to dinner. Ostensibly, he wanted to advise me to reunite. But actually... It's to inquire. Search for new jobs. Explore new life. Check out my new customers. They started taking action. Don't force me to return. Which makes it impossible for me to continue to exist outside. I tightened my grip on the phone. Stand still for half a minute. Then open the chat box with Co Hanh. For six years. This is the first time. I proactively texted him.

"Co Hanh, you did what happened to Hoa Duyet, right?"

Three minutes later. He replied.

"Let's meet."

"I will say it directly."

"I'm asking you."

"Not me."

"So it's your mother."

He didn't answer anymore. I lock the screen. Take a taxi back to the company. On the road. Phuong Du called. I narrated the whole incident.

"Damn it."

"That whole house..."

Phuong Du cursed for a while. Finally asked:

"What are you going to do now?"

"Just do it as usual."

"Hoa Duyet no longer cooperates."

"Then find another customer."

"It's not like this whole city belongs to them."

"Aren't you afraid they will continue to cause trouble?"

"Let them do it."

"I didn't steal."

"No robbery."

"Living by your own ability."

"How much more can he do?"

Say it with your mouth. But in my heart I understand very clearly. Tham Van has built a network of relationships in this city for more than thirty years. Business Association. Trade association. The upper class. Everywhere are her acquaintances. If you are really determined to block my path. The middle and high-end customer market in this city... Indeed, it will become increasingly difficult to reach. That night. I don't sleep well. Woke up every morning at three o'clock. Lie down and look at the ceiling for a long time. The next morning. I made a decision. Find Luc Dich to talk. Not talking about love. It's business talk. He is an exhibition curator. Exposed are all brands in the world of art and creative culture. That customer group... Completely does not coincide with the relationship circle of Co Thi Real Estate. No matter how long Tham Van's arms are. Can't reach this area either. Luc Dich met me at the cafe behind his gallery. Working day afternoon. There were very few people in the shop. When he arrived, Luc Dich was wearing a gray hoodie and carrying a briefcase Thin frame glasses, looking even more comfortable and closer than the last time we met.

"Lam Chieu, you said you want to discuss cooperation?"

"I'll say it straight. I'm currently working as an independent consultant on brand operations, and recently want to expand my customer base in the field of creative culture and art. If you have suitable customers, please introduce them to me. Brokerage commissions are separate."

He held the cup of coffee and looked at me for a few seconds. Don't ask why I suddenly looked for you. Nor did I ask my former client what happened.

"What are you best at?"

"Brand positioning, communication strategy and cross-industry cooperation planning."

"Just clever."

He put down the coffee cup.

"I have a client who is incubating a local creative cultural brand, right at the moment they are lacking an operations consultant. Shall I introduce you two to each other?"

"There's one more thing."

"Next month there will be a closed salon for the creative and cultural industry. About twenty brand owners will participate. I'm one of the organizers, do you want to come? As a guest."

"I don't have any reputation in this world."

"I watched the video of your speech at the forum."

"What she shared was very practical, her presentation was also clear."

"It doesn't matter whether you're famous or not."

"Just go there and prove your ability."

I thought for a moment.

"I will participate."

"Remember to send me a set of your typical project documents when you return."

"I'll help you introduce yourself."

"No need to thank me."

He smiled.

"As long as you help me serve those customers well, it will be even more helpful."