Billionaire Biker Boy

Chapter 9 The First Wage

 

"What do you like to eat? Is there anything you can't eat?" Wonchana asked.

 

Samut thought for a moment before answering honestly, "I can eat pretty much anything. I like trying new things, but I especially love raw fish. As for beef, I can't eat much of it."

 

Wonchana then rode his bike with Little Chihuahua clinging to his back to an old mall not far from where the little pup had jumped into his car that morning.

After parking, they walked into the mall. As they passed a beauty clinic, an attractive female staff member quickly approached, handed Samut a brochure, and invited him in. The small man waved his hand to decline politely.

....Not that I'm overly confident, but seriously, does someone with a face like mine need any enhancements?

 

"Just take a look, sir. We have so many promotions going on right now," the staff member insisted.

 

...Don't your guys have promotions all year round anyway?

 

When Samut still refused to take the brochure, the staff member stepped in front of him to persist. This time, Samut stopped abruptly, causing the taller man following him to halt as well.

 

Then, in a calm and steady voice, the small man spoke up, "Miss, I'm not interested. I used to hand out brochures to help people like you, but do you know how many end up in nearby trash bins? Not only does it create waste, but think about how many trees were cut down to make these brochures, and the ink used to print them—it all adds to the pollution in an already warming world. I think you should suggest to your company's owner that they find alternative marketing methods. The world's moved on. Nowadays, people who want information look for reviews online. It's much better than handing out leaflets like this. Sure, you might get one customer out of a thousand, but it's not worth the resources or your hard work. Trust me."

...Because when I was considering laser hair removal, I researched all this on my own. I didn't need anyone to convince me with promotional talk.

 

The female staff member looked visibly uneasy but didn't dare to argue back. Perhaps she was intimidated by the towering figure standing behind Samut, or maybe it was because the small man spoke with reason and not in a scolding tone. In the end, she bowed slightly in what seemed like an apology and walked away.

 

The two men continued walking, with the smaller one letting out a sigh.

 

"You might think I'm harsh, Mr Vice President, but I actually feel sorry for them. I wish they'd change this kind of marketing approach. I even found the clinic's website and sent them a message with my suggestions, but nothing changed. And honestly, it's not just about resources, but it's about the self-worth of these employees, which keeps getting diminished."

 

A large hand gently patted the top of his head and gave it a light ruffle.

 

"I think this kind of issue can be viewed from many angles, and I believe what you said isn't wrong. I'm one of those people who take the brochures just to avoid being bothered, only to throw them in the nearest trash bin without ever considering the points you just said. Now that I think about it, you're absolutely right. This kind of marketing not only demoralises the employees but also affects their dignity, especially when people passing by show disdain or even insult them." 

 

Wonchana analysed the situation further before adding his opinion. "It also makes the mall look bad for not managing the annoyance caused to customers."

 

Hearing the supportive comment, Samut finally smiled.

 

"That's exactly what I wanted to say."

 

Wonchana looked at him fondly before something came to his mind. "Are you hungry yet? Do you mind if I stop by the home decor section for a bit?'

 

"I'm not that hungry yet. Go ahead," Samut replied.

 

Wonchana headed straight to the section he wanted. He picked up several picture frames to examine before deciding on one completely made of clear acrylic. He then pulled a 20-baht bill from his shirt pocket and placed it against the frame.

 

Satisfied, he handed the frame to the waiting staff to be paid for. Samut watched his employer's actions with a little confusion but didn't ask any questions. After the payment was complete, Wonchana led Little Chihuahua out of the mall toward the Skytrain station exit, then crossed the street and easily navigated through alleys.

 

Finally, they stopped in front of a building adorned with large white flags bearing Japanese writing.

 

"Wowww, this place looks amazing," the man from Hat Yai exclaimed, his eyes sparkling.

 

"The owner is a Japanese chef who has trained Thai chefs to fame. The food here is delicious and reasonably priced," Wonchana explained.

 

"Do you come here often, Mr Vice President?"

 

"Yeah, pretty often. It's one of my favourite spots... Let's go in."

 

The staff led them to a table for four, set on a raised platform with cushions on the floor. Beneath the table was a recessed area for the legs to dangle comfortably.

