Chairman Li Ming glanced out the window at the Huangpu River, where the neon pulse of Pudong’s skyline bled across the water. He took a slow, deliberate sip of his Moutai.
"I’ve received some... reports regarding the formation of this HEC group," he murmured.
Gawin caught Chatchawin’s eye for a fleeting second before responding with measured composure.
"Indeed, sir. However, given that this project involves international law and energy security, we are preparing to present the full details to the board at the next meeting."
"Prudent as always, Mr. Gawin," Li Ming complimented, though his gaze drifted toward Chatchawin. "It seems you, Chatchawin, have a vision that reaches further than I anticipated. I wonder... if the future of the Hydrogen project is destined to rest in the hands of a Thai Sandbox after all."
Chatchawin accepted the praise with a slight smile. "The future doesn’t belong to any one person, Mr. Chairman. It belongs to those who can maintain the equilibrium between the heart of ASEAN and the vision of China."
Li Ming gave a low, throaty chuckle before shifting his eyes toward Adisorn.
"And from the perspective of ZX... what do you think? If we were to expand the scope of this project beyond its current limits, does ZX possess the capital and resources to sustain a venture of this magnitude?"
Mingzhi’s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Adisorn.
Adisorn allowed a cold, faint smile to touch the corners of his lips. When he spoke, his voice was silky yet laced with hidden blades.
"At ZX, we believe capital flows toward potential. The vision Chatchawin has proposed provides a formidable foundation for the Hydrogen project." He paused, his gaze grazing Chatchawin’s before locking back onto Li Ming. "...However, greatness without balance is a liability. There must be rules designed to protect the interests of everyone involved."
The challenge was thrown a venomous gambit delivered by the man known as Markrim. Every eye in the room was fixed on him, especially Li Ming and Chatchawin, who read his move instantly.
"HEC should be established under the jurisdiction of a Joint Special Economic Zone, with Singapore as its legal base. And for total transparency," Adisorn continued, "it must be overseen by a neutral arbiter an international security lawyer specializing in global energy treaties."
Chatchawin’s smirk deepened. Li Ming’s eyes narrowed into cautious slits.
"Hmph... an 'HEC group'?" Mingzhi interjected, his tone dripping with derision. "Realistically, such a coalition is nearly impossible. Is it not... far too dangerous?" Having served as Li Ming's strategist for years, Mingzhi knew the Chairman had no true intention of letting HEC grow into the powerhouse Chatchawin dreamed of.
Adisorn’s smile didn’t falter. "It’s not surprising that you see it as impossible. Not because we lack the capability... but because the world is spinning faster than the old rules can keep up with. You are looking at tomorrow through the lens of yesterday." He turned his gaze fully onto Li Ming.
"This project is the litmus test for global power. Will you be the one who writes the rules to lead the world, or will you settle for following the rules written by others?"
The room fell into a suffocating silence. Even Mingzhi, poised to retort, found himself silenced by the sheer audacity of the statement.
Chatchawin let out a soft laugh and glanced at Adisorn. "And what about the balance between CK Group and Away Logistics? Where should our equilibrium begin?"
The loaded question made Li Ming set his glass down slowly. His relaxed facade vanished, replaced by a cold, sharp focus.
Adisorn replied, his voice soft but absolute.
"Lasting balance comes from
equalized risk
. A cross-shareholding system will turn CK Group and Away Logistics into corporate siamese twins. If one prospers, the other thrives. But if one betrays..." Adisorn scanned everyone in the room.
"
They both burn together.
"
He leaned back, calm and lethal. "This is the only honest beginning. In this game, there is no solo winner. There are only those who stand and walk together... and those who fall into the abyss together."
Li Ming stared at Adisorn. He realized the man was playing a dangerous game, refusing to take a side.
Chatchawin’s smile widened, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding. A venomous serpent is always a serpent; it can never be tamed, and it is always ready to strike the moment you blink.
Mingzhi laughed dryly. "The balance you speak of... is it just a way to force the giant to stoop down and support the small? For a 'Big Brother' to accept equal terms despite vastly different stakes... isn't that a direct insult to the Chairman's honor?"
The room felt like an arena for master strategists. Wenjie’s lips curled into a smirk, watching Adisorn, waiting for the killing blow in this verbal duel.
"CK Group is the unmatched Big Brother," Adisorn countered smoothly. "And a Big Brother with a generous heart earns a loyalty that lasts forever. Meanwhile, the agile 'Little Brother' serves as the frontline and the safe haven. I see this as an immeasurable profit for a Dragon that intends to rule the energy world."
Li Ming’s brow twitched. Lu Rong, sitting nearby, watched the Chairman, gauging his courage.
"Mr. Markrim’s advice may be risky, but in Thailand, we value the heart above all," Chatchawin added, his eyes challenging Adisorn’s. Wenjie took a sip of his drink, savoring the moment his father was forced to stand at a crossroad of immense risk. The Godfather from Thailand was proving to be a high-stakes gambler.
"In Thailand, we don't fear the clever; we respect the 'Real Deal'," Chatchawin said, a smirk playing on his lips. "Chairman Li Ming... are you willing to trade hearts with a real-deal gambler like me?"