Tát Con Dâu Rụng Răng Trước 100 Người, Con Dâu Lột Xác Khiến Mẹ Chồng Hối Hận | Truyện Hay Nhất
Ý Nghĩa Câu Chuyện AI
[{'start': '0.080', 'end': '5.160', 'text': 'People say that loving the right person makes every day\nlike a festival, but loving the wrong person makes every'}, {'start': '5.160', 'end': '10.759', 'text': "morning when you open your eyes it's like the end of the contract and\ntoday's story will take you to follow"}, {'start': '10.759', 'end': '15.920', 'text': 'Van An, the girl who once put her heart\nin the wrong place and then rewrote her'}, {'start': '15.920', 'end': '21.320', 'text': 'life with the quietest pride from\nthe heartbreaking falls to the'}, {'start': '21.320', 'end': '25.840', 'text': 'journey of powerful transformation. Van An will show\nus that peace is not'}, {'start': '25.840', 'end': '30.960', 'text': 'finding someone to lean on but\nstanding firm and smiling in the face of the'}, {'start': '30.960', 'end': '36.879', 'text': "storms of life. Let's start the\nstory. Many people who have known Van An"}, {'start': '36.879', 'end': '41.600', 'text': "since college, every time they mention her, they\nsum it up in one sentence: she's like a cup of"}, {'start': '41.600', 'end': '47.760', 'text': 'light tea, peaceful and discreet. Indeed, Van An\nhas never tried to squeeze into a crowd.'}, {'start': '47.760', 'end': '53.359', 'text': 'She likes simplicity from her\ncream-colored silk dress to her old stone flat shoes.'}, {'start': '53.359', 'end': '58.600', 'text': 'Hanoi, late autumn days, the cool breeze\nblows in gusts, rolling up the yellow leaves on the'}, {'start': '58.600', 'end': '63.879', 'text': 'side of the old street. Van An stops in front of an\nold bookstore, absentmindedly looking at the books'}, {'start': '63.879', 'end': '68.479', 'text': 'leaning behind the dusty glass frame. The noisy\nworld out there is what she chooses for herself.  A'}, {'start': '68.479', 'end': '75.000', 'text': 'quiet hidden corner, a life that is neither\nostentatious nor hurried. Few people know that'}, {'start': '75.000', 'end': '79.360', 'text': 'behind that simple appearance, Van An is the\nsole heir of a family that was once'}, {'start': '79.360', 'end': '85.320', 'text': 'famous in the North. Her parents died early. Her grandfather\nwas the one who raised her and taught her every'}, {'start': '85.320', 'end': '91.600', 'text': 'word and how to live a decent life, but she\nnever showed it off. During the'}, {'start': '91.600', 'end': '96.119', 'text': 'years she worked at a small media company\non Nguyen Du Street, Van An always played the'}, {'start': '96.119', 'end': '101.159', 'text': 'role of a diligent employee. She sat\nquietly in the corner of the office, working'}, {'start': '101.159', 'end': '106.880', 'text': 'hard, avoiding all gossip. Outsiders only\nknew that she dressed simply and had a gentle personality. She'}, {'start': '106.880', 'end': '112.920', 'text': 'absolutely did not show off to her friends,\nand she did not like noisy gatherings.'}, {'start': '112.920', 'end': '118.880', 'text': '"Have you eaten yet?"  A colleague named\nLien pushed the lunch box towards her, squinting and'}, {'start': '118.880', 'end': '124.320', 'text': 'smiling, "Probably the pate bread you bought and ate\nsince this morning?"'}, {'start': '124.320', 'end': '130.640', 'text': 'Van An smiled lightly, a smile as thin as\nsmoke, "You guessed right, old bread tastes'}, {'start': '130.640', 'end': '137.519', 'text': 'strange."  Lien shook her head and\nwaved her hand as if chasing away mosquitoes. Yes, living a monastic life'}, {'start': '137.519', 'end': '144.360', 'text': 'like you will one day object and\nthen say that her fate is miserable. Van An just smiled and did'}, {'start': '144.360', 'end': '149.519', 'text': 'not answer. She did not like to explain too\nmuch. Each person has their own way to'}, {'start': '149.519', 'end': '155.239', 'text': 'face life. She chose simplicity,\nnot because of poverty but because her heart was'}, {'start': '155.239', 'end': '159.840', 'text': 'not interested in the\nglitz of Hanoi night when all the lights had'}, {'start': '159.840', 'end': '164.400', 'text': 'stopped flashing. Van An returned to her\nsmall rented room in the old apartment complex in'}, {'start': '164.400', 'end': '171.040', 'text': 'Kim Lien area. She opened the door and warm yellow light shone out into\nthe room, which was so clean that there was only an'}, {'start': '171.040', 'end': '177.440', 'text': 'old desk, a rickety wooden shelf, and\na few neatly hung clothes.'}, {'start': '177.440', 'end': '184.159', 'text': 'Van An put down her bag and sighed as she walked\nout onto the balcony. Tonight the weather was cold, the smell of'}, {'start': '184.159', 'end': '191.080', 'text': 'milk flowers mixed in the wind under the dim street lights.\nHanoi was as beautiful and sad as an old poem. She'}, {'start': '191.080', 'end': '196.360', 'text': 'closed her eyes and let the wind blow through her hair. She\nthought to herself that if life was as simple as'}, {'start': '196.360', 'end': '201.879', 'text': 'this, she would be content. But\nfate never leaves those who are'}, {'start': '201.879', 'end': '206.920', 'text': 'content too soon alone.\nOne early winter day when a'}, {'start': '206.920', 'end': '212.840', 'text': 'thin coat was not enough to block out the cutting cold. Van\nAn met Khanh.  Minh, a chance meeting'}, {'start': '212.840', 'end': '218.799', 'text': 'but a turning point that even she did\nnot expect that day the company organized a'}, {'start': '218.799', 'end': '223.599', 'text': 'seminar for a famous interior brand,\nVan An was assigned to be on duty to welcome'}, {'start': '223.599', 'end': '229.680', 'text': 'guests. A simple white shirt, black pants,\nthin-rimmed glasses, she did not stand out'}, {'start': '229.680', 'end': '235.239', 'text': 'in the bustling crowd. Khanh Minh\nappeared in an ash gray vest, holding a'}, {'start': '235.239', 'end': '241.200', 'text': 'name tag in his hand, his eyes shining with\nconfidence. When he caught her eyes, he'}, {'start': '241.200', 'end': '247.040', 'text': 'smiled lightly, the kind of smile that easily made people\nfeel respected. "Hello, my'}, {'start': '247.040', 'end': '255.159', 'text': 'name is Khanh Minh from Minh An Design Company.\n"  Van An bowed her head and smiled, Minh'}, {'start': '255.159', 'end': '261.320', 'text': 'invited him into the hall on the right. This was\njust a simple polite sentence, but Khanh'}, {'start': '261.320', 'end': '266.160', 'text': 'Minh stopped for a moment and looked deeply into\nher eyes. His eyes did not carry the'}, {'start': '266.160', 'end': '272.600', 'text': 'usual lust in men, but were calm and\ngentle like a light touch. The'}, {'start': '272.600', 'end': '277.400', 'text': 'conference passed without anything special,\nbut when leaving, Khanh Minh took the initiative to'}, {'start': '277.400', 'end': '284.039', 'text': 'find her and gave her a business card. If you are\nfree, I hope to invite you for a cup of coffee'}, {'start': '284.039', 'end': '289.840', 'text': 'as a thank you for welcoming me today."\nVan An received the card and only nodded slightly,'}, {'start': '289.840', 'end': '294.520', 'text': 'not making any promises. She was not used to being close\nto strangers, and did not like to socialize'}, {'start': '294.520', 'end': '300.280', 'text': "without purpose. However, what impressed her\nwas Khanh Minh's eyes at that time, clear and"}, {'start': '300.280', 'end': '307.400', 'text': 'sincere, without any calculation. She\nwalked back under the canopy of the old banyan tree. Van An'}, {'start': '307.400', 'end': '312.840', 'text': 'opened her phone and scrolled through the newly received messages.\n"If possible, I hope to know you'}, {'start': '312.840', 'end': '318.960', 'text': 'a little more, even if it\'s just to be friends."\nShe smiled softly and put her phone in her coat pocket.'}, {'start': '318.960', 'end': '325.919', 'text': 'That night in Hanoi was colder than usual,\nbut in her heart she felt strangely warm.'}, {'start': '325.919', 'end': '330.400', 'text': 'There were meetings that were small but\nplanted a seed.  a very'}, {'start': '330.400', 'end': '336.440', 'text': "long fate two days later on a sunny afternoon\nVan An's phone lit up again with"}, {'start': '336.440', 'end': '342.639', 'text': "a new message he had just finished a\nstressful meeting if you know I'll invite"}, {'start': '342.639', 'end': '347.800', 'text': 'you for a cup of coffee to relieve stress\nshe looked at that simple line and smiled slightly'}, {'start': '347.800', 'end': '352.240', 'text': "Khanh Minh didn't use sweet words\nnor did he let out awkward greetings"}, {'start': '352.240', 'end': '358.400', 'text': 'he was just like that straightforward\nand sincere Van An hesitated for a'}, {'start': '358.400', 'end': '365.120', 'text': "moment then typed again 6 o'clock coffee shop on the\ncorner of Hue street ok the other side"}, {'start': '365.120', 'end': '372.280', 'text': 'replied right away he waited the old coffee shop was\nhidden in a small street the tiled roof had'}, {'start': '372.280', 'end': '378.400', 'text': 'faded over the years when she walked in Khanh\nMinh was already sitting at the corner of the table near the window his'}, {'start': '378.400', 'end': '382.840', 'text': 'office suit was replaced by a white shirt with rolled up\nsleeves his bright face shone with'}, {'start': '382.840', 'end': '387.520', 'text': 'just enough fatigue to make people\nfeel he was a part of everyday life and'}, {'start': '387.520', 'end': '393.560', 'text': 'not someone living in a glamorous world\nhe stood up when he saw her pull up a chair "You'}, {'start': '393.560', 'end': '398.880', 'text': 'chose a good place it seems suitable for someone who\nlikes quiet like you."  Van An gently'}, {'start': '398.880', 'end': '403.560', 'text': 'sat down, her voice warm "This shop makes\ncoffee that\'s not bad and the'}, {'start': '403.560', 'end': '410.639', 'text': 'price is affordable" he laughed, his\nvoice also mixed with a bit of teasing, "I\'ll invite you, you'}, {'start': '410.639', 'end': '416.080', 'text': 'don\'t have to worry about the price, let me\nshoulder this bill." Van An'}, {'start': '416.080', 'end': '421.160', 'text': 'curled her lips and smiled, a very small\nbut extremely charming smile. The man'}, {'start': '421.160', 'end': '426.720', 'text': 'in front of her was not in a hurry, not\narrogant, the way he spoke was close enough'}, {'start': '426.720', 'end': '432.400', 'text': 'but also enough to maintain respect\nfor her. They ordered two cups of black coffee without'}, {'start': '432.400', 'end': '436.520', 'text': 'sugar,\nan interesting coincidence. Khanh Minh'}, {'start': '436.520', 'end': '442.560', 'text': 'rested his chin on his hand and tilted his head to look at her. He was\ncurious why she chose to be a'}, {'start': '442.560', 'end': '448.800', 'text': 'receptionist when with the way she behaved, he believed\nshe could absolutely do a higher position. The'}, {'start': '448.800', 'end': '455.080', 'text': 'question surprised Van An. She rested her hand\non the coffee cup, her voice calm.'}, {'start': '455.080', 'end': '459.879', 'text': "Not everyone has to race to climb\nup, there are people who just need to stand firm, that's"}, {'start': '459.879', 'end': '463.840', 'text': 'enough.\nKhanh Minh was silent and then chuckled'}, {'start': '463.840', 'end': '469.520', 'text': 'softly, "I like your way of thinking.\nIn a society where everyone is rushing, few'}, {'start': '469.520', 'end': '476.039', 'text': 'people choose to live like that." He stopped, his\neyes drooping just like his.'