"Lingling Sirilak Kwong."
Orm's eyes widened as Kwang mentioned the name, nearly choking on the brownie she was eating. "Cough... Are you serious about working as her assistant?" Orm asked between coughs.
Seeing Orm choke, Kwang quickly handed her a glass of water. "Eat slowly and don't talk while you're eating. It seems your habits haven't changed at all."
Orm took the glass and drank to soothe her throat, then placed it back on the table. "Answer my question, are you really working as her assistant?" Orm asked again, staring intently at Kwang.
"I'm serious. I've been working with Khun Lingling for the past two years," Kwang replied, furrowing her brow. "Why are you asking like your eyes are about to pop out? Is something wrong?"
Orm, who had been sitting across from Kwang, now moved to sit beside him. "You said Khun Ling is looking for a new assistant, right? I want to try applying for the job," Orm said, grabbing Kwang by both shoulders. "And you have to help me."
Kwang leaned back as Orm moved closer, "Huh? Didn't you say you didn't want to be an artist's assistant because it's too complicated? Now you suddenly want to apply?"
"After thinking it over, I want to try something new. Working with a famous artist like Khun Lingling would really add to my experience," Orm responded enthusiastically.
"Add to your terrifying experiences..." Kwang muttered, trying to spook Orm. "I'm telling you this upfront so you can reconsider. Khun Lingling isn't like what we see on TV. She's extremely perfectionistic and unpredictable."
"It's okay! It might seem difficult at first, but I'll learn to be a good assistant for Khun Ling," Orm replied confidently.
"Are you really serious about applying? What about your studies? You need to get permission from your parents first before I recommend you to Khun Ling," Kwang asked, wanting to be sure of Orm's intentions.
"I'm serious. I can manage my time with college, and I'll get the permission soon," Orm answered with conviction.
"Alright then... I'll recommend you to Khun Ling after you get permission, and if Khun Ling hasn't found the right assistant yet. She's very picky, so working with her can be challenging," Kwang said.
Orm immediately wrapped her arms around Kwang in a tight hug. "You're such a good friend! I'll make sure to get permission as soon as possible," she exclaimed.
Kwang didn't resist the hug and simply resigned herself to the situation. "Don't get too excited just yet; your expectations might not match the reality," Kwang warned.
Orm released her hug and looked Kwang in the eye, speaking with renewed determination. A confident smile spread across her face. "I'll prove that I can make it as Khun Lingling's assistant."
••••
The clock struck five in the afternoon as Orm finally arrived home. As soon as she stepped inside, the rich aroma of food immediately filled her senses, urging her to head straight toward the kitchen, where the enticing scent was coming from.
"Khun Mae~" Orm greeted Koy Naruemon, her beloved mother.
Mae Koy, who was busily preparing dinner, turned to her daughter with a warm smile. "Oh, you're home, dear?" she asked.
"Yes, Mae. I don't have any evening classes today," Orm replied, placing her bag on a chair. She then moved closer to her mother, eyeing the dishes being prepared. "Let me help you, Mae."
"Wait." Mae Koy gently patted Orm's hand, stopping her from touching the ingredients. "Have you washed your hands yet?"
Orm grinned widely and shook her head. "I'll wash my hands first, then I'll help you."
