The living room remained quiet, the slanted sunlight filtering through the thin curtains and falling softly across C?u D?ng’s tired face. He leaned back on the sofa, brow furrowed. The sleepless night weighed on him like a stone pressing on his chest — thoughts of Anh Th? wouldn’t let him rest. Suddenly, he sat up, his voice filled with both worry and urgency.

  – “Tonight, Anh Ph??ng and her two friends from Canada are flying in. I’d better head to the airport to pick them up.”

  Charles, still scrolling through messages on his phone, glanced toward Deep.

  – “Then Deep and I can go. You stay home and prepare dinner for the kids.”

  Tu?n, sipping his coffee, nodded in agreement.

  – “Yeah, I’ll call my assistant to book them a hotel for the night.”

  But M? Linh immediately waved her hand, her tone gentle but firm.

  – “No need. I already told my husband last night — the girls can stay at our house in Gò V?p. It’s better than a hotel; it wouldn’t look right for young ladies.”

  Ti?n, who had been quietly thinking, suddenly brightened as if he’d just solved a puzzle.

  – “That’s right! Mr. D?ng still has that house in Gò V?p that no one’s renting. We could even hold the wedding there. It’s smaller than this villa, but much cozier.”

  Mr. Tài nodded thoughtfully, his calm voice carrying a note of caution.

  – “That’s a good idea. Since Th? is pregnant, it’s best to keep the ceremony small — just family and close friends. A big wedding could exhaust her.”

  C?u D?ng rubbed his forehead and nodded slowly.

  – “Yes… you’re right. This might be the best option.”

  M? Linh smiled faintly, though a trace of worry still lingered in her eyes.

  – “And after the wedding, Huy will move in with us. That boy’s still immature, always hanging out with his friends. I can’t let Th? live alone with him, not while she’s expecting.”

  Tu?n chuckled, half-joking, half-serious.

  – “Can’t argue with that. Just look at him — screams ‘party boy.’ If they live on their own, he’ll be out all night playing billiards instead of caring for his wife.”

  Charles nodded in agreement, his voice low and measured.

  – “If he were responsible, it’d be different. But from what I’ve seen, he only knows how to enjoy himself. He’s still too young to understand what family means.”

  The room fell silent again. Only the soft clinking of a spoon against porcelain filled the air, while C?u D?ng’s eyes reflected the quiet weight of a father’s worry — knowing deep down that his troubles had only just begun.

  A bright and bustling morning unfolded over the peaceful fishing village of Long H?i. The early sunlight shimmered across the jade-green sea, where gentle waves rolled over soft golden sand. Fishermen’s voices echoed as they called to one another, hauling in their nets. The scent of fresh fish and sea salt mingled with the sound of swallows circling overhead — a perfect blend of serenity and vitality. Along the shore, couples strolled hand in hand, striking poses beside brightly painted boats to capture the tender glow of a Sunday morning by the sea.

  A sleek black Bentley Bentayga pulled up quietly along the stone-paved coastal road. Erion stepped out, the sea breeze brushing against his handsome features as his amber-brown eyes narrowed slightly in the sunlight. He gently took Trang’s hand, and together they walked toward the small seaside house where the young girl they’d met the previous night lived. Chen followed behind in silence, camera in hand, capturing the simplicity of life — from the innocent smiles of children to the weathered fishermen mending their nets under the warm sun.

  As soon as the girl spotted them, she lit up with excitement, her cheerful voice rising above the sound of crashing waves:

  – “You’re here! We have super fresh seafood today! My parents saved some for you!”

  Trang smiled kindly, kneeling down to pat the girl’s hair.

  – “Please thank your parents for us, sweetheart.”

  Erion’s expression softened as he added, his deep voice warm yet composed:

  – “Then let’s go to your house now, buy the seafood, and visit your family a bit. After that, we still need to stop by Dinh C? Temple before heading back to Saigon.”

  Chen grinned, nodding eagerly.

  – “Then let’s go right away — no time to waste.”

  The girl happily dashed ahead, her ponytail swaying in the wind, while the trio followed leisurely behind. When they reached the porch, her father — a lean, sun-tanned man — greeted them with a gentle smile.

  – “Welcome! I saved the freshest seafood for you all! My wife’s making some extra jars of green chili salt for dipping — her sauce is the best you’ll ever taste.”