}, {'start': '476.039', 'end': '480.680', 'text': 'when he also wondered why he was rushing into\nsuccess if no one was'}, {'start': '480.680', 'end': '487.240', 'text': "truly by his side that sentence, though light,\nmade Van An's heart stir slightly she"}, {'start': '487.240', 'end': '490.879', 'text': 'understood that feeling the feeling of being\nadmired on the outside but'}, {'start': '490.879', 'end': '496.120', 'text': 'lonely deep inside they talked\nendlessly about small habits'}, {'start': '496.120', 'end': '500.560', 'text': 'he liked to sketch by hand when\nstressed she liked to read old poetry collections from the'}, {'start': '500.560', 'end': '505.639', 'text': '80s he liked to sit at a sidewalk cafe more than a\nfancy restaurant she liked to listen to the'}, {'start': '505.639', 'end': '510.560', 'text': 'rain at night more than the music that was about to create the atmosphere\nbetween them slowly like a'}, {'start': '510.560', 'end': '514.680', 'text': 'song without words each story was like\nadding a light beat'}, {'start': '514.680', 'end': '520.080', 'text': 'khanh Minh looked at his watch hesitantly\nhe should have gone home early to review the design'}, {'start': '520.080', 'end': '526.959', 'text': 'for the customer but he smiled his eyes as if\nteasing he was trying to avoid work van An narrowed his'}, {'start': '526.959', 'end': '533.279', 'text': 'eyes how long could he hide he was\nprobably only able to hide when he finished drinking'}, {'start': '533.279', 'end': '539.680', 'text': 'this cup of coffee they both laughed a\nsmall but complete laugh when they'}, {'start': '539.680', 'end': '545.440', 'text': 'left the cafe Hue street the lights came on the light from the\ncar headlights swept across the street'}, {'start': '545.440', 'end': '552.560', 'text': 'mottled with old yellow light they walked\nslowly on the sidewalk she held  hugging the cloth bag,'}, {'start': '552.560', 'end': '558.880', 'text': 'he put both hands in his pockets,\noccasionally glancing at her at the intersection, Khanh Minh'}, {'start': '558.880', 'end': '563.680', 'text': "suddenly stopped, his voice was lower than\nusual, he didn't know if she believed in the"}, {'start': '563.680', 'end': '570.279', 'text': 'little things that shape the future,\nVan An tilted his head, he was about to say something,'}, {'start': '570.279', 'end': '575.839', 'text': 'he smiled, his eyes shining with a sparkling light\nunder the street light, he thought that if she had'}, {'start': '575.839', 'end': '580.800', 'text': "n't nodded to meet him that day, maybe his\nlife would have missed a very important piece,"}, {'start': '580.800', 'end': '585.560', 'text': 'she laughed and shook her head, he was exaggerating, it was'}, {'start': '585.560', 'end': '593.240', 'text': "n't true, he was half-joking, half-serious,\nso if next time I invite you to dinner, do"}, {'start': '593.240', 'end': '599.640', 'text': "n't refuse, okay? she laughed, tilting her\nhead to see which restaurant he chose,"}, {'start': '599.640', 'end': '605.480', 'text': 'Khanh Minh spread his hands out, pretending to say, "I\npromise to choose a popular restaurant that suits'}, {'start': '605.480', 'end': '612.360', 'text': 'your style, not flashy, not\nostentatious." Van An burst out laughing, a'}, {'start': '612.360', 'end': '618.519', 'text': 'clear laugh like a small bell spreading\nthrough the air, for the first time in a long time,'}, {'start': '618.519', 'end': '622.000', 'text': 'she felt like her life had\nanother beat, the beat of'}, {'start': '622.000', 'end': '628.360', 'text': 'something very gentle and very real,\nthat night when she returned to her old room,'}, {'start': '628.360', 'end': '634.320', 'text': 'she sat down by the half-open window, letting her hand\ngently stroke the page  The first words'}, {'start': '634.320', 'end': '640.079', 'text': 'she wrote in her notebook were not names\nnor were they memories, they were'}, {'start': '640.079', 'end': '645.760', 'text': 'simply people who entered her life as lightly\nas a gust of wind but were enough to change the whole'}, {'start': '645.760', 'end': '652.440', 'text': 'season outside. The night wind in Hanoi still blew\ngently through the fake mother-of-pearl trees in'}, {'start': '652.440', 'end': '656.560', 'text': "Hanoi. On the days leading up to Tet, the cold wind cut\nthrough but people's hearts were warmed by the"}, {'start': '656.560', 'end': '663.000', 'text': 'trucks carrying peach and apricot blossoms that filled the\nstreets. Van An stood in front of the mirror, her hands'}, {'start': '663.000', 'end': '668.920', 'text': 'awkwardly adjusting the hem of her jade green ao dai. The\ndress was simple, not decorated with sparkling stones,'}, {'start': '668.920', 'end': '673.240', 'text': "only had rustic hand-embroidered flower branches.\nShe didn't like things that were too"}, {'start': '673.240', 'end': '678.720', 'text': "flashy, and she didn't want to be the center of attention\nin noisy places outside the living room."}, {'start': '678.720', 'end': '684.000', 'text': 'Khanh Minh had been waiting for him, wearing a light gray suit with a\nloose tie as if on purpose to'}, {'start': '684.000', 'end': '690.000', 'text': 'look less serious. As soon as he saw her step\nout, he was stunned for a second and then'}, {'start': '690.000', 'end': '695.360', 'text': 'smiled warmly, "I bet today you\'ll\nmake my whole family look back."'}, {'start': '695.360', 'end': '700.440', 'text': 'Van An pursed her lips and smiled lightly, "Don\'t\nflatter me, I just want to be a'}, {'start': '700.440', 'end': '705.880', 'text': 'humble guest in your mother\'s eyes." He\napproached and gently pulled the loose strand of hair in front of'}, {'start': '705.880', 'end': '711.360', 'text': 'her forehead, his voice low.  down "You don\'t have to\nforce yourself to be accepted, just'}, {'start': '711.360', 'end': '716.440', 'text': 'being yourself is\nenough." But Van An knows things are not'}, {'start': '716.440', 'end': '721.360', 'text': 'that simple. Being the daughter-in-law of a family with a\nlong tradition of doing business in Hanoi'}, {'start': '721.360', 'end': '726.160', 'text': 'requires more than just a sincere heart.\nThe car rolls slowly through the'}, {'start': '726.160', 'end': '731.399', 'text': 'crowded old town. Red lanterns hang along the\nstreets. Crowds of people jostle each other to'}, {'start': '731.399', 'end': '737.199', 'text': 'shop for Tet in the car. Khanh Minh holds\nher hand tightly as if to give her peace of'}, {'start': '737.199', 'end': '741.880', 'text': "mind. He himself is hesitant.\nThe three-story house of Khanh Minh's family is"}, {'start': '741.880', 'end': '748.639', 'text': 'located in the Hue area. The old house has shiny wooden pillars. The\nancestral altar is painted red and'}, {'start': '748.639', 'end': '753.680', 'text': 'gold. As soon as they step through the gate, Van An\nfeels a silent atmosphere'}, {'start': '753.680', 'end': '757.839', 'text': "enveloping them. Mrs. Ha, Khanh Minh's mother, is a"}, {'start': '757.839', 'end': '763.800', 'text': 'woman over 50 years old. Her face is\nsharp. Her eyes are like a ray of light, both scrutinizing and'}, {'start': '763.800', 'end': '771.320', 'text': 'cold. "Hello, uncle." Van An politely\nbows to Mrs. Ha. She nods faintly. Her cold eyes'}, {'start': '771.320', 'end': '776.959', 'text': 'quickly glance over her simple ao dai.\nHer voice is slow, unable to hide her'}, {'start': '776.959', 'end': '781.720', 'text': 'scrutiny. "I\'m Van An.\nKhanh Minh, tell me what you do."  at the'}, {'start': '781.720', 'end': '788.079', 'text': 'media company, right? How is the family?\nVan An smiled calmly? My parents died'}, {'start': '788.079', 'end': '794.600', 'text': 'early. I lived with my grandfather since I was little. My\ngrandfather used to be a teacher in the countryside. Mrs. Ha'}, {'start': '794.600', 'end': '798.720', 'text': "raised her eyebrows slightly and didn't ask any more questions, but her\neyes seemed to have placed her in a"}, {'start': '798.720', 'end': '803.240', 'text': 'certain drawer. Her family background was normal and\npowerless. The'}, {'start': '803.240', 'end': '807.760', 'text': 'family meal took place in an\nawkward atmosphere. Mrs. Ha occasionally asked a few'}, {'start': '807.760', 'end': '812.360', 'text': 'polite questions, but most of the time she\nonly focused on Khanh Minh. She asked'}, {'start': '812.360', 'end': '819.279', 'text': "about the company's partner and the new year project. Van\nAn sat silently, only occasionally picking up"}, {'start': '819.279', 'end': '824.880', 'text': 'food in her bowl, not covering her words. She\nknew that no matter how clever her answer was, it would be'}, {'start': '824.880', 'end': '829.120', 'text': 'difficult to overcome\nher strict gaze.'}, {'start': '829.120', 'end': '835.399', 'text': 'When the meal ended, Khanh Minh asked permission to\ntake Van An to the backyard for a walk. Mrs. Ha looked at him'}, {'start': '835.399', 'end': '841.880', 'text': 'with eyes as calm as deep well water, then\nsighed softly. My son has a'}, {'start': '841.880', 'end': '846.519', 'text': 'bright future and needs a life partner who knows how to\ntake care of things, not just working for a'}, {'start': '846.519', 'end': '852.920', 'text': 'monthly salary. Although those words were small,\nAn still heard them'}, {'start': '852.920', 'end': '858.839', 'text': 'under the old porch. Khanh Minh held her hand. "\nDon\'t be sad, my mother\'s words are still not there."'}, {'start': '858.839', 'end': '865.720', 'text': 'just get used to it."  She looked up with a faint smile,\n"It\'s okay, I don\'t have the habit of'}, {'start': '865.720', 'end': '872.480', 'text': 'pleasing anyone. If I don\'t like you, I wo\nn\'t force myself."  He squeezed her hand and'}, {'start': '872.480', 'end': '879.240', 'text': 'said softly, "As long as you agree, I will stand between\nyou and all the storms."  Van An smiled'}, {'start': '879.240', 'end': '884.680', 'text': 'sadly, she believed his words, but also understood that\nthe distance between promises and reality'}, {'start': '884.680', 'end': '889.880', 'text': 'was often an ocean. In the\nfollowing days, the feelings between the two of them grew'}, {'start': '889.880', 'end': '895.759', 'text': 'deeper and deeper. They went for a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake together, ate a\nsimple bowl of pho for breakfast on the side of Hang Voi Street,'}, {'start': '895.759', 'end': '901.240', 'text': 'sat at a sidewalk cafe, and watched people pass\nby. Every moment with Khanh Minh, Van'}, {'start': '901.240', 'end': '905.079', 'text': 'An clearly felt that he was\ndifferent from the men she had'}, {'start': '905.079', 'end': '910.160', 'text': 'known. He not only loved with words, but\nalso with small actions, giving her a coat'}, {'start': '910.160', 'end': '915.279', 'text': 'when the wind blew, helping her fix a\nshaky bookshelf, remembering her every little habit.'}, {'start': '915.279', 'end': '921.680', 'text': "However, the clouds in\nher heart had not yet completely dissipated. Mrs. Ha's gaze"}, {'start': '921.680', 'end': '926.440', 'text': 'was still like a layer of cold bones covering the\nmeetings. She knew that to go'}, {'start': '926.440', 'end': '932.560', 'text': 'together for a long time, love alone was not enough.\nOne night when they sat together under the'}, {'start': '932.560', 'end': '938.040', 'text': 'fake camphor trees on Tran Quang Dieu Street,\nKhanh Minh held her hand, his eyes serious.'}, {'start': '938.040', 'end': '943.800', 'text': 'He wanted us to go further. This year, Tet,\nhe wanted to take you home to introduce you to his relatives.'}, {'start': '943.800', 'end': '951.720', 'text': "Van An squeezed his hand tightly, his voice\nlowered. Are you sure? Khanh Minh's mother"}, {'start': '951.720', 'end': '957.360', 'text': "interrupted with a determined voice.  Mother's heart may\nnot understand me right away but time will"}, {'start': '957.360', 'end': '964.600', 'text': 'prove it and you, you are sure. Van An was\nsilent, looking into those eyes. For the first time'}, {'start': '964.600', 'end': '969.160', 'text': 'in her life, she allowed herself to\ntrust once more, even though her heart still had a'}, {'start': '969.160', 'end': '974.920', 'text': 'vague sense of insecurity.\nThat night, she stood in front of the mirror, removing her'}, {'start': '974.920', 'end': '980.480', 'text': 'hairpin, looking at her long black hair down to her waist\nin the mirror. Her eyes shone with a'}, {'start': '980.480', 'end': '984.279', 'text': 'light that she had not seen in a long time. Hope,'}, {'start': '984.279', 'end': '989.480', 'text': 'but deep in her eyes, there was also a flicker of\nsomething else. Preparation for'}, {'start': '989.480', 'end': '995.680', 'text': 'love and for the pain that\ncould come at any time. That year,'}, {'start': '995.680', 'end': '1001.000', 'text': 'Tet in Hanoi was unusually cold. The\nfake rain lasted from the night of the 30th'}, {'start': '1001.000', 'end': '1007.160', 'text': 'until the third day of Tet, making the streets\na cold, gray color. Van An put'}, {'start': '1007.160', 'end': '1012.120', 'text': 'on a simple but elegant beige coat.\nShe walked slowly beside'}, {'start': '1012.120', 'end': '1016.920', 'text': 'Khanh Minh, holding hands as a\nsilent affirmation that no matter how cold it was outside,'}, {'start': '1016.920', 'end': '1022.480', 'text': "their hearts still had a warm place for\neach other. Khanh Minh's family held the"}, {'start': '1022.480', 'end': '1027.160', 'text': 'first family reunion of the year at their private home,\npeople jostling each other, laughter and voices'}, {'start': '1027.160', 'end': '1034.400', 'text': 'resounding throughout the house.  Old house Van An sat quietly\nin a corner, attentively pouring tea to invite guests,'}, {'start': '1034.400', 'end': '1039.079', 'text': 'chatting softly with a few aunts and uncles in her family.\nShe was not good at flattery nor did she'}, {'start': '1039.079', 'end': '1044.439', 'text': 'try to appear friendly. Her manners were\nmodest but not humble,'}, {'start': '1044.439', 'end': '1049.360', 'text': 'exuding a steadfast self-respect that\nnot everyone had. But Mrs.'