Chapter 10 — The Ao Dai Shop at the End of the Street

Just as lawyer Hai Dang predicted, the news that the application for recognition of the monument was officially received created an immediate effect on the urban beautification project. Just a few days later, the city announced to postpone the progress of the project in the old town area to "consider more related factors".

That news made the whole Hoai Xuan street burst with joy, although everyone understood that this was only a temporary victory, not the final end of the war.

"We have taken an important first step," Doan said at a community meeting held shortly after the news was announced, her voice filled with excitement but still maintaining the necessary alertness. "But we must not be subjective. This may just be a moment of silence before new developments."

The neighborhood leader agreed. "Doan is right. We need to continue to be vigilant, continue to complete documents, and be ready to respond to any moves from the project."

***

Meanwhile, at the planning company, the atmosphere became more tense than ever after the decision to postpone the project. Mr. Dang Huu Tai convened an emergency meeting with the entire team, including Quang Duy and Anh Tuan.

"We need to find out who was behind the push for this relic recognition application," Mr. Huu Tai said, his voice unable to hide his anger. "This is clearly an intentional obstruction of the company's project."

Quang Duy felt a tension rising in his heart, even though he tried to keep his expression calm. “Perhaps this is simply the people's legitimate desire to preserve their cultural heritage, sir,” he spoke up, trying to keep his voice calm.

Mr. Huu Tai looked at him with cold eyes. "Quang Duy, I've reminded you once. Don't let your personal feelings affect your job position at this company."

The atmosphere in the meeting room became so stuffy and tense that many other employees also felt the abnormality in the relationship between Quang Duy and his superior. After the meeting, Anh Tuan pulled Quang Duy to a private corner.

"You need to be more careful," Anh Tuan warned, his voice filled with worry. "Mr. Tai is really suspicious of you. If he finds out we contacted the journalist, the consequences could be very serious."

"I know," Quang Duy admitted, his voice heavy. "But I cannot pretend to support a project that I believe is serving the private interests of a group of people, rather than the common good of the community."

***

In the evening, when Quang Duy shared the stressful situation at the company with Doan, she couldn't hide her worry for him. "Do you think they'll fire you?" she asked, holding his hand tightly.

"Maybe," Quang Duy answered honestly. "But I'm mentally prepared for that possibility. What's more important to me right now is making sure the truth comes to light, even at the cost of my current job."

"I feel guilty," Doan said, her voice filled with guilt. "If it weren't for me, perhaps you wouldn't have to face such great risks."

"Don't say that," Quang Duy replied immediately, holding her hand firmly. "This is my choice, coming from my own conscience and beliefs, not just because of my feelings for you. Even without you, I believe, when I discovered these abnormalities, I would still choose the same path."

Those sincere affirmations helped Doan feel somewhat relieved, although Quang Duy's worries about the future still could not completely disappear. She looked at him, feeling more deeply than ever the feelings she had for the man who was willing to risk his entire career for the values they both cherish.

"No matter what happens, I will always be by your side," she said, her voice filled with determination. "We will face whatever difficulties lie ahead together, as we have done all along."

Quang Duy smiled and pulled her into a warm, comforting hug. "That's what gives me the courage to continue on this path," he whispered. "Knowing that, whatever the outcome, I don't have to face it alone."

***

In the following days, Quang Duy clearly noticed a change in the attitude of his colleagues at the company. Some people, who were once close, now appear reserved, avoiding any conversations that may be related to the project. Only Anh Tuan still firmly stands by his side, even though they both clearly understand the risks that await.

"Do you regret it?" Mr. Tuan asked one afternoon, when the two sat eating lunch in silence, the office atmosphere was still heavy after a tense meeting a few days ago.

"No," Quang Duy replied firmly. "No matter how difficult things are, I believe this is the right path. And you, do you regret accompanying me?"

"Neither," Anh Tuan replied, smiling slightly. "I think, sometimes in life, we need to stand up for something bigger than personal safety. This is probably my time."

That friendship and consensus between the two colleagues became a valuable source of encouragement, helping both of them become more steadfast in the face of increasing pressure from the company and the people behind the project.

***

Meanwhile, journalist Trinh Duc Anh is also actively conducting an independent investigation and verifying the information provided by Quang Duy and Anh Tuan. He contacted many different sources, from former employees of the investor company, to experts in the real estate field, gradually building a clearer picture of the abnormalities in the project.

"I have found some more important clues," Mr. Duc Anh informed Quang Duy on the phone one evening. "It seems that, in addition to the family relationship with Mr. Huu Tai, the investor company also made unusual payments to a number of individuals on the project approval council, disguised as 'professional consulting'."

"That could be evidence of bribery," Quang Duy said, his voice serious, his grip on the phone tightening.

"Exactly," Mr. Duc Anh confirmed. "But I need more time to fully verify it before I can publish it. This is the type of information that can cause serious legal consequences if not presented accurately and with solid grounds."

The end of the call left Quang Duy with a mixture of hope and worry — hope that the truth would eventually be revealed, but also worry about what might happen before that comes true, both for himself, for Doan, and for the future of the ancient street of Hoai Xuan that they were both trying their best to protect.

He immediately called Doan to share the news, even though it was late. "It seems like we're getting closer to the truth," he said, trying to keep his voice optimistic despite his worries.

"That's good news," Doan replied, although her voice couldn't hide the tension. "But I'm worried about you, Quang Duy. If they find out you're the source of information for journalists, I don't know how they'll react."

"I'm mentally prepared for every possibility," Quang Duy reassured her, even though he himself wasn't entirely sure what lay ahead. "But I believe this is the right thing to do, regardless of the consequences."

"Do you think you should inform lawyer Hai Dang about these new discoveries?" Doan asked, her mind began to think about the next steps to take. "Maybe we need to prepare legal options, in case things get more complicated."

"That's a good idea," Quang Duy agreed, nodding in approval of the caution needed in this sensitive situation. "But let me discuss further with Mr. Duc Anh first, ensuring that no information is leaked at the wrong time, which could jeopardize the investigation process."

They continued to talk for a while, planning their next cautious steps together, each clearly aware that they were standing on the threshold of a much larger confrontation than they had ever imagined when they began this journey — a confrontation not just over the Vinh Xuan shop or the ancient street of Hoai Xuan, but over justice and transparency in the way the broader community manages and develops urban areas, a confrontation that they are both determined to take. Pursue to the end, even at the cost of the most precious things.