Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Amidst the suffocating pressure, Meiling felt her breath catch in her throat. Wen Jie slowly interlaced his fingers on the table, his polite smile never reaching his eyes now sharp with open mockery as he turned toward her.
“I understand Mr. Chatchawin’s concerns,” Wen Jie said smoothly.
“Ambiguity tends to breed… irreversible misunderstandings.”He offered Meiling a smile that was all teeth. “Ms. Meiling’s proposal was… quite creative. I genuinely admire the effort.”
The words were a velvet-covered dagger. He saved her face in public only to belittle her work as a desperate attempt. Meiling’s grip tightened on the remote until her knuckles turned white. Her expression remained composed, but her lips trembled with barely contained rage.
Wen Jie turned back to Chatchawin, his eyes narrowing. “But I offer more than mere words. I am willing to place 5% of my personal shares in CK Group into an escrow account. If the first-quarter KPIs are not met… those rights transfer to you. No disputes. No conditions.”
A deathly silence fell over the room. Meiling froze. She never expected Wen Jie to stake his own legacy so boldly. Wen Jie locked eyes with Chatchawin, waiting for the scent of blood.
Chatchawin’s lips curled into a thin, predatory smile. “I appreciate the… sincerity,” he said coolly. “Since you’ve put such skin in the game, I’m inclined to consider it.”
Zhang Wei shot Wen Jie a sharp look of disapproval, but Chatchawin was already leaning back, his presence dominating the room. “And in return… I have a proposal of far greater magnitude.”
The entire room held its breath.
"I want to establish the H-Alliance," Chatchawin declared. "An alternative energy bloc in Asia to negotiate against European and American powers who use ESG and carbon taxes as shackles against us."
Gawin’s eyes narrowed. “Are you suggesting we create a Hydrogen OPEC?”
Chatchawin smirked. “We’ll call it the Hydrogen Energy Cartel the HEC.”
The temperature in the room dropped instantly. Meiling felt ice crawl down her spine. This was no longer business. This was geopolitics. Tum, watching the thick black aura rolling off Chatchawin like smoke and fire, quickly scribbled a note and slid it to Gawin.
Be extremely careful. He’s planning to burn everything down. You have to put out this fire.
Gawin read the note, then looked back at Chatchawin, who continued with chilling confidence.
"The HEC will unite Asian nations to seize pricing power and dictate global hydrogen standards. We start with China and our networks in Thailand, connecting to Vietnam and Indonesia... controlling the entire energy artery of this region. Thailand, with its strategic geography and infrastructure, will be our Hub."
Gawin saw the map clearly now and the danger. This move could drag CK Group straight into international conflict. Meanwhile, Wen Jie’s eyes burned with naked ambition.
“This vision… far exceeds what I imagined,” Wen Jie said, a hungry grin spreading across his face.
"Building a wall against the West via the HEC... I am very interested. It seems our goals align far beyond simple commerce."
Before Zhang Wei could speak, Gawin stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
“This proposal is formidable and could reshape the global energy landscape,” Gawin said calmly, though his eyes were steel. “However, given the serious implications for international law and national security, we must conduct a rigorous, exhaustive review. We will take this under advisement and consult with our board and legal advisors.”
Wen Jie’s smile froze. Gawin… you endless thorn in my side.
“Mr. Gawin,” Wen Jie said, his voice dangerously polite, . "I thought you rose to Director because of a vision that surpassed the common man... but it seems you might be a bit too cowardly for this stage."
The insult landed like a stone in still water. Chatchawin’s gaze slowly shifted toward Gawin. The director remained completely unmoved, his expression icy and devoid of anger.
“My apologies,” Gawin replied with a thin, professional smile. “But any decision that could impact national infrastructure security is not one I can take lightly. Or do you believe… that speed in gaining leverage is more important than the safety of the company itself?”
The counter-question was soft, but heavy enough to make several executives nod in quiet agreement. A few exchanged glances filled with newfound respect for Gawin.
Gawin turned to Chatchawin. “Mr. Chatchawin, I must apologize, but I cannot give a final answer today. This matter is highly sensitive. I will report directly to Chairman Li Ming for his decision.”
Chatchawin let out a low chuckle. “As it should be. The legal systems and regulations of this country are something even a foreigner like myself deeply respects.”
As he spoke, Chatchawin met Tum’s eyes. The dark, fiery aura had vanished. Tum realized the entire display had been calculated a performance designed to bait Wen Jie into a reckless mistake.
Wen Jie scanned the room, seeing the board members looking at Gawin with trust and admiration the very look he had craved for years.
Even if I crush Meiling into dust… Gawin remains untouchable.
Wen Jie’s fist clenched tightly under the table. Gawin’s small victory in this moment cut deeper than any blade slicing straight through his pride with excruciating precision.