}, {'start': '1049.360', 'end': '1055.240', 'text': "Ha's eyes were different. From beginning to end, she did not take her\neyes off her every small gesture."}, {'start': '1055.240', 'end': '1061.720', 'text': 'A distant aunt happily asked while raising a cup of bamboo wine\nfor Tet, "Is that'}, {'start': '1061.720', 'end': '1066.320', 'text': 'your future daughter-in-law? She looks gentle, it\'s\njust a pity."'}, {'start': '1066.320', 'end': '1072.840', 'text': 'Mrs. Ha smiled faintly, her voice mixed with\nlaughter. Well, being gentle is good, but'}, {'start': '1072.840', 'end': '1077.440', 'text': "our family's big business also needs a\ncapable woman to take on the burden, not just sitting at home"}, {'start': '1077.440', 'end': '1082.960', 'text': 'making drinks. The atmosphere paused\nfor a short beat. Khanh Minh squeezed'}, {'start': '1082.960', 'end': '1088.799', 'text': "Van An's hand under the table. His eyes\nclearly showed dissatisfaction, but Van An only"}, {'start': '1088.799', 'end': '1093.880', 'text': 'smiled calmly, to the point that\neven Mrs. Ha was a little surprised.'}, {'start': '1093.880', 'end': '1099.039', 'text': 'She was used to not responding hastily.\nDeep down, Van An understood that a'}, {'start': '1099.039', 'end': '1104.559', 'text': 'real battle was not won by words\nbut by time and courage. The'}, {'start': '1104.559', 'end': '1109.400', 'text': 'party ended when everyone had\ngradually left. Khanh Minh took her to the'}, {'start': '1109.400', 'end': '1115.559', 'text': 'rooftop to watch the fireworks on the third night. The\ncold wind blew in her face, but she still stood still,'}, {'start': '1115.559', 'end': '1121.320', 'text': 'watching the fireworks bloom in the\ndark sky. Khanh Minh pressed close to her, his'}, {'start': '1121.320', 'end': '1127.799', 'text': 'voice low, "I\'m sorry for what\nmy mother said today, you don\'t need to pay attention."'}, {'start': '1127.799', 'end': '1134.080', 'text': 'Van An tilted her head and smiled softly. "I\'m not that\nvulnerable. I\'m just a little sorry because'}, {'start': '1134.080', 'end': '1139.679', 'text': 'today should have been a more complete day\n." He took her hand and pressed it to'}, {'start': '1139.679', 'end': '1146.200', 'text': 'his chest. "I just need you."  Don\'t let go of my hand,\nI will take care of everything else."'}, {'start': '1146.200', 'end': '1150.080', 'text': 'The fireworks illuminated the faces of the two\npeople, the flickering lights twinkling'}, {'start': '1150.080', 'end': '1155.080', 'text': 'like the fragile desires\nin their hearts. The days after Tet,'}, {'start': '1155.080', 'end': '1160.240', 'text': 'Minh An company where Khanh Minh built entered a\ndifficult period. The interior design market was'}, {'start': '1160.240', 'end': '1166.120', 'text': 'saturated. Many large projects were stagnant\ndue to the tightening of construction policies. Khanh'}, {'start': '1166.120', 'end': '1172.320', 'text': 'Minh was stressed day and night, busy with\ndrawings. Long meetings. Van'}, {'start': '1172.320', 'end': '1176.080', 'text': "An saw everything but she didn't say\nmuch."}, {'start': '1176.080', 'end': '1181.960', 'text': 'She quietly opened up the old relationships of her\ngrandfather who had left behind a few old friends,'}, {'start': '1181.960', 'end': '1186.200', 'text': 'seniors in the construction industry,\nfamous architects at one time. All'}, {'start': '1186.200', 'end': '1191.799', 'text': 'the doors that seemed to have been closed.\nVan An skillfully and discreetly introduced Khanh'}, {'start': '1191.799', 'end': '1198.000', 'text': 'Minh to those people without\nexaggeration, without leaving any traces. She knew that if'}, {'start': '1198.000', 'end': '1203.799', 'text': 'Khanh Minh knew, he would refuse.\nHis self-esteem was as high as a tower.'}, {'start': '1203.799', 'end': '1209.240', 'text': 'Every meeting, she just stood far away. A\nphone call, an introduction. A'}, {'start': '1209.240', 'end': '1213.679', 'text': 'short letter or sometimes just a few\nclever messages through an'}, {'start': '1213.679', 'end': '1218.760', 'text': 'intermediary. Not everyone understood that\nsilent support required more courage.  Surely'}, {'start': '1218.760', 'end': '1225.960', 'text': 'the exaggerated praises of Mrs. Ha of\ncourse did not know that in Mrs.'}, {'start': '1225.960', 'end': '1231.200', 'text': "Van An's eyes, she was still just a girl with no power\nor reputation who was just lucky enough to cling"}, {'start': '1231.200', 'end': '1235.720', 'text': 'to Khanh Minh\none night after completing a'}, {'start': '1235.720', 'end': '1241.520', 'text': 'big contract with a Japanese design corporation.\nKhanh Minh happily called her "did you'}, {'start': '1241.520', 'end': '1247.919', 'text': 'sign it, An?" A real turning point,\nhis voice rang out on the phone,'}, {'start': '1247.919', 'end': '1254.000', 'text': 'full of joy that she had not heard for a long time. Van\nAn smiled, her eyes shining with'}, {'start': '1254.000', 'end': '1261.200', 'text': 'gentleness, "I knew it, I trusted you from the\nfirst time we met." He was silent for a second, as if'}, {'start': '1261.200', 'end': '1265.919', 'text': 'moved, then whispered, "I owe you a\nthank you."'}, {'start': '1265.919', 'end': '1271.760', 'text': 'louder than any words she did not answer just\nsilently looked out the window where the'}, {'start': '1271.760', 'end': '1277.919', 'text': 'night sky was deep drawing tiny stars there\nwere things that did not need to be said'}, {'start': '1277.919', 'end': '1283.159', 'text': "but Van An understood that this success would\nmake Khanh Minh's mother even more proud of him"}, {'start': '1283.159', 'end': '1288.240', 'text': 'and would also make her eyes even more\nstrict with her success could not'}, {'start': '1288.240', 'end': '1293.400', 'text': 'erase prejudice sometimes it only\ndeepened the distance'}, {'start': '1293.400', 'end': '1299.120', 'text': 'and she also had a hunch that the real challenges\nhad just begun spring Hanoi'}, {'start': '1299.120', 'end': '1303.799', 'text': 'gradually passed giving way to the\ngolden sunny summer days spread out on the'}, {'start': '1303.799', 'end': '1310.000', 'text': 'streets the weather was pleasant to the heart as well\nas light with each wind'}, {'start': '1310.000', 'end': '1314.039', 'text': 'Minh An company entered a rapid development cycle\nafter the strategic handshakes that'}, {'start': '1314.039', 'end': '1319.880', 'text': 'Khanh Minh won project after project orders poured in under the'}, {'start': '1319.880', 'end': '1324.080', 'text': "name of success that was the result of\nKhanh Minh's talent and efforts that was"}, {'start': '1324.080', 'end': '1329.279', 'text': 'not wrong but behind\nthose contracts Van An still quietly acted as the'}, {'start': '1329.279', 'end': '1335.320', 'text': 'doorkeeper to help him have the opportunity to enter\nplaces that seemed impossible but'}, {'start': '1335.320', 'end': '1339.559', 'text': 'along with that rise came changes\nin life  also began to infiltrate'}, {'start': '1339.559', 'end': '1345.600', 'text': 'subtly and unpredictably that day in\na meeting of close partners Van'}, {'start': '1345.600', 'end': '1350.360', 'text': 'An first met Mai Chi\nMai Chi appeared radiant like the'}, {'start': '1350.360', 'end': '1356.720', 'text': 'early summer sun body hugging dress red lipstick highlighted\nlong wavy hair and a'}, {'start': '1356.720', 'end': '1361.840', 'text': 'smile that seemed to have been practiced to\nperfection she naturally put her arm around Mrs Ha and walked'}, {'start': '1361.840', 'end': '1367.679', 'text': 'into the banquet hall laughing and\nnot bothering to pay attention to the eyes around'}, {'start': '1367.679', 'end': '1372.320', 'text': '"this is Mai Chi my best friend\'s daughter\n."  Mrs. Ha introduced her voice as sweet as'}, {'start': '1372.320', 'end': '1378.279', 'text': 'pouring honey, graduated in marketing in\nSingapore, very talented,'}, {'start': '1378.279', 'end': '1383.400', 'text': 'Van An stood silently next to Khanh Minh, her smile\nremained the same but her eyes were soaked with'}, {'start': '1383.400', 'end': '1389.840', 'text': 'a layer of cold mist. Mai Chi did not\nhesitate to step forward and extend her hand to'}, {'start': '1389.840', 'end': '1396.240', 'text': 'Khanh Minh, very happy to meet you, Minh, I\nheard Ms. Ha mention you a lot, Khanh'}, {'start': '1396.240', 'end': '1401.400', 'text': 'Minh politely shook hands, her eyes only stopped at\nher, it was polite, but Van An, with her'}, {'start': '1401.400', 'end': '1406.400', 'text': 'sharp intuition as a woman, immediately understood that\nthis relationship was not simple. The'}, {'start': '1406.400', 'end': '1411.039', 'text': 'party took place in a\nfake polite atmosphere. Mrs. Ha pulled Mai Chi to sit'}, {'start': '1411.039', 'end': '1416.360', 'text': 'next to Khanh Minh, occasionally\nsaying something casual, she was'}, {'start': '1416.360', 'end': '1420.559', 'text': "very active and agile. Today's daughter-in-law\nmust be active like that to reduce the burden on her"}, {'start': '1420.559', 'end': '1426.600', 'text': "husband's family. Every time like that, Khanh Minh just\nsmiled faintly and picked up food for Van An as a"}, {'start': '1426.600', 'end': '1431.679', 'text': 'way to publicly express his stance,\nbut Van An understood that his determination was'}, {'start': '1431.679', 'end': '1437.120', 'text': 'not certain to be able to resist the\nundercurrents that lasted until the end of the party when'}, {'start': '1437.120', 'end': '1443.559', 'text': "everyone gradually left. Mrs. Ha pulled Van An's hand back, her\nvoice was soft but contained sharp thorns. Oh, I"}, {'start': '1443.559', 'end': '1449.840', 'text': 'think you should reconsider.  A\nsmall media job with an unstable income,'}, {'start': '1449.840', 'end': '1454.679', 'text': 'how can I worry about the future? Minh,\nif you need it, Mom, find me a job at a'}, {'start': '1454.679', 'end': '1460.279', 'text': "familiar company that is less tiring.\nVan An gently raised her head, smiling as thin as a spider's"}, {'start': '1460.279', 'end': '1466.919', 'text': 'web. I thank you for your good intentions, Mom, but I am\nsatisfied with my current life. I think'}, {'start': '1466.919', 'end': '1470.240', 'text': 'a strong family does not depend solely on\nincome.'}, {'start': '1470.240', 'end': '1475.039', 'text': 'Her eyes darkened, clearly she did not\nlike that kind of straightforward answer without'}, {'start': '1475.039', 'end': '1481.480', 'text': 'giving in. On the way home, Khanh Minh\nheld her hand tighter than usual. The car'}, {'start': '1481.480', 'end': '1485.799', 'text': 'slowly rolled over Truong Duong bridge. The\ncity in the distance sparkled with lights like the'}, {'start': '1485.799', 'end': '1493.120', 'text': 'night sky being pulled down to the ground. "I\'m\nsorry."  He muttered hoarsely, "For'}, {'start': '1493.120', 'end': '1500.159', 'text': 'what?"  She asked with a faraway look\nbecause I have to endure such looks because of'}, {'start': '1500.159', 'end': '1506.480', 'text': "your mother because of the things you can't\nchange. Van An shook her head. I don't need you to"}, {'start': '1506.480', 'end': '1513.919', 'text': 'apologize. I just need you to believe in me.\nHe squeezed her hand tightly. The following days,'}, {'start': '1513.919', 'end': '1518.919', 'text': 'Mai Chi began to appear more and\nmore often. Sometimes she brought documents'}, {'start': '1518.919', 'end': '1523.520', 'text': "to Khanh Minh's office by chance. Sometimes she\nvisited Minh An's company with Mrs. Ha because she"}, {'start': '1523.520', 'end': '1528.480', 'text': 'wanted to learn from experience.\nVan An never questioned her. She chose to'}, {'start': '1528.480', 'end': '1533.799', 'text': 'observe and she clearly saw that Mrs. Ha always\ncreated conditions for Mai Chi to approach Khanh'}, {'start': '1533.799', 'end': '1539.640', 'text': 'Minh as if she wanted to make a\nsilent but cruel comparison. Once, when Van'}, {'start': '1539.640', 'end': '1544.240', 'text': 'An stopped by the office to bring dinner to\nKhanh Minh, she caught Mai Chi leaning'}, {'start': '1544.240', 'end': '1550.840', 'text': 'against the door, holding two cups of coffee. The\nyoung girl smiled meaningfully when she saw her. "Sister'}, {'start': '1550.840', 'end': '1556.880', 'text': 'An is here. I thought Mr. Minh was busy today. I was\ngoing to bring him coffee. Van An'}, {'start': '1556.880', 'end': '1562.679', 'text': 'smiled and took the coffee from her hand. Her\nvoice was calm. "Then let me bring it'}, {'start': '1562.679', 'end': '1568.039', 'text': 'to him." "Thank\nyou." Not a trace of jealousy, not a single one.'