Beco Escuro 3: Banho de Fogo

December 2019. A novel virus suddenly emerged in Seoul and then spread with lightning speed, catching everyone completely off guard.

January 23, 2020. Seoul was locked down.

Yet the virus surged relentlessly, rapidly engulfing the entirety of China.

From that moment on, for a full three years, the mere mention of "COVID-19" would strike fear into the hearts of the people, leaving them anxious and restless.

...

March, 2022.

Lanta Island, Southern Thailand.

Under the bright sunshine, the beach, the sea, beautiful women, handsome men—everywhere was a feast for the eyes.

In the shade of a tree tucked away on a corner of the beach stood a beer truck. In front of it, seven or eight sets of tables and chairs were arranged, most of them occupied.

A gentle breeze stirred the deep green leaves, casting dappled shadows across the ground that swayed softly, creating an atmosphere of ease and leisure.

“Waiter—”

At the call of a white man, a young woman emerged from the beer truck. Wearing a pale pink tight T-shirt and ultra-short denim shorts, she exuded youthful vibrancy and radiant confidence.

One hand carried a tray holding four glasses of beer, the other balanced a plate of fries. As she walked, she responded haltingly in English, “Coming!”

After placing the beers and fries on the table of several white men, someone at a nearby table suddenly called out to her, “Hey, beautiful, come have a drink?”

The speaker was a middle-aged man, about forty, Southeast Asian features, speaking in South