At the villa, Van Thien stood in the courtyard, motorcycle keys in hand. He looked up at the towering sky, a lingering sensation from his deep sleep still haunting him. He reached up instinctively to touch his necklace.
It didn't vibrate, but within his heart, something was stirring.
Bao Uyen stepped out from the house, dressed in a simple t-shirt and denim shorts, her hair tied neatly back. Her eyes were still tinged with a bit of shyness.
"Brother Thien... shall we go?"
Thien turned around, giving her a gentle smile. "Yeah, let's go."
The motorcycle rolled out of the small alley, cruising through the familiar roads on the outskirts of the city. The wind brushed through their hair. Sitting behind him, Bao Uyen's hands initially just gripped his shirt lightly. But as the bike picked up speed, she unconsciously gripped him tighter.
Thien felt it. He let out a faint, knowing smirk.
"By the way, what should we eat? This is my first time in Hai Phong, so I have no idea what's good here."
Bao Uyen leaned to the right, peering over his shoulder. "Let's have Spicy Fish Noodle Soup (Bun Ca Cay). I know a place that's amazing."
Thien laughed. "Alright, let's head there."
They drove into the heart of Hai Phong city. The traffic was dense, especially with a constant stream of massive shipping containers. It was the morning rush hour; horns blared from every direction. As they crossed a certain stretch, a magnificent theater appeared before them. It was painted a vibrant pale yellow, accented with dark green wooden shutters. Above the doors were intricately carved lyres—the symbol of music.
"That's the Hai Phong Opera House," Bao Uyen said. "It's the biggest theater here."
Thien looked up in awe. "It's beautiful."
After driving for a bit longer, Bao Uyen tapped his shoulder. "Brother, it's that place over there! Pull over!"
He turned the bike into the shop. Looking up at the sign, it read: Bun Ca Cay Thang To (49 Lach Tray). They walked inside; the shop was spacious and cool with high ceilings, clean and well-organized despite the large crowd of customers.
"One full bowl, extra spicy!"
("Cho cháu một bát đầy đủ, cho nhiều cay nhé!")
"One bowl without taro stems, add crispy fish skin!"
("Một bát không dọc mùng, thêm da cá giòn nha!)
"A plate of fish skin over here!"
("Lấy cháu đĩa da cá!")
Once seated, the two ordered their bowls and a side of fish cakes. When Thien took his first bite, he was impressed. Even though it was quite spicy, the flavor was incredible.
Meanwhile, on a nearby rooftop, two figures in black stood watching. This time, their suits featured distinct red stripes. One of them touched his earpiece, connecting to the command ship. Inside the cockpit, the Red-Eyed Black Dragon received the transmission.
"Sir, target confirmed. Should we engage?"
The Dragon toyed with his blade. "No need to rush. It's too crowded; we shouldn't cause a scene." He stared at the screen. "Continue monitoring. Strike when they reach a secluded area."
"Understood."
Back below, Thien sensed eyes on him. His necklace reacted. He looked up toward the rooftops, but there was no one there.
"Brother Thien, what are you looking at?" Bao Uyen asked.
Thien shook his head. "Nothing... I must have seen something wrong."
Bao Uyen then piped up, "Brother Thien... since we're already out, let's visit the Bach Dang Giang National Relic Site after this, okay?"
Thien was surprised. "You want to go there?"
She nodded. "Since it's your first time in Hai Phong, I want to show you the most famous spots."
Thien looked at her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He teased, "That's strange. Yesterday you were too shy to even talk to me, and today you're taking the lead and asking me out."
Bao Uyen's face flushed red. "Yesterday was yesterday! Today is today! Besides, I just wanted to thank you for saving me yesterday."
Thien laughed. "Alright, alright, I get it. Let's go."
After finishing their meal, they left the shop. "Which way to the relic site?" Thien asked.
Bao Uyen wrapped her arms around his waist. "Just drive, I'll give you directions."
"Wait, earlier you were just holding my shirt. Why are you hugging me now?"
She gripped him even tighter. "The traffic is heavy, I'm a little scared."
Thien looked forward. "In that case, hold on tight."
He accelerated suddenly, making her jump. She punched his shoulder hard. "Brother Thien!"
He felt the sting but laughed it off. "Sorry, my hand slipped!"
After navigating through the city streets and passing through a massive gate, they arrived at the relic site. Thien saw the Bach Dang Victory Museum near the entrance. The area was well-kept, with staff guiding visitors.
As they walked deeper into the site, they were surrounded by temples built of ironwood with bright red fish-scale tiles and intricately carved stone pillars. The faint scent of incense filled the air, creating a sacred atmosphere. Along the path, ceramic reliefs and statues depicted the ancient people driving stakes into the river and training for battle—it was vivid and grand.
When they reached the main square, three colossal bronze statues stood tall: King Ngo Quyen, Emperor Le Dai Hanh, and Grand Duke Tran Hung Dao. As Thien gazed up at the statue of Grand Duke Tran Hung Dao, his cross-shaped necklace suddenly flared with light.
They walked behind the statues to where the Bach Dang River surged forward. Standing by the railing, Thien could see the model of the wooden stake field below the water. The scene was majestic.
"What do you think of this place?" Bao Uyen asked.
"It's beautiful," Thien replied, staring at the water. "Truly grand."
Bao Uyen smiled happily, and they continued their tour. But at the edge of the site, the wind began to howl.
Clang!
His necklace flashed. Beneath the Bach Dang River, the ancient wooden stakes... began to tremble.
On a distant roof, the two black-clad soldiers leaped down simultaneously. A voice crackled in their ears:
"Target has entered a secluded zone."
The soldiers tightened their fists.
"Strike."