}, {'start': '1568.039', 'end': '1572.960', 'text': 'angry eyes are just a cold calmness the\nsharpest weapon'}, {'start': '1572.960', 'end': '1577.960', 'text': 'in silent battles\nshe knows if she lets her feelings waver because of'}, {'start': '1577.960', 'end': '1584.159', 'text': 'petty tricks then the\nfirst loser will be herself that night when'}, {'start': '1584.159', 'end': '1588.919', 'text': 'Khanh Minh comes home he sees Van An\nsitting on the balcony the street lights cast on'}, {'start': '1588.919', 'end': '1594.679', 'text': 'her face a fragile yet\nresilient beauty he walks over and hugs her'}, {'start': '1594.679', 'end': '1600.440', 'text': 'from behind his voice warmly "I don\'t need\nanyone else but you."'}, {'start': '1600.440', 'end': '1607.120', 'text': 'Van An gently leans her head on his chest and closes her eyes\nwhispering "I know but in her heart'}, {'start': '1607.120', 'end': '1613.399', 'text': 'she also knows the real challenge has just\nbegun." March comes with'}, {'start': '1613.399', 'end': '1618.559', 'text': 'persistent drizzle and cold air\nseeping deep into the skin Hanoi puts'}, {'start': '1618.559', 'end': '1623.679', 'text': 'on a gloomy gray coat like a\nsad ink painting'}, {'start': '1623.679', 'end': '1627.799', 'text': "in that weather Khanh Minh's family\nis preparing for a grand event the"}, {'start': '1627.799', 'end': '1633.120', 'text': '60th birthday celebration of Mrs.\nHa the event is solemnly held at the'}, {'start': '1633.120', 'end': '1636.399', 'text': 'Royal Hotel one of the\nmost expensive five-star hotels in the'}, {'start': '1636.399', 'end': '1641.520', 'text': 'West Lake area Dong Dao guests are not\nlimited to just the family  but also'}, {'start': '1641.520', 'end': '1646.679', 'text': 'business partners, friends, even\nbig shots in the business world,'}, {'start': '1646.679', 'end': '1651.159', 'text': 'Mrs. Ha of course wanted everything to be'}, {'start': '1651.159', 'end': '1656.360', 'text': 'perfect and in that perfect picture, Van\nAn, the future daughter-in-law,'}, {'start': '1656.360', 'end': '1661.360', 'text': 'should only stand in a dim corner like a\nbackground, no more than'}, {'start': '1661.360', 'end': '1665.880', 'text': 'a week before the party, in a\nbrief conversation with Khanh Minh, Mrs. Ha'}, {'start': '1665.880', 'end': '1671.120', 'text': "said something indifferent, remembering to tell An\nwhat to wear so that outsiders don't"}, {'start': '1671.120', 'end': '1677.840', 'text': 'see and then gossip about the family. Khanh Minh frowned, "Don\'t\nworry, Mom, An knows how to behave,'}, {'start': '1677.840', 'end': '1683.960', 'text': 'but Van An heard it and she\nclearly understood the hidden meaning in every word. Mrs. Ha'}, {'start': '1683.960', 'end': '1689.480', 'text': 'did not consider her qualified to\nwalk with Khanh Minh under the bright lights.'}, {'start': '1689.480', 'end': '1694.279', 'text': 'However, she still quietly prepared for the\nceremony with a calm demeanor as'}, {'start': '1694.279', 'end': '1699.880', 'text': 'if there was no pressure.\nThat night, Van An chose for herself a'}, {'start': '1699.880', 'end': '1705.919', 'text': 'long, dark blue dress with a minimalist design,\nno lace, no beads. Her hair was naturally loose. Her'}, {'start': '1705.919', 'end': '1711.760', 'text': 'eyes were lightly made up. Her lips were only lightly painted with\nlight pink lipstick. She walked into the'}, {'start': '1711.760', 'end': '1716.880', 'text': 'hotel lobby, her arm open, embracing\nKhanh Minh, who was in a black Chin'}, {'start': '1716.880', 'end': '1723.880', 'text': "Chu suit.  Holding her hand proudly,\nbut Mrs. Ha's eyes, standing to welcome guests from afar, were"}, {'start': '1723.880', 'end': '1729.600', 'text': 'as cold as a thin sheet of ice next to\nMrs. Mai Chi, radiant in a sparkling red dress,'}, {'start': '1729.600', 'end': '1735.799', 'text': 'holding a large bouquet of flowers, smiling brightly\nlike a sunflower in the sun, she passed'}, {'start': '1735.799', 'end': '1740.519', 'text': 'by Van An, her eyes carrying a hint of hidden\nchallenge'}, {'start': '1740.519', 'end': '1746.320', 'text': 'throughout the party. Van An kept her manners, greeted politely,\nsmiled at the right time, avoiding any'}, {'start': '1746.320', 'end': '1751.880', 'text': 'unnecessary collisions. She understood that today,\nevery action of hers was under the'}, {'start': '1751.880', 'end': '1757.600', 'text': 'scrutiny of many eyes. When the\nmain party began, Mrs. Ha was ushered onto the'}, {'start': '1757.600', 'end': '1762.600', 'text': 'stage under warm yellow lights. She stood\nnext to Khanh Minh and, as expected,'}, {'start': '1762.600', 'end': '1768.480', 'text': 'pulled Mai Chi up to stand with her. "She is my best\nfriend\'s daughter, but I have always considered Mai Chi'}, {'start': '1768.480', 'end': '1774.240', 'text': 'as my own daughter." Mrs. Ha smiled, patted\nMai Chi\'s shoulder, her affectionate voice pouring honey'}, {'start': '1774.240', 'end': '1781.519', 'text': 'into the ears of the guests. The applause rang\nout like waves hitting the shore. Van An'}, {'start': '1781.519', 'end': '1787.480', 'text': 'sat below, lifted her glass of water, took a\nsmall sip, not a frown, not'}, {'start': '1787.480', 'end': '1794.000', 'text': 'a pursed lip, only her eyes were\ndeep and silent like the rippling surface of an autumn lake,'}, {'start': '1794.000', 'end': '1799.320', 'text': "but when Mrs. Ha let go, she smiled and patted Mai Chi's shoulder.  The next sentence, the whole\nhall seemed to fall silent for a beat."}, {'start': '1799.320', 'end': '1804.320', 'text': 'I always hope Khanh Minh will find a\nworthy and capable wife who not only'}, {'start': '1804.320', 'end': '1808.919', 'text': 'knows how to stand behind but also has to shoulder the\nburden of a career together and hold her head high in'}, {'start': '1808.919', 'end': '1815.240', 'text': "front of the world. Those words were like a knife stabbed\nstraight into Van An's chest. Without having to"}, {'start': '1815.240', 'end': '1822.399', 'text': 'name anyone, everyone understood the meaning.\nA few curious and pitiful gazes gradually'}, {'start': '1822.399', 'end': '1827.320', 'text': 'focused on her.\nKhanh Minh held her hand tightly under the table. Van'}, {'start': '1827.320', 'end': '1834.799', 'text': "An's eyes were confused. Van An still smiled,\nbut that smile was cold and distant, as if she"}, {'start': '1834.799', 'end': '1839.760', 'text': 'was watching a sad play in which she\nwas just a stranger who happened to pass by when'}, {'start': '1839.760', 'end': '1845.559', 'text': 'the party was about to disperse. While the guests were\nleaving, Mrs. Ha walked closer to Van An, accompanied'}, {'start': '1845.559', 'end': '1852.360', 'text': 'by Mai Chi behind her. Mrs. Ha pretended to\nsmile and leaned close to her ear, whispering just loud'}, {'start': '1852.360', 'end': '1857.120', 'text': 'enough for the two of them to hear. An,\nif you truly love him, you'}, {'start': '1857.120', 'end': '1861.880', 'text': 'should know how to give way to someone\nmore worthy than someone like you. Someone like you will only make'}, {'start': '1861.880', 'end': '1868.279', 'text': 'him tired. Van An slowly turned to\nlook at her. Her eyes were calm, her'}, {'start': '1868.279', 'end': '1873.360', 'text': 'voice was strangely smooth and calm.\nI thought love meant going'}, {'start': '1873.360', 'end': '1880.080', 'text': 'through unexpected difficulties together with her uncle.\nsimply a fashionable exchange'}, {'start': '1880.080', 'end': '1883.840', 'text': 'Mai Chi stood beside her face slightly changed\ncolor'}, {'start': '1883.840', 'end': '1889.840', 'text': "Mrs. Ha narrowed her eyes and said in a low voice, pushing and\nthreatening, don't think you're smart,"}, {'start': '1889.840', 'end': '1895.799', 'text': "this house is not easy for you,\nVan An smiled slightly, I've never"}, {'start': '1895.799', 'end': '1902.480', 'text': "begged to enter a place that doesn't welcome\nme, uncle, she said, then she turned and walked away, her"}, {'start': '1902.480', 'end': '1908.240', 'text': 'figure straight like a bamboo scene in the\nnight wind. Hanoi outside was drizzling,'}, {'start': '1908.240', 'end': '1914.559', 'text': "but in Van An's heart, a\nstorm was silently forming, a storm that"}, {'start': '1914.559', 'end': '1920.559', 'text': 'would sweep away all\nthis hypocrisy, contempt, and selfishness, it was only a matter of'}, {'start': '1920.559', 'end': '1926.240', 'text': 'time. The party seemed to have come to an\nend, but the real tragedy had'}, {'start': '1926.240', 'end': '1930.600', 'text': 'just begun.\nAn elderly guest, while'}, {'start': '1930.600', 'end': '1936.120', 'text': "chatting with Mrs. Ha, suddenly happily mentioned\nKhanh Minh's marriage. I heard"}, {'start': '1936.120', 'end': '1943.120', 'text': 'Khanh Minh is getting married soon. Congratulations,\nwhere is your fiancée? Let me meet her.'}, {'start': '1943.120', 'end': '1948.399', 'text': 'That simple question in the air\nfilled with the smell of wine and the dim lights suddenly'}, {'start': '1948.399', 'end': '1953.080', 'text': 'became the spark that ignited the simmering\nanger in her heart.'}, {'start': '1953.080', 'end': '1957.840', 'text': 'She turned her head, her cold eyes swept past\nVan An.  Standing quietly in a corner,'}, {'start': '1957.840', 'end': '1963.039', 'text': 'looking calm and composed without a single\nripple, without having time to think further, Mrs. Ha raised'}, {'start': '1963.039', 'end': '1970.000', 'text': 'her voice and said loudly, "Van An, come here."\nAll the guests turned to look at'}, {'start': '1970.000', 'end': '1976.600', 'text': 'her with curious and excited eyes as if\nwaiting for an exciting show. Van An'}, {'start': '1976.600', 'end': '1981.519', 'text': 'slowly walked forward, her dark blue dress swaying slightly\nunder her feet. Her appearance was calm and'}, {'start': '1981.519', 'end': '1986.519', 'text': 'cold.\nMrs. Ha looked at her and sneered, "You know'}, {'start': '1986.519', 'end': '1992.240', 'text': "manners, don't you? When you meet a guest, you stand in a\ncorner and don't know how to greet them. Who would"}, {'start': '1992.240', 'end': '1997.799', 'text': 'think you are qualified to be the beard of this house?"\nVan An stopped one step away from her, her eyes'}, {'start': '1997.799', 'end': '2003.399', 'text': 'calm. I think respect does not\nlie in shouting hello, but in'}, {'start': '2003.399', 'end': '2008.960', 'text': 'sincerity from the heart.\nA moment of silence lasted for a long time, then without warning,'}, {'start': '2008.960', 'end': '2013.840', 'text': "while everyone had not yet\nunderstood what was happening. Mrs. Ha's hand"}, {'start': '2013.840', 'end': '2019.760', 'text': "swung up and hit Van An's cheek. The\nslap echoed in the hall like"}, {'start': '2019.760', 'end': '2024.960', 'text': 'thunder in the clear sky. The wine glass in the\nhand of a nearby waiter trembled and fell'}, {'start': '2024.960', 'end': '2031.080', 'text': 'to the ground, breaking into pieces. A few gasps were\nheard. A few startled looks. Many'}, {'start': '2031.080', 'end': '2037.080', 'text': "other looks were filled with glee and delight.\nVan An's lips bled. She staggered a"}, {'start': '2037.080', 'end': '2042.039', 'text': 'step but quickly regained her balance.\nEverything in that moment seemed to'}, {'start': '2042.039', 'end': '2049.839', 'text': 'freeze. Khanh Minh panicked and rushed forward,\nraising his hand to support her. "Mom, what are you doing'}, {'start': '2049.839', 'end': '2056.839', 'text': '?"  Mrs. Ha gasped, her face red with\nanger, "I\'ll slap her to make her remember."  This house is'}, {'start': '2056.839', 'end': '2062.599', 'text': "not a rude old man who doesn't know how to behave.\nA cousin hurriedly ran over to stop her."}, {'start': '2062.599', 'end': '2069.079', 'text': '"Sister Ha, calm down. Many people are\nlooking. But Mrs. Ha at this moment was like an'}, {'start': '2069.079', 'end': '2074.639', 'text': "angry animal. She turned around and yelled at her\nrelatives. I teach my children. I don't need anyone to teach me"}, {'start': '2074.639', 'end': '2079.200', 'text': 'how to\nbehave. Van An raised her hand to wipe the corner of her lips.'}, {'start': '2079.200', 'end': '2085.320', 'text': 'She raised her head. Her eyes were not red or\ncrying like people thought. There was only a coldness that was suffocating. She was'}, {'start': '2085.320', 'end': '2089.960', 'text': 'calmer and\nmore resilient than ever.'}, {'start': '2089.960', 'end': '2095.159', 'text': 'She slowly turned to Khanh Minh. Her voice was\nvery soft but echoed in his heart.'}, {'start': '2095.159', 'end': '2101.320', 'text': 'Where are you standing? Khanh Minh pursed her lips for\na second. Tran Chu. A moment of'}, {'start': '2101.320', 'end': '2105.280', 'text': 'deadly silence.\nThat was also the moment when Van An understood that'}, {'start': '2105.280', 'end': '2111.000', 'text': 'in this battle, she was alone.\nShe smiled softly. A fragile smile that tore at her'}, {'start': '2111.000', 'end': '2116.880', 'text': "heart. I understand. I don't\nneed anyone to comfort me. I don't need anyone to support me. Van"}, {'start': '2116.880', 'end': '2122.040', 'text': 'An quietly turned around and walked away. Her\ndark blue dress gently brushed the marble floor.'