Chapter 10 — Respect Has No Price

After the video was posted— The comment section almost exploded.

"Mom... the global vice president himself posted a video apologizing? This is a bit cruel."

“Even though I'm still really angry, I have to admit that this video is better than those soulless PR articles.”

"Flagship was shut down properly? This time the company really did it."

Of course, there are people who curse.

“If you know that, why don't you do it sooner?”

“If I hadn't been exposed, surely I would have apologized?”

“Just acting, nothing else.”

But overall— Public opinion is starting to turn positive. That same day, the police also posted an official notice: The store manager and related staff were detained for extortion and property appropriation while performing their duties. The total amount involved exceeded 500,000 yuan. The case is still under further investigation. The other flagship store was forced to stop operating for rectification. Right in front of the door there is a seal. One week later. The brand officially announced its partnership with me. In the promotional video, I hold a magnifying glass and stand in front of the camera to explain every handmade detail of the company's new product. Each standard of genuine products— I have clearly dissected them little by little.

“A lot of people ask me…”

I looked at the camera and laughed.

“How can you be sure that the items you appraise are genuine?”

I shrugged.

“Because I'm sick.”

“Really.”

“I have OCD.”

I got serious again.

“Just one wrong detail makes me lose sleep.”

“So everyone can rest assured.”

“Every bag I examine…”

“It was all checked by myself.”

“Counterfeit goods cannot be genuine.”

“But the real thing…”

"It can't be said to be fake."

At the end of the video, James appears in the frame. He sat next to me. We chat a lot. About this incident. About the dark corners of the luxury goods industry. And the future of the brand. James turned to ask me.

“What do you think about the phenomenon of luxury store employees discriminating against customers?”

I thought for a few seconds then replied:

“I think the problem is not with the staff.”

“Their attitude…”

“It actually reflects the brand's management culture.”

“If from top to bottom everyone emphasizes 'sales first' and 'customer stratification'..."

“Then the staff will naturally think—”

“People who can't afford it don't deserve to enter the store.”

I looked straight into the camera. Extremely serious voice.

“But the problem is…”

“Today people cannot buy it.”

“It doesn't mean they will be the same tomorrow.”

“But even in their lifetime they can't buy it…”

“They still deserve respect.”

“Because of respect…”

“There shouldn't be a price list.”

That interview was cut into countless short videos. Spread across all platforms. Someone commented:

“This is the real luxury — respect.”

Someone said:

“Tong Van said exactly what I thought.”

There are also people who say:

“That sentence alone is enough to make me prioritize buying from this company.”

While the popularity is still high, the brand immediately launched a new policy. Incentives for retirees. All customers with pension cards when coming to the store will enjoy separate discounts and free care services. On the promotional poster— My mother wore her favorite short-sleeved floral shirt. Wear the brand's classic bag. Smile as brightly as the early summer sunshine. The text on the poster reads:

“Good luck to everyone All women have a very happy retirement. Bring your favorite bag, step into a new journey of life."

The day I saw that poster— My mother's eyes were red.

“In my whole life, I never thought…”

“I appeared on that kind of poster again.”

I hugged her shoulders.

“Mom, you deserve it.”

She gently patted my hand and said in a low voice:

“And that bag is really beautiful…”

“But can I change it to another color?”

“This color is so bright, I don't dare take it out…”

I laughed out loud.

“Okay okay.”

"Mom, I'll change it to whatever color you like."

On the day of the press conference, my mother stood in front of the camera for the first time.

“I actually don't understand these bags.”

She said honestly.

“I just think it's beautiful.”

“That day my daughter took me to the store to check it out…”

“As a result, I was scared to the point of crying.”

“I'm afraid to death.”

The whole audience burst into laughter.

“But then I realized…”

“It turns out my daughter is that good.”

Her eyes turned red.

“It not only knows how to inspect bags…”

“He also knows how to protect his mother.”

She looked straight into the camera, taking every word seriously.

“I choose this brand…”

“It's not because of how expensive the bag is.”

“It's not because of how beautiful it is.”

“But because they dare to admit their mistakes.”

“Dare to consider customers as human beings.”

“More expensive than any bag.”

Applause echoed throughout the auditorium. That evening. When I got home, I was so tired that I lay down on the sofa, not even wanting to move my fingers. The phone suddenly vibrated. It's the assistant's WeChat message.

“Sister!!! Super good news!!!”

There is also a long string of exclamation marks on the back.

“LVHM group contacted me!”

“They watched the entire video with your plan!”

“I want to make an appointment to discuss cooperation!”

“Even sent the draft contract over!!!”

I stared at the screen. The corners of his lips couldn't help but curl up. Reputation yes. Money is also there. That's the kind of "compensation" I really want.