Just 10 minutes later, the sound of an engine was heard outside the door. Trí Tuấn had arrived, as usual, on time and attentive. He stepped out, opened the car door for her, and slightly bowed his head in a respectful greeting.

●"Miss, please," Trí Tuấn said calmly.

Yên Pha smiled softly in thanks and then stepped into the car.

The car slowly rolled through the brightly lit streets of Sài Gòn. Outside, people bustled about, the city lively as always. But inside the car, the atmosphere was unusually quiet.

Yên Pha leaned her head against the window, her eyes gazing outside, though her mind was deep in thought. Chanson Café in Sài Gòn-where the soothing melodies always calmed the soul. She wasn't just there to listen to the music; she was there because of someone, because of a gaze, a voice that had made an unforgettable impression on her.

Would the white rose appear tonight? Could she once again admire that beauty, like a painting, and the captivating voice that had made her heart flutter?

Questions swirled in her mind, but Yên Pha kept her exterior calm, her gaze revealing nothing. The car glided gently along the road, drawing nearer to the place where she hoped her heart might find a little answer.

Leaning back in her seat, Yên Pha absentmindedly looked out the window.

●"Is there a singer performing tonight?" she asked.

Trí Tuấn glanced at the rearview mirror briefly before answering, "I've reserved a table, and coincidentally, Miss Hương Chà is performing tonight. But I believe she will only sing one song."

●"Why just one song?" Yên Pha turned her head, her sharp gaze betraying a hint of curiosity.

Trí Tuấn, hands on the steering wheel, shrugged slightly. "As far as I know, Miss Hương Chà is having some health issues."

●"Hmm..." She tilted her head, furrowing her brow as her expression turned pensive.

She fell silent, her slender fingers lightly brushing against the window glass, as though trying to wipe away an imagined fog. The city lights of Sài Gòn flickered and reflected in her eyes, accentuating the contemplation in her gaze.

A moment later, Yên Pha tilted her head slightly, slowly smoothing the crease on her shirt's shoulder, a subtle but instinctive motion, as if trying to calm herself. Hương Chà-her name not only sparked curiosity but also a vague, nameless worry deep within her.

Trí Tuấn (observing her reaction in the rearview mirror, hesitating): "Miss Yên Pha, would you like to change your plan?"

●"No need, just keep going," Yên Pha gently shook her head, her expression returning to calm.

After speaking, she leaned back in her seat, her eyes half-closed, but her mind still focused on Hương Chà.

Sài Gòn at night always had its own vitality, the lights twinkling and blending with the bustling sounds of vehicles and laughter, creating an urban symphony. People came and went from the cafes, seeking an escape from the daily grind.

The car stopped in front of the Chanson Café, its elegant exterior glowing under neon lights. Yên Pha stepped out, walking slowly yet confidently, her dark hair gently swaying with each step. Her presence was like a breeze passing through the space, drawing the attention of those who couldn't help but glance her way.

The café owner - a woman with a warm and skillful demeanor - quickly approached to greet her with a bright smile.

●"Miss, it's such an honor to have you here!"

Yên Pha nodded lightly and spoke softly,

●"Please, lead the way."

The owner quickly escorted her to a table in the VIP section. This was the most special area in the café, offering both privacy and an excellent view of the stage.

Yên Pha sat down, her eyes briefly scanning the surroundings. Today, she didn't order tea as usual but requested a bottle of red wine. The crystal glass was quickly filled, the deep red liquid reflecting the light like a sparkling ruby.

After a moment, she subtly signaled to Trí Tuấn, her tone calm yet meaningful: "Has what I asked you to prepare arrived?"

●"Yes, Miss," Trí Tuấn responded, bowing slightly with certainty.

Yên Pha's gaze softened, her finger gently brushing the rim of her wine glass. "Please bring it to them later. Just tell them it's from me."

He nodded respectfully, "Understood, Miss."

