[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 4: Card
After I returned from the hospital and realized that what I had done was cowardly, like running away from problems. I was selfish and didn't consider the feelings of those left behind like Hia and Phii Pete, not even a little. What would they do if something really happened to me? How would they cope, especially when what they do every day clearly shows how much they protect me...
Just thinking about it makes me mad at myself, crazy mad. Stop being foolish, Macau!!
Sigh...
And now, Phii Pete has made me feel even more guilty by changing the atmosphere at home because he called his grandparents up from the south. The reason, as I heard from Phii Pete, was that he missed his grandparents, but for me, Phii Pete didn't do it for himself, but to make our family seem more lively, more vibrant.
[At the dining table.]
“Macau, these are my grandparents... Grandpa and Grandma, this is Macau, Vegas's real brother.” I looked around, unfamiliar with the setting; the table was full of food with loud conversations that sounded like arguing, typical of southern folks, but I could sense an indescribable feeling.
“Hello.”
“Eat up, child. Heard you got sick from studying too much. Eat a lot, okay?” As soon as I sat down stiffly on the chair, not yet adjusted, various foods that I could eat were heaped onto my plate relentlessly by Phii Pete's grandmother. Unaccustomed to this, I felt a bit reserved.
“Thank you.” I smiled and looked at the food which looked unusual because of its vibrant colors, bold presentation, and casual arrangement without much ceremony. Plus, the focus was on quantity, with stainless steel pots scattered all around the table.
“What's his name again, son? Come here, come on, oh my, or is this house's kids name so hard to call, oh buddha…Ve-kat… Ma-kao, that sounds wrong, and the little one is Tanis.” I held back my laughter at the unfamiliar language, but I could roughly translate that grandma was complaining about our names being hard to call and not very familiar. So, I took a piece of fried chicken into my mouth to taste, out of embarrassment.
“It's really delicious, ma'am.” I chewed the chicken and gnawed on it with a flavor I had never tasted before. It seemed so simple like there was nothing special but it was surprisingly delicious, “Chicken, you fried this yourself, ma'am?”
Phii Pete’s Grandma nodded, and it seemed like Phii Pete was smiling with satisfaction at me too. Suddenly, I felt something, like a heart that had been sinking for a long time, starting to swell up a bit...
Because of the tasty chicken? Probably not...
But maybe it was the intention of the cook, wanting the eater to be happy, so they cooked with all their might, thinking of Phii Pete, making it something ordinary yet something I had never experienced...
“Eat a lot if it's tasty, son. Tomorrow morning, I will make something delicious for you again.” Phii Pete’s Grandma said with a golden accent, then she scooped some clear tofu and minced pork soup into a bowl and handed it to me, which of course, I ate heartily, eating and answering Phii Pete's Grandma’s questions until I realized I was starting to relax from the tension and becoming more at ease. “Such a cute face, you smile easily, unlike your brother, huh.” Haha, I laughed out loud, almost choking on my rice, because I had seen grandma Jui and Hia playfully fighting for a while now.
“Hia likes to act cool, ma'am, because he's afraid he won't look handsome.” I teased Hia, making him sigh out loud.
“Super handsome. Just this is enough to die a ghastly death, Ai’Kat. So handsome you don't care about anyone. But looking somewhat fearsome and weird, it's annoying, so he has to smile a lot like a child, a bit scary.”
Grandma Jui reached out to stroke my smiling head, then she continued, “Come on, Ai’Kat, try smiling at me once.”
Hia looked puzzled but couldn't resist Grandma Jui's urging, so Hia gave a reluctant smile, like just to get it over with.
“Help him, Father God, did I ask you to smile or show your fangs? You look like a wild boar, very scary, I almost died of shock.” and then the whole table burst into laughter, unplanned, including me, when I looked at Hia's face now, yeah, it really does look like that, haha!
“I'm really scared, your face and a civet's are like two peas in a pod, don't let my grandson grow up looking so gloomy, bastard.” Hia, who couldn't argue back, just kept his head down eating because me and Phii Pete kept teasing Hia, who was not Grandma Jui's favorite, turning him into the disliked child instead.
“What kind of fish is this, Grandma? It's delicious.” I quickly changed the subject before Hia could glare and swing at me, giving Grandma Jui another chance to scold. I smoothly moved on, haha.
“Sun-dried fish, dear, I dried it myself, fry it till it's crispy, very tasty.” Grandma Jui presented the medium-sized fish which at first, I was hesitant to eat due to its many bones, but once I tried it, it was crispy all over, and the bones melted in my mouth, the salty flavor was indescribably good.
“You dried it yourself?” My eyes lit up.
“Noi went diving for them in the sea himself, dear, caught them, mixed with salt, dried in the sun, fried till crispy, the smell spread to three, eight houses. Those bodyguards walking by are drooling all over, now, I need to go wipe the floor.” I looked at Phii Pete smiling, he doesn't talk much but always pours water into my glass and looks at me with affection. Phii Pete is an easy-going, adaptable person, blending in everywhere, even in this big, noisy house now, or in any situation that's super awkward. He's always been a restful sight and a center of comfort.
“Next time, Phii Pete, you have to take me to the island too, okay?” I quickly turned to plead with Phii Pete.
“Come on, come on, come here, I will throw a feast, close the island for seven days and seven nights, hire a Nora dance troupe to make it fun, the sea is beautiful, the water is clear, there are good things to eat and see, you have to come visit me, okay, my dear?”
“Definitely coming.” I promised Grandma Jui.
“Don't close the island, just a regular meal will do.” Phii Pete said with his mouth full of rice, as if he had been craving this taste for ages.
“You always contradict me. Pete, my grandson will come, I can close the island for a month if I want, you'll come, right, dear? I will take you around, sing and dance, and have fun.” Phii Pete quickly sipped some water and swallowed his rice, looking worried about the words 'close the island', 'feast', what does it mean to close the island for a feast, Phii Pete's island must be small, a peaceful village that's really nice to live in.
“Absolutely, I'll come next semester break.”
“Oh, how long will that be? I'll call someone to start arranging the event right away, oh no, we won't be ready in time.” Suddenly, Phii Pete made a shocked face, Grandma Jui seemed anxious about my promise, but! What!! Planning the event from today, what event, I wonder!!! Wait a minute!!!!
“No need to rush, Grandma. It's still two or three months away.” I waved my hands casually to calm her down.
