Chapter 8 — Selling the Shop for Two Million Yuan, I Made Them Go Bankrupt

The whole team burst into cheers. Uncle Vuong also brought along a few students he had carefully selected to officially enter the kitchen of the Tham family's shop. He patted my shoulder, his eyes old but bright.

“Tieu Nguyet, you are better than your father.”

I looked at the bustling scene before me, workers going back and forth non-stop, the sound of drilling resounding continuously, the smell of new paint and wood spreading in the air. All are signs of a new beginning. I personally supervised the installation of the air filtration system I designed into Lam Nguyet Hien's kitchen. This time, I registered the copyright. It will become the core technology that belongs only to me. No one can take it away anymore. When the repair was halfway done, lawyer Truong called me.

“There's something I need to tell you.”

His voice is a bit unusual.

“Vuong Thien… seems mentally unwell.”

I frowned slightly: "What do you mean?"

"She went to the victim's company a few days ago, knelt down and asked for forgiveness, but was kicked out by security."

“Yesterday someone saw her running to the door of her old shop in the middle of the night, standing in front of the sealed door, crying and laughing, muttering 'my shop', 'all mine'..."

“The family took her to the doctor.”

“The initial conclusion is acute stress disorder, leading to loss of mental control.”

I held the phone and was silent for a moment. From poor to rich is easy. Falling from the peak to the abyss... is unbearable. That fall finally broke her fragile pride.

"I know."

I calmly hung up. Step in front of Lam Nguyet Hien's glass door and look at the bustling stream of people outside. Vuong Thien was crazy. Perhaps, that was the best outcome for her. Because if you're still awake... Living is torture. I still have to move on. A new path. A journey of rebirth, towards higher places. 13 Opening In the last month before opening, I almost ate and slept at the construction site. Every detail and every material was personally inspected by me. I also renovated my parents' old house into a place to research new dishes and train staff. What I want is more than just a successful store. It is a replicable model, a foundation for an entire business system. On opening day, the sky was clear blue without a single cloud. The whole walking street was stirred up with excitement by my two new stores. In front of the doors of "Lam Nguyet Hien" and "The Tham Family Shop" are filled with flower baskets to congratulate people from the management board, partners, and old friends in the industry. I invited the most famous local lion dance team to perform from one end of the street to the other. The drums and gongs resounded and the firecrackers exploded. The large piece of red silk was cut down by Uncle Vuong and I together.

“Opening Hong Phat!”

Applause and cheers rang out like thunder. I stood under the sign "Lam Nguyet Hien", wearing a tailored red cheongsam. Looking at the bustling stream of people before my eyes, countless emotions welled up in my heart. This place was my starting point. It's also where I was deeply hurt. And now, I personally destroy that past, rebuilding something more brilliant on the ashes. Inside "Lam Nguyet Hien" is a Chinese neoclassical style, with basswood tables and chairs, a mountain screen, every detail is delicate and luxurious. The scent of premium grilled charcoal mixed with the secret sauce spreads in the air, just smell it enough to make people hungry. The "Tham Family Shop" opposite has a completely different atmosphere. Bright, clean, full of everyday life. The kitchen is open, Uncle Vuong leading the students is constantly busy. The sound of pots and pans, the sound of ordering food, the sound of laughter, all blend into the most lively music. I did a very strong opening day promotion program. All orders are 20% off, orders over 100 yuan get an additional 50 yuan coupon. Real incentives, making diners immediately explode. Before noon, the two stores were fully booked. Customers lined up in a long, winding line in front of the door. My old employees wear new uniforms, everyone is full of energy. Service was quick, coordinated, and everyone's faces were radiant. I stood behind the counter, looking at the whole scene, the corners of my lips curled up slightly. The feeling of holding everything with my own hands... Makes me extremely secure. Lawyer Truong was also present. He and his assistant sat near the window, raising their glasses towards me.

“Congratulations.”

“This counterattack is so beautiful.”

I raised my glass of juice in response.

“It's just the beginning.”

“What I have to get back… is a lot.”

We looked at each other, no need to say anything else. Busy time passes very quickly. By nine o'clock in the evening, the number of visitors began to decrease. I asked the kitchen to make me a bowl of simple noodles. Just as I was about to eat, the doorbell rang. A man entered. About thirty years old. Fitted Armani suit, Patek Philippe watch on wrist. The whole body exudes the elite, cold look of the upper class. His eyes did not look at the menu, nor did he look around. Which stopped directly on me. That look... Doesn't look like a guest. Like a hunter observing its prey. He walked over to the bar, pulled up a high chair and sat down. The employee immediately approached: "Sir, how many people are you going?" He didn't answer. Still looking at me. Then he spoke slowly, in a low voice:

“Are you… Tham Nguyet?”

I put down my chopsticks and wiped my mouth.

“What's the matter?”

The corners of his lips curled up, his smile carrying an unpredictable meaning.

“Don't dare.”

“I just came…to check out my new neighbors.”

He pointed outside. I followed. Right between my two stores, the previous fashion store has since been cleared out. Large advertising tarpaulin hung up. On it is an extremely prominent inscription.

“Dinth Thinh Cuisine Group – Flagship store about to open.”

My pupils... Shrink slightly.