The office door clicked shut softly as Zhang Wei entered in silence. Gawin stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the river of headlights in the streets below, before turning with a warm, welcoming smile.
"Chairman Zhang, what urgent matter brings you to see me in person?"
Zhang Wei cut straight to the chase. "You sensed the atmosphere between Wen Jie and Meiling during the meeting, didn't you?"
Gawin arched an eyebrow slightly. "I did."
"They are using the Hydrogen Project as their personal battleground. I fear that if either of them miscalculates... the project will stall, and you, Gawin, may be forced to shoulder all the blame. I came to warn you keep a close eye on both of them."
Gawin nodded slowly. "I appreciate your concern. But I assure you... this project will never falter. Not until it reaches the goal I’ve set."
The sheer weight of that conviction caught Zhang Wei off guard. He studied the CEO, searching for the source of such confidence hidden beneath that pleasant face. "Are you certain... that you can handle the two of them?"
"I am," Gawin replied softly, though his gaze grew profound. "Because I will not allow such a vital project to fail so easily."
Zhang Wei nodded slowly, absorbed in Gawin's intensity. "I have a question for you," he began, his voice level but laced with newfound respect. "In your eyes... between Mr. Wen Jie and Ms. Meiling, who do you think is fit to be the next Chairman?"
Zhang Wei hesitated for a moment. "By blood... Wen Jie has the strongest claim. But as a rising star, Meiling is certainly a contender. However, looking at pure potential... I believe you, Gawin, are no less a candidate than they are."
Gawin let out a soft, melodic laugh. "Thank you for the honor of including me in that race... but I have no intention of sitting in a chair that large. I much prefer being the CEO of my company back in Thailand."
He paused, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Zhang Wei. "But... I believe there is someone even more suitable than I am."
Zhang Wei tilted his head, intrigued. "And who might that be?"
Gawin walked back to the window, staring out at the urban horizon. "Right now, CK Group lacks a strategist like Chairman Li Ming one who doesn't just fight without a plan, but builds a legacy of proven results to lead the army through adversity."
He paused for a beat, then turned to meet Zhang Wei’s eyes directly. "CK Group is no longer in a phase for brute force. It is in a phase that requires a Scholar King... not just someone with a sharp sword or a heavy shield."
Zhang Wei’s brow furrowed. "And who... do you think that person is?"
Gawin approached him with a relaxed gait, his familiar warm smile returning to his face. "The time isn't right to reveal their face just yet. But I believe... sooner or later, circumstances will force them to step into the light. Because the seat of the next Chairman... has already chosen its occupant from the very beginning."
Gawin offered a cool, enigmatic smile, holding Zhang Wei’s gaze. The elder man stood frozen, captivated by the depth in the man’s eyes as if fallen under a silent spell.
The afternoon sun blazed through the expansive windows of the new office. The scent of polished wood mingled with the faint, sweet fragrance of white lilies from a welcome basket.
Adisorn stood motionless before his desk, his fingertips grazing the black acrylic nameplate. The engraved letters felt cool under his touch: Board of Auditors.
Knock… Knock…
The door opened quietly. Ming Zhi stepped inside with a composed stride, carrying a deep red velvet-lined wooden box.
"Congratulations, Mr. Marc Rim." Ming Zhi placed the box on the desk and flicked the latch. Inside, a golden galleon with its sails unfurled sat encased in crystal. It was a masterpiece of craftsmanship every rope on the mast was visible.
"This is the Yi Fan Feng Shun galleon the symbol of a journey without obstacles. An auditor’s path is often besieged by storms of numbers; I thought this might help guide your way," Ming Zhi said smoothly, though his eyes remained as cold as ice.
Adisorn curled the corner of his lip, eyeing the gift with indifference. "Thank you for the gift, Mr. Ming Zhi. It’s so… warm, it’s almost burning."
Ming Zhi let out a dry, raspy chuckle. "You’re most welcome. But I can’t help but worry… for a foreigner like you, adjusting to a culture as complex as ours is no small feat. Many arrive with arrogance, only to leave like birds with broken wings."
Adisorn turned fully to face him, locking eyes without blinking. "The more I hear your 'advice,' the more eager I am to master this culture."
Ming Zhi took two steps closer, his voice dropping into a mocking hiss. "You seem so desperate to belong… accepting a 'scapegoat' position like this. Or perhaps you’re just hungry to prove yourself in a place you will… never own."
Adisorn arched an eyebrow, his smile widening slightly while his eyes remained frigid. "Ownership isn't as important as being the one who controls the game, don't you think?"
Ming Zhi gritted his teeth in loathing. "Those who aim for the heights should be careful of the fall," the old strategist warned, his words sounding more like a hex than a caution.
"I’ve been comfortable at the heights for a long time," Adisorn countered. "And even if an accident happens, I never hit the ground. A man like me learns how to fly before he ever takes a step. And right now…" He leaned in, staring deep into the old man's eyes. "My path only goes up. To the very top."
Ming Zhi’s lip curled in disdain. "Beware… it is lonely and cold at the peak. And life is unpredictable. A single gust of wind can snatch everything away before you can even blink."
Adisorn’s gaze turned razor-sharp. "I’ve always enjoyed a challenge. The higher the risk, the better the reward," he said with a low laugh. "But instead of worrying about me, you should watch your own back. Be careful not to be kicked off that tower you worked so hard to build."
He stepped closer until they were barely inches apart, whispering into Ming Zhi’s ear. "Oh, I forgot to mention… the person who’s going to kick you off?" Adisorn pulled back, flashing a polite yet predatory grin. "...is me."
Ming Zhi’s fists trembled with rage. Adisorn simply smiled and tapped the golden galleon. "I don’t intend to be the Chairman. But the strategist behind the next Chairman? That’s a possibility."
The challenge was so blatant that Ming Zhi couldn't stand another second of the humiliation. He turned and marched out, the door slamming shut behind him.
Adisorn stood in the silence, his eyes cold. A few seconds later, another knock. Meiling entered with a bouquet and a gift box, a radiant smile on her face.
"Welcome to the CK Group family," she chirped. But as her eyes landed on the gift from Wen Jie sitting prominently on the desk, her smile faltered. A flicker of resentment danced in her eyes.
"My… you’re much more popular than I imagined."