Chapter 10 — Unforgettable Taste

To Niem nodded and signaled the legal department to see the terms. Fifteen minutes passed. Legal leaned closer and whispered a few words. To Niem looked up and looked straight at Co Dien.

“Article 7, the exclusivity clause — I want it removed.”

"My future partner is not only you. Niem Chi Vi's ecosystem is very broad - supply chain, distribution, logistics... each segment has the ability to attract strategic investors. Exclusive terms will limit my development space."

Co Dien thought for three seconds.

“Okay, quit.”

The investment director next to him glanced at him — clearly not expecting him to agree so quickly. To Niem continued to make two other adjustments. Co Dien nodded. The entire negotiation… ended in just one hour. Before leaving, Co Dien stopped at the door.

"President Su, I have a personal question. If it's not convenient, you can not answer."

“You just ask.”

“Does the brand name ‘Nien Chi Vi’… have any meaning?”

To Niem looked at him.

"Nien is my name. Chi flavor... is flavor."

“Flavor makes people nostalgic?”

"Not." She smiled softly. “It's an unforgettable taste.”

She stopped for a moment, her voice calm but deep.

"The baker must remember the original taste of each ingredient. What does flour taste like, what does butter taste like, what does yeast taste like when fermented."

“Only if you remember clearly…”

“Only can we create the most authentic thing.”

Co Dien nodded and said something that surprised her.

"Investing is the same. You have to remember the initial 'flavor' that moved you in each project, so you don't get blinded by pricing models."

To Niem looked at him for two seconds. This man is interesting.

“Goodbye, General Co.”

"Goodbye."

He left. The brand manager approached: "Mr. To, I see that Mr. To is not only interested in our company."

“Don't talk nonsense.”

“I just said it casually…”

To Niem glanced at her, the brand director immediately shut his mouth. Luc Chinh's condition continued to worsen. The news that he was transferred from a core position to the back office spread, and all sorts of rumors began to appear in the world.

"I heard that his ex-wife is the owner of Niem Chi Vi. He lived together for three years without even knowing it."

"Tsk tusk, people earn 6 thousand yuan a month? Do you believe it? People earn 600 million yuan a year."

“Is this guy blind?”

“It's not blindness, it's just being too arrogant.”

Luc Chinh did not hear all of these words, but he felt them. Previously, his colleagues called him "General Luc", now he is called "Luc Chinh". Before, when we went out to eat and drink, he sat in the main seat, but now no one invites him along. Before, Tien Vi walked around the company holding his hand, but now Tien Vi saw him in the hallway and took a detour. A week later, Tien Vi showed his cards.

“Luc Chinh, let's break up.”

He wasn't surprised.

“There's no special reason, it just doesn't feel right anymore.”

"Not compatible? A month ago, I still thought we were compatible."

Tien Vi pursed her lips: "A month ago, my monthly salary was 150,000, managing a customer file of 80 million. Now I have a salary of 90,000, sitting in the back office. I said I'm not scheming with you, but at least I can't go back."

“The other day you said that To Niem and I were not on the same level, now I feel that you and I are not on the same level Is it issued yet?

Tien Vi did not deny it.

"Luc Chinh, think about it for yourself, what do you get after the divorce?"

She picked up her suitcases — just like the day she moved in, two suitcases. The door closed, the sound of high heels faded away. The script repeats exactly the same. When you arrive you are decisive, when you leave you are even more decisive. The only difference is — To Niem left behind a letter. Tien Vi did not leave anything behind. It was late at night, Luc Chinh sat alone in the living room. On the tea table is a letter from To Niem. He knew it by heart.

“The 800 thousand yuan you owed when you started a failed business in 2019, I paid.”— At that time, he drank alcohol every day, was angry with To Niem, and once even threw the tray of cakes she had just finished baking.

“Your mother's 400 thousand yuan hospital bill in 2021, I will pay.”— At that time, he was competing for promotion in the company, so busy that he rarely went to the hospital. It was To Niem who asked for leave to stay on duty and take care of the house for twenty days.

“The 'company bonus' you receive at the end of each year, I actually transfer it to your boss's account, asking him to give it to you in the name of the bonus.”— 200 thousand each year. Three years 600 thousand. He always thought it was the company's recognition for him. Every time he received a bonus, he proudly boasted to To Niem, "See, I knew right away that my boss valued me."

How did To Niem respond at that time?

“Um, you're very good.”

Just four words. Luc Chinh clutched the paper tightly, his knuckles turning white.