Chapter 7 — Youth Doesn't Give Up

The party that night was held at Ky Due's luxurious villa. Bright crystal lights, exciting music, a swimming pool filled with balloons and lights, Gold class friends crowded in the garden, laughter echoed throughout the space. That night was the moment I felt I had truly escaped the past, standing at a completely new starting line. Champagne under the lights sparkled like a waterfall, vibrant music filled the room, classmates of the Hoang Kim class dressed in sophisticated costumes, each person radiant, with a fiery spirit. “Lam Vi, do you know how Tran Mong is doing these days?” To Dinh held a glass of wine and asked in a low voice as he walked over. I shook my head: "I don't know." Ly Van Van immediately chimed in, her face full of gloating: "I heard that she only got more than three hundred points on the university entrance exam, not even enough points to get into a private school! Now she's working in a fast food restaurant, washing dishes until her hands are cracked and bleeding." Trinh Hao shrugged and added: "Jiang Pham is even more miserable, only getting more than two hundred points. His parents were so angry that they abandoned him, and now they are living with relatives, being made fun of every day." Hearing this news, I have an indescribable feeling in my heart. No joy, no pity — just emptiness. There are things that... once passed, can never come back. “Don't mention them again.” Ky Duyet drank a bit too much, her cheeks were red, she hugged my arm, her tongue was a bit slurred: "Lam Vi... from now on... you can't forget us." The girl pointed her finger at the sky, trying to look fierce and threatening: "If you dare to forget... I will... I will tie you up and force you to continue doing my homework!" I laughed and gently patted her back: "Don't worry, I won't forget... I'll never forget." The music gradually faded, Truong Vu Hao raised his glass of wine, smiling brightly: "Come here! For the status quo of our Golden class - Lam Vi! Finish your glass!" “Drink!” Everyone responded at the same time, the sound of glasses clinking together, mixed with cheers, made the atmosphere extremely exciting. The graduation party ended, each group of friends left one by one. I stood in front of the villa door, watching one after another supercar disappear into the night. The bright red tail lights stretched on the deserted road, a feeling of both excitement and nostalgia arose in my heart. It was the "warm boys and girls" who seemed to not understand this life, but in their own way, changed my whole life. On the first day of school, I stood in front of the university gate, looking up at the majestic architecture in front. Ancient red brick buildings, rows of shady green trees, groups of young students, full of vitality, a bustling yet free atmosphere makes people happy. I squeezed the acceptance notice in my hand, took a deep breath, and felt my heart pounding in my chest. From today, a new page of my life — officially begins. I took a deep breath and walked through the university gate. University life is much more brilliant and richer than I imagined. Based on a solid knowledge base and broad vision, I quickly demonstrated myself in countless academic activities, seminars, and research forums. Outside of school, I started experimenting small investments. Taking advantage of the money Ky Duyet gave me earlier, I bought a few stock codes and participated in some emerging startup projects. Profits... are quite positive. Late one evening, the phone rang and the name Ky Duyet appeared on the screen. “Lin Wei!” Her voice trembled, mixed with excitement: “Guess what…what happened?” I squinted my eyes, put down the book in my hand: "What's going on?" “I won the family's key project!” Her voice almost broke with emotion: "Following your advice, we invested in renewable energy early on, and now profits have tripled!" I laughed, feeling a warmth welling up in my chest. “My dad... right in front of the shareholders, he praised me for my business talent!” Ky Duyet's voice mixed with sobs: "Lam Vi... do you know how long I've been waiting for today?" I said softly, my voice soft but firm: "Congratulations." "No, this is all thanks to you! You are my strategist!" Hanging up the phone, I walked to the window. Outside, the city was glowing with lights, and the stream of cars was like a silver ribbon constantly flowing. The phone vibrated again, it was a notification from the Hoang Kim class chat group. Truong Vu Hao sent a photo taken in Paris: "I miss the spicy hot pot of the Fatherland so much!" Trinh Hao immediately replied: "I remember the days when Lam Vi lectured us." “Lin Wei, how are you these days?” “I heard that in college, you were an academic star?” “Truly the poinsettia of the Golden class, really great!” Looking at those messages, the corners of my lips curled up slightly. Even though each person is in a different place, the friendship has never faded. Four years later, I drove my newly purchased Mercedes and stopped in front of the hotel to hold a meeting with old friends. Looking in the rearview mirror, I saw myself