Chuong Ha watched her mother's figure disappear into the crowd, her heart filled with a strange feeling, as if a thin veil of mist had just been lifted before her eyes. The scene she had just witnessed was not merely a fleeting moment but a vivid testament to all the rumors about her mother. From the way Yen Pha treated the newspaper boy to the attention she garnered from those around her, everything highlighted the beauty and poise of a woman who was not only admired but also regarded as a symbol of generosity and authority.

She realized that her mother deserved the legendary reputation people spoke of - not only for her extraordinary beauty but also for the steadfast charisma of a brilliant businesswoman. Softly, Chuong Ha murmured a verse to herself:

"Hair as long as soft silk threads, eyes as bright as midnight stars,
Silk robe flowing with the wind, an elegant figure, regal and grand."

The car rolled forward, its wheels gliding smoothly over the paved streets, passing old French-style houses and hurried street vendors. The engine's hum wasn't too loud, just enough to let her feel the vehicle's powerful motion-like a river coursing straight along its path. The road sped past under the hurried steps of laborers, the tinkling bells of trams crossing by, and the morning air still carried the earthy scent of the night's rain.

Catinat Street (now Dong Khoi) gradually became busier, but her car patiently moved through the crowd, weaving past stalls of fruit sellers, freshly baked baguettes, and general goods vendors. The calls of hawkers selling their wares echoed rhythmically in the air, blending with the soft hum of the car engine.

Along the wide avenue, the leafy trees occasionally leaned down, forming a lush green curtain-a delicate slice of old Saigon, where modern rhythms met timeless beauty. The sky grew brighter as the first rays of sunlight pierced through, creating shimmering reflections on the car's windows.

The vehicle steadily approached the Thinh Phat textile factory, where she had spent four years building and expanding the business. Each time she looked ahead, Yen Pha felt both pride and a deep sense of responsibility intertwined with her work. These familiar streets, the bustling people-each was part of a story she was tirelessly continuing to write.

At 20 years old, still a young woman, Thai Yen Pha had been entrusted by her father with the role of factory manager - a decision that surprised many in the business world. But for her, it was not just an honor; it was a tremendous responsibility. Thai Thinh Phat, founder of the Thinh Phat silk brand, had known that his daughter possessed both the talent and determination to guide their family through challenges and further elevate the renowned textile factory.

Four years have passed, and now at 24, Yen Pha has matured not only in her craft but also in her leadership. She was no longer the girl who had just stepped into the competitive business world. She is now one of the leading figures in the silk weaving industry, with a firm hand guiding the ship through the waves of the marketplace.

As soon as she stepped into the factory courtyard, Yên Pha was greeted by the steady rhythm of the weaving machines, a familiar cadence that seemed to envelop the entire space. The clatter of the looms, the creak of handcarts being wheeled around, and the calls of workers busy with their tasks blended into a vibrant symphony of life. She walked along the corridor, nodding to the familiar workers and pausing occasionally to exchange words with a few.

- "How has the dyeing section been doing these past few days, sister Lan?" - Yên Pha asked, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear as the wind tousled it.

Sister Lan, the head of the fabric dyeing department, looked up, her eyes gleaming with pride as she replied,

-  "Everything is going well, Mistress Yên Pha. The new batches of red fabric are ready, and their quality is on par with the export standards."

Yên Pha nodded, silently thanking the loyal workers who had stood by her for so many years. She continued deeper into the factory, where a group of artisans were weaving silk with deft hands. The dim light illuminated the shimmering threads as they moved swiftly under their practiced fingers.

Not long after, she entered her private office and found her father, Thái Thịnh Phát, already there, engrossed in reviewing some newly received financial reports. He was the mastermind behind the factory's success, but Yên Pha knew that he was also the one who had placed immense trust in her, entrusting her with significant responsibilities from a young age.

- "My daughter has grown up so much," - her father said with a warm smile as he noticed her entering.

 - "What's got you looking so tense today?"

Yên Pha sat down gracefully at her desk, removing her wide-brimmed hat to reveal her neatly braided hair. She smiled, her eyes reflecting her pride.

- "I just met with a few partners," - she said. 

- "They want to expand the silk market to the North and other parts of Indochina. I think this is a great opportunity for Thịnh Phát to grow even further."

Her father's eyes, a mix of pride and concern, rested on her. 

- "Have you prepared a detailed plan?"

Yên Pha nodded confidently. 

- "I've thought it through. First, we'll enhance the quality and promote the Thịnh Phát brand at major fairs in Hanoi and Ha Long. Then, I'll introduce premium products to Indochinese markets. However, we'll need a robust distribution system to maintain our reputation."

