Chapter 23 — The Man Behind the Rain in Old Street

Exactly three months after the wedding, Bao Ngoc's book — titled "The Man Behind the Rain in Old Street," after the title of the reportage that shocked the city — was officially published. The book launch was held right at the Late Night Lights bookstore, which has become a symbol of her entire journey to find the truth.

The bookstore space was filled with people, not only residents of Yen Lang Old Quarter, but also a large number of readers from all over the city attending, eager to hear the author share about the process of writing this meaningful book.

"This book is not just the story of a solved case," Bao Ngoc said, standing in front of the crowd, her voice ringing with emotion. "This is a story about the courage of ordinary people — Ms. Bay Lieu, Mr. Ly Cong Tuan, Ms. Truong Thi Ngan — who dared to break the silence after thirty years of fear. This is also a story about family love, about Nhat Quang's perseverance to never give up in finding the truth about his sister."

Ms. Bay Lieu, sitting in the front row, could not hide her pride when she heard her name being mentioned. Mr. Tuan also nodded emotionally, his eyes shining with the satisfaction of a person who had finally redeemed his past mistakes.

After the talk, Bao Ngoc spent time signing books for each reader, listening to the stories and emotions they shared after reading the book. A middle-aged woman, with tears in her eyes, came to see her.

"I also witnessed a similar injustice in the past, but I didn't have the courage to speak up," she said, her voice shaking. "Reading your book, I realized that it is never too late to tell the truth. Thank you for giving me more courage."

Bao Ngoc held the woman's hand, deeply touched by that sincere sharing. "Thank you for trusting me to share this with me," she said. "I believe it is never too late to seek justice, no matter how difficult the road ahead may be."

***

A few weeks after the book launch, Bao Ngoc's book quickly climbed to the best-selling position on domestic book charts, receiving countless compliments from literary critics and general readers. Many schools and social organizations began to include the book in their lists of reference materials on professional ethics and civic responsibility.

"Can you believe it," Bao Ngoc said to Nhat Quang one evening, when they looked through positive feedback from readers on social networks together. "Our story, that of Nhat Lan, is inspiring so many people."

"I always believe it will happen," Nhat Quang replied, hugging his wife from behind, both looking at the computer screen. "Nhat Lan will definitely be proud because her story, although painful, can bring positive things to many others."

One afternoon, Bao Ngoc received an invitation from a prestigious university, asking her to give a lecture on journalistic ethics and the importance of investigative journalism to communications students. She accepted immediately, feeling the importance of passing on the valuable lessons she had learned throughout her journey to future generations of journalists.

"Journalism is not just about reporting the news," she said to hundreds of attentively listening students. "It is the responsibility to defend the truth, even when faced with pressure from power or money. It is about listening to forgotten voices, and giving them a platform to be heard. I hope that you, future journalists, will always maintain this belief throughout your career."

The lecture ended in warm applause, many students came forward to ask questions, share their thoughts about the case and about journalism in general. Bao Ngoc left the university with a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that she was helping to shape the future of a new generation of journalists who will continue the mission of protecting truth and justice in society.

***

Returning to Yen Lang Old Quarter in the evening, Bao Ngoc stopped by the Late Night Bookshop, which is now not only her home, but also a vibrant community center. Nhat Quang is busy arranging a new corner, which he plans to dedicate to literary works on urban history and cultural heritage.

"How was your speech today?" he asked, looking up at her with his familiar warm smile.

"That's great," Bao Ngoc replied, sitting down next to him, helping to arrange the books. "I feel like I'm really making a difference, not only through writing, but also through inspiring the next generation."

"That's what you always do best," Nhat Quang said, stopping completely to look at his wife with admiring eyes. "Inspire those around you, with your inherent sincerity and courage."

While they were talking, Baby Su - the girl who attended her first book reading, and has now become a young regular customer of the bookstore - ran in, holding a self-drawn picture.

"Miss Ngoc, Uncle Quang, I drew this for you," the girl said, handing the picture to them with a proud look on her face. The painting depicts the Midnight Lamp bookstore, with colorful flowers surrounding it, and in the middle is an image of a couple holding hands.

"So beautiful, thank you so much," Bao Ngoc said, embracing the girl with affection. "I'll hang it in the best place in this bookstore."

Baby Su smiled widely, then ran away to continue playing with other children gathered in the children's reading corner. Bao Ngoc looked at that small figure, feeling a simple but profound happiness at this warm scene - a bookstore once associated with pain and secrets, has now become a space full of children's laughter and community love.

"I think, this is the most meaningful thing we have created," Bao Ngoc said, leaning his head on Nhat Quang's shoulder. "Not only justice for Ms. Nhat Lan, but also a living space, a community full of love for the next generations."

"I agree completely," Nhat Quang replied, lightly kissing her hair. "And I believe, this is just the beginning of many other good things that we will build together in the future."

They sat there, in the cozy space of the bookstore, listening to the children's laughter echoing from the reading corner, feeling a deep peace and contentment that they both knew would continue to accompany them throughout the years ahead, as they continued to write their life stories together, a story built from truth, love, and a community that had overcome darkness together to find light.

Before closing the bookstore that evening, Nhat Quang took Be Su's painting and carefully hung it on the main wall, right next to their wedding photo frame and the old family photo that Mr. Tuan gave him. "This will be the place to keep all the most precious memories of our lives," he said, stepping back to look at that wall full of love with contented eyes.

"A wall of past, present, and future," Bao Ngoc said, standing next to him, her arm naturally wrapped around his waist. "All are bound together by the same strong bond — love and truth."

Nhat Quang nodded, pulling her into a warm and complete hug. "I can't imagine a better life than this one," he said softly, his voice filled with sincere emotion. "Thank you, for everything you've brought into my life."

"Thank you is correct," Bao Ngoc replied, looking up at him with a radiant smile. "For trusting me, for accompanying me all the way, and for giving me a home full of love like this."

They turned off the bookstore's lights, leaving only a small light in the corner of the bookstore that remained lit all night, just like the bookstore's name "Late Night Light" — a small but steadfast light, always lit, waiting for those who need to find warmth and peace, just like how their stories have lit the way for so many others to find truth and justice, even on the darkest, rainy nights.