Chapter 18 — The Sweet Taste After Criticism

In the middle of the afternoon, when the Sunny Cake Festival was at its bustling peak, the number of livestream viewers on Kien's channel surpassed one hundred thousand, a record number compared to previous broadcasts. Tung, standing behind the camera, could not hide his excitement at the widespread effect that far exceeded initial expectations.

While leading the audience around the booths, Kien suddenly stopped in front of the camera and decided on something he had been thinking about for the past few days.

“Before I continue,” he said, looking directly into the camera, his serious voice a contrast to the cheerful atmosphere around him, “I want to take a few minutes to say something important to everyone watching.”

Mai, standing nearby, looked at him in surprise, not knowing what he planned to do next.

"Many of you have followed me and Banh Nang's journey over the past two months," Kien continued, "from a harsh review, to the 'Reviving Quan Nho' series, and now this festival. I want to honestly share, the relationship between Mai and I is no longer just a work partnership. I love her, and I don't want to continue hiding that in the name of an objective reviewer."

The surrounding space suddenly became silent, both those participating in the live event and hundreds of thousands of people watching on the screen focused their attention on this unexpected announcement. Mai stood dumbfounded, her heart pounding, not expecting Kien to choose to publicly reveal their feelings in front of such a large public.

"I know," Kien continued, his voice still remaining calm even though this was clearly a risky decision, "a reviewer revealing personal feelings for the subject he has reviewed can make many people doubt my objectivity throughout this series. If you feel that it affects the trust in the channel, I completely respect that decision. But I cannot continue to pretend this is just a work story, when the truth is, I have loved her since forever. a long time ago.”

He turned to look at Mai, his eyes filled with sincerity. "And I also want to take this opportunity to publicly apologize for the first review that caused so much pain to her and this bakery. Although the content of the review is based on the truth, the way I presented it lacked the necessary sympathy, which is something I truly regret."

Mai felt tears suddenly welling up at that sincere public apology, something she never dared to expect from someone who always maintained a strict, uncompromising public image.

Live comments poured in massively, most of them were words of support and touched by this rare honesty. A few are still skeptical, but most express their appreciation for the brave decision to put true feelings above professional image.

“Thank you everyone,” Kien said, ending the sharing, “now, let's continue to support this meaningful festival, for a purpose bigger than Mai and I's own love story — protecting a community that has been together for many generations.”

When the camera paused, Mai rushed to hug Kien, unable to contain her emotions. “You don't have to do that,” she whispered, “you could lose a lot with this statement.”

“I don't care,” Kien replied, hugging tightly her, "If I have to trade between professional reputation and sincerity with you, I choose you, without any hesitation."

All around, the applause of the attendees rang out, many people could not hide their emotions at that sincere moment. Linh, standing nearby, her eyes also red, turned to Tung who was still holding the camera recording everything.

“This part will definitely go viral,” Linh said, her voice choked with emotion.

“Yes,” Tung replied, unable to hide his emotion, “but this time, it went viral for the most beautiful reason possible — a true love that dares to go public despite all the risks.”

In the afternoon, while the festival was still in full swing, Kien's phone continuously vibrated with a series of notifications - some advertising brands that had previously cooperated with his channel texted to express their concerns, others sent unexpected congratulations to the sincerity he had just shown.

“Has any brand withdrawn its contract yet?” Mai asked, her voice could not hide her worry when she saw Kien attentively reading each message.

"One brand announced a temporary suspension of cooperation," Kien replied, his voice surprisingly calm, "they said they needed to ensure objectivity for upcoming review content. But there were also a few other brands who proactively contacted us, saying that our story impressed them and wanted to cooperate on more humane projects."

“You don't regret it, do you?” Mai asked, holding his hand, her eyes filled with worry and gratitude.

"Not one bit," Kien affirmed, squeezing her hand, "money, advertising contracts, everything can be found again. But if a sincere love like this is lost just because of fear of career risks, he will regret it for the rest of his life."

That affirmation made Mai so emotional that she couldn't speak, she could only hug him tightly in the bustling atmosphere of the festival, ignoring the curious eyes of passersby, fully enjoying this rare moment of happiness after many turbulent days.

Late at night, as the festival gradually ended, a preliminary summary showed that the amount of money raised far exceeded initial expectations, enough to cover legal costs for the whole neighborhood in the early stages of dealing with Dat Long's company. But more important than the numbers, is the spirit of solidarity and trust that has been firmly consolidated in the hearts of every resident of this small alley, along with a sincere love story that is now known and enthusiastically supported by the entire online community.

When everyone started cleaning up the stalls, Ms. Nga went to where Mai and Kien were resting after a long day, bringing two glasses of cool iced tea. “You two did well,” she said, her voice filled with pride, “I never thought such a small festival could bring so much meaning.”

"Thank you, Mom," Mai replied, accepting the cup of tea, "but the first credit must belong to our whole neighborhood, everyone contributes wholeheartedly."

Ms. Nga nodded, then suddenly turned to Kien, her voice became more serious. "As for what you just announced publicly, I want to thank you. Not everyone is brave enough to put their feelings above their career like that."

"I just do what I believe is right," Kien replied, bowing politely before Ms. Nga's compliment.

“Well then,” Ms. Nga smiled, her eyes sparkling mischievously, “I officially recognize you as my future son-in-law, don't do it. Your daughter is sad.”

Mai blushed at her mother's unexpected declaration, while Kien was confused but couldn't hide his happy smile. All three of them laughed in the warm atmosphere left after a brilliantly successful festival, a rare moment of peace before they had to continue to face the unfinished challenges ahead.

That night, after seeing off the last guest, the whole group sat down to count the money raised. The final number made everyone unable to hide their surprise. “Far beyond the original goal we set,” Tung announced, his voice still excited, “this amount of money is enough to cover the cost of hiring a lawyer to pursue the lawsuit for at least the next six months.”

“Thank you everyone,” Mai said, her voice choked up as she looked around at the dear faces who had spent a long and meaningful day with her — Linh, Tung, Ms. Nga, and even Kien, the man who was willing to risk his career to stand by her side.

Kien looked at her, his eyes filled with pride. “Today is a memorable day, not only because of the money raised, but because we have proven that when a community is united, no force can easily defeat sincerity and determination.”

The whole group sat for a while longer, reviewing the memorable moments of the day, laughter mixed with tiredness but satisfaction, before taking turns to rest, preparing their strength for the challenges that still lie ahead in the battle to protect this beloved alley, a battle that now, none of them have to face alone anymore, when the whole community has stood up together, standing side by side through the most difficult moments, and a sincere love is enough. The courage to come out in front of the world, despite all possible risks, is a living testament that sometimes, the scariest thing is the most worthwhile thing to pursue.