 

Samutr crawled in first, followed by Wonchana, who sat on the same side. The smaller man looked at him curiously. Normally, when he dined with his brother or Oat, they d sit across from each other. And before he could think it through, his mouth blurted out the question. 

 

"Do people in Bangkok usually sit on the same side when eating?"

 

The Bangkok guy saw the innocent look in his eyes and felt a bit flustered. "It depends on personal preference. But I'm comfortable like this. Ahem... Order whatever you like, and order for me too," the host said, changing the subject and handing over the menu.

 

Samut opened the menu and immediately chose sashimi. When he saw that the large set was almost a thousand baht, he opted for the smaller one. But in the end, Wonchana insisted on ordering the largest set. No matter what Samutr chose, Wonchana upgraded it to something better.

Samut glared at him....Yeah, yeah, I get it. You're loaded.

 

After the staff took their order and left, Wonchana pulled out the bag with the picture frame. He unwrapped the frame, placed the green 20-baht bill he'd received that morning inside, and sealed it, all under the curious gaze of Little Chihuahua.

....People in Bangkok are so strange. Who puts money in a frame?

 

Unable to contain his curiosity, the little nosy one asked again, "Why are you framing that money? Are you going to worship it?"

 

"Yes, I must protect it well. It's very auspicious," Wonchana replied with a straight face. But Samut still didn't understand. "Why not use a 1000-baht bill then? Or is it because the colour isn't nice? Hmm, I think the 500-baht bill looks prettier."

 

The man framing the money raised a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture. Once he finished, he took out his phone, snapped a picture of his work, and posted it on Facebook. He tagged Samut, added the location, and wrote the caption:

'Celebrating my first earnings as a motorcycle taxi driver. Framed it for good luck.

Thanks to my honorary passenger, @Ocean Samut.'

 

...Leaving the tagged individual with his mouth agape.

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

"It's not my fault. You don't even look like a vice president," Little Chihuahua whined.

 

"Then what do I look like?" the vice president, who apparently didn't look like one, asked. Samut glanced at the tall figure with striking grey-highlighted hair, sharp features, thick, slanted brows, piercing eyes with a hint of sternness, a high nose like a foreigner's, perfectly shaped lips, and a body that probably contained six-pack abs.

...He looks like a model, obviously.

 

But what came out of his mouth was, "I don't know... but he should be riding in a bulletproof Benz with a chauffeur, always wearing a sharp suit. Hair neatly combed back with gel, surrounded by a team of bodyguards. Not riding a motorbike to buy sandwiches on his own."

 

Wonchana burst out laughing.

"That's in dramas. And those bodyguards? That's more of a mafia thing."

 

Then Samut’s phone buzzed with nonstop notifications. Seeing it was from his family group chat, he asked for permission to respond. Wonchana nodded.

 

His mother and brother were asking about the Facebook post. The petite man had to type out an explanation about the misunderstanding until they were satisfied. But the person he didn't expect to message him was Sirichok, who had just seen both the morning photo and the latest one.

 

Samutr had to explain the coincidence and misunderstanding all over again.

...Ugh, this vice president guy is such a troublemaker.

 

Samut let out a heavy sigh. Putting his phone down, he immediately scolded the culprit.

 

"Everyone's asking me about the Silom motorcycle taxi thingy on Facebook... You seem to really enjoy being a motorcycle taxi driver, Mr Vice President."

 

Wonchana, who was met with a glare from Little Chihuahua, laughed heartily. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it's been great! If I ever get kicked out of my position, at least I know I can make a living doing this."

 

Samut rolled his eyes.

...More like getting promoted from the vice president to the president.

 

His full, red lips pursed in irritation, making the man watching him feel a strange itch in his chest.

...So kissable.

 

Just then, the staff arrived with drinks and appetisers, perfectly interrupting the moment. Bright orange grilled cod roe, white chunks of octopus mixed with wasabi, a crab omelette with miso, and pickled vegetables were laid out. 

 

Samur's eyes sparkled as he eagerly asked for permission to take a photo. Wonchana granted it, even going as far as to slide the plates closer to Samut.

 

After they finished taking photos, the one who had hired Samut carefully served food onto his plate with utmost attention. This prompted Samut to cast a sidelong glance at Wonchana.

...So, who's the one being paid companion here?