Yên Pha gave a small nod, her gaze returning to the wine in her hand. She took a small sip, savoring the sweet yet slightly bitter taste that spread across her tongue. Her silence and calm expression made it hard for anyone to guess the true thoughts in her heart.

But her eyes, whenever they drifted toward the stage, held a faint sense of anticipation. Yên Pha wasn't just here to ease her sorrow. She also wanted to send a message-to the white rose she had never stopped longing for.

Tonight, Hương Chà appeared quite late. By the time she had drunk three glasses of red wine, Yên Pha still maintained her composed demeanor, showing no signs of drunkenness. The dim lights in the elegant space only made her more mysterious, her eyes focused on the stage with quiet expectancy.

Trí Tuấn sat beside her, concern visible on his face. He gently reminded her:

●"Miss, your health isn't the best, please don't drink too much."

Yên Pha tilted her head, her voice light but laced with a hint of bitterness:

●"Only when drunk does one truly live. Don't worry, I know my limits."

Trí Tuấn sighed softly, not daring to say more, his gaze briefly shifting to her with a sense of helplessness.

A moment later, the stage lights shifted, the introductory music began, signaling the next performance. The host stepped out, their warm voice announcing:

●"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the beloved singer, Hương Chà, who will perform a soulful French song."

Applause filled the room, and for a moment, all eyes were on the stage. Hương Chà appeared, and the entire space seemed to light up with her radiance.

She wore a form-fitting red dress, its exquisite design accentuating her alluring, graceful figure. The deep red of the dress shimmered under the lights, like a flame in the dark. Her hair was styled in a high, classic French updo, each strand neat, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. Her face was flawless, like a living painting.

Yên Pha sat still, her eyes never leaving her, her gaze so intense it seemed like she wanted to etch that image into her memory. Her hands gently traced the edge of her wine glass, her heart racing with every step Hương Chà took.

Her voice filled the room-sweet, soft, yet steeped in sorrow. The French lyrics floated by like a gentle breeze, carrying with them deep emotions. Hương Chà closed her eyes slightly, letting herself be lost in each note, as if telling a story filled with sadness and longing.

The entire room fell into silence, with only the music and her voice filling the air. The audience was completely captivated by the atmosphere she created, as though the world had narrowed down to just her on stage.

Yên Pha remained composed on the outside, but deep within her gaze, a soft light flickered, clearly showing her admiration and emotional stirrings. She silently thought to herself:
• This woman... how is it that I can't take my eyes off her?

The wine glass in her hand paused in mid-air. It seemed that, in the crowded space with the sparkling lights, only two people remained-her on the floor and Hương Chà on stage.

Hương Chà finished her song with a soft bow, her lips smiling in thanks to the audience before quickly leaving the stage. As always, she didn't linger, avoiding the prying eyes or unnecessary contact, especially from men with looks of desire.

Behind the scenes, Lý Anna was waiting, holding a vibrant bouquet of red roses, each petal exuding a light, delicate fragrance.

Lý Anna, with a mischievous glint in her eyes:
• "I have a special gift for you today. Do you want to accept it?"

Hương Chà raised an eyebrow, her tone slightly cold but still carrying the usual softness:
• "You know I don't like receiving these things."

• "This time is different. I think you'll want to accept it." - Lý Anna smiled lightly, tilting her head.

Hương Chà glanced at the bouquet, her face showing a hint of curiosity but maintaining her calm demeanor:
• "Who sent it?"

Lý Anna emphasized each word, her smile widening:
• It's from Miss Thái Yên Pha.

Hương Chà's amber eyes glinted with an emotion that was difficult to read. She paused for a moment, her gaze fixated on the red roses in front of her, each petal as vivid as if it were speaking something unspoken.

She thought to herself, Thái Yên Pha... why is she sending me flowers?

-------

"Please love yourself, trust me, everything will be eased if you listen to and love yourself."