Chapter 26 — The 12th-Floor Kitchen Contract

Three years have passed since Diem My was born, bringing with it many changes in the life of the whole family. Diem Tram Bakery, under the skillful management of Diem Tram and strong support from Hoai Thu, has developed into a chain of five branches spread across the city, and packaged products are also available in most major supermarkets nationwide.

Cam Luong Restaurant, under Khang's leadership, has also successfully expanded to three more branches in neighboring cities, each bearing the mark of the business philosophy that he has painstakingly built - a harmonious combination of high-class cuisine and profound human values.

"I just received an invitation to participate in an international conference on sustainable cuisine," Khang shared with Diem Tram one evening, while they were both playing with Diem My in the cozy living room of the new house that the whole family moved to after the baby was born. "They want you to present the business development model associated with social responsibility that we have applied."

"It's a great honor," Diem Tram replied, unable to hide her pride as she watched her husband become one of the most widely recognized faces in the culinary industry.

***

Diem My, now three years old, fully inherited the lovely features of both parents, with her father's bright, intelligent eyes and her mother's radiant smile. The little girl has begun to show a special interest in watching her mother make cakes, often asking to sit on a high chair in the kitchen to watch her mother work.

"I want to make cakes like my mother," Diem My said, her small hands playing with a little flour, making Diem Tram laugh at her daughter's cuteness.

"Okay, my daughter," Diem Tram replied, patiently guiding her child through the simplest operations, feeling an indescribable happiness when seeing the image of her childhood self reflected in her daughter.

Khang, watching from afar, couldn't hide his warm smile at that happy family scene. He recalls the long journey that brought him here — from a cold man who only knew how to bury his head in work, to a husband and father full of happiness, surrounded by the love of the small family he had worked hard to build with the woman he loved the most.

***

That weekend, the whole family went together to visit Mrs. Cam, who is now over eighty years old but is still alert and full of joy every time she is with her great-granddaughter. "Grandma, I'm making a cake for you," Diem My exclaimed, bringing her great-grandmother a small cake that she had personally "helped" her mother make.

"Thank you, honey," Mrs. Cam replied, her eyes filled with love as she hugged her great-granddaughter. "I'm very happy to taste your first creation."

Looking at that warm scene, Diem Tram couldn't help but feel moved by the long journey the whole family had gone through together. "I'm really grateful that you're always here, witnessing every important moment of our family," she said, sitting down next to Mrs. Cam.

"I'm also grateful to have my children," Mrs. Cam replied, holding Diem Tram's hand tightly. "The children have brought her the most meaningful and happiest years of old age that she could ever imagine. She believes that Viet Khang's mother, if she were still alive, would be so proud to see this small family full of love."

***

That afternoon, when Diem My took a nap, Mrs. Cam pulled Khang to a private corner to chat, her eyes were full of seriousness mixed with joy. “I have something important to discuss with you,” she said, her voice unusually formal.

"What's the matter, ma'am?" Khang asked, unable to hide his curiosity at his grandmother's unusual attitude.

"I have decided to officially transfer all of my remaining shares in the company to you," Mrs. Cam announced, her voice filled with certainty. "You have proven, over the years, that you are completely worthy to hold full control of the Cam Luong restaurant chain, not only in terms of ability, but also in terms of business ethics."

Khang was stunned by that important decision. "Are you sure? I think, you should still play the role of advisor and continue to accompany the company," he said, not wanting his grandmother to feel left out of the career she had worked so hard to build all her life.

"I'm eighty years old, son," Mrs. Cam replied, a gentle smile appearing on her lips. "It's time for her to rest and spend the rest of her time enjoying happiness with her family and her great-grandchildren. She believes absolutely in you, and she knows that you will continue to preserve and promote the values that she and your grandfather have worked so hard to build."

***

The official transfer ceremony was solemnly held a few weeks later, with the witness of the entire board of directors and key employees who have been with the company for many years. "Today marks an important milestone in the development history of the Cam Luong restaurant chain," Ms. Cam told everyone, her voice filled with pride. "I absolutely believe that, under Viet Khang's leadership, the company will continue to develop sustainably, preserving the core values that our family has always cherished."

Khang, standing in front of the entire board, could not hide his emotions as he officially took on the role of chairman of the board of directors. "I promise, I will always do my best to be worthy of the trust that my grandmother and the whole family have given me," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I will continue to build the company according to the values my family has always pursued — transparency, responsibility, and sincere love for the community."

Diem Tram, sitting in the front row with Diem My in her arms, could not hide her pride when witnessing that important moment for her husband. She recalled the long journey that brought them both here - from a fake and calculated marriage contract, to a happy family and a stable career that they both built together with sincere love and unremitting efforts.

***

After the ceremony, the whole family held a small party at home to celebrate this important milestone. Kien and Hoai Thu, now married for a year, were also present to celebrate, bringing with them their little son who was born a few months ago.

"Congratulations," Kien said, toasting his closest friend. "You have come a long way, from a cold chef who only knew about work, to a husband, father, and now the head of a large enterprise."

"It's all thanks to you, and Diem Tram is always by my side, supporting me," Khang replied, squeezing the shoulder of his friend who had accompanied him through many ups and downs of life.

Diem My, seeing a new baby, curiously approached and carefully touched the tiny hands of Kien and Hoai Thu's son. "The baby is so cute," she exclaimed, making the whole room laugh at her cuteness.

"Do you want a sibling?" Khang asked jokingly, glancing at Diem Tram with meaningful eyes.

Diem Tram blushed at that unexpected question, but couldn't hide her smile. "Maybe, that's something we should start thinking about," she said quietly, making Khang unable to hide his joy at that hopeful suggestion.

***

In the evening, when everyone had left and Diem My had fallen asleep, Diem Tram and Khang sat together on the balcony, watching the sparkling city lights below. "I still can't believe it, how far we've come," she said, resting her head on his shoulder.

"From a cold contract, to a completely happy family like this," Khang continued, squeezing her hand. "I never thought my life could be so fulfilling."

They sat there, enjoying a rare moment of peace in the midst of their busy lives, both deeply feeling that, despite the many unknowns of the journey ahead, they had built a solid foundation — a family filled with love, a career to be proud of, and most of all, a sincere love that had transcended all the boundaries of an unusual beginning.

"Thank you, for agreeing to sign that contract last year," Khang said softly, a nostalgic smile appearing on his lips as he remembered that fateful moment. "If it weren't for that bold decision of yours, maybe we would never have had a chance to find each other."

"Thank you too," Diem Tram replied, a happy smile blooming on her lips. "For turning a job contract into a life worth living."