Kawin glanced over his shoulder at the tall, slightly mischievous-looking young man with white-rimmed glasses, wearing a white shirt and an apron tied around his waist. This was the man he had once met at Rin-Fah's house with Gunny.

“Ohm, Gunny’s friend, right?” Kawin checked, repeating the name to verify his memory.

Ohm snapped his fingers with a loud pop! and winked. “That’s right!”

“Do you work here?” Kawin asked, noticing the tray of glasses in the young man's hand.

“Yes, sir. I just started a few days ago.”

“Dressed like that, you must be a chef,” Kawin teased.

Ohm winked again. “Don’t make me tell you the truth.”

“Don’t tell me you’re Chef Lom,” Kawin widened his eyes playfully.

Ohm raised a hand to his mouth in a secretive gesture. “I’m a waiter and a dishwasher, actually… I do want to be a chef, but Tum, the owner, wants me to practice scrubbing and serving first.”

Kawin leaned in, looking toward the closed kitchen door where Chef Lom supposedly worked. “I heard the rumor that Chef Lom is based here, so I was curious to try his food.” He revealed a slight smile at the corner of his mouth.

“Oh, yes! It’s exciting to be able to taste his cooking,” Ohm whispered conspiratorially.

Kawin scanned the area, then gestured for Ohm to come closer. “Have you ever actually seen him?” Kawin leaned in to whisper.

Ohm slowly shook his head. “So you’ve heard the stories, haven’t you? That this chef is elusive, impossible to catch? Nobody has actually seen his face, except for Tum, the owner.” Ohm leaned closer to share the secret.

Kawin raised an eyebrow and nodded slowly. “I heard his skills are extraordinary. That must mean fans from all over the world gather here, then.” The CEO stroked his chin as if contemplating something profound, with Ohm mirroring the thoughtful gesture.

“Yes, sir. This is a rendezvous point for people worldwide who follow Chef Lom’s genius,” Ohm confirmed. He then looked closely at Kawin, whose eyes looked a little weary, as if he hadn’t rested enough, which sparked a new concern. “By the way, Kawin, you look a little worn out today. How about something cold and refreshing?”

Kawin touched the skin beneath his eyes, pondering for a moment. “What do you recommend? Don’t say beer,” Kawin asked, giving a playful side-eye.

Ohm wagged his index finger. “No, sir. I recommend a Berry Smoothie. Did you know berries are great for stress relief? The fruits packed in that glass are rich in antioxidants. Not only will it refresh you, but it’ll make you feel much more energized than alcohol would.” Ohm rattled off the benefits like a well-trained parrot.

Kawin nodded slowly as he listened to the drink’s attributes, then raised his index finger immediately. “Then make that one for me, kid.”

“You got it, boss!” Ohm gave a quick mock salute above his eyebrow and spun quickly toward the back of the restaurant.

He passed a petite young woman wearing a tiny strapped top and a tight red A-line skirt, who immediately came and settled next to Kawin as if they had prearranged it. The CEO turned and met the woman’s eyes with a flicker of slight surprise.

“Do you remember Mint?” the fair-skinned, red-lipped woman asked, giving him a long, seductive glance.

Kawin scrutinized the entire figure and face of the beautiful visitor, then gave a knowing smirk. “Which Mint would that be?” Kawin asked, tilting his head slightly. His mischievous eyes openly conveyed the momentary desire that had sprung up in his mind.

“The one you met at the club the other day,” she replied, gently stroking his forearm.

Kawin narrowed his eyes and tapped his own head briefly. “Ah… I was trying to place you. You’re not here for some sort of revenge, are you?” he probed, just to ensure he wasn’t making the same mistake he had that night.

The woman covered her mouth and laughed flirtatiously. “We’re not angry at all. You gave me your number before you left! I tried calling you many times, but you never picked up.” Mint held up her phone to show him.

Kawin raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. She couldn't have an agenda, could she? Perhaps he’d been so drunk that night he didn’t even remember giving out his number. “Ah, the strange number that kept calling was yours?”

“Yes. I was hoping to see you again. But you’re so cruel for ignoring me.” Mint pouted adorably. She was fair, smelled lovely, and felt soft to the touch. It would be a crime not to get better acquainted.

Kawin’s eyes sparkled as he looked down at her delicate, well-defined face. “And if I wanted to make amends right now, would it be too late?” He leaned closer to the woman, whose hand was now resting on his thigh.

“Of course not! So, shall we go somewhere else?” she responded with a tempting smile. Her large, bright eyes and full, crimson lips parted slowly, inviting him into a game where she intended to be in control. She knew her petite yet curvy figure was a formidable weapon against Kawin, who could not resist her enchanting charm.

“Absolutely.” Kawin grinned broadly, clearly satisfied with her answer. The playful glint in his eyes made his handsome face even more captivating.

“Then tonight, you’ll have to be ready to handle Mint.” She leaned in and whispered in his ear, a faint scent of perfume brushing his nose.

“I think you should be the one ready to handle me. Because from tonight until morning, you’ll be screaming my name,” Kawin countered charmingly, then leaned in to whisper back in a soft, low voice. “Shall we go to my condo, then?”

Mint smiled knowingly. “Yes,” she accepted without a trace of hesitation. Instead, she leaned closer, as if she’d been waiting for this invitation all along. Her eyes met his in a challenging gaze, immediately telling Kawin that she would never be the one to surrender tonight.

The CEO left some money on the table and departed with the beautiful woman who had come seeking him out. Ohm rushed back in, but it was too late. He could only blink in surprise before quickly snatching the money from the table.