MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 3: The Smiling Annoying Brat
[Duenhaw] Ring!
“Umm…”
I groggily got up to turn off the alarm clock, damn, is it morning already? Why do I still feel so sleepy, like I’ve only slept for two minutes? It must be because of that crazy guy from yesterday…that rainbow bastard. I planned to sleep to my heart’s content once I got home, but last night I ended up dreaming about yesterday’s events. That annoying voice was echoing in my head, sounding like he was right next to my ear, clear as if it happened just a second ago.
“One month?”
“…”
“For the entire month, you have to buy flowers from the kids selling them on the street and bring them to me.”
I’m sure he must be insane. What guy wants flowers from another guy? If it were from a friend, I wouldn’t mind, but we just met yesterday. And we didn’t even know each other before…or does he want me to feel embarrassed?
“I don’t understand at all!!” Knock, knock, knock.
“What’s wrong, Duen, you’re being so loud.” The sound of knocking accompanied by my mother’s voice made me jump; I forgot I was at home.
“Nothing, Mom, I just had a little nightmare.”
“Then I’ll warm up some milk for you. Get up, shower, and dress properly, then wake up Daonuea too, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Daonuea is my little seven-year-old sister. Our family consists of four people:
Dad, Mom, me, and my sister. My parents raised me with a lot of freedom. Whatever I did, they didn’t scold me. It’s not that they didn’t love me, but they wanted me to learn for myself what should and shouldn’t be done. Raising kids this way, there’s a high chance they’ll turn mischievous, but luckily, I was a good kid.
In just twenty minutes, I was standing in front of the mirror looking handsome. Wow, I’m not half bad, especially in this student outfit with a borrowed gown. I envy my parents for having such a son.
“Lazy bones, wake up early.” I gently shook the little one, and before she even opened her eyes, she sat up on the bed, her sleepy demeanor making me…fall in love, oh, Daonuea, you’re so cute!
“Morning kiss, your big brother, please, Daonuea.”
Kiss-kiss
“Aw, that feels nice. Come on, let your big brother give you a kiss.”
Kiss-kiss
“Let’s get you to shower and get changed.” I carried the little one into the bathroom to help her with her business, but I didn’t do it for her, just took her there. It didn’t take long before the little sister came out of the bathroom…damn, even in her school uniform, she’s the cutest.
“Will you pick me up from school today?” Daonuea asked as I carried her downstairs because now, Dad and Mom were waiting at the dining table.
“Hmm…should I go? Do you want me to pick you up?”
“Yeah, I want that, and I want to go for a fun drive too.”
“Sure, little one.” I bent down to nuzzle her cheek playfully, and Daonuea laughed before jumping off me when…
“Sniff, smells so good, what’s for dinner, Mommy?” When she saw the food…game over. Do we really have a weakness for food?
“It’s seafood porridge, with shrimp, does my little Dao like that?”
“Yes, yes, I like it a lot.” Crazy, how can a kid be this cute, and what’s with this fluffy aura? Or maybe she’s not human but an angel?
“Nhaw…Stop acting so lovey-dovey.” Dad is the only one in the world who calls me nao, with the reason being, ‘Happiness’.
“She’s just cute.”
“She’s cute, sure…but I’ve seen enough. She’s my daughter.”
“Oh, come on, Dad, Daonuea is my little sister.”
“She’s just a little sister, but I raised with my own hands. We’re on different levels, you little shit.”
“…”
“Come on, both of you can look at her. Daonuea, go sit with your brother Duen quickly.” Mom intervened while bringing a hot bowl of seafood porridge, damn, whose mom cooks so deliciously, oh, haven’t eaten yet, sorry.
Kiss
“Okay.” I sat her down on the chair and started eating the food in front of me.
“How’s it going at university, Nhaw?”
“Well, dad, I’m just studying as usual. There are a lot of exams, and they’re hard too, I am so bored.”
“Heh, I told you to study Dust Surveying, it’s easy.”
“Is there really a Dust Surveying faculty, dad? …I tried searching on Google but couldn’t find it.” I asked while reaching out to wipe Daonuea’s cheeks, how did she manage to get food up to her eye corners?
