In 2020, 29-year-old Nguyen Duc Minh had over 10 years of experience as a street vendor in Hanoi, giving him a wide network of restaurant contacts. After commenting on Dung's post, he sent her a private message.

Initially hesitant, Dung responded to Minh's enthusiastic offers of assistance. However, her planned trip from Xin Man, Ha Giang to Hanoi was thwarted by the Covid-19 outbreak. While their Hanoi meeting fell through, a friendship blossomed between the two strangers.

With time on their hands, they talked daily. Minh revealed his height of 1.28m and shared that he was raised by his single mother, who was also of short stature.

The young Nung woman was surprised by Minh's mature and insightful demeanor, despite his small stature. "He was also very humorous and cheerful. Talking to him made me laugh all day," said 28-year-old Dung.

As the eldest of three siblings, Dung had left school after 12th grade to work and support her family. The pandemic's impact on her job prospects prompted her desire to leave her village for better opportunities.

Dung initially believed people who offered help were either looking to take advantage or were genuinely kind. She leaned towards the latter after sensing Minh's sincerity. They became each other's emotional support during the lockdown, and their friendship gradually deepened into love.

"Besides my mother, there was now someone who checked in on me every night. I was deeply touched," Minh shared.

Dung and Minh at their home in Thanh Hoa, 10/7. Photo courtesy of the couple

Dung and Minh at their home in Thanh Hoa, 10/7. Photo courtesy of the couple

Having experienced past romantic disappointments, where women either wanted to exploit or mock him, Minh had given up on love. "I thought no one would ever truly love me," he confessed. But Dung's honesty and care won his heart.

On occasions like International Women's Day and Valentine's Day, he sent her flowers and lipstick. From afar, he showered her with attention and care.

In 2/2022, Dung invited Minh to her home to "celebrate Tet again," a custom in her hometown. Before leaving, Minh video-called Dung's family to introduce himself and ask permission to visit. Dung's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Xin Nghiem, readily agreed.

When his bus arrived at 4 a.m., Minh called Dung over 10 times but received no answer. Lost and unsure of what to do, he considered returning home. "It turned out she had overslept," he chuckled. Relief washed over him when she finally answered, but anxiety returned when she mentioned her father would pick him up.

The 10+ km motorbike ride through the mountainous terrain with Dung's father felt three times longer to Minh. Despite having prepared Dung's parents for his appearance, facing them directly made him self-conscious.

Seeing Minh's small stature, Dung's parents took their prospective son-in-law to their farm to test his abilities. After just one morning working with a hoe on the terraced fields filled with sharp rocks, Minh was exhausted. The next day, he admitted to his future father-in-law, "I'd rather stay home and wash dishes for Dung."

"I just laughed because he was so honest and sincere," Mr. Nghiem recalled.

Unable to handle heavy labor, Minh helped Dung harvest and dry corn. True to his word, he washed the dishes after meals.

During his 9-day stay, Minh bonded with Dung's family and was introduced to her extended relatives. "They didn't speak Vietnamese, but I felt their warmth and acceptance. They didn't laugh at my appearance, which was a relief," Minh said.

On the 10th day, Minh proposed taking Dung to his rented room in Hanoi so she could experience his life before they made a serious commitment.

Mr. and Mrs. Xin Nghiem agreed. Knowing Minh's financial struggles, they waived the traditional dowry.

The young couple on their wedding day in 2022. Photo courtesy of the couple

The young couple on their wedding day in 2022. Photo courtesy of the couple

When Minh brought Dung home to meet his mother, 70-year-old Nguyen Thi Tich, she was astonished. "Many healthy, average-looking men with stable incomes struggle to find wives," Mrs. Tich remarked. Only after hearing Dung confirm their relationship herself did Mrs. Tich believe it.

In 5/2022, as the wedding tent was erected in their small yard, Mrs. Tich felt like she was dreaming. Her joy multiplied the following year when Dung gave birth to a healthy daughter without any height-related issues. "It's a great blessing for our family," she said.

On Minh's wedding day, curious residents of Sam Son packed the small road leading to his house. Many, like Mrs. Tich, were surprised to see the tall, beautiful Dung marrying the short-statured Minh.

Having grown up together, Minh's neighbor, Minh Phuc, wasn't surprised by his friend's newfound happiness. "Apart from his height, he's no different from anyone else, even more resourceful and hardworking," Phuc commented.

After marriage, Minh's perspective shifted. He learned to cherish his family and the simple moments they shared. He embraced his responsibilities as a husband and father.

After their marriage, Dung no longer needed to seek work in Hanoi. She stayed home to care for their daughter while Minh continued his street vending business. "Though not wealthy, he provides for us just as well as anyone else," Dung affirmed.

While their house still needed furnishings and Minh faced many responsibilities, he no longer felt the loneliness he once did. He now had a home and family waiting for him.

"I've realized that happiness won't abandon those who live positively and sincerely. It's about whether we dare to believe and choose to hold onto it," Minh reflected.

Pham Nga