Chapter 13 — People With Real Power, Ultimately Shine

Team cohesion... Reached its highest level ever. I stood in the middle of the brand new office of the International Sales Department. Look at each member busy with work. Everyone was full of enthusiasm. Everything works in order. I know... From this moment... I can truly stand firm in this company. Based on ability. Also rely on your own bravery. Time passed very quickly. Under my leadership and the whole team, the first phase of the cooperation project with the French side went smoothly beyond expectations. From the quality of delivery... To the profitability of the project... All far exceed the original goals. The success of this transnational cooperation deal not only brings the company huge profits. More importantly... It also helps the company build its reputation in the international market. Soon... The company's year-end general meeting also took place. In the closing speech, the first person General Director Vuong mentioned and praised... was me and the International Business Department I am in charge of. In front of hundreds of employees present in the hall... He solemnly declared:

"According to the unanimous decision of the Board of Directors..."

"From today..."

"Officially appointed Lam Vi as Director of International Business Department."

The two words "acting director"... were finally removed. The entire auditorium immediately echoed with thunderous applause. It doesn't stop there yet. Immediately afterwards, General Director Vuong continued to announce even more shocking news.

"At the same time..."

"The company will officially launch a stock ownership incentive program for core personnel."

"Director Lam Vi will become one of the first employees to receive equity ownership and join the company's partner team."

Become... Partner of the company. That means... I'm no longer just an employee with a high salary. Which actually became... One of the owners of this business. The applause in the hall became even louder. Right after that... As the best employee of the year... I was invited on stage to give a speech. In an elegant business suit... I calmly walked up to the podium. Standing under bright lights. Below... There are hundreds of eyes looking at me. I saw General Director Vuong's eyes full of satisfaction. Seeing the admiration clearly visible on Manager Ly's face. Also see the undisguised pride of each member of the team led by me. I don't speak eloquently. Nor does it recount the suffocating negotiations that have gone through. My speech... Very calm. I just share a principle that I always pursue at work.

"I always believe that..."

"Expertise..."

"The most reliable ticket."

"And also the only ticket for a person to walk steadily in the office environment."

I repeat a story that almost everyone in the company has heard.

"I still remember..."

"In my first resume..."

"In the foreign language ability section..."

"I wrote down four words..."

'Knows some French.'

The whole audience immediately burst into laughter full of good will. I also smiled. Then continue.

"Today..."

"While standing here..."

"I still think..."

"I just know a little."

Side laughter The bottom suddenly subsided. I looked at everyone and slowly said:

"Because..."

"Whatever the language."

"Or knowledge."

"Or the very world we live in."

"Everything is like a vast ocean."

"Humans spend their lives exploring."

"But what is truly understood..."

"Perhaps forever is only a very small part."

"So..."

"Stay humble."

"Never stop learning."

"And always continue on the journey of discovery."

"Follow me..."

"That's more important than any accomplishment."

When the last word ended... The whole hall was silent for a few seconds. Applause exploded. More passionately than ever before. Humble words... They carry more power to touch people's hearts than any heroic slogan. After the year-end review... My career entered its fastest development phase. The second phase of the cooperation project with the French side was quickly implemented. Twice as large as the first stage. Soon after... Thanks to the success of this project... Cooperation opportunities from Germany. And many other European countries... Also proactively came to visit. The stage for me... Bigger than ever. One evening... I was still working overtime in the office. In front is a new cooperation proposal from Germany. At that moment... My personal phone suddenly rang. It's a strange number. Number from France. I picked up the phone. On the other end of the line... An old but extremely familiar voice rang out.

"Hello."

"Is that Lam Vi?"

"I'm Professor Martin."

"My instructor at Sorbonne University."

I was stunned. Then immediately smiled.

"Teacher!"

"Hello teacher."

Professor Martin's voice was full of joy.

"I read the article about the project you participated in."

"It was just featured in a European business magazine as a successful example."

"I'm very proud of you."

He paused for a moment then continued:

"Today the teacher called..."

"I want to invite you."

"Next month..."

"As a prominent alumni of the academy..."

"Return to school to give a lecture to the juniors."

"Share your own story."

"Do you agree?"

I hold the phone. Quietly walk to the ground-level glass window. Outside... The city glows like a galaxy. Thousands of lights blend into a sea of light. In my heart... Suddenly there was a warm feeling that was hard to describe in words. I smiled. Gently answer the phone.

"Teacher."

"It's my honor."

I know... My brilliant life... Has just officially begun.