(Arc 1 : The raven and the dragon)

“Hello, Kae. Have you been here long?” Gwenval asked as he entered the studio.

“About an hour or two. And what about your appointment?”

Kaelan was sitting in front of a large canvas. He wore overalls that had once been white, but were now splattered with paint. He held a wide, flat paintbrush soaked in paint in his hand, and his hair was tied back in a ponytail.

Gwenval sat on a chair near his friend.

“I felt like I was in a spy movie.” he said.

“Hmm?”

“The CEO of Jade Shielding did not steal his reputation. Thanks to him, we were able to compile a list of suspects in record time… I also think they genuinely want to help.”

Kaelan put down his brush and turned to Gwenval.

“So, what do you plan to do now?”

“We’ve come up with a plan that’s supposed to be simple. At least on paper. To make it work, we’ll need you.” Gwenval announced with a mischievous smile.

“Me?”

Gwenval then explained the plan in detail, sharing all the information they had gathered to trap the stalker.

As he listened, Kaelan was intrigued. The thought of getting to know both Ashlay and Bai Hao Ming better grew stronger. The two friends seems to be like night and day. One was radiant and warm, while the other preferred to stay out of the spotlight and keep his distance.

“Hmmm… It still sounds a bit far-fetched.” Kaelan mused.

He took a moment to think before responding.

“It's the most effective and fastest method we've found. My apartment is out of reach for my stalker, and I haven't been to my studio for a while. Public places are his only chance to get to me, rather than targeting my loved ones.”

“It’s not like he can attack your family either, and you don’t have many friends… Wait. Does that mean he might go after me to get to you if he finds out we know each other?” Kaelan sighed.

“I won’t let anyone hurt you, Kae.”

“I’m not worried about myself…but the more I think about it, the more I feel that the culprit is stupid as well as dangerous. What if he tries to kill you? I know what you’re capable of, but you can never be too careful.”

Kaelan couldn’t help imagining the worst.

“Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to me… So, are you in?” Gwenval smiled at his friend.

“Of course! How could I say no? I can't wait to see your stalker's face when he realizes he did all this for nothing. And of course, I expect a box of cream puffs as payment.”

“” Of course.”” Gwenval repeated, laughing.

The two friends then ordered food and went into the studio storage room to select pieces for the exhibition.

____

Ashlay was sitting on a sofa in his mother's office at the Orchid Prestige headquarters. As she was in a meeting, Ashlay took the opportunity to call Secretary Shin and give him instructions regarding the management of the hotel for the coming weekend.

When a woman with a commanding presence entered the office, Ashlay stood up to greet her with a gentle embrace.

Intira Nienrao, Ashlay’s mother, ran Orchid Prestige with an iron fist, yet was very attentive to her son. She was beautiful and looked remarkably young.

Mother and son began a conversation in Thai.

'This morning, the director of the Seoul Arts Centre called to thank me for the donation. I saw that you won your race too. Congratulations, my son.” congrats, Intira as she sat at her desk.

“Congratulations, young master.” a male voice complimented.

There was a third person in the room: Kittanan Wattana, Intira’s secretary and the group’s chief lawyer. Though they were not related by blood, he had always cared for Ashlay as if he were his own son. Ashlay had always considered him family.

“Thank you, Uncle Watt.”

“What brings you here? You didn’t need to come in person to give me your report on the charity concert. There must be another reason, isn't it ?” Intira asked.

“As perceptive as ever, Mother… Last night, a dressing room was ransacked. The musician assigned to it was targeted personally. After hearing about it, I decided to help him. This morning, I went to the center to announce that I would oversee the renovation of the room. Hao Ming and I are planning to resolve this matter at the Turquoise this weekend.”

“Why go to such lengths? You should leave this to the authorities.” commented Secretary Kittanan.

“I agree.” Intira agreed. “How does this concern you? Which musician is being targeted?”

“The pianist, Altaha Gwenval… An… An acquaintance…”

Intira quickly searched on her computer. Seeing Gwenval’s photos, she smiled and looked at her son playfully.

“And? What makes you go to all this trouble for an “acquaintance”?”

Ashlay didn’t answer immediately, as he considered a plausible explanation.

Intira knew her son well. She could easily guess why Ashlay had suddenly become involved with Gwenval.

“You must have a good reason…. As long as you promise to be careful, I won't oppose your plan. After all, the Turquoise is under your supervision. I know, you didn’t come here to ask for permission either. You came to inform me, so that I wouldn’t be caught off guard if something happened. Am I right, my son?”

“My dear mother is truly the smartest. I will be careful.” Ashlay replied with a light laugh.

He quickly kissed his mother on the cheek, greeted Secretary Kittanan and left the office, not giving his mother time to say anything else.

Intira stayed silent for a moment, amused by all the energy her son was putting into helping a “mere” acquaintance. Then her gaze drifted outside.

