Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai

Chapter 17

The three spread a mat and sat beside a waterfall as if they were on a picnic. Behind them stood a stone mountain and the cascading waterfall. This waterfall had three levels: locals often brought their young children to play at the lowest level, while the second tier was steeper and required climbing. The top level was the source of the water, surrounded by large trees. In their childhood, Khwanruethai and Kongpop's father often took them here. They would play until evening, sometimes competing to scramble up the rocks while their father kept a watchful eye below.

The view from the top was breathtakingly beautiful and private, with a clear sight of the area below. The three had arrived half an hour earlier and chose the top level to avoid a potential confrontation with their rivals.

Khwanruethai spread a woven mat across the wide stone platform and began unpacking food from the basket. There was sticky rice in a bamboo container, nam prik noom (a spicy chili paste), fragrant bean paste, and two grilled chickens. As she set up the meal, she sent Samlee, who was agile, to go down and gather information on the medical team.

The aroma of the grilled chicken was too much for Maizeek to resist, and he eagerly grabbed a piece, tearing into it. "Sister Tai, your grilled chicken and nam prik noom are the best!" he said, mouth full.

"Of course! Why else would I be the most famous vendor in this district?" she replied boastfully.

Khwanruethai glanced at her companions, who were happily enjoying the sticky rice and grilled chicken. But she could hardly eat, her mind consumed with thoughts of revenge. Soon, Samlee returned from his scouting mission.

"Got any news, Samlee? Do you know where they set up their tents?"

"Of course, I'm a pro! That sweet-faced doctor's team has set up camp right down there. Looks like they'll be having lunch there around noon, too."

Samlee pointed to a mat laid out by the lower waterfall, where some of the housekeepers were preparing food, offering savory dishes, fruit, and drinks.

"Sister Tai, you were right—they set up their tents close to the waterfall. So, what's our next move?" Samlee settled down as Maizeek continued tearing into a second chicken leg.

Khwanruethai handed Samlee a piece of grilled chicken and asked, "Did you see where they're cooking?"

"Right behind the tents. I saw the housekeepers building a fire. It should be done soon. When I went down, there were a lot of patients waiting; they must be rushing to finish before the lunch break."

"How many people are on their team?"

"Counting the village headman, there are about seven. The rest are the village headman's people."

Khwanruethai frowned in thought. She had met Headman Thek several times before. He was a respected figure who had mediated a dispute between her and Sornram in the past.

"Headman Thek himself?"

"Yes, and he even brought his daughter. She's dressed up like a city girl," Samlee said, gesturing to emphasize her figure. Khwanruethai narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "Is she beautiful?"

"She's pretty, but it's her... fullness that stands out. Let's just say she could outdo a dairy cow in... size. The villagers couldn't stop staring," Samlee added with a smirk.

"Maybe Aunt Somsri's desperate for a son-in-law," Maizeek chimed in.

"Probably. I saw Headman Thek's daughter cozying up to that sweet-faced doctor, clinging to him like a kitten," Samlee noted.

Khwanruethai grimaced in disgust, irritation flaring up as she thought about the young doctor. He probably thought he could charm anyone with his looks. But today, she was determined to teach him a lesson. As an idea struck her, she stood up abruptly.