Her father remained silent for a moment before speaking in a calm, deep voice. 

- "You've done well, Yên Pha. I trust you. But remember, in times like these, we must be extremely cautious. The market is sensitive, especially with so many foreign influences vying for control."

Yên Pha bowed her head in gratitude, warmth swelling in her heart. Her father had always been her guide and source of confidence. But today, she knew she was ready to steer the ship of Thịnh Phát more firmly than ever.

- "I won't let you down," - she said, her eyes steady and determined, like a flame in the darkness, ready to blaze a path forward.

She then asked softly, 

- "Father, why did you come by today?"

Her father smiled, his gaze tender. 

- "Your mother mentioned how busy you've been lately, so I wanted to see how you were doing. You've been so absorbed in your work without rest—it worries me."

Yên Pha paused briefly before replying gently, 

- "There's work that needs to be done, and you know that. I'm organizing everything to expand Thịnh Phát, but it's been hectic."

Her father's expression was a mix of pride and concern. 

- "I understand. Working hard is good, but you must take care of your health. Nothing is more precious than that."

Yên Pha nodded, her eyes shining with pride as she listened to him. She knew that no matter how tough things got, her father's care was her greatest source of motivation.

Their conversation, though brief, was full of meaning. As her father prepared to leave, he reminded her gently, 

- "I'll be going now. Continue with your work, but remember to take care of yourself."

Yên Pha stood silently as she saw him off, her eyes following the light smoke from the chimneys rising into the sky. It seemed to mirror her own emotions—unspoken thoughts, undisturbed by the rush of daily work. She clenched her fists briefly before releasing them, as though trying to contain a surge of emotions bubbling within her.

To everyone else, Yên Pha was the epitome of confidence, decisiveness, and leadership, but few knew of the complexities in her heart. There was an unexplainable heaviness pressing down on her, an invisible burden she couldn't quite understand.

She recalled her father's gaze during his visit to the factory. It was the look of a loving parent, yet tinged with an unspoken worry. He wasn't just there to check on her work; hidden in his eyes was a silent question—could she shoulder the burdens the family faced and rise above them?

Yên Pha felt the weight of his expectations, intertwined with an unease she couldn't fully grasp. It was as if all his hopes were placed on her, but the cost was a lingering sorrow and pain she had yet to uncover.

She stood by the factory door, taking a deep breath to shake off her dark thoughts. Her eyes shone with resolve, as if she had made a decision. Yet deep inside, a quiet sadness burned—a longing for something lost, an ache she could never entirely soothe.

Returning to her office, she closed the door behind her, entering the familiar space where no one's eyes could reach her. The room, spacious and tastefully decorated, exuded authority and seriousness. But in its shadows lingered an eerie solitude—the weight of decisions made within these walls.

As she sat in her plush leather chair, her fingers traced the cool surface of the desk. Piles of documents lay before her, each one representing a piece of the future she was responsible for building. Yet, at this moment, the numbers and letters seemed blurred. Her thoughts drifted to the responsibilities pressing down on her shoulders.

Moments later, a soft knock interrupted her reverie. Trí Tuấn, her trusted assistant, entered. Always composed and reliable, he had become an indispensable part of her life, both professionally and personally.

- "You called for me, mistress Yên Pha?" he asked calmly.

Without looking up, Yên Pha replied, 

- "Take another look at the delivery contract for the northern region. Do you see any issues?"

Trí Tuấn approached, picked up a file, and skimmed through it quickly. After a brief silence, he said, 

- "There's nothing concerning. The terms are clear, and it's ready for signing."

She nodded slightly, her eyes still scanning the documents. Weariness crept over her, but she dared not stop. Observing her silently, Trí Tuấn sensed her exhaustion—not just physical but emotional. Yet, as always, he remained silent, only preparing the next set of documents for her review.

- "Do I have any important meetings today?" - Yên Pha asked, her voice steady but tinged with fatigue.

- "There's a contract signing with a French partner at Le Jardin restaurant this afternoon. It's a crucial agreement for expanding Thịnh Phát's silk distribution internationally," - he replied.

- "I don't want to attend," she said, her tone firm. "Arrange for someone else to handle it."

Without hesitation, Trí Tuấn nodded. 

- "Understood, ma'am. I'll take care of it."

Yên Pha gave a small nod and added, 

- "One more thing. My father asked me to come home for dinner tonight. Make sure everything is in order before I leave."

- "I'll prepare everything, mistress," - Trí Tuấn replied, bowing slightly before leaving.

As the door closed behind him, Yên Pha leaned back in her chair, the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on her. Her life was a relentless series of decisions, but today, her heart felt adrift. Though the work could not pause, she knew she couldn't escape the burdens she bore.

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