From the trip back, Kasem always thought about what Veera mentioned that he would retire from the industry like Kasem's father. But in his heart Kasem knew that it would be much harder for Veera to get out of the industry than it was for his father. Even so, Kasem still wanted to ask for his father's advice and help. Kasem also doesn't want to make Veera more tired because of this problem so Kasem wants to understand better so that he can help Veera. In the afternoon after work, Kasem turned over to visit his parents. According to the habit, every time he comes home, Kasem will buy more plants or plant care items for his father.
- Kasem's mother: Are you going there, Kasem? Will you have dinner at home today?
-Kasem: No, I went to visit my parents for a bit and then came back.
-Mother Kasem: Then let me get some more things for you to carry.
-Kasem: Mom, where are you?
-Mother Kasem: Your father is out in the garden watering the plants, go out and take care of the plants with him.
Kasem stepped out into the back garden, indeed Kasem still likes this garden of his father, although it is small, but it is meticulously and carefully cared for.
-Father Kasem: Did you bring the tree to him?
-Kasem: I just saw this plant, but I don't know if it's difficult to take care of or not.
-Father Kasem: So do you think he can be a teacher? Taking care of the tree also takes time to study and experience, it will grow well in the rain and sunshine.
Kasem's mother: After taking care of the tree, let's eat some fruit.
After her mother's call, Kasem only had time to help her father water the plants, adding a little more to the newly planted trees.
-Kasem's father: Kasem, today, I want to ask you about anything else, right?
-Kasem: Yes, Dad, how did you get out of the industry?
Kasem's father: So he also decided not to work in this industry anymore. Kasem, everyone enters the industry differently and their jobs are also slightly different. Dad had heard about Veera's reputation in the world. Indeed, his way of working is quick and decisive, and he doesn't go too deeply into things like drug trafficking, protection... so his withdrawal from the world only depends on him. He was just taking over the branch in Thailand under the supervision of someone else. Let Veera deal with the leader herself, I can only support but not help more.
- Kasem: Yes, Dad. I will do what you say.
In the evening, Veera had to go out on business, Kasem mustered up the courage to talk to Thany. Kasem knew he should have asked Veera but since Veera had too much to do, Kasem didn't want to bother. Kasem also wants to know what people think of Veera and also wants to hear everyone's thoughts. Kasem did not know what Thany was doing in the room, could only bring a plate of fruit and knock on Thany's door.
- Thany: Mr. Kasem? My door is not locked, you can come in naturally.
-Kasem: You don't bother me right? It doesn't matter so if you're busy we can talk later.
-Thany: I'm not too busy, I'm just looking for some companies to work for, and by the way design some jewelry as interview material.
-Kasem: So have you found a place you like yet? Have you found inspiration to design? Or can I help you?
-Thany: Kasem is still as enthusiastic as the day I first met you in America. Although I don't write who I am, but since I am also Thai, he taught and helped me through the first phase when I first came to America.
-Kasem: Being someone else will also help me. And as someone else, he will also help when they need it. Because he thinks that when I give, I also receive, my mother always reminds me.
-Thany: You didn't come just because you wanted to review old stories with me or ask about work, right?
-Kasem: I don't even know where to start, I want to know more about Veera's time at the orphanage, Khan and you. But if it's not convenient or you don't want to talk, that's okay. If that upsets you, I'm really sorry.
-Thany: No, really, if it's someone else, I won't say it, but if it's Kasem, I'll say everything I know. However, there were still questions he had to ask Veera directly.
-Kasem: Okay, if you want to talk, I can hear all of that. If you don't understand something, just ask Mr. Veera.
-Thany: Who do you want to know about first? (Thany interrogates Kasem)
Kasem: I know you first, but I understand you the least. So tell me about yourself first.
