Chapter 11 — The Second Life of the Italian Examiner

The first person is a partner of the largest design office in the province. His last name is Tham. Same last name as me.

"Tham Tri Y, right?"

"I once heard Lam Chinh Tac mention you."

"Hello Mr. Tham."

He gave me a business card.

"Are you interested in coming to my office to discuss a bit?"

"Not an interview."

"It's cooperation."

I received the business card. The second person is an associate professor at the Provincial University of Architecture.

"Can I call you that?"

I smiled.

"Just call me Tri Y."

"We have a practical module next semester."

"There is a shortage of visiting lecturers for urban innovation topics."

"Are you interested?"

I was a bit surprised.

"But I've never taught a class."

Ms. Han laughed.

"No problem."

"What students need is someone who has actually worked on the project."

"Not just someone who knows how to preach theory."

I thought for a moment. Then nodded.

"You can try."

That evening. After returning to my small apartment. Tieu Niem was soothed to sleep by Ms. Ly. I sat alone on the balcony. On the table are two business cards. One came from the design office. One is a university invitation to teach. Along with Lam Chinh Tac's words two weeks ago, they still echo in my ears. I placed two business cards parallel on the window sill. A gentle breeze passed by. The newly purchased mint cluster swayed gently. I'm not in a hurry to make a decision. But I know very well. The road ahead is gradually opening up. In the next month. I do three things at the same time. The first thing. I went to Mr. Tham's office to discuss. The conditions he gave were very clear. No need for timekeeping. Profits are divided according to each project. I will cooperate with the office as an independent designer. Specializing in cultural and tourism projects. The second thing. I went to Ms. Han's school for a trial lesson. Forty students filled the classroom. I recount the entire process of implementing the Nam Hang project from the very beginning. From survey. Come form ideas. Then start construction. For two hours. I don't use PPT. Just hold the chalk and draw directly on the board. After school. More than ten students gathered around to ask questions. Ms. Han stood behind. Smiling and giving me a thumbs up. Third thing. I met Lam Chinh Tac again. He looked at me.

"Have you thought about it carefully?"

"I've thought about it carefully."

I looked straight at him.

"I won't join any unit."

He was not surprised. Just quietly waiting for me to continue.

"I want to open my own office."

The corners of his lips curled slightly. It's like you already guessed the answer before.

"What's missing?"

"Still lacking some startup capital."

"The location has not been decided yet."

"If you need money, I can lend it to you."

I laughed.

"No need, teacher."

"I can manage on my own."

He laughed.

"So why did you come to me?"

I also laughed.

"I just want to ask you for a promise."

"If I open my own office, will you agree to be my consultant?"

Lam Chinh Tac looked at me for a few seconds. Then calmly replied:

"Show me the plan first."

"Let's see and then decide."

One week later. I sent you the office's business plan. Twelve pages. Brand positioning: Specializing in design consulting for historical neighborhoods and cultural - tourist spaces. Core competency: Ability to build plans. Practical implementation experience. Research save local culture. First year goal: Get three medium-sized projects. Revenue exceeded eight hundred thousand yuan. After reading the entire document. Lam Chinh Tac only sent back four words.

"I work as a consultant."

Date of registration for establishment of office. I named it: Tri Chi Design. Know when to stop. Also know when to move on. Co Yen quit her job at her old company. Join me. He put his hands on the table.

"I already told you."

"I will do it with you."

I looked at him.

"The first three months may not be able to pay my salary."

"No problem."

"I have savings."

"What if there's a loss?"

"It's just a loss."

He shrugged.

"In general, I won't leave losses for too long."

I laughed. Pull the chair at the second desk toward him. The office is located in a small renovated Republican-era building located in the old town. The upper floor is the office. The lower floor is the reception and display area. The rent is not too high. But the location is extremely beautiful. Right next to Nam Hang. First week of opening. There aren't any customers. On to the second week. A homestay owner proactively approached. He knew me thanks to the article about the Nam Hang project. Contract value: Sixty thousand yuan. Third week. Mr. Tham transferred me another project. Visitor center design for an ancient town. Contract value: Two hundred twenty thousand yuan. I also accept. End of first month. The revenue recorded in the account reached two hundred and eighty thousand yuan. Salary transfer date. I sent the first payment to Co Yen. He looked at the transfer notice.