D&B5

12

After settling the land issue, Day successfully built a fence around the property. He then had people come in to clear the area so he could see what he could do with the space. He entrusted Chan to keep an eye on things while they were away, and Day compensated him for his time. Initially, Chan didn’t intend to accept payment, wanting to help out for free, but Day insisted. After all, Chan was the one who reminded him that he had a small piece of land.

While they were building the fence, the son of the former village head, Taat, came by to snoop around but didn’t cause any trouble, perhaps because he had been warned. Day didn’t care what the other party had been warned about, but if they tried to stir up trouble, he would handle it.

"There are plenty of big trees; it would make a nice café," Brick suggested as he stood watching the cleared area.

"Or maybe a small resort or a homestay would be interesting," Brick added.

"Heh heh, what do you really want to do?" Day asked, laughing softly.

"I want to do many things, but I should consult Night first since this land is also his," Brick said, making Day smile with satisfaction that Brick still thought of his younger brother.

"Should we call Night to come here? Let him see the land before we discuss it further?" Day responded.

"Or we could build a vacation home," Brick suggested again. Day lightly shook his head at the endless ideas Brick had for the land.

"Day," Chan’s voice called out as he approached Day. Day did not mind Chan coming here.

"What is it, Uncle Chan?" Brick asked back.

"I have news about the village head election," Chan said.

"What news?" Day asked seriously, and Brick also turned his attention to listen.

"There’s word that that Toh is trying to buy votes. He’s getting his people to compile a list of the villagers, noting who lives in each house," Chan explained, referring to the son of the former village head,

"Are they really buying votes just for a village head position?" Brick asked, shocked, since he didn’t know much about local politics.

"Well, once someone is in office, they’ll manage the village funds. Though there are village committee members, if they bring their own people to manage things, they can secretly siphon money for themselves, just like Taat did back in the day," Chan replied.

"They're already corrupting the village head position, huh?" Brick grumbled slightly.

"Don’t worry, Uncle Chan. Let them try to buy votes for now. I’ll have someone gather information, and I can assure you that guy has no chance of becoming the new village head," Day said with a serious tone, which eased Chan’s worries a bit.

"Thank you, Day and Brick, on behalf of the villagers. Some households may indeed lose out because they’re related to Taat, but most are suffering because of him. Day, you’re really here to make a change. I’m lucky to have met you," Chan said happily, recalling how he had reluctantly attended his nephew’s birthday party at a bar and met Day. Day gave a slight smile in response but didn’t say anything before he entrusted Chan with a bit more regarding the land before he and Brick headed back to the city. In the meantime, Brick called Night.

"When can you come Night?" Brick chatted with Night, explaining why he wanted him to come to Kanchanaburi.

"Hmm, okay. I’ll see you then," Brick said before hanging up.

"Night said he’ll come the day after tomorrow. Gear has a meeting tomorrow," Brick informed Day, who nodded in acknowledgment.

"By the way, Day, I want to check out Wai’s café. Are we going tomorrow?" Brick recalled that Wai had quit his job to open a café in a coconut grove with Athip, Wai’s lover.