The warm glow of crystal chandeliers danced upon the faceted glassware, creating a shimmering brilliance. Inside this opulent sanctuary in the heart of The Bund, Gawin and Tum stepped into a private dining room.
As the door opened, Adisorn impeccably dressed in a dark charcoal suit rose to greet them.
“I am AP Markrim from ZX Capital. It is a profound honor to finally meet you, Mr. Gawin,” Adisorn said in a deep, resonant voice, extending his hand for a firm, professional grip.
“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Markrim. Your reputation as ZX Capital’s premier negotiator precedes you. I truly admire your work.”
Tum offered a faint smile, his eyes scanning the room until they settled on a waiter standing motionless in the corner. An aura of reddish-yellow radiated from the man a clear sign that he was a spy for the opposition.
“The feeling is mutual,” Adisorn replied smoothly. “Wonder Package’s growth under your leadership has caught the eye of investors across Asia. ZX certainly hopes for the opportunity to collaborate with you one day.”
Gawin let out an affable laugh and gestured for everyone to be seated. “And you, Mr. Markrim, are the one to watch in your generation. ZX must place immense trust in you to send you as their envoy to handle such high-stakes negotiations.”
Adisorn adjusted his suit jacket and gave a polite, measured nod.
“There will likely be news soon regarding Wonder Package’s historic signing with the CK Group,” Adisorn remarked with a subtle, polished smile.
“Precisely as the rumors say,” Gawin replied, his eyes briefly flicking toward the waiter who was busy arranging drinks on a cart. “I’ve been thinking… if ZX were to become part of this alliance, it would be quite formidable.”
Adisorn’s lips curled into a smirk. “What a coincidence. I have an appointment with Dr. Li Ming tomorrow as well.”
Gawin arched an eyebrow in mock surprise. “Oh? Then perhaps we shall be working together with CK Group as our common link.” He flashed a devious grin, catching the waiter out of the corner of his eye.
“Then you must be well aware of the current...
situation
at CK Group,” Gawin lowered his voice, his eyes glinting with hidden meaning. Adisorn smiled back knowingly.
“In our circles, information tends to find its way to us. Your entry into the hydrogen project will surely bolster CK Group’s balance sheet,” Adisorn noted, his gaze subtly drifting toward the corner of the room.
“You flatter me. But in a situation like this, the real hero isn't me,” Gawin said with a sly grin. “ZX Capital is far better equipped to resolve this crisis than I am.”
Gawin raised an eyebrow and laughed heartily before taking a sip of his wine, his eyes locked onto Adisorn’s. In the shadows, the spy recorded every word and movement with clinical precision.
“I believe if ZX offers terms that can unlock the chains binding CK Group, Dr. Li Ming would certainly not refuse such a friendship,” Gawin opined, a smirk playing on his lips. Adisorn remained silent, offering only a polite, inscrutable smile.
Gawin then turned slightly toward the waiter in the corner.
“Pardon me, could you please go and order some champagne? I’d like to toast to this upcoming victory for our alliance,” Gawin requested with a wide, bright smile. The waiter bowed and exited the room. On his way out, he pulled out his phone and immediately forwarded the recorded video to Lu Rong.