- Thany: Okay. She became an orphan and was sent to an orphanage after her parents were in a car accident and died, when she was three years old. After entering the orphanage, she lived alone and did not play with anyone there. Many times when friends come near, I can only scold to drive them away so much that I become their laughing stock. Every night, I cry for my parents but hide in a corner no one can see. Until one day, everyone found out that I couldn't see her. In the rain, I kept crying alone asking to see my parents. The first person to find me was Mr. Veera. When I saw him, instead of being happy, I felt scared, I thought I would be beaten and scolded by Mr. Veera for making everyone look for him. But he came, hugged me and said "it's okay, I'm here, shut up." For the first time, I stopped crying when I heard that comforting word. From then on, Mr. Veera always protected me when someone bullied me, was always the first to find me when I disappeared from their sight, and was always the one to teach me all he knew. Just like that, Veera and I grew up in an orphanage until when I was fifteen years old, Mr. Khan came to adopt Mr. Veera. I thought I would never see Mr. Veera again. What I didn't expect was that Veera asked Khan to adopt me. Since the day I got out of the orphanage, I was able to go to school and Mr. Veera just started learning and entering that world. When Mr. Veera started working in Thailand, I saw him less often and decided to send me to the US to study and hide information about me. That's how he protected me from the pursuit of the enemy.
-Kasem: I also suffered a lot. (Kasem involuntarily cried and hugged Thany choking)
-Thany: And Mr. Khan. Really, I just know, you're an only child, your job is to inherit the estate. Mr. Khan is also unmarried, so he wants to find someone to do business in Thailand. However, Mr. Khan and Mr. Veera are the caretakers and helpers of the orphanage but have different purposes. Khan's job while taking care of the orphanage is to find a successor. So Mr. Veera is the chosen one. Almost everything Mr. Veera has right now is from Mr. Khan's upbringing.
-Kasem: So what kind of person is Khan? Is it like the other Mafia, all cold-blooded?
-Thany: Khan's personality is always strict, perfectionist, strict in all work. But also a polite man, he will not touch or make it difficult for outsiders. In return, if someone gets in the way, you cannot survive.
-Kasem: Pretty brutal. He'll probably be petty in front of Mr. Hao, hopefully he won't be his next target to get rid of.
-Thany: I think if Mr. Khan wants to touch you, Mr. Veera won't stand still and watch. Because you are the last limit of Mr. Veera.
-Kasem: Not only you, everyone in this house will be his exception. So, how was Mr. Veera's life at the orphanage?
-Thany: I heard that Phille's mother on the day he was taken to the orphanage, it was raining heavily outside. That day, Phille's mother went out to check the locks and doors to make sure no rain had entered the room. Outside the main door, there was a shadow of a woman who quickly left after seeing her mother put down the basket. Phille's mother saw this and ran out and saw a baby inside, it was Mr. Veera. But Mr. Veera didn't cry a word. Mother also said that taking care of him is not difficult but finds it a bit easy for everyone. Because everything Mr. Veera actively does, not naughty like other boys. In the orphanage, no one dared to think of teasing or provoking him. He always received admiring and admiring glances from other children. Although they can still go to school like their peers, the money they earn is only enough to go to school in places few people know about. If we only study normally, Mr. Veera has studied hard, far exceeded everyone's expectations, always at the top of the whole school.
-Kasem: Seeing him like that, no one would think. (Kasem said surprised)
-Thany: After leaving the orphanage, he continued to go to school, besides learning many things such as martial arts, shooting, business, foreign languages... Sometimes I wanted to burn myself out for him. that. Each child leaves the orphanage or will only send a sum of money back upon success, and secondly, the money will never appear again. Only Mr. Veera always arranges to visit and provide supplies to maintain the orphanage, while also taking care of Phille's mother.
-Kasem: How can he be so resilient? … Maybe it was the circumstances that made him like this. I have tried my whole life without giving up.
-Thany: That's why he has a cold head and a cold heart.
-Kasem: Why do you say ice heart? (Kasem asks incredulously)
-Thany: My sister is not young anymore. Up until now, it was all for lust or fun. Never really know or be honest with anyone. Just this once… Mr. Kasem, you are the person Mr. Veera wants to cherish for the rest of his life, his whole life; because to him you are joy and everything. So surely Mr. Veera would love to be around and the two of you will go together.
