Monday morning, I buried myself once again in the endless stack of invoices and shipping documents that defined my job.
DragonTech Corporation wasn't just any company—it was a technology giant, producing, assembling, and distributing electronic goods: mobile phones, TV screens, computers, countless components that drove the modern world. The parent company stood tall in Hanoi, while I worked in its bustling Ho Chi Minh City branch.
My world, however, was much smaller. My daily routine was nothing more than tallying import and export orders, cross-checking numbers, and entering them into the system. A tiny cog in the giant machine. It was tedious, time-consuming work, the kind that demanded meticulous attention to detail yet rarely earned recognition.
There were four of us in the Import-Export Department: Lan, our no-nonsense manager; Khanh, who handled larger negotiations; Nhi, the youngest of the group; and me. Nhi and I spent our days entering data and reconciling paperwork, while Lan and Khanh connected with clients and coordinated across departments—especially sales and retail.
By mid-morning, I had just finished logging a stack of orders from the retail division and leaned back for a short break when Nhi bounced over, eyes sparkling.
"Chi An, have you heard the news?"
I arched a brow. "What news? Something that actually involves us?"
"Of course! Do you think I'd waste my time gossiping about strangers?"
I smirked. "Please. If you're ranked second in gossip, no one dares claim first place. Don't act innocent."
She poked me in the side with a grin.
"Fine, fine. But this time it's real breaking news. I heard our company's about to welcome a new CEO!"
I sipped my coffee. "Well, every company needs a CEO."
She rolled her eyes dramatically. "You don't get it. Director Minh was only an interim manager all this time. Now the actual CEO from headquarters is coming down here to take over—and rumor has it, he's just returned from the States. Don't you think that means DragonTech is about to go through some serious changes?"
"I don't make guesses like that. Our job is to do our work well. The rest is up to fate."
She groaned. "Talking to you is hopeless. This is hot news! And guess what—they say he's single. Imagine that. A CEO, fresh from overseas, no wife yet!"
I chuckled, shaking my head. "So when's this paragon supposed to arrive?"
"Next week," she whispered conspiratorially.
"Well then, that gives you a whole week to fix your hair, sharpen your eyeliner, and get ready to seize your chance."
Nhi giggled, her grin mischievous. "As always, you read my mind."
Later That Afternoon
When the workday ended, I flagged a taxi to the hospital as promised. Mother had asked me to visit Aunt Tu together.
Aunt Tu had played a vital role in my parents' lives—helping them marry, offering financial support in difficult times, even taking care of me when I was small so they could work. She had never married, now living with distant relatives. A recent stroke had left her right side weak, forcing her into daily physical therapy.
By the time I arrived, my mother was already in her room, chatting happily with her. Aunt Tu's face brightened when she saw me.
"Oh, An, you came! I thought you'd be too busy with work."
I smiled, setting down the fruit I'd brought. "I managed to make time. How are you feeling?"
"Better with the exercises. Today I could push myself in the wheelchair to the bathroom on my own."
"That's wonderful. I'll visit whenever I can, so you don't get lonely."
"There's no need, child. Focus on your career while you're young. That should be your priority."
"Career?" my mother scoffed, crossing her arms. "Don't get me started on hers."
I ignored her tone, standing to peel an apple for everyone. I searched the table for a knife but found none. Before I could ask, a warm, unfamiliar voice came from behind me.
"Here, dear. Use mine."
I turned. An elderly woman sat by the window, her posture regal despite her wrinkled skin. There was an undeniable air of refinement about her. The porcelain cup at her side, the silk shawl draped over her shoulders—everything spoke of wealth and old-world elegance.
I dipped my head politely. "Thank you, ma'am. May I borrow it for a moment?"
"Of course. Just wipe it with a tissue when you're done."
"Thank you."
I carefully sliced two apples, handing pieces to my mother and Aunt Tu. Then I placed a small plate beside the elderly woman.
"Please, have some with us."
She accepted without hesitation, taking a small bite with surprising vigor. "Eat with me, child. I'll just have one piece."
I smiled faintly as I watched her. How strange, I thought, that someone so evidently wealthy was here in a shared ward instead of a private VIP room.