Chapter 12 — The Ao Dai Shop at the End of the Street

While the whole street was busy preparing for an important field appraisal, the situation at Quang Duy's planning company became more tense than ever. Mr. Dang Huu Tai, after learning about the possibility that the monument application was about to be approved, convened an urgent meeting with the company's senior management.

"We need to act faster," Mr. Huu Tai said during the meeting, his voice filled with worry and anger. "If that street is recognized as a monument, the entire project will have to stop indefinitely, and we will lose a huge investment."

Quang Duy, attending the meeting as a project team member, clearly felt the tension that permeated the meeting room. "Perhaps, we should respect the decision of the professional agency," he spoke up, even though he knew that this statement could make his situation more disadvantageous.

"Quang Duy, this is not the time to say such idealistic things," another member of the leadership countered. "We have a responsibility to investors and shareholders of the company."

The meeting ended without reaching a clear consensus, but Quang Duy sensed a worrying change in his superior's attitude toward him. Immediately after the meeting, he was informed to temporarily transfer to another project, no longer directly related to the Hoai Xuan old town area.

***

"They are trying to isolate me from information," Quang Duy told Anh Tuan right after receiving the transfer decision, his voice filled with worry. "If I no longer have direct access to the project, how can we continue to collect more evidence?"

"You still have me," Anh Tuan reassured, even though he himself could feel the pressure increasing. "I'm still on the project team, I will continue to closely monitor all developments."

"But you are also in danger," Quang Duy worried about his friend. "If they discover your role, the consequences could be even more serious."

"I was willing to accept that risk," Anh Tuan replied, his voice steady. "We've come too far to stop now."

That friendship and consensus between the two continues to be an important source of encouragement, helping them both steadfastly overcome the increasing pressure from the company, even though the future of both of their jobs is becoming more uncertain than ever.

***

In the evening, when Quang Duy shared the latest situation with Doan, she could not hide her deep concern for him. "Do you think they'll fire you before the appraisal takes place?" she asked, holding his hand tightly.

"Maybe," Quang Duy admitted, although his voice still tried to remain calm. "But I think, no matter what happens to my job, the appraisal will still take place according to the legal process. The professional agency is not directly controlled by my company."

"I hope you're right," Doan said, although in her heart she couldn't be completely assured about the complicated developments that were happening.

"No matter what the outcome is with my work, I don't regret what I did," Quang Duy said, his eyes looking at her sincerely. "And I believe, the truth will win in the end, no matter how bumpy the road is."

Those determined affirmations, although they could not completely erase the worries that surrounded them both, still gave them valuable mental strength to continue persevering on the challenging road ahead, towards the important appraisal session that was about to take place - the moment that could decide the fate of the entire Vinh Xuan shop, Hoai Xuan ancient street, and the relationship that the two had worked so hard to build amid countless difficulties.

***

Three days later, just as Quang Duy had feared, he received an official notice from the human resources department about temporary suspension of work while the company "reviewed the personnel structure of the projects". Although he did not say it directly, both he and Anh Tuan clearly understood that this was an indirect form of punishment for his attitude of absolute non-compliance.

"I'm sorry, Quang Duy," the human resources director said, avoiding his eyes throughout the brief conversation. "This is a decision from above, I have no right to interfere."

"I understand," Quang Duy replied, his voice remaining surprisingly calm despite his complicated emotions. "Thank you for informing me directly."

Leaving the company office with a box of personal belongings in hand, Quang Duy felt a strange mixture of loss and relief. The career he had built up over the years was now temporarily on hiatus, but at the same time, he felt freed from the pressure of having to pretend loyalty to a project he no longer believed in.

Mr. Tuan saw him off to the company gate, his face full of worry. "Will you be okay?" he asked.

"I'll be fine," Quang Duy replied, trying to give his friend a reassuring smile. "At least, now I can wholeheartedly support the upcoming appraisal without having to worry about conflicts of interest at work anymore."

"What are you going to do next?" Mr. Tuan asked, curious about his friend's plan.

"I think I will spend all my upcoming time supporting Doan and the old town community, and continue working with Mr. Duc Anh to complete the investigation," Quang Duy shared, his eyes gradually regaining their familiar determination. "Perhaps, this is my chance to focus fully on what's really important."

When he returned to Vinh Xuan shop to tell Doan the news, he received a warmer and more understanding reception than he expected. "I'm so sorry about your job," Doan said, embracing him in a sincere, comforting hug. "But I'm proud of you, for standing up for what you believe is right."

"Thank you," Quang Duy replied, feeling the warmth spreading from her arms, dispelling some of the worries about the uncertain future ahead. "With you by my side, I feel brave enough to face whatever comes next."

They stood there, embracing each other in the cozy space of the shop, both feeling that, although the road ahead was still uncertain, their love and companionship had become a solid foundation to overcome whatever challenges awaited them together.

***

News of Quang Duy's temporary leave of absence quickly reached the ears of Ms. Ngoc Huong and Ms. Xuan, both of whom expressed their appreciation for his sacrifice. "You don't have to do that for my family," Mrs. Ngoc Huong said, her eyes filled with both guilt and gratitude.

"I'm not doing this just for your family," Quang Duy replied sincerely. "I do it because I believe it's the right thing, for the whole community, not just the Wing Chun shop."

Mrs. Xuan, sitting in a familiar rattan chair, nodded in agreement. "I saw your sincerity from the first time we met," she said. "You are a man worth trusting, Quang Duy. That's not something easy to find these days."

These sincere words of recognition from the older women in the family made Quang Duy feel somewhat comforted by the losses in his career. He realized that what he lost in terms of material things and work was compensated for by much more precious spiritual values - trust, love, and the feeling of belonging to a warm community.

That evening, after everyone had rested, Quang Duy and Doan sat together on the shop's porch, looking at the city's rare starry night sky. "Are you scared about the future?" Doan asked softly, resting his head on his shoulder.

"A little bit," Quang Duy admitted. "But I think this is also an opportunity for me to rethink my career path. Perhaps, I don't want to go back to working for a company that puts profits above all other values."

"So what are you going to do?" Doan asked, curious about his future plans.

"I am thinking of establishing an independent planning consulting group, specializing in heritage conservation combined with sustainable development," Quang Duy shared, his eyes gradually brightening with this new idea. "A place where I can truly apply the values I believe in, free from group interests or pressure from irresponsible investors."

“That sounds like a great idea,” Doan said, unable to hide his excitement at his vision. "And if that comes true, perhaps the Wing Chun shop will be one of the first projects he can be proud to contribute to."

Quang Duy smiled and held her hand tightly. “That's exactly what I hope for,” he said, his eyes filled with hope for a future where both his career and his love could develop harmoniously, based on the true values they both cherish.