Chapter 1 — Seven Years of Silence, One Life of Freedom

Husband rewards Tieu Tam with 18% of shares, but I only get 1%. Five Minutes Later, The Whole Meeting Room Was Stunned When They Realized I Was The One Holding 51% The year-end summary conference of Thua Thinh Biological Group was held on the last day of December. I sat in the most hidden corner of the meeting room, holding a glass of warm water in both hands. On the table there is a meeting agenda, the words "Summary of year-end business results and stock incentive plan" are printed in bold red. In the chairing position is Tran Thieu Quan. Today he is wearing a dark navy blue suit, a tie with a pattern, and his hair is combed without a single strand of tangle. Thirty-six years old, in charge of Thua Thinh Group for seven years, between his eyebrows and eyes, he always exudes the confidence of a person who has been raised by power. On his left is assistant chief Lam Hieu San. Twenty-seven years old, tight-fitting lotus pink suit, long hair tied in a low bun, sophisticated makeup. The file in front of her was the thickest in the whole room. At this time, she leaned slightly, close to Tran Thieu Quan's ear and whispered something, a smile always flickering at the corner of her lips. That look doesn't look like an assistant at all, but more like the person hosting the meeting with him.

"Okay, let's start."

Tran Thieu Quan tapped lightly on the table, his voice calm. Eighteen senior managers simultaneously sat up straight.

"In the past year, the group's precision medicine segment has grown by 58%, three new generation diagnostic devices have been granted national Class III medical device registration certificates, and also completed the first order in foreign markets."

He stopped, his eyes scanning the room.

"Today's achievement is thanks to everyone's efforts. Therefore, this meeting is also the time when I fulfill my promise, officially launching the equity incentive program, rewarding those with the greatest contributions."

Applause immediately rang out. I lowered my head to look at the glass of water. The water has cooled down, just right, neither hot nor cold.

"First..."

Tran Thieu Quan turned a page of the document.

"Lin Hieu San."

All eyes in the room turned towards her. Lam Hieu San calmly stood up, bowed slightly, a modest smile on his lips.

"In the past year, Hieu San has presided over three merger deals, directly followed the entire certification process abroad, for four consecutive months without a single weekend off."

In Tran Thieu Quan's voice there was undisguised appreciation.

"Most importantly, at any key moment for the company, she is always the first person to take charge."

"So..."

He paused for a beat.

"I decided to appoint Lam Hieu San to continue holding the position of Assistant Chief and grant 18% of the group's share options."

The whole room was silent. For three seconds. No one spoke up. Eighteen percent. The entire outstanding option fund of the group is only 35%, yet Lam Hieu San alone took more than half.

"General Manager Tran..."

Chief Financial Officer Tham Minh spoke up, his voice a bit hoarse.

"This ratio... is it..."

"Is there a problem?"

Tran Thieu Quan's voice remained calm, just slightly turning his eyes to look at him. Tham Minh immediately swallowed the remaining half of his sentence. Lam Hieu San stood up again, this time bowing even lower.

"Thank you General Director Tran believed. I will definitely give it my all, not disappointing my expectations."

Applause rang out again. At first it was sporadic, but under Tran Thieu Quan's gaze, it quickly became regular and enthusiastic. I raised my glass of water and gently took a sip.

"Next."

Tran Thieu Quan turned to another page and began reading the names and proportions of each person. R&D Director: 3%. Deputy general director of sales: 4%. Operations director: 2%... Every time a name is read, that person stands up to speak, bows and then sits down. The option fund is also gradually divided. The list on the screen is getting shorter and shorter. Finally... There's only one name left. The atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly became strange. The eyes of several leaders continuously glanced between Tran Thieu Quan and me sitting in the corner of the room. That kind of look... I'm so used to it. Over the past seven years, I have seen it countless times.

"Finally."

Tran Thieu Quan's voice suddenly softened, even carrying a bit of superficiality. His laser pen stopped at the number behind my name.

"After all, Mr. To is a member of the family."

He spoke very lightly as if it wasn't worth mentioning.

"Then give 1% as a souvenir."

Then he paused and added:

"Anyway, over the past seven years, from raising capital to building a team, the operation of the group has mostly been shouldered by me and Hieu San. This 1%... just think of it as pocket money."

The words just ended. The entire meeting room was silent. Make memories. Pocket money. The pen in Tham Minh's hand fell onto the table, making a "click" sound. Lam Hieu San bowed his head, his shoulders shaking slightly. In the corner of the room, someone secretly turned his face to look at me. I put down the glass of water. The bottom of the glass cup touched the table, and there was a very soft "knock" sound. Then I slowly stood up.