Vintage

Chapter 07: Do You Think I'm Gullible?

Sunday comes pretty fast. Both Bright and Win haven't seen each other since last Tuesday, where they met at the older man's office and had an early lunch at the café together. It is now 8 in the morning and Win drops by his store to gather all the stuff he'll put on auction tonight. There are five items that are going to be auctioned. Win hopes Bright will agree with the choices that he made.

They still haven't had any chance to discuss about it face to face. Firstly, it is because Win doesn't have Bright's phone number. He forgot to ask him that. Secondly, it is because Win has been very busy with his store too. Customers kept coming in all week and he kind of forgot to go to HYWC Building.

The owner of the store packs all the stuff into several boxes and makes sure that they are all secure before placing them in his mini car. The car is now full of vintage items, including the front passenger seat. Win is now heading to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, which is just a five-minute drive from his store.

Bright did mention to him last Tuesday about having rehearsal in the morning at the mentioned place and that he should come drop all the stuff there in advance too. Win wants to play some music while driving, but then the destination is just nearby. Thus, he chooses to enjoy the silence in the car and think about the event tonight.

After exactly five minutes, Win arrives at the hotel. He parks his car in the basement parking lot and turns the engine off. Win is truly lost by the time he gets out of his car and sees no one around. He's clueless as to where to go. He blames himself for being forgetful about asking Bright for his phone number. However, fate seems to be on his side when he sees Bright's secretary not far from his car.

"You're Khun Mix, right?" Win asks, causing Mix to stop walking.

The man looks up from his planner and narrows his eyes at Win, thinking for a moment. "Oh, sorry, yes, I'm Mix. I remember you. You're the store owner. Am I right?"

"Khrab, I'm Win. Khun Mix, if it doesn't trouble you, may I ask for your help a little?" Win requests politely.

"Of course! Actually, Mr. Chivaaree informed me about having you as one of his important guests," Mix smiles.

There's something about the smile that doesn't seem right to Win. It doesn't look genuine. Win shakes the bad thought from his head. "I have all the items that will be auctioned tonight. I need your help to carry them to the venue of the event," he smiles sheepishly at the secretary.

"Okay, I'll help you. Where are the items?"

"They're in my car. There," Win points at his yellow car.

Mix's face is contorted a little, looking at the size of the car. "How did you put all of them in that car?"

"I don't even know myself," Win chuckles and unlocks his car. He brings out all the boxes of different sizes, including a black guitar case. He places all of them gently on the ground.

"Two of us won't be enough to carry all of these things. I'll need to call some men to help us," Mix tells Win and begins to do his work by contacting one of the workers for the event. A few minutes later, three men step out of the nearby lift, rushing towards them. "Carry all of these items to the venue," the secretary instructs.

Those men instantly move and lift the boxes. Win doesn't even have to carry anything, since the men have done it for him. "Thank you, Khun Mix," Win expresses his gratitude.

"It's my job, Khun Win. Please follow me to the venue as well," Mix gestures towards the lift and Win follows after him. They enter the lift and it moves up to level six. Once it stops, the two metal doors part, revealing the hallway of the hotel.