Chapter 22
Chapter 22 — The Promise of a Demobilized Soldier
Three months after the trial of brothers Diep Chan Vi and Diep Chan Long, Binh Minh Agricultural Products Company has completely changed its appearance compared to the previous difficult period that seemed insurmountable. Not only were the three major contracts that were severed completely restored, but the company also received a series of new cooperation proposals from everywhere, when the story of a veteran business that dared to stand up against injustice, protect honor and justice for the vulnerable spread widely throughout the country through the media.
Many large supermarket chains in other cities, after learning about Binh Minh's story, actively contacted them to ask about product distribution cooperation, not simply because of the quality of agricultural products, but also because they wanted to associate their brand with a business story full of humanity and integrity. The company's revenue grew dramatically, allowing Thanh Phong to expand production scale, build a new factory right in the Southwest industrial park, create dozens of new job positions, and prioritize recruiting many other disabled veterans who need a place to start their lives again.
In particular, after the incident of Dong Thinh's oppression of farmers was exposed, many farmer households who were victims, including Mr. Tu and people in Mr. Ca Duong's group, actively sought out Binh Minh to propose cooperation in supplying agricultural products directly, without intermediaries, at fair and transparent prices. Thanh Phong and Bao Chau have built a new purchasing mechanism, ensuring harmonious benefits for both farmers and the company.
"We want to build a truly sustainable cooperation model, where farmers are treated fairly and are guaranteed stable purchasing prices even during peak seasons, in return they commit to maintaining product quality according to clear, transparent standards, without ambiguous terms like before." Bao Chau presented at a press conference introducing the company's new cooperation model, attracting a lot of attention from the press and agricultural organizations in the region.
This model was quickly appreciated, and even a number of non-governmental organizations working in the field of sustainable rural development also sought to cooperate and provide additional capital and technical support to replicate the model in many other regions. Binh Minh Agricultural Products Company, from a small business once on the brink of bankruptcy, has now become a model mentioned as a symbol of the combination of responsible business and a profound human spirit.
Ben, who now takes on the additional role of supervising production expansion at the new factory, cannot hide his pride every time he has the opportunity to lead visitors through each modern production line, introducing the special workers working here. "You see, every person here has a story worth telling, and they are all proudly continuing to write their life stories." He often said that to visitors, his eyes sparkling with undisguised pride.
Toan, has now been assigned the additional responsibility of training machine operating skills for new disabled workers, taking advantage of his experience and the improved support tools he has invented over the years to help his teammates. The new factory, under his guidance, became a model for designing a friendly working space suitable for people with disabilities, and many other businesses came to learn from it.
Journalist Pham Thi Nhan, after a series of high-profile investigative articles, continued to follow and write another long-term reportage about the revival journey of Binh Minh Agricultural Products Company, which was published in many major newspapers and received a warm welcome from readers everywhere. The article not only tells the story of the confrontation with Dong Thinh Group, but also deeply portrays the image of disabled veterans who are working diligently every day, building a proud new life here. Many local and central television stations also asked to make television reports, making Binh Minh's story spread even more widely.
One morning, a film crew from a major television station came to film a report at the factory, interviewing many workers directly about their journey. Mr. Hai, who once asked for a salary advance to take his child to the doctor during the company's most difficult period, now confidently stands in front of the camera, telling his story with a radiant smile. "Thanks to the company and Mr. Phong, my daughter is now healthy, and I have a stable job, no longer having to worry about what tomorrow will bring. I am proud to be a part of Binh Minh."
Stories like this, when widely spread, not only bring business prestige to the company, but also inspire many other disabled veterans in remote provinces, people who have never dared to think about having a stable, decent job before. The company's email box receives dozens of job applications every week from all over, causing Thanh Phong to decide to accelerate the plan to open a branch in a neighboring province, with the goal of replicating this humane business model further.
"Mr. Phong, I think we should carefully consider the speed of expansion, don't let the rapid development cause us to lose the quality or original core spirit of the company." Bao Chau commented during a strategy meeting, when Thanh Phong presented an ambitious expansion plan. "I went through a difficult period of near bankruptcy. I don't want the company to fall into the same risk again just because it grows too fast without a solid foundation."
Thanh Phong nodded, appreciating her caution. "You're right, I will adjust the roadmap, prioritizing sustainability over speed. With you by my side, I feel much more secure in making important decisions for the company."
Bao Chau, with an increasingly important role in the company, was officially asked by Thanh Phong to take on the position of chief financial officer, in charge of all cash flow management and business expansion strategies of Binh Minh. She accepted the offer after a period of consideration, not because of pressure or respect, but because she truly believed in the path the company was building, and wanted to contribute her efforts to maintain and develop it stronger and stronger.
"Miss Chau, you are now officially Binh Minh's financial director." Thanh Phong spoke at the ceremony announcing his new position in front of the entire company, his voice full of pride. "Without you, this company definitely wouldn't be where it is today."
Bao Chau smiled, looking around the crowded and bustling factory, which has become an indispensable part of her life for nearly a year. "Thank you, Mr. Phong, and thank you everyone for trusting me. This is not just my job anymore, this is my and An's second home."
Looking at the company growing stronger and stronger, the team of workers growing larger and the team spirit increasingly cohesive, Thanh Phong clearly feels that the old promise to Dinh Khang has not only been fully fulfilled, but also brought greater values than he ever imagined, a living legacy that continues to spread, helping many more people who need a chance to stand up after the losses of life.
On a weekend afternoon, when the company held an inauguration ceremony for its new factory, Mr. Tu and Mr. Ca Duong were also invited to attend as guests of honor, representing the farmers who have now become long-term supply partners of Binh Minh. Mr. Tu, standing in front of the modern production line, could not help but feel nostalgic when recalling the dark days of having to grit his teeth and endure oppression in silence.
"I never thought that one day my remaining land would be used to grow products for a decent, kind company like this." He spoke to Thanh Phong, his voice filled with emotion. "Thank you, for giving farmers like us a chance to do business fairly, no longer having to fear or bow to anyone."
Thanh Phong held his hand tightly, his eyes warm. "This is a common achievement for all of us, Mr. Tu. From now on, Binh Minh and farmers will always accompany each other, building a more sustainable future for everyone."
The inauguration ceremony ended in the general joy of everyone present, marking an important milestone in the company's development journey, and is also the clearest testament to the fact that justice and integrity, in the end, always bring the best and most sustainable results to all those who persistently pursue it.