Billionaire Biker Boy
Chapter 2. Bangkok's Motorbike Taxi.
And so, Samut finally made it to Bangkok, just as he'd dreamed. Once he got the green light from his family, he applied for a job at the same canned fish company where Sirichok worked. Even though the company didn't have a logistics officer position, only a procurement officer role, that didn't bother him. Samut didn't plan to stay in this job forever anyway.
As for Sirichok, he worked in the accounting department as he majored in accounting. The two had met during a shared class, and Sirichok had been the one to help the petite man after he tripped and spilt all his belongings across the floor. It was like a scene straight out of a drama, and the knight in shining armour who came to the rescue easily won the heart of the protagonist.
From that moment on, Samut became Sirichok's shadow. He doted on him, bought him snacks, lent him lecture notes, and even acted as his errand boy. Four years passed, and they graduated, and yet, Samut never mustered the courage to confess his feelings. Eventually, Sirichok had to return to Bangkok, leaving Samut heartbroken and regretful for not confessing his love. But he didn't give up.
He continued to send highly reviewed snacks and treats to Sirichok's office. They stayed in regular contact, but as Samur's feelings grew stronger, he couldn't bear it anymore. He decided he wanted to work in Bangkok too. With his family's approval and a little help from Sirichok, Samut was called in for an interview. Chonlatee accompanied his brother to Bangkok, helped him settle into the condo, and took him to the interview. Finally, the results came in.
.... Samut got the job as a procurement officer at Sardina Company.
Chonlatee stayed to help him get settled, taking him shopping for new work clothes and essential items like a vacuum cleaner and an iron. Once he was confident that his little brother could manage, he returned to Hat Yai yesterday.
As Samut wandered around, looking for a motorbike taxi to take him to his workplace, he sighed deeply, lost in thought. It was Thursday, December 1st, his first day at work. His bank account balance had already dropped below 10,000 baht after buying a Metro card. No matter how frugal Samut was, this was the first time his financial freedom had been restricted, forcing him to plan his expenses meticulously.
...Will this little me survive in this big city?
The condo Samut lived in was luxurious in the Khlong Toei area, two stations from Silom. The metro fare was 19 baht per trip, and he had to pay another 20 baht for the motorbike taxi. With two trips a day and over 20 workdays a month Just the transportation costs alone would amount to nearly 2,000 baht a month.
But the biggest concern in Samur's life was food. Despite being stingy, Samut didn't care for brand-name items or luxuries. However, when it came to food, he was particular. The taste had to be satisfying, and his stomach had to be full. Back home, he'd been used to three free meals a day, only spending money on food when he went out. And at this moment, he had to pay for all three meals himself.
...It was a heavy burden.
Even if he budgeted 60 baht per meal, three meals a day would cost him 180 baht. Multiply that by 30 days, and it should be 5,400 baht a month.
... Goodbye, my beloved sashimi.
...Going without for a year won't kill me, right?
Luckily, the company offered a starting salary of 16,500 baht. After deducting the 4,000 baht rent for his brother's condo, 2,000 baht for transportation, and nearly 6,000 baht for food, Samut was left with just over 4,000 baht a month. This didn't even include miscellaneous personal expenses such as toiletries, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, sunscreen, laundry detergent, dish soap, bathroom cleaner, and more. He also had to start paying for his phone bill, which his mother had covered.
Thankfully, the condo's utilities were included in the 4,000 baht rent. Plus, Chonlatee had taken him shopping for several branded work outfits. Though they were mid-range department-store brands, Samut still found them expensive.
"I bought these as a gift to kickstart your career. First impressions matter. Whether people trust you or not, your appearance is the first thing they notice. Now, focus on your work and don't spend all your time chasing after guys."
That's what Cholatee said when Samut complained about the pricey clothes. Samut sighed again.
...Will I really make it?
...I already miss my mom and my brother.
Feeling tired from walking and short of breath, Samut pulled his mask down to his chin. His eyes landed on a small shop selling sandwiches. Intrigued, he quickly approached the place.
...An army marches on its stomach, after all.
"How much are the sandwiches?"
The man from Hat Yai looked at the variety of stuffed bread with excitement.
"50 baht each, sweetie. We use only the best ingredients, and the fillings are generous. No skimping here. You can customise them however you like," the shop owner explained enthusiastically, noticing the new customer. Samur's eyes widened at the price. His plan to buy a sandwich for his crush instantly faded. His food budget was only 60 baht per meal.
Even if he bought one for himself, there wouldn't be enough left for his favourite iced cocoa. But Samut gritted his teeth and decided to go for it. It was his first day at work, and Sirichok had helped him land the job. It was only right to bring him a little something.
… Oat likes ham and cheese.
"I'll take one ham and cheese and one egg and shredded chicken, both on whole wheat, please."
And just like that, another red banknote flew out of Samut's wallet.
...Sigh. Money is truly everything.
As he received the sandwich bag, he heard two short honks. Turning toward the sound, he saw a large gray-black motorbike. The rider, a tall and broad man in a bright orange vest, exuded an undeniable aura of coolness, even though his face wasn't visible yet. Samur's heart couldn't help but acknowledge the rider's striking presence.
...Wow. Motorbike taxi drivers in Bangkok are this hot?
The sandwich vendor grabbed a bag with two sandwiches and hurriedly handed it to the cool rider, accepting a red banknote in return. Samut quickly straightened up and marched over with determination. His full, vibrant lips moved quickly, catching attention as he spoke.
"Excuse me, can you take me to the Atcharangkul Building at Naradhiwas Intersection?"
Without waiting for a reply, the petite man grabbed the rider's broad shoulder, clutching his sandwich bag in one hand and his small satchel in the other. He placed one foot on the footrest and swung his short leg over the seat with the grace of a former gymnast, settling neatly on the small rear seat.
The rider, momentarily stunned by the adorable Chihuahua-like figure rushing at him, finally snapped out of it,
"Hey, wait! I'm not..."
"Are you refusing a passenger? What are you, a taxi? I'm not getting off. It's my first day at work, and I don't want to be late. Do you think I'm some country bumpkin who just arrived in the big city? If you kick me off, I'll report you to the police!" Samut rattled off without pausing.
The rider was speechless... His grey Ducati Multistrada V4S, worth over a million baht, paired with a high-end orange vest costing tens of thousands, made him look that much like a motorbike taxi driver? It's Thursday. What's wrong with wearing orange?
And yup, my name is Win, but I'm not a motorbike taxi driver!
...But this kid is pretty cute. And we're heading to the same destination.
Fine. I'll play the part of a motorbike taxi driver for a day, just for the sake of this adorable passenger.
...After all, no one has ever ridden my bike before.