“Two or three months, oh my, we won't be ready for anything, I'll call the Nora troupe to start practicing their dance immediately.” Nora troupe? What's that???? I looked confused as I watched Grandma Jui rush to make a phone call. Hia gestured for me to come closer.
“You're doomed, Macau! Pete's island is huge. Last time I went there, I thought Pete was an MP, the event was incredibly grand, like a provincial fair.” Hia whispered with a mocking look on his face.
“Damn it! Is it that serious, bro?! So many people! It's noisy as hell, don't tell me that after coming back from the island, you and Venice are dazed because Grandma Jui closed the island for a feast, a grand meal, man! No way!!!
“Are you messing with me, bro?”
“For real! There's even a dance circle, dude, it's wild! Open 24 hours, bigger than our school reunion.” The serious look on bro's face confirmed everything was true! I started to get up, all flustered.
“Phii Pete, stop him. We're not going anytime soon.” I called out to Phii Pete who was gaping, looking indecisive.
“Let him go... Here, this is better than Teekhun, you talked until Teekhun fell asleep, you know.” And Hia just wouldn't stop messing with my head now!!
“Really, uh... Grandma, Grandma...” I hurried to stop grandma but it seemed too late, because she ignored me, had the phone against her ear using her shoulder to hold it, speaking loudly in Southern dialect, not listening to any objections, and then with both hands scooped some sweets from two or three bowls, stuffed them into my hands, and waved me off to go sit and eat at the table!
“Macau... come sit, let it be for now, I'll handle it.” Phii Pete said and came to help me carry the sweets. I saw Hia smirking, quite satisfied, that bastard!!
“Sit, sit, child, eat the sweets, coconut sweets, Grandpa made them himself, child.” Grandpa Noi, who spoke to me for the first time, tried to soothe me and urged me to try the sweets.
“You're dead, Macau!” Bro just wouldn't stop messing with me.
“You too, Vegas! Never mind, Macau, I'll calm things down.” Phi Pete said while forcing a smile, the most awkward smile I've ever seen on Phi Pete, damn it!!!
“I didn't want to make this a big deal!!” I said with a guilty face, cutting into a round sweet with coconut milk into my mouth, smiling! It's delicious, damn!
I've just experienced a big chaos at the dinner table. Even though I was scared of Hia's threats, and recalling the day Hia and Venice returned from the island looking dazed, whatever, before heading back home, Phii Pete seemed a bit off, his mind not quite there. He often complained about not wanting Hia and Venice to leave. Today, I understand, but no matter how anxious I felt, a certain feeling surged up, making me feel content, perhaps because the meal was so delicious I might never forget it...
[Bedroom.]
After I showered, brushed my teeth, and prepared to continue reading because I have a quiz tomorrow morning, I was about to enter full student mode by taking my book, opening it, and reviewing the highlights I marked and taking notes on my iPad to let those important contents seep into my brain again but, suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Knock, knock...
I thought it was Phii Pete, likely coming to check on things and wish me goodnight as usual, so I called out:
“Come in, it's not locked.” I turned my chair towards the door, smiling to greet whoever was about to enter. I was slightly surprised when the person turning the doorknob and entering wasn't who I expected, but my smile didn't fade.
“What are you doing, son?” It was Grandma Jui, walking in with a glass of cold coconut water, coming straight to my table.
“Reading, Grandma. I have an exam tomorrow.” I answered, raising my hands in a wai to thank her for bringing the coconut water.
“Pete said you're studying hard... don't stress too much, okay?” Grandma Jui gently patted my head.
“Yes, Grandma.” I took a sip of the coconut water and responded with a smile, “And aren't you sleepy yet, Grandma?”
“Just put Tanis to bed, and those two as well. Pete and that 'Ai’Kat' are very worried about you, son.” Grandma Jui, in her brightly colored tie-dye pajamas, slowly sat down on the edge of my bed.
“Really?” From Grandma Jui's words, I paused for a moment and looked at the gauze on my wrist with a sense of realization, “I don't want anyone to worry because of me...” I said softly.
“You're still young, there are things you shouldn't think about, just don't think about them, child. Pete, when he was young or even now, always liked to think on behalf of others... Let it go, child, just let it be sometimes, think of the people we love, and who love us, most importantly, think a lot about yourself.” I looked at Grandma Jui, who was looking at me with warm eyes, just like Pete used to give me.
“I... don't like myself.” I said hesitantly. Yes! I feel disgusted with myself, bored with myself, because I think I am the problem, and I always cause trouble for others.
“But I like you, child. Pete likes you too, likes you a lot, when Pete calls, he loves to tell stories about you to me, you're a lovely child, and very talented too...” Grandma Jui spoke with a softer tone.
“Is that so? I don't see anything good in me at all...” I said, forcing a slight smile to cover up.
“People often only see their own mistakes. If someone only sees their own good points, they're called self-obsessed. If we see half our mistakes, half our good points, we'll feel more at ease, child. You smiled, and you're cute, so you must smile often. Use your mistakes to learn, and your good points to love yourself.” Just like Pete, I understand now why Pete could be such a positive force, because of how he was raised and taught.
“And what are my good points...”
“You're cute, you're smart, and you'll keep getting better, child. Are you going to read for much longer?” Grandma Jui said, glancing at my book. I looked puzzled.
“Yes?”
“I will go down and make something for you to eat so you'll get sleepy.” Grandma said with a hopeful expression.
“No need, Grandma. I think I'll review one more time and then go to sleep.” I waved my hands, feeling considerate.
“Then finish reading and go to bed, my child. Tomorrow, I hope you will pass the exam, pass with flying colors, everything you've read will be spot on, may the Buddha bless you...” As soon as I sensed the blessing, I quickly raised my hands in a wai, then chuckled at myself because I had never experienced something like this before, “Protect... may the Buddha, the spirits, and the guardian deities watch over you, mark the exam answers correctly, get full marks, let there be no obstacles or dangers, let nothing disturb my grandson's exam, may angels guide his hand to write, tick all the right answers so the teachers are amazed, sukhothai, sukhothai, sukhothai, amen, amen, amen.” I raised my hands in a wai along with Grandma Jui.
“Amen, Grandma, thank you.” Grandma Jui patted my head and then turned to walk away. Oh man! What is this feeling? It's crazy! No one has ever blessed me for an exam, or really for anything before, and will the guardian deities be confused, Grandma, because my exam is entirely in English? Thinking about it, I chuckled. I shook my head and sighed in relief; suddenly, something felt fulfilled... it felt like a strange motivation to study, maybe tomorrow I'll top the class again.
