Chapter 21 — Global Livestream, Her Dress Shows My Name

Thirty years of Chu Minh Vien's reputation. The title of "genius designer" that Ha Mat worked hard to build. Luc Ngan's "good husband" mask. They will all collapse together. The date the test report was published. I will release all emails to light. Not posted online. It was a live presentation at an official investigation hearing arranged by Ha Thieu Dinh. Right in front of everyone. The person standing in the witness box to plead guilty. It won't be me anymore. Test results are sent. Two days earlier than expected. Ha Thieu Dinh personally called me.

“The results are in.”

“In the lining of the vestments, a dye showing a previously unrecorded plant origin was discovered.”

“The ingredients do not match any publicly available research or commercial formula.”

“The laboratory concluded that this was a proprietary, hand-mixed formula.”

“The person who created it must have in-depth knowledge of traditional vegetable dyeing and experience in long-term experimentation.”

“Can I have a full report?”

“I have sent it to your email.”

"Simultaneously."

“The Association's formal hearing is scheduled for three days.”

“The location is the headquarters of the International Society for the Preservation of Textile Culture.”

“You need to be there.”

“I will come.”

“There's one more thing.”

Ha Thieu Dinh's voice slowed down a bit.

“Do you know that Chu Minh Vien also applied to attend?”

"I know."

“He will definitely come.”

“His purpose was to confront you directly.”

“His legal team has filed a counterclaim.”

“They accused her of intentionally sabotaging contest entries, fabricating evidence, and manipulating public opinion.”

“I'm curious.”

“What evidence does he have?”

“It's mainly a diagnosis of depression.”

“He thinks you have a mental illness.”

“That all her actions stem from jealousy and revenge.”

I laughed. Not a bitter laugh. But it's really funny. He used this trick to close the coffin lid of a dead person. He still wanted to use the same trick on a living person. Maybe he forgot. The person involved in the entire process falsified that diagnosis. It's Tan Lang.

“During the hearing, can I add more evidence?”

“Just submit twenty-four hours in advance.”

After hanging up. I immediately texted Tan Lang.

“Email me a photo.”

Ten minutes later. An encrypted file appears in the mailbox. Inside are full snapshots of forty-seven emails. Time extended from five months ago. Until the day before the hearing. Sender and receiver. It's Chu Minh Vien and Luc Ngan. Content from initial polls. Go to the detailed plan. Then the final step is completion. One step at a time. Scaryly obvious. First email. Chu Minh Vien wrote:

“Tieu Luc.”

“Ha Tinh's designs are qualified enough to participate in international tournaments.”

“But you also know how to calculate it.”

“It will never agree to give up its name to Ha Mat.”

“We have to think of a way.”

Luc Ngan replied:

"Don't worry, teacher."

“Let me handle it from her side.”

“I will start with family.”

“Let her feel like there are too many problems in life.”

“No longer interested in work.”

Seventeenth email. Luc Ngan wrote:

“The draft of the plagiarism assessment has been completed.”

"Teacher, please see if the expression needs editing."

"Besides."

“I have also contacted the psychiatrist over there.”

“Reports can be issued at any time.”

Chu Minh Vien replied:

“The conclusion of the assessment needs to be stronger.”

“You have to make the council see it and believe it immediately.”

“And keep the diagnosis.”

“Don't use it yet.”

“Who knows, maybe it will work in the future.”

“In case it refuses to cooperate.”

Email thirty-one. The recipient list appears with one more name. The email content is the plan for the hearing. Chu Minh Vien is responsible for preparing documents. Luc Ngan is responsible for stabilizing my emotions before the hearing so I can cooperate. Ha Mat is responsible...

“Tears of forgiveness.”

The three people clearly assigned tasks. Coordinate well. Like a film crew. I organized all forty-seven emails into chronological order. Printed in three sets. One set submitted to the investigation board. One set was sent to To Niem. One set was sent to Chung Ngoc Hoa. I sit in front of the window. Watching the sky gradually darken. Three more days. All leads will be closed. The hearing was held in the large hall of the International Society for the Preservation of Textile Culture. The hall is not big. But today it's packed with people. Council member. Industry representative. Reporter. Legal advisor. Front. Behind the long table. Five investigators sat in a row. Ha Thieu Dinh is in the middle. I sat on the left side of the witness chair. Opposite side. Chu Minh Vien and his team of lawyers. Serious face. Ha Mat sat behind the seats reserved for attendees. Luc Ngan sat next to her. When entering. I accidentally met Ha Mat's eyes. Those eyes are very complicated. There is hatred. There is unwillingness. But there's one more thing. Something I had never seen before on her face. She is afraid. Ha Thieu Dinh holds a small hammer. Gently tap on the table.

“The hearing officially begins.”