“Are you stupid or what…how could there be such a faculty? What I meant was for you to sit idly at home, doing nothing.”
“Oh.”
“Oh what, I’ll slap you down.” And he actually slapped me, sir. True to his words…but sometimes, he’s right.
“Dad.”
“When will you act like other boys?”
“How?”
“Go out at night, drink, chase girls, smoke, do drugs.” The other party replied with a straight face, only to get hit by Mom. Serves him right!
What kind of father wants his son to act like that…except mine. At first, I thought he was joking, but hearing him say it from middle school until university, I realized…Dad was serious (except for the drugs part, of course).
“Wait a minute.” Mom said in a reprimanding tone, raising her hand to hit Dad again, this time it seemed harder than before…serves him right (again).
“Ouch, that hurts, Fon, look at this, what kind of crazy kid doesn’t drink, doesn’t go out at night, doesn’t smoke, doesn’t do drugs. You’re too good! You’ll be an idiot soon…actually, you might already be one.”
“Not at all, I am normal.”
“No. You’re not normal…listen to me, my naive boy. If you keep acting like this, girls will break up with you saying, ‘You’re too good,’ or ‘I’m not suitable for someone as good as you,’ which is old-fashioned and extremely outdated, it’s not cool, Daddy Direk! You should get dumped with, ‘You’re a jerk,’ or-”
“Direk, I will be the one to break up with you if you keep using that line.” Good timing.
“…Fon.”
“Heh heh.”
“…I don’t know, that’s why today I invited your friend to go drinking.” What’s with him, isn’t it good that his son behaves well? On top of that, he wants others to call his son a jerk because ‘it’s not cool for Direk’…great.
“Come on. Duen is a good kid. I don’t want to stress out Mom and Dad.”
“You’re too good, you won’t have any girls chasing after you.”
“Why don’t women like guys who seem to have a future?” I asked innocently.
“Uh…well, they do like that.”
“Then why did Dad say no girls would come after me?”
“Huh, you little one, let me tell you something good…besides the future, women like bad boys. Trust me, I’ve proven it. Back in the day, your mom was head over heels for me like a cow stuck in the mud.”
“What does ‘stuck in the mud’ mean? But never mind, it sounds ancient but so cool…damn, Dad, who are you?”
“Thanks for the compliment on what I already know.” Dad stroked his chin and nodded smugly.
“Quiet down before you both get a lecture from me.” When the authoritative voice boomed, both Dad and I quickly clung to Mom’s arms, acting cute. See, men are like front-legged elephants…we’re in big trouble if we make our wives (and mom) angry…
“But it might be true, Dad. I haven’t seen anyone come after me, and I am quite excellent.”
“Maybe there are, but you’re too oblivious to notice.” Dad’s words sounded just like the crazy person I hate, so annoying…“But what I said, do it for real. Call your friends and tell them you’re going out for drinks tonight, I’ll pay.”
“That’s so cool.”
“Call me daddy, huh.”
“Daddy!”
After breakfast, I headed to the garage to ride my beloved vehicle into battle, a CBR150R in black and red, named…Supachai! Dad bought it for me when I got into university. Honestly, I initially asked for a Fino, but Dad gave me this one instead. At first, I was so disappointed because the Fino looked much cooler…but I’ve come to terms with it now, haha.
Alright, where should I start looking for flowers? I have class at eight, so let’s start here.
Ding!
Cupcake Dad: Don’t forget to bring the lab coat for me.
I looked down to read the new message from my cousin, Thara. Not really my brother, we’re cousins. The other day, this good older brother forgot his lab coat at my little sister’s room (sounds pretty bad). Today, I have to return it. Actually, I tried to give it back yesterday, but he didn’t take it, oh how annoying. I understand he has several lab coats and can take it back anytime, but it’s like we’re always free at the same time…
It’s so damn hot…really hot, extremely hot.
Right now, I’m riding around looking for the flower-selling kid. When I stop to ask the vendors, they all say the same thing, ‘He sells at night. Not many sell in the morning, or the flowers will wilt.’ What should I do? I have about an hour left…still have some time.
“Kids, come out, come see Phii Duen quick, moo moo.”
