Chapter 8 — Unforgettable Taste

The next morning, Luc Chinh went to Niem Chi Vi's flagship store in Hangzhou. It is located on a walking street next to Tay Ho, the facade is not too big, the decoration is cozy. He pushed the door open and walked in, the aroma of bread hitting him straight in the face. The shop is quite crowded, behind the counter there are two employees wearing aprons busy working. He ordered a glass of Americano and an original sandwich, found a corner to sit down. Tear off a corner of bread and put it in your mouth. Soft, slightly sweet, rich barley flavor. Exactly the same taste as To Niem used to make at home. He used to think that this taste only lingered in the mornings of his absence. Turns out it's available in 1,200 stores nationwide. He quietly ate all that bread. As he left, he saw a display shelf in front of the door, on which was placed Niem Chi Vi's brand brochure. He took one. Turning over the first page, there was a sentence written —

“Starting from the first batch, creating only the most authentic flavors.”

Below there is a small text —

“To my most important person, thank you for letting me learn that I don't need to be defined by anyone. — S.N”

Luc Chinh closed the handbook and held it tightly in his hand for a long time.

That “most important person” is not him.

He knows. To Niem's round C capital raising negotiations entered the substantive phase. She researched Co Dien's plan for three days and held two meetings with the CFO and Legal Director. The conclusion is — extremely good conditions, almost ready to sign.

"General Su, the valuation offered by Hoa Thanh is much higher than the three parties we have previously contacted. Furthermore, their network of consumer goods resources will be very beneficial for expanding our distribution channels in the future." CFO said in the meeting.

The legal director also nodded: "The betting terms (VAM) are quite loose, not requiring the founder's tenure to exceed three years. Compared to similar cases in the industry, it is considered very sincere." To Niem leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly tapping on the table.

"See Co Dien again. This time I want to see his divestment plan."

She returned to the office, opened her computer and processed emails for an hour. The phone vibrated once. An SMS message sent from an unknown number —

"To Niem, it's me, Luc Chinh. I know you changed your number. This is my new number. Can you reply me with a text message, anything is fine."

To Niem looked for three seconds. She continues to handle emails. Ten minutes later there was another message —

"Yesterday I came to Hangzhou and stopped by your flagship store. The pillow bread still retains its old flavor. I really want to say sorry to you."

To Niem looked for two seconds. She picked up the phone and called Giang Van.

“He used his new number to text me.”

“What is the content?”

“How do you answer?”

“No answer, blocked.”

Giang Van laughed out loud on the other end of the phone: "Very nice work."

“Help me check who gave him my number.”

"There's no need to check, it's definitely your mother-in-law — no, your ex-mother-in-law. Last time she called to ask how you were, I said you were fine. It must be her..."

“Um, let me call my aunt.”

To Niem hung up Giang Van's phone and dialed Lam Tu Lan.

“Auntie, it's me.”

“Nem Niem?” Tone Lam Tu Lan immediately changed her tone and became a little softer, "Have you eaten? Is Hangzhou cold?"

"I've eaten, it's not cold. Auntie, my new number, please don't give it to Luc Chinh."

The other end of the line was silent for a moment.

"... Okay. I promise you."

"Thank you. Did you take your medicine on time?"

"I drank, I drank. Niem Niem, I'm sorry for you, raising a worthless son..."

"It has nothing to do with you. Please take care of your health."

“Um… Niem Niem, you have to live well.”

“I will.”

Hanging up the phone, To Niem stood in front of the window, looking at the night lights in Hangzhou. She didn't cry. Three years of tears had flowed enough in that marriage. Now she just wants to make bread, make a career, and be herself. Luc Chinh was assigned to the company's logistics research department. Monthly salary from 150 thousand reduced to 90 thousand.