Chapter 6 — The Day I Return

The planning map of the industrial park is spread out on the tea table, blue and white color scheme, covering an area of up to three thousand acres.
"Dr. Giang, your new research project is a key project that we want to attract. The city will support with the highest policy level - tax exemption, land fund support, apartments for talented people, all are ready."
I nodded: “As for laboratory equipment, it is necessary to go through a special import approval flow, time —”
“In three months, I will coordinate.” Deputy Mayor Tran was very excited, "If this type of drug of yours can be mass produced, it will be good news for all cancer patients across the country. The city considers this the number one project to promote."
Several Directors sitting next to him also expressed their attitudes one after another, their attitudes were so sincere that Nguyen Tieu Ngu sitting in the corner widened his eyes. When the meeting ended, Deputy Mayor Tran sent me downstairs. On an autumn afternoon, it gets dark very quickly.
“Dr. Giang, there is one more thing.” Deputy Mayor Tran stood in front of the Committee's door, his tone seemed casual but clearly probing, "The Discrimination Group is also negotiating for biomedical investment. Last time Mr. Ky told me - if we can cooperate with your team, this industrial park chess game will be more complete."
My footsteps did not stop, nor did my voice waver at all: "Mayor Tran, regarding investment cooperation, I do not rule out any business. But it needs to go through normal commercial processes."
“Of course, of course.” He smiled and waved goodbye.
Getting in the car, Nguyen Tieu Ngu teased me: "So Ky Lang also wants to invest in you?"
"Maybe."
“So will you let him invest?”
“Depends on project terms.” I said softly, "If the conditions he offers are the best, I won't reject them for personal reasons."
“Public-private distinction.” Nguyen Tieu Ngu gave a thumbs up.
“But if he wants to use the excuse of investing to approach me,” I tilted my head, “then he will find out, my contract is stronger than his reputation.”
When I returned to the hotel that night, I worked in my room for two hours. At nine thirty, after showering, I stepped out, dried my hair and sat down on the edge of the bed when my phone lit up. One call. I've never seen the phone number, but the calling destination — Geneva. I looked at the screen for three seconds. Press the listen button. The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds, then — A low male voice sounded like sand was stuck in his throat.
“Jiang Tang.”
Ky Lang. It's been three years. His voice was deeper than before, filled with a heavy fatigue. I didn't speak, waiting for him to continue. He was also silent for a long time. On both ends of the phone, there was only the sound of the other person's breathing. Finally, he spoke.
“I told you to call me personally.” The tone was very light, as if mocking himself, "I called."
"YES." My voice was calm, "Say it."
“Tomorrow night at seven, Hoa Vien.” Hesitated for two seconds, "Are you coming?"
I looked at the night scene outside the ground-level window of the hotel. The office building opposite, the top floor light is not on today.
"Why?" I asked.
“Why what?”
“Why do you want to see me?”
The other end of the line was very quiet. Then he said one sentence, his voice was very low, as low as a sigh.
“Because I owe you an explanation.”
“Three years Already." I said, “It's late.”
“I know.”
“If you knew, why would you still call?”
“Because —”
He stopped. I heard him laugh softly over there, not a happy laugh, but a helpless, bitter smile when there was no way.
“Because if I don't make this phone call, I have no reason to keep you. Five days later you will be gone.”
“How do you know I'll only stay five days?”
“…”
“Ky Lang, are you supervising me?”
“Not surveillance.” His voice tightened, "It's... concerned."
“Is there any difference?”