Do Van Bac and his girlfriend met by chance during Tet (Lunar New Year) in 2021, when both were guests at a year-end party at the home of a high school friend in Hanoi . Being quick-witted and outgoing, Bac was always the one to take the initiative in the party's activities. As the party was in full swing, he unexpectedly caught the eye of a petite, pretty girl with fair skin and a radiant smile. At the end of the evening, he approached her, asked for her address, and learned that she was Hoang Thi Hong Lien, a student at the Hanoi University of Internal Affairs. From that day on, the girl's eyes and smile lingered in the young officer's mind.

After the Lunar New Year holiday, returning to her studies, Hong Lien had few memories left of the young officer she had once chatted with. Suddenly, one day, she received a letter by mail . Opening it, Hong Lien realized it was from someone she had met before. The young officer conveyed his impressions of their first meeting and memories from their time in the military through the letter. He hadn't forgotten his address and added, "I look forward to your reply." His simplicity, unpretentiousness, and witty way of speaking impressed the young student. Letters were exchanged, and over time, their conversations became more frequent and intimate.

Lieutenant Do Van Bac and his girlfriend Hoang Thi Hong Lien.

One weekend, while relaxing with her friends in the dormitory, Hong Lien suddenly heard a knock on the door. Opening it, she was surprised to see the same young man from before, dressed in his Air Defense-Air Force uniform and holding a red rose. After the initial awkwardness, his neat attire and polite demeanor quickly won her and her roommates' hearts. Occasionally, he would take advantage of the weekend to visit her. Each time he came, he would bring her fresh red roses, sometimes accompanied by a small, meaningful gift he made himself from bamboo toothpicks. His persistence and dedication, typical of a soldier guarding the skies, gradually won the heart of the amiable student.

Due to their work schedules and geographical distance, their time together was very limited. Understanding this difficulty, Hong Lien proactively visited his unit, both to encourage him and his comrades and to better understand life in the military. Visiting the unit and witnessing the hardships and difficulties the soldiers faced to protect the peace of the nation's skies, Hong Lien's love and appreciation for her boyfriend grew even stronger. At that time, she was also a little worried about whether she could provide a solid support system for him to focus on his work. However, with sincere affection, all her worries disappeared, giving way to a determination to be together and build a happy life.

On April 30, 2021, Do Van Bac and Hoang Thi Hong Lien officially marked the beginning of their relationship with the approval of both families, friends, and colleagues. Although they know many challenges lie ahead, the young couple believe that all difficulties will pass and happiness will remain for those with sincere hearts and faithful love.

Text and photos: THANH QUANG