A stroke of fate

Back in the 1990s, before mobile phones and direct SMS messaging became widespread, Phan Ngoc Quynh Van (now 53, living in HCMC) worked as an operator for Pager Station 281. One day, she fielded a call from artist Mai Tran (real name Mai Van Thinh, born 1954), who was trying to contact someone else.

Having long admired him, she struck up a conversation. Learning he was performing in a well-known stage play, she boldly asked for a ticket to see it. After several brief conversations, the two grew close despite never having met in person.

One day while at work, Van was contacted by Mai Tran, who asked if she wanted anything to eat. Having chatted through messages many times, she asked him to buy some fresh spring rolls.

Mai Tran then brought the food to the security gate at her workplace, standing at a distance to catch a secret glimpse of her. When a charming, attractive young woman appeared, he was deeply impressed and asked her out.

Appearing on Episode 215 of the ‘100 Years of Love’ TV show, Van recalled: "We got to know each other at the start of 1995, but our first face-to-face meeting wasn't until September that year. The meeting was brief because before we could talk much, he said he had to return home to cook for his child."

"I knew he had been married and had a child, but was divorced. However, I assumed his child was young. To my surprise, when I looked into it later, I found out his child was my age," she said.

Developing feelings for a man 20 years her senior left Van with a mind full of anxieties. She worried that the age gap would prevent them from being in sync.

She also feared stepmother-stepchild dynamics and worried that as an artist, she might lack the talent or beauty to keep him. Above all, she feared her family would object to her dating a single father with a child her own age.

Still, she decided to follow her heart. At that time, having recently suffered the shock of a broken marriage, Mai Tran was living in deep depression, often seeking solace in alcohol. During those moments, Van stayed by his side, offering encouragement and helping him gradually rediscover the joy of living.

"When my parents learned about my relationship, they analyzed the situation and gave advice. But I still asked for their permission to continue getting to know him."

"The hardest part of dating him was winning over his children. Since they were my age, doing that was extremely difficult."

"So, I simply lived authentically, showing them that my feelings for him were genuine and not driven by fame. Fortunately, his two children understood and treated me very well. After four years of dating, we married," Van added.

Happiness in hardship

Under one roof, Van continued working as an operator while Mai Tran pursued his artistic career. They shared a happy life until a crisis caused severe debt.

Around 2006, Van took out loans to invest in stocks. Lacking experience in the field, she suffered heavy losses, fell deep into debt, and had to sell her home to rent accommodation. Throughout this period, family and friends supported the couple in various ways.

The couple also worked tirelessly to earn a living. Van made dishes like herbal black chicken stew, yogurt, flan, and salted duck eggs to sell online. In 2019, Mai Tran suffered a health crisis requiring surgery.

Following the surgery, he could no longer perform on stage and stayed home to assist his wife's business.

Previously, the couple ran a small eatery at their home in Dong Nai. Facing business difficulties, Mai Tran moved to HCMC in 2025 to rent a small venue. However, in June 2026, he suffered a stroke requiring hospitalization.

After his discharge, his health declined further, leaving him entirely dependent on his wife's care. Today, Van's day begins early as she helps her husband with personal hygiene.

She then prepares breakfast and medication for him before assisting with his physical therapy exercises. In between caring for her husband, she manages her food sales to cover living expenses.

Despite the exhausting routine, Van remains optimistic and content. At the end of the program, she shared: "I have never felt disheartened or disappointed while managing our finances and caring for my sick husband."

Ha Nguyen