}, {'start': '2122.040', 'end': '2126.400', 'text': 'Each step seemed to weigh down\nthe eyes that followed her. Eyes of'}, {'start': '2126.400', 'end': '2134.480', 'text': "pity, of curiosity, of contempt. But\nshe didn't turn her head. Not once did the"}, {'start': '2134.480', 'end': '2139.520', 'text': 'large door of the hall close softly.\nbehind her the party ended the whole'}, {'start': '2139.520', 'end': '2145.400', 'text': 'journey she had once lifted\nwith all her heart outside the sky was'}, {'start': '2145.400', 'end': '2150.760', 'text': 'drizzling heavily Van An stood under the\nhotel porch watching the raindrops'}, {'start': '2150.760', 'end': '2156.200', 'text': 'rolling down the street revealing the\nlights no one ran after her not a single word of'}, {'start': '2156.200', 'end': '2163.119', 'text': 'apology came from behind she smiled\nsoftly to herself "It\'s okay'}, {'start': '2163.119', 'end': '2168.040', 'text': 'because those who can easily lose\nthemselves because of a slap are not'}, {'start': '2168.040', 'end': '2175.200', 'text': 'worthy of the love she has for them from\ntonight another Van An will be born a'}, {'start': '2175.200', 'end': '2181.359', 'text': 'Van An knows that human hearts have limits\nand self-respect cannot be bargained'}, {'start': '2181.359', 'end': '2188.560', 'text': 'high up the sky Hanoi was dark and the rain was like\na little but in her heart an even'}, {'start': '2188.560', 'end': '2193.160', 'text': 'more violent storm was raging the storm of\nawakening pride awakening after'}, {'start': '2193.160', 'end': '2199.680', 'text': 'months of resignation tonight she\nhad lost a family but she had also'}, {'start': '2199.680', 'end': '2205.960', 'text': 'found herself again the next morning\nHanoi seemed to wake up after a long dream the'}, {'start': '2205.960', 'end': '2210.760', 'text': 'sky was gray and the raindrops\nstill lingered on the glass window'}, {'start': '2210.760', 'end': '2215.960', 'text': 'Van An packed up her small suitcase bringing only\na few sets of clothes and a notebook  The old hand, the'}, {'start': '2215.960', 'end': '2221.400', 'text': 'only thing she had always kept with her since she\nlived with her grandfather, the small rented room in'}, {'start': '2221.400', 'end': '2226.319', 'text': 'Kim Lien area that had been with her\nfor the past four years, suddenly became'}, {'start': '2226.319', 'end': '2231.680', 'text': 'cramped and suffocating. She decided to leave as\nif she wanted to completely cut off the years of'}, {'start': '2231.680', 'end': '2237.680', 'text': 'resignation. After a short phone call,\nan address was sent to the ancient villa'}, {'start': '2237.680', 'end': '2243.000', 'text': 'in Soc Son. The house that had been vacant for a long time\nbelonged to her, but Van An had'}, {'start': '2243.000', 'end': '2249.640', 'text': 'never thought of using it.\nNow it was different. She needed a place to start'}, {'start': '2249.640', 'end': '2256.480', 'text': 'over. The Soc Son villa was located quietly\nin the middle of a green field. The tiled roof was covered with moss.'}, {'start': '2256.480', 'end': '2260.480', 'text': 'The ironwood pillars were still strong after\nall these years.'}, {'start': '2260.480', 'end': '2266.440', 'text': 'She stepped into the house. The smell of old wood mixed\nwith the scent of the earth filled her every breath.'}, {'start': '2266.440', 'end': '2270.440', 'text': 'Uncle Binh, the loyal butler of\nher family, was waiting. A man'}, {'start': '2270.440', 'end': '2277.119', 'text': 'over 60 years old with white hair but his\neyes were still bright. As soon as he saw Van An, he'}, {'start': '2277.119', 'end': '2285.520', 'text': 'bowed his head and greeted her in a deep voice.\nFinally, she returned. Van An smiled softly, her heart'}, {'start': '2285.520', 'end': '2290.680', 'text': 'sank. For years, she had avoided\neverything that was associated with the title of'}, {'start': '2290.680', 'end': '2296.240', 'text': 'mistress, but now.  Now she understood it was time to\nstep into her rightful place'}, {'start': '2296.240', 'end': '2302.200', 'text': '"I\'ll be here for a while."  She\nspoke softly but firmly, I need'}, {'start': '2302.200', 'end': '2308.400', 'text': "a quiet place and also need to prepare\nfor what's coming. Uncle Binh nodded, his"}, {'start': '2308.400', 'end': '2314.000', 'text': 'eyes shining with admiration. The\nfollowing days, Van An threw herself into work like a'}, {'start': '2314.000', 'end': '2318.440', 'text': 'whirlwind. The\nold lady reviewed all the inherited assets,'}, {'start': '2318.440', 'end': '2324.680', 'text': 'arranged the previous investments,\nadjusted the little-known stock portfolio,'}, {'start': '2324.680', 'end': '2329.200', 'text': 'thanks to the skillful investment of her grandfather, she\nwas holding a large amount of shares'}, {'start': '2329.200', 'end': '2333.599', 'text': 'in many large companies in the\ninterior construction industry, including a part of the capital that was'}, {'start': '2333.599', 'end': '2338.599', 'text': 'secretly invested in Minh An Company, which Khanh\nMinh was running. Van An carefully'}, {'start': '2338.599', 'end': '2344.160', 'text': "studied every contract term, every\nline in the minutes of the shareholders' meeting."}, {'start': '2344.160', 'end': '2348.960', 'text': 'Every night, the lights in the office were still on\nuntil late at night. She was no longer the'}, {'start': '2348.960', 'end': '2355.520', 'text': 'patient and resigned girl of the past. Now, Van\nAn turned pain into motivation,'}, {'start': '2355.520', 'end': '2361.960', 'text': 'turned hurt into strength. She knew that\nto survive, she could not rely on'}, {'start': '2361.960', 'end': '2368.560', 'text': "people's hearts. To survive, she had to rely on\nherself. A week later, an extraordinary shareholders' meeting"}, {'start': '2368.560', 'end': '2372.319', 'text': "was held at\nMinh An Company's headquarters."}, {'start': '2372.319', 'end': '2376.640', 'text': 'Khanh Minh had no idea that his\nex-lover, the person he had been unable to  security'}, {'start': '2376.640', 'end': '2381.800', 'text': 'is now quietly changing the fate of the\ncompany Van An did not appear'}, {'start': '2381.800', 'end': '2388.040', 'text': 'immediately she sent her own lawyer to represent her with full\nauthority to make clear requests fake'}, {'start': '2388.040', 'end': '2394.599', 'text': 'financial audit internal audit\nrestructuring senior personnel the surprise that shook the entire'}, {'start': '2394.599', 'end': '2401.119', 'text': 'board of directors\nMrs. Ha when she heard the news immediately rushed over with a'}, {'start': '2401.119', 'end': '2406.880', 'text': 'hoarse voice what right does Van An have to\ninterfere in my company the lawyer'}, {'start': '2406.880', 'end': '2412.560', 'text': 'just calmly opened the file and pushed towards\nher a document with a bright red stamp Ms. Van'}, {'start': '2412.560', 'end': '2418.680', 'text': 'An is currently the second largest shareholder owning\n32% of shares at Minh An all'}, {'start': '2418.680', 'end': '2424.160', 'text': 'strategic decisions have the right to participate in\nvoting Mrs. Ha was stunned Khanh'}, {'start': '2424.160', 'end': '2430.079', 'text': 'Minh sat at the end of the table his two hands\nclenched so tightly they turned white he had'}, {'start': '2430.079', 'end': '2435.359', 'text': "never asked carefully about Van An's true identity\nhe loved her with all his heart but was"}, {'start': '2435.359', 'end': '2440.760', 'text': 'also too confident that she was just a\nweak normal girl who needed his'}, {'start': '2440.760', 'end': '2446.319', 'text': 'protection only at this moment did he realize that the\ngirl who used to lean on his shoulder every time it'}, {'start': '2446.319', 'end': '2453.079', 'text': 'rained turned out to be stronger and more independent than\nanyone but it was too late'}, {'start': '2453.079', 'end': '2460.280', 'text': 'that night when  Van An returned to the villa, it was\nalready dark, she sat on the stone steps, the'}, {'start': '2460.280', 'end': '2466.119', 'text': 'wind from the hill blew cold,\npenetrating to the bones, Uncle Binh brought her'}, {'start': '2466.119', 'end': '2473.640', 'text': 'a cup of hot tea, the owner, he spoke in a low voice, have\nyou ever felt regretful? Van An'}, {'start': '2473.640', 'end': '2480.359', 'text': "smiled very lightly, I don't regret falling in\nlove, I just regret hoping for too much and"}, {'start': '2480.359', 'end': '2485.800', 'text': 'things that are not worthy.\nUncle Binh looked at her for a long time and nodded,'}, {'start': '2485.800', 'end': '2490.319', 'text': 'people who know pain without resentment, know how to\nstand up without being cold, are truly'}, {'start': '2490.319', 'end': '2496.160', 'text': 'strong. She looked up at the\nnight sky where the small stars were'}, {'start': '2496.160', 'end': '2502.079', 'text': 'flickering in the sea of \u200b\u200bdark clouds, I have\nnever hated them, she whispered, I just'}, {'start': '2502.079', 'end': '2509.200', 'text': 'learned how to move on without them,\nand she smiled a peaceful, radiant smile'}, {'start': '2509.200', 'end': '2513.119', 'text': 'as if all the wounds had turned\ninto light.'}, {'start': '2513.119', 'end': '2517.520', 'text': "Two weeks after the shareholders' meeting, cracks\nbegan to appear in the picture of Minh An's company. The"}, {'start': '2517.520', 'end': '2524.079', 'text': "big partners who had always\nadmired Minh An's stability began to be afraid"}, {'start': '2524.079', 'end': '2529.000', 'text': 'when they heard that there were changes within the company.\nNew contracts were delayed, and cash flow'}, {'start': '2529.000', 'end': '2535.359', 'text': 'slowed down. Van An was not\nin a hurry, she just waited quietly.  like'}, {'start': '2535.359', 'end': '2540.119', 'text': 'a patient hunter knowing that\nthe prey will run away from the trap when the morning of the ninth hour'}, {'start': '2540.119', 'end': '2545.880', 'text': 'that morning in the main hall of\nMinh An building a press release was'}, {'start': '2545.880', 'end': '2550.559', 'text': 'announced to the astonishment of all\nemployees and the media Dong'}, {'start': '2550.559', 'end': '2556.440', 'text': 'Van An officially withdrew all 32% of\nshares from Minh An the capital withdrawal process will be'}, {'start': '2556.440', 'end': '2561.559', 'text': 'completed within the next 7 days the news\nwas like a bomb exploding in the'}, {'start': '2561.559', 'end': '2567.480', 'text': 'seemingly peaceful sky the press rushed to exploit the\nleading economic newspapers with'}, {'start': '2567.480', 'end': '2573.440', 'text': 'consecutive headlines Minh An faced the\nbiggest crisis in history Van An mysterious beauty'}, {'start': '2573.440', 'end': '2580.839', 'text': 'shook the interior business world\nKhanh Minh and the Shock named Van An'}, {'start': '2580.839', 'end': '2585.480', 'text': 'internal stock prices dropped rapidly\nmajor partners withdrew one after another or requested to'}, {'start': '2585.480', 'end': '2590.520', 'text': 'renegotiate contracts Minh An company used to be the\npride of the family Khanh'}, {'start': '2590.520', 'end': '2595.480', 'text': 'Minh is now like a tattered boat\nin the middle of a big storm in the boardroom'}, {'start': '2595.480', 'end': '2602.240', 'text': "the atmosphere is as tense as a woman's rope\nHa sat at the head of the table her face was pale her"}, {'start': '2602.240', 'end': '2608.000', 'text': 'eyes were dark from consecutive sleepless nights\nKhanh Minh was silent her hands were clutching'}, {'start': '2608.000', 'end': '2612.599', 'text': 'documents so tightly that the  burning fingers\nwhite an old shareholder sighed'}, {'start': '2612.599', 'end': '2618.280', 'text': "heavily not being able to keep Van An is losing\nhalf of the company's life do you"}, {'start': '2618.280', 'end': '2624.480', 'text': 'understand another person shook his head she\nnot only brought capital she also brought'}, {'start': '2624.480', 'end': '2631.200', 'text': 'prestige losing her we lost the trust\nof our partners Mrs. Ha turned to Khanh Minh her'}, {'start': '2631.200', 'end': '2638.680', 'text': 'voice was harsh but trembling what are you still standing there for\ncall her please come back'}, {'start': '2638.680', 'end': '2641.680', 'text': 'khanh Minh clenched the phone eyes'}, {'start': '2641.680', 'end': '2648.400', 'text': 'empty call star when he himself at the\nmoment she needed it most was silent painfully'}, {'start': '2648.400', 'end': '2653.599', 'text': 'realized sometimes a blink of an eye, a\nturn of the face is enough to lose a'}, {'start': '2653.599', 'end': '2659.359', 'text': 'lifetime that night Van An sat alone on the\nbalcony of Soc Son villa looking at the'}, {'start': '2659.359', 'end': '2665.000', 'text': 'city lights