Chapter 22 — The Ao Dai Shop at the End of the Street

Thanks to the good coordination and tireless efforts of the entire team, the order of fifty sets of high-end ao dai was completed on time, even two days earlier than expected. The delivery went smoothly, with endless compliments from chain store representatives about the exquisite quality of each product.

"This really exceeded our expectations," the representative commented as he inspected each carefully packaged ao dai. "We look forward to continuing our long-term cooperation with Vinh Xuan salon."

After the convoy of goods left, the whole garment factory seemed to have been relieved of a great burden. Everyone could not hide their fatigue but was also full of pride. Doan gathered the whole team together and organized a small party right at the factory to celebrate the success of the first big project.

"Thank you everyone," Doan said, her voice filled with emotion as she looked around at the faces with whom she had gone through a stressful but meaningful month of work. "Without your dedication and efforts, we could not have completed such a large order while still maintaining quality."

***

A few days later, when everything gradually returned to normal, Quang Duy invited Doan to visit the pottery village again, this time to witness the results of the repair work after the storm. The kiln area has been completely restored, reinforced even more than before, with a new sturdy roof that can withstand future heavy rains.

"We have learned a valuable lesson from this incident," Quang Duy shared when leading Doan on a tour of the newly repaired area. "Not just in terms of construction techniques, but also in terms of how to manage risk in conservation projects — there is always a need to have a backup plan for the unexpected."

Mr. Sau Than, when he saw Doan visit, happily invited her to see a new batch of pottery that had just been successfully fired after the incident. "This is the first batch of ceramics after the kiln was repaired," he said, his voice filled with pride as he took out ceramic products with exquisite traditional patterns. "You see, the quality is still not inferior to before."

Doan picked up a small ceramic vase and looked at the meticulously hand-drawn patterns. "So beautiful," she admired. "I think, with quality like this, our village's products will definitely be loved by many people."

***

On the way back from the pottery village, Quang Duy suddenly suggested stopping the car at a high viewpoint on the pass, where he could see the entire green valley stretching below in the falling sunset.

"Why did we stop here?" Doan asked, a bit surprised by the sudden change of route.

"I just want to admire this beautiful scenery with you for a bit," Quang Duy replied, smiling mysteriously as he led her closer to the railing to admire the scenery. "We're both so busy these days, I think, we need a moment to stop and enjoy the beautiful things around us."

Doan stood next to him, watching the beautiful sunset dyeing the entire valley, feeling a rare peace amid the busy days of the past. "What a beautiful scene," she exclaimed, unable to hide her admiration for the majestic natural beauty before her eyes.

"Not as beautiful as you are now," Quang Duy said softly, turning to look at her with eyes full of affection. Doan blushed at the unexpected compliment and lightly punched his shoulder shyly.

They stood there for a long time, hand in hand, quietly watching the beautiful natural scenery slowly turning into the dark purple of the late sunset, fully enjoying the rare moment of peace amidst the busy lives they were both building together, each secretly feeling a deep appreciation for what they had experienced together and achieved up to this point.

***

On the way back to the city, Quang Duy suddenly became unusually thoughtful, occasionally glancing at Doan with a look whose meaning she could not guess. "What's wrong with you?" she asked, sensing a difference in his demeanor.

"Nothing," Quang Duy replied, smiling unusually. "I'm just thinking about a lot of things."

Doan did not ask further, even though her heart felt a little curious about that difference. She did not know that, in Quang Duy's mind at this moment, plans for an important upcoming moment were gradually forming more clearly than ever - a moment that he had cherished for a long time, just waiting for the most appropriate time to make it come true.

***

Upon arriving home, Quang Duy immediately called Anh Tuan, his close friend who had accompanied him since the first and most difficult days on Hoai Xuan street. "I need your help with something important," he said, his voice both nervous and excited.

"What makes it sound so serious?" Mr. Tuan asked, unable to hide his curiosity.

"I plan to propose to Doan," Quang Duy confessed, and even though he said it many times in his head, when he actually said it out loud, he still felt his heart pounding unusually. "I want to make it special, meaningful, worthy of everything we've been through together."

Mr. Tuan could not hide his joy. "The time has finally come! I've been waiting for this news for a long time. What are you going to do?"

"I'm thinking about organizing it right on Hoai Xuan street," Quang Duy shared the ideas that were gradually forming in his mind. "The place has witnessed the entire journey of the two of us - from the first days of meeting, to the fight to protect the heritage, and now a new beginning. I want to have the participation of the whole family, the whole community that has accompanied us."

"Sounds perfect," Anh Tuan replied, his voice filled with sincere support. "I'm willing to help you with anything needed. Have you thought of a specific time yet?"

"I think, maybe during the street's upcoming annual cultural festival," Quang Duy replied, his eyes lighting up as he imagined that scene. "That will be the most meaningful moment, when the whole street is in a festive atmosphere, and is also close to the anniversary of the official cancellation of the urban beautification project - a milestone that completely changed both of our lives."

The conversation lasted for a while longer, with Mr. Tuan enthusiastically contributing more detailed ideas, from coordinating with Doan's family to keep it a secret, to preparing small but important details to ensure that moment would become the most beautiful, unforgettable memory in the lives of both people that he cherished so much.

***

The next day, Quang Duy went to Doan's house early one morning, knowing that she was busy at the garment factory and would not be home. He asked to meet Mrs. Ngoc Huong privately to present his plans. He could not hide his nervousness before this important meeting.

"Miss," Quang Duy started, his voice unusually solemn, "I came here today to ask your permission for something very important." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I want to propose to Doan, and I hope to receive the blessing and consent of you and the whole family."

Ms. Ngoc Huong, even though she had somewhat predicted this would happen, still could not hide her emotions at that sincere confession. "I've been waiting for this day for a long time, son," she said, her eyes shining with indescribable joy. "You have proven, not only with words but with your actions, that you truly love and cherish my daughter, and are willing to accompany and sacrifice for her in the most difficult moments."

"Thank you for trusting me," Quang Duy replied, his voice choked with emotion. "I promise to always respect and care for Doan, build a happy life with her, and continue to preserve and promote the values that my family has worked hard to cultivate over many generations."

Mrs. Ngoc Huong invited Quang Duy into her house to discuss his plans in more detail. When she learned that he wanted to hold the proposal ceremony right at the street's cultural festival, she couldn't hide her emotions. "It's a beautiful idea," she said. "This street has witnessed our entire journey, for it to also witness this sacred moment, I think, there is nothing more meaningful than that."

Before leaving, Quang Duy also stopped by to visit Mrs. Xuan, asking her permission according to the traditional etiquette that he had learned through his time with the family. The old lady, despite her old age, still lucidly held his hand, her eyes filled with affection. “I have considered you my grandson for a long time,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "I bless you both, I hope you will be happy forever, together we will continue to write beautiful pages for your family's story."