Chapter 17 — The Ao Dai Shop at the End of the Street

Six months after Hoai Xuan ancient street was officially recognized as a relic, the traditional handicraft introduction center was completed and officially put into operation, marking an important milestone in the sustainable development process that the whole community has built together.

"The number of visitors and experiences far exceeded what we initially predicted," Quang Duy reported in a summary meeting with the monument's management board, his voice unable to hide his excitement. "Revenue from experiential activities has helped significantly increase the income of participating households."

Doan, now more familiar with his dual role as artisan and community leader, nodded in agreement. "The most important thing is that we have proven that heritage preservation and economic development are not two opposing goals, but can go hand in hand and support each other."

Vinh Xuan Shop is now not only a place to tailor traditional ao dai, but has also become an important stop on the cultural discovery journey of tourists, with a historical display area and sewing experience space that increasingly attracts a lot of attention.

***

While the business develops smoothly, the relationship between Doan and Quang Duy also continues to deepen with each passing day. The two spent more time together, not only at work but also in their personal lives, discovering new aspects about each other that before, amid the busyness of the conservation war, they had not had the opportunity to fully explore.

"Have you ever thought about expanding the Vinh Xuan shop beyond this street?" Quang Duy asked one evening, while the two were walking on the banks of the Thu River, where the shimmering lights of the old town reflected.

"I've thought about that," Doan admitted, though her voice was still thoughtful. "But I'm also worried that if we expand too quickly, we could lose the quality and meticulousness that have made the shop famous."

"I think, perhaps instead of expanding in the direction of quantity, you can consider training and teaching the profession to more people," Quang Duy suggested. "Building a network of well-trained artisans according to Vinh Xuan standards, helps spread professional values without diluting core quality."

That idea made Doan think seriously. "It's an interesting direction," she said. "Perhaps, I can start by opening short-term training classes, not only teaching techniques, but also the values and professional philosophy that my family has preserved for three generations."

"That's exactly the way to make this heritage truly alive and pervasive, instead of just existing as a quiet attraction," Quang Duy said, his eyes filled with admiration at her vision.

***

A few weeks later, Doan officially opened the first class on the art of traditional ao dai sewing, attracting not only young people in the area who wanted to learn the profession, but also a number of students from big cities, and even a few overseas Vietnamese students who wanted to learn more about their original culture.

"Welcome to your first class," Doan addressed the first group of students, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "We not only learn how to hold a needle and cut fabric, but learn to appreciate and preserve a part of the soul of our national culture through every thread."

The first lesson took place in an exciting atmosphere, with the enthusiastic support of Bich Ngan and Ms. Ngoc Huong, who now also finds new joy in teaching her many years of experience to the younger generation.

"You made my dream come true," Mrs. Xuan told Doan after the first lesson, her eyes filled with pride. "She once dreamed that this profession would never be lost, there would always be a successor. Now, thanks to you, that dream is not only preserved, but also replicated."

Doan hugged his grandmother, touched by those words. "I do all of this for my grandmother, for my mother, and for the generations who have worked hard to build the Wing Chun shop from the most difficult early days."

That moment, amidst the garment factory space filled with afternoon sunlight and the laughter of new students, marked a meaningful new chapter in the journey of preserving and promoting the heritage that the Doan family has diligently pursued for three generations, and is now continuing to spread more strongly than ever to the wider community.

***

Among the students of the first class, there was a young girl named Le Thanh Truc, an international student who had just returned home after many years of studying abroad, bringing with her the desire to reconnect with her original culture that she felt had gradually faded away during her years away from home.

"I grew up abroad, hardly had the opportunity to wear ao dai, let alone know about this traditional tailoring profession," Thanh Truc shared with Doan during a class, her voice full of respect. "When I learned about this class through social networks, I decided to go there to learn in person."

"I'm very happy to see young people, no matter where they grew up, still maintain their love for national culture," Doan replied, smiling at the enthusiasm of the young students. "That is proof that cultural heritage has strong vitality, overcoming geographical distances."

The appearance of students like Thanh Truc further strengthens Doan's belief in the path she is pursuing - not only preserving the heritage of Hoai Xuan street alone, but also contributing to connecting and nurturing the love of national culture for even Vietnamese expatriates.

***

That weekend, Quang Duy took Doan to visit another project his company was consulting on — a traditional pottery village in a neighboring province, also facing challenges similar to those experienced by Hoai Xuan street.

"I want you to take a look at the situation here," Quang Duy explained as they walked around the pottery village, where many kilns had stopped working, the older artisans could not find successors. "Perhaps, the experiences from Wing Chun can help them."

Doan observed carefully, talked to a few ceramic artists who still stuck to their profession, and listened to their difficulties and concerns. "The situation here is somewhat more difficult than Hoai Xuan," she commented after the visit. "But I think the model combining conservation and developing experiential tourism is completely applicable, it just needs to be adjusted to suit the specifics of pottery."

"That's exactly why I want you to join this project," Quang Duy said, his eyes filled with hope. "Your practical experience, combined with my company's planning expertise, can make a big difference for struggling craft communities like this."

Doan feels a renewed excitement at the prospect — not only of continuing to grow the Wing Chun shop, but also of having the opportunity to share the valuable lessons learned to help other communities facing similar challenges in preserving traditional cultural heritage in the face of the changes of the times.

"I am very honored to accompany this project," she said, holding Quang Duy's hand tightly. "Perhaps, this is the most meaningful way for us to spread the values that we have protected together, not just limited to one street, but expanding throughout the country."

On the way back, as the car drove through green rice fields stretching on both sides of the road, Quang Duy shared more about his long-term vision. "I think, in the future, my company can build a network connecting craft villages and relic sites across the country, sharing experiences and supporting each other in conservation and sustainable development."

"That's a great vision," Doan said, unable to hide his admiration for his ambition. "But I believe, with what you have proven through the Hoai Xuan project, this is completely possible."

"I can't do this alone," Quang Duy replied, glancing at her with affectionate eyes. "I need people like you, people who truly understand and live with heritage, to ensure that every project retains its authenticity and does not become works that are far from reality."

Doan smiled, resting her head on his shoulder as the car continued its journey back to Hoai Xuan ancient street, the place that witnessed their entire love story and meaningful conservation battle. “We will build it together,” she said, her voice filled with determination and hope for the meaningful projects that lie ahead, not only for themselves, but also for communities that need to be empowered to protect their own precious cultural values.