"Altaha and I are friends. Actually, we met recently. I saw that he was in trouble, so I decided to help him. I had the means to do so and he did not want to call the police."

"Without expecting anything in return?"

"Excuse me?"

"You helped my brother just because he was a friend and you wanted to help him?"

"... Yes... that's it...He was in danger so I didn't hesitate."

Ashlay was, inwardly, in a panic. He knew that one bad word could get him into trouble with his possible future brother-in-law. Staying very focused, he explained how he had put together a strategy to catch Park Dae Jung with the help of Gwenval, Hao Ming and Kaelan.

When he finished his story, Ashlay felt proud to have been able to stay "professional". Lioren thanked him and ended the recording before putting the documents away.

"Nienrao, I would like to clarify a few things with you before we end our exchange."

"Hmm? ... Yes, go ahead."

Ashlay shivers. The mood had suddenly changed. Did he make a mistake? Lioren nodded and continued:

"I have had time to do some research on you and the Orchid Prestige Group. It is a large company with interests in the Korean, Chinese, and Thai real estate and hotel markets. It would be strange if you had never heard of it. And you are the heir of this prestigious group. My brother was really lucky to meet you. However..."

"However..."

Ashlay hung on every word the prosecutor said.

"I also saw that you were the type to lead a very hectic life. Extreme sports, martial arts, and world travel while managing one of the most luxurious hotels in the country. At only twenty-four years old, that's impressive."

"Thank you..."

These were just facts, but Ashlay could not help swallowing.

"I don't want to be old-fashioned. Gwenval and you can be friends, I have no right to object. Your lifestyles are still very different. So, let me give you a warning: if my brother ever finds himself in danger or in a difficult situation and I learn that he is related to you. Whatever the nature of your relationship. I can assure you that I will not let you sleep in peace." Lioren threatened coldly.

Ashlay felt himself suffocating. Courting Gwenval was one thing, but having the elder's approval was another. And he didn't know the rest of the Altaha family. As for his feelings for Gwenval, Ashlay felt that Lioren had clearly read him. He did not want to imagine what the prosecutor would do to him if he had the misfortune to break the musician's heart.

As the young man thought about what to say next, someone knocked on the door and entered. It was Detective Kang. He had a rather serious look on his face.

"My savior ! " Ashlay thought to himself.

"Altaha, are you ready? I need to talk to you, it's urgent."

"I'm done. Thank you, Nienrao, you can go."

No need to repeat it twice. Ashlay got up from his chair immediately. Before he left, he turned back to Lioren.

"I will take good care of your brother." He announced after he had gathered all his courage.

Ashlay quickly bowed to a surprised Lioren, did the same for Inspector Kang, and then left.

The inspector made sure that no one was around and then closed the door to the office.

"Scaring your brother's friends, that's new." he said sarcastically. "Here, look at this." Kang gave him some documents

"Only those with the same profile as Mr. Nienrao...What is it?" Lioren asked, grabbing the documents.

"These are the results for the blood test of Park Dae Jung and the analysis of the substance in the syringe."

The prosecutor realized something was wrong when his partner arrived. He took the time to read what was written on the documents. Five minutes later, Lioren's eyes widened. Then he understood what was bothering Inspector Kang.

"This is..! Are you sure there are no mistakes?"

Lioren looked up for an answer from his colleague, hoping that he would be told that it was a joke. Unfortunately, Kang just shook his head.

"You read it right. We have a problem." The inspector confirmed painfully.

One of the documents contained a list of chemical components in various percentages. At the bottom of some pages was a box that said "No compatibility with existing narcotics.

"A new drug? That's all we needed." Lioren said indignantly.

"That explains why Park Dae Jung changed his tone when we asked him what was in the syringe. Maybe his supplier may be related to someone with influence."

"According to the records, he has been using it for some time."

"We need to get a warrant quickly to search his house."

Lioren paused, put the documents on his desk and closed his eyes while he massaged the bridge of his nose.

"...And he was going to inject it into Gwenval... I'm going to really kill him..."

"I understand how you feel, Altaha, but you must remain calm. The attack on your brother is just the tip of the iceberg. If it turns out that a new drug is circulating in the city, given Park Dae Jung's condition, we can expect a big mess. We'll have to organize the drug squad quickly."

"You're right..." 

Lioren took a deep breath and opened his eyes... 

"Another important thing: the media. No journalist should know about this. Otherwise we risk a panic."

The inspector nodded. A short time later, a young officer knocked on the door. Park Dae Jung's lawyer was there. Lioren and Inspector Kang went back to the interrogation room to meet him.

Meanwhile, Ashlay was pensive. Lioren had sent a shiver down his spine. When he noticed Gwenval cleaning his glasses at the end of the hall, he saw a divine light around the musician.

"Gwen Gwen!" He called happily.