“That child. He's always ready to help others, but I don't think he's acting without reason this time.”

She turned to her secretary.

“Watt, find out everything you can about this Altaha Gwenval, and hire someone to investigate what really happened at the concert. Send men to the Turquoise as well. I want to be notified of any unusual events there.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Secretary Kittanan bowed respectfully and left the office. Intira returned to work not long after.

“Altaha… I’ve heard that name before.” she whispered thoughtfully.

____

The next day, at around eight o'clock, Ashlay arrived to pick up Gwenval as promised. Thinking that the musician might not have had time to eat, he brought him an iced Americano, an egg sandwich and a small bag of pastries. Gwenval appreciated the gesture and gladly accepted.

Not far from the entrance to the residence, a sinister figure observed Ashlay’s car, muttering something inaudible while fiercely trampling on a flowerbed. Once the car had left, the figure vanished.

"The hotel staff have started organizing for Saturday. And your friend? Did he agree?” Ashlay asked.

“Yes, he’s in. He knows about my current situation too. Yesterday, we chose the paintings for the exhibition. They should be delivered to the hotel tomorrow morning. He’ll come too.”

“Perfect. And… er… how long have you known this “friend” ?”

Gwenval didn’t answer, just giving a slight smile.

“I—I’m sorry, that was an inappropriate question. I just wanted to make sure he was trustworthy.”

“He and I have known each other for a few years. Targeting me wouldn't gain him anything, if that's what you're wondering. I know I can count on him.” Gwenval replied simply.

“I see…”

Of course, that wasn’t what I meant! “Is he really a friend?  Why did I ask that?! If I keep asking such awkward questions, I’ll ruin all my chances instantly!

“Will it be a problem if you stay with me all day?”

“Don’t worry about that, Gwen Gwen.”

Ashlay gestured to the back seats. Indeed, there was a laptop bag and a stack of documents.

“I told them I wouldn't be in the office today. My secretary is at the hotel. If anything urgent happens, he’ll call me immediately.”

“Hmm…” Gwenval was slightly impressed.

When they arrived at the recording studio, Gwenval went to open the door while Ashlay looked around. The area was quiet and pleasant. A tailor's shop, an elegant shoe boutique, a restaurant, and café across the street and a large park nearby where a few people were exercising.

Regarding the studio, it was fairly large. From the entrance, there was a grand piano near a comfortable seating area. Further away was the control and recording room, facing Gwenval’s office.

A few minutes later, the front door opened, and a female voice called out.

“Altaha? You’re back?”

“Madam Nam?” Gwenval replied, stepping out of his office. “Yes, it’s me.”

“I haven’t seen you since someone broke in here. I was worried.”

“Hello. I’m Nienrao Ashlay. I’m a friend of Gwenval’s.” Ashlay introduced himself as he arrived alongside the musician.

The woman, who was in her forties, was surprised to see him. She found him so handsome that she immediately assumed he was a singer or an actor. However, when she saw his business card, she was even more astonished.

“I’m Nam Ok Hui, the owner of the café across the street. Please don’t hesitate to stop by. We serve delicious desserts and quality drinks.”

“With pleasure.” thanked Ashlay with a charming smile.

Madam Nam felt twenty years younger in the presence of the two men. She wanted to take the day off just to sit and admire them. But a phone notification broke her reverie: someone had just placed an order.

“Oh! I have to go. I’m glad to see you’re well, Altaha. Come and have coffee with your friend anytime. Have a good day.”

The woman waved to the duo and left the studio.

Gwenval watched Ashlay for a moment.

At the Seoul Arts Centre, too, all it took was a smile for him to charm the staff and make his way to my dressing room. What a charmer, no one can resist him, it seems.

A shiver ran through Ashlay. He felt like he had done something wrong.

“Gwen, Gwen?”

The musician gave a faint smile and returned to his desk. Ashlay quickly followed.

The day passed quietly. Gwenval and Ashlay settled into their work without difficulty, and the hours flew by unnoticed. At around noon, Ashlay went out to buy food for them both, and they chatted about various things.

Ashlay learned that Gwenval had composed music for many South Korean singers, as well as international artists. He had also written music that was played on the radio and in public venues.

As for Ashlay, Orchid Prestige had occupied most of his life. He was particularly skilled in marketing and management. Beyond that, he practiced many martial arts and enjoyed extreme sports. He enthusiastically recounted his recent tournament to Gwenval, promising to take him to a circuit one day.

At around five o'clock, Gwenval told Ashlay that he was going home. The businessman nodded and put his things in the car while Gwenval closed the studio.

Looking in one of his rearview mirrors, Ashlay felt an odd sensation. He noticed someone seemingly watching the studio from behind a tree in the park. Ashlay turned and began to approach the figure, who, having been spotted, immediately ran off.

Ashlay gave chase at full speed. Alerted, Gwenval took off after the stranger too.