Chapter 98 — Shrimp Street Without Name

The question of Kien's new position became a topic that both of them avoided facing directly in the first few days, each of them busy with their own work - Hai Yen with the final steps of completing the community testing laboratory, Kien with the handover procedures and preparations for the new position.

But one evening, when they both sat down to eat at Mrs. Sau's house as usual, she was the one who proactively raised the issue that they were both avoiding.

“What do you two think about Kien having to transfer jobs?” she asked, her voice frank but concerned. “I see you two have been avoiding talking about this for the past few days.”

Hai Yen and Kien looked at each other, both realizing it was time to delay this important conversation any longer. After the meal, the two of them went to sit in the familiar yard, the place that had witnessed so many important conversations during the past journey.

“I've thought a lot about this,” Kien began, his voice somewhat cautious. "The new location at the regional branch is about two hours away. Not too far, but not close enough to be able to easily maintain the current life."

Hai Yen nodded, feeling the heaviness of the problem being raised. “I understand, this is a great opportunity for your career,” she said. “I don't want you to give it up just because of me.”

“But I also don't want to have to choose between my career and you,” Kien replied, holding her hand. "I've thought about many options — maybe I'll apply for a more flexible job, spending most of my time in the area, only going to headquarters when absolutely necessary. Or maybe, after a while, you'll also consider expanding the scope of the community testing laboratory to a wider area, and we can find a suitable balance for both."

Hai Yen contemplated the options Kien offered, feeling his sincerity and efforts in finding a solution that would benefit both of them. "I think," she said after a moment of thought, "we don't need to solve everything right away. We've overcome challenges together that are much more difficult than physical distance. I believe, if we both really want it, we can find a way to make this relationship work, no matter what adjustments and adaptations it takes."

Kien smiled, a smile of relief at Hai Yen's sympathy and trust. “That's exactly what I hoped you would say,” he said. "I don't want to lose you, Yen. After everything we've been through together, I can't imagine a future without you in it."

Hai Yen leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling a familiar warmth amid worries about the future. “Me too,” she replied. “Let's figure it out together, step by step, the same way we've overcome every other challenge together.”

In the following weeks, the two began to experiment with a new rhythm of life, with Kien moving between his new work area and Nam Can on weekends, while Hai Yen continued to focus on the construction and operation of the community testing laboratory and the Canal Ba restoration project. Although not perfect, this rhythm gradually becomes a familiar part of both of their lives. a testament that love and commitment, when nurtured with understanding and flexibility, can overcome even seemingly simple challenges such as geographical distance.

One Saturday afternoon, when Kien returned to Nam Can after a busy week at his new position, he brought with him news that surprised them both. "The branch just announced," he said as he sat down next to Hai Yen on the familiar steps, "they are planning to open a regional representative office right in Nam Can, to strengthen supervision of the entire estuary and coastal area. If this plan is approved, I can apply to transfer back to work there, while still retaining the same rank and responsibility as my current position."

Hai Yen sat up, her eyes shining with hope. "Really? When will they decide?"

“Maybe within the next month or two,” Kien replied, trying to control the excitement in his voice. "I proactively proposed this idea to my superiors, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Nam Can area in the context of many changes in the fisheries industry after the recent case. They seemed quite interested in this proposal."

Hai Yen hugged him, unable to hide her joy at the possibility that the two of them could continue their lives together without having to face the geographical distance like in recent weeks. “I hope it comes true,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “But no matter the outcome, I thank you for always trying to find a way for us to be together.”

“You don't have to thank me,” Kien replied, taking her hand. “This is what I really want, not only for you, but for myself. I have found in Nam Can, in the work we are building together, a meaning that I have never felt anywhere else throughout my career.”

Two months later, the news was officially confirmed — a regional representative office would be established in Nam Can, and Kien was officially appointed as the person in charge, a position that allows him to continue developing his career, while maintaining a close life with Hai Yen and the meaningful projects they are building together in the land that has become home to both of them in different but equally profound ways.

To celebrate this news, Hai Yen decided to organize a small dinner at home, inviting her mother, lawyer Hoang, and a few closest friends to attend. In the cozy atmosphere of that evening, when everyone was chatting happily at the dining table, Kien suddenly stood up and lightly tapped the glass of water to attract everyone's attention.

“I have something to say,” he began, his voice unusually shaky compared to his usual composure. The whole dining table was silent, all eyes were on him, including Hai Yen, who couldn't help but be curious about his strange attitude.

Kien turned to look at Hai Yen, his eyes filled with sincerity. “From the first day we met at the port, I never thought that a small collision over inspection procedures could lead to a meaningful journey like this — not just a journey of seeking justice, but also a journey of us building together something much greater than I ever dared to dream. next."

He paused for a moment, then continued, his voice steadier. “I don't want to wait any longer to say this. Ms. Yen, I love you, not only because of your courage and perseverance in your recent journey, but because of who you are — your honesty, your kindness, and even your adorable stubbornness that you have shown since the first day we met. I want to continue building a future with you, not only at work, but throughout my life."

Hai Yen, unable to hide her emotions at that unexpected but sincere confession, stood up and hugged him amid applause and warm congratulations from everyone present. “I love you too, Kien,” she replied, tears of happiness rolling down her cheeks. “And I want to continue this journey with you too, no matter where it takes us in the future.”

Mrs. Sau, sitting at the head of the table, gently wiped away her tears of happiness, looking at the two young people embracing each other in the warm, intimate room, feeling a complete joy that she had never dared to dream of after all the suffering her family had gone through for ten long years.

Lawyer Hoang raised his glass of water, smiled meaningfully and looked towards Hai Yen and Kien. “I have seen many cases in my career,” she said, “but rarely have I seen a story that is both as painful and as hopeful as the story of two people. Congratulations to you two, and may the future ahead always be filled with happiness like this moment.”

The entire dining table raised their glasses together, mingling in joy and sincere blessings, marking not only the official beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Hai Yen and Kien, but also a vivid demonstration that, amidst the brokenness and pain of the past, love and happiness can always germinate and grow, stronger and more sustainable than ever.