Chapter 76 — Shrimp Street Without Name

Three days before the trial, an unexpected event caused the group to hastily adjust their plans. Sarah, an international reporter, announced that her reportage had attracted the attention of an international legal organization specializing in supporting cross-border human rights cases, and this organization proposed to send an independent observer to attend the trial, to ensure the transparency and fairness of the trial process.

“This is an unprecedented proposal for a provincial case like this,” lawyer Hoang commented, her voice both surprised and satisfied. “The presence of an international observer will create an additional layer of pressure to ensure fairness, while affirming the importance and seriousness of this case on an international level.”

Hai Yen agreed to this proposal after consulting with the court, although she was also aware that the growing international attention also meant that every action of her and those involved would be scrutinized more closely than ever.

Meanwhile, security for the trial was raised to the highest level. The lieutenant announced that the police force will deploy a special security team to protect the entire court area during the trial, and will have separate protection measures for each witness when moving to and from the court.

“We don't want any last-minute problems,” he said, his voice serious. “After all that has happened, we understand how dangerous those behind this network can be if they feel cornered.”

Two days before the trial, Hai Yen spent the whole morning going to the court, with lawyer Hoang checking the courtroom where the trial would take place one last time, getting familiar with the space and the seating positions of each involved party. This is a large, solemn room, with neatly arranged rows of wooden chairs, and a high courtroom placed in the center, where the judges will sit to deliver the final verdict.

“Standing here, looking at this space, how do you feel?” Attorney Hoang asked, as the two stood in the middle of the empty courtroom.

Hai Yen was silent for a moment, looking around the room, trying to imagine the scene that would take place over the next few days — hundreds of people watching, witnesses taking turns stepping up to the witness stand, tense questioning between the parties. “I feel both scared and ready,” she replied, her voice sincere. "Scared because this is the decisive moment after all we've been through. But ready because I know, we're as prepared as possible."

Lawyer Hoang nodded and placed his hand on Hai Yen's shoulder, a warm gesture of encouragement. "That's exactly the right feeling going into an important trial like this. Fear keeps us cautious, and readiness keeps us steady."

In the afternoon, Hai Yen met again with the representative of the international legal organization, a woman named Elena, who had flown in from Europe to be an independent observer for the trial. Elena, even though it was just their first meeting, showed professionalism and deep respect for the journey that Hai Yen went through.

“I read the entire case file before coming here,” Elena said, her voice filled with admiration. “What you did, wasn't just because my family but also for so many other victims, it's truly amazing. I am not here to interfere in the proceedings, but just to ensure that everything takes place fairly, transparently, and in accordance with international standards."

Hai Yen thanked Elena for this care and support, adding a new layer of protection and legitimacy to the entire upcoming proceedings. She understood that, with the presence of an international observer, the possibility of any side attempting to manipulate or illegally interfere with the trial would be significantly reduced, an important guarantee of the fairness of justice that she had pursued throughout this long journey.

That evening, Hai Yen held a final meeting with the entire group before the official trial, at Ms. Sau's house, which had become a familiar place for important gatherings throughout the past journey. Everyone was present: Kien, lawyer Hoang, Mr. Duc, Minh Khang, Ms. Tuyet, and even Elena, a new international observer.

“Tomorrow, we will officially enter the trial,” Hai Yen said, standing in front of everyone, her voice both solemn and emotional. “I want to take this moment to thank all of you who have accompanied me throughout this difficult journey. Without you, I would never have been able to go this far.”

Lawyer Hoang replied, her voice was also full of emotion. “Miss Yen, you are the one who deserves to be thanked the most. You have given us all a reason to believe that justice can still prevail, no matter how great the forces faced.”

Kien, standing next to Hai Yen, held her hand, his eyes filled with pride. “Tomorrow, no matter the outcome, I want you to know, you have done more than anyone could have expected. She turned personal pain into a flame that enlightened so many others.”

The meeting lasted until late, with words of encouragement, warm hugs, and tears of emotion mixed with pride. When everyone gradually left, Hai Yen stood alone in the yard, looking up at the starry night sky, feeling a deep peace creeping into her soul, amidst all the stress and worries about tomorrow.

She thought of her father, of the ten-year journey since the day he was unjustly convicted, of everything that had happened since the day she set foot back in this land. Tomorrow, finally, the truth will be presented before the law, openly, transparently, and irrefutably. It was what she had been fighting for for nearly three months, and now, it was right in front of her eyes, closer than ever.

“Tomorrow, Dad,” she whispered into the quiet night, looking up at the twinkling stars above. “Tomorrow, the truth will be told, full and complete, just like what Dad wanted to do before everything fell apart.”

Kien, who was still lingering after everyone else had left, walked out into the yard and stood next to her in silence for a long time. “You're not alone,” he said softly, as if reading the thoughts swirling in her heart.

“I know,” Hai Yen replied, resting her head lightly on his shoulder. “That's what gave me the courage to come all the way here.”

They stood together for a long time under the night sky, no words needed, just each other's silent presence was enough to make them feel better. ease all worries about tomorrow. Finally, Kien broke the silence, his voice gentle but full of determination.

“Tomorrow, I will sit in the front row, so you know, every time you look up, you will see me there.”

Hai Yen smiled, tears suddenly welled up in the corners of her eyes, not because of sadness, but because of a deep gratitude for the love and companionship she had found amid this arduous journey. “Thank you,” she said, her voice choked. “For everything.”

Before Kien left, they stood and hugged each other for a moment, as if to give each other strength before the big day ahead. When he left, Hai Yen stood and watched his shadow disappear into the darkness, her heart filled with a peace and determination that she had never felt so clearly since the beginning of this journey.

She entered the house and saw her mother still sitting awake in the living room, her hands folding an old ao dai, the one she planned to wear to court tomorrow. “Mom, are you so prepared?” Hai Yen asked, sitting down next to her mother.

“Tomorrow is an important day,” Mrs. Sau replied, smoothing out the folds in her shirt. “I want to look dignified when I stand in court, so that no one can disregard the testimony of a country woman like me.”

Hai Yen hugged her mother, touched by her thoughtful preparation and dignity. “Mom will never be underestimated,” she said, her voice firm. “Mother's testimony is one of the most important pieces of evidence, and her courage deserves the utmost respect.”

Mother and daughter sat together for a while longer, preparing the necessary items for tomorrow, before going to bed early together, trying to get the best sleep possible before the big day ahead, the day they had both been waiting and preparing for for nearly three months.