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Riverside Masquerade

  Early morning at Dongchang Riverside Greenland. The atmosphere was so refreshing it was hard to believe this was the heart of one of the world's busiest metropolises. The morning sun cast a soft golden glow, dancing upon the surface of the Huangpu River like the shimmering scales of a leaping dragon. A crisp early-season breeze carried a pleasant chill, swaying the lush green grass of the park.

  The air was filled with the morning hum of the city: the rhythmic beat of running shoes on the pavement, the low chatter of elderly groups practicing Tai Chi, and the bright laughter of children chasing the wind. Farther out, the wake from massive cargo ships hit the shore with a mesmerizing Swoosh... Swoosh...

  Before them, giant freighters glided slowly past the majestic Pudong skyline. The Shanghai Tower and its twin giants soared into the heavens, their glass facades reflecting the sun like monuments of human triumph challenging the gods.

  Amidst the fitness enthusiasts, Ohm appeared in a runner's look: a short-sleeved tee and shorts showcasing his athletic build. However, he topped the look with a shoulder-length "indie artist" wig. He was jogging in place with intense focus, as if preparing for a world-class marathon.

  "Running has become my lifeblood, you see," he said with a wink, his legs churning energetically.

  On the other side of the path, Phueak approached slowly. He wore a flannel shirt over cuffed jeans, carrying a messenger bag, with a permanent grin on his face. He had even used a marker to draw fake dimples on his cheeks. As the wind tousled his hair, he spread his arms as if basking in the sun's energy.

  Ohm stopped his jogging, scanning Phueak from head to toe with a blank stare. Phueak reached the spot, swept his hair back, and closed his eyes to catch the morning light.

  "Who are you supposed to be?" Ohm asked, eyeing him critically.

  Phueak gave his hair another toss and flashed a gentle (fake) dimpled smile. "Chief Hong... from Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha," he declared with a wink. Ohm’s lip curled in a mix of exhaustion and pity, and he shook his head. "And you, boss?"

  "A marathon runner, obviously," Ohm replied, resuming his high-intensity jogging. Phueak leaned in closer.

  "But why do we even have to disguise ourselves, anyway?" Phueak asked, clutching his backpack strap. Ohm leaned in, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.

  "We’re in a public place. We can’t have anyone recognizing us," Ohm said sternly. Phueak swept his hair back again, posing coolly.

  "Oh, come on... no one could fail to notice a handsome, kind-hearted soul with an aura as radiant as the morning sun like me. Everyone says I am Chief Hong." After finishing his self-praise, he cupped his chin in a "blooming flower" pose, making Ohm bare his teeth in sheer annoyance.

  Suddenly, Ohm’s eyes caught a tall, elegant figure approaching...

  Stolen novel; please report.

  A man with flawless skin, wearing a crisp white turtleneck, navy jeans, and matching white sneakers. He carried a backpack and wore thick-rimmed glasses that made his features pop. He walked through the soft sunlight, radiating a natural aura. When he smiled... the whole world seemed to brighten instantly.

  "Now that... is a real Chief Hong. Bright, radiant, and those dimples are the real deal," Ohm said, gesturing toward the newcomer.

  Gawin walked straight up to them, waving a friendly greeting. "The weather is beautiful today, isn't it?"

  Ohm quickly shielded his eyes, squinting theatrically. "Oh... your handsomeness! It’s too bright! It’s blinding me!" He spread his hands as if hit by a wave of pure radiance.

  "Who are you disguised as, Mr. Gawin?" Phueak asked, staring at the genuine dimples with envy.

  Gawin tapped his chin thoughtfully, but Ohm beat him to the punch. "Like this, he’s definitely Chief Hong!"

  "I’m the one who’s Chief Hong!" Phueak protested instantly. Gawin laughed softly. "I’m just a Thai exchange student studying here in Shanghai."

  "You actually pull it off quite well," Ohm complimented sincerely. This image was worlds away from the high-powered CEO leading the Hydrogen Project.

  Not far behind, Tum followed closely. Today, he had transformed into an elderly man with snow-white hair, wearing a modest short-sleeved shirt and perfectly pressed slacks. He leaned on a wooden cane. Despite the aged disguise, his gait and posture remained so refined and dignified that passing cyclists couldn't help but look back.

  "Whoa, no need to guess Mr.Tum is the 'Grandpa' of the group," Phueak remarked. Tum touched his meticulously whitened hair. "I’m not used to this at all," he grumbled jokingly, though his handling of the cane was so seamless it was almost impossible to tell it was an act.

  "But Mr. Gawin, why did you call us all out here like this?" Ohm asked, finally stopping his jogging to adjust his wig.

  Gawin smiled until his dimples deepened. "I wanted us to have a bit of a 'team-building' session. After everything we’ve been through, we deserve a chance to truly relax."

  "I agree, boss! It’s been nothing but stress. I haven't even had a chance to see the sights. Look at this place it’s like a giant's city! The buildings look like they're from the future, the streets are spotless, and the park is endless. It’s absolutely magnificent," Phueak whispered, nodding in awe.

  Ring-ring-ring!

  The sharp sound of a bicycle bell erupted from behind, forcing the men to scramble out of the way. A pink bicycle screeched to a halt in front of them. Long legs in tight cycling gear braced firmly against the ground.

  The rider turned around... a girl in a bright orange delivery uniform with a large thermal box on the back. She wore goggles, a helmet, and full safety gear, making her almost unrecognizable. But when she pulled off the goggles, Rosé’s sharp, striking eyes were revealed.

  "Miss Rosé, we almost didn't recognize you," Gawin greeted with a wide smile.

  "With disguises like yours, anyone would recognize you," she remarked with a dry, mocking smile. She hopped off the bike and walked toward them, pointing a finger at Ohm. "But you... you actually look the most convincing."

  Ohm smiled and gave a playful salute in response to the compliment.

  "Well, now that we're all here, shall we start the team-building?" Phueak asked excitedly. But Gawin raised a hand slightly to stop him.

  "Not yet... we’re still missing one person," Gawin said calmly, as the group exchanged confused glances.

  "Don't tell me we’re waiting for Adisorn too?" Ohm asked suspiciously. Gawin only offered a faint smile, leaving the question unanswered.

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