Chapter 24 — The Sweet Taste After Criticism

One month after the project was completely canceled, life in Ben alley gradually returned to its usual peaceful rhythm, although now filled with a new vitality, much more positive than before. Sun Cake Shop, after the media storm, has become a familiar address not only to the people in the neighborhood but also to tourists from all over after learning the inspirational story behind it.

While everything was gradually stabilizing, Kien decided it was time to hold an official meeting between his family and Mai's family - something both of them had been postponing for a while because they had to focus on resolving a series of consecutive incidents.

“I think,” Kien said to Mai on a rare free afternoon, “it's time for my parents to officially meet with your mother, not under tense circumstances like the first time.”

"I think so too," Mai replied, although she couldn't hide her nervousness, "but I'm a bit worried, I don't know if my mother and your mother are compatible, they have very different personalities."

“Don't worry,” Kien reassured, holding her hand, “I believe, when two mothers love their children, they will find common ground to connect.”

The meeting was held right at Banh Nang shop, a choice that both agreed would bring a warmer, closer atmosphere than an unfamiliar luxury restaurant. Ms. Nga spent the whole morning preparing the family's most typical dishes, while Mai took care of redecorating the shop space to make it more formal.

Mrs. Kim and Mr. Bao arrived on time, carrying a large gift basket. Mrs. Kim's attitude is now completely different from the tense first meeting - replaced by the politeness and warmth of someone willing to open her heart to a new member of the family.

"Hello," Ms. Kim said, shaking Ms. Nga's hand with a sincere smile, "I've heard Kien talk a lot about you, and today I had the opportunity to meet her in person."

"Hello," Ms. Nga replied, unable to hide her joy, "I've also heard Mai talk a lot about your family. Please come in. Today I have prepared some specialties of the shop, hope you have a pleasant meal."

The meal took place in a warmer, more intimate atmosphere than what Mai and Kien initially worried about. Mrs. Kim, after tasting a few dishes prepared by Ms. Nga herself, could not hide her admiration.

"This sour soup is so delicious," she said, "rich in flavor, true to the rustic Southern style. What is your secret to seasoning it so well?"

“It's just a family recipe,” Ms. Nga laughed, “three generations of my family have been cooking, and it's been passed down through each generation.”

"So it turns out," Mrs. Kim said, glancing at her husband with meaningful eyes, "both our families have a long culinary tradition, just one side is a big restaurant, the other side is a small bakery in the alley. But the enthusiasm for the profession is definitely not different at all."

Mr. Bao, who rarely speaks, also contributed. "I find that sometimes rustic and simple recipes contain more passion than sophisticated dishes in luxury restaurants. The most important thing is still the love the cook puts into each dish."

That sincere comment touched Ms. Nga. She looked at Mai with proud eyes, clearly feeling the true respect from the future in-laws, completely different from the initial prejudices that Ms. Kim once expressed. presently.

The meal lasted long with lots of laughter and chatter, and the two families gradually found more in common than initially expected - a shared passion for food, experiencing ups and downs in their business careers, and above all, a common desire to see their children happy.

At the end of the meeting, when seeing the guests leave, Mrs. Kim held Mai's hand, her voice sincere. "Thank you, for bringing true happiness to Kien. I'm sorry for my attitude when we first met, I hope you understand, it was just a mother's excessive worry."

“I understand,” Mai replied, emotionally holding her grandmother's hand tightly, “I promise to always try my best to be worthy of this trust.”

Watching the two families parting ways in a warm, intimate atmosphere, Kien put his arm around Mai's shoulder and whispered into her ear. “I think, this is the perfect start for a new chapter for both of us.”

Before getting in the car, Mr. Bao suddenly turned around and called Mai to a private corner. “Can I ask you a question?” he said, his voice deep and warm.

"Yes, just ask," Mai replied, somewhat surprised by the initiative of the normally quiet person.

"I heard Kien tell me," Mr. Bao said, "you were the one who encouraged him to face the past, with his obsession with what happened to me in the past. I want to thank you for that. Over the years, I have always been tormented by seeing my son live a closed life, not daring to trust anyone completely. I think it's partly my fault."

Mai listened, touched by this rare sincerity. "You don't need to blame yourself. I think Mr. Kien understands and loves you very much, he just needs time to learn how to let go of the fear that has been ingrained since childhood."

"You're right," Mr. Bao nodded, his eyes shining with warmth, "and I believe, with you by my side, he will continue to learn how to trust and love more fully. Thank you for appearing in his life at the right time."

Mai couldn't hold back her emotions and bowed her head to thank Mr. Bao for those sincere words. When he returned to the car with Mrs. Kim, she stood and watched, filled with an indescribable warm feeling, knowing that she was not only accepted, but also truly appreciated by the entire family of the person she loved.

Returning to Kien, Mai recounted the short but meaningful conversation with Mr. Bao. After hearing this, Kien's eyes also filled with tears. “My dad rarely talks this much,” he said, his voice choked up, “thank you, for helping my whole family learn to open up again.”

After cleaning up the shop space, Mai and Kien sat together on the familiar bench in front of the porch, looking back at the last meeting with many mixed emotions but mainly happiness.

"I didn't expect," Mai said, resting her head on his shoulder, "that everything would go so smoothly. I thought there would be a lot of awkwardness."

“Me too,” Kien replied, “but perhaps, after everything our two families have witnessed — from the engagement, to the fight to protect the alley, to the public love video that went viral — everyone realizes that the true love between us deserves full support.”

Mai nodded and was silent for a moment, enjoying this rare peace. “I think,” she said later, her voice gentle, “the journey ahead of us, although there are still many unknowns, at least now, we no longer have to Worry about external barriers too.”

“That's right,” Kien replied, gently kissing her hair, “now we're the only ones left, with common plans and dreams that we both built together, no longer entangled by anything from the past.”

They sat together under the soft light of the shop, enjoying a moment of complete peace after a long and tumultuous journey, filled with hope and confidence in a bright future that was gradually opening up before both of them.

The next day, when Mai recounted the meeting to Linh, her best friend couldn't hide her curiosity. “So it's officially approved by both families? So what's the next step, the wedding?

"Slow down," Mai blushed, gently pushing her friend's shoulder, "it's just introducing the family, there are many more things to consider carefully."

“Oh well,” Linh smiled, “looking at the way you two have been entwined with each other over the past few months, I bet there will be good news sooner or later. Just prepare yourself mentally."

Mai laughed at her best friend's presumption, although in her heart she could not deny that a part of her was also secretly looking forward to the next steps in her relationship with Kien, after everything they had both experienced and overcome together.

“Never mind,” she said, smiling, “it doesn't matter where we go, the important thing is that we're happy with the present, there's no need to rush anything.”

“Yeah,” Linh nodded, holding her best friend's hand, “but no matter what, I'm ready to be your bridesmaid anytime you need me.”

They both burst into laughter, crisp laughter resounding in the warm space of Sun Cake shop, closing a turbulent period to open a new chapter, where love, family, and friendship intertwine together, creating a picture of a more complete and happier life than ever.