flickering in the distance uncle Binh\nbrought her a letter handwritten from'}, {'start': '2665.000', 'end': '2672.119', 'text': 'Khanh Minh she opened the letter inside only\na few lines you were wrong then you understand it is'}, {'start': '2672.119', 'end': '2677.880', 'text': 'too late if you can please let me\nmeet you once even just to say a'}, {'start': '2677.880', 'end': '2686.960', 'text': 'proper apology Van An folded the letter and put it on the\ntable she did not cry nor was she angry just'}, {'start': '2686.960', 'end': '2693.079', 'text': 'her heart where it used to be the weakest was gone\nsewn up with pride there'}, {'start': '2693.079', 'end': '2699.319', 'text': "are wounds that don't need the perpetrator to\napologize because the victim himself has long"}, {'start': '2699.319', 'end': '2706.040', 'text': 'forgiven himself three days later\nat an old coffee shop by West Lake Van An'}, {'start': '2706.040', 'end': '2713.599', 'text': 'agreed to meet Khanh Minh he walked in\nlooking gaunt his eyes filled with fatigue Van'}, {'start': '2713.599', 'end': '2719.119', 'text': 'An was still the same elegant and calm his bright eyes clear\nwithout'}, {'start': '2719.119', 'end': '2727.359', 'text': 'worries An softly called out his voice as if lost she smiled\ngently not blaming not resenting are'}, {'start': '2727.359', 'end': '2734.240', 'text': 'you okay Khanh Minh forced a smile he\nused to be fine but after that night he'}, {'start': '2734.240', 'end': '2741.200', 'text': 'understood losing you he had nothing of\nhimself left Van An sipped her tea her voice was as light'}, {'start': '2741.200', 'end': '2747.440', 'text': "as the wind I also once lost myself to\nsomeone who wasn't worth it he clenched his hands"}, {'start': '2747.440', 'end': '2756.280', 'text': "on the table holding the words I'm sorry she shook her head\nhe didn't need to apologize really if it wasn't for that"}, {'start': '2756.280', 'end': '2760.880', 'text': 'slap that day maybe you would never\nrealize you deserved'}, {'start': '2760.880', 'end': '2766.079', 'text': "another life a life that didn't have to wait for someone\nelse to protect you he looked up with painful eyes"}, {'start': '2766.079', 'end': '2773.359', 'text': '"do you still have a chance for me?"\nVan An was silent for a moment then smiled very'}, {'start': '2773.359', 'end': '2779.280', 'text': 'gently "you don\'t need to look for me anymore."\nKhanh Minh, from now on, each of us'}, {'start': '2779.280', 'end': '2785.359', 'text': 'must find our own light. She\nsaid, then she stood up, nodded slightly,'}, {'start': '2785.359', 'end': '2790.559', 'text': 'and turned away, leaving with a leisurely appearance.\nKieu Hanh was like a sonata that was'}, {'start': '2790.559', 'end': '2795.839', 'text': 'wild but never stopped. Khanh Minh\nsat alone, watching her figure'}, {'start': '2795.839', 'end': '2801.760', 'text': 'blend into the crowd. His heart ached as if it was being torn apart. He\nunderstood that he had lost the most precious thing'}, {'start': '2801.760', 'end': '2808.079', 'text': 'in his life and lost it\nforever. Hanoi entered April, the'}, {'start': '2808.079', 'end': '2813.839', 'text': 'drizzle had gradually thinned out, giving way to the\ngentle, silk-like sunlight of early summer.'}, {'start': '2813.839', 'end': '2818.119', 'text': 'In a small coffee shop on Phan\nDinh Phung Street, Van An sat across from a'}, {'start': '2818.119', 'end': '2822.319', 'text': 'middle-aged man with silver hair\nbut still strong eyes. Lawyer'}, {'start': '2822.319', 'end': '2828.319', 'text': 'Truong, an old friend of her grandfather, "Are you\nsure about this decision?"  Mr.'}, {'start': '2828.319', 'end': '2834.200', 'text': 'Truong sipped and\nanswered, Van An nodded, her eyes determined,'}, {'start': '2834.200', 'end': '2839.040', 'text': 'I want to spend part of my assets to set up a\nfund, not to do charity and gain fame,'}, {'start': '2839.040', 'end': '2843.880', 'text': 'but to help women who were like\nme, who believed, who fell, and who'}, {'start': '2843.880', 'end': '2849.839', 'text': 'stood up on their own. Mr. Truong looked at her for a long time and\nsmiled. If he could see me'}, {'start': '2849.839', 'end': '2856.760', 'text': "today, he would be very proud. Van An also smiled, a\nserene smile. I don't want anyone to have to"}, {'start': '2856.760', 'end': '2861.040', 'text': 'walk through the rainy night alone like I\ndid. I'}, {'start': '2861.040', 'end': '2866.640', 'text': 'cherish the peaceful touch of life, born in\nsilence, no trumpets, no drums, no flashy signs, no'}, {'start': '2866.640', 'end': '2871.480', 'text': 'noisy press conferences,\njust a small office tucked away'}, {'start': '2871.480', 'end': '2876.599', 'text': 'in a quiet alley on Ha Hoi Street and a\ngroup of dedicated colleagues.'}, {'start': '2876.599', 'end': '2880.839', 'text': 'They receive cases of abused women,\nsingle mothers who need'}, {'start': '2880.839', 'end': '2886.720', 'text': 'support to reintegrate into life,\nyoung girls who have gone astray and need a chance to start over. Van'}, {'start': '2886.720', 'end': '2891.640', 'text': "An doesn't sit in an air-conditioned office and\ndirect from afar, she directly participates in each"}, {'start': '2891.640', 'end': '2896.839', 'text': 'file, each story, each small\nbut sincere dream. One'}, {'start': '2896.839', 'end': '2901.200', 'text': 'day, she and her team traveled all the way\nto the poor boarding houses on the outskirts of the city,'}, {'start': '2901.200', 'end': '2906.200', 'text': 'listening to the trembling voices, the\neyes that have  too familiar with the tiger bag and'}, {'start': '2906.200', 'end': '2912.319', 'text': 'helpless one day she sat until late at night with\nthe orphans just to tell them'}, {'start': '2912.319', 'end': '2915.839', 'text': 'a simple fairy tale\nwithout forgetting to incorporate lessons about'}, {'start': '2915.839', 'end': '2920.720', 'text': 'self-respect and determination\neach person she helped not with'}, {'start': '2920.720', 'end': '2926.319', 'text': 'pity but with the belief that everyone\ndeserves a chance one'}, {'start': '2926.319', 'end': '2931.359', 'text': 'late afternoon when the last sunlight still lingered\non the windowsill Van An was sitting preparing documents when'}, {'start': '2931.359', 'end': '2937.520', 'text': 'the phone rang a strange voice said\nhello Ms. Van An I am Hoang Tuan'}, {'start': '2937.520', 'end': '2942.200', 'text': 'representative of Hoa Quang Group I heard of you\nthrough the women support program that you'}, {'start': '2942.200', 'end': '2947.319', 'text': 'are implementing I have a cooperation proposal\nif you are willing to listen'}, {'start': '2947.319', 'end': '2952.079', 'text': 'Van An frowned slightly surprised she knew\nHoa Quang one of the big real estate groups'}, {'start': '2952.079', 'end': '2956.520', 'text': 'famous for being serious and having real\nsocial programs'}, {'start': '2956.520', 'end': '2963.319', 'text': 'without embellishment "can we meet\n?"  Hoang Tuan asked in a deep voice, "'}, {'start': '2963.319', 'end': '2970.559', 'text': 'naturally."  She thought for a few seconds and then replied,\n"Yes, please send me the appointment schedule."'}, {'start': '2970.559', 'end': '2975.000', 'text': 'The meeting took place at an old coffee shop\non Trang Thi street.'}, {'start': '2975.000', 'end': '2979.960', 'text': 'Hoang Tuan was about 30 years old, tall, with a\nresolute face but gentle eyes.'}, {'start': '2979.960', 'end': '2985.880', 'text': 'He did not beat around the bush or flatter,\njust went straight to the point. Our group'}, {'start': '2985.880', 'end': '2990.079', 'text': 'has a sustainable development program and\nwants to provide long-term funding for'}, {'start': '2990.079', 'end': '2995.520', 'text': 'projects like Touching Peace, but we\nneed a companion with heart and vision and'}, {'start': '2995.520', 'end': '2998.960', 'text': 'does not trade ideals for short-term benefits\n."'}, {'start': '2998.960', 'end': '3003.920', 'text': 'Van An was silent for a moment, then raised her head and\nlooked straight into his eyes. I can'}, {'start': '3003.920', 'end': '3010.520', 'text': 'become poor and have difficulties, but I will not sell\nmy soul. Hoang Tuan smiled.'}, {'start': '3010.520', 'end': '3016.680', 'text': 'That calm smile was exactly why\nwe chose her. The handshake between them was'}, {'start': '3016.680', 'end': '3021.480', 'text': 'simple but firm, like an\nunspoken promise. A new chapter in'}, {'start': '3021.480', 'end': '3025.960', 'text': "Van An's life\nopened. There were no more days of bowing one's head in resignation,"}, {'start': '3025.960', 'end': '3029.240', 'text': 'nor were there nights of holding pain alone.'}, {'start': '3029.240', 'end': '3038.200', 'text': 'Now she walked on her own two feet,\nsteady, calm and free.'}, {'start': '3038.200', 'end': '3043.960', 'text': 'That night, she returned to the Soc Son villa. Van An\nsat alone on the porch watching the'}, {'start': '3043.960', 'end': '3049.760', 'text': 'flickering fireflies in the dark garden that\nUncle Binh brought out.  a cup of warm tea placed'}, {'start': '3049.760', 'end': '3055.480', 'text': 'next to her "Miss, sometimes losing a\ntemporary resting place, the shore is where you find the vast ocean'}, {'start': '3055.480', 'end': '3059.359', 'text': '."\nVan An smiled lightly, her eyes sparkling under the'}, {'start': '3059.359', 'end': '3064.400', 'text': "moonlight, I'm not looking for a resting place anymore,\nuncle, I'm just looking for paths that"}, {'start': '3064.400', 'end': '3069.599', 'text': 'I can walk freely, whether short or\nlong, whether bumpy or'}, {'start': '3069.599', 'end': '3075.760', 'text': 'flat, the cool Soc Son night, the wind\nblowing through the old pine trees,'}, {'start': '3075.760', 'end': '3080.839', 'text': 'and Van An, for the first time in many years,\nfelt truly peaceful in'}, {'start': '3080.839', 'end': '3088.240', 'text': 'her own heart, no longer waiting for someone to hold her hand,\nno longer hoping for anyone to return, only'}, {'start': '3088.240', 'end': '3093.920', 'text': 'herself and the dreams that were gradually appearing\nin her sight. The news that Van An'}, {'start': '3093.920', 'end': '3098.400', 'text': 'established the Peaceful Touch Fund quickly\nspread throughout economic and social forums.'}, {'start': '3098.400', 'end': '3103.079', 'text': 'People mentioned her as a\nstrange phenomenon in the business world, not relying'}, {'start': '3103.079', 'end': '3107.079', 'text': 'on loud media, not\nboasting about a long list of achievements,'}, {'start': '3107.079', 'end': '3111.200', 'text': "but what she did touched\npeople's hearts with her kindness and"}, {'start': '3111.200', 'end': '3116.640', 'text': 'rare courage, while Minh An, the\nbrainchild of Khanh Minh,'}, {'start': '3116.640', 'end': '3121.720', 'text': 'was officially declared bankrupt just 3 months after\nVan An withdrew her capital.'}, {'start': '3121.720', 'end': '3126.720', 'text': "At the old villa of Khanh\nMinh's family on Hue street, the atmosphere was gloomy as if"}, {'start': '3126.720', 'end': '3132.599', 'text': 'every brick and every door was soaked with\ndeadlock. Mrs. Ha sat absentmindedly on the'}, {'start': '3132.599', 'end': '3137.839', 'text': 'shiny black ebony chair. The rare ceramic vase collection had\nbeen almost all mortgaged'}, {'start': '3137.839', 'end': '3144.440', 'text': 'to save the cash flow, but it was still not enough.\nKhanh Minh walked in, his body was thin and his eyes'}, {'start': '3144.440', 'end': '3148.839', 'text': 'were deep in his wrinkled suit as if he\nno longer had enough strength to straighten himself up'}, {'start': '3148.839', 'end': '3153.799', 'text': "properly.\nMom, let's sell this house. He spoke in a"}, {'start': '3153.799', 'end': '3160.599', 'text': 'hoarse voice. Mrs. Ha raised her head, her\neyes red as if she had just cried her eyes out.'}, {'start': '3160.599', 'end': '3168.960', 'text': 'Sell it, Mom. What else is there? Khanh Minh sighed.\nHe had no choice. The bank had sent a'}, {'start': '3168.960', 'end': '3174.160', 'text': 'debt collection notice. The partner sued for\ncompensation. The former employee had sent a'}, {'start': '3174.160', 'end': '3180.400', 'text': 'complaint about unpaid wages. Everything was like a storm sweeping\nthrough, sweeping away the halo and'}, {'start': '3180.400', 'end': '3187.040', 'text': 'pride that their family once had. Mrs. Ha\ntrembled and clenched her hands on the chair. It was only because'}, {'start': '3187.040', 'end': '3193.799', 'text': 'of me, because of my infatuation with love and lack of\nclarity, that I lost everything."  Khanh Minh'}, {'start': '3193.799', 'end': '3199.200', 'text': 'laughed dryly, a bitter laugh "Mom, do you\nremember on your birthday, no one'}, {'start': '3199.200', 'end': '3205.680', 'text': 'slapped her among a hundred people, who forced\nher to turn her back?"  