Hidden Agenda (English)

Chapter 7

At the airport in Loei province, Sitang's cousin was already waiting for them. Tall, well-spoken and especially smiling, he speaks a little Isaan dialect but is not afraid to talk to his brothers. Whether someone with a Chinese face or meeting for the first time like Jiranai quickly gets along.

"Your name is Joke? Never heard from Zo before. Then what about the other two, they don't play with you anymore, Zo? what's the name, who used to come to my hometown." This brother's name is Art or his full name is Atiya, he keeps talking while walking the group to the passenger terminal where his private car is parked.

"Kot and Pat"

"Oh yes, they used to go to Udon Thani to play cards with us but then they ran away back to Bangkok" Atiya laughed teasingly then rolled his eyes at Jiranai again.

"Next time, go to Udon Thani. I'll put you in the shuffle. Guaranteed that you will be completely eaten."

"P'Art don't scare P'Joke and starve to death together." That laugh, said this means the family likes to gamble.

Jiranai glanced at the white man with an innocent face that didn't seem to know how to play cards.

Atiya saw that scene and laughed again.

"Don't believe Zo's innocent face. This kid has been playing cards since he was three years old." The elderly man spoke then opened the car door. He sat in the driver's seat, That jumped to the passenger seat, and the back seat belonged to Jiranai and Sitang. Then, Atiya's car moved out of the airport.

Their destination is Chaiang Khan district, Loei province, which is next to the Mekong River and opposite Laos. On the way there are hills and beautiful bends, the route has almost no potholes or road markings, but traffic participants (people or vehicles traveling on the road.) are very orderly. Overall the trip this time was very comfortable and it only took them an hour to arrive.

The person in charge of the reservation is Atiya and also a local, there is no luxury 5-star hotel in this area like the luxury hotels Jiranai used to stay in. Along the Mekong River, there are only a few two- and three-story houses, some of which are open as accommodation for tourists, and others for the residence of locals. Between the house and the Mekong river is separated by a dyke built along the river, looking to the other side is Laos Atiya, who is responsible for managing the accommodation, arranging room sharing for Sitang and Jiranai in together. And I'll sleep with That. Their room was on the top floor of the house, with a balcony facing the Mekong River.

"That's beautiful". The first person to think of this trip, walked out to open the balcony door to see the scenery. Jiranai followed him out to see the vast Mekong River, murky water drifting, and on the other side was a green country. You've seen more beautiful scenes than this but can't it be more meaningful to watch another scene with a special person? "Should have brought a guitar, will be able to play and enjoy the view too." The owner of very white skin said and then turned to smile. Jiranai was almost blinded by that sweet smile, if he hadn't woken up in time, he wouldn't know how long he would have been stunned.

"You talk like you know how to play." He looked away and spoke arrogantly because he was afraid to be haunted by the romance of the atmosphere and the smile of the person in front of him.

"Then you know how to play. What's the name of the song you played last time, it's so good I'll try to find it"

"Forget it," Jiranai said stiffly. Even though that song he tried to practice for a long time just for you. Who can forget.

"So... what's the lyrics? Anything like that." Sitang tried to remind him of the song's name but no matter how hard he tried, Jiranai still speak

"Don't know!"