[University.]
“I'll pick you up in the evening.” Phii Pete said as he handed me my school bag when he dropped me off at the faculty building.
“No need, Phii Pete, take Grandpa and Grandma out. I have plans with Porchay to go to Siam this evening.” I told Phii Pete and took my things. Not missing a beat, Grandma Jui recited another spell for me, sipping water and closing her eyes. I had to quickly raise my hands in a wai again and looked at Phii Pete with a bright smile.
“Really? Alright, then text me when you get home.”
“Understood.”
“Amen, poof!!” Grandma Jui patted my head and tapped it a bit more. I bowed deeply, almost to the ground, before saying,
“Amen, Grandma.”
“Go, go, the cars behind are starting to get stuck.” In the chaotic moment, Phii Pete, Grandma Jui handed something for me to hold. I took it without looking and hurried into the faculty building, on my way to the classroom. I managed to organize my bag and the items in my hands, preparing to enter the exam room, but wait!! What's this bag?!
I remembered I took the bag from Phii Pete, and at that moment, the images in my mind replayed in slow motion; Grandma Jui quickly stuffed a blue cloth bag into my free hand so fast that my brain had to process the images slowly over and over. Confused, I opened the bag.
Hmmmm?
A lunchbox? A lunchbox, really? And what's this...
A small, gold-coated square card with strange engravings that caught my eye, so I had to take it out to look.
“A spell to pass all exams, Sahassa Neto, Thewinto, Tippajakkung, Wisotai, Ikawiti, Buddhasangmi, Lokawitu.” That's what was written, and on the back, there were yantra inscriptions and an image of Buddha, oh wow... just for a minor exam, Grandma Jui goes all out, really heavy! If she knew I had a final exam, would she stuff a white thread into my bag too?!
Whatever, why do I have to chant this too! I raised my hand and mumbled the chant, then smiled at the strange thing happening to me right now.
“Macau... what are you doing?” First walked by and greeted me with a curious look.
“Oh, nothing.” I quickly lowered my hand and nodded a greeting to my classmate, good thing I finished chanting just in time.
“Yeah, let's hurry into the exam room.” First gestured, signaling me to quickly put my things on the front table to prepare for the exam. I'll eat this lunchbox after the exam, okay, Grandma.
I must admit, I did the exam with ease, answered every question, damn! I finished very quickly, checked and rechecked, and importantly, I felt no pressure at all. I don't know if it was because I studied hard, Grandma Jui's blessings, or the spell I just chanted, it felt like...
Being cared for
In a way I've never experienced before.
Even now... when I'm not walking to the cafeteria. No need to squeeze through crowds or wait in line, and pressure myself among the masses. No need to be wary of anyone's gaze. No need to feel tense about choosing a seat, because right now, I'm looking at the lunchbox in front of me in disbelief. Never in my life has anyone packed lunch for me to eat at school or even at university, this is the first time.
And the taste of it is filled with deliciousness. Even though it's cold now, the intensity of the flavor remains intact. I've never eaten food this tasty before, or maybe this is what they call a mother's cooking...
Just garlic shrimp and minced pork omelet, how can it be this delicious... or is it like everyone says, that cooking is all about the care, love, concern, and the utmost effort the cook puts in because they want us to enjoy our meal, to receive something good when we're feeling weary, is it like this? I smiled with this new, funny, delighted, and joyful feeling all at once, or maybe it's like they say, as long as the person we love eats well and sleeps soundly, that's happiness enough. I feel like I'm experiencing that right now, and there's a word overflowing from my feelings, that is...
...family, yeah... family, that warm family of ours, right? :)
“Cau... wait a sec while I pack up.” I nodded to Chay while handling the lunchbox in front of the music rehearsal room. I came to wait at his faculty, planning to go for a walk in Siam afterward. Actually, I didn't really want to go, but I felt sorry for Chay. Lately, Phii Kim has been extremely busy, and his face doesn't look as bright as before. I don't know what's troubling him, but I won't ask, I'll wait until he decides to tell me. I just want to do my duty as a good friend. If he wants to go somewhere, I'm ready to accompany him, just like when I was down, Chay was always by my side, never straying far.”
I'm sitting and waiting for Porchay in front of the rehearsal room. I heard they're forming a band to compete at the university level. Porchay, my friend, is both the singer and guitarist; he's really talented. Plus, he's cute and lovable, but there's one thing: his mouth is a bit too sharp, just like his brother or Big Brother spitting centipedes at him, no difference at all. Lately, I've noticed he often talks to himself, mumbling all the time. I want him to stay away from Big Brother because he's starting to act a lot like Phii Pete, and one day he might just go crazy.
Sigh... I feel so sorry for him; his girlfriend hardly has time, his brother is always around, and his brother's husband loves to mess with his head. Soon, Porchay, you'll need some of my depression meds, damn it!
I took the lunch box to wash in the bathroom, then came back to put it away, took my medicine, and drank some water. I planned to play a few rounds of a game while waiting for Chay, but before my fingers could even slide into the app, I heard yelling.
Thud! Crash! Bang!
“Ouch!!!!” I quickly pushed open the rehearsal room door because it sounded like chaos inside.
“Chay!!!!!!” I shouted in panic when I saw my best friend collapsed on the floor, surrounded by his bandmates.
“It hurts!!!!!” he screamed at the top of his lungs. I pushed through his friends to check on him.
“What's wrong?!” I asked, holding his shoulder in shock.
“I kicked the mic stand, and now I have an ingrown toenail!!” Chay screamed in agony, his eyes brimming with tears. I quickly removed his sock and saw blood seeping from his big toe.
“We should take him to the hospital, I think. It looks like the nail needs to be removed.” one of Porchay's friends suggested, to which I nodded in agreement.
“Remove the nail? Oh, shit!!! No way!!! It hurts!!!”
“If we don't remove it, it'll get infected! Anyone got a car?” I yelled back at him.
“Let's go, my car!” And then Chay's friends helped carry him to the car, while he kept screaming like he'd just been shot multiple times, even though it was just an ingrown toenail! Damn it!!!
“I don't want to remove my nails!! No! I'm not going!!!!!
[Hospital.]
“Ouchhhhhh!!!! Don't!!! No way!!!” Chay's screams echoed outside the emergency room, making me and his other friend sitting outside bow our heads in embarrassment. Damn, it's good that his brother has now risen to be a secondary family head, so this hospital is like his property too. The doctors and nurses were all around him, not minding the curses he was spewing out in pain.
