Chapter 23
Chapter 23 — Reborn to Love the Perfect One
Six months after the tumultuous shareholders' meeting, Vệ Thịnh Group has completely transformed. Under the management of Vệ Thành Lâm and the strong support of Ánh Vy and Dịch Phong, the company not only overcame the crisis of confidence from shareholders and partners, but also achieved the most impressive revenue growth in the past five years.
The biggest turning point came from the official announcement of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vệ Thịnh Group and Bạch Dương Group. The two families, instead of continuing to maintain an underground competitive position as before, decided to start building a large-scale smart urban project, combining Vệ Thịnh's real estate strengths and Bạch Dương's advanced renewable energy technology.
"This will be an iconic project, not only for our two groups, but also for the entire real estate industry in the region," Vệ Thành Lâm spoke at the solemnly held cooperation signing ceremony, with the large attendance of the media and important partners. "I believe, the combination of experience and vision of both sides will create long-term sustainable values." Bạchấn Vũ, standing next to him on stage, nodded in agreement. "We are also very honored to accompany Vệ Thịnh in the upcoming development journey. In particular, I would like to thank two young people who have made an important contribution to building a foundation of trust between our two families."
His eyes turned towards Ánh Vy and Dịch Phong, standing together in the front row, making the whole hall applaud warmly. Ánh Vy blushed slightly at the unexpected attention, while Dịch Phong just smiled, gently squeezing her hand under the table as a silent gesture of encouragement.
After the signing ceremony, the smart urban project quickly received great attention from domestic and foreign investors. Vệ Thịnh's stock price continues to grow, old partners whose confidence once wavered after rumors of a cash flow crisis are now returning to cooperate with even greater trust than before.
Ánh Vy, in the new role assigned by her father as Deputy General Director in charge of sustainable development strategy, has had the opportunity to apply all the valuable lessons and experiences she has accumulated from both lives. She built a transparent management process, promoting independent supervision of all important funds of the company, ensuring that there would never again be a second Chu Bách Nam who would have the opportunity to take advantage of trust for personal gain.
One afternoon, while reviewing the progress report of the smart urban project with Dịch Phong, Ánh Vy suddenly realized that she no longer felt pressured or afraid when facing complex business like before. Instead, she feels excited, confident, and energetic to face any challenge.
"Have you noticed how much our company has changed?" She asked Dịch Phong, her eyes sparkling with pride as she looked at the impressive growth numbers on the screen.
"Yes," he replied, smiling at her. "And I believe, much of the credit belongs to her. It was her careful preparation, foresight and bravery that helped the company not only overcome the crisis, but also emerge stronger than ever."
"We can do this together, Dịch Phong," Ánh Vy replied, holding his hand tightly. "Without you, I don't think I would have made it this far."
Not only stopping at business success, Vệ Thịnh Group, under the guidance of the new generation of leaders, also implemented many social welfare programs, supported scholarships for children of employees in difficult circumstances, and built a vocational training fund for employees who want to develop themselves in a legitimate and transparent way, instead of having to rely on familiar relationships like before.
Chu Văn Đạt, in his role as new fleet manager, is also regularly invited to participate in meetings to provide feedback on employee welfare. His voice is now heard and respected like any other member of the company, no longer limited by prejudice about his background as before.
Looking back on the past journey, Ánh Vy realized that the storm she had to face, although painful and challenging, ultimately became the driving force for her and the whole company to become more mature, more steadfast, and much more humane than she ever imagined.
A prestigious domestic business magazine conducted a special interview with Ánh Vy, revolving around her journey to overcome the crisis and the governance reforms she proposed. "Many people are curious, what helped her have the sanity and courage to face such a serious internal crisis?" The reporter asked.
Ánh Vy smiled and thought for a moment before answering. "I think, it's because I learned a valuable lesson: kindness needs to be accompanied by alertness, and love needs to have clear boundaries so as not to be taken advantage of by others. That's a lesson I believe applies not only in business, but also in all relationships of life."
The interview quickly spread widely, receiving sympathy and support from a large number of readers, especially young people who are starting a business or working in a family business environment. The image of Ánh Vy, from a young lady who was once doubted for being too easy-going, has now become a symbol of a brave, humane and intellectual young female leader.
At the same time, at the Ve villa, Dịch Phong asked Vệ Thành Lâm for permission to have a private meeting, bringing a solemnity different from everyday business conversations.
"Uncle, I know you have realized the feelings between me and Ánh Vy for a long time." Dịch Phong opened his mouth, his tone serious but sincere. "Today, I want to officially ask for your permission to accompany Ánh Vy in the upcoming journey, as the person who will take care of and protect your daughter all her life."
Vệ Thành Lâm looked at the boy in front of him for a long time, his eyes were both serious and filled with warmth. "You have proven your bravery, sincerity and courage through everything that has happened. Dad entrusts his daughter to you, on the condition that you must always cherish and protect her happiness the same way she protected this company."
"I promise, uncle," Dịch Phong replied, bowing his head solemnly, his eyes filled with determination and happiness when receiving approval from the father whom Ánh Vy always respected the most.
Not long after that meeting, the Ve and Bach families officially had their first intimate meeting, marking the connection not only in terms of business but also in terms of friendship between the two families. The party was held warmly at the Ve family's villa, where Ánh Vy grew up with so many happy and sad memories.
"I'm really happy to see that these two kids have found each other," Bạchấn Vũ said, raising a glass of wine to congratulate. "Seeing Dịch Phong so happy, I can truly feel secure about the years he spent quietly in Vệ Thịnh."
"We are also very pleased to welcome Dịch Phong into the family," Vệ Thành Lâm replied, a rare bright smile on his normally serious face. "I believe, with his companionship, Ánh Vy will have a happy and fulfilling life, exactly what she deserves after everything she has been through."
Ánh Vy sat between two families, her heart filled with an indescribable happiness. She looked at Dịch Phong, saw his eyes also looking at her with deep affection, and in that moment, she knew, all the suffering and loss of her previous life had finally been compensated by a bright future that was gradually appearing clearly before both of them.
After the party, when the guests had left one by one, Ánh Vy and Dịch Phong stood in the villa garden, admiring the remaining sparkling decorative lights. "Thank you, for officially asking my father's permission," she said, gently resting her head on his shoulder. "That means more to me than you think."
"That's what I should do, and what I really want," Dịch Phong replied, wrapping his arms around her gently. "I want everything between us to be built on the most solid and complete foundation, without any ambiguity or informality."
Ánh Vy smiled and looked up at the starry night sky. Her heart was filled with a firm belief that the days ahead would only be filled with happiness and peace with the man she loved the most.