Chapter Text
The spotlight shone on the skyscrapers of Bangkok that night. The event was one of the most exclusive of the year, bringing together the most influential names in the corporate world. Entrepreneurs, investors, and market magnates were there to celebrate partnerships and strengthen ties. The luxurious hall was impeccably decorated, with champagne being served in fine glasses and classical music filling the air with a sophisticated atmosphere.
Among the guests, two men stood out – but for completely different reasons. Joong Archen, heir to Aydin Holdings, was the center of attention. Half Thai, half turkish, he exuded charisma and confidence. With a glass of whiskey in hand, he smiled at everyone around him, making jokes and easily charming anyone with his carefree allure. He had already greeted at least half of the party, exchanging contacts and enjoying the company of a few businesswomen who seemed enchanted by his light and laid-back energy.
On the other side of the room, Dunk, CEO of Hk. Enterprises, kept to the margins of the event. Elegant in his perfectly tailored suit, he was the complete contrast to Joong. Discreet and reserved, Dunk spoke only to those who truly mattered to his business, always in a polite yet distant tone. His reputation preceded him – a ruthless, brilliant businessman, completely focused on his empire.
Joong, on the other hand, had heard of him. The mysterious young billionaire, always reclusive, never caught up in scandals or romances. For someone like Joong, who lived in the spotlight and enjoyed every moment, Dunk seemed like an intriguing mystery.
Then, an businessman, a friend of both, introduced them.
— Joong! Dunk! — The voice of Naravit, a lawyer who knew both men, made Joong turn around quickly. — What a coincidence, you two haven't met yet, have you?
The two CEOs exchanged a brief glance. Joong smiled broadly and extended his hand.
— Joong Archen. — He said, with a confident smile and a hint of charm.
Dunk looked at the outstretched hand for a brief second, as if assessing the situation, before shaking it coldly and quickly.
— HK. Enterprises. Dunk. — His voice was controlled, without much enthusiasm.
Joong, unbothered by Dunk's coldness, let out a soft laugh and took a sip of his wiskhey.
— Wow, is it cold in here, or is it just you? — Joong said, trying to make a joke.
Dunk glanced at him with a slight, ironic smile, clearly unimpressed.
— I think it's me. — He replied, unfazed. — What brings you to a corporate event? I usually only see your name in gossip tabloids.
Joong raised an eyebrow, amused by Dunk's reaction. He leaned forward a bit, his interest piqued.
— I like to stay informed, and I'm not just gossip, man. I'm also good at what I do. I just enjoy life.
Dunk furrowed his brows, observing Joong with a skeptical gaze.
— Interesting... but do you really have something to contribute? — He questioned, with a tone of disdain, clearly not believing in Joong's value.
Joong laughed, finding amusement in Dunk's attitude.
— Don't you want to find out? — He suggested with a mischievous grin. — I'm a lot more interesting than you think.
Dunk looked at him analytically, sizing up the man before him. Joong was exactly the type of person he normally avoided. Young, irreverent, but undoubtedly very successful. What bothered him most was the fact that Joong was completely different from him: Dunk had always been reserved, always controlled, always focused on work, while Joong... well, Joong seemed to live a carefree life.
— Doesn't seem like we have much in common. — Dunk said without hesitation, before stepping back.
Joong, however, wasn't willing to let the matter cool off so easily. He flashed a charming smile and gave Dunk a light tap on the shoulder.
— You're underestimating me, Dunk. I can prove we have more in common than you think. What do you say?
Dunk looked at him, maintaining his impeccable posture, and simply shook his head with a sigh.
— I don't have time for games. — He said, walking away to talk to someone else.
Joong, however, stayed where he was, watching Dunk's imposing figure move across the room. He muttered to himself. — But I do.
With one last intrigued glance at the reclusive CEO, Joong grabbed another glass of whiskey and leaned against a nearby column, waiting for the moment when he could approach again. After all, he wasn't going to give up so easily.