“Is that an emergency room or a slaughterhouse, damn it's over the top!” A few friends from his band walked in to join us, peering into that room with confusion as well. No need to be confused! I'm confused too, damn it! Screaming like he's been stabbed a hundred times.
“Hey! Macau, I brought your stuff.” Chay's friend handed me a backpack and a cloth bag with a lunchbox that I left in front of their rehearsal room.
“Thanks.”
“I already called Phii Kim, he should be at the hospital soon.” Another bandmate mentioned. Of course, these guys know Phii Kim not only because he's Chay's boyfriend but also a famous senior at the university, and it seems he often picks up Chay, so he's close with his faculty friends now.
“How's Porchay doing?” A familiar voice asked. I quickly looked up to see Phii Top running over, looking breathless. My wide smile, which usually lights up my face to greet him, quickly faded. I pressed myself against the wall, using my backpack to shield my face when I realized...
If Phii Top sees me here... he might take me to see a psychiatrist and probably for some kind of therapy because he and Phii Pete have been trying to persuade me to come to the hospital, to see a doctor often, which I've never done once... No way! I have to do something or I'll get caught and have my brain scanned for sure.
“What's up with you, Cau?” Chay's friend asked me.
“Oh, nothing, I... I'm just going to have a smoke, watch Chay for me, okay?” His friend looked puzzled but nodded. I quickly excused myself from in front of the emergency room.
Phew...
That was close! I walked along the path, thinking if I smoked around here, I'd surely run into Phii Top again. Better play it safe and head to the back of the hospital, damn it!
I pulled out a cigarette from my metal case and lit it with my lighter, ready to inhale deeply, hoping it would clear my mind and make me feel a bit more relaxed. I've been trying for a while now, and many times I almost followed Phii Pete's advice to see a psychiatrist, but I don't understand why I'm so resistant and scared about this. Maybe it's because I'm afraid of the diagnosis I already suspect. I don't know. I feel like going to a psychiatrist isn't the best solution; it feels like just sitting there, answering questions, telling personal stories to a stranger, and then just getting medication.
I don't trust easily, and besides, even if I occasionally feel like harming myself or not wanting to live, it's not that frequent. Lately, I've been much better, and the meds Phii Pete gave me are already too much. If I go back and they think I'm worse, I won't need more pills or a hospital stay, right? But yeah... I'm scared. But then again, what crazy person thinks they're crazy, or am I going crazy?
See! It's all confusing. That's why I choose not to get any treatment, afraid it might make things worse than usual, especially since I'm an overthinker, it would just amplify things.
I wandered around the back of the hospital, it's not busy, and no one would dare come close because, you know why? Because the morgue stands right here. I was walking past it slowly, not scared, it's actually peaceful here, and hardly anyone dares to pass by...
But just before I could exhale another puff, my eyes caught sight of three or four black sedans turning to park in front of the morgue. At first, I didn't think much of it, could be relatives coming to collect a body, but... why do I feel like I recognize those cars? I frowned, trying to focus, to make sure if what I thought might actually be true.
I dropped my cigarette to the ground and quickly stomped on it, sensing something amiss, and then hid beside a building, crouching next to some bushes...
I was slightly surprised when a robust young man appeared, bearing the emblem TK.
“Be careful with that.” said the man in a black suit, clearly marked with the emblem, his demeanor and posture unmistakably that of a bodyguard from the main family... And there, wrapped in white cloth, they were transported into the morgue, no need to guess what it was... a corpse.
Who died? But death is common in the Teerapanya family, right? Because we're always assassinating someone here and there. It's not strange to bring a body to their own hospital like this. I thought it was nothing unusual until I heard this sentence...
“Hurry up, 004, come check the condition of the corpse too, so we can ship it out tonight as ordered.”
Hmmmm? What! An order? What order... And, 004, what's that?
“Clear the area now... Tell 004 that 005 is waiting at the lab.” A bodyguard I didn't recognize, but that's not surprising since the Main family has so many bodyguards. But this one seemed to command with such sternness that at first, I thought he was Phii Chan, but no.
“Wait!... This time, make sure, 004, it's the kidneys and the heart!!” I quickly covered my mouth with my hand, my eyes bulging in disbelief...
Organ trafficking, then?
Huh? And 004, that's definitely a personal code. I don't know what to be shocked about first, between not knowing my family was involved in human organ trafficking, which is severely illegal and immoral, and the claim that the Main family only engaged in legal businesses. The secondary family might smuggle drugs, but that was supposedly because Aunt and Hia were looking for extra income. What is this? And who are 004 and 005?! What's going on here!!!
While I was hiding and watching until I was sure that everyone from the main family had left the area, my curiosity suddenly kicked in. I looked left and right, ensuring no one was around anymore. Then, without any fear, I headed straight into the morgue.
As soon as my foot touched the cold room, the temperature was so low that the windows fogged up from the imbalance between the outside and inside air, and a sharp chemical smell hit my nose, forcing me to cover it with my hand. I looked around the morgue, which didn't look much different from any typical hospital, with beds lined up neatly, some occupied by corpses, others empty.
I approached one of the beds at the front, slowly lifted the white cloth, and found it was a bodyguard with the main family's pin. His body was bruised, his suit tattered as if he had been through a fierce fight. I gently touched his wrist and realized his body was still warm, and more importantly,
“Hey!...” I exclaimed in shock when the corpse's fingers twitched twice, and my body instinctively recoiled, hitting the wall behind me, driven by fear and surprise. Don't tell me...
He's not dead...
Realizing this, I clenched my lips, took a deep breath, and approached the body again, this time with a mix of bravery and fear, and placed two fingers on his wrist to check for a pulse.
My eyes widened in shock as I felt an irregular heartbeat, confirming that the person lying on this bed was definitely not lifeless. But before my brain could process anything further, the sound of footsteps approaching the room suddenly echoed, and my heart pounded with dread.
I was in a panic, almost unable to breathe, despite the room being so cold I was nearly shivering, but sweat poured out of me profusely. And then, just like that... someone opened the door.
Thud!
“There are three bodies ready for dissection, sir...”
I bit my lip tightly... trying to stifle the sound of my breath, thankful for my swift feet that managed to climb onto the bed and cover myself with the blanket successfully. I had to lie as still as possible, to appear lifeless like a corpse.
