Love at first sight still exists, discovers a Chinese in Vietnam
It was the afternoon of Lunar New Year’s Eve 2017 when the young man from Hunan, China, arrived in HCMC for vacation.
Walking down a quiet street, he was intrigued to find a clothing store still open. When he entered, his heart jumped when he saw the warm smile of the store owner.
“I was immediately captivated by her radiant smile and her captivating eyes,” recalls the 27-year-old young woman. “Not only was she beautiful, but her voice was also comforting. At that moment, I felt the need to stay in touch with this girl.”
Visiting the store, Yang discovered a variety of lace dresses, the main product of his family business in Guangzhou.
He struck up a conversation with Van, four years his junior, talking about his job as a manager in the family garment factory and expressing interest in a long-term business partnership. This helped him get her phone number.
Through the text messages, he learned that Van was still single. On the second day after they met, he boldly declared that he wanted her to be his girlfriend. “If I didn’t speak up, I was afraid Van would fall in love with someone else,” he says.
A pre-wedding photo of Van and Yang taken in 2018. Photo courtesy of the couple |
But the HCMC local was skeptical that it was love at first sight. Considering his good looks, stable job, and strong financial situation, she couldn’t believe that a man like Yang was still single.
She refused, saying she didn’t want a long-distance relationship and pointing out their cultural and linguistic differences. She says: “My main concern was being cheated on. Many such scams have been exposed by the media, so I was hesitant to take risks. »
She thought Yang would be discouraged by her rejection. Instead, after returning to China, he continued to text her daily asking about her well-being and work, leaving her surprised.
In addition to running his father’s lace factory in Guangzhou, Yang also ran his own business.
Having After experiencing a long-term relationship that ultimately failed, he had no intention of getting married and wanted to spend his time traveling. But his meeting with Van made him change his mind. “Your sweetness and vitality won my heart when we first met. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
This confession, which came after months of messaging, finally touched his heart. Noticing Van’s growing affection for him, the young man intensified his pursuit. Every weekend, he would go to HCMC from Guangzhou to visit her. They dined at restaurants, walked around the city and had heartfelt conversations.
After three months, they became a couple.
Van’s parents were strongly against the relationship, fearing that Yang was a potential scammer. But he was not discouraged. Understanding their concern, Yang arranged a meeting on Van’s birthday to meet his family. Although he was very nervous, he plucked up courage and confidently asked for permission to take her home to meet his family.
Yang and Van decided to invite relatives of his friends to accompany them to reassure his parents. In Hunan, Van was warmly welcomed by all his family members – grandfather, father, cousins – strengthening their hopes for a common future.
To demonstrate his commitment, Yang diligently learned Vietnamese. He also offered Van the choice of living in Vietnam or China after marriage.
Finally realizing his sincerity, Van’s parents consented to their marriage, which took place in November 2018.
But just before the wedding in HCMC, Yang’s family faced a series of difficulties: due to work issues, his father was unable to travel to Vietnam to attend the wedding, and his grandfather suffered a fall, requiring an extended hospital stay to treat a broken leg.
All doubts about Yang came back in full force due to the absence of family members, prompting Van’s parents to even consider calling off the wedding.
It was only after he arranged a telephone conversation between the two families, reassuring them of his intentions and promising to take them on a visit to China, that his parents relented.
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Van and Yang with their two sons on Valentine’s Day 2024. Photo courtesy of the couple |
After marriage, Van moved to Guangzhou to be with her husband. At first, the newlywed was stressed as she sought to adjust to life in a foreign country.
Yang patiently supported him, helping him learn the language whenever he had free time.
Knowing she couldn’t eat Chinese food, Yang found Vietnamese restaurants to take her to and even learned how to cook Vietnamese food. He also made sure she took monthly trips to Vietnam to be with her family.
Van gradually got used to her new life and gave birth to two sons in three years. Concerned for their well-being, Yang stepped in to care for the children, feeding and bathing them until they fell asleep.
He invited his parents to live with them and help their grandchildren learn the Vietnamese language.
In 2020, the couple launched into the clothing industry. Instead of importing clothes from Guangzhou to sell in the Vietnamese market, as is common, they set up a company in Vietnam to make clothes for the Chinese market, a concept suggested by Van.
At first, they faced many challenges. During live sales sessions, Van was criticized for her Chinese accent.
Whenever he saw his wife crying in distress and humiliation, Yang would encourage her by saying, “If others can do it, so can we.” I am here with you. We can overcome anything.
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Van and Yang during the opening of their fashion boutique in HCMC in early 2024. Photo courtesy of the couple |
After three years of hard work, their business began to flourish. In early 2024, noticing Van’s longing for Vietnam, Yang suggested that they return to his country and start a business focused on direct sales and fashion retail.
His main goal was to empower his wife by starting her own business in her homeland. According to him, a woman’s self-esteem grows when she values herself and strives to build her identity. He says he always wishes these qualities for Van because she deserves them.
As for her, she says his love gives her confidence and strength. “Being with him, I learned that love transcends physical attraction; it’s a connection between two hearts that overcomes all challenges.”
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