Chapter 1 The First Day
The morning sunlight spilled across the glass windows of the skyscrapers in Asok. Engines roared, buses rumbled, motorcycles weaved through traffic, and car horns blared in a rhythm that had long become the city's heartbeat. People in suits, coffee in hand, hurried into office buildings like a colony of ants returning to their nest.
Among them was a chubby young man running for his life, cheeks flushed red, soft blond hair sticking out in messy tufts that nearly covered his eyes. A document bag bounced against his side as sweat slid down his temples. He drew in a sharp breath before yelling at the top of his lungs
"Please hold the door!"
His voice echoed through the elevator lobby. The slightly chubby man with rosy cheeks and tousled blond hair sprinted forward, clutching his document bag as sweat trickled down the sides of his face. Still, he tried his best to shout, hoping the people inside would wait before the doors closed.
Today was his very first day at a new jobat "Matteo Group," a major international import company with its headquarters all the way in Italy. Call it fate or dumb luck, but shortly after he graduated, he got a phone call announcing he'd passed the interview. Excitement and nerves tangled inside him like he was about to ascend to heaven on this very elevator.
Panting heavily, he managed to gasp,
"Thank you for waiting."
He smiled as he said it, but the moment he glanced at the people inside, the words nearly stuck in his throat.
Three tall men in black suits stood in a row, their expressions unreadable. Beside him, however, stood someone who looked more like a mafia boss than an office employee. A tattoo peeked up from beneath his collar and stretched toward his neck. Thick muscles lined his arms, veins prominent under his skin as a cool, smoky scent of men's cologne lingered in the air.
Tharnnam stiffened, gripping the handle of his bag tightly. He forced himself to stare at the panel of elevator buttons instead of the dangerously intimidating man beside him.
But curiosity always overpowered fear. He snuck a glance, studying the man until those sharp, dark eyes turned and caught him directly.
Tharnnam's heart nearly burst out of his chest.
"Ah sorry…" He forced a nervous smile and quickly looked down, muttering to himself, 'Great. Late on the first day. Am I going to get fired already?'
The man didn't say a word. A faint, unreadable smile flickered at the corner of his mouth. Tharnnam quickly looked down at his own outfit white shirt, neatly pressed slacks and if he ignored the little round belly poking a bit too far past his belt, he didn't look half bad.
Ding!
The elevator chimed as it reached the 5th floor. He hurried out, heart pounding from both relief and lingering tension completely unaware that the dark-haired man was still watching him leave, a faint smile tugging gently at his lips.
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
The deep, authoritative voice from inside made Tharnnam swallow hard before opening the door. Behind a large desk sat a refined middle-aged woman, posture perfectly straight, sharp eyes scanning him from head to toe behind her glasses. He bowed in a rush.
"Hello, my name is Tharnnam."
"Who told you to sit?"
"S…Sorry!"
He shot back up so fast his chair scraped loudly against the floor. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment and fear, heart thundering against his ribs. First day and I'm already in trouble… Will I even survive here?
"Now you may sit."
"Thank you…" He practically collapsed into the chair.
"My name is Phennapha, the accounting manager. You may call me P'Phen."
"Yes, P'Phen."
"Good. I'll have you work with Chompoo. She'll train you."
"Yes."
"And don't be late again. Understood?"
"Yes, I understand."
"This company receives monthly audits from the headquarters in Italy. If even a single digit is wrong, the entire department gets punished. Understand?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Good. You can go. Chompoo is waiting outside."
"Thank you, P'Phen."
He bowed again before slipping out, exhaling so deeply his shoulders sagged. Wow… barely survived that one, Tharnnam.
…
"How are you holding up? You look pale already~"
A cheerful voice rang behind him. Tharnnam turned to see a petite, slightly chubby woman in a sweet pink dress, thick glasses, and a bright smile like morning sunlight.
"You're P'Chompoo, right?"
"That's meee~" She stretched the word playfully, still grinning.
"Nice to meet you, Tharnnam. You can call me P'Chompoo the beautiful~"
"Yes, P'Chompoo."
"Scared of P'Phen, huh?"
"Just a little…"
"Don't be. She talks tough but her heart's soft. Just be punctual and you'll be fine. Come on, I'll show you your desk."
His desk was right beside hers, neatly arranged with a tiny potted plant at the corner as if welcoming a new member.
"This is your spot. You can put your stuff here. And this is the accounting program we use. Look here…"
P'Chompoo began explaining step by step from data entries to monthly report submissions, and the strict audit rules from headquarters. Tharnnam listened as carefully as he could, though his mind occasionally drifted to one thought lingering in his head.
Could that man in the elevator… be from the Italian headquarters?
"This is the accounting system. Make sure every field is filled before sending the report."
She pointed at the screen, one hand holding coffee, the other moving the mouse like she'd been doing it all her life.
"Yes, P'Chompoo."
He nodded firmly, doing his best to remember everything despite the overwhelming amount of new information.
—— Lunch Break ——
"Finally done…"
Tharnnam breathed out in exhaustion. Understanding a new system had fried his brain. The endless numbers on the screen tangled like noodles in a bowl. Still, he pushed through somehow.
He stretched his arms and legs, then rubbed his own little belly as it growled furiously. It was practically protesting Hungry! Emergency! Feed me!
"Tharnnam~ Want to eat with me? P'Chompoo will treat you, new kid!"
"Yes!"
He answered instantly. Hunger overrode everything. His hands were shaking. He packed up and smiled at her.
"I'm ready."
"Let's go, kiddo~"
He grinned and followed her into the elevator, a small bubble of joy rising inside him. Having someone kind on the first day was already a stroke of luck.
The elevator opened to the ground floor full of restaurants. Aromas floated through the air—basil stir-fries, noodle soups, curry rice so mouthwatering that he nearly drooled.
"What do you want to eat? I'll treat you."
"Red pork on rice."
"Perfect~ Go sit down. The beautiful one will handle everything."
"Thank you, P'Chompoo."
He sat by the window overlooking a small fountain outside. The atmosphere was so pleasant he couldn't help smiling. Soon, P'Chompoo returned with a tray.
"Here you goo~"
"Thank you, P'Chompoo."
"You're welcome! Eat up. I ordered extra pork and the richest sauce."
The first bite made him close his eyes in bliss. Tender pork, perfectly balanced sauce it was divine.
"How did you get here today?"
"I rode my motorbike."
"Wow, impressive. You drive yourself?"
"Yes. I live in a condo nearby."
"That's good. But don't be late our boss hates tardiness."
"I'll be careful."
They laughed softly before finishing the meal. Tharnnam wiped his mouth with a small smile.
"I'm full, P'Chompoo."
"I have errands. See you this afternoon~"
"Thank you again."
Watching her walk away warmed his heart. He sighed, grabbed his wallet, and bought a handful of snacks.
Office workers lived on snacks it was simply the law of survival.
As he walked past the elevator lobby, a sign caught his eye.
Rooftop Floor – Sky Gar
den (Employees Only)
A rooftop? Interesting. A smile crept across his lips.
"Let's go eat snacks with a view."
He confidently pressed R. The elevator ascended slowly.