Chapter 9 — Salary 9,000 Yuan, Husband Asks to Support Younger Sister to Study Abroad?

“Van Thu, do you really not think twice?”

“I haven't been completely without feelings these three years—”

“Tran Hao,” I interrupted, “sign.”

He held the pen, his hand clenched and then let go, let go and then tightened again. Finally signed. Lawyer Hua signed the confirmation. At four o'clock in the afternoon, I walked out of the building. The sun is very beautiful and warm on the face. I took a deep breath. The first month after the divorce, Tran Hao transferred 120,000 yuan to my account. I don't answer. Pay off credit card debt. Pay part of the money to your mother. Pay 20,000 yuan to dad. I still have more than 30,000 yuan in hand. Plus the first month's salary at the new company, more than 50,000 yuan. This is the first time after three years of marriage that I have more than 5,000 yuan in savings. Work at To Dao company is very smooth. The operational plan I am in charge of has entered the implementation phase. In the first week of operation, core figures increased by 15%. During the management meeting, To Dao praised me.

"The new operations director has one person doing the same as the previous three people. I recommend that all departments learn."

After the meeting, someone came to get to know me, someone asked me where I worked before.

“A small company, doing administration.”

They don't believe it. An administrative person cannot write such an operational report. I don't explain. The second month, I went on a business trip to Shenzhen and attended an industry seminar. The host is Co Tu Vien. Deputy General Director of Hac Vien Group. Yes, it was Hac Vien—the offer I rejected that year. He is thirty-four years old, part of the industry's young leaders. At the end of the discussion, he walked over.

“Lam Van Thu?”

I stopped.

“You know me?”

"Five years ago, during Hac Vien's campus recruitment, I did her final interview round. She was the only graduate student that year to receive an A rating."

"After that, she refused the offer, I even asked HR privately why. They said it was personal reasons."

“I still feel very sorry.”

I don't know what to say. The decision five years ago—to give up that offer to work as an administrator with a salary of 5,800 yuan—now that I think back, it's so wild that it seems unreal.

“Where are you now?”

“Dao Quang E-commerce, operations director.”

“To Dao's company?” He nodded. “She has eyes.”

He took out a business card from his vest pocket.

"When we're free, let's talk. Hac Vien is developing a new retail segment and needs someone who understands operations."

I received the business card. On the high-speed train ride back, I flipped the business card over and over several times. I don't plan to jump ship—To Dao helps me so much, I can't leave right away. But that business card made me confirm one thing: my ability has never disappeared. It was only crushed under three years of food and clothing. Now flip up, still there. Three months after the divorce, Huanan e-commerce conference. I led the team to come up with a complete brand operation plan and went on stage to present for twenty minutes. Under the stands were more than three hundred people from the industry. At the end, there was prolonged applause. There are three local companies looking for To Dao to discuss cooperation. Including Hac Vien's new retail department. Person in charge—Co Tu Vien.

“Director Lam's plan is the best today.” He said to To Dao at the trade party. “I would like to propose a cooperation project, budget 10,000,000 yuan.”

To Dao looked at me. I nodded.

“Can discuss.” To Dao said.

At the end of the party, Co Tu Vien came looking for me.

“I have something to tell you Miss."

“What?”

“Your ex-husband's sister, is her name Tran Vu Huyen?”

I stopped.

“She applied to every school I know of. I have a professor friend there.”

"…What's up?"

“Last year that school was involved in an admissions scandal, with intermediaries and the school having interests. Many students get offers from there and buy them.”

I stood still.

“What do you mean…”

“I'm not sure, but you can check to see which intermediary she submitted it through.”

I said nothing. When I got home, I called my mother.

“Mom, do you know what Tran Vu Huyen's study abroad intermediary is?”

"Don't know. What's up?"

“Nothing, just asking.”

I hung up, I thought for a while, but still didn't look up. That doesn't concern me anymore. Whether she studies abroad or not, whose money comes from her, is irrelevant. But life is sometimes very ironic. A week later, Tran Hao proactively called. His voice was tired.

“What's wrong?”

“There was a problem with Vu Huyen's intermediary. Accused of making fake documents. Its offer may be canceled.”

I was silent for a few seconds.

“Then… he paid a deposit of 80,000 yuan. The middleman has escaped. Can't get it back.”

“What does it have to do with me?”

“No… I just wanted to talk to you.”

His voice became lower and lower.

“Van Thu, were you wrong from the beginning?”

I don't answer.

“Tran Hao, what do you want today? Want my pity? Or do you want me to help?”

“No… I just…”

“Then there's nothing more to say. Take care of yourself.”

I hung up. Not exactly gloating. But not sad either. The feeling of relief from something that no longer has anything to do with me... feels good.