Summary

Hang recounts the celebration thrown for her before her entrance to university. During the preparation she overhears a cook telling her aunt she will not serve the vice president of the village because he is forcing her sister out of her house. Aunt Tam tells the woman not to worry, she will not need to serve him. At the dinner, the vice president tells Aunt Tam he would like to ask her a favor and she says of course, but only after she can tell a story. She tells a story about a corrupt leader of the village who is selfish and tyrannical, who will take things at the sacrifice of others. The men and women around the table sit around stunned by the aunt’s boldness and her ability to tell stories.

In the present time on the train, a group of young Russian men...