Eh…moo moo. That doesn’t sound like a call for kids.
I tried to ride slowly, hoping to spot a kid to jump off and buy from, you might wonder why I don’t just buy from a flower shop. Well, that jerk told me to buy from the kids selling on the street, and Phii Duen is a man of his word (even if I don’t want to).
I started riding further away from the university route, it’s hot, why do I have to do this? Don’t let me find you, you bastard, Dad would have a fit. Damn, he told me yesterday he had class at nine, which means I have to deliver the flowers before eight because I have class too. Why does this have to be so complicated, let’s extend it a bit more.
7:34 AM. Oh, no! Normally, I get to class half an hour early, what should I do?
Should I buy from a flower shop? But he specifically said it to the kids! Alright!
Since I’ve come this far, let’s go.
7:48 AM. Where is everyone? Come out, see Phii Duen, I want to buy flowers!! Crazy shit. I probably won’t make it in time to give the gown to my senior, so…I’ll keep it for myself then, I won’t get to wear it until year four anyway, might as well practice now, heh heh.
7:56 AM. Crazy, I’m going to be late for class because of you, you rough bastard.
Rrrrrr
The vibration from my pants pocket made me stop by the roadside to check who was calling, and I saw it was my close friend’s name on the screen.
“Hello, Tang.”
(Duen, where are you? The professor’s here already.) Right on time, what should I do…
“Ask for leave for me, tell them I’m sick.” Finally,
(Hey, are you okay?)
“Yeah, I’m okay. That’s it.”
Click
“…There it is!” The moment I saw my target, I parked the bike and ran to buy the flowers from the kid. At that moment, it felt like heaven’s light shone on him, here, take this hundred, keep the change.
Got it, yay!
“Hah, so exhausting, and where is this Gear Plaza anyway?” After racing against time for a while, I’m now in front of the rough guy’s faculty building. There are quite a few people, but no matter where I look, I can’t find him, crazy! He’s the one who made the appointment, and I came on time…right?
9:34 AM
“Damn it…” I just realized I had ridden quite far, so the ride back to the university took longer. It’s no surprise he didn’t wait for me…and why am I standing here like an idiot?
But whatever, since I’m here, I might as well give it a try.
People passing by started looking at me. Of course, I was wearing my perfectly pressed student uniform, complete with a tie, and carrying my brother’s lab coat!
Oh, I’ve never felt so out of place before.
Don’t look, I’m under pressure!
Ah, better call Ram and Phu. Both are my close friends. Our group has five people, with two studying engineering. I can’t remember how we got close, but before I knew it, we were best friends.
Ram Veera, is a man of few words but hits hard. His looks are just average…not that handsome, I lie. He’s actually very handsome; his mother is foreign, giving him blue eyes. His personality…how should I put it, like a second dad, maybe?
Phu Pinchan, how do you explain him…what do they call it…oh yeah, his face is Chinese, very similar to Chinese. For his other traits, you’ll find out as we go along.
Tang Phakee…can I skip this one? I’m tired. He’s got a cute, pinchable face, like an adorable young girl. His personality…he’s quiet around others but talks non-stop with us. I think he’s quite intriguing, mysterious in a cool way, and he loves playing surgery games, that’s pretty cool.
Tingting Pornapa, the only beautiful girl in our group. She’s a refined beauty, typical of a future doctor…that’s what others see. In reality, Tingting is nothing like that at all!!! Her personality is hard to describe. You have to meet her yourself…
Alright. Where was I? Oh, contacting Ram and Phu. I chose to go into our group chat on LINE because it was at the top, (too lazy to scroll).
DuenhawHandsome Cool And Silly But Truly in Love: Phu, Ram. Where are you guys?
Phii Phu, Mischievous, Dog-Mouthed But Ferocious: Wow, strange question, who am I, Phii Phu, the good guy, the future of the nation, right, Nong Duen? I’m in class, of course.
Ram: At the faculty building, why?
DuenhawHandsome Cool And Silly But Truly in Love: I’m lost in front of the engineering building.
Phii Phu, Mischievous, Dog-Mouthed But Ferocious: Ha! What are you doing at my faculty?
