The Lavish Soirée - Saigon, 1950

The night in Saigon was tranquil, yet dazzling under the golden glow of streetlights. Along a grand boulevard stood a magnificent French neoclassical villa, illuminated brightly and radiant like a palace. An imposing iron gate, adorned with intricate motifs, opened to a stone-paved pathway leading to a grand hall where dozens of gleaming automobiles were parked side by side. Distinguished gentlemen in dark suits and elegant ladies in shimmering evening gowns stepped out gracefully, blending into the vibrant atmosphere.

Inside, the banquet hall was opulently decorated, from the grand crystal chandeliers suspended from high ceilings to the heavy crimson velvet curtains draped over the large doorways. Long banquet tables draped in pristine white cloths were adorned with vibrant rose bouquets and sparkling crystal glassware. On the tables, fine wines, imported champagne, and gourmet dishes such as French foie gras, lobster, and tartlets were meticulously arranged, epitomizing the opulence of the upper class.

In a distant corner, a small jazz band, with musicians clad in tuxedos, played sweet melodies that mingled with the lively chatter of the guests. The sound of the saxophone rose gently, rhythmically guiding the party's atmosphere to a crescendo.

This soirée brought together the most powerful figures of Saigon: businessmen, politicians, and members of the upper echelon. The men, immaculate in tailored suits with tightly knotted ties and glittering gold pins, gathered in small groups, drinks in hand, discussing work, politics, and major deals.

Meanwhile, the ladies dazzled in lavish evening gowns that hugged their graceful curves, sparkling under the light with sequins. Some chose modernized áo dài made from Hà Đông silk, with short sleeves and bateau necklines, blending Vietnamese tradition with Western modernity. Every gesture and glance radiated sophistication and subtle authority.

Young ladies from prestigious families stood out like freshly bloomed flowers, gracefully holding silk fans to cover their soft smiles, their bright eyes stealing glances at the gentlemen who approached to converse. The soirée was lively yet imbued with an air of elegance and refinement.

A hush swept over the room as the host descended the grand staircase. A distinguished middle-aged man in a polished black tuxedo appeared, accompanied by his wife-a regal woman in a sapphire-blue evening gown. Smiling warmly, they raised their champagne glasses to greet the guests.

The soirée's highlight was not just the mingling of Saigon's elite but also a special performance by a celebrated pianist from France. As the piano's notes rose and fell, the atmosphere turned enchanting. Some couples took to the dance floor, twirling gracefully to waltz rhythms, their flowing gowns fluttering like waves of silk.

Amid the splendor, whispers of intrigue flowed through the air. Groups of ladies gathered, silk fans in hand and sharp eyes subtly observing notable figures:

"I heard Miss Chương Hà is making her debut tonight. I'm curious if she's as stunning as the rumors say."

Elsewhere, gentlemen discussed the latest trade deals at the Saigon port or the connections between powerful families. These seemingly casual conversations often concealed schemes and calculations, for every grand soirée was not just a social gathering but a battleground for influence.

The grand hall buzzed with vibrant energy, the clinking of glasses, cheerful laughter, and smooth jazz melodies merging to make the night a truly splendid affair.

The Center of Attention

Standing tall and commanding the room was Trần Trí Kim, one of Cochinchina's wealthiest businessmen and the soirée's host. Dressed in an elegant black tuxedo, his graying hair and sharp eyes exuded the decisiveness of an experienced and powerful man.

Kim was a renowned figure in Saigon's business circles, celebrated for his sharp instincts and exceptional acumen. His company, Kim Hà Rice, named after his only daughter, had grown into a formidable empire, dominating the rice export industry in Cochinchina and expanding to neighboring countries.

Tonight's soirée commemorated the company's 15th anniversary and was also an occasion for Kim to introduce his beloved daughter, Chương Hà, to society.

More than a celebration, the soirée was a strategic move to solidify his standing among the elite and forge new alliances. The attendance of prominent businessmen, officials, and noble families underscored the soirée's significance. Above all, Kim wanted the world to know about Chương Hà, the pride and joy of his life.

