Originally translated from the Thai language.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport stood as a testament to futuristic grandeur, its sweeping architectural curves mimicking the wings of a great steel bird poised against the gale. High above, the soaring ceilings invited the golden shafts of daylight to pour through colossal glass panes, dancing upon the pristine white marble floors with an opulence that defied description.

Amidst the rhythmic tide of thousands flowing into Asia’s economic heartbeat, the air hummed with a symphony of Mandarin and English announcements. It was a sensory tapestry woven from the scent of hurried ambition and the electric charge of impending opportunity.

Gawin emerged from the gate with a stride that radiated quiet authority. His impeccably tailored black suit carved a silhouette of leadership against the restless crowd. Close behind followed Tum, the quintessential picture of a poised and discerning secretary. Dressed in a soft cream suit over a crisp sky-blue shirt, Tum gripped a briefcase—the vessel for a 'high-stakes contract' that served as the very soul of this mission. They moved with purpose toward a greeting sign that loomed large: CK Group.

At that precise moment...

The tall, lean figure of Adisorn, draped in an overcoat of deep obsidian, moved in silence, exuding the cold elegance of an aristocrat. His gaze remained fixed forward, sharp and glacial. He did not so much as spare a glance toward Gawin, treating him as nothing more than thin air—a mere stranger in his periphery. Adisorn bypassed the common crowds, heading straight for the VIP terminal where a fleet of black limousines from a five-star establishment purred in anticipation. He was the shadow moving toward the sanctuary of the dark, where storms are orchestrated in silence... the man known as 'A.P. Marcrim.'

Back at the reception point, Su Jie, a rising star in strategy at CK Group, hurried toward his guests with a demeanor that was both humble and energetic.

"Mr. Gawin! Welcome to Shanghai," Su Jie greeted in a fluid, velvety English, his handshake firm and welcoming. "I am Su Jie. Chairman Li Ming personally instructed me to ensure your every need is met as the most distinguished guest of CK Group."

Gawin responded with a warm, measured smile, accentuated by a charming dimple that softened his features, though his eyes remained keen and calculating. "Thank you, Mr. Su Jie. I, too, am eager to begin our venture."

While Gawin engaged in pleasantries, Tum’s eyes scanned the terminal, assessing the environment with a hawk-like precision. He watched as the silhouette of the luxury car carrying Adisorn vanished into the city. Simultaneously, he felt the invisible weight of telephoto lenses—business journalists lurking in the fringes, desperate to uncover the identity of the 'dark horse' daring enough to shake the foundations of CK Group.

"The car is ready, Mr. Gawin," Su Jie gestured gracefully. "We have prepared our finest suite in the Pudong district for your repose. This afternoon... we have arranged the stage for you to present your vision to the Board of Directors at the headquarters."

Gawin offered a slight, knowing nod. He was as calm as the surface of the sea before a tempest. He caught Tum’s eye for a fleeting second; Tum nodded back—a silent confirmation that the first move was successful.

The pieces were now set. The two stepped out of the terminal and plunged into the heart of Shanghai, officially commencing the operation to shake the throne of CK Group.