A Peaceful Morning at Jay's Mansion
Mr. Sakda sat in the living room, sipping his tea while reading the newspaper. The peaceful silence was only accompanied by the sound of birds chirping outside. However, that tranquility was soon disrupted when Jay came downstairs, talking on the phone with a busy tone.
- "Yes, yes. Just accept it, I might be able to make it. Just follow Ryan's arrangements, I'm fine with it. Yes… yes…"
After finishing the call, Jay hung up. Mr. Sakda put down his newspaper, the corners of his lips curving into a teasing smirk.
- "Who were you talking to so obediently?"
Jay blinked before quickly regaining his usual smug expression.
- "Oh… I'm always this well-behaved! It's just some music shows inviting me to perform. Felix is too hot right now, after all…" He covered his mouth with a proud chuckle.
Mr. Sakda raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes.
- "Or maybe they just couldn't find anyone else, so they had to invite you?"
Jay was momentarily speechless. He widened his eyes, looking at his father in disbelief.
- "Dad! Felix is a very popular idol! You should acknowledge your son's talent!"
-"How should I acknowledge it? I'm a businessman, and you're an artist. I don't understand art, so how can I appreciate it?"
Mr. Sakda sighed, taking another sip of tea. Jay crossed his arms, pouting.
- "Then just look at how famous I am in France and acknowledge it that way!"
Mr. Sakda shook his head, chuckling.
- "Alright, alright. Felix is the most talented, the best. Is that enough?"
Jay immediately beamed with satisfaction.
- "I knew it! Thanks, Dad."
-"When are you leaving for France?"
- "At the end of this week. I need to arrive early to rehearse for the show."
- "I see. Do you need anything before you go?"
-"I do!" Jay nodded without hesitation.
-"What do you need? I'll prepare it for you."
Jay grinned mischievously and said slowly,
- "I need you to take good care of your health. Don't overwork yourself, don't stress too much. Take care of yourself a little."
Mr. Sakda was surprised but soon softened his gaze.
- "I got it. When you were in France before, we didn't see each other much either. Just think of it as the same situation."
-"It's not the same! When I was in France, if I missed you, I could come home and have a meal with you. But when I go back to France this time, we'll be in different countries. Even if I want to see you, I can only do it through a phone call…" Jay mumbled.
Mr. Sakda chuckled, reaching out to ruffle his son's hair.
- "Then just make time to visit me when you can."
- "I know… But I won't be able to do it often. That's why you need to take care of yourself. Otherwise, I'll worry a lot!"
- "Alright, I promise to take good care of myself. Happy now?"
- "Yes!" Jay nodded cheerfully.
-"Don't you have somewhere to be? If you don't leave now, you'll be late."
- "Then I'm off! Bye, Dad!"
- "Mm, take care."
Jay left. Mr. Sakda watched his son's retreating figure, shaking his head with a soft chuckle before returning to his newspaper.
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Inside a Small but Exquisitely Arranged Flower Shop
Inside a small flower shop, every bouquet seemed to have been carefully placed, creating a harmonious and lively atmosphere. Faisal stepped in, his gaze sweeping over the vibrant flowers, yet there was a hint of hesitation in his eyes—he wasn't sure which one to choose.
A young man with a petite figure yet an air of maturity approached him, speaking in a gentle voice:
- "Hello, sir. Are you looking for a specific type of flower?"
His polite demeanor and composed attitude immediately left a good impression on Faisal.
- "Ah… I want to buy flowers as a gift for a friend. Could you recommend something suitable?"
Faisal felt a bit lost in the sea of flowers before him.
- "Of course. Is the person you're gifting male or female?"
- "Female. She's quite strong and independent but has an artistic soul."
Hearing that, the young man tilted his head slightly in thought. His eyes quickly scanned the flowers in the shop as if making a careful selection. After a moment, a subtle smile curved his lips, and he gently lifted a bouquet.
- "Then, how about this one? These are tulips—a flower that isn't just for lovers but can also be given to close friends. It represents sincerity, confidence, and an abundance of life energy."
His natural and knowledgeable way of speaking pleased Faisal, who nodded in agreement.
- "Alright, I'll take this one."
- "Understood. I'll wrap it up for you right away."
Faisal stood still, observing with a hint of curiosity. There was a rare delicacy in this young man, making him unconsciously want to start a conversation.
-"You really know a lot about flowers."
-"It's my job, after all. But more than that, I love flowers. Every flower carries its own meaning, just like every person does."
He spoke with a gentle smile, his hands skillfully tying a ribbon around the bouquet. Faisal found him interesting and decided to ask further:
- "So, what do flowers represent to you?"