Hold your breath, Macau, hold it.
“His pulse is weakening. Take him to the lab quickly.” I bit my lip even harder with disbelief, mixed with anxiety so intense I nearly lost my mind, when the first sentence spoken was in a voice unfamiliar to me, but this sentence, this voice, this tone, this speaking rhythm... I was so familiar with it that I could hardly believe my ears.
“004, hurry up, will you?” And it seemed someone else joined in.
“Uh-huh.”
004... that's Phii Top...
“I have rushed to check on Khun Kim's boyfriend, I warned you not to get too involved, and then there's the matter with that guy named Pete.”
“Hey, you!” Phii Top lowered his voice as if he was angry... Phii Pete... so it's Phii Pete? Why is there a Phii Pete, and Phii Top, what the hell is this!! Phii Top, what exactly are you doing!
“Don't let it go too far, about TeeKhun, Vegas, and be careful… especially that guy named Pete.”
Thud!!! Before I could even react to hearing the names of my big-brother, my brother-in-law, chaos erupted in the room when someone bumped into the end of my bed, making it shake, and my heart nearly dropped to my ankles.
“You shut up. Just one, dad is already annoying to listen to!!” Phii Top's voice was harsh, and I couldn't even picture his face right now.
“Let go!! If you're stressed, good, so you'll know what the hell you're doing!”
“Enough, let's hurry, we might not make it in time.” It seemed like the person who came with Phii Top was trying to calm the situation.
“Yeah! Then let's wheel the corpse to the lab now.”
The sound of wheels rolling continuously filled the air. I tried to freeze myself as still as possible before Phii Top's voice rose again.
“Wait!... What did you just say, how many corpses are there?” All voices fell silent, everything stopped moving, in stark contrast to my heart pounding so loudly it could almost burst out.
“And what card is this...” Phii Top's cold voice made me jump again. I tried to move my hand as smoothly as possible to feel my pants pocket, and found that the gold-colored prayer card, which was supposed to help me pass exams, that I kept in my pocket from Grandma Jui, had fallen to the floor... probably when I hurriedly propped myself up to lie on the coffin here.
Damn! Lost! I am royally fucked!
Chapter 5: Hard Disk
Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud.
I closed my eyes tightly with my lips pressed together in utmost panic, the sound of my heartbeat pounding as if it wanted to burst out made me realize just how scared I was. Yes... I was feeling fear, fear of the situation I had chosen to dive into myself, but by the time I realized it. I had already perceived so much that it was unstoppable.
Just as I was trying to control my breathing to calm down the myriad of feelings in my head, it made me jolt with extreme shock.
“Macau!”
I opened my eyes wide, taking a big gulp of air into my lungs, realizing that my attempt to control my breathing had failed, because I found myself holding my breath until it was completely stifling.
“Macau!!!” I turned sharply towards the source of the voice with a pale face.
“Shh~~.” Then I slowly exhaled.
“Are you possessed by a ghost?” I averted my gaze from the person in front of me and tried to calm my emotions as much as possible, “You look pale, should I call a doctor for you?” The person in front of me still held onto my arm without letting go, with a half-serious, half-joking expression, but showing no small amount of concern for me. When I regained my composure, I pulled my arm back and took a step back.
“...”
“You're cold... and shaking too...”
“...” I quickly shook my head in denial, realizing that this person questioning me wasn't truly concerned; he was just trying to mess with me.
“Or!! Or maybe!! You've been spooked by a ghost huh!!! Oh no, in this case, a regular doctor won't do, you need a ghost doctor!” I frowned deeply and gave him an irritated look. Because even though it was just the two of us talking, he was shouting so loudly that nurses passing by started to stare.
“Come on, Big Brother.” I quickly admonished him while rubbing my face tiredly.
“Here's what I'll do initially, I'll check you first... Does your shoulder hurt, huh?! Do you feel like something's pressing on you, or do you feel not like yourself!!!! I'm telling you, this place is haunted!!!” Big Brother still didn't lower his voice at all, so I waved my hand in dismissal, standing with my hands on my hips in annoyance.
“Keep your voice down, or they'll curse us for being uneducated.” I said seriously, almost scolding, but didn't expect him to listen to me. Everyone knows how crazy he can be.
“I told my father to make a big merit at this hospital!! He said it's superstition! But I'm serious, the ghosts here are fierce... But I don't really want to tell you what I've encountered.” Teekhun squinted at me, making a haughty face like he's superior.
“Then don't tell, I don't want to hear.” I stood still in front of the recovery room for a long time, about to walk in to see Porchay who was getting his wound treated inside, not caring how shocked Big Brother looked now.
“Hey!!! Wait a sec!” Big Brother quickly blocked my path, stopping me in my tracks, and I looked at him with exasperation.
“Move! I'm going to see Porchay!” I pushed him lightly to get him out of my sight. I'm already shocked by what I've been through. Now I have to adjust my mood for someone like you, Teekhun! Damn!!! Being a Big Brother but not respectable at all, damn it!!
“Wait!!! You look tired! Or maybe...” We struggled in front of the room until I almost had a brain aneurysm, but his next sentence made me freeze instantly, “You went to the morgue.”
A wave of anxiety and fear flooded back into my thoughts, and I could barely hide my expression, as if those words triggered an immediate reaction I couldn't stop.
Many questions, confusion, and disjointed events swirled around in my head repeatedly.
“Really!! Did you go to the morgue or what!!” Big Brother's eyes widened as if it was the most shocking thing ever. Just like me, who thought that what happened in the morgue was beyond what one could handle, but don't tell me Big Brother... “I knew it! You encountered a ghost in the morgue like me, right? That place, it's super haunted!!!” A sound like brakes screeching echoed in my mind, along with a sigh as if I had just expected some answer from Teekhun, “But like you said, man, the last spirit of a person is scary, that's why it's called the 'spirit extinguishing room', that's where the ghosts are most numerous.” And then I realized I was talking to a crazy person!!
“Know what!!! Nonsense!”
“Seriously, man! I've heard a lot of ghost stories, the morgue is the most haunted.” Big Brother kept insisting on telling me his ghost stories.
“It's obvious!!! That's where dead people are...” I argued back at Big Brother, though my voice trailed off as I thought of something... or people who weren't dead yet, but in the end, were made to die anyway.
“You believe it too, right?” Big Brother looked at me with sparkling eyes, like he was thinking of something mischievous, “Then let's make a ghost show!” Big Brother pushed my arm towards him in excitement.
