Chapter 6 — Selling the Shop for Two Million Yuan, I Made Them Go Bankrupt

Principal Ly's voice on the other end of the phone clearly showed impatience. The incident of "Nguyet Ban Loan" dealt a heavy blow to the entire pedestrian street. The store was sealed, and every day people gathered in front of the door to cause chaos, like an ugly scar plastered on the face of a bustling commercial district. The management board is more impatient than anyone else, just wanting to delete it as quickly as possible. The only one who can turn that scar back into a golden sign.

“Director Ly.” My voice was very calm. "You should know, the name 'Nguyet Ban Loan' has now been completely blackened. If I took it back, it would be like holding a debt."

“To me, this is not a good thing.”

He quickly replied: "You misunderstood! How can we let you suffer! Regarding the rent, we will give you the biggest discount! As long as you come back, everything is negotiable!" I smiled softly.

“Director Ly, you are a smart person, I won't beat around the bush.”

“If you want me to come back, okay.”

“But I have three conditions.”

“You just say it!”

“First, the store's rent for the next five years, I want to reduce by half compared to the market price.”

The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds. Halved in five years, this number is not small. But I know they will accept. A store can attract a huge number of customers, its value is much greater than that rental amount. Sure enough, after a few seconds, he said, his voice a bit forced: "Okay, I agree."

"Monday." I continue. “I need the management to step up, in the official name, to post a clarification on all local media channels.”

"It must be clearly written that the previous poisoning incident was due to poor management and chaotic operations by new owner Vuong Duc Phat."

“It has nothing to do with the previous owner, me.”

“I need you to give me back my reputation.”

Director Ly hesitated: "This matter..."

“You understand the power of public opinion better than I do.” I interrupted. "If my reputation is not restored, even if I reopen the restaurant, customers will still be suspicious. That is not beneficial for your entire street."

My words hit the weak point. He sighed: "Okay, I also agree."

“So the third condition?”

I looked out the window and said slowly: "I want store number 2 opposite, which has been vacant for a long time, to rent to me."

“Rent, also reduced by half.”

Director Ly was stunned: "What do you need that place for? That location is not as good as 'Nguyet Ban Loan'."

“I have my own calculations.”

“I said, there are three conditions, even without one.”

"Think about it. After thinking about it, let lawyer Truong contact me."

Having finished speaking, I hung up the phone. I didn't go find a lawyer right away. But alone, I returned to the familiar street. Standing in front of the door of "Nguyet Ban Loan". Look at the sealed glass door, look at the words "Unscrupulous restaurant, give us back our health" spray painted on. Everything is ruined. Cold wilderness. I stood for a long time. Until the afternoon light lengthens my shadow. I took out my phone and called a number I hadn't heard in a while. The bell rang for a long time before anyone heard it. On the other end of the line was an old but familiar voice: "Hello? Who is it?"

“Uncle Wang, it's me.”

“Tham Nguyet.”

The other side was silent. A long time later, a choked sigh rang out: "Tieu Nguyet... I finally called you." Uncle Vuong is my father's close friend. Also the first head chef of the grill that year. Later because of strength I'm fine so I should go home.

“How are you doing?”

"I'm fine! I'm fine! I just miss you."

“I heard about the shop, your family is really no good!”

“Uncle Wang.” I speak very seriously. “I want to invite you back.”

“Do me one last favor.”

“I want to open a new shop.”

“No, it's two shops.”

“I want you to pass on all your skills to the new team I recruited.”

“I want, on this street…”

“Build your own culinary empire.”

The other end of the line was silent again. This time it's longer. Just when I thought he would refuse... His voice rang out, deep and firm:

“Tieu Nguyet, you can rest assured.”

“As long as you have one breath left…”

“Your story is my story.”

“Tomorrow, I'll be on my way.”

I hung up. Look at the store in front. In my eyes, it is no longer a ruin. It's the fire. Vuong Duc Phat. Vuong Thien. Do you think everything is over? When you lost everything… It was just when I started to have it all.