four years ago - the naive girl, once looked down upon, who struggled with tuition fees. Everything is different now. I smiled, pushed the car door open and stepped out, my high heels lightly tapping on the stone floor. Today, I will meet all of them again. Parking lot, a long row of familiar supercars arranged neatly. As soon as I got out of the car, Ly Van Van poked her head out from the bright red Ferrari next to her, her high heels clacking on the stone floor, running straight towards me. “Lin Wei!” She rushed forward and hugged me tightly, excitedly shouting: "I heard that you are now making a splash in the financial world, right?" I laughed and patted her back: "It's... okay." Trinh Hao also chimed in, his face full of excitement: "My dad said you are now a rising star in the industry, he is even planning to invite you to the company to be an investment director!" In the banquet room, Hoang Kim's classmates were almost all present. Champagne sparkled in the glass, the sound of clinking glasses mixed with laughter, everyone passionately talked about their lives after four years. I looked around and suddenly realized that someone hadn't arrived yet. “Where is Ky Duyet?” Before anyone could answer, the bedroom door was pushed open. Ky Duyet walked in, wearing a tight black dress and sophisticated high heels, but her face was unusually unsightly. “Sorry… I'm late.” She forced a smile, but still couldn't hide the fatigue in her eyes. I frowned. With her knowledge, this state is absolutely not normal. “What happened?” "It's OK." Ky Duyet shook his head slightly and walked over table, raised the glass and drank it all in one gulp. “The company is a bit busy these days.” I put down my chopsticks and looked straight into her eyes: "Yeu, tell the truth. What's going on?" Ky Duyet pursed his lips tightly, his eyes were slightly red. Her voice was hoarse and trembling: "Our overseas competitors are deliberately short-selling our company... In just three days, the stock has dropped 40%." In the room, the air immediately froze. Everyone took a deep breath. “What about uncle?” – Ly Van Van asked worriedly. Ky Duyet tried to hold back, but tears began to well up in the corners of his eyes: "My dad... is in the hospital. Just heard this news yesterday... he was so shocked that he fainted, and is still in the ICU." "Oh my God!" – To Dinh blurted out, covering his mouth with both hands. Truong Vu Hao slammed down on the table, jumped up from the chair, his eyes sparkled: "Who is it? Who dares to touch the eldest lady of the Ky family? Tell me the name, I will tell my father to deal with them immediately!" Ky Duyet just shook his head slightly, smiled faintly, full of helplessness: "It's useless." She sighed, her voice lowered: "They are an international financial group with huge backing. Furthermore... all of their tricks are very discreet, leaving no loopholes." Trinh Hao was so anxious that he couldn't sit still and stomped his feet continuously: "So what should we do? Should we just stand by and watch the company collapse?!" “I've already booked a plane ticket for tomorrow.” – Ky Duyet stood up, his voice filled with determination. “Are you going to London alone?” – I frowned and asked. She smiled faintly, her smile both tired and helpless: "If I don't go, what will I do? Now the whole company... I'm the only one left to support." The banquet room immediately fell silent. Hoang Kim's classmates are usually so stubborn and like to cause trouble, but now facing a real crisis... they are all silent. Suddenly a bold idea flashed in my head. "Wait!" – I opened my eyes wide and turned to look at Ky Duyet. – “You just said… which group is the other party?” “A branch in London.” – She looked at me suspiciously. - "What's up?" I didn't answer right away, just took out my phone and quickly searched through the documents I saved. My finger stopped at a report. “I have a way.” In that moment, all eyes in the room turned to me. “Three months ago, I did an investment analysis for a European client, who coincidentally… had a direct relationship with that branch.” I turned the phone around and placed it in front of Ky Duyet. She stared at the screen, her eyes growing brighter and brighter: "Lin Wei... you will help me, right?" I stood up, walked in front of her, my voice was firm: "That day you pulled me out of the mud. Now... it's my turn to go to the battlefield with you." I took my phone back, opened the ticket booking app, and acted extremely quickly. "Tomorrow afternoon, three o'clock, London airport. Let's go, Miss Ky family." Ky Duyet's eyes finally blurred, long tears slid down her cheeks: "You... you will really go with me?" I smiled and held out my hand: "Of course. This time, we will fight together." She held my hand tightly and nodded vigorously. We looked at each other and laughed, smiles carrying determination and strength. Under the surprised eyes of Hoang Kim's friends, we walked out of the room and headed straight towards the future. This time… I'm no longer someone who needs protection. I will use my own strength mine… to protect those who once protected me.