In the afternoon, the sky stretched in a brilliant azure over the vast empire of CK Group. Through the window of the Chairman’s office, the city’s skyscrapers stood tall, while the room itself was thick with the scent of agarwood and the faint steam of Pu-erh tea. Behind the desk, Qing Dynasty porcelain shimmered elegantly under dim lights. Gawin stood beside the tea table with a humble demeanor, his eyes as still as deep water, his signature dimpled smile appearing gentle and harmless—yet utterly unpredictable.
"I would like to propose that Mr. Zhang Wei’s project become an integral part of the Hydrogen Valley," the Thai CEO said warmly. Chairman Li Ming, hearing the request, furrowed his brows in confusion.
"Why? Your project won the debate decisively." The Chairman set his ceramic teacup onto its stand and laced his fingers together. "Handing a portion back to CLS... the board might see my judgment as indecisive, or worse, that I am going back on my word."
Gawin offered a calm, sophisticated smile. "Because to me, sir... the ultimate benefit of CK Group comes first. It must transcend any competition."
Li Ming narrowed his eyes, waiting for a logical explanation.
"I understand your hesitation to reverse a decision," Gawin began, his voice deep and resonant. "But building a Hydrogen Valley as just an upstream producer is incomplete without the downstream 'Super Hub' from CLS’s Seamless Asia Logistics Network. Would it not be better to fuse these two giants into a single mega-project that no one in Asia would dare to rival?"
Gawin’s reasoning forced Li Ming to listen intently.
"Imagine a direct corridor from our hydrogen production base straight to deep-sea ports via CLS’s intelligent logistics. Imagine how fast the market would expand..." Gawin’s eyes were firm as Li Ming began to visualize the web connecting energy to logistics. It was a vision of grandeur that was truly irresistible.
Gawin leaned in slightly. "While our competitors rely on external firms and struggle with border taxes, CK Group will be the sole entity that produces and exports its own energy at costs 30% lower than the market, all managed via Smart Contracts."
Gawin scanned the Chairman’s thoughts, which were already processing the numbers. "This unites the upstream and downstream into a single river that we control completely. By then, the stock value will soar three times higher than selling energy alone. Chairman, do you wish to be merely a fuel merchant, or the owner of every road in Asia?"
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That question was a masterfully delivered hook. Li Ming sat stunned for a moment, visualizing the clean energy empire Gawin had meticulously mapped out.
"So... this project would be a dam—both a reservoir for wealth and a point of leverage for everyone downstream," the Chairman said, his tone softening in agreement.
"Exactly, sir. A 35% growth rate in the first five years will secure international investor confidence. Once we succeed in Asia, the world’s new energy standards will be in the hands of CK Group." Gawin’s smile widened as he lowered his voice. "And the one who holds all that power in a single hand... would be you, Chairman."
It seemed Adisorn wasn't the only one capable of silver-tongued persuasion; Gawin performed it just as brilliantly—not through "holy words," but through the irresistible allure of profit.
Li Ming nodded slowly before erupting into a satisfied laugh. "Then I suppose I must sacrifice my word just this once to pave the way for this mega-project’s birth!" As the laughter echoed, Gawin bowed politely.
"Thank you, sir," Gawin said, lifting his gaze to meet the Chairman’s, his eyes shimmering. "And I have one more matter I’d like you to decide on."
"Speak," Li Ming gestured, now fully open to the younger man's proposals.
"Regarding the negotiations with Away Logistics... I have received a report that Mr. Chatchawin, the Chairman of the company, will be traveling here next week."
Li Ming paused, tilting his head slightly. "Ah, then arrange a full welcome. I trust your hand in this," the Chairman said with a gentle smile. Gawin bowed, then looked up with a meaningful glint.
"And the decision I’d like you to make is... I want Mr. Wen Jie to be part of this pilot working committee."
The dragon’s eyes widened involuntarily. "You... want Wen Jie to join this project?" Li Ming went silent, staring deep into the Thai CEO's eyes.
"Yes," Gawin replied, standing straight with that same warm, harmless smile. Li Ming, however, was trying to weigh the motive behind such a choice.
"I’ll be blunt... after everything my son has done to you, you still want to work with him?" This was the suspicion gnawing at the Chairman. How could two people who clearly despised each other cooperate? Gawin simply smiled, his eyes bright and clear.
"Many might see it that way," Gawin’s smile took on a deeper nuance. "But for the sake of transparency... since I am an outsider and we are collaborating with an external partner like Away Logistics, wouldn't you want a trusted 'middleman' to keep a close watch? Someone you can rely on?"
Li Ming was speechless for a moment. This seemingly generous reason—was it a cover for a deeper scheme? "Are you certain... that this won't cause problems later?"
Gawin smiled and held the gaze. Li Ming failed to notice the fleeting spark of fire that danced behind Gawin’s innocent eyes...