  Erion nodded gratefully, taking out his wallet and placing a fair sum on the table.

  – “Thank you. This is for the seafood — and this extra bit is for your daughter’s school fees.”

  The fisherman received the gesture with his rough, calloused hands. His eyes turned red with emotion as he spoke, voice trembling slightly.

  – “Thank you… truly. You’ve been so kind to my family. If you ever come back this way, please visit us again.”

  Trang nodded, her bright smile warm as the sunlight on the sea.

  – “We definitely will.”

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  Then she leaned down, gazing at the little girl affectionately.

  – “And next time, I’ll bring you a present.”

  The girl’s face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes glimmering like pearls, while beyond them, the waves continued their soft, rhythmic song — bearing witness to a morning filled with kindness, compassion, and quiet beauty.

  The morning atmosphere in the fishing village grew even warmer as the little girl’s mother stepped out, carrying a large styrofoam box and a bag of condiments containing jars of seafood dipping sauce, Vietnamese coriander, lime, and chili.

  – “I’ve packed all the seafood neatly in this box, and here are the condiments to go with it. Thank you all for supporting and helping my daughter.”

  Chen quickly stepped forward to assist. He gently took the seafood box and opened it. Inside were crabs, shrimp, squid, octopus, and sea fish — all glistening fresh, the salty scent of the ocean spreading through the air.

  Erion leaned down to inspect carefully. His deep, steady voice carried a note of decisiveness:

  – “Everything looks top quality. But I see there’s still some space — could you add a few more crabs? I’ll pay extra.”

  After the fresh crabs were neatly arranged, the little girl’s father carefully sealed the box with layers of tape to prevent any spills or odors. Chen handed over the payment, and the group made their way to the car. He placed the seafood box next to the suitcases, arranging everything neatly and securely like a professional courier.

  Trang turned back and saw the little girl’s family standing by the porch, waving with warm smiles glowing under the sunlight. The girl’s clear, sweet voice rang out, adding an extra touch of charm to the scene:

  – “Goodbye, everyone! Please come visit me again next time!”

  Trang, Erion, and Chen waved goodbye, their eyes filled with respect and affection for the kind, honest people of the sea.

  The Bentley slowly rolled away, leaving behind the peaceful fishing village and heading toward Dinh C?, the sacred temple dedicated to the Goddess of Long H?i, a spiritual symbol deeply cherished by the coastal folk.

  The Bentley Bentayga rolled slowly along the sunlit coastal road, where the sea breeze carried a salty tang mixed with the faint fragrance of frangipani flowers drifting from nearby houses. When the car reached the gate of Dinh C? Long H?i, all three were struck by the radiant morning scene before them.

  Gentle golden sunlight glimmered on the curved red-tiled roofs, shining like gold leaf. The rhythmic crash of waves against K? Van Mountain, the temple bell’s melodic echo, and the low murmurs of pilgrims’ prayers intertwined into a sacred and tranquil harmony. Incense smoke mingled with the sea wind, filling the air with a serene spiritual energy.

  After finding a parking spot, they all stepped out. Trang, with her long, silky black hair fluttering in the sea breeze, smiled brightly under the morning sun.

  – “So this is Dinh C? Long H?i. There are so many pilgrims here… it’s so lively!” she said, her eyes gleaming with fascination.

  Chen looked around as well, his eyes reflecting admiration for both the tourists and the temple’s architecture. The entrance gate stood grandly with gold-lacquered red paint, its pillars carved with dragons and phoenixes, decorated with exquisite motifs reflecting the old Southern royal architectural style. Inside was the solemn main hall, its curved roof stretching outward like the wings of a bird soaring over the vast sea.

  Erion lifted his gaze, his deep voice filled with awe:

  – “This temple lies at the foot of K? Van Mountain, facing the endless blue ocean. It’s both sacred and magnificent.”

  Chen nodded, his tone carrying a hint of pride as he recounted:

  – “More than two hundred years ago, legend tells of a young woman named Lê Th? H?ng, a gentle and virtuous girl from this coastal region. She perished tragically in a great storm. The villagers, moved by sorrow, built a small shrine in her memory — they called it Mi?u C?, the Maiden’s Shrine.”

  Trang gazed toward the horizon, her expression serene as though feeling the echo of history through the sea breeze:

  – “Then in 1930, the villagers enshrined her spirit and built the grand temple we see today, Dinh C?.”

