Chapter 6 — The Ao Dai Shop at the End of the Street

Thuy Linh's article was published a week later, with the title "The Last Street of Handmade Ao Dai Craft — Who Will Save This Heritage?" accompanied by vivid photos capturing images of Ms. Xuan, Ms. Ngoc Huong, and Doan meticulously working at the familiar loom and sewing table. The article quickly spread widely on social networks, attracting thousands of shares and sympathetic comments.

"Miss Doan, our shop's phone has been ringing continuously since morning until now!" Bich Ngan called out, her voice full of excitement as she ran into the garment factory to find Doan. "There are even TV stations that want to come interview!"

Doan rushed out to take a look, and couldn't help but be surprised by the unexpected amount of interest the article had created. Many people from all over the country, even expatriates abroad, left comments expressing their support, sharing their own memories of the traditional ao dai and the cultural values that the street represents.

“This is really what we need,” Doan told her mother, her voice filled with hope. "With this attention, perhaps the government will have to consider more carefully before making a final decision."

Ms. Ngoc Huong nodded in agreement, although still maintaining a certain degree of caution. "I hope you're right. But I'm also worried that this attention might make the people behind the project feel threatened, and they might try to react in a more negative way."

***

True to Ms. Ngoc Huong's concerns, just a few days after the article was published, Quang Duy received an urgent call from Mr. Dang Huu Tai, asking him to come to the office urgently to discuss work.

"Do you know anything about the article that is causing a stir?" Mr. Huu Tai asked as soon as Quang Duy entered the office, his voice could not hide his anger.

"I read it, sir," Quang Duy replied, trying to keep his voice calm even though inside he felt the tension increasing.

"Do you know the ao dai shop owner interviewed in that article?" Mr. Huu Tai continued asking, his eyes searching and full of suspicion.

Quang Duy paused for a moment before answering. "I know her, because I once ordered ao dai at that shop."

"I heard, you went to that store more than once," Mr. Huu Tai said, his voice carrying a clear hint. "You need to be careful, Quang Duy. As a member of the project, you should not let your personal feelings affect your objectivity in your work."

That warning made Quang Duy feel a sense of discomfort rising in his heart, although he tried to restrain himself from overreacting. "I always ensure objectivity in my work," he replied, his voice steady. "But I also believe that listening to the true opinions and feelings of affected people is also an important part of responsible planning."

Mr. Huu Tai looked at him with complicated, unpredictable eyes, before switching to a softer tone. "I understand, you are a person with a passion for your profession. But this project has many stakeholders, many interests that need to be balanced. I hope you understand that sometimes, difficult decisions are necessary for common development."

***

Leaving Mr. Huu Tai's office, Quang Duy felt a growing sense of insecurity in his heart. That conversation, although not said directly, contained a clear warning — that his interest in Doan and Vinh Xuan salon was no longer a secret, and could affect his position in the project.

He came to Anh Tuan to share his concerns. "Do you think they're trying to pressure me to back away from digging deeper into the irregularities in the project files?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

"Very likely," Anh Tuan replied, his face unable to hide his worry. "I've also noticed some unusual signs recently — some documents I've been looking at have suddenly had their access restricted, for unknown reasons."

"Then we need to act faster," Quang Duy said, determination clear in his eyes. "Before they can completely hide important evidence."

The two began to make more specific plans to collect and backup important documents that were still accessible, preparing for a confrontation that both felt would be inevitable in the near future, when the truth about what was really going on behind this urban beautification project was gradually revealed.

***

That evening, Quang Duy came to Vinh Xuan shop, his face carried many thoughts that Doan could recognize right from his eyes.

"What happened?" she asked, pulling him to sit in the familiar chair on the shop's porch.

Quang Duy recounted the details of the conversation with Mr. Huu Tai, without hiding anything from Doan. "I think, they're starting to notice our relationship," he said, his voice filled with worry. "And I'm afraid, that could make things difficult for both of us going forward."

"Do you regret it?" Doan asked softly, a bit of insecurity creeping into her voice. "About spending time with me, for this shop?"

"Never," Quang Duy replied immediately, without any hesitation. "If there's one thing I regret, it's not realizing sooner that the work I was doing could harm the values I truly cherish."

Those sincere words made Doan feel warm, even though in her heart she still couldn't help but worry about the uncertain future that awaited both of them. “We will find a way to get through this,” she said, squeezing his hand in a pledge.

"I believe so," Quang Duy replied, squeezing her hand in return. "But I need you to understand that the coming days may be very difficult. I may face great pressure from the company, and even risk losing my job if I continue to pursue finding the truth."

"Are you willing to accept that risk?" Doan asked, her eyes searching for the determination in his heart.

Quang Duy pondered for a moment before answering, as if carefully considering his own answer. "I think there are things more important than a job, even if it's the job I've worked so hard to build my career on," he said finally, his voice firm. "Truth, justice, and what I feel in this place, in this person — those things are worth the trade-off, if necessary."

That affirmation, full of determination and sincerity, filled Doan's heart with an indescribable emotion — both touched by the sacrifice that Quang Duy was willing to accept and worried about what he might have to face in the near future. She knew that from this moment, the two had officially entered a common war, not only for the Vinh Xuan shop or Hoai Xuan ancient street, but for the true values that they both believed in and cherished.

***

Before Quang Duy left, Doan took him to the garment factory, where the ao dai for his mother was almost complete, with only a few small details missing before it could be delivered. She wanted him to see the results of the stitches that were done with all his heart.

"So beautiful," Quang Duy exclaimed, unable to hide his emotions as he looked at the jade green silk ao dai with delicate magnolia flower motifs meticulously hand-embroidered, each soft, winding thread as if telling a separate story. "My mother will definitely like it."

"I put all my heart and soul into this shirt," Doan said, her hands gently caressing the soft silk fabric, her eyes filled with professional pride. "Not only because this is your order, but because I want it to truly become a meaningful gift, worthy of the love you have for your mother."

Quang Duy looked at her with respectful eyes, a sincere admiration that he did not try to hide. "Thank you, for everything you've done — not just for this shirt, but for what you're trying to protect. It reminds me why preserving values like this is so important."

Before leaving, Quang Duy stopped for a moment by the door frame, looking back at the cozy Vinh Xuan shop space, filled with soft light from classic hanging lamps. "I promise, I will do everything I can to keep this place from disappearing," he said, his voice filled with determination, before walking out into the old street that was gradually sinking into the quiet darkness of the evening, carrying in his heart a new determination, steadier than ever.