-Kasem: You know, at first I just thought I was a person with good taste, that's why. Until now…
-Thany: Now his heart will always only turn to you, then day and night always take care, pamper and listen to everything you say.
-Kasem: It's like a fairy tale. He didn't expect to be his burden or weakness. He worries about you, and you worry about him; I just want a peaceful life beside him. That's enough. But his work…
-Thany: It's really hard to withdraw from this industry. But if it was before, every time he mentioned it, he would dismiss it even though he didn't want me to repeat it.
Since your presence has changed him, I believe he said he was going to retire from the industry, no matter what he was bound to do.
-Kasem: I also heard from Mr. Veera that you mentioned this issue. But I don't think you're saying he dismisses it like that because you were his family then.
-Thany: Life is too harsh for him, so my voice is not enough to change him. Right person, right time will change everything for that person's happiness.
-Kasem: Thany… (Kasem hesitated for fear of hurting Thany)
-Thany: Just ask, if I know I will answer. (Thany still answered innocently, carefree)
-Kasem: Do you know where your parents' grave is, I want to visit. If you don't know or don't tell me, it's your privacy. (Kasem said as he waved his hand)
-Thany: I know because before I went to America, every year Mr. Veera still took me to visit them. Waiting for the weekend, I take you home to visit my parents. (Thany said while smiling at Kasem's shyness)
-Kasem: Great! I thought it would make me sad. One more story. I've seen Mr. Veera say he's not interested in women because he has a problem or simply doesn't like it.
At Kasem's question, Thany kept smiling, making Kasem embarrassed. The atmosphere is not tense at the moment, but a little apprehensive.
-Thany: It's not simply that I don't like it, but it's not too complicated to interfere. When Mr. Veera entered the world, he had to deal with a lot of people, both men and women. I remember the first time he went to a social party. Mr. Veera came home very late that day and was in a bad mood. Thought it was the first time, so he didn't get used to it. I only see him in the room forever, sometimes I hear the crash. At that time, I was also shy, so I did not dare to ask, nor did I understand the story because I was young. After that day, I overheard that day playing in Thany's mind. This was the first time Thany had seen Khan arguing loudly.
-Khan: Veera, open the door and talk to me. I think you need some advice and perspective.
The sound of the door opening slowly by Veera
-Veera: I'm just thinking about whether I should continue or not.
-Khan: Just a little touch that you quickly abandoned what I taught you. I flew back from France not to hear this from you. Wake me up.
-Veera: A little touch? It was harassment to me.
-Khan: Veera later when you have status and fame, many people will want to approach you and more. But only when you are strong enough and mature enough can you master it. It won't be a stain, and nothing will happen afterwards.
-Veera: That scares me. Just once is enough.
-Khan: I guarantee it won't happen again, take a break and then come back to work with me.
After that, Veera said nothing but quietly closed the door as Khan left. True to Khan's words, a week later Veera went back to work but his eyes became colder and more distant.
Returning to the real space, the air in the room suddenly became unusually hot. Everyone was embarrassed after that story.
-Thany: I think that's why Mr. Veera is no longer interested in women, just looking for men to solve his needs. Do you feel contempt for him?
Kasem: Why do you ask that? He's also only interested in men, which is a weird thing. I think I understand Mr. Veera's feelings.
-Thany: Don't get me wrong! I don't discriminate in love, I think as long as the heart has made a choice after many mistakes, it will sometimes be right. I just want the two of you to be happy like that.
Kasem: No, I don't blame you. It's late, I'm going to rest. There's still a long way to go, we'll talk about many other things. Is there anything I can help you with, please let me know.
-Thany: Me too, rest soon. Good night.
After talking with Thany, Kasem brought the cup and plate from Thany's room into the kitchen. Seeing that the kitchen was still lit, Kasem wondered who was awake and what was in the kitchen at this hour.
In the kitchen, Aunt Nahm is still hard at work preparing food for tomorrow.
-Kasem: Aunt Nahm, why are you up so late? Have a lot of work to prepare for tomorrow's dish? I can help my aunt.
