Chapter 11 — The Invisible Employee Knows French

Since becoming head of the newly established International Cooperation Department, my world has completely changed. I have my own office—spacious, bright—located right next to director Truong's room. Through the large window, is the most prosperous scene of the city's commercial center: tall buildings close together, bustling traffic. Before, I could only look up at it all from a small dark corner. And now—I am part of that picture. The notice of my appointment and the disciplinary action against Vuong Ky for malicious denunciation—were sent at the same time. A stone thrown down creates thousands of waves. The whole company was in an uproar over my "rocket leap"—and the painful fall of the former "shining star" Vuong Ky. From now on, no one dares to talk about me about my education or background—whether to my face or behind my back. Everyone's eyes on me ranged from sarcasm, to shock, to jealousy—and now there was only respect mixed with a bit of wariness. They finally understand: In this real workplace, qualifications and background are just a facade—the only thing capable of crushing all prejudices is true ability. I began to devote myself wholeheartedly to the project. Having "full authority" assigned by the CEO himself, I no longer have to tiptoe around and avoid anyone. I reviewed the entire process, aggressively cut out the redundant parts, and established a series of plan Bs for risky points. Taking advantage of the French language and cultural understanding, I bypassed the cumbersome intermediaries and directly established a daily exchange channel with the technical team in France. Every decision I make is accurate - effective - with vision. My suggestions, via email and video conferencing, were delivered to the French headquarters—and each time received praise and positive feedback. One time, Mr. Herve even half-jokingly said:

“Lam, you understand what we want better than the person next to me.”

I am no longer a "French translator" anymore. I have truly become the core element of this entire transnational cooperation project. My change is not just at work. I took off my thick black-rimmed glasses and switched to contact lenses. The world in my eyes—for the first time in my life—became so clear. I used the first month of salary after the increase to buy a few high-quality, well-tailored office suits. The first time I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror—a woman wearing a neat suit, bright eyes, and a confident demeanor—I almost didn't recognize myself. I'm still Lam Van—but no longer the girl who keeps her head down and hides in the corner of the office. Confidence—is the best cosmetic. It completely transformed my entire aura. Now, every time I walk down the company hallway—the people who laughed at me in the past will bow and say, "Hello, Director Lam." As for Director Truong—now he's become a regular guest in my office. Serving tea, pouring water, reporting progress—be as humble as a new employee. Because of a detail in the plan, he could stand in front of my door for almost the entire day, just waiting for me to be free before daring to gently knock on the door and enter. His eyes looked at me—full of reverence and dependence. Because now, whether or not your room's targets are met is closely tied the success or failure of my room. I still maintained a polite but cold attitude towards him. Not because he despised me in the past and took revenge, nor because now he flatters and gets close. In my eyes, he is just a colleague who needs to coordinate work. It was that calmness that made him even more nervous and uneasy. As for Ly Uong—has become my most solid collaborator. We often discuss technical issues together in the break room. He used the simplest way to explain confusing concepts, while I helped him edit documents that needed to be sent to his French partners. We work together—effectively, clearly, filled with chemistry. His eyes looked at me—always with sincere respect and admiration, never changing. In a calculating office environment, his presence is like a rare ray of warm light. Everything is progressing in the best direction. The project went smoothly. My abilities are proven and recognized. On my mother's side—I also contacted better hospitals and doctors. I used to think: All the dark plans ended with Vuong Ky's fall. But I was wrong. I underestimated the destructive power of jealousy. I still haven't seen it all—how twisted people can be by jealousy.