  At that moment, an elderly man with white hair, a tourist who had overheard their conversation, approached them with a kind smile.

  – “Hello, young folks. It’s rare these days to see young people who take such interest in history.”

  Chen smiled politely, speaking with sincere respect:

  – “We love exploring culture and historical sites. Whenever we travel, we always make sure to learn about the local history.”

  The old man nodded, his eyes bright with pride:

  – “Every year, on the twelfth day of the second lunar month, people from all over gather here to attend the L? M? C?, praying for peace and smooth sailing.”

  Erion inclined his head slightly, his calm voice carrying reverence:

  – “This temple was officially recognized as a national historical site in 1995, and in 2023, the Dinh C? Festival was declared a national intangible cultural heritage.”

  Before leaving, the old man turned back to gaze at Dinh C? one last time. His eyes held a lingering fondness as he gently spoke to Erion’s group:

  – “Goodbye, my young friends. It’s time for my group to move on. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

  They all smiled courteously, and Erion stepped forward:

  – “We’re honored to have met you, sir. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey.”

  Golden sunlight slanted across the moss-covered stone steps, blending with the whisper of the sea breeze. The three stood silently, hearts filled with an indescribable emotion — a sense of sacred peace — as if offering their silent reverence to the spiritual land of Long H?i, where the soul of the sea forever lingers.

  After their visit to Dinh C? Long H?i, Erion’s group left the tranquil seaside behind and began their journey back to Saigon. The Bentley Bentayga glided swiftly along the sunlit coastal highway, the midday sun reflecting off its sleek black surface, scattering silvery flashes like blades of light.

  Inside the car, Trang was holding the Black Crystal Mirror. The mirror’s mysterious glow reflected in her clear eyes as vivid images appeared — the mansion of C?u D?ng, now the center of a frenzy louder than a celebrity livestream. Crowds, cars, and reporters jammed the front gate, the chaos echoing through the entire neighborhood.

  Erion glanced at the rearview mirror, the corner of his lips curving into a cold smile — sharp as the northern wind:

  – “Tonight, those apprentice sorcerers will be stunned. This is just a warning.”

  The ringtone broke the silence. Erion pressed the speaker button, and Din’s calm, measured voice came through, laced with quiet authority:

  – “General, the centipede clan is planning a wedding. The Lord commands that by tomorrow, everything must return to normal. He wants that wedding to happen as soon as possible.”

  Erion nodded slightly, his deep voice resonating like tempered steel:

  – “If my father-in-law has decreed it, then tomorrow morning I’ll withdraw the spell. I’d like to see that centipede take his rightful place as the prince of his brood — that’s when things will get truly interesting.”

  After the call ended, Chen, seated in the back, looked mildly disappointed, his tone half joking, half serious:

  – “Too bad. I was hoping those apprentice witches would spin in confusion for a few more days.”

  Trang smiled faintly, her slender fingers gliding across the mirror’s dark surface. The light within it rippled softly, as if responding to its master’s touch.

  – “Oh, they will. That girl Anh Ph??ng has no idea... both of her brothers-in-law belong to the magical world — one a centipede spirit, the other a fairy.”

  As her words faded, a tense stillness filled the car, leaving only the soft hiss of wind brushing against the windows.

  ***

  At Mr. Tài’s mansion, the family was still buzzing with chatter about Anh Th?’s upcoming wedding when the doorbell suddenly rang. M? Linh glanced toward the gate, her lips curling into a smug half-smile:

  – “Speak of the devil — and he arrives.”

  C?u D?ng quickly straightened his clothes and posture, his expression shifting from disdain to a polished, welcoming smile. He hurried to open the gate, his tone forcedly cordial:

  – “Ah, my dear in-laws, what brings you here at this hour?”

  Mr. Tín guided his motorbike into the courtyard, his demeanor calm and seasoned:

  – “My wife and I just came back from seeing a fortune teller. We’ve picked a good date for the kids’ wedding.”

  Mrs. Nguy?t added smoothly, her voice sincere but tinged with subtle intent:

  – “This Sunday’s a fine day, and we figured your family wouldn’t be too busy, so we decided to stop by while we could.”

  The air in the courtyard grew thick in an instant. Behind the polite smiles and casual chatter, hidden currents of calculation began to swirl — though none of them realized that a pair of enchanted eyes, far away, was already watching their every move.