The young man slightly tilted his head, his eyes glimmering with enthusiasm.
- "Flowers are sunlight, nourishment, and a remedy for the soul. They make people better, happier, and more meaningful. That's why flowers are not just decorations—for me, they are a symbol."
Faisal was momentarily stunned before letting out a slight smirk.
- "Is that so? That's quite an interesting perspective."
- "Here, your flowers are ready." The young man gently handed him the bouquet and bowed politely. "Thank you for visiting our shop."
Faisal took the bouquet but didn't leave immediately. Instead, his gaze lingered on the young man's face before he spoke again:
- "Hey, you."
-"Yes?" The young man looked at him with curiosity.
-"I'm quite impressed by the way you think about flowers. I don't know much about them, but what you said gave me a lot of inspiration. Maybe I'll visit this place more often."
Faisal's tone carried a hint of admiration, making the young man laugh warmly, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.
-"I'd be happy to welcome you anytime. Thank you for listening."
-"Alright then, I'll be off."
-"Have a great day, sir."
As Faisal stepped out of the flower shop, he couldn't resist turning back for another glance. Inside, the young man was still standing there, his gentle smile unwavering. Sunlight streamed through the shop, casting a soft glow over him, creating an image that was hard to forget. Faisal smirked slightly and walked away, feeling a little lighter than before.
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Inside Chirawan's Office
Jay was sitting across from Chirawan, and the two were chatting animatedly.
- "So, you really have to go?" Chirawan asked with a hint of regret in her voice. "I'm going to miss you so much, Jay."
- "Of course! Someone as adorable and beautiful as me, you have to miss me." Jay teased, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "I'll miss you a lot too."
- "You're so full of yourself… but you're not wrong." Chirawan laughed, nodding in agreement.
-"Right?" Jay grinned triumphantly.
- "Yeah. But once you're back in France, you better visit often. I've already missed you for ten years, and I don't want to be apart for too long again."
- "Alright, alright. My dad is in Thailand anyway, so I'll have to come back often."
- "You better keep your word."
Just then, Faisal walked in without bothering to knock, as usual, carrying a bouquet of flowers. His relaxed demeanor remained unchanged.
- "What are you two talking about?" he asked, his gaze shifting between Jay and Chirawan.
- "Nothing much. But you're late, Faisal." Chirawan lightly scolded.
- "Sorry, sorry. Here… this is for you, Chirawan, as thanks for helping me finalize those designs." Faisal handed the bouquet to her with a calm expression.
-"Thanks! You're developing a better sense of aesthetics, huh? You even know how to pick flowers now." Chirawan praised as she accepted the bouquet.
- "No, I had someone choose it for me." Faisal replied bluntly.
Jay burst out laughing while Chirawan's face instantly showed disdain.
- "Tsk… Can't you just let me thank you properly?"
- "So, what were you and Jay discussing?" Faisal asked as he took a seat nearby.
-"We were just saying goodbye to this kid. He's heading back to France soon." Chirawan replied.
- "Really? Why so soon?" Faisal turned to Jay, looking slightly disappointed.
-"I've accepted a few show bookings, so I need to return early for rehearsals." Jay explained casually.
-"That's a shame. I won't be able to see you perform." Faisal sighed.
- "Well, you can always watch me through a screen." Jay shrugged.
- "But watching live isn't the same. Seeing it on a screen isn't as hot as seeing it in person." Faisal shook his head. "When are you leaving?"
- "At the end of this week."
-"Then let me throw you a farewell party."
- "No need, really. That would be too much." Jay quickly waved his hands in refusal.
-"What's there to be shy about? You had a welcome party when you arrived, so it's only fair to have a farewell one for Monsieur Felix here." Faisal suggested enthusiastically.
- "Great idea! If Jay doesn't like big crowds, we can just keep it small, just us." Chirawan agreed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
- "I…" Jay hesitated.
- "It's decided! No backing out." Chirawan declared firmly. "Faisal, make sure to inform Ying about this too, so he can make time."
- "Got it, I'll handle it." Faisal nodded. "Jay, do you need anything?"
-"Haizzz… I'll just go along with whatever you two plan. No complaints." Jay sighed in resignation.
-"It's settled, then! No going home until we're drunk that night!" Chirawan gave Jay a strong pat on the shoulder, determined to make him enjoy the party.
Jay stood there, watching Faisal and Chirawan excitedly planning, shaking his head in exasperation. Yet, the corners of his lips subtly curved upward—he couldn't help but feel warm at their heartfelt concern.
END OF CHAPTER 15.