RULES OF THE GAME (English) BounPrem

Introductions

The telephone receiver fell onto the desk with a loud thud. A pile of papers was scattered chaotically on the desk. Prem leaned back in his chair, sighing tiredly, and stretched out his legs. Today was a very busy day at the office. The end of the workday was still a while away and he was already feeling exhausted. The guy twisted deftly in his chair, stood up and walked over to the panoramic window that overlooked Bangkok.

There was a business meeting this morning that had already ended. Three-piece suit sat perfectly on his lean body, though his jacket was already off and hanging carelessly from the back of the chair, because today he no longer had to give the impression of a serious businessman in front of the other partners. His golden-blond hair was styled in small waves, and his bangs had grown back enough to fall over his eyes. He fixed it with his hand, looking out over the busy city.

For more than two years Prem had held the position of general manager, which his father had handed down to him. But the guy still wasn't used to really leading. His old man had run his own family business all those years, until his health failed and he had to leave everything to his son. Dad thought that at 29, Prem would be fine on his own. Besides, he had prepared his son in advance by giving him the best education and a starting job in his own company. At first Prem had worked side by side with his father, but now all the affairs of the company hung on him with the huge burden of responsibility that his position entailed.

There was a knock on the office door, and after a minute a short girl entered with a folder in her hands - his secretary.

- Mr. Warut, I've brought the documents and resume of the next candidate, as you requested. You have a final interview today at 4 o'clock. I will let you know when he will be here, - she placed the folder neatly on his desk, walking towards the door. - Anything else?

- Please make me a coffee. The usual.

- Of course, Mr. Warut.

While the secretary disappeared to make coffee, Prem took a seat at his desk and opened the folder, gliding his eyes over the printed text.

Some time ago, the man had been looking for a deputy, as the company's business was booming and the volume of work was increasing. Now he needed a smart and purposeful person, someone who would be able to help, taking on some of the work that fell on his shoulders. So far, no such person had been found. But he didn't give up.

After drinking coffee, the working day began with renewed vigor. At 4:00 pm sharp, the secretary's cell phone rang.

- Yes, Melanie?

- Mr. Warut, Mr. Noppanut is waiting for you, - came a woman's voice on the speaker phone. - Are you ready to receive him?

- Yes, of course. Send him in.

A short time later, a tall man entered the office. Blond in a black suit. Stylish black tie and shirt of the same color perfectly complemented the already laconic image. He looked spectacular, which was immediately noticed by Prem, looking at the man.

- Good evening, Mr. Warut. I am Noppanut Guntachai. Nice to meet you, - he extended his hand in greeting.

- Likewise, Mr. Noppanut. Have a seat.

The man sat down at the table opposite. Asking the man to tell a little about himself, Prem opened the folder, looking at the resume: "Noppanut Guntachai. 33 years old, single. Education: Thammasat University..." Decent work experience, good achievements in the field, high efficiency in solving work issues... Exactly what was required. For some time they talked about work, noting that they got along very well in business matters, which could not but please.

- Serious, confident, - Prem thought as he looked at the man. - Well-built and handsome, and damn attractive too....

Prem would probably have fallen for him if it weren't for this fucking job. He licked his lips involuntarily, following his companion's mouth as he said something. Then, coming to his senses, he noisily slammed the folder shut, catching the man's attention.