In 2019, through a mutual friend, they met and exchanged phone numbers. Later, Tan represented the Special Forces Officer School in the English Olympiad at the Military Technical Academy, near where Trang lived. Curious about each other, they decided to schedule their first date. After only a few polite greetings, he invited her to dinner, not at a fancy or romantic restaurant, but at a roadside roast duck stall. Upon arrival, he casually offered her a beer to quench her thirst. Seeing that he treated her like a "drinking buddy" on their first meeting, she was slightly annoyed but discreetly maintained her composure.

The couple Ho Tan and Quynh Trang. Photo provided by the subjects.

Partly because she thought their relationship would remain just a friendship, and partly because she was busy with work, Trang paid less attention to Tan in the following days. But Tan didn't want to stop there. He asked his former "matchmaking" friend for advice and devised a long-term plan to win her over. After a period of implementing his strategy of "slow and steady wins the race," Trang gradually changed her mind and reciprocated Tan's feelings, sensing his sincerity. During their courtship, the most memorable moment was when Tan had a business trip to Moc Chau ( Son La ). Taking advantage of his day off, Tan went down to the village to help the locals harvest apricots and plums, picking the best ones to soak in an elaborately decorated glass jar with the inscription "A jar of apricots for little Meow."

Despite the nature of their work preventing them from seeing each other frequently during holidays and festivals, Ho Tan's affection for his girlfriend remains incredibly warm. One evening, while on her way home with her best friend, Quynh Trang was overwhelmed with happiness when she unexpectedly heard a message from her boyfriend playing on the car radio: “My dearest! Today is March 8th, and yet I can't be by your side to send you my best wishes. Through the radio, I hope you can hear my thoughts. I know the path of a soldier is always filled with unexpected trips and missions. But wherever I am, my heart always has a peaceful ‘location’—that’s you. Thank you for loving a soldier who is often away from home, who often makes promises but breaks them because of duty. I love you more than words can express, and I wish you always beautiful and healthy. Always be my strong support! I send you the song: ‘Where Love Begins’ as a reminder: Wherever we are, our love begins each day with gentle waiting and unwavering faith. Waiting for the day I complete my mission, to be with you.” "Come to me and hold me tight."

Keeping that promise, Ho Tan and Quynh Trang recently officially tied the knot in the presence and with the blessings of both families and relatives.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/phong-su/noi-tinh-yeu-bat-dau-1031425