Within the confines of a secluded, opulent dining suite, the warm radiance of a crystal chandelier shimmered, its light dancing across fine-cut glassware like scattered diamonds. Gawin and Tum entered with a poised, rhythmic grace. The moment the doors parted, Adisorn—now fully inhabiting the persona of 'A.P. Markrim'—rose to greet them with a smile calculated to the millimeter.
For a fleeting second, their eyes met. The warmth of their true friendship was instantly veiled behind a seamless mask of professional formality. Dressed in a charcoal-grey suit, Adisorn exuded the formidable aura of a high-ranking sovereign from ZX Capital.
"I am A.P. Markrim of ZX Capital. It is a profound honor to finally meet you, Mr. Gawin," Adisorn spoke in a resonant baritone, extending his hand. It was a standard international greeting, yet the subtle tension in the grip was a coded signal known only to the two of them.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Markrim," Gawin replied with a measured smile. "Your reputation as a premier negotiator precedes you. I am truly impressed that someone of the new generation has ascended to the zenith with such decisive skill."
As the two lions began their intricate dance of words, Tum, playing the role of the stoic secretary, operated like a living radar. Ignoring the delicacies on the table, his keen eyes analyzed every square inch of the room. They settled on a waiter in the corner; the yellow-red aura radiating from the man betrayed a hunger for information masked by nervous energy. 'This rat is listening,' Tum noted inwardly.
"You are too modest, Mr. Gawin," Adisorn said, leaning back with an air of relaxed elegance. "The growth of Wonder Package is the spectacle all of Asia is watching... and I am no exception."
Gawin leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing the world's most guarded secret. "Mr. Markrim... as you are aware, tomorrow marks the historic signing between us and CK Group." He locked eyes with Adisorn, his gaze heavy with meaning. "I believe it would be most beneficial if ZX Capital were to become a pillar of this alliance."
Adisorn nodded slowly, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "An intriguing proposition... but quite by coincidence, I have a pivotal appointment with Dr. Li Ming tomorrow as well."
Gawin arched an eyebrow with theatrical precision—a performance so flawless it was haunting. "Ah... then perhaps in the future, we shall walk the same path with ZX Capital as our primary benefactor." He flashed a devious smile, catching a glimpse of the waiter who was feigning a slow, methodical wine service. Gawin then deliberately cast out a massive piece of 'bait.'
"And I assume you are already briefed on the status of VCC and CK Group...?"
Adisorn nodded with a calm, scholarly air. "From my inside sources... it appears CK Group is navigating a rather treacherous cash flow storm."
Gawin smirked, his eyes flashing as he dropped his voice to the lowest decibel the listening devices could capture. "Would it not be ideal... if ZX Capital offered terms to 'liquidate' all of CK Group's debts? I am certain Dr. Li Ming would not refuse a hand of friendship that offers such a total salvation."
Gawin spoke rapidly, imitating the haste of a man desperate to close a deal, his eyes following the crimson stream of wine as it flowed languidly into the glass.
The moment the final word was uttered, the waiter finished the pour. He bowed with practiced humility and exited the suite in a hurry. As soon as he was out of sight, a hand concealed beneath his tray deftly produced a miniature smartphone. The video file of that 'clandestine' conversation was uploaded to the cloud and transmitted directly to Lu Rong...
Unbeknownst to the spy, every word, every gesture, was a script written in advance—a trap designed for the old fox to walk into of his own volition.