Chapter 4 — The Former General's Ex-Wife Was a Genius Advisor

[Civil Affairs Department I'm free on Wednesday, what about you?] I texted back: [Okay.] I won't answer anymore. I threw the phone on the sofa. His eyes glanced at the agreement on the tea table and suddenly remembered something. I opened my laptop and logged into an email I had used for 5 years. The mailbox name is a meaningless string of letters and numbers, no one knows it belongs to me. In the inbox are neatly placed more than 300 read emails, in the outbox are nearly 1,000 sent emails. It's all about trade data, industry analysis and investment strategy. As for the recipient of those emails, it is the Strategic Development Department of the Co Group. Five years ago, Co Ngon Chu had just taken over the company, the foundation was not strong, and he was miserably oppressed by his uncle's faction. A data analysis helped him accurately avoid a futures collapse, saving more than half the company's life. That analysis is signed “W”. Co Ngon Chu investigated for two years but could not find out who W was. He didn't know that W was sitting right on his living room sofa, cooking dinner for him every day. I logged out of my inbox and closed my computer. If you are divorced, then let this secret remain a secret forever. * On Wednesday morning, when I arrived at the Civil Affairs Department, Co Ngon Chu was already waiting at the door. He wore a dark gray overcoat with a black turtleneck sweater inside, his whole body exuding a cold and bland look. Seeing me coming, he tilted his head slightly: "Already here?"

“Yes.”

We went in together, took a number, and waited. The whole process was as quiet as two strangers standing in line at the bank. When the staff compared the information, they asked one question: "Confirming that the divorce is voluntary on both sides?"

“That's right.” I said.

“That's right.” He continued.

The red book changes to a green book. From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out, it took a total of 43 minutes. I put the divorce papers in my bag, preparing to leave.

“Have you eaten anything yet?” He suddenly asked.

“Not yet.”

“Let's eat something together?”

I glanced at him. His expression was nothing special, like he was casually asking a question.

“No need, I have an appointment.”

“Oh.”

His hand moved slightly in the pocket of his coat, seemingly touching the cigarette pack. In the end, it didn't come out.

"So... in the future, if you have anything to do, just come find me."

“Okay.” I said, “Me too.”

I turned around and walked towards the parking lot. As I threw my bag on the passenger seat, I glanced in the rearview mirror from the corner of my eye. He still stood at the door of the Civil Affairs Department, not moving. The corner of the coat was blown away by the wind. Looks a bit lonely. But that doesn't concern me anymore. I started the engine and drove out of the parking lot. The phone rang, it was Tran Niem.

“Are you done?”

“It's done.”

“How does it feel?”

I thought about it, then said the truth: "Liberation."

“Let's go drink tonight to celebrate.”

“Okay.”

* That evening, Tran Niem and I sat in a light music bar. He poured me a glass of wine and clinked it: "I wish you regain your freedom." I took a sip, the wine was stinging and burning from my throat to my stomach. Tran Niem suddenly lowered his voice: "I'll keep this matter from you, afraid it will affect your mood."

“Say it.”

“To Mien Nguyet's studio has recently been in contact with several investment funds.”

“What does that have to do with me?”

“Among those funds, there is Dinh Huy.”

Hand movements I stopped. Dinh Huy Capital, is my father's company.

"Who my father invests in is his business, it has nothing to do with me."

“But last week To Mien Nguyet went to your father's office.” Tran Niem looked straight into my eyes: "Stayed there for two hours. When I came out, I was smiling brightly."

I put the glass down. “What do you mean?”

"I mean, you and Co Ngon Chu just signed a divorce agreement less than a week ago, and To Mien Nguyet ran to your father to raise capital. Do you think she's just out for money?"