Chapter 9 — Unforgettable Taste

Boss Chau not firing him is already very polite. After Tien Vi learned this news, her attitude became even more mysterious. When the two of them ate, she spoke less and less.

“Tien Vi, how have you been lately?”

"No problem."

“Are you not happy?”

“What do you have to be happy about?” Tien Vi put down his chopsticks. “Luc Chinh, I'm with you, not stuck in the back office with a man who was demoted and reduced in salary.”

Luc Chinh looked at her.

"The other day you criticized To Niem for not being worthy of you, now you should think about whether you are still worthy of me or not."

These words are like a bucket of cold water.

“Your condition is only temporary…”

"Temporarily? Can you get that 80 million yuan customer back? The founder of Niem Chi Vi is your ex-wife, where do you have the face to ask for it back?"

Luc Chinh was speechless. Tien Vi stood up, holding her bag.

“I'll go back to my apartment for a few days, think about it and talk later.”

The door closes. He was alone again. He suddenly remembered that To Niem had never said anything like this to him. Regardless of whether he gets promoted or takes a pay cut, To Niem is always there. Wake up at four in the morning, go to the bakery, bring a boxed lunch at noon, and wait for him to come home in the evening. When he paid 800 thousand yuan, To Niem said: "It's okay, I'm here." When his mother was hospitalized for 400 thousand yuan, To Niem said: "Let me think of a way." Those five words "Let me think about it", at that time he didn't care. Now I know, the weight of those five words is - a woman worth hundreds of millions, quietly used her money to solve all problems, then returned to the kitchen to continue kneading dough. He sat in the empty living room, finally feeling the real weight after To Niem left. It's not about losing a wife. It's about losing someone in this lifetime that he will never see again. To Niem's days in Hangzhou were extremely busy. Company work takes up seventy percent of her time. Research new products. Optimize the supply chain. Standardize store operations. Upgrade brand system. Each category requires her to follow up on her own. The remaining thirty percent, she spends on something more important — Preparing to open Niem Chi Vi's first baking school. This is a plan she has cherished for a long time. Free vocational training for young people in rural areas and small towns. Teach them how to make bread. After graduating, they can choose to join Niem Chi Vi's franchise system, or open their own store.

“General Su, this project has an initial investment of at least 20 million yuan.” CFO reported in the meeting.

“But in the short term, this project will not make a profit…”

“I know.” To Niem replied briefly. “No need for short-term profits.”

The CFO hesitated a bit, was about to say more, then stopped. To Niem glanced at him.

"You've worked with me for three years, you probably understand how I build a brand. First, do what you should do. Money... will find itself."

The CFO nodded and said nothing more. The meeting ended. Ha Vien quickly followed.

"President Su, there's something to report. Today, someone came to the flagship store and sat in the corner for two hours. I checked the camera... it's your ex-husband."

To Niem's footsteps stopped for a short beat.

“What does he do?”

“Buy an Americano and a loaf pillow bread. Sit and eat for more than an hour. Then take a brand handbook and leave.”

To Niem said nothing.

“Do we need to increase security?” Ha Vien asked.

“No need.” She replied. “He won't come back a second time.”

Ha Vien left. To Niem stood in the hallway, looking out the glass window. A long while. She realized she said the wrong thing. It's not that he won't come back. But - even if he came a hundred times... she still wouldn't meet him. Co Dien arranged a second meeting with her. The location is the meeting room of Niem Chi Vi branch in Hangzhou. No more coincidence like last time. This time it was a formal negotiation. Each side brings a team. To Niem's side: CFO, Legal Director, Brand Director. Co Dien's side: Investment director, legal advisor, industry analyst. Both sides sit down. Co Dien spoke first.

“General To, I bring a plan to divest capital. Hoa Thanh does not make short-term investments, the minimum holding period is five years. If five years later the company goes public, we will divest capital through the secondary market. If not, the two sides will agree to buy back shares."