Gwenval jumped when he heard Ashlay and stood up when he saw him running towards him. He was extremely embarrassed.

"Nienrao, have you forgotten where we are?! There are many of my brother's colleagues here!" Exclaimed Gwenval, completely red.

In fact, Ashlay was so happy to see the musician that he forgot that they were still in the police station.

"Sorry, Gwen Gwen...Your brother was really scary. But when I saw you, all my worries were gone and I couldn't help myself. Is everyone in your family so protective of you? Monroe also pays attention to people who approach you."

"Who knows..."

Gwenval had said these words with a slight smile before he left. Leaving Ashlay with a mind full of questions.

He quickly followed him and asked for more details, but he did not answer.

"By the way, I don't see Hao Ming and Monroe..." Ashlay changed the subject.

"Bai went back to the Jade Shielding and Kae returned to the Turquoise."

"Okay. Then it's just the two of us!" Rejoiced Ashlay.

"That's right..." Gwenval said and nodded his head.

It was already noon when the duo arrived at Ashlay's car. The young entrepreneur opened the passenger door for Gwenval, then jumped happily toward the driver's seat. Ashlay received a message once they were both in the car. After reading it, he put his phone away.

"Do you have something to do?" Asked Ashlay after activating the contact.

"No, do you want to get something to eat?"

"Actually, we're already waiting."

"What do you mean?"

"My mother wants to meet you. She just sent me a message..."

Twenty minutes later, Ashlay was standing in front of a very upscale Japanese restaurant. The restaurant was known for its high-quality sushi and sashimi. The interior was decorated in a Japanese style and the staff wore kimonos. The owner, who was also the chef, was a Korean who had studied cooking in Japan for a long time before returning to South Korea to open his own restaurant.

Led by a waiter, Ashlay and Gwenval were taken to a private room. Ashlay's mother and her secretary were present and had already begun to eat. The duo greeted them respectfully and then took their seats at the table.

Gwenval was not particularly intimidated by Intira. He even thought that Ashlay looked like her and felt quite comfortable. He wondered why Ashlay's mother wanted to see him.

"You look much better in person, young Altaha. But people must tell you this often. I am Nienrao Intira, Ashlay's mother, and this is Kittanan Wattana. He is my secretary and the chief advisor of Orchid Prestige."

"Pleased to meet you." Secretary Kittanan said politely.

Gwenval introduced himself with a few words.

"Don't be afraid, take whatever you want. The amberjack¹ is delicious." Advised Intira.

"Thank you." Gwenval replied and took a bowl of rice.

"Is your father well?"

"Hm? You know my father?"

"I met Judge Altaha at some receptions. I knew one of his sons was a prominent prosecutor, but I didn't know the other was a musician, so it was a good surprise." She explained before eating a piece of salmon.

"I see... My... father is fine... Thank you for helping me with my problem."

Ashlay had noticed that Gwenval, strangely enough, had a hard time reacting to his father's health. 

"Oh no! My son deserves all the credit. He took care of it. Ashlay told me what had happened. I'm glad you're okay and it's over. And don't worry, officially it was an accident. We are still taking care of the journalists. Unfortunately, you must know that your name will not be left out. You're going to have to be careful for a while."

"Yes, I know. Thank you again. I am grateful to you and your son."

"If you don't mind, I have an offer for you."

"Mother! I helped Gwenval without expecting anything in return."

"I know, my son. It was already planned to make this proposal to Mr. Altaha. I thought it would be a good idea to strike while the iron is hot. We have already discussed with the artist Monroe Kaelan."

"What do you propose?"

"A musical performance per month at the Turquoise until the end of the year and become one of our hotels' ambassadors."

Intira's secretary took a contract out of his bag. There was a large blank space in the middle for them to write down the terms they wanted.

"I want to be able to control my personal schedule."

"Sure. You will also have the right to choose the days of the performances. You and your selected guests will also be entitled to exclusive services at our hotels. For Ambassador activities, each appearance will be discussed with you and others involved in advance. Nothing will be done without your approval. In return, you will be asked to be available on certain key dates."

Intira showed Gwenval a list of important dates for the Orchid Prestige group on the contract.

"Since we know that you are a busy artist whose organization can change at any time, we offer you a contract with a limited duration. You are free to renew it at a later date. If there is anything in the contract that you are not comfortable with, we can discuss it and have it changed quickly." Secretary Kittanan added.

Ashlay felt a little guilty. He had the feeling that he had trapped the musician without realizing it.

Gwenval took some time to study the offer, and after passing over a few points, he accepted and signed the contract.

Shortly after, Intira and her secretary took their leave. A void remained between Ashlay and Gwenval.

____

Glossary 

1. The Japanese amberjack: or Buri is a very popular fish in Japan and is very rich in antioxidant vitamins