TingtingBeautifulPersonCuteandAlsoBeautiful: What are you doing there? I told you not to go anywhere without us, especially when you’re being so clueless.
You’ll get dragged away like last time, angry bear sticker.
DuenhawHandsome Cool And Silly But Truly in Love: Well, Phii Duen came for some business.
Phii TangGoodPersonHasMoneyButHisHeartisStillEmptyAngryAngry: You said you were sick, you lying snail! I was worried, thought you were really sick, but you skipped class to meet a girl, huh? Dad will be mad.
DuenhawHandsome Cool And Silly But Truly in Love: No, it’s not that.
Ram: Do you need a ride?
DuenhawHandsome Cool And Silly But Truly in Love: It’s okay. You go to class.
Phii PhuFizzyFoulMouthedButFierce: What’s your business?
DuenhawHandsome Cool And Silly But Truly in Love: I’m here to meet someone I know.
TingtingBeautifulPersonCuteandAlsoBeautiful: You know someone outside our group, Duen? Who is she…you didn’t tell us you were into rough girls. Who is it that can make Nong Duen skip class like that?
DuenhawHandsome Cool And Silly But Truly in Love: It’s about an ear…
Phii TangGoodPersonHasMoneyButHisHeartisStillEmptyAngryAngry: Huh, calling me out for having a girlfriend, watch yourself, Duen. These days, a wife doesn’t have to be small and cute. Even someone tall and handsome like you can get played.
DuenhawHandsome Cool And Silly But Truly in Love: You jerk.
Ram: Where did you arrange to meet him? Do you know where it is?
DuenhawHandsome Cool And Silly But Truly in Love: Gear Plaza, come on. You guys worry too much, I’m grown up now. Take care of yourselves.
Phii PhuFizzyFoulMouthedButFierce: Heh, maybe not worried enough. If it’s the Gear Plaza, you should be fine. It’s close to the entrance, just a short walk.
Don’t get lost, doctor.
DuenhawHandsome Cool And Silly But Truly in Love: Yeah, yeah, no way I’ll get lost at this level. Who am I? Phii Duen, Direk’s son.
Ram: Don’t be careless, Duen, be cautious. If you see people fighting, don’t get close.
Phii TangGoodPersonHasMoneyButHisHeartisStillEmptyAngryAngry: If someone offers you candy, don’t follow them. Tell them you’re with your dad.
TingtingBeautifulPersonCuteandAlsoBeautiful: But if he’s hot, drag him here. You can bring him to me, I’m short on goods these days.
Phii PhuFizzyFoulMouthedButFierce: Ask someone around there where Gear Plaza is. If you don’t understand, have them walk you there, got it?
DuenhawHandsome Cool And Silly But Truly in Love: Yeah, you guys, when will I ever grow up if you keep doing this?
Ram: This is for the best. Every time you’re left alone, it becomes an issue.
They worry about me too much. If they knew I went to the park alone yesterday and ran into a big problem like that scoundrel, they’d definitely call me an idiot. Back then, they weren’t this protective; in high school, I once followed an old man because he gave me candy, thankfully Ram found me first.
The police said that the old man was an illegal worker planning to sell children.
Just thinking about it gives me the creeps, I was so stupid.
As I walked into the building, a thought crossed my mind. I used to hear this faculty’s slogan but never paid much attention to it. I thought it might not be that serious, but now I know. You guys fit the slogan perfectly, “Conquering evil, nurturing the good, protecting children and women, and crushing celibacy”…only the rough-looking ones, Phii Duen is scared.
You need to believe in yourself, Duen! Who are you? You’re Direk’s son, the coolest and slickest dad! And you’re also the junior of the good Daonuea!
Phii Duen fights to the death!
Phu told me to ask for directions from someone around here, but who should I ask? Someone who doesn’t look rough or aggressive? I’ll go with that one, he seems like he has Phu’s good traits, every button done up, holding about eight books in his hand, skinny and lanky, this guy won’t punch me for sure!
“Uh…excuse me, sir.”
“Huh?!” Shit! Even SOTUS can turn everyone into rough characters, even this type, engineering is awesome.
“Oh, uh…sorry, how do I get to the gear plaza?”
