Inside the opulent private suite at Long Wei Chinese Restaurant, the Huangpu River glittered like liquid diamonds under Pudong’s neon skyline. At the center of the room stood a grand round table draped in champagne silk. Chairman Li Ming sat with relaxed authority, facing the door, while Chatchawin occupied the seat of honor to his right.
The tea service began. Li Ming personally lifted the delicate earthen teapot and poured the fragrant Wuyi Oolong into Chatchawin’s cup a rare gesture of respect.
Chatchawin followed tradition, curling his index and middle fingers to tap the table three times in quiet gratitude.
“You are surprisingly familiar with our customs,” Li Ming remarked, his smile warm yet calculating.
"Seeing you look so vibrant and energized, Mr. Chairman, I recalled your fondness for Wuyi Mountain Oolong. I wondered if the tea you poured for me today is the same one you enjoy personally?"
Li Ming chuckled softly. “Your eyes are as sharp as they say. This is indeed Da Hong Pao from the ancient mother trees. Bold and astringent at first… much like business. But it leaves a lingering sweetness like a friendship forged through fire. I do not pour this for just anyone.”
Chatchawin raised his cup with both hands. “Then I am honored. A sweet finish after hardship is what truly matters.”
Across the table, Gawin and Adisorn sat in composed silence, while Wenjie, Mi Ling, Mingzhi, and Lu Rong watched with unreadable expressions.
Soon, an imperial banquet was served: Australian abalone braised in a rich, glossy glaze, followed by steamed honeycomb grouper, and the centerpiece Peking duck roasted over jujube wood, its skin thin, crispy, and aromatic.
Once the main course was cleared, attendants in qipao brought in a ceramic bottle of Moutai.
When the main courses were cleared, attendants in elegant qipao brought forth a ceramic bottle of Moutai.
Li Ming lifted the bottle himself, pouring the crystal-clear liquor into Chatchawin’s glass until it reached the brim.
“Fine liquor belongs to those who are worthy,” he said, eyes gleaming. “Let this toast seal the bond between Thailand and China.”
Chatchawin held his glass with both hands as the intense aroma of fermented sorghum filled the air. When they toasted, he lowered his glass and gently clinked the rim of Li Ming’s a sign of deep respect.
“Ganbei!” Li Ming declared.
Chatchawin downed the fiery liquor in one smooth motion. The burn raced down his throat like liquid fire, leaving only a fragrant, lingering warmth. He tilted the empty glass toward Li Ming with a steady smile.
“An open heart has nothing to hide.”
Li Ming laughed heartily. "Well said! You have the Guqi the noble spirit that Chinese people respect."
But as the Chairman set his glass down, his gaze shifted to the two younger men beside Chatchawin. A subtle, dangerous smirk curved his lips.
“It warms my heart to see three Thai businessmen at my table tonight.”
The words made both Gawin and Adisorn tense slightly.
“Oh… I almost forgot,” Li Ming added smoothly. “Mr. Mark Rim is half-Thai, half-Singaporean. But your Thai blood runs strong enough for me to consider you one of our own.”
Adisorn’s polite smile remained frozen on his face, but his eyes turned icy as he exchanged a quick glance with Chatchawin.
...................................
The pickup truck sped along the road lining the Huangpu River. The skyscraper lights reflecting on the water were so breathtaking that Pheuak leaned out the window to catch the breeze. "It looks like something out of a movie, Boss."
Ohm smiled faintly. "Well, they probably film movies around here all the time."
But as they soaked in the scenery, the driver flicked his eyes to the rearview mirror. A car behind them surged forward and slammed into their rear.
BANG! BANG!
A violent impact slammed into the rear of the truck, throwing both men forward.
“What the hell?!” Pheuak yelled.
Before he could finish, the car behind rammed them again, rattling their bones. Ohm whipped around to look at the back window. "Is he crazy?! Driver! Pull over! Stop the car!"
The truck swerved wildly. Catering trays flew off the back, scattering across the highway like shrapnel.
“Driver! Pull over!” Ohm shouted.
The driver said nothing. Instead, he slammed his foot on the gas. The engine roared like a beast unleashed.
Two more black cars suddenly appeared, flanking them on both sides.
BANG! BANG!
The trucks were sandwiched and battered from all directions. Metal screamed. Glass cracked.
“They’re trying to kill us!” Pheuak screamed, gripping the seat in terror.
Ohm reached for his phone, fingers shaking as he tried to call Chatchawin.
The driver suddenly jerked the wheel hard.
The phone flew from Ohm’s hand and vanished into the darkness outside.
“SHIT!!!” both men roared as the three cars continued ramming the truck like a pack of wolves tearing at prey.
"What do we do, Boss? We’re dead! We’re freaking dead!" Pheuak wailed, his spirit breaking under the sheer terror. Ohm turned toward the driver, his face contorted with rage and desperation.
"Stop the car! Brake, damn you! I’m begging you!" Ohm bellowed, his voice straining.
The driver finally turned his head.
He looked straight at them and smiled.
A cold, mocking smile.
The smile of a man who had just delivered prey to the gates of hell.