Chapter Text
The sun hung high over Srinakharinwirot University, casting golden rays across the bustling campus. The mid-day chatter of students filled the air, their excitement palpable as they moved between classes, assignments, and the latest campus gossip. Among them was Orm Kornnaphat, a student whose presence was impossible to miss. With her long, bright hair flowing freely and a smile that could light up any room, Orm was the university’s pride, known not only for her striking beauty but also for her sharp mind and playful spirit.
Today, however, her usual playful demeanor was tinged with something else—a spark of curiosity and ambition. The university had announced a special guest lecture by LingLing Kwong, a name that reverberated through the halls of corporate power in Asia. As the heir to Kwong&Co, a Hong Kong-based tech giant, LingLing was not just another speaker; she was a force of nature in the business world. Orm had heard about her—everyone had. LingLing, 29 years young, was known for her sharp intellect, her ability to maneuver through the corporate jungle with finesse, and her relentless drive to expand her family’s empire.
Orm arrived early, securing a seat right at the front. She could feel the energy in the auditorium, a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. When LingLing finally stepped onto the stage, the room fell silent. Dressed in a sleek black suit that accentuated her athletic frame, LingLing exuded an aura of confidence and control. Her long, dark hair flowed freely, and her eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the room before she began to speak.
“Good afternoon, everyone,” LingLing began, her voice clear and commanding. “I am LingLing Kwong, and it is an honor to be here today to share with you my journey—one that started with a deep love for this country and a vision to see Kwong&Co thrive in Thailand.”
Orm listened intently, captivated by LingLing’s words. The way LingLing spoke of her experiences—how she had studied Thai in high school and university with the sole purpose of someday expanding her company into Thailand—resonated deeply with Orm. It was rare to see someone so focused, so determined, and yet so composed.
As LingLing continued her lecture, detailing the intricacies of managing a multinational corporation and the challenges she faced, Orm couldn’t help but admire her. There was a certain elegance in the way LingLing spoke, a mixture of intellect and charm that drew Orm in. And then, it happened—LingLing’s eyes met Orm’s. For a brief moment, the world seemed to slow down. Orm, ever the extrovert, couldn’t resist giving LingLing a flirtatious smile, her lips curling up in a way that was both playful and inviting.
LingLing paused, her expression unreadable for a split second before she returned the smile with a slight smirk. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was enough to send a thrill through Orm. And just like that, LingLing continued her lecture as if nothing had happened, leaving Orm to wonder if she had imagined the whole thing.
After the lecture, the students swarmed around LingLing, eager to speak with the young heiress. Orm hung back for a moment, watching as LingLing gracefully handled the onslaught of questions and admiration. Finally, as the crowd began to thin, Orm made her move. The other students, recognizing Orm’s status on campus, made way for her as she approached LingLing.
“Miss Kwong,” Orm began, her tone confident but respectful. “My name is Orm Kornnaphat, a 4th year economics and finance student. Your lecture was truly inspiring. I’m very interested in the internship opportunity at Kwong&Co. I believe I could learn a great deal from you and contribute to your company’s success in Thailand.”
LingLing looked at Orm, her gaze intense and calculating. There was a moment of silence before she responded, her voice smooth and measured. “Good luck with your application,” she said, her eyes locking onto Orm’s. “It will be competitive.”
Orm’s heart skipped a beat, not out of fear, but out of excitement. LingLing’s words were a challenge, and Orm never backed down from a challenge. “I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Orm replied, her smile widening as she met LingLing’s gaze with unwavering confidence.
For the next two weeks, Orm threw herself into the application process with a level of determination she hadn’t known she possessed. The case study was complex, requiring her to analyze Kwong&Co’s market strategy and propose a solution to a hypothetical expansion problem. Orm spent hours poring over financial reports, market research, and business theories, crafting a solution that was both innovative and practical.
Her professors were more than happy to provide references, knowing her to be one of the brightest students in the university. As she submitted her application, Orm felt a sense of accomplishment. She had done her best, and now it was up to fate—or perhaps LingLing—to decide the outcome.
Meanwhile, at Kwong&Co’s Thailand headquarters, LingLing was back to her usual grind. The demands of her position were relentless, with endless piles of documents to approve and hours of proposals to review. It was exhausting work, but LingLing thrived on it. She was in her element, orchestrating the growth of the company with precision and ambition.
“LingLing,” came a voice from the doorway. It was Tan, one of her assistants and a close friend who had been with the company almost as long as she had. “Do you want to look over the list of shortlisted applicants for the internship?”
LingLing barely looked up from her desk. “I trust your judgment, Tan,” she said, her tone dismissive but not unkind. “You and the team can handle it. I’m swamped with work as it is.”
Tan nodded, understanding that LingLing’s time was far too valuable to be spent on something as routine as selecting interns. Still, he couldn’t help but glance through the list himself. As he scanned the names and reviewed their case studies, one name stood out: Orm Kornnaphat. Her solution was well thought out, her analysis sharp, and her writing impeccable. Tan smiled to himself, impressed. This year’s batch of interns certainly seemed to have potential.
As the days passed, Orm tried to distract herself with her studies and campus activities, but her mind kept drifting back to the internship. She had never wanted something so badly before. It wasn’t just about working for a prestigious company like Kwong&Co; it was about proving herself, about showing LingLing that she was more than just a flirtatious smile in the front row.
When the email finally arrived, Orm’s heart raced as she opened it. The words “Congratulations, you have been selected…” jumped out at her, and she let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding. She had done it. She was in.
Orm’s excitement was also fueled by the desire to prove herself to her father, who had always believed that a woman’s life would be easier if she simply settled down instead of pursuing higher education. She was determined to show him that her ambitions were worth every challenge she faced. Yet, despite her focus on the internship, Orm couldn’t shake the memory of LingLing’s smirk—a fleeting moment that sent a rush of excitement through her every time she thought about it. But LingLing Kwong was the chairman of the board, far beyond the reach of an intern like her. First, Orm had to excel in the internship, secure a position within the company, and then—maybe—find a way to get closer to the enigmatic heiress who had unwittingly captured her curiosity.
Back at the office, Tan handed LingLing a stack of documents to sign, among them the final list of selected interns. LingLing glanced at the names briefly, her eyes pausing on one in particular. She didn’t say anything, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips as she signed the document.
Orm Kornnaphat. The name was familiar.
LingLing leaned back in her chair, her mind briefly drifting back to the university lecture, to the playful student who had caught her attention.
“Interesting,” she thought to herself.
And so, the first chapter of their story began—two women, both driven by ambition, caught in a dance of intellect, power, and perhaps something more. The stage was set, and the game was about to begin.