Mrs. Ha was speechless,'}, {'start': '3205.680', 'end': '3210.520', 'text': 'her hands were shaking.\nIn that moment, she suddenly understood that no'}, {'start': '3210.520', 'end': '3217.160', 'text': 'one else but herself had destroyed\nan entire weekend afternoon when the streets of'}, {'start': '3217.160', 'end': '3223.079', 'text': 'Hanoi were bustling with people. Mrs. Ha\nquietly came to the front of the Soc Son villa. She was wearing an'}, {'start': '3223.079', 'end': '3228.799', 'text': 'old coat and a baseball cap that covered her pale\nface. Standing in front of the Tuyen'}, {'start': '3228.799', 'end': '3235.839', 'text': 'black iron gate, she hesitated, her hands shaking as she pressed the\nbell. Uncle Binh opened the door, his eyes were silent.'}, {'start': '3235.839', 'end': '3242.400', 'text': 'The landlady came to find Miss Van An. Mrs. Ha nodded, her'}, {'start': '3242.400', 'end': '3248.760', 'text': 'throat choked with bitterness. Van An walked out from\ninside, her appearance calm, her eyes shining with'}, {'start': '3248.760', 'end': '3254.760', 'text': 'the calmness that had been tempered through\nmany storms. Mrs. Ha trembled and knelt down, her'}, {'start': '3254.760', 'end': '3259.520', 'text': 'voice choked, "Uncle An, I\'m sorry, I was\nwrong'}, {'start': '3259.520', 'end': '3266.119', 'text': '."  Van An stood still, the wind from the wind\nblew her hair behind her shoulders. There'}, {'start': '3266.119', 'end': '3272.440', 'text': 'was no triumph in her eyes,\nno gloating in her smile. She only'}, {'start': '3272.440', 'end': '3278.079', 'text': 'had a calmness like a river that\nhad flowed through many rapids. "Uncle, stand'}, {'start': '3278.079', 'end': '3284.160', 'text': 'up."  She said softly, I don\'t\nresent anymore, but what has been broken'}, {'start': '3284.160', 'end': '3290.440', 'text': 'cannot be restored with just an\napology. Mrs. Ha burst into tears, her shoulders shaking'}, {'start': '3290.440', 'end': '3297.000', 'text': 'violently. Van An leaned over, her voice\nstill as light as a breeze. I have forgiven,'}, {'start': '3297.000', 'end': '3301.640', 'text': 'forgiven not because I am weak, but\nbecause I choose not to carry the'}, {'start': '3301.640', 'end': '3307.040', 'text': 'burden of resentment on the road ahead.\nMrs. Ha lowered her head, sobbing'}, {'start': '3307.040', 'end': '3311.440', 'text': 'in the afternoon darkness.\nVan An turned away, step by step, leaving the'}, {'start': '3311.440', 'end': '3317.960', 'text': 'gate without looking back. She knew that forgiving\nothers was difficult, but forgiving'}, {'start': '3317.960', 'end': '3323.119', 'text': 'herself, forgiving for having once\nnaively trusted was even more difficult.'}, {'start': '3323.119', 'end': '3330.039', 'text': 'Today, she had done it both evenings in the\nstudy room. Van An spread out an'}, {'start': '3330.039', 'end': '3335.440', 'text': 'old notebook in front of her, turning over the\nyellowed pages where the words her'}, {'start': '3335.440', 'end': '3341.000', 'text': 'grandfather had written were kept. No matter how many times you fall,\nas long as you know how to stand up, you are better than'}, {'start': '3341.000', 'end': '3347.200', 'text': 'those who have never dared to walk." She smiled,\nclosed her eyes, and listened to the night wind whisper. The'}, {'start': '3347.200', 'end': '3352.520', 'text': 'window on the table, the phone rang softly, it was a text message'}, {'start': '3352.520', 'end': '3358.920', 'text': "from Hoang Tuan. Tomorrow is the official signing ceremony of the\ncooperation, don't forget.  we"}, {'start': '3358.920', 'end': '3363.440', 'text': 'still have a long way to go\nVan An responded with a'}, {'start': '3363.440', 'end': '3367.480', 'text': 'simple smiley face\nsometimes happiness does not need to be a'}, {'start': '3367.480', 'end': '3374.880', 'text': 'dream too far away just need each day\npassing by our heart to be light without resentment or'}, {'start': '3374.880', 'end': '3378.440', 'text': 'regret that is the most complete form of happiness'}, {'start': '3378.440', 'end': '3385.240', 'text': 'then early that morning the surface of West Lake\nopened the bones waves rippled small ripples like a'}, {'start': '3385.240', 'end': '3388.680', 'text': 'painting\nin the meeting room on the top floor of'}, {'start': '3388.680', 'end': '3393.280', 'text': 'Hoa Quang building the sunlight long down the\ntransparent glass panels reflecting the quiet beauty'}, {'start': '3393.280', 'end': '3398.960', 'text': 'of Hanoi is changing to summer\nVan An walked in elegant in a'}, {'start': '3398.960', 'end': '3404.559', 'text': 'simple white cream vest hair neatly tied\nup delicate face confident'}, {'start': '3404.559', 'end': '3411.280', 'text': 'and strangely peaceful Hoang Tuan was\nwaiting he stood up when he saw her eyes lit'}, {'start': '3411.280', 'end': '3418.200', 'text': 'up warmly sincere "hello." He\nsmiled Van An responded with a'}, {'start': '3418.200', 'end': '3423.440', 'text': 'slight nod to greet him the signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement\nbetween Tay Binh Yen station and'}, {'start': '3423.440', 'end': '3426.599', 'text': 'Hoa Quang group took place in a\nsolemn but'}, {'start': '3426.599', 'end': '3432.319', 'text': 'intimate atmosphere no need for empty flowery words\nonly specific commitments'}, {'start': '3432.319', 'end': '3437.720', 'text': 'practical projects aimed at each target that Van\nAn had  how long has it been painful when the pen'}, {'start': '3437.720', 'end': '3443.400', 'text': 'touches the last line Hoang Tuan\nlooks up and holds out his hand in front of her let'}, {'start': '3443.400', 'end': '3451.119', 'text': "'s be together from now on Van An smiles and\nshakes his hand her eyes light up"}, {'start': '3451.119', 'end': '3455.839', 'text': 'not the light of salvation from someone but the\nlight of a soul that has'}, {'start': '3455.839', 'end': '3462.039', 'text': 'overcome the darkness on its own that afternoon the two of them\nleave the city together and drive'}, {'start': '3462.039', 'end': '3466.319', 'text': "straight to the suburbs of Thanh Tri where the\nfund's first project will be started"}, {'start': '3466.319', 'end': '3470.039', 'text': 'a free vocational training center for\nsingle women'}, {'start': '3470.039', 'end': '3474.520', 'text': 'the road back to the countryside is deserted on both sides are\nlush young rice fields stretching to the'}, {'start': '3474.520', 'end': '3479.720', 'text': 'horizon in the car the radio plays an old song the'}, {'start': '3479.720', 'end': '3485.559', 'text': 'deep voice sounds like a whisper\nwe have loved like we have never loved before Hoang'}, {'start': '3485.559', 'end': '3491.359', 'text': 'Tuan occasionally glances at Van An sees her\nleaning her head against the window her eyes are half closed her'}, {'start': '3491.359', 'end': '3496.920', 'text': "appearance is leisurely he doesn't say anything just\nquietly adjusts the temperature in the car"}, {'start': '3496.920', 'end': '3502.319', 'text': 'a little lower afraid she will be cold when they arrive\nat the new center is just a leveled plot of land'}, {'start': '3502.319', 'end': '3508.440', 'text': 'with a simple name\nVan An steps down and takes a deep breath of'}, {'start': '3508.440', 'end': '3514.119', 'text': 'fresh air her eyes shine with a\nsimple joy  In the past, she turned to'}, {'start': '3514.119', 'end': '3519.680', 'text': 'Hoang Tuan, her voice as light as the wind, "I used to\nthink that dreams had to be something'}, {'start': '3519.680', 'end': '3524.640', 'text': 'very big, now I understand that sometimes just\nbuilding a roof for the disadvantaged is'}, {'start': '3524.640', 'end': '3530.440', 'text': 'enough to make my life meaningful." Hoang\nTuan laughed, "Dreams don\'t have to be big,'}, {'start': '3530.440', 'end': '3537.240', 'text': 'I just need them to be enough for me to walk every\nday, that\'s enough." They stood next to each other'}, {'start': '3537.240', 'end': '3542.599', 'text': 'in the vast sky, their hearts\nwere as open as the fields before their eyes.'}, {'start': '3542.599', 'end': '3549.000', 'text': 'Late at night, when they returned to the Soc Son villa, Van An\nwas exhausted but her heart was light.'}, {'start': '3549.000', 'end': '3553.760', 'text': 'She sat on the porch, holding a cup of\nhot ginger tea, looking at the twinkling stars'}, {'start': '3553.760', 'end': '3559.280', 'text': 'in the deep night sky. Next to her,\nHoang Tuan brought out a'}, {'start': '3559.280', 'end': '3564.119', 'text': 'wooden guitar and sat down on the steps a\nshort distance away from her. "Do you like to listen to live music'}, {'start': '3564.119', 'end': '3571.760', 'text': '?"  He asked in a warm voice, An\nsmiled, "I like honest things."'}, {'start': '3571.760', 'end': '3578.520', 'text': 'He plucked the first keys of the guitar, the sound of the guitar was\nsimple and smooth like a flowing stream, and then'}, {'start': '3578.520', 'end': '3584.680', 'text': 'he sang, his voice not too excellent\nbut warm and full of emotion. Van An'}, {'start': '3584.680', 'end': '3590.319', 'text': 'closed her eyes, letting the singing, the guitar\nand the scent of ginger tea intertwine to comfort'}, {'start': '3590.319', 'end': '3593.559', 'text': 'her soul like the most gentle hugs.'}, {'start': '3593.559', 'end': '3598.680', 'text': 'In that moment, she knew she had\nstepped out of the darkness completely, no'}, {'start': '3598.680', 'end': '3605.039', 'text': 'more regrets, no more entanglements, only\ngratitude for having stumbled to know how to'}, {'start': '3605.039', 'end': '3610.280', 'text': 'cherish every step today. When the\nsong ended, Hoang Tuan put down the guitar and'}, {'start': '3610.280', 'end': '3618.440', 'text': 'turned to look at her, his eyes\nserious. Van An opened her eyes, waiting, "I\'m'}, {'start': '3618.440', 'end': '3624.799', 'text': 'not in a hurry, but I want you to know."\nTake a deep breath, no matter where you choose to go or what you do, I'}, {'start': '3624.799', 'end': '3631.319', 'text': 'will still stand behind you, not\nto protect you, but to cheer you on. Van An'}, {'start': '3631.319', 'end': '3637.119', 'text': "laughed, her eyes filled with moonlight. She\ndidn't need anyone to protect her, but having a"}, {'start': '3637.119', 'end': '3643.799', 'text': 'companion was good. Hoang Tuan\nsmiled, a warm smile like a lamp in the middle of a'}, {'start': '3643.799', 'end': '3648.400', 'text': "winter night.\nThey didn't need big promises, just"}, {'start': '3648.400', 'end': '3655.559', 'text': 'quietly walking side by side, that was enough.\nAfter all, true love is when'}, {'start': '3655.559', 'end': '3661.000', 'text': "people don't need to be tied down, don't\nneed to be saved, just go through"}, {'start': '3661.000', 'end': '3667.240', 'text': 'sunny days, rainy days, and even\nstormy days together. On Soc Son hill, the'}, {'start': '3667.240', 'end': '3672.880', 'text': 'night wind still blew through the pine trees, and\nin that ancient villa, a'}, {'start': '3672.880', 'end': '3679.359', 'text': 'new chapter, more beautiful, more free, more peaceful,\nwas being quietly written. That morning,'}, {'start': '3679.359', 'end': '3685.520', 'text': 'Hanoi seemed to be wearing a new coat. The\nsoft sunlight poured through each leaf and'}, {'start': '3685.520', 'end': '3690.680', 'text': 'onto the road. The intermittent streaks of light\nin the suburbs of Thanh Tri. The'}, {'start': '3690.680', 'end': '3694.319', 'text': 'vocational training center for touching peace was\nofficially inaugurated after 3 months of'}, {'start': '3694.319', 'end': '3698.280', 'text': 'rapid construction. There was no noise or fanfare. The inauguration ceremony'}, {'start': '3698.280', 'end': '3701.640', 'text': 'took place in a cozy atmosphere.  and\nsimply,'}, {'start': '3701.640', 'end': '3706.119', 'text': 'women who have experienced\nviolence and struggled to raise their children alone'}, {'start': '3706.119', 'end': '3712.039', 'text': 'now gather under the same roof,\ntheir eyes shining with faith. A few batches of Van An'}, {'start': '3712.039', 'end': '3716.880', 'text': 'stand on a small stage, just a rustic wooden platform\nwithout a flashy backdrop, but'}, {'start': '3716.880', 'end': '3722.720', 'text': 'she exudes a strangely attractive steadfastness,\n"we don\'t need anyone to define'}, {'start': '3722.720', 'end': '3728.760', 'text': 'our worth."  She spoke in a deep and\nwarm voice because every scar and every tear'}, {'start': '3728.760', 'end': '3734.319', 'text': 'that fell was a witness to the\nresilience that not everyone had. Under the'}, {'start': '3734.319', 'end': '3739.920', 'text': 'stage, the applause was not loud\nbut sincere like waves gently lapping on the sandy'}, {'start': '3739.920', 'end': '3745.400', 'text': 'shore. Hoang Tuan stood in the crowd,\nhands in his pockets, eyes silently following'}, {'start': '3745.400', 'end': '3751.440', 'text': 'her. He knew that today she had truly\novercome the past with'}, {'start': '3751.440', 'end': '3756.279', 'text': 'her own feet and heart.