Chapter 19 — The Man Behind the Rain in Old Street

Three months after the trial, Yen Lang Old Town was officially recognized as a city-level urban heritage area, marking an important turning point for the future of this ancient street. The announcement ceremony took place right in the front yard of the Ton family mansion - now taken over by the city government to convert into a small museum of neighborhood history, with a large attendance of residents, city officials, and the media.

Bao Ngoc stood in the crowd, observing the ceremony with an indescribable feeling of pride. From a seemingly simple report about a folk legend, her journey led to not only justice for one family, but also the preservation of a precious cultural heritage of the city.

"Can you believe it," Nhat Quang said, standing next to her, his eyes looking around the street with deep respect. "Just a few months ago, this place was at risk of being completely wiped out. Now, it will be preserved for future generations."

"It's thanks to the courage of everyone who dared to speak up," Bao Ngoc replied, holding his hand. "Including you, who persistently searched for the truth for twenty years, even when there wasn't much hope."

The city president stepped up to the podium and spoke, his voice echoing throughout the mansion courtyard. "Today, we not only recognize the architectural and historical value of Yen Lang Old Town, but also honor the people who courageously fought to protect truth and justice," he said. "In particular, I would like to thank Ms. Dinh Bao Ngoc, who conducted this courageous investigation, and to Mr. Vuong Nhat Quang and his family, who have patiently waited for justice for thirty years."

Applause echoed throughout the mansion's courtyard. Bao Ngoc felt her cheeks heat up at that public recognition, but she also felt a deep sense of pride, not just for herself, but for everyone who had gone through this arduous journey with her.

***

After the ceremony, when the crowd gradually dispersed, Nhat Quang led Bao Ngoc inside the mansion, where workers were renovating to turn this place into a museum. They passed through vast rooms, now being redecorated with artifacts from the street's history, including a small corner dedicated to Nhat Lan's memory.

"They agreed to reserve a space to display my sister's story," Nhat Quang said, his voice emotional as they stood in front of the small display corner, where a photo of Nhat Lan was solemnly placed, along with a summary of the story that shocked the city. "Her story, they say, will be a lasting reminder of the importance of truth and justice."

"It's a wonderful way to honor her," Bao Ngoc said, looking at the photo with deep emotion. "She will never be forgotten."

They continued to stroll through the garden behind the mansion, which had been the scene of a tragedy thirty years before, now being transformed into a peaceful memorial garden, with newly planted trees and a small memorial engraved with the names of all those who had the courage to speak out to bring the truth to light.

"I think this is the best way to close this sad chapter," Nhat Quang said, standing in front of the memorial, rereading the names of each person — Ms. Bay Lieu, Mr. Ly Cong Tuan, Ms. Truong Thi Ngan, and even the name of his own sister. "Not by forgetting the past, but by turning it into a lesson, a legacy for the future."

Bao Ngoc nodded, deeply feeling the meaning of this moment. "Do you have any plans for the Late Night Lights bookstore?" she asked, recalling their conversation about turning the bookstore into a community cultural space.

"I've already started," Nhat Quang replied, a bright smile on his lips. "Next week, we will organize the first reading session for children in the neighborhood. Mrs. Bay Lieu has agreed to tell folk tales to the children, of course stories that are much more positive than the legend of the white shirt shadow."

Bao Ngoc laughed at that gentle humor, feeling a simple but sincere joy at the positive changes taking place around them. "I'm looking forward to attending," she said. "And I thought, I could write an article about this event, not as an investigative reporter anymore, but as a friend of this community."

“I'm looking forward to it,” Nhat Quang said, putting his arm around her shoulder as they continued to walk through the memorial garden, the afternoon sunlight gently filtering through the new foliage, illuminating the path ahead — a path no longer shrouded in the darkness of secrets and fear, but filled with hope and new possibilities for the future.

***

The following week, the first reading session took place at the Midnight Lamp bookstore, attracting a large number of children and parents in the neighborhood to attend. Mrs. Bay Lieu sat in the middle of a circle of children, retelling colorful folk tales, no longer scary ghost stories, but legends about courage, family love, and community solidarity.

Bao Ngoc stood in the corner of the room, observing that warm scene with a happy smile, her hand taking down a few lines for the article she promised to write. Thanh Son came next to her, camera in hand to capture memorable moments of the event.

"Looking at this scene, no one can believe it. Just a few months ago, this place was still in the darkness of a heartbreaking secret," Thanh Son said, his voice full of emotion.

"That is the power of truth," Bao Ngoc replied. "It not only brings justice, but also opens the door for healing and rebirth."

After the reading session, when the children gradually left with their parents, Nhat Quang invited Bao Ngoc and Thanh Son to stay for a simple dinner at the bookstore. While they were cleaning up the space together after the event, Nhat Quang suddenly gave Bao Ngoc a small book with an old leather cover.

"What is this?" Bao Ngoc asked, picking up the book with curiosity.

"This is Ms. Nhat Lan's diary," Nhat Quang replied, his voice low and meaningful. "I want you to keep it, as a thank you for everything you did to help my sister find her voice, even though it was too late."

Bao Ngoc was deeply touched by that meaningful gesture. "I cannot accept this precious gift," she said, although in her heart she felt its great importance. "This is the only keepsake left of her. It belongs to my family."

"It's because it's precious that I want you to keep it," Nhat Quang said, his eyes sincere. "You have become a part of this story, a part of my family in some way. I believe Nhat Lan would also want you to keep it, as a symbol of the truth that you helped bring about."

Bao Ngoc received the diary with both hands, tears rolling down her eyes at that sincere heart. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice choked with emotion. "I will cherish it for the rest of my life, as a reminder of the journey that changed my life."

Thanh Son, standing and observing that private moment from afar, smiled delicately and then found an excuse to leave so the two of them could have more private space. When he was gone, Nhat Quang turned to look at Bao Ngoc, his eyes contained a deep gentleness.

"Bao Ngoc," he said softly, "I know we went through a painful and challenging journey to get here. But I want you to know that every moment with you, even in the most difficult circumstances, are the moments I cherish most in my life."

"I feel the same way," Bao Ngoc replied, looking into his eyes with all her sincerity. "This journey has given me more than I ever expected — not only a great story for my career, but also a love I never dared hope to find."

They stood there, in the cozy space of the bookstore, the soft yellow light enveloping them both, a peaceful and meaningful moment in the middle of the long journey that brought them together, a journey that started from a seemingly harmless folk legend, but eventually led them both to truth, justice, and a sincere love that they both believed would last forever, far beyond the pages of books and the investigations that had brought them together since childhood. first day.