“Huh!” But I made a face of disbelief, meaning I couldn't believe I had such a foolish relative.
“The show's name will be, Teerapanya Wants to Find Ghosts!!!!” Teekhun was still dreaming up his crazy show big time.
“For what!”
“To prove ghosts exist in real places, and we can promote our hospital too, you know!!!” Teekhun grabbed both my hands, brought his face close, and made a pleading face with all his might.
“Are you crazy!!...” Before I could finish, Teekhun immediately interjected.
“It's good timing, I'm a TikTok star now, the netizens are expecting content from me. If we expose ghost stories from our hospital, they'll definitely be shocked!!” Teekhun emphasized with a determined face.
“Get a grip!! If you...”
“Chay, we don't need to pay for the location! The one filming the clip is Arm, the one giving out tasks is Pon, and the hosts are just you and me, reducing production costs even more since we're all in this together.” I opened my mouth, stuttering because I couldn't even finish my sentence! This bastard, did he leave his manners in his mother's womb or what!! Why doesn't he listen to others, oh my!! Damn it, “And the most important thing... Do you know what it is?” Teekhun said, doing an exaggerated dance move.
I, too lazy to argue or resist, let him rant to his heart's content about his ghost show or whatever. If we actually did it! The hospital would go bankrupt for sure, does this guy even have a brain in his head!
“...” I stood scratching my head, thinking when Teekhun would let me go check on Porchay's condition!!!
“The most important thing, man! CCTV cameras!” Teekhun emphasized loudly, and that sound directly hit my auditory nerves. I was stunned again as if someone had pressed a pause button on me, CCTV, so that's it, “We don't even have to pay for the CCTV cameras, because our hospital has them installed everywhere, man.” Teekhun's words made me shiver more than usual, until I inadvertently asked out of concern...
“So how are we going to get the footage?”
“See! You agree with the idea, right? Don't worry at all, I'm tight with the hospital's tech guy. Just a bottle of white liquor and he's all mellow, man.”
“Does Big Brother know him?”
“Hah! I don't want to brag...”
“Please, do tell...” I said, feeling drained, and my mind started to slowly process what I should do about the previous events.
“Since you're so eager to know you're shaking, I'll tell you! I'm tight with every department here. Especially the tech department, hah! There's this new doctor, man, but I don't really know much about him.”
“...” I looked at him with utmost seriousness, while Teekhun continued narrating with his usual flair.
“His name is Wayo, a dentist, on a scholarship, our hospital's scholarship. Just graduated, has to work to pay back the scholarship, seems okay in studies, got honors or something like that, I don't really know, you know. But his parents live in the countryside, former medical intern. It sounds like that year he wouldn't have won anything, but luck was on his side, became the university's star, and I'm like...”
“Get to the point... please, I'm begging you.” I sighed for the thousandth time and massaged my temples hard with utmost patience.
“Yeah!! Look! I'm not being silly, but do you understand the sense? It doesn't seem normal, you know.”
“Close with Phii Top?” I raised an eyebrow and asked with curiosity.
“Yeah! The dental building is over there, at the far end of the hospital fence. Damn! He still manages to come to the main building to find Phii Top. Think about it, it must take a lot of effort, right? To have no business but still find reasons to see him every day.” I looked my relative up and down, as if to scold him, but it was all self-reflection, and he was oblivious, continuing to rant about that person.
“So you wanted to know their movements, whether they meet often, so you checked the CCTV, right?” As I started listening to Teekhun's story, I felt like I was slowly finding an escape route.
“Hey! I didn't mean to.”
“Aren't you invading his privacy a bit?” I couldn't help but comment on his manners, and I couldn't believe that the big brother of our main family could be this much.
“Yeah, I admit, I have bad habits, but what can I do? Our family is rich, the hospital is ours, I just can't help myself.”
“Big Brother, if Phii Top finds out, he might not like it, you know, that's overstepping.”
“Yeah, yeah!! I know, I won't do it anymore. I'm trying to stop myself, but don't tell Top, okay?” Teekhun gave me a sparkling look, pouting slightly, which sent shivers down my spine.
“Okay, okay, it's your business.”
“But about our ghost show, I'm serious about that!” Teekhun insisted firmly.
“...” I went silent for a moment, then said while thinking, “But can we really access the technical room that easily... I mean, would the hospital just give us the CCTV footage?”
“Ohhh. You just show your ID with our last name. That's all we need to get anything. Plus, Phii Ko and Phii Tum are super nice, but Phii Ko is nicer, he's always on the night shift, see! He's on duty now.”
“Smile.” I made a thoughtful face.
“Don't worry yet. Let's say I'll have my personal manager check the schedule and tell you the shooting day, okay? I'm going to see Chay first, by now he might have killed Kim.” Teekhun grumbled, said a few more words about the weather, and then made a move to walk straight into Chay's recovery room. And as soon as Big Brother's hand touched the doorknob, I did something unexpected that left him stunned, “Wha... what are you doing?”
“Big Brother...” I pulled that arm to turn him towards me, and then I hugged him in a way I had never done before in my life, “Thank you.”
“Uh... what?” Teekhun was stiff, not knowing what to do, as I hugged him tighter and buried my face in Big Brother’s shoulder with relief... some feeling crept in, from my confusion and frustration, but for some reason, I could feel the warmth of the person in front of me like never before.
“Thank you... for still seeing me as your brother.” Despite him being crazy, neurotic, bad-mannered, selfish, or whatever else you could call him, “a pain in the neck.” But neither Second Brother nor Phii Kim ever made me feel like part of their family as much as Big Brother did. Even if his way of showing it seemed inhuman, I always felt his sincerity, because since the incident, he was the only one in the main family who seemed to... cherish my feelings and Hia's more than anyone else (maybe).
“Hey, come on, you're like my little brother, I just invited you to join the show, no need to be so grateful. But you know, you should still appreciate it, because you're riding on my followers, right? Anyway, I don't really mind that you're using me to get famous, seeing how eager you are to do this ghost show with me until you're shaking, I'll hurry up Arm and Pon for you.” Big Brother patted my back a few times before walking away. I gave a slight smile at his eccentricity.
Whatever, Teekhun! Even if you've given me complexes all my life... but you're still better than others, really, thanks a lot.
“Then please look after Chay too, I'll be right back.” I said, smiling as I walked out immediately...
And my destination was... the technical room.
