Chapter 28: The Results Are In

Chapter 28: The End of the Competition - Shared Glory and JoyA Moment of Destiny

The last note of music rang out, marking the end of an emotional night. The entire auditorium seemed to hold its breath. All eyes locked onto the stage, where the contestants stood motionless, awaiting the decisive moment.

The stage lights flickered, reflecting in their tense gazes. Sweat lingered on their foreheads, breaths still unsteady after the intense performances. The judges had finished their deliberations. An envelope was handed to the MC.

Time seemed to freeze. The weight of anticipation pressed down on everyone.

"And the winner of Dan Vu 2025 is..."

The moment stretched on endlessly. Hearts pounded.

"Duat Van!"

Thunderous applause erupted. The entire auditorium exploded in cheers.

Duat Van stood motionless, as if absorbing the weight of the announcement. Then, with deliberate steps, he moved forward, his sharp eyes scanning the thousands of faces watching him. The golden stage lights illuminated his figure, highlighting the quiet confidence in his gaze. Dressed in silver-white, he looked almost ethereal—an artist who had ascended to the pinnacle of fame.

The golden trophy was placed in his hands. In that moment, he closed his eyes, drawing in a slow, deep breath. This was the culmination of years of relentless training, of dreams that had burned fiercely within him.

The applause grew louder, echoing through the vast hall. Some cheered in admiration, others watched with envy, but no one could deny the truth—Duat Van deserved this victory.

Ngoc Han - The Mark of an Ageless Beauty

Just behind Duat Van, Ngoc Han maintained a serene yet unmistakably proud smile. She was the embodiment of classical elegance.

Draped in a white silk gown embroidered with delicate floral patterns, she stood like a radiant moon in the night. Her performance had been more than just a display of talent—it had been a breathtaking fusion of tradition and modernity, woven into every step, every glance, every graceful motion.

9.9 points. A near-perfect score.

Her mother rushed forward, eyes shimmering with pride. "My daughter, you were absolutely magnificent."

Ngoc Han smiled softly, fingers curling around the lucky necklace resting against her collarbone. She knew deep down—victory wasn't measured by trophies alone. She had left a lasting impression in the hearts of the audience, and that was the greatest triumph of all.

Then, unexpectedly, a familiar presence approached.

Hao Thien.

In his hands was a bouquet of pristine white tulips. Without a word, he placed them in hers, his gaze filled with something unspoken yet deeply sincere.

"Sister," he said, voice steady, "even if you're not standing at the very top, you are still the brightest."

For a moment, Ngoc Han was taken aback. Then, a laugh escaped her lips—light, pure, and filled with warmth.

"Thank you, Hao Thien. You did wonderfully as well."

But this was more than just a bouquet.

It was recognition. It was family.

Minh Hoang & Thanh Khai - When Music is Love

The echoes of their last song still played in Minh Hoang's mind. Though the competition had ended, the music remained, lingering in his soul.

Beside him, Thanh Khai exhaled softly, before glancing his way. Their eyes met.

They didn't need words. They understood.

Third place wasn't the highest honor, but it didn't matter. They had delivered a performance that had reached into the hearts of the audience, had painted a story through melodies and harmonies—a story of love, passion, and unity.

Their music had not just been heard. It had been felt.

From where they stood, they watched Duat Van lift the championship trophy high.

"This competition may be over," Minh Hoang murmured, voice steady, "but our journey is only beginning."

Thanh Khai nodded. "And we will continue it—together."

Duat Van - A Star Destined to Shine

Standing at the heart of the stage, Duat Van surveyed the sea of faces before him. Cheers filled the air. Countless eyes shimmered with admiration.

His heartbeat quickened.

And in that moment, he realized—

This was not the peak.

The golden trophy felt warm in his grasp, solid and real. Yet, beyond the dazzling lights, beyond the roaring applause, there was something more.

A road stretching endlessly ahead.

A road that he would walk, step by step.

Lifting his gaze to the stars above, he smiled—a quiet, knowing smile.

Then, he bowed deeply.

Not just in gratitude.

But as a promise.

A promise that this was only the beginning.