In episode 18, aired on 16/9, Ba Ngoc learned Phuong (Minh Thu) lent the money intended for an apartment to Khanh (To Dung). Ba Ngoc then directly met Khanh, asking him not to see her daughter. She even offered more money for Phuong's freedom. Behind the door, Phuong overheard the entire conversation, discovering that her mother had met Khanh after his release from prison and wanted him to end their relationship. Phuong wept, saying her mother interfered too deeply, which caused Ba Ngoc to lose control and slap her daughter.

After the episode aired, Van Dung's fanpage received thousands of comments from the public. Some viewers called Ba Ngoc treacherous and ungrateful, citing how Khanh's family helped her with debts in the past. Dang Ngoc Tuyen commented: "Van Dung is very brave to take on this role. I predict many people will switch from loving her to hating her."

However, most viewers recognized the character's deep love for her child, despite her misguided expression, and praised Van Dung's acting. Hoang Oanh remarked: "Watching the film, I truly hate Ba Ngoc. But in real life, I have two daughters, and if my child loved someone like Khanh, I might act the same way. Life is contradictory. Dung and the other actors performed this scene very realistically."

Canh ba Ngoc tat Phuong trong tap 18. *Video: VFC*

Van Dung stated she reads every comment, pleased by the public's lively interaction with Ba Ngoc's character and the series' plot. Occasionally, she feels disheartened when a few people do not distinguish between the character and the actress. However, the artist "does not feel angry, but loves the audience more" because they believe her acting is real, seeing this as a positive sign for the film crew.

Addressing opinions that empathize with Ba Ngoc's feelings, Van Dung pointed out that many mothers have been in similar situations. According to the actress, some mothers, due to overprotecting their children and worrying about their future, behave inappropriately. "Each mother expresses love differently, but Ba Ngoc is loving her child in an extreme way," she said.

Van Dung praised Minh Thu, who plays her on-screen daughter. During the scene where she was slapped by her mother, Minh Thu suggested that her senior colleague slap her for heightened emotion, and proactively asked for retakes if unsatisfied. According to Van Dung, she had to slap her co-star about ten times. Each time the director called "cut," she hugged and encouraged Minh Thu. The artist commented: "I appreciate her effort, ambition, and willingness to listen to the director and my feedback."

The actress said she accepted the role of Ba Ngoc to portray complex characters, distinct from her usual comedic image. She hopes the public recognizes her efforts to demonstrate diverse acting abilities. Additionally, she wanted to support her son, Long Vu. Earlier, Long Vu played Khanh, appearing in the initial part of the work, and received praise for his natural, age-appropriate acting. Although the mother and son did not share any scenes, he frequently observed his mother's acting on set. Van Dung joked that "the son is loved by the audience, while the mother is hated."

Tao hinh cua Van Dung khi hoa than ba Ngoc. *Anh: Nhan vat cung cap*

Van Dung, 51 years old, was born into an artistic family; her mother was a dancer, and her father was a director for the Tay Bac Song and Dance Troupe. In 1992, she was among the top 15 in the Miss Tien Phong pageant, the predecessor to the Miss Vietnam competition. Audiences love the artist through programs like "Gap nhau cuoi tuan" and "Gap nhau cuoi nam". In recent years, Van Dung has appeared in many television dramas, such as "Ghet thi yeu thoi", "Huong duong nguoc nang", "11 thang 5 ngay", and "Nguoi mot nha". From 2023, she has featured in horror films including "Quy cau", "Quy nhap trang", "Quy nhap trang 2", and "An mang karaoke".

"Mua he nam ay" continues the youth drama genre, following "Cach em mot milimet" and "Phia ben kia thanh pho". Besides young actors like Long Vu, Le Luu Ly, and Ha Thanh, the series features experienced names such as Anh Tuan, To Dung, Minh Thu, and Trong Lan.

Phuong Linh