Chapter 25 — The Lantern That Never Goes Out

Three days after the visit to Ms. Tuyet Nga's grave, the Old Town Management Board officially convened a public meeting, this time not to announce bad news like before, but to announce the decision to completely reverse the cooperation plan with Han Phat company. The hall was filled with people, the atmosphere of excitement completely replaced the anxiety and tension that had covered the previous weeks.

Mr. Dai Quang Minh stepped onto the podium, his face brighter than in previous appearances, although he was still a little embarrassed when he had to stand in front of people to officially admit his mistakes in the way he handled the previous situation.

"Dear people," he began, his voice filled with emotion, "after witnessing the resounding success of the last night of the lantern parade, along with a change of goodwill from Han Phat company, the Management Board officially decided to hand over full authority in charge of the main decoration and cultural performance of this year's Mid-Autumn Festival to the handicraft artisans in the city. Han Phat Company will switch to the role of accompanying sponsor, supporting materials and advertising costs, no longer holding a unique position. rights as originally agreed."

Applause echoed throughout the hall, lasting endlessly. Uyen Chi sat in the crowd, holding her father's hand tightly, both unable to hide their emotions at the news they had been waiting for so many weeks.

"I also want to take this opportunity," Mr. Minh continued, his voice low, carrying a rare sincerity, "to send a sincere apology to all the people of traditional craft households. I have let the pressure of budget and tourism targets obscure the awareness of the true value that people are preserving. I promise, from now on, the Management Board will always put the preservation of traditional culture first in all decisions related to the old town."

After the meeting, many people surrounded Uyen Chi, congratulating and thanking her for leading the whole village through the most difficult period. She felt both proud and a little embarrassed by that attention, constantly emphasizing that this was the collective achievement of the whole community, not her own merit.

Uncle Sau Dong, who had been one of the strongest voices protesting the initial indifference, now held Uyen Chi's hand tightly, his voice filled with emotion. "You have shown me that sometimes, if only one person dares to stand up first, a whole group can find their strength. I thank you, on behalf of the whole village."

Miss Nham also came and hugged Uyen Chi, unable to hide her tears of happiness. "Now our children and grandchildren will be able to learn the craft of making lamps, pottery, and weaving mats, without having to worry about our ancestors' professions being forgotten."

Thien Vu stood next to Uyen Chi throughout the meeting, his hand never left her hand, his eyes filled with pride when witnessing that scene. “You have done something that not everyone dares to think of,” he said as they walked out of the hall together. "I believe, your grandmother, if she witnessed this moment, would definitely be extremely proud of her granddaughter."

"We can do it together," Uyen Chi replied, squeezing his hand. "Not only me, but also you, Mr. Bay, Bao Chau, everyone in the craft village, and your father too. If one of those links were missing, perhaps things wouldn't have gone this far."

That afternoon, when Uyen Chi returned to the workshop, she saw her father sitting at the table, holding a Cuu Lien Mau lamp, his eyes looking distantly at each layer of delicate lotus petals. "You know," he said when he saw her walk in, "today, for the first time in many years, I feel truly relieved. Not only because my workshop was saved, but because my mother's honor has finally been restored, completely."

Uyen Chi sat down next to her father, resting her head on his shoulder like when she was a child. "I think, now, I can really start preparing for the official festival without having to worry about any threats anymore. The only thing left is to make this year's Mid-Autumn Festival the most beautiful night the old town has ever had."

Mr. Khoan smiled and respectfully placed the Cuu Lien lamp on the table. "I believe, with everything you and everyone else have done, this year's festival will definitely be a memorable night, not only for Nguyet Giang ancient town, but for everyone who has the opportunity to witness it."

That evening, Thien Vu stopped by the workshop, bringing with him a preliminary plan for the official festival, now that he was officially given full authority to coordinate with the artisans to build the program. "I think we should take advantage of what was successful at the last night of the parade, but expand the scale further," he said, spreading the diagram on the table. "Not only the booths of craft households, but also a separate exhibition area, telling the entire story of the old town through each period, from traditional crafts to the changes of modern times."

Uyen Chi bent down to look at the drawing, a new excitement arose in her heart. "I like this idea. We can invite old artisans who have long retired from their profession to come back, so they can tell stories and demonstrate ancient techniques that young people now hardly know about."

"Exactly," Thien Vu nodded, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I have also contacted several universities with design departments and culture departments, inviting students to participate in recording and researching, considering this as a project to preserve living heritage, not just a simple festival night."

Mr. Khoan, sitting and listening from afar, could not hide his satisfied smile at the enthusiasm of both young people. "Watching the two of you discuss plans, I feel like I'm reliving my youth, when my mother also sat for hours drawing up new ideas for her profession. Perhaps, that fire of passion has now truly been fully passed on to your generation."

The three of them sat together until late, sketching out more details for the upcoming festival, laughter mixed with the sound of brushes rustling on paper, creating a warm scene, full of hope for what lies ahead.

Before leaving, Thien Vu lingered a bit, waiting for Mr. Khoan to go upstairs to rest, then turned to Uyen Chi, his voice became unusually serious. "I have something to ask you," he said, his hands shaking slightly as he took out a small cloth-wrapped box from his pocket, not a ring, but a hairpin delicately carved in the shape of a lotus petal, the silver material glistening in the light of an oil lamp.

"This..." Uyen Chi was surprised and reached out to receive the small box.

"I asked a familiar silversmith to make it specifically, based on the shape of the Cuu Lien lamp," Thien Vu explained, his voice a rare bit of embarrassment. "I know, it's not the time to talk about bigger things, but I want you to have something to mark the journey we've been through together, and what I hope will continue ahead."

Uyen Chi opened the box and looked at the delicate brooch. Her heart was filled with an indescribable warm feeling. "So beautiful," she whispered, her eyes filling with tears of emotion. "Thank you, for this gift, and for everything you've given me, my family, all this time."

Thien Vu gently placed the brooch in her hair, his eyes filled with affection. "The official festival night is coming soon. I hope to see you wearing it, standing in the midst of the brilliant lantern light that you have personally contributed to preserving for this whole old town."

Uyen Chi gently touched the brooch in her hair, feeling the sophistication in each carved line, no less than what she herself did every day on silk lamps. "I will install it," she promised, "and I will always remember, this is not just a gift, but a symbol of all we have overcome together."

They stood there for a long time in the middle of the workshop, the oil lamps shining gently around them, lanterns hanging everywhere as if they were quietly witnessing that sweet moment. Outside, the ancient town of Nguyet Giang has gradually fallen into a peaceful sleep, but in the hearts of two young people, a new, brighter chapter is gradually opening, no longer covered by the darkness of the past or threats from outside, but only faith, love, and a common future are waiting ahead.

Before leaving, Thien Vu stopped at the door and looked back at Uyen Chi again. "Only a few more weeks," he said, his voice filled with anticipation, "then together we will witness the real Mid-Autumn Festival, the festival that this whole old town deserves, after everything we've been through."