Thanks really, Teekhun, sorry for being a jerk to you all my life, but let me be a jerk one more time, to make it even for all the times you teased me when we were kids.
Borrowing this first, I'll return it later... I looked at Teekhun's Gucci wallet in my hand with a guilty feeling, but not too much. Let's say I'll find a way to survive this event first.
While I was talking to Teekhun just now, my brain was processing what I needed to do next... and the first thing I had to do was...
I gathered all my courage, suppressing the fear inside me, clearing it out completely, then snuck into the dressing room of the emergency ward where it was quite chaotic, before transforming myself into a nurse.
I was in a white gown, luckily my height is average for a man, so the outfit fit quite well, and I didn't forget to wear a mask to completely cover my face.
I answered the questions flooding my mind: What am I doing? Do I really have to go this far? Why did I get myself involved in this?
Or should I just let things take their course? If Phii Top finds out I was in the spiritual room, and maybe if I'm lucky, Phii Top won't mind or hold it against me, but...
“You must be rushing to check on Khun Kim's boyfriend, right? I warned you not to get too involved, and then there's that guy named Pete too.”
That conversation in the spiritual room made it impossible for me to stop now. If someone I love is involved... no matter who in my family...
[Technical Room]
Knock, knock
“Yes?” A middle-aged man opened the door, which had a special lock from the inside. He only poked half of his body out, blocking the doorway with his frame. My eyes quickly scanned the door system, and I thought, this isn't going to be easy. It looked quite secure with a code system for both entry and exit, and the demeanor of this person suggested he was quite strict.
“Are you Phii Ko?” I asked.
“Yes...” He looked me up and down with a stern face, increasing the pressure on me until I started to sweat profusely.
“Well... uh... I mean...” I found myself at a loss for words, my mind scrambling to organize my thoughts.
“I don't recognize you at all. Can you take off your mask?” He gestured for me to remove my mask, but I hesitated visibly. Phii Go then stepped out, and the door to the technical room locked securely behind him.
Click!
“Who are you again?”
“Well...” I swallowed hard before blurting out, “Is Doctor Wayo working today?!” Damn! Macau!!! What the hell are you saying?
“Huh?” And of course, Phii Ko's reaction was one of increased suspicion, “I'm not the medical records guy, you know... and also...” Before Phii Ko could question me further, I quickly added another line.
“Khun uh! Teekhun sent me to ask, you know.” Oh my god!!! Macau !!!!! I wanted to bang my head against the wall. I've never done anything like this before. If it were Phii Pete or Hia, they would've sailed through this. Not that they're good at doing bad things, but they've probably been trained for situations like this. Whatever, the more I talk, the worse it gets, so let's just say I'm in a tight spot now.
“...” The man named Ko looked at me incredulously once more, “Teekhun knows more about this than I do.” Phii Ko said deliberately, Oh my god!!! Don't put so much pressure on me like that; the plan I had was just a stupid one. Don't make me use words I haven't thought through, or I'll surely get caught!
“Well...”
“What do you want?” Phii Ko said in a deep voice, his hand moving to the left pocket of his shirt where a walkie-talkie was attached. I knew at that moment. I was cornered!!
“The CCTV is broken, sir!!” I closed my eyes tightly, gently pressing my lips together, while his hand kept moving towards the walkie-talkie, almost reaching it, “VIP building, Teekhun is sick and in the hospital. He needs a technician to fix it right now!!! Here's Khun’s ID card.” I quickly handed Teekhun's ID card, which I had taken out from my wallet, to Phii Ko, but I wasn't sure if it would help.
“...” Phii Ko stood completely still! And I knew immediately that it was game over! Damn, Macau!!!! What have you done! But then suddenly, “You!!! I'm having a heart attack!!!” I exclaimed, looking at Phii Ko in panic when the hand I thought would reach for the walkie-talkie instead clutched his chest in shock, his knees starting to buckle with extreme agitation.
What... What's going on?
“Why didn't you tell me sooner, oh my!!!” Huh? Phii Ko quickly entered the code to open the door to grab the equipment with swiftness, “Next time, speak up faster. Just hearing the name 'Teekhun' gives me chills all over. Oh my!!!!! Is it Teekhun's VIP room?!!!” I watched as Phii Ko grabbed the equipment at lightning speed, then he rushed out of the room like someone fearing for his life.
Was it that easy? Shouldn't he check the system on the screen first? To see if it's really broken? Should I be happy or should I cry, seeing my employee this incompetent, or is the name “Teekhun” really that sacred?
But whatever, I need to hurry and erase my footage from the CCTV before anything else.
I watched until I was sure Phii Ko was out of sight. Then, without delay, I entered the door code for the room, which I remembered well from watching Phii Ko press it: a vertical line, a T-shape, from right to left, and bingo!!!
I successfully entered the tech room. It looked like I would have plenty of time because the distance from the tech room, located in the central building's upper floor, to the VIP room (exclusive for the family), was quite far. I could breathe easily for a good while.
I stared straight at the TV screen showing images from various angles of the hospital. I have no clue about this CCTV system; the university didn't teach me this... So, I picked up my phone, opened YouTube, and searched, “How to delete CCTV.” Phii Pete said that in this world, we can do anything because there's Google and YouTube, and it's true. I sat biting my nails, watching the tutorial by skipping through the video, quickly going through it.
Hard drive data... how do you connect it to a computer? Oh man!! At this moment, I thought of Phii Arm. If it were Phii Arm, it would be as easy as snapping fingers. But for me, not worth mentioning, my eyes were full of big question marks! The issue is, there are so many screens; the hospital is huge...
I was learning intensely, and in this situation, I forgot to think that... it's not the time to learn, what the hell is all this, because:
“This way, security.” Damn! That's Ko's voice, he's not stupid!!! What do I do now, still haven't found a way to delete, “About 175 cm tall... but I think...” I looked up towards the voice, the footsteps rushing this way with urgency, why so many of them?
What to do, Macau!!!!
“Ohhhhhh!!! I'm going crazy!” I was still randomly pressing on the screen in panic, my heart started pounding hard again, beating faster with the approaching footsteps, every moment.
Pressure!
“Run, sir.”
Stress!
The ward's voice echoed, this is going to be big!
“East building, urgently.”
Oh man!!! I want to die!!!!!!!
“Got it.”
Hia!!!!! Help meeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!
Buk!
“Macau.”
“Phii Top.” I froze in all my actions, my eyes met Phii Top's, a gaze I was completely unfamiliar with...