· "Ladies and gentlemen, I thank my friends, partners, and esteemed guests for gracing us with your presence this evening," - Kim's strong, decisive voice resonated as he stepped onto the podium.

· "This occasion marks not only the 15th anniversary of Kim Hà Rice-a journey of trust and hard work-but also another special milestone. Tonight, I introduce to you my daughter, Chương Hà."

Under the intrigued and delighted gazes of the guests, Chương Hà emerged from behind the curtains, wearing an ivory silk áo dài embroidered with delicate floral patterns. Her serene beauty and refined grace were a breath of fresh air amidst the extravagant soirée. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, and her deep, luminous eyes sparkled like the crystal chandeliers above.

She walked slowly, her movements poised and confident, her crimson lips curled into a gentle smile. Though it was her first time appearing before such a large audience, she exuded calmness and a noble demeanor reminiscent of her late mother-a woman who once captivated all of Saigon.

As she bowed gracefully, applause erupted across the hall, accompanied by murmurs of admiration:

"Truly the daughter of the Trần family-absolutely stunning!""That beauty and elegance are unmatched."

Chương Hà ascended the podium, her ivory áo dài shimmering under the golden light. Standing tall, with a faint touch of shyness in her confident gaze, she addressed the room, meeting the expectant and admiring eyes of the guests.

Her father, Trần Trí Kim, nodded in encouragement beside her.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, her clear voice resonating with both sweetness and strength, "I am deeply honored to be here tonight, on such a meaningful occasion. First, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for joining our family in celebrating the 15th anniversary of Kim Hà Rice. This achievement is not only my father's but also a testament to the trust and support of our esteemed partners and dear friends."

As applause rang out, she continued, her tone steady and sincere:

"As my father's daughter, I take immense pride in continuing the legacy of our family. My father often says, 'Success is not a destination but a journey of relentless progress.' I hope to contribute my humble efforts toward preserving and enhancing the values he has built."

Her voice softened, her gaze momentarily distant.

"Finally, I wish to dedicate this moment to my late mother, Thái Yên Pha, whom I deeply revere. Though she left us long ago, I believe her love and sacrifices have always been a profound source of strength for both my father and me."

As she bowed once more, a radiant smile graced her lips. The hall erupted in applause, filled with praises and admiration.

Under the warm golden glow of the banquet hall, murmurs of admiration and lively discussions filled the air as Chương Hà descended from the podium. The young woman, with her radiant beauty and captivating demeanor, had become the focal point of the entire room.

"I've heard of Chương Hà for years, but seeing her in person today, she truly doesn't disappoint!" a young lady in a deep crimson evening gown remarked softly, her gaze fixed on the girl who had just returned to her seat."Look at her," a middle-aged gentleman holding a glass of red wine said, his eyes brimming with admiration. "Her beauty is the perfect blend of her father and mother. But those eyes, that grace - isn't that the shadow of Thái Yên Pha from years ago?""Thái Yên Pha," another voice interjected, "she was a woman of unparalleled beauty. It wasn't just her looks but her strength and aura. I still remember the soirées she attended, always the center of attention. Such a tragedy she passed away too soon.""Indeed," an older lady chimed in, her eyes glimmering with nostalgia. "Back then, whenever she appeared at the lounges, they say even the most powerful men couldn't look away. But..."

The lady paused, her discreet gaze scanning the room to ensure no one was listening too closely.

"But what?" A young man, likely a novice merchant, asked with a mix of curiosity and amusement."It's said she had a mysterious love affair. A romance never openly spoken of," the lady said, shaking her head as if unwilling to delve deeper."With whom? Someone powerful?" another person whispered, their voice hushed but their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

The lady only smiled faintly, a veil of secrecy evident on her face.

