Chapter 8 — Reborn to Love the Perfect One

Two weeks after the art project launch party, Gia Hạnh brought Ánh Vy a thin file of documents, her face looking somewhat heavy. The two sat in a quiet cafe away from the company headquarters, where they could chat without worrying about anyone noticing.

"I found out some information about Kiều Ý Nhi." Gia Hạnh opened her mouth, her tone cautious. "She comes from a family that used to do well in business, but the family company went bankrupt seven years ago due to a wrong investment in a loss-making real estate project. Since then, she has had to fend for herself, working in all sorts of jobs from photo model to freelance media manager." Ánh Vy listened attentively and nodded softly. This information matches what she vaguely remembers from her previous life, when Kiều Ý Nhi once opened up about a decadent family past that she always wanted to make up for at any cost.

"I also heard some bad rumors from people who worked with her," Gia Hạnh continued, lowering her voice. "Someone said that she was involved in a small investment scam two years ago, approaching a young businessman, convincing him to invest in a bogus media project, then disappearing with that money. The incident was then settled quietly because the businessman's family did not want the scandal to affect his reputation."

Ánh Vy tightened her hand around the coffee cup, her eyes becoming colder. "Thank you, Gia Hạnh. This is very valuable information."

"Ánh Vy, what are you planning to do next?" Gia Hạnh asked, her eyes filled with worry. "Mr. Bách Nam seems to be very infatuated with her. If you intervene directly, I'm afraid he will react harshly."

"I know," Ánh Vy replied, her tone thoughtful. "That's why I can't intervene directly at this time. What I need to do is quietly protect the company's important assets and resources, not letting Bách Nam have the opportunity to approach and take advantage of them because of Kiều Ý Nhi's instigation."

Just as Ánh Vy predicted, just a few days later, Bách Nam began to make unusual moves at work. He constantly proposed risky investment plans, demanding more autonomy over the project budgets he was in charge of. In particular, he began to inquire about the trust fund management mechanism for key personnel, citing the reason that he wanted to learn so that he could contribute ideas to improve the company's talent treatment policy.

Ánh Vy immediately realized that this was the first step in the plot she had witnessed in her previous life. Bách Nam is clearing the way to access and control the shares of the trust fund, which will later become a tool for him to illegally transfer, turning the company's common assets into a source of money to serve his personal ambitions under the instigation of Kiều Ý Nhi.

One afternoon, Bách Nam came to her office, bringing with him an elaborately drafted proposal. "Ms. Ánh Vy, I have an idea to present. I think the company should give direct management of part of the trust fund to young employees with excellent achievements, instead of letting this fund lie dormant under the indirect management of the board of directors. This will create greater motivation for young employees to contribute."

Ánh Vy listened, keeping a calm expression even though in her heart she clearly understood the intention behind this seemingly reasonable proposal. "Your idea is somewhat reasonable. But have you considered the risk if the person given management authority is not experienced enough or is affected by external factors?"

"You worry too much." Bách Nam smiled, the smile was somewhat forced. "I believe that with strict supervision, that risk can be well controlled. Besides, I think I am capable enough to try greater responsibility, don't you trust me?"

That question was like a sophisticated trap, putting Ánh Vy in an awkward position. If she refused outright, it would make Bách Nam feel doubted and hurt, thereby speeding up the process of him leaning towards Kiều Ý Nhi to seek sympathy and support.

"I believe you have the ability, Bách Nam," Ánh Vy replied, her tone still maintaining the necessary softness. "But this proposal is related to the company's general management policy, not something I can decide on my own. I think you should present it directly to dad and the board of directors to get the most fair and complete consideration."

This answer makes it impossible for Bách Nam to refute, because he himself clearly understands that if he puts this proposal before the entire board of directors, the possibility of being scrutinized and rejected will be much higher than if he only needs to convince Ánh Vy alone.

"Yes, let me prepare more and present it later," Bách Nam replied, his tone somewhat disappointed, took the documents back and left.

After he left, Ánh Vy immediately picked up the phone and called Dịch Phong. "Mr. Dịch Phong, I need you to help me review the entire trust fund management mechanism for current core personnel, especially the provisions related to the authorization of share management to individuals. I want to make sure there are not any loopholes that can be exploited."

The other end of the line was silent for a moment, then Dịch Phong's voice rang out, calm but somewhat more serious than usual. "I understand, ma'am. I will prepare a detailed report as soon as possible. Can you tell me more, what makes you suddenly interested in this matter?"

Ánh Vy hesitated for a moment, then decided to share part of the truth. "I have a hunch that this stake could become the target of a plot to appropriate company assets. I need to prepare in advance to prevent it in time."

"Don't worry, I will help you check carefully," Dịch Phong replied, his voice carrying a certainty that made Ánh Vy's heart calm down a bit. "And if you need any other assistance, please don't hesitate to find me, Miss Ánh Vy."

Putting down the phone, Ánh Vy looked out the window, thinking to herself, the chess game has officially begun, and this time, she will not let herself fall into a passive position again.

A few days later, Gia Hạnh brought Ánh Vy another piece of information that made her even more wary. "Ánh Vy, I heard that Bách Nam has recently been going to a luxury bar with Kiều Ý Nhi, and it seems that he has started to borrow money from a few friends in the business world to spend on lavish outings with her."

"Do you know exactly how much money it is?" Ánh Vy asked, her tone low.

"I heard it's not small, about a few hundred million dong," Gia Hạnh replied, her eyes filled with worry. "I'm afraid he's slowly being drawn into a lifestyle that's beyond what he can realistically afford, and that's what's driving his eagerness to gain greater financial control over the company." Ánh Vy nodded, silently confirming what she had predicted. This is exactly the same scenario that happened in his previous life: Bách Nam indulged in a luxurious lifestyle to please Kiều Ý Nhi, gradually fell into debt, and from there arose a stronger motivation to find ways to earn a large amount of money through illegal means, regardless of the consequences.

"Thank you for letting me know, Gia Hạnh," she said, her tone serious. "I will monitor Bách Nam's personal financial situation more closely in the near future. If he continues to borrow large amounts of money, it may be a sign that he is preparing for some reckless action."

"What are you going to do if that happens?" Gia Hạnh asked, her eyes full of curiosity.

"I will let him go to his own limit first, but will make sure all necessary evidence is fully preserved," Ánh Vy replied, her tone determined. "Only then, when everything breaks out, will I have enough basis to protect the company without having to rely on any emotional mercy anymore."

Gia Hạnh looked at her friend, her eyes both admiring and a little sad. "Ánh Vy, I know you and Bách Nam have been like brother and sister for many years. Do you find it difficult to treat him so coldly and cautiously?"

Ánh Vy was silent for a long time, her eyes looking far away out the office window. "It's difficult, Gia Hạnh. But I think, real sisterly love doesn't lie in unconditionally giving everything we have, but in wanting the other person to become better, more mature in the true sense. If I continue to pamper him like before, I'm afraid that I'm pushing him closer to irreversible wrong decisions."

"When you say that, I understand a little more." Gia Hạnh nodded, her tone lowered. "Well then, I will continue to quietly assist you in gathering information. I will report anything new as soon as possible."

After Gia Hạnh left, Ánh Vy sat alone, reopened the notebook, wrote down the estimated loan amount from Bách Nam and the date of receiving the information. She knew that each of these small details, when put together in chronological order, would form a comprehensive picture that would convince anyone, even the most conservative board member, of the true nature of what was quietly going on behind Bách Nam's flashy exterior.