Chapter 26 — Unclosed Profile

One month after the historic trial, Thao Vy's life gradually returned to its normal rhythm, although it brought with it a new relief that she had never felt so completely in the past twelve years. Forensic work at the forensic center continues, but now, every time she enters the lab, she no longer carries the burden of her unresolved past.

"Miss Vy, there is good news," the director of the forensic examination center called her into his private office one morning, his voice filled with respect. "Based on her outstanding contributions in the recent case, especially the professional and conscientious discovery and re-examination of old evidence, we decided to promote her to the position of deputy director of the center, in charge of training and in-depth research."

Thao Vy was stunned by this unexpected good news. "I... I'm truly honored, director," she replied, her voice unable to hide the emotion.

“You deserve this position,” the director said, smiling. "Not only because of her excellent expertise, but also because of the perseverance and integrity she has shown throughout her entire journey, a worthy example for young colleagues to follow."

At the same time, Bao Nam also received worthy recognition for his contributions to this large project. He was promoted to the position of deputy head of the criminal police department, directly in charge of a number of other key cases that need to be resolved.

"Congratulations," Thao Vy said when the two met in the evening to celebrate their good news. "This is a well-deserved recognition for all the efforts you have put in."

"Thank you," Bao Nam replied, raising his glass of orange juice, "and I think we should celebrate this good news together."

While having a meal, Thao Vy shared more about her new plans. "I am thinking of building an in-depth training program on forensic examination for students and young officials, based on the practical experiences I have accumulated. I want to pass on what I have learned, so that no one has to face complex cases alone like I did."

"That's a great idea," Bao Nam said, his eyes filled with support. "She always found a way to turn her difficult experiences into something meaningful for others. That's one of the things I admire most about her."

Thao Vy smiled, feeling a spreading warmth at that sincere compliment. "Thank you," she replied, "with your support, I feel much more confident in pursuing these new plans."

That weekend, Thao Vy and Bao Nam visited Mr. Sau and Mr. Hai, who have become an indispensable part of her life since the investigation journey began. Both men have returned to normal lives, no longer having to live under strict protection as before.

"Miss Vy, Mr. Nam, came to visit without any prior notice," Mr. Hai smiled, inviting them both into the house, the atmosphere was intimate and cozy like long-time family members.

"We just wanted to visit and see how you two are living after everything you've been through," Thao Vy said, sitting down on the chair and accepting the hot tea offered by Mr. Hai.

"My life is much more peaceful now," Mr. Hai shared, his voice relieved. "I no longer have to live in fear scared, worried. The feeling of being able to live true to yourself, without having to hide anything, is truly precious."

Mr. Sau, sitting next to him, also contributed, a familiar gentle smile on his lips. "I still continue to work as a waitress at the restaurant, although now, every time a customer asks about the case, I have the opportunity to tell the story as a reminder of the importance of daring to tell the truth."

The visit was warm, full of stories and laughter, recalling memories throughout the past journey. Before leaving, Thao Vy did not forget to express her deep gratitude once again to both people who contributed significantly to bringing justice for her father.

“Thank you, both of you, for all the courage and determination you have shown,” she said, her voice sincere. "I will always remember what you two sacrificed."

On the way home, Bao Nam glanced at Thao Vy and noticed that her face was much brighter than in the past stressful days. "You seem much happier now," he commented, smiling.

"I feel like I'm living a completely new life," Thao Vy replied, her voice gentle. "Without the burden of the past, I can focus completely on the present, on the good things that lie ahead."

"I'm very happy to see you like that," Bao Nam said, his eyes filled with affection. "You deserve complete happiness after everything you've been through."

That evening, when Thao Vy told her mother about the visit to Mr. Sau and Mr. Hai, and the good news about both her and Bao Nam's promotions, Mrs. Hoa could not hide her happiness. "I never thought that after all the suffering we had gone through, our family would be able to receive so much good news in a row," she said, her voice emotional.

"I think, this is what you want most - to see your family happy and peaceful again," Thao Vy replied, hugging her mother tightly in a warm, meaningful moment between mother and daughter who had overcome many ups and downs together for twelve long years.

A few days later, Thao Vy began building an outline for the forensic training program she had cherished. She spent many evenings diligently researching and consulting international documents, combined with the valuable practical experience she had accumulated through the recent case.

"I want this program to not only teach about appraisal techniques, but also about professional ethics, about the importance of perseverance and integrity in work," she shared with Bao Nam during an evening where they reviewed the outline together. "I want students to understand that, behind every case, there are always real people, real families waiting for justice."

"That's exactly what makes her an excellent forensic scientist," Bao Nam said, looking over each page of the outline with attention. "Not only is he professionally good, but he also has a kind heart, always putting people first."

Thao Vy smiled, feeling a gentle sense of pride when thinking that she would soon have the opportunity to pass on those precious values to the next generation, continuing the spirit that her father had taught her since her childhood days.

A few weeks later, the training program was officially approved by the assessment center's leadership, with the first session scheduled for early next month. Thao Vy spent many nights preparing teaching materials, combining professional theory and real-life stories from her own cases, although she was still careful to omit details that were too personal and sensitive.

"I want them to learn how to balance scientific objectivity and compassion for the victims," she shared with Minh Duc during a casual conversation in the agency canteen. "That is the most important lesson I have learned throughout my journey."

"I believe you will be a great teacher," Minh Duc said, a familiar humorous smile on his lips. "And who knows, in the future I will also ask you to further train our technical team on how to coordinate effectively with the forensic department."

"I'm very willing," Thao Vy replied, laughing at that friendly suggestion, clearly feeling the strong bond between teammates who had gone through a challenging but also extremely memorable journey together.

On the weekend evening, Bao Nam invited Thao Vy to visit his parents' house for the first time, an important milestone in the increasingly deepening relationship between the two. His family lived in a small but cozy house in the suburbs. His parents welcomed her with warmth and sincerity.

"You are the Miss Vy that Nam always talks about," Bao Nam's mother said, holding Thao Vy's hand tightly with affectionate eyes. "I heard a lot about your courage and perseverance in the recent case. I really admire it."

"Thank you," Thao Vy replied, feeling the sincere warmth from this new family. "Mr. Nam has told me a lot about my parents. I'm very happy to meet you two today."

The dinner took place in an intimate, cozy atmosphere, mixed with funny stories and sincere greetings. Looking at the way Bao Nam cares for and cares for her parents, Thao Vy appreciates and loves the man who has accompanied her throughout a meaningful journey.