[Flashback.]
“Wait a minute! What did you just say, how many bodies?”
“And what card is this...”
Please, the card of Grandma Jui that I dropped, help me. I'm losing my mind, not knowing what to rely on anymore, except for something sacred.
“There are three bodies.” Someone's voice spoke out, and then there were people walking around the room, and sheets were being uncovered one by one. I felt that today I was closer to death than ever before. No matter how much I wanted to die before, no matter how hard I tried to die, it wasn't as torturous as this moment. But I don't want to die now because I've realized something. I want to go back to see Hia. Phii Pete. Venice!
Plap! The sound of a sheet being uncovered, from the outermost, and it kept coming closer like I was counting down my own life.
Plap!!! Plap!!!
Pon
And... the moment I felt the sheet tighten, I tensed up every part of my body, my heartbeat was so loud I feared everyone in the room could hear it.
Hia
La
Ko...
“No time left! Rush him to the lab.” I felt the area around my head become clear, but my face was still covered with the usual sheet, and at that moment, the tension from the cloth at my feet loosened.
“Uhmm...”
“Uhmm...”
I continued playing dead, heard the sound of wheels rolling, until after a while, the chaos in the room began to quiet down again. I slowly peeked out from under the sheet, then got off the bed as quietly as possible.
“Shhhhhh!!!” I let out a sigh of relief and carefully made my way out of the morgue. Ohhh, I almost really died there.
[Present.]
“Macau.”
“Phii Top.” I paused in my actions, my eyes meeting Phii Top's, a gaze I was utterly unfamiliar with, but only for a moment before Phii Top looked at me with his usual expression.
“What are you doing here?”
“What happened?” I brushed my hair back with a familiar gesture, then glanced towards the crowd gathered in front of the tech room.
“There's a bit of a situation. What about Macau, what are you doing here?” Phii Top lowered his voice, scrutinizing me with an unreadable expression.
“I'm here cause Chay got injured.” I replied, smiling and feigning confusion at the situation unfolding before me.
“Hard disk missing... they're searching everywhere.” A faint voice reached me, but I barely heard it. Before I knew it, Phii Top had moved closer to me than usual.
“Yes?” I raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Phii Top kept staring at me without blinking.
“You're sweating a lot. Macau, you always make me worry.” Phii Top took out his handkerchief and wiped the sweat from my face.
“Thank you.” I smiled at Phii Top as usual.
“Porchay is in the front building. Macau, you're in the central building...”
“Uh... that's me.”
“Looking for a cigarette break again, aren't you... Here! Take this to wipe yourself.” I took the handkerchief and tucked it into my pants pocket.
“Thanks... I'll excuse myself now.”
Damn it!! What a crazy day this is! No matter how normal my face and posture might seem, I nearly died. I have every right to be shocked. Right now, every part of my body is on high alert, sweat pouring from every pore. That moment was insane!!!!!! I was really crazy!
The urgency of time and the sound of footsteps pushed me, forcing me to quickly remove the hard disk, pulling it out entirely! The screens went black, I grabbed whatever I could, and I couldn't exit through the front door. But, thankfully, the tech room window was next to a balcony which I had to jump to another room. During that jump, I thought of my father. If I missed, he'd definitely come to collect me. Luckily, it wasn't too far apart!!! Crazy! I now truly understand the saying, 'Once you ride the tiger, it's hard to get off!'
Good thing it's nighttime now. I climbed down the fire escape without thinking about my life and ran to the trash room where I left my student uniform... Quickly put it on and ran to the scene to check on things. As you can see, I tell you, my blood pressure was sky-high today, my heart was pumping blood like crazy.
And today isn't over yet!!!! Damn it!!!
I want to go home!!! But luck isn't on my side to end this day! I faintly heard the security guards all around. I called Hia on my phone, told Hia to come to the hospital at light speed. At least with Hia here, I feel a bit relieved. Let's say one person's head is lost, two people are dead, let's die together, right Hia!!!
“Where the hell did you go swimming?” As soon as I stuffed my bag and myself into the car, Hia bombarded me with questions.
“The hospital's air conditioning! It's broken.” I tried to regulate my breathing for the hundredth time today.
“And how's Porchay?” Hia asked while starting the car.
“He's fine, heard Big Brother and Phii Kim picked him up.”
“What the hell is this?” Hia cursed as we reached the exit, seeing the Main family's bodyguards setting up a checkpoint at the hospital's exit.
“Hello, Khun Vegas.” Hia rolled down the window and nodded to the bodyguards who bowed in respect.
“What's happening?”
“May we search the car, please... It's a direct order from the Main family.” Hia looked confused but unlocked the car, and at that moment, I had to save myself again! It's like being in a survival game, damn it!!!
“What the hell, I'm hungry!!!!!! What are you searching for so much, this is a hospital. Not a treasure vault, what do you expect to find, raw cloth? Or paracetamol?” I yelled, got out with my hands on my hips, and started ranting at the bodyguards who all froze.
“Hey. Macau...” Of course, Hia was totally taken aback, what the hell am I doing!
“It's an order from the boss, sir.” One of the bodyguards slowly told me.
“Hah! Bringing up the old man, huh? Oh, I get it!!! It's Big Brother's order, isn't it? Only he would do something this extravagant and grand!!! Right, Hia?” I looked at Hia through the car roof, because by now, Hia had also gotten out of the car, looking puzzled at the situation.
“Uh... uh.” Hia replied, which pleased me quite a bit.
“Next time, you should build a private hospital in Ban Bueng, so you won't trouble the locals. This hospital is just for Teekhun, right?!! I, Krin Teerapanya!!! Ask if it's double standards, like Phii Teekhun. Phii Kinn. Phii Kim, the short one, do they need to be checked, or just...” I looked at Hia and then turned to face the bodyguards with a serious look, “us.”
“Uh... Khun Macau.”
“I'm hungry!! You guys are wasting my time, and what you're doing now, it means... you don't trust me, then I'll call uncle.” I pretended to pick up my phone, and of course, they reacted immediately.
“Yes, yes, please, Khun Macau. Khun Vegas.”
“Just like that! Don't let me see you are not checking Phii Teekhun.” I grumbled unhappily, “Hia, let's go!” I nodded to Hia, and we both drove off.
Damn it! The word Teekhun really is sacred!
Thanks, Big Brother, I promise to let you tease me for a whole day! The charge is for using your name all day.