Chapter 19 — Sunlight on the Red Book

The question that Dang Khoa raised about Ha Vy's future work is not unreasonable. Just a few days later, she received an official notice from the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, asking her to join a provincial working group, specialized in reviewing similar violations throughout the province, based on the excellent results she had achieved in Tan Hoa district.

"This is a great opportunity, but it also means that she may have to frequently move and work in many different localities in the province," Mr. Tran Quoc Hung said when announcing this decision to Ha Vy, his voice both proud and somewhat regretful. "I know, this will not be an easy decision for you."

Ha Vy stood speechless before that unexpected information, her mind confused with many conflicting thoughts. This is clearly a desirable career development opportunity, allowing her to expand the scope of her work, bringing justice to more people. But at the same time, it also means that she will have to leave Con Sen, leave Dang Khoa and the people she has devoted her sincere love to for more than half a year.

"I need time to think, uncle," Ha Vy replied, her voice sincere. "This is an important decision that will affect many aspects of your life."

"I completely understand that," Mr. Hung replied, his voice sympathetic. "You just think carefully, I won't pressure you to answer right away."

That evening, when Ha Vy shared this news with Dang Khoa, they both fell into a heavy silence. "This is a great opportunity for your career," Dang Khoa said after a moment of contemplation, his voice trying to stay supportive even though his eyes couldn't hide the worry. "You shouldn't miss it just because of me."

"But I also don't want to be away from you, away from Con Sen," Ha Vy replied, her voice filled with tension. "I've given too much love to this place, to you, to be able to easily leave without hesitation."

Dang Khoa held her hand, his eyes filled with deep understanding. "I don't want you to have to sacrifice your dreams and career just because of your feelings for me," he said, his voice sincere but also full of concern. "But I can't deny that the thought of being away from you makes me feel extremely difficult."

They were both silent for a long time, letting complicated emotions settle in each of their hearts. "Maybe, we need time to think more clearly, before making any decisions," Ha Vy finally spoke, her voice tired but still trying to maintain the necessary alertness.

In the following days, Ha Vy spent a lot of time thinking about this important decision, weighing her career dreams and the sincere love she found at Con Sen. She went to see her mother through a long video call, sharing all the worries and concerns in her heart.

"I think you should let me decide for myself, but I also want to share something," her mother said, her voice thoughtful. "Career is important, but personal happiness is equally important. You need to find what truly makes you feel most fulfilled, not simply the path that seems most 'right' on paper."

That sincere advice from her mother made Ha Vy think even more deeply. She realized that perhaps the answer did not lie in having to choose between career and love in an absolute way, but in finding a solution that could reconcile both, consistent with the values she truly cherished in life.

That weekend, Ha Vy decided to meet Mr. Tran Quoc Hung directly to discuss her concerns frankly. "I really appreciate this opportunity, sir," she began, her voice choosing her words carefully. "But I also want to ask, is there any plan that allows me to both join the provincial working group and maintain attachment to the work at Con Sen?"

Mr. Hung pondered for a moment, then nodded. "This is a reasonable proposal," he said. "In fact, the provincial working group does not require to be constantly on duty at a fixed location, but mainly works in batches, depending on each specific case that needs to be verified. I think, we can propose a flexible plan, so that she can still hold the role of an official cadastral officer in Con Sen commune, and at the same time participate in supporting the provincial working group when necessary."

Hearing that proposal, Ha Vy couldn't hide her relief. "I think that would be the most suitable option, sir," she replied, her voice filled with hope. "I still want to contribute to the review on a broader scale, but I also don't want to completely leave Con Sen, where I have been attached and have many deep feelings."

Mr. Hung smiled slightly, his eyes full of understanding. "I will present this proposal to the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment," he said. "I believe, with the excellent achievements she has achieved, they will be willing to consider such a flexible option."

A few days later, the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment officially responded, agreeing with the proposal that Mr. Hung presented, allowing Ha Vy to continue to take on the role of official cadastral officer at Con Sen, and at the same time participate in providing professional support to the provincial working group according to each specific work period, without requiring a full-time permanent residence at another location.

Receiving that good news, Ha Vy immediately went to share with Dang Khoa. "I have good news to tell you," she said, her voice a rare brightness. "I can still continue to stay in Con Sen, and at the same time participate in supporting the provincial working group when necessary."

Dang Khoa, when he heard the news, could not hide his immense joy. He hugged her, spinning around excitedly. "This is the best news I've heard in a while," he said, his voice filled with happiness. "I was worried a lot, afraid that I would have to leave you for a long time."

"Me too," Ha Vy replied, resting her head on his chest, enjoying the feeling of safety and warmth in the arms of her loved one. "I don't want to be away from you, away from Con Sen, away from the people who have become an important part of my life."

"So, we will continue to build the common plans and dreams together that we have talked about," Dang Khoa said, his voice filled with excitement. "Both work, love, all will continue to grow, side by side, right in this land."

News of Ha Vy's decision quickly spread throughout the Con Sen community, bringing joy to not only the Lam family, but also to the people who have given her love and trust all this time. People in the neighborhood, when they heard that she would continue to stay, expressed their sincere joy, seeing it as proof that the emotional attachment between her and this land had truly become deep and strong.

Mr. Sau Tam, when he heard the news through his son's story, was also especially happy. He personally picked a basket of fresh fruit from his own garden and brought it to Ha Vy as a simple but sincere congratulation. "If you stay, everyone in this neighborhood will be happy," he said, a gentle smile clearly visible on his face that had many wrinkles over time. "You are the blessing that heaven and earth have brought to this Con Sen."

"Thank you," Ha Vy replied, her voice moved by the old man's sincerity. "It is people like you, like the people here, that make me determined to stay, no matter how many other attractive opportunities are waiting in faraway places."

That evening, as she sat alone looking back at the entire journey, Ha Vy couldn't help but feel deeply grateful for what life had brought her. From a seemingly simple decision to transfer to work, she rediscovered her childhood roots, discovered a meaningful career mission, and most importantly, found a sincere love, a second home where she truly belongs.

She opened the window, letting the cool night breeze from the Con Sen river blow into the small room, bringing with it the familiar scent of heaven and earth in the river region. Looking at the moonlight sparkling on the water, she silently thanked fate for bringing her back to this place, to write a new meaningful chapter in her life, linked to the land and people to whom she devoted her heart, a relationship that she believes she will never regret.