-Aunt Nahm: Uncle Kasem hasn't gone on vacation yet? Just a little more and I can take care of myself. If you need anything more, Mr. Kasem, I'll take it.
-Kasem: No need, I can do it myself. Ms. Nahm, can you tell me what foods Mr. Veera likes to eat or needs attention in his activities?
-Aunt Nahm: The master really chose the right person. In fact, it's only since Mr. Kasem's arrival that Mr. Veera has regularly come home and dine at home. Before, he always ate out and slept in hotels. Sometimes I just come back to get my stuff or get some sleep and then leave quickly. Everything in the house, the owner trusts me. Thanks to his help, I got a job and took care of Atid. With him there will be times when you have to suffer, but be patient with him. Because Mr. Veera is really a good person.
-Kasem: I know, he is also very lucky to have an aunt to take care of everything in the house. If you don't need your help, do it quickly and go on vacation.
-Aunt Nahm: I'll finish it right away, Mr. Kasem, go rest.
After washing off the things Kasem had brought down, Kasem headed towards the living room and back into the room. Suddenly there was a commotion outside the door.
-Lop: Miss Manee, it's late, go home first. The owner is also not at home.
- Manee: I won't meet your boss. Want to avoid.
-Kasem: What's the matter, Lop?
-Lop: Brother Kasem, Miss Manee is coming.
-Kasem: Let her in.
After Kasem approved, Lop let Manee in.
-Kasem: It's so late and you still come here, there must be something important, but unfortunately he's not at home tonight. You can go to the bar to take a look.
-Manee: I know Mr. Veera is not at home, so I came here to look for you. I'm not looking for him, I'm looking for you. Can we talk?
-Kasem: Find me? (Kasem asks doubtfully)
-Manee: We need to talk to end the misunderstanding.
-Kasem: Do you and I have any misunderstanding?
- Manee: Related to Veera. I think it's time to give up hope. I thought I was important to Mr. Veera until you showed up. I overestimated my abilities. With his help, I think I found the right person. So I always find ways to be near him, do everything to make him happy no matter how dangerous or reckless. But in return, I couldn't even look at him let alone his heart.
-Kasem: You really did a lot for him, I must also be touched by your emotional part. Is there anything he knows?
- Manee: As Veera, he knows everything but the more he knows, the more he distances himself, sets boundaries and sees me less. I thought it was okay, just be patient and the iron must melt, let alone the human heart. But I was wrong. All my efforts only change two words friends
-Kasem: I think it's time for you to find your own happiness, maybe that person is better than Mr. Veera.
- Manee: I know too. So today I came to say congratulations to the two of you, I immediately gave up the idea. No matter what, it's still mine, it will still be mine, if it doesn't belong to me, trying to hold on will only hurt. I also spoke to Veera so rest assured. Just ask what he gave me before and now for me to keep as a souvenir.
-Kasem: It's yours, so keep it. As long as you're frank, I believe you. Really, I can't blame her either, for loving someone sober enough. We may have been enemies before, but now we can be friends.
-Manee: Of course. I sincerely wish the two of them a long and happy life together. Because I see Veera changed for the better since meeting you.
-Kasem: I also thank you for your blessing. Hope she finds her other half soon.
-Manee: At first I thought you would be like everyone Veera knows. But time has proven to me, you really matter to Veera. Veera's gaze had never been this gentle to anyone, even when he was in danger he was always thinking of you. These two really respect each other.
-Kasem: There will be a lot more I have to learn about him. Veera has done many things for me, and from now on I will do the opposite for him.
-Manee: So I'm happy to give this friend to you too. If you need my help, just get in touch.
- Kasem: Okay. Please go carefully
Manee and Kasem after chatting, they hugged each other like friends as they worked together to solve and open all the knots in their hearts.
It was a long night, Kasem heard many stories, solved many problems and made many friends. Kasem seems to forget the loneliness of not having Veera tonight. Kasem was happy, cheerful as usual, he wanted to remember all that had happened since meeting Veera. Whether he had to go through pain or happiness, cry or laugh happily… he didn't want to waste another second. Because those are the moments when he realizes the value and reality of life more than in books.