Khun Da was rough around the edges, a brawler through and through. He'd fought his way to the top of Thailand's underground fight scene. He bowed to no one – except Angwei. Because Angwei was strong.
Young, yes, but ruthlessly cunning, a fighter with brains. His status was irrelevant; it was his capability that commanded respect.
After two years as Angwei's closest lieutenant, Khun Da prided himself on understanding the young master's preferences.
Women, however, had never been on that list. It led to whispers below – maybe the Young Master, influenced by his time in Europe, preferred men. No one dared discuss it openly, let alone confirm it.
The first crack appeared during the wake for Old Master Chan at Wat Pho. That night, Angwei had shocked him by asking for porn. Khun Da had stood frozen for a good ten seconds. Angwei, cigarette dangling, face shifting in the shadows, snapped his fingers to break the trance.
"Buddhist temple taboo theme. Fast," he'd murmured, a brow arched.
Halfway down the corridor, Angwei turned back, adding, "Oh, and make it straight. No guy-on-guy."
The look in his eyes had been unnerving, almost awkward.
How Khun Da found it, God only knew. But he did. Some Japanese film about forbidden love in a temple.
Khun Da had wondered if Angwei was losing his mind.
The second time was that server at the Sandalwood Palace.
Khun Da figured the Young Master was just... late to bloom. Developing an interest in women. He kept his thoughts to himself; talking too much invited trouble. Having an outlet wasn't a bad thing. The underworld was brutal; the fire needed release. Even the strongest body couldn't withstand constant tension without it.
What surprised him was Angwei's apparent *taste* – gravitating towards women from the pleasure trade seemed unexpected. But if it was just casual fun, looks mattered more than background.
The car pulled up smoothly at the Sandalwood Palace's back entrance. Asu was already waiting. Angwei swung his long legs out, suit jacket slung over one hand. His cool gaze swept over Asu's pockmarked face, faint traces of alcohol lingering.
"Asu. No business tonight. Send a bottle of Remy Martin to the penthouse."
Asu nodded quickly.
Angwei took the steps, tossing the jacket carelessly over his shoulder as he strode down the back corridor. Khun Da hung back, catching Asu's eye and whispering, "That girl from last time. Bring her up."
Asu's face paled. He rubbed his hands nervously. He'd guessed this might be coming.
"D-Da Ge... that girl... she quit. Said her school had winter break, and someone in her family got sick. Went back home to take care of them. Doubt she's coming back to work here."
Khun Da's expression shifted to surprise. A dead end. This was problematic.
Angwei didn't come to places like this just to relax. Tonight was clearly about that girl. Both men felt the awkwardness.
But Angwei hadn't explicitly named her. Khun Da had to gamble he just wanted a woman, not necessarily that one.
After a tense moment, Asu offered, "We've got... a clean student girl. Same university as the last one. Just started hosting. Barely seen any clients. Pretty too."
Khun Da sighed. "Fine. Try her."
The penthouse held an infinity pool and a sprawling suite, rarely used but meticulously maintained – reserved for the Chans.
Angwei floated in the dark, expansive water, having swum several laps. His dark, slightly wavy hair was slicked back, save for a few damp strands plastered to his forehead.
The Buddhist amulet hung heavy and cold against his chest, submerged.
His arms rested on the pool's edge, his eyes fixed with a cold intensity on the distant entrance, waiting.
He grabbed the glass floating nearby, downed the contents. The alcohol deepened the haze in his eyes. His body burned with a heat the icy water couldn't dispel, desire coiling tight.
Soon, a figure in a swimsuit entered, carrying a tray of snacks. A sheer wrap covered the essentials, hinting at the shape beneath.
She moved around the pool's edge. Angwei's gaze snapped to her, then instantly withdrew. His face remained impassive, but disappointment flashed in his eyes. Khun Da caught it and felt a chill.
Ya Ruo knelt beside the pool. A gentle evening breeze stirred. Her voice was soft as she set down the tray. "Young Master Angwei, please enjoy."
She'd seen him before, briefly, in a VIP booth at the underground fight club. The brutality had scared her off before she could register his face properly.
Later, when he passed her in a narrow corridor escorting guests, his tall frame had enveloped her. Flustered, she'd bumped a decorative frame on the wall. His long fingers had shot out above her head, catching it before it fell, righting it smoothly.
A faint scent of sandalwood lingered as she whispered thanks. He hadn't acknowledged her, already walking away.
That single moment had imprinted him on her memory.
Angwei heard the soft voice, saw the wrong face. He closed his eyes, rolling his neck until it cracked, irritation simmering. "Hmm. Leave it."
Did she refuse? Or did Asu just not get the hint? Maybe it's time to find a new manager.
Before sending her up, Asu had warned Ya Ruo: The Young Master looks fierce, but he's gentle inside. Be careful.
Serving men was new to her. She was nervous, but facing him, a strange mix of private hope and courage swelled within her.
Ya Ruo bit her lower lip, carefully untied her wrap, revealing a revealing purple bikini. She dipped a toe to test the water, then turned and slipped in, lowering herself until the water reached her chest.
The splash made Angwei open his eyes. He watched her slender form for a moment, silent, just drinking.
His mind stubbornly clung to that other face – the stubborn one – refusing to fade.
Ya Ruo moved cautiously through the water towards him. She looked up. The cold made her shiver slightly, her lips tinged blue. Moonlight caught in her eyes, lending them a cool, fragile beauty.
"Young Master Angwei, Manager Asu asked me to attend to you."
Her trembling hand reached out, fingertips brushing the wet skin of his chest.
The touch ignited a sudden, irrational fury within him.
He stared straight ahead, then turned his head just slightly towards her. His eyes were cold. Two words, flat and final: "Get. Out."
Ya Ruo flinched, startled. Had she offended him? Was he just in a foul mood? She snatched her hand back. "I-I just meant to offer a massage. I'm quite good..."
"I said get out. Do I need to say it louder?" His voice remained icy, detached. He still didn't look at her, tipping his head back for another burning swallow.
Ya Ruo froze, rooted to the spot, afraid to move. Gentle? Asu had lied. This man's temper was terrifying.