Chapter 4 — People With Real Power, Ultimately Shine

On my first official day at work, I caused the whole company to go through quite a stir. The administrative department quickly arranged my seat right outside the General Director's office, next to General Director Vuong's secretary desk. That position alone is enough to express one's identity. Almost everyone passing by will unconsciously glance at me. Each look has a different meaning. Young colleagues admire and intentionally become friends. Using the excuse to bring documents, they enthusiastically called me: Some veteran employees in other departments could not hide their jealousy. In their eyes, they clearly wrote the three words "just lucky", behind my back they called me:

"The girl translates."

Many more people choose to watch from the sidelines. They couldn't see through my background, nor did they dare to rush to take sides. So, I became a rather special existence in the company. Kevin, the project manager, was also the person who stood outside the General Director's office that day with an unsightly face, proactively looking for me. He held a cup of coffee, leaned loosely against my desk, showing the appearance of a senior.

"Welcome, Lam Vi."

On the outside he smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

"I didn't expect that you were the hidden expert of our company. That day, you truly turned the situation around by yourself and became famous after just one match."

"I just got lucky."

I replied leisurely, my eyes still not leaving the computer screen with the pile of project documents.

"Luck is also a part of strength."

Kevin laughed, then suddenly changed his tone.

"But working on a project is different from working as a translator."

"Managing a large project involves many aspects and is extremely complex."

"You're new, and you're assigned to directly follow a project of such magnitude, so the pressure isn't small, right?"

"If there's anything you don't understand, just ask me anytime."

Every sentence and every word implicitly implies that... I am nothing more than a linguistic tool. Besides being good at French, there's nothing worth mentioning. Only then did I raise my head and look straight at him.

"Thank you, Manager Truong. If necessary, I will ask."

My voice is calm, neither arrogant nor cowardly.

"The work General Director Vuong entrusted to me, I just need to try to do it well."

That answer was like a punch to the cotton. All the provocations that Kevin had prepared in advance fell into nothingness. The smile on his face stiffened. He smiled wryly twice then took his cup of coffee and left, feeling disheartened. I know... This is just the beginning. In the afternoon, General Director Vuong convened all relevant departments to hold an official kick-off meeting for the cooperation project with the French side. Right at the meeting, he once again publicly affirmed my status and authority before everyone.

"From today, Lam Vi will represent me in charge of all communications and exchanges with the French side."

"All departments must coordinate unconditionally with her to ensure the project is implemented smoothly."

Every word of General Director Vuong rang out decisively. Enough for everyone in the meeting room to understand how much he valued me. Kevin's expression immediately became more unsightly. Coming to the detailed discussion of the project... He suddenly spoke up.

"Assistant Lam."

The word "assistant" was deliberately emphasized by him.

"You just Proposing to optimize logistics plans to fit the French JIT (Just-In-Time) production model."

"But have you ever considered that our current warehouse system, along with the customs clearance process in Europe, is completely unable to meet such a high frequency of deliveries?"

"Have you done this risk assessment yet?"

The question he asked was extremely sharp. Straight into the details at the implementation layer. Obviously wanting to make a "newbie" like me lose face in front of the whole company. All eyes in the meeting room once again turned to me. I didn't look confused at all. Because before entering the meeting room... I read all the project documents over the past year.

"Manager Truong asked very good questions."

"I also think this is an extremely important link."

I first confirmed his opinion. Then slowly change direction.