“Don’t, man, I’m in a hurry, pretty boy, but I’ll tell you…go straight, turn left, when you see the plant pot, turn left again, when you see the TV, go right, then turn back and keep walking, you’ll find it, got it? If not, I’ll take you.” Shit, rough but kind-hearted, Phii Duen forgives you. But the directions are confusing as hell. What should I do? Should I have him take me there? Phu said if I didn’t understand, he should take me. I should do what my friend suggested, but with my strong spirit, I replied…
“It’s okay, I’ll find it, thank you very much.”
I bowed to the other guy and ran off following the directions. What did the lanky guy say…go straight, turn left, when you reach the plant pot, turn right…then what? Oh, walk forward, you’ll see a TV. There’s no TV, but whatever, Dad once said when you’re lost, throw away the compass and let your instincts and heart guide you…
“Faculty of Management.”
“Eh?..” Where’s the gear plaza? Is this the gear plaza? Why does the sign say Faculty of Management?
Is Phii Duen lost? How could that be?
What should I do now, should I ask someone else…I should, right? Earlier, I chose someone with a friendly smile but a rough personality that contradicted their appearance. This time, should I choose someone beautiful? But would they think I’m flirting? I’m embarrassed.
“Excuse me, can I help you with something?”
Talking to Phii Duen?
When I turned towards the voice, I saw a tall man with a good-looking face, his demeanor friendly to everything in this world.
“Uh, yes.”
“Who are you looking for, or where are you heading?” Damn, his smile brightens up the world, can I buy that smile? My sister would absolutely love this kind of gentle smile, he’s like a shoujo manga hero.
“The thing is…I…”
“Yes?” Don’t smile like that, I’m melting.
“I…if I say it, I’ll definitely get called stupid.”
“Ha ha, go ahead and say it. I won’t scold you.” He’s like an angel, the atmosphere around him reminds me of Phii Thara, but this guy in front of me seems a bit different. He looks playful mixed with a hint of nobility.
No.
“I…I’m looking for Gear Plaza, don’t ask why I’m not going to the Engineering building. I was there initially, but when I asked someone, they told me to walk straight, turn left at the bushes, then right, walk forward, then back or something…I didn’t understand, so I used my instincts to walk around and ended up here.”
Damn, so embarrassing. He’s definitely going to call me an idiot, ugh, you bastard, you have to take responsibility for this.
“Ah…ha ha.”
“You said you wouldn’t scold me.”
“I’m not scolding, just laughing, ha ha ha.” Are you serious? Laughing like that feels like you’re calling me an idiot and stupid, even worse than being stabbed and then salted.
“Same thing.”
“Ha ha.”
“I’ll punch you if you keep laughing.” Oops, forgot myself, thought he was that bastard.
“So cute.”
“Who? Oh, that girl? But I’d say she’s more sexy than cute, like that one.” I spoke my thoughts while pointing at a woman sitting on the stairs. At first, I was confused about who he was complimenting, but when I looked back, I saw there was a beautiful girl with a curvy figure behind me. Well, it’s normal, guys look at girls.
“…What kind of person, so naive.” My conversation partner said quietly, almost inaudible, and why did he smile at me?
“Do you know where the gear plaza is?” If he doesn’t know, I’ll have to ask someone else…I added that in my mind because his good aura made me reluctant to use harsh words like I would with that scoundrel.
“I know, I’ll take you there.” He said before leading the way, indicating for me to follow which I did obediently, (?) I’m saved!!!
“Carrying a lab coat, are you studying medicine?”
“Yes, achoo!” Why did I have to sneeze now? My sneeze sounds horrible, like someone with a cold, a tiny sound, ugh! Phii Duen can’t stand it, thank goodness I covered my nose with the lab coat in time. Otherwise, my hand would be covered in saliva, wait, this is my brother’s shirt!
“Haha.” Are you laughing at me?
“Studying management?” I asked back, so he wouldn’t think I was impolite.
“Being in the management building, I doubt I’m studying agriculture.” I tried to make conversation, bastard! The angel from before is gone, now there’s just an annoying guy with a smirk.
“I study medicine and I’m here in the management building, haha.”
“…” You’ve gone silent, Phii Duen wins!
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