In the quiet breath of the afternoon, a soft, amber sunlight cascaded over the sprawling skyline, illuminating the towering empire of the CK Group. Kawin followed closely behind Rosé, navigating the extensive, echoing corridor until they came to a halt before a massive double door a threshold he had never once crossed in his entire career.

The moment the doors parted, the interior exposed a stunning, private sanctuary. Li Ming was sitting cross-legged, his posture perfectly erect upon a raised platform padded with a premium, cream-colored silk cushion. Hanging directly behind him was an ancient piece of Chinese calligraphy displaying a singular character: 悟 (Wù) symbolizing enlightenment, awakening, and the absolute comprehension of ultimate truth. The ambient illumination inside was carefully modified into warm, golden tones. Beside the wall, a stone vase housed a minimalist

Chahua

floral arrangement, its winding, twisted branches flexing with organic grace.

In the dead center of the room sat a low, solid wood floor-desk. An ash-grey clay teapot and a set of delicate ceramic cups rested side by side, accompanied by the faint, drifting tendrils of burning agarwood incense, enveloping the air in a profoundly relaxing aroma.

"Ah, you have arrived, Mr. Kawin. Please, join me," Li Ming initiated, gesturing with an open palm toward the opposite cushion. Kawin offered a respectful bow before settling into a cross-legged position directly across from the Chairman, his demeanor flawlessly composed.

"This is the preparation of

Chan Chaa Yi Wei

... otherwise known as the Zen Way of Tea," the Chairman explained. He retrieved the clay kettle, lifting it slowly to rinse the ceramic cup with boiling water. "The absolute core of this ritual resides within four sacred pillars:

Hé, Jìng, Qīng, Jì

... Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility."

Using a set of bamboo tongs, he gently swirled the hot water around the cup before discarding it into the drainage tray below. With calculated precision, he ladled finely ground green matcha powder into the earthen vessel, added the exact matrix of hot water, and utilized a traditional bamboo whisk to whip the liquid until a dense, velvety froth materialized. He extended the earthen cup to Kawin, who received it with both hands in a submissive gesture.

Kawin lifted the vessel to his lips, taking a slow, deliberate sip. The initial contact was a heavy, astringent bitterness. Yet, the moment it glided down his throat, a deep, nourishing sweetness manifested, echoing back up from his palate.

"How do you find it? Do you experience tranquility?" Li Ming inquired, his sharp eyes examining the Thai executive. Kawin offered a serene smile, cradling the cup firmly within both hands.

"Upon consuming this tea, the initial bitterness gives way to a profound sense of serenity. It yields a rich sweetness after the fact almost as if, after navigating immense chaos, one is finally permitted to return to a state of absolute self-reflection."

"Hah, precisely," Li Ming chuckled softly. "In this day and age, we continuously scramble after profit and loss margins, completely blind to the tranquility of existence. This cup of Zen tea... commands us to awaken. To remain stationary within the stillness without haste. To cast aside excessive, overreaching ambitions, and empty the mind entirely so that true, unadulterated wisdom can manifest."

Li Ming flashed a subtle smile, staring at the tea cradled in Kawin’s grip. "I got rather carried away in my philosophy. You certainly didn't come here merely to sip tea and practice detachment. You possess an imperative brief to report to me, correct?"

Kawin carefully placed the ceramic cup back onto the wooden desk. "Yes, Chairman... I would like to formally propose that the Hydrogen Valley project be integrated comprehensively with President Zhangwei’s Seamless Network."

The sudden declaration from the Thai CEO caused Li Ming’s eyes to narrow instantly.

"And why is that? Your initiative triumphed conclusively in the debate... Why do you desire a merger with Zhangwei’s architecture?"

Kawin displayed a faint, unyielding smile. "Because constructing a massive hydrogen production matrix without an established consumer ecosystem is like building an upstream river that lacks a downstream current, sir. President Zhangwei’s Seamless Network will serve as the ultimate downstream destination, transforming our Hydrogen Valley into a flawless, self-sustaining empire."

The sheer logic of the statement commanded Li Ming’s absolute, undivided attention.

