Chapter 18 — The Man Behind the Rain in Old Street

Two months after Nhat Lan's funeral, the trial of Ton Bao Long was officially opened at the city court, attracting special attention from public opinion and the media. Bao Ngoc, as a reporter, directly investigated and exposed the case, was invited to attend as an official reporter, and is also one of the important witnesses of the case.

The trial lasted five days, with a series of evidence presented in detail — witness statements, financial documents, forensic examination results, and Sun Bao Long's own confession. Bao Ngoc sat in the press row, her hands constantly taking notes, but her mind couldn't help but turn to Nhat Quang, who sat with the families of other victims in the front row.

When it was Nhat Quang's turn to be invited to speak in court as a representative of the victim's family, he stood up, his voice shaking but determined. "Your Honor, I lost my older sister when I was seven years old," he said, his eyes looking straight at Ton Bao Long sitting in the defendant's chair. "For twenty years, I grew up with an unanswered question, an unnamed pain. You deprived me of not only my sister, but also my childhood, and the peace that I should have deserved."

The entire courtroom was absolutely silent as Nhat Quang continued. "I didn't come here to seek revenge," he said, his voice becoming softer but no less determined. "I came here to seek justice — justice for my sister, who deserved to live a full life but was cruelly deprived of it, and justice for all those who have had to live in fear and silence for the past thirty years because of one man's power and money."

After five days of tense and dramatic trial, the jury finally declared Ton Bao Long guilty on charges of concealing corpses, obstructing judicial investigations, bribing witnesses, and involuntary manslaughter, sentencing him to fifteen years in prison, and forcing him to pay a large sum of money to Nhat Quang's family.

When the verdict was read, Bao Ngoc observed a clear relief on Nhat Quang's face, mixed with tears silently rolling down. She came to him, holding his hand tightly in this meaningful moment.

"It's over," Nhat Quang said, his voice choked but containing a profound peace he had never felt in his entire life. "After thirty years, justice has finally been fully served."

***

Leaving the court, Bao Ngoc stood in front of dozens of camera lenses and was asked to share his thoughts about the verdict. "Justice has won today," she said, her voice ringing with emotion but also with satisfaction. "But more important than this verdict is the lesson that we all need to remember — that no amount of power or money can forever hide the truth, and that it is ordinary people, who dare to speak out even in the most difficult circumstances, who truly defend justice."

Phan Duc Long stood nearby, his eyes filled with deep pride as he watched Bao Ngoc speak to the public and the media. "You have made history for our newsroom," he said as she finished her speech. "Her investigative series will be remembered as one of the most important milestones in the history of investigative journalism in this city."

"I can't do this alone," Bao Ngoc replied, looking around at the faces who had accompanied her throughout the arduous journey — Thanh Son, Nhat Quang, Ms. Bay Lieu, Mr. Tuan, and all those who courageously broke the silence to let the truth be told.

That evening, a small party was held at the Late Night Lights bookstore to celebrate the successful end of the long journey seeking justice. Mrs. Bay Lieu brought dishes she cooked herself, Mr. Tuan recounted interesting career stories from his years of work, and Mrs. Truong Thi Ngan, now completely freed from the fear that had haunted her for thirty years, laughed and chatted with everyone.

"I want to give a toast," Nhat Quang said, standing up in the middle of the party, his eyes looking around at the familiar faces that had become an indispensable part of his life. "Congratulations on justice being served, congratulations on the truth coming to light, and most importantly, congratulations to all the brave people here today, who have taught me that, no matter how long the darkness lasts, the light of truth and love will always prevail in the end."

Everyone raised their glasses, laughter and laughter resounded warmly in the familiar space of the bookstore, which no longer carried the darkness of secrets and pain, but was filled with the light of friendship, love, and a community that had overcome challenges together to find justice and complete healing.

In the middle of the party, Thanh Son pulled Bao Ngoc to a private corner, his face carrying a rare mischievous smile. "You know, the newsroom just announced that it will nominate your series for the year's best investigative journalism award," he said, his voice filled with pride. "The jury greatly appreciated the humanity and perseverance in the way she conducted this investigation."

"Really?" Bao Ngoc asked, unable to hide his surprise mixed with joy. "I never thought about winning an award when I started this journey."

"That's why you deserve it," Thanh Son said. "She did this not for fame, but for truth and justice. That is the true spirit of journalism."

Phan Duc Long also approached and joined the conversation. "I want to announce one more good news," he said. "The editorial board has decided to establish a new investigative column, and I have proposed you to be the team leader in charge."

Bao Ngoc was stunned by that unexpected news. "I... I don't know what to say," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "This is a great honor that I never dreamed of."

"You deserve that position more than anyone," Mr. Long said, patting her shoulder respectfully. "She has proven that true journalism is not just about reporting, but about pursuing the truth to the end, no matter the difficulties or pressures."

Nhat Quang, standing nearby, listened to the entire conversation with an undisguised proud smile. When Thanh Son and Mr. Long left to continue chatting with other guests, he approached Bao Ngoc, naturally putting his arm around her shoulder.

"I'm proud of you," he said softly, his eyes filled with sincere admiration. "Not just for what she has accomplished in her career, but for who she has become throughout this journey — a woman of courage, determination, and always putting truth above everything else."

"I couldn't become that person without you by my side," Bao Ngoc replied, resting her head gently on his shoulder. "This journey has changed both of us, in profound ways that I think we will continue to explore for years to come."

Nhat Quang smiled and squeezed her hand tighter. "I look forward to discovering that with you," he said, his voice containing a silent promise for the future that they were both gradually moving towards, in the warm atmosphere of the celebration party, among the friends and companions who had accompanied them through the arduous but also meaningful journey to find justice, truth, and love.

Mrs. Bay Lieu, observing that warm and happy scene from afar, smiled contentedly, then turned to whisper to Mr. Tuan standing right next to her. “Look at those two,” she said, her voice full of affection. "Little Nhat Lan is definitely smiling somewhere, seeing her younger brother finally find happiness."

"I'm sure so," Mr. Tuan replied, nodding in agreement. "Sometimes, the best things arise from the most painful situations, a clear testament to the power of perseverance and compassion between people."

The party lasted late into the night, laughter, stories shared, memories reviewed, all blended into a warm picture of human love, of solidarity that had been built through a challenging journey but ultimately led to a more complete and meaningful ending than any of them had dared to hope for when everything had just begun.