Chapter 21 — Elections and Hearts

The first Monday after election day, Ngoc officially took office as Student Council President in a brief ceremony in front of the whole school. Khang stood next to her with the title of Vice President officially approved by the board of directors, opening a completely new chapter for both.

But the short-lived joy of the week of victory quickly gave way to a reality much more complicated than Ngoc had ever imagined. The first meeting with the school board about implementing the Companion Scholarship Fund and the Creative Space project did not go as smoothly as expected.

"I applaud the spirit of the two of you," said the Vice Principal in charge of finance, Mr. Vu Dinh Trong, during the meeting in the council room, the usual stern voice of a strict budget manager. "But the school cannot approve the budget for both projects at the same time without a clear, sustainable long-term financial plan. Initial funding from sponsors is good, but it does not ensure long-term sustainability."

Ngoc felt a bit disappointed by that cautious reaction, even though she had prepared herself for administrative difficulties. "Teacher, we have a detailed plan, including an annual fundraising plan."

"A plan on paper is one thing," Mr. Trong replied, his voice still stern, "but the school needs to see the actual feasibility before granting permission to use the facilities - especially the old warehouse area for the Creative Space project, which is subject to asset management that requires approval through many levels."

"Teacher," Khang spoke up, trying to keep his voice calm even though he was a little disappointed, "we understand your caution. But we believe, if given more time, we can complete the plan with more specific numbers to convince you and the council."

Teacher Trong looked at both of them for a while, his eyes still remained strict but somewhat softened with that demanding attitude. "I appreciate your willingness to listen. You have one week to complete the plan, with detailed budget projections for at least the next three years, along with contingency plans if the initial funding source does not meet expectations."

"We would like to accept this mission," Ngoc replied, nodding affirmatively even though she was still worried about the amount of work ahead.

The meeting ended without reaching any specific agreement, causing Ngoc and Khang to leave the council room with a much heavier mood than the excitement of the victory week.

"I didn't expect things to be so complicated," Ngoc sighed as the two sat down on the bench in the yard, their eyes filled with worry. "I thought, once I won the election, everything would be easier."

"This is probably just the first of many lessons about the difference between ideals and reality," Khang said, his voice thoughtful but without losing his optimism. "But I think, Mr. Trong is not wrong. We need to prove feasibility with specific numbers, not just with enthusiasm."

The two decided to spend the weekend rebuilding a more detailed financial plan, with the support of Ms. Ha and unexpected advice from Mr. Do Thanh Lam, who offered to help based on his business experience. his many years.

"What you need," Mr. Lam explained when the two visited his office on Saturday afternoon, "is a diverse fundraising model, not dependent on a single source. For example, in addition to contributions from sponsors, you can organize periodic fundraising events, or even, let the Creative Space itself generate a small revenue stream through selling products made by students in that space, with a portion of the profits going back to contributing to the fund."

Ngoc carefully recorded each piece of advice, grateful for the dedicated support. "Thank you very much. I have never thought of such a self-generating model."

"Business isn't just about profit, Ngoc," Mr. Lam smiled, "it's also about sustainability. A meaningful project needs to be able to support itself over the long term, not just rely on the temporary kindness of others."

Khang listened attentively and recorded each idea carefully. "Dad, can you explain more about how to calculate the break-even point for the product sales model? I want to make sure this number really convinces Mr. Trong."

Mr. Lam nodded, pulled a blank piece of paper closer, and began drawing specific illustrative numbers, meticulously explaining each step in calculating raw material costs, expected selling prices, and the necessary profit margin to ensure long-term feasibility. Ngoc and Khang listened attentively, appreciating the rare patience of a busy businessman who spent the entire afternoon giving dedicated guidance to two children who were trying to make their dreams come true.

"Thank you very much, dad," Khang said as they both prepared to leave, his eyes full of appreciation. "I think, this is the first time we've actually worked together like this."

"I think so too," Mr. Lam smiled, a rare warmth evident in his eyes. "And I hope this won't be the last time."

Throughout the next week, Ngoc and Khang worked non-stop, rebuilding the plan with much more specific and detailed numbers. Huy also actively participated and contributed many practical ideas from his experience working in the fund's early executive board.

"I think I should add a section about cooperating with stationery stores near the school," Huy proposed in a group meeting at the library, "so that they sponsor part of the costs in return for promoting small logos in the foundation's events. This is a win-win model, not too dependent on simple generosity."

"Good idea, Huy," Khang nodded appreciatively, taking notes immediately in the notebook open in front of him. "You are making more and more valuable contributions to this project."

Huy smiled, a sincere pride clearly visible on his face - the feeling of being recognized for his true ability, instead of having to gain it with wrong tricks like before.

After a week of hard work, a complete and much more detailed financial plan was presented to Mr. Trong and the board of directors, along with specific projections and diverse and sustainable fundraising plans. The second meeting took place with a completely different atmosphere - Mr. Trong nodded appreciatively many times as he looked through each page of the plan.

"This is a serious plan, much more professional than the last time," he commented, His voice had softened considerably, his fingers lightly tapping appreciatively on each page full of numbers presented coherently and clearly. "I will present it to the school board for formal approval next week."

Ngoc and Khang looked at each other, a smile of relief flashed between the two of them, knowing that they had overcome the first challenge in the long journey ahead - a journey that they both clearly understood, there would be many other hardships waiting, but now, they were ready to face them together.

Leaving the meeting room, the whole group - Ngoc, Khang, Huy, Trang and Phuc - gathered for a small celebration at a familiar tea shop near the school, the atmosphere was much lighter compared to the past stressful days.

"Last week was a nightmare with financial data," Trang lamented, stirring a cup of tea in her hand. "I never thought I'd have to learn how to make a budget at eighteen."

"But the result is worth it," Phuc smiled, "I have prepared an article for the School Newspaper Club, recounting the entire process of struggling with this pile of paperwork. It will definitely inspire the next class."

Huy silently listened to the conversation, a gentle smile appeared on his lips. "I have to be honest, this is the first time I've felt like I truly belong to a group since entering this school."

The whole group turned to look at Huy. The atmosphere suddenly calmed down in a warm, sincere moment. No one said anything more, but each person's eyes conveyed a deep sympathy.

"You always belong here, Huy," Ngoc said, smiling affectionately. "You just need time to realize it."

Huy nodded, his eyes a little teary, but this time it was because of a completely different emotion — not the self-pity or guilt like before, but the sincere happiness of being part of something meaningful, of being accepted and appreciated by the people around him for who he really is, not because of any title or achievement he had ever tried to achieve.