Chapter 5 — The Ten-Million-Dollar Patent

He set the teapot down and spoke with earnest precision: "The brain-computer interface project under the Chu Corporation will not be managed by Chu Tu. A man who lacks the most basic ability to judge talent and assess circumstances is incapable of shouldering the future of the Chu family, let alone collaborating with you. I will establish an entirely independent team that will report directly to you. You shall dictate the terms."

I lifted my teacup and took a slow sip. The tea was exceptional. Old Man Chu was a clever man; he possessed more than one grandson, but at this moment, I was the only person capable of rescuing a project that had already consumed hundreds of millions. An hour later, we had finalized the framework for our collaboration. I would contribute my technical expertise as equity, securing twenty percent of the project company’s shares along with a substantial licensing fee. While the fine details of the contract would still require review by our respective legal teams, the fundamental direction had been set. The old man, visibly pleased, escorted me to the most prestigious hotel in Hai Thanh, personally stepping out of his vehicle to open my door.

"Doctor Khuong, please do get some rest. I will have a driver fetch you tomorrow to show you the changes across Hai Thanh."

I offered a nod of gratitude before turning to enter the grand lobby. My presidential suite on the forty-second floor featured floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Hai Thanh coastline. After a shower, I wrapped myself in a robe and lounged on the sofa by the window, pouring a glass of wine. My phone vibrated incessantly. The family group chat had accumulated over ninety-nine messages. My mother had sent seven or eight consecutive voice notes, each lasting a full minute. Her tone was a stark departure from the past.

"Duong Duong, where are you? It is not safe to be out alone so late at night; why don't you come home? I have already cleaned your room."

"I was in the wrong before; I spoke too harshly, so please do not take it to heart. What mother does not love her own child?"

"Do you remember when you were small and had that high fever? I carried you for three miles to the clinic. You have always been in my heart."

"Duong Duong, we are family, after all."

I scoffed and left the messages unread. Then came my father: "Duong Duong, I know you have suffered grievances over the years. But your younger sister has always performed well academically, and since household resources are limited, naturally, we had to prioritize the one with more promise."

"Now that you have achieved success, I am truly happy for you. Come home for a visit when you are free; I will cook your favorite sweet and sour pork ribs."

I skimmed over it. Sweet and sour pork ribs were the favorite of Khuong Tu Tu, not me. Then, Khuong Thanh sent a rapid-fire succession of texts, unable to mask the excitement in his tone.

"Duong Duong! Do you have any idea how many people have called me since the news broke today?"

"My colleagues at the office are all sharing your profile, calling you the youngest visiting professor at Kinh Do University! My boss even came over to ask if the famous Doctor Khuong Duong was truly my sister. It is such a pride to the family!"

"Which hotel are you staying at? I will come pick you up tomorrow to host a celebratory dinner! I will book the best room at that private restaurant I mentioned to you before!"

"Duong Duong, I didn't mean to sound harsh in the past; please don't take it to heart. We are family, after all; what is there that we cannot resolve?"

For the first time, Cong Thong’s tone was remarkably reserved.

"Khuong Duong, I didn't understand the full situation today, so my words were a bit unpleasant. Please don't mind them. You were always smarter than the rest of us in school; it turns out I was right!"

He sent a thumbs-up emoji.

"If you ever need help with anything, just let me know."

A follow-up message arrived almost immediately: "Look at me, saying that—it should be me asking you for favors from now on!"

"Are you free tomorrow? Let me treat you to a meal to apologize."

I found it all quite absurd. Back in high school, in order to curry favor with Khuong Tu Tu, he had stood right in front of me and said, "Khuong Duong, you are so dim-witted; why can't you be half as smart as your sister?" Now, he says, "You were always smarter than us." Once people see that you have value, you do not need great emotional intelligence-or even the right words-to receive their loyalty. There will always be people who, even if just for show, will pretend to be loyal and righteous. Tong Mien’s message was particularly long.

"Duong Duong, you are truly incredible! I am so genuinely happy for you!"

"Now that you are so successful, do you feel like friends like us are useless?"

"Sigh, I am just a common office worker, not like you, with important people all around you. I really admire you."

"Take care of yourself while you are alone in Hai Thanh and don't overwork. Oh, by the way, when will you be back in Kinh Do? Let me treat you to a meal so we can catch up."

I finished reading and let out a laugh. Every word claimed she was happy for me, yet every word dripped with jealousy. In truth, this friendship had begun to sour long ago, and it wasn't solely because of the arrival of Khuong Tu Tu.