Chapter 1: Little Nine

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 Southern Thai.

The woman glanced back, smiled politely, and said, “Sorry, sir, our boss has a rule—no drinking during work hours!”

At this, another man at the table suddenly called out her name: “Naya!”

Startled, she turned to look at the man, but he was unfamiliar.

Then he continued, “Naya, this is Brother Wei. When Brother Wei offers you a drink, it means he respects you—don’t be ungrateful! Besides, it’s just one bottle of beer; it won’t keep you from working!” Saying this, he reached out and placed an opened bottle of beer in front of Naya.

At the mention of “Brother Wei,” her expression shifted sharply. When she looked at the middle-aged man across from her, her face revealed a flicker of fear, along with a faint but unmistakable hint of disgust, barely masked.

She forced a laugh and said, “Gentlemen, it’s not that I’m ungrateful. Our boss has cameras installed on the truck. If he sees me drinking during work, I’d definitely be fired! How about this: we just got a new brand of beer in—let me get you a few bottles to try. That can be my way of making it up to you, alright?”

No sooner had she spoken than Brother Wei’s face darkened. The other man snorted and urged Naya, “Young lady, you’re being foolish. Brother Wei can get any drink he wants—he wouldn’t care about a few bottles you bring. I’m warning you, if Brother Wei offers and you refuse, you’re disrespecting him. Think carefully!”

Naya’s forced smile faltered. She lowered her eyes, hesitating as she looked at the beer bottle in front of her.

At that moment, Brother Wei, who had been staring at her intently, suddenly spoke: “Old Pu, forget it. Since Miss Naya doesn’t fancy my Tan Wei, let’s not force her.” Then he shifted tone, “You should call the owner of this beer truck and tell him the rules on this island have changed. If he wants to keep his truck here, the incense money has to double!”

As soon as these words fell, Naya’s face changed dramatically.

Almost instinctively, she blurted out, “No! I’ll drink!”

Brother Wei sneered, “Tan Wei never forces young ladies. If you don’t like me, there’s no point forcing you to drink!”

Suppressing her disgust, Naya bowed slightly and pleaded, “Brother Wei, I’m not forced! I really want to drink! I was just afraid the boss would catch me before!”

“Then why aren’t you afraid now?” Brother Wei narrowed his eyes, like a cat sizing up a mouse, his gaze crawling slowly over her face and chest.

Naya instinctively shrank back, lowered her head, trying to ignore his repulsive stare. She spoke softly, “Now that I think about it, the boss probably doesn’t have time to watch the cameras all day! The gentleman just said it’s only one bottle of beer, it won’t matter! I just didn’t think it through before and made you unhappy, Brother Wei! Sorry!” She reached out to grab the beer bottle.

Just then, a man at the adjacent table, with his back turned, leaned back too forcefully and toppled over, bringing the plastic chair beneath him crashing down.

With a cry of “Ouch!” he slammed into Brother Wei’s table, instantly knocking over most of the beer bottles.

Naya’s hand had just grasped the bottle when she suddenly released it. The bottle toppled, shattering on the stone floor with a loud crack. Golden beer foamed as it spilled, seeping into the cracks below.

The incident happened so quickly that before Brother Wei and his companion could react, the young man who had fallen scrambled up, not even looking up as he apologized hurriedly: “Sorry! Sorry! The chair suddenly tipped—I lost control! I’ll pay for your beer, I swear!” Then he turned to Naya, “Hey beautiful, how much are their beers?”

The young man spoke fluent Mandarin. He had just removed his sunglasses, holding them in hand. His attire was typical tourist wear—a floral shirt and large shorts.

Naya was about to reply when Old Pu grabbed an empty bottle, about to smash it over the young man’s head.

Brother Wei suddenly reached out and stopped Old Pu, signaling him not to act rashly. Then he looked the young man over and asked, “Chinese?”

His Mandarin wasn’t perfect, but on Lanta Island, it was quite good.

The young man glanced at him, surprised, then nodded, “Yes.” He pulled out his wallet and smiled apologetically, “Brother, sorry for knocking over your drinks! Tell me how much, I’ll pay!”

Brother Wei smiled, “No need to pay, it’s just a few bottles. What’s your name, brother?”

“Call me Xiao Jiu. That’s what my friends call me.” The young man opened his wallet, pulled out two hundred-dollar bills, and handed them over. “I want to pay. I don’t have much cash on me. If it’s not enough, just tell me and I’ll get more.”

Brother Wei glanced at the two hundred dollars, smiled, and said, “Brother Xiao Jiu, you’re too kind.” Then he signaled Old Pu to take the money.

After pocketing the cash, Brother Wei asked, “Brother Xiao Jiu, you here on vacation?”

The young man nodded, “Yeah, just here to relax!”

“Lanta Island’s a great place, perfect for a holiday.” Brother Wei smiled. “Since you’re a discerning man, if it’s convenient, leave me your number. I’ll treat you to a drink sometime.”

“Sure!” The young man agreed immediately, took out his phone, and exchanged numbers. Then he asked, “Brother, what should I call you?”

Brother Wei chuckled, “I’m Tan Wei. If you don’t mind, just call me Brother Wei.”

“Alright, then I’ll call you Brother Wei!” The young man grinned.

Brother Wei squinted and smiled. The two seemed to hit it off instantly, as if they’d known each other forever.

Yet, on closer inspection, one’s eyes glittered with sharp calculation, while the other’s flickered with cold disdain.