Chapter 9 — The Ao Dai Shop at the End of the Street

While the application for recognition of the monument is being completed to be submitted to the authorities, Quang Duy and Anh Tuan continue to quietly collect more evidence about irregularities in the urban beautification project. This job becomes more and more difficult as they perceive stricter supervision from the company.

"I think they have started to really doubt us," Anh Tuan said one afternoon, when the two took advantage of a private chat at a restaurant far from the office. "Yesterday, I discovered that my computer showed signs of being remotely accessed outside of working hours."

"We need to be more careful," Quang Duy replied, his voice filled with worry. "Perhaps it's time for us to seek outside support, instead of continuing to collect evidence on our own in this increasingly dangerous environment."

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

"I think, maybe we should contact the construction inspection agency, or even investigative journalism," Quang Duy suggested. "If we transfer what we have collected to a trusted third party, at least the information will be preserved, even at our own risk."

Mr. Tuan pondered that proposal. "It's a risky move, but perhaps necessary," he said finally. "Have you thought about how this will affect our careers?"

"I've thought about that a lot," Quang Duy admitted, his voice low. "But I think, there are things more important than personal careers. If we stay silent about these violations, we will also become part of the problem."

***

After many nights of consideration, Quang Duy decided to contact a veteran investigative journalist named Trinh Duc Anh, who has exposed many negative incidents in the field of urban planning across the country. The meeting took place secretly at a quiet cafe on the outskirts of the city.

"What you gave me is quite serious," Mr. Duc Anh commented after looking through the documents Quang Duy brought, his eyes filled with the professionalism of an experienced journalist. "But to be able to announce it, I need more specific evidence, especially official documents that clearly show the relationship of interests between the parties involved."

"We are still continuing to collect," Quang Duy replied. "But I'm concerned, time is running out before the project is officially approved."

"I understand the urgency of the situation," Mr. Duc Anh said. "But I also need to ensure that, when published, the information must be accurate enough and have a solid basis, to avoid unnecessary legal consequences, and to ensure maximum persuasion to the public."

The meeting ended with a cautious cooperation agreement — Quang Duy and Anh Tuan will continue to provide information and evidence to Mr. Duc Anh, while he will conduct an independent investigation to verify and add necessary details before it can be publicly announced.

***

On the way back, Quang Duy stopped by Vinh Xuan shop to update Doan on the situation, although still maintaining the necessary level of caution regarding the most sensitive details.

"Things are progressing, although slower than I would like," he said, sitting down on the porch of his familiar shop. "But I believe we are on the right track."

"I trust you," Doan replied, squeezing his hand in a sincere gesture of encouragement. "And I also have good news to share - the application for recognition of the monument has been completed and is about to be submitted to the authorities next week."

"That's really great news," Quang Duy said, a rare smile appearing on his face, which has been filled with anxiety in recent days. "Perhaps, finally, all our efforts are starting to bear fruit."

They sat quietly together for a long time, enjoying a rare moment of peace amid the tensions and worries surrounding them from many sides. Although the road ahead is still full of uncertainty, they both feel a new strength growing in their relationship — a strength forged through challenges, through trust and constant companionship in the most difficult moments.

***

The day the application for recognition as a relic was officially submitted to the province's Department of Culture, the whole Hoai Xuan ancient street was bustling as if preparing for an important festival. Doan, along with representatives of the conservation fund and lawyer Hai Dang, personally brought the thick documents to submit at the headquarters of the authorities.

"We will seriously consider this file," the officer receiving the file said, although his voice still maintained the usual neutral, cautious tone of a state civil servant. "Typical processing time is three to six months, depending on the complexity of each case."

"Three to six months?" Doan couldn't hide his worry. "We understand that a decision on the urban beautification project could be made much earlier than that."

"I understand your concerns," the officer replied, his tone more sympathetic. "But according to regulations, once there is a dossier requesting recognition as a monument under consideration, development projects related to that area will often have to be postponed until an official conclusion is reached."

That information brought a great ray of hope to Doan and the whole team. "So that means, can filing this application temporarily stop the renovation project?" she asked, unable to hide her excitement.

"In principle it is like that," the official confirmed. "However, I must also clarify, the final decision still depends on many factors, and regulations are not always enforced absolutely."

That cautious warning, although it did not completely erase the newly rekindled hope, also reminded Doan that the battle to protect the street still had many difficulties ahead, requiring perseverance and constant vigilance.

On the way back, lawyer Hai Dang reassured Doan. "This is an important step forward," he said. "The fact that the file has been officially received creates a solid legal basis for us to request a temporary halt to the project if necessary. I will prepare a written petition, so that it can be sent immediately if there are any signs that the project is being promoted regardless of regulations."

"Thank you very much," Doan said, her heart filled with gratitude for the young lawyer's dedicated support. "I don't know how I would have managed without your help."

"This is a job I trust and respect," lawyer Hai Dang replied, smiling sincerely. "Protecting cultural heritage is not only a job, but also the responsibility of each citizen for the values left by their ancestors."

Those words, along with the new hope sparked by the official receipt of the dossier, gave Doan the strength to continue persevering on the challenging road ahead, with the firm belief that justice and truth will ultimately be on the side of those who steadfastly defend what is right.

***

That evening, the whole family gathered around dinner, the atmosphere filled with joy at the positive news of the day. Mrs. Xuan, although tired after a long day, still could not hide her emotions. "I didn't think I'd live to see the day this street was declared a monument," she said, her voice shaking.

"Don't say that," Doan replied, holding his grandmother's hand tightly. "She will live a long time to see the Wing Chun shop continue to grow, and perhaps even be passed on to the next generation."

"You're talking about the next generation," Mrs. Ngoc Huong interjected, her eyes playfully looking at her daughter. "Are you thinking about that with Mr. Quang Duy?"

Doan blushed at his mother's unexpected question. "Mom, now is not the time to talk about that. We have so many other important things to deal with."

"I just said that," Mrs. Ngoc Huong smiled, unable to hide her teasing. "But I see, he's really a good guy who knows how to put his conscience above his personal interests. Not everyone has that quality."

Mrs. Xuan nodded in agreement. "I think so too. If you find someone like that, don't let the opportunity pass by just because of unnecessary worries, Doan."

The sincere words of both her mother and grandmother made Doan feel warm, even though she was not yet ready to express all the complicated feelings that were gradually growing in her heart for Quang Duy. But deep down, she knew, their relationship had gone beyond the boundaries of a normal friendship, becoming something much deeper and more meaningful.