The van buzzed with everyone’s chatter, except for Keng, who sat arms folded, facing the window. “P'Keng... are you really not gonna talk to me na~” Namping said

“Don’t touch me!!” Keng flailed Namping's hands away like a stage actor mid-performance, his face turned toward the van window. Namping snorted, “Just listen first, please listen~”

“No! I’m just a rural guy from Thailand, how could I ever compete?” Keng exclaimed, dramatically looking away to the van window. Namping sighed, smiling helplessly, “It was just a compliment, that’s all…”

“That’s how it starts!” Keng said, gasping theatrically, “First it’s compliments, next thing I know, you’re learning Mandarin!” he complained in Thai