Beneath the Billionaire's Gaze

Episode 3: The Ties That Bind

A Day in the Life

The next morning, Bee tried to focus on his studies, but his mind kept drifting back to the dinner with Lee. There was something captivating about the billionaire, something that made Bee want to see him again. But there was also a lingering uncertainty—why had someone like Lee taken an interest in him?

Bee's thoughts were interrupted by a text message. He grabbed his phone, his heart skipping a beat when he saw it was from Lee.

Good morning, Bee. I enjoyed our dinner last night. Would you like to join me for lunch today?

Bee stared at the message for a moment before replying.

Good morning, Lee. Sure, I’d like that.

Almost immediately, Lee responded with details, and before Bee knew it, he was preparing for another meeting with the enigmatic billionaire.

Lunch with Lee

Bee arrived at the restaurant Lee had chosen, a quaint place tucked away from the bustling streets of Bangkok. It was the kind of spot that felt both exclusive and cozy, a perfect place for a private conversation.

Lee was already seated when Bee arrived, looking as effortlessly composed as ever. He stood up to greet Bee, a warm smile on his face.

"Bee, I’m glad you could make it," Lee said, his tone genuinely pleased.

"I’m glad you invited me," Bee replied, his initial nervousness fading under Lee’s welcoming gaze.

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. Lee asked about Bee’s studies, his interests, and his life outside of university. Bee found himself opening up more than he expected, sharing stories about his childhood, his friends, and his dreams for the future.

Lee listened intently, his focus entirely on Bee. There was a depth to his attention that made Bee feel valued, like Lee was genuinely interested in every word he said."Tell me, Bee," Lee said after a pause, "what do you want to do after you graduate?

"Bee thought for a moment. "I’m not sure yet. I’ve always been passionate about helping people, but I haven’t figured out how to turn that into a career."Lee nodded thoughtfully. "You’ll figure it out. You have a good heart, and that’s a rare quality.

"Bee blushed at the compliment, feeling a warmth spread through him. There was something about Lee that made him feel seen in a way he hadn’t experienced before.

As lunch came to an end, Lee reached across the table and lightly touched Bee’s hand. "I’m really enjoying getting to know you, Bee. I hope we can continue spending time together.

"Bee looked into Lee’s eyes and nodded, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nervousness. "I’d like that."

Ming and Tay’s Growing Connection

Meanwhile, Ming found himself thinking about Tay more often than he cared to admit. The brief encounter at the café had left a lasting impression on him, and he couldn’t help but wonder what it was about Tay that had captured his attention so completely.

That afternoon, Ming decided to take a break from his usual routine. He headed to the same café where he had met Tay, hoping to run into him again. To his surprise, Tay was already there, sitting at the same table as before.

Ming hesitated for a moment before approaching. "Mind if I join you again?

"Tay looked up, a smile spreading across his face when he saw Ming. "Of course not.

"They settled into an easy conversation, picking up where they had left off. This time, Ming found himself sharing more about his life, something he rarely did with anyone outside of work. Tay listened intently, his easygoing nature putting Ming at ease.

As the afternoon wore on, Tay couldn’t help but notice the subtle signs of fatigue in Ming’s expression. "You work too hard, you know that?

"Ming chuckled softly. "It comes with the job."

"Still," Tay said, leaning forward, "you need to take care of yourself too. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

"Ming was touched by Tay’s concern, a warmth spreading through him that he hadn’t felt in a long time. "I’ll try to keep that in mind.

"As they continued to talk, an unexpected connection began to form between them—one that neither of them had anticipated, but both were eager to explore.

New Beginnings

That evening, Bee and Tay met up at their usual spot, eager to share their day’s events. Bee’s face lit up as he talked about his lunch with Lee, the excitement in his voice unmistakable."He’s really interesting,Tay," Bee said, his eyes shining.

"He’s different from anyone I’ve ever met."Tay smiled, happy to see his friend so enthusiastic. "Sounds like you two are hitting it off."

"Yeah," Bee admitted, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his voice. "But I still don’t understand why he’s so interested in me. I’m just a student."

"Maybe that’s exactly why," Tay suggested. "You’re real, Bee. You’re not after his money or his status. You’re just being yourself, and that’s probably refreshing for him.

"Bee nodded slowly, considering Tay’s words. "Maybe you’re right."

"And speaking of interesting people," Tay added with a grin, "I ran into Ming again today."Bee’s eyebrows shot up. "Really? How did that go?"

"It was… nice," Tay said, his grin turning softer. "He’s a good guy, Bee. There’s something about him that just feels right."

"Sounds like we’re both diving into something new," Bee remarked, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Yeah," Tay agreed, his tone thoughtful. "But maybe that’s exactly what we need.

"As they sat there, lost in their thoughts, both Bee and Tay knew that their lives were changing in ways they hadn’t expected. New connections were forming, and with them came the promise of something more—something deeper.