Chapter 8 — People With Real Power, Ultimately Shine

"You're not a translator."

"But a real artist at the negotiating table."

I just smiled, clinked my glass with him and drank it all. General Director Vuong was even more radiant. After a few rounds of toasts, he stood up in front of the entire board of directors.

"Today..."

"The person who contributed the most to helping us win this project..."

"It's Lam Vi!"

His voice echoed throughout the banquet hall. Immediately received applause.

"I decided..."

"The special bonus of this project, Lam Vi will receive the highest portion!"

"At the same time..."

"I announce the immediate establishment of the International Business Department."

"And Lam Vi will take on the position of Acting Director!"

As soon as he finished speaking... The whole hall immediately stirred. From Special Assistant... To Acting Director of a department... It all happened in less than a week. Such a promotion speed... Unprecedented in the company's history. I saw Kevin's face turn almost white in just a blink of an eye. He held a glass of wine and stood stiffly in the corner of the crowd. Like an outsider lost in this celebration party. The whole time... Didn't say a word. Faced with all that... I don't appear arrogant or triumphant. During the party, from gestures to words, I maintained proper manners. Any leader who comes to raise a glass... I also smile and respond with sincere respect. Don't be in a hurry. Not arrogant either. It's that demeanor... that makes the "old foxes" in the company who are still standing outside observing really respect me. The celebration party is halfway done. Manager Ly of the human resources department walked over holding a glass of wine. He almost stooped to his lowest level. On his face was a forced, pleasing smile. The whole person also bowed slightly.

"Director... Director Lam..."

He awkwardly corrected his address.

"In the previous interview..."

"It's because I have eyes but can't see Thai Son."

"I'm really blind."

"Please don't take it to heart."

Having said that... He raised his glass very low.

"I'll punish myself three drinks to apologize to you!"

He actually tilted his head and drank three glasses of white wine in a row. Choking until my face turned red. I looked at him. There was no wavering in my heart. I smiled faintly and raised the glass of juice in my hand.

"Manager Ly is too talkative."

My voice is very light.

"If it's over, let it go."

"In the future, the work of the International Business Department will still need more support from the human resources department and you."

Those words... So clever that they cannot be faulted. I don't keep talking about the past... Letting myself become petty. Don't pretend to be close... To the point of losing principles. That generosity and measured behavior... made Manager Ly even more embarrassed. He repeatedly bowed his head in thanks and then quietly retreated. That whole scene... All caught the eye of General Director Vuong standing not far away. He nodded slightly at me. Eyes full of satisfaction. When the celebration ended... It was very late at night. General Manager Vuong specifically called me aside. He still smelled of alcohol. But his eyes were unusually alert.

"Try to do well."

He patted me hard on the shoulder.

"The two words 'acting director'..."

"Soon I'll leave."

"The International Business Department will later be your stage."

"Just be bold and do it."

I nodded seriously.

"Thank you General Director Vuong believed."

Leaving the bustling party... I returned to my normal rented apartment alone. The house is not big. But I kept it neat and clean. I don't turn on the light. Just quietly walked to the window and pulled the curtain aside. Outside... Are countless lights of the city. The traffic flow is endless. Each strip of yellow light curves like rivers flowing in the middle of the night. I don't know how many times... I stood in this place. Quietly feel the prosperity... As well as the cold distance that this city brings. But tonight... When I once again looked down at that scene... An unprecedented sense of peace slowly rose in my heart. From today... I finally have enough ability to gain a place for myself in this vast city. No longer a water hyacinth floating in the stream of life. Little by little I am... Putting down roots in this very land. The next day... I officially started building my team as Acting Director of International Sales. General Director Vuong gave me almost absolute support. From human resource rights... To financial approval rights... All have the green light.