"If we construct direct pipeline channels and hydrogen distribution stations extending from our manufacturing base directly into the deep-sea ports and transit hubs utilizing CLS's smart logistics framework... Chairman, imagine the sheer velocity and scale at which our energy grid will web across the continent..." Kawin pressed.

In that micro-second, Li Ming’s mind began visualizing a map of Asia tightly bound by golden veins of green hydrogen energy, running parallel to maritime trade routes and automated systems. Furthermore, every subsidiary under the vast CK Group umbrella would harvest low-cost energy directly from this localized matrix.

Kawin continued, "While our global competitors are forced to lease third-party freight infrastructure, absorbing volatile operating overheads and colliding with cross-border carbon tax penalties, CK Group will stand as the solitary titan in Asia controlling everything from baseline production and export to ultimate delivery. This will permanently lock our operational expenditures at 30% below the global market rate via immutable Smart Contracts."

Kawin closely calculated the old man's expressions, watching him run the massive numbers through his head. "This strategy binds the upstream and downstream currents into a singular, colossal river under the absolute monopoly of CK Group. When that day manifests, the valuation of our equity will skyrocket to three times the value of merely selling raw energy. Chairman... do you desire to simply be a fuel vendor, or do you intend to be the sole owner of every major river in Asia?"

The question struck the veteran tycoon dead center. Li Ming sat completely frozen for a long moment. The vision of absolute, unmitigated wealth that Kawin had mapped out forced a thoroughly gratified smirk to surface upon the Chairman's face.

"Furthermore, a projected growth metric of 35% within the first five years will generate absolute confidence among global institutional investors. Once we successfully lock down the Asian theater, the global benchmark for green energy will be dictated entirely from this very empire... And the individual wielding the supreme authority to control it all in a singular grip... will be you, Chairman." Kawin smiled broadly with absolute conviction.

It appeared that Adisorn wasn't the only silver-tongued strategist capable of masterfully manipulating Li Ming's desires; this Thai CEO possessed the exact same lethal caliber.

Li Ming burst into a deeply satisfied, echoing laughter. "Then it appears it is statistically impossible for me to decline your request, isn't it?"

Kawin smiled, offering a polite bow before lifting his eyes to lock onto the Chairman once more. "And there is one final variable that requires your administrative executive decision, sir."

"Speak," Li Ming permitted, gesturing with an open hand, completely receptive to the proposal.

"Regarding the impending negotiations with Away Logistics. I have received confirmation that their Chairman, Mr. Chatchawin, will be arriving here next week."

Li Ming went quiet, tilting his head slightly. "Ah... in that case, coordinate a flawless, high-tier welcoming committee. I trust your capabilities implicitly," the Chairman noted, a warm smile gracing his features. Kawin bowed his head, his eyes flashing with an unreadable, deep intent.

"However, the specific decision I require from you is... I desire to have Mr. Wenjie formally integrated into this project's core task force," Kawin requested flatly.

Li Ming fell completely motionless, his mind calculating the sudden anomaly.

"You... wish to permit Wenjie to join your inner circle on this initiative?"

"Yes, sir," Kawin affirmed, maintaining a warm, perfectly benign smile. Yet, Li Ming remained highly suspicious, attempting to weigh the hidden variables behind such a bizarre request.

"Mr. Kawin, I shall ask you directly... My son has subjected you to severe, near-fatal hostilities. Why on earth do you desire to bring him into your operational loop?" This was a severe contradiction that Li Ming’s paranoid nature could not simply bypass.

Kawin maintained his polite, serene gaze, looking directly into the old man’s eyes.

"Many would look at it from that perspective, sir... However, to guarantee absolute institutional transparency while operating in tandem with corporations based in Thailand, I highly desire a neutral supervisor someone who possesses your absolute trust to monitor our operations at close range."

Li Ming stood stunned for a brief moment. "Are you absolutely certain... that this will not manifest into a severe liability for you later on?"

Kawin met his gaze with unyielding calm. "Yes, sir. I am certain."

Li Ming stared deep into Kawin’s bright, seemingly harmless eyes. Deep within his chest, the old dragon carefully tucked his paranoia away, waiting for the day this man would finally slip up and expose his true, lethal colors.