\nWhen the ceremony ended, Van An walked around the'}, {'start': '3756.279', 'end': '3761.359', 'text': 'central campus. The rows of\nnewly planted green trees and the rows of houses painted'}, {'start': '3761.359', 'end': '3767.440', 'text': 'white were spotless. Every little corner bore the mark\nof care and hope. She smiled slightly'}, {'start': '3767.440', 'end': '3772.520', 'text': 'when she saw a little girl about five years old\nwearing a petite skirt, chirping and'}, {'start': '3772.520', 'end': '3778.880', 'text': 'pointing at the newly erected signboard, "Mom,\nI will learn to make the best cakes."  The mother,'}, {'start': '3778.880', 'end': '3783.960', 'text': 'thin and sad, gently bent\ndown to hug her child, tears rolling down but her'}, {'start': '3783.960', 'end': '3790.160', 'text': "mouth still had a happy smile. A\nhand lightly touched Van An's shoulder from behind."}, {'start': '3790.160', 'end': '3795.760', 'text': 'She turned around and saw Khanh Minh\nstanding there, looking much more haggard'}, {'start': '3795.760', 'end': '3801.039', 'text': 'than the last time they met at the\nWest Lake coffee shop. His eyes were filled with'}, {'start': '3801.039', 'end': '3808.039', 'text': 'regret, helplessness and regret that he could not hide.\n"Hello."  He spoke softly in a sarcastic voice.'}, {'start': '3808.039', 'end': '3815.839', 'text': 'Van An nodded calmly. Are you well\n? Khanh Minh forced a smile. A crooked smile.'}, {'start': '3815.839', 'end': '3822.920', 'text': "He was still alive. It was just a pity that he didn't have the\ncourage to live like before."}, {'start': '3822.920', 'end': '3829.079', 'text': 'Van An was silent. The early summer wind blew, carrying the\nscent of newly cut grass and the pungent smell of sunlight. A'}, {'start': '3829.079', 'end': '3835.720', 'text': 'moment later, Khanh Minh spoke in a\ntormented voice. "I didn\'t come here to'}, {'start': '3835.720', 'end': '3843.400', 'text': 'ask for forgiveness. I just wanted to see with my own eyes you\nstrong, free, and happy."'}, {'start': '3843.400', 'end': '3849.119', 'text': 'She looked at him in the depths of her eyes, there was no\ntrace of resentment left, only a'}, {'start': '3849.119', 'end': '3853.359', 'text': 'sparkling peace, something she had exchanged for so\nmany tears and long sleepless nights.'}, {'start': '3853.359', 'end': '3858.160', 'text': 'I thank you, Van An, gently said, for'}, {'start': '3858.160', 'end': '3862.880', 'text': "ever entering my life. If it weren't for\nthose days, I probably wouldn't"}, {'start': '3862.880', 'end': '3868.839', 'text': 'know how strong I am. Khanh Minh\nlowered his head to hide the emotions that were'}, {'start': '3868.839', 'end': '3876.240', 'text': "surging. Van An walked away gently like the\nwind. She didn't turn around. She didn't"}, {'start': '3876.240', 'end': '3882.240', 'text': 'care if his eyes were following her\nor not, because from this moment on, she'}, {'start': '3882.240', 'end': '3887.359', 'text': 'lived for herself,\nno longer for anyone, no longer letting anyone'}, {'start': '3887.359', 'end': '3893.799', 'text': 'hurt her. In the afternoon, Van An and Hoang Tuan\nsat together on the lawn behind the center.'}, {'start': '3893.799', 'end': '3899.400', 'text': 'He quietly gave her a bottle of\nmineral water and said with a smile, "You know, when you told'}, {'start': '3899.400', 'end': '3903.960', 'text': 'them about building this center,\nyour eyes were so bright that I was sure that no'}, {'start': '3903.960', 'end': '3909.359', 'text': 'difficulty could stop you."\nVan An laughed, the golden sunlight shone on the'}, {'start': '3909.359', 'end': '3914.960', 'text': 'corners of her sparkling eyes because it was not only\nher dream but also the dream of those'}, {'start': '3914.960', 'end': '3921.000', 'text': 'who never dared to dream. Hoang Tuan\nlooked at her, his eyes sparkling. He was so'}, {'start': '3921.000', 'end': '3927.640', 'text': 'lucky to be with her on\nthis road. Van An tilted her head, her voice humorous. He'}, {'start': '3927.640', 'end': '3933.760', 'text': "said that, don't regret it later.\nHe laughed loudly, his laughter echoed throughout the"}, {'start': '3933.760', 'end': '3938.359', 'text': 'sunny yard.\nIn a far corner, children were chasing'}, {'start': '3938.359', 'end': '3943.559', 'text': 'each other, their laughter rang out like\nkites of dreams. In the midst of'}, {'start': '3943.559', 'end': '3949.520', 'text': 'that scene, Van An sat there, peaceful and radiant\nlike a flower that had just bloomed after a'}, {'start': '3949.520', 'end': '3955.480', 'text': 'long storm on an early summer morning. The sunlight\nfiltered through the gaps between the leaves, shining down on the lush'}, {'start': '3955.480', 'end': '3960.279', 'text': 'green campus of the center. Touching Peace.\nVan An wore a'}, {'start': '3960.279', 'end': '3965.520', 'text': 'simple white pleated dress, holding a bouquet of wild daisies she had\njust picked from the garden.'}, {'start': '3965.520', 'end': '3971.200', 'text': "Today was a special day, celebrating the first\nanniversary of the center's opening. The"}, {'start': '3971.200', 'end': '3975.279', 'text': 'large lawn behind the center had been\ndecorated with small flags,'}, {'start': '3975.279', 'end': '3981.319', 'text': 'rustic wooden tables and chairs, and colorful flower pots. There was\nno stage, no'}, {'start': '3981.319', 'end': '3986.640', 'text': 'speaker, only  There are women who have\nstepped out of the darkness and now confidently tell'}, {'start': '3986.640', 'end': '3990.680', 'text': 'their life stories before eyes of\nunderstanding and sharing'}, {'start': '3990.680', 'end': '3996.520', 'text': 'a middle-aged woman Ms. Hue\nholding the microphone, her voice trembling the day I took my child and'}, {'start': '3996.520', 'end': '4002.000', 'text': 'ran away from my abusive husband I thought\nmy life was over but today I'}, {'start': '4002.000', 'end': '4007.359', 'text': 'stand here as a skilled tailor\nraising my child and educating myself I am grateful to'}, {'start': '4007.359', 'end': '4012.279', 'text': 'this center and grateful to the person who did not abandon\nthose who seemed to have been forgotten by the whole world the'}, {'start': '4012.279', 'end': '4016.480', 'text': 'applause rang out crisply like'}, {'start': '4016.480', 'end': '4022.319', 'text': 'sudden summer rains Van An stood in the\ncorner of the yard quietly wiping away her emotional tears'}, {'start': '4022.319', 'end': '4027.039', 'text': 'with her slender fingers\nno need for glory no need for'}, {'start': '4027.039', 'end': '4033.359', 'text': "monuments just each small life being\nchanged that's enough when the ceremony ended"}, {'start': '4033.359', 'end': '4038.039', 'text': 'everyone dispersed chatting, laughing and hugging\neach other like long-time close friends'}, {'start': '4038.039', 'end': '4041.359', 'text': 'Van An sat alone on the'}, {'start': '4041.359', 'end': '4048.240', 'text': "wooden steps Van's hand twirled a white chrysanthemum petal Hoang\nTuan approached holding two glasses of orange juice"}, {'start': '4048.240', 'end': '4054.119', 'text': 'placing one next to her "your day was\nwonderful."  He said with'}, {'start': '4054.119', 'end': '4061.119', 'text': 'pride in his eyes, she laughed softly, "I\'m just\na small part, they are the'}, {'start': '4061.119', 'end': '4065.880', 'text': 'real heroes."\nHe sat down next to her, pondering for a moment,'}, {'start': '4065.880', 'end': '4069.799', 'text': 'then suddenly took out a small box and\nplaced it in'}, {'start': '4069.799', 'end': '4078.200', 'text': "her palm. He didn't rush. He smiled, just a\nsign that he wanted to go with her longer and further."}, {'start': '4078.200', 'end': '4081.359', 'text': 'Van An was surprised to see the'}, {'start': '4081.359', 'end': '4086.400', 'text': 'simple, sophisticated silver ring, just like everything she\nloved. No flashy diamonds,'}, {'start': '4086.400', 'end': '4090.319', 'text': 'no fancy ostentation, just a\nsmooth circle symbolizing'}, {'start': '4090.319', 'end': '4097.120', 'text': 'eternity. She looked up, her eyes\nsparkling in the sun. Are you sure?'}, {'start': '4097.120', 'end': '4103.199', 'text': "I'm not an easy person.\nHoang Tuan laughed, his voice deep and warm. He did"}, {'start': '4103.199', 'end': '4107.759', 'text': "n't need an easy person. He needed\nsomeone strong enough to go with him through the"}, {'start': '4107.759', 'end': '4113.679', 'text': 'difficult days.\nVan An pursed her lips and nodded slightly. No need for'}, {'start': '4113.679', 'end': '4120.839', 'text': 'promises, no need for wishes. Just\nthat look. That trust was everything.'}, {'start': '4120.839', 'end': '4126.560', 'text': 'That night after the small party at the center.\nVan An sat on the porch, holding an'}, {'start': '4126.560', 'end': '4130.920', 'text': 'old guitar. Hoang Tuan sat opposite, tapping'}, {'start': '4130.920', 'end': '4136.440', 'text': 'gently on the wooden table. She played a\nfamiliar melody, a melody that had guided her through'}, {'start': '4136.440', 'end': '4141.759', 'text': 'so many lonely nights. Now it rang out\namidst the sounds of insects. The fake, rustic, yet'}, {'start': '4141.759', 'end': '4149.279', 'text': 'warm, music ended.  urged her to look up, his\nvoice low and soft, "Are you scared?"  "I\'m afraid'}, {'start': '4149.279', 'end': '4154.799', 'text': 'one day I\'ll want to go alone again."  Hoang\nTuan shook his head, smiling brightly under the'}, {'start': '4154.799', 'end': '4160.920', 'text': 'yellow light, "I don\'t hold you by\nany strings. If you choose to stay, it will be your'}, {'start': '4160.920', 'end': '4166.920', 'text': 'choice of freedom and I respect that freedom\nmore than anything."  Van An tilted her'}, {'start': '4166.920', 'end': '4171.920', 'text': 'head slightly, a smile spread across her lips, a beautiful smile\nas if she was holding the whole night sky in her hands'}, {'start': '4171.920', 'end': '4179.040', 'text': 'when everyone had fallen\nasleep. Van An went out to the garden alone, she stood'}, {'start': '4179.040', 'end': '4184.640', 'text': 'under the starry sky, looking up at the\ntiny dots of light on the deep black background. In the'}, {'start': '4184.640', 'end': '4191.640', 'text': 'past, she was afraid of the dark, now she\nunderstood that it was in the dark that people could'}, {'start': '4191.640', 'end': '4197.159', 'text': 'see the brightest stars in the sky, and she had\nlearned how to light up the sky herself. The'}, {'start': '4197.159', 'end': '4203.679', 'text': 'future was still long, the road was still\nbumpy, but Van An was no longer afraid'}, {'start': '4203.679', 'end': '4206.840', 'text': 'because she understood that peace was not the\nabsence of'}, {'start': '4206.840', 'end': '4213.080', 'text': 'storms. Peace was when we were strong enough to\ncalmly go through the storm, smile and'}, {'start': '4213.080', 'end': '4219.920', 'text': 'continue to move forward. A gentle breeze blew\nby, carrying the cool scent of young grass.'}, {'start': '4219.920', 'end': '4226.920', 'text': 'Van An closed her eyes, took a deep breath, welcomed the\nnew season that was approaching, and smiled,'}, {'start': '4226.920', 'end': '4231.840', 'text': "a truly complete smile.\nVan An's story reminded us of a"}, {'start': '4231.840', 'end': '4236.880', 'text': 'simple yet profound thing. No one was born strong,\nbut everyone has the right to choose to stand'}, {'start': '4236.880', 'end': '4241.760', 'text': 'up after falling. There are wounds that\nmake us think we cannot overcome,'}, {'start': '4241.760', 'end': '4246.440', 'text': 'but they are the ones that forge us.\nValuable courage and self-respect in'}, {'start': '4246.440', 'end': '4251.360', 'text': 'this life there will be times when we are hurt\nby the people we once trusted the most'}, {'start': '4251.360', 'end': '4255.760', 'text': "but don't let that pain turn into\nchains that hold us in the past. Forgiveness is"}, {'start': '4255.760', 'end': '4260.600', 'text': 'not because others deserve it but because\nwe deserve to be at ease to move'}, {'start': '4260.600', 'end': '4266.520', 'text': 'on. Van An has gone through the darkest days\nwith quiet resilience and then'}, {'start': '4266.520', 'end': '4271.640', 'text': "found peace from her own heart. I\nhope today's story has brought"}, {'start': '4271.640', 'end': '4276.640', 'text': 'you a little warmth and motivation.\nWherever you are on your journey,'}, {'start': '4276.640', 'end': '4282.800', 'text': 'remember that every step, no matter how small, is\na proud victory. Thank you'}, {'start': '4282.800', 'end': '4288.159', 'text': 'for listening. I wish you peace,\nhappiness and fulfillment on the path you'}, {'start': '4288.159', 'end': '4294.040', 'text': 'choose. I hope to see you again in the\nnext stories.'}]