"That's something only those involved would know. But I'm certain that Chương Hà, this young woman, will make Sài Gòn speak her name just as her mother once did.""Exactly," another gentleman agreed. "But look at her - flawless on the outside. Can she harbor the same strength and determination as her mother? Sài Gòn isn't easy, and she'll face significant challenges if she wants to carry on the legacy of the Trần family name.""We'll be hearing her name a lot," a mysterious voice echoed from a distant corner. "A girl like her, carrying both the past and the present, is bound to make history."

After her speech, Chương Hà returned to mingle among the crowd, graciously accepting their direct praises. A middle-aged woman in a flowing emerald green gown clasped her hands warmly:

"You've truly made your family proud. When you spoke of your mother, I nearly cried. She was an icon."

Chương Hà offered a polite smile, thanking each compliment, but her heart was stirred by the fragmented stories about her mother. Thái Yên Pha - a woman celebrated by all yet shrouded in mystery, holding truths that Chương Hà herself had never known.

Though her parents had been estranged since she was young, after her mother's sudden passing, Chương Hà chose to return and live with her father, Trần Trí Kim. The decision stemmed from something deeper than she could explain - perhaps the hope of finding traces of her mother through him or the sense of security he provided.

In the years that followed, she lived under her father's close protection, shrouded in silence. Her mother's death left an indescribable pain, making her reluctant to engage too much with the outside world. She chose to remain in the background, avoiding the spotlight despite her striking beauty that turned heads wherever she went.

After eight years studying in France, Chương Hà returned to Sài Gòn at eighteen, blooming like a flower at the peak of spring. Her beauty was a harmonious blend of the elegance of noble lineage and the gentle grace that seemed to echo her late mother.

Her jet-black hair, sleek and glossy, was neatly combed and cascaded softly over her delicate shoulders, framing a face with flawless porcelain skin. Her dark, lustrous eyes, deep as a mysterious lake, held both intelligence and an unspoken melancholy. When she smiled, the corners of her lips curved gently, revealing a charming dimple that seemed to brighten the entire room.

Returning from Paris - the city of light and romance - Chương Hà brought with her the refined elegance of European culture, seamlessly interwoven with the traditional beauty of a Vietnamese woman. At soirées, she often donned áo dài crafted from Hà Đông silk, each tailored to exude sophistication and grace. Her preferred colors were ivory white, soft blue, or pastel pink, accentuating her slender, statuesque figure while retaining a delicate femininity. Her meticulously cared-for hands often held an embroidered silk fan or a small book, enhancing her aura of charm and intellect.

Born into an esteemed family, she was carefully raised by her father, Trần Trí Kim, who instilled in her not only a rigorous education but also the refinement of social etiquette. Her years in France had shaped her into a mature young woman with a profound perspective on the world while preserving the gentle, pure essence of an Asian woman.

Whenever she appeared at banquets, Chương Hà resembled a rare flower basking in the golden glow of the chandeliers. Her every step was graceful, her every word measured and clear. Ladies admired her poise, while gentlemen found it impossible to tear their eyes away from the girl with a beauty akin to a celestial being.

Yet behind this radiant exterior, Chương Hà carried a quiet sorrow. Since childhood, she had overheard fragmented tales of her mother, Thái Yên Pha - a legend among Sài Gòn's elite. Yet her memories of her mother were scarce. Her sudden passing left a gaping void in her heart, a pain that time could never mend.

At eighteen, Chương Hà's beauty was not just youthful vibrance but also a depth of character - a radiance emanating from within her soul. She carried an insatiable curiosity, a yearning to uncover her mother's past, and an inexplicable sense that her mother's love story remained unresolved.

Paris may have taught her how to be a refined lady, but Sài Gòn, this city, would be the stage where she unearthed the secrets hidden in the recesses of her family's memory. And in that journey, her beauty and sensitivity would rekindle a youthful vibrance, not only of her mother's time but her own as well.

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Notes:

I am the author and I am proud to be 100% Vietnamese, this story is in the old Vietnamese style.

Hope you can give me your opinion about the story? Is the story good? If you have any questions, please comment and I will answer.