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墨書 Inktalez
Then, my grandfather finally told me how he had made his fortune in Thailand over the years.
When he first escaped to Thailand, he knew nothing except for killing and shooting. So, he joined a small gang and gradually made a name for himself with his excellent marksmanship.
One day, the gang leader took him to the home of a Black Robed Mage, claiming they were there to acquire an Amulet. At that time, my grandfather didn’t understand what an Amulet was. Later, he learned that it was a local Thai item similar to Taoist talismans or Buddhist relics, used for protection and other purposes.
My grandfather witnessed how that small leader quickly rose to power after acquiring an Amulet and how he squandered money. He felt envious and wanted to buy one for himself but feared that the leader would think he was trying to usurp power. After some time, a businessman from Hong Kong came to make a deal, and the leader asked my grandfather to be the guide, showing the businessman around.
This businessman had heard about Thai Amulets but was skeptical. During their casual conversation, my grandfather shared the story of how their leader had become successful. The businessman was surprised—could a simple item hold such power?
Skeptical yet curious, my grandfather took him to the Black Robed Mage and brought back an Amulet just like the one before. This was a minor affair that no one paid much attention to; it was akin to us going to Myanmar to buy a raw stone or going to Japan for authentic adult films—just local specialties.
However, not long after, the businessman contacted my grandfather excitedly, saying his business had been booming while his competitors were struggling, possibly thanks to the Amulet. In gratitude, he wanted my grandfather's help in purchasing more Amulets for some friends who were interested.
My grandfather naturally did not refuse and got several Amulets from the Black Robed Mage, personally delivering them to Hong Kong. There, he was flattered by a group of businessmen who entertained him lavishly. When he returned, he had nearly three thousand dollars more in his pocket.
This delighted my grandfather because he hadn’t spent much Thai baht on those Amulets. The profit from this transaction was over a hundred times!
From that day on, my grandfather realized he had discovered a path to wealth.
Due to his connection with the leader, he didn’t dare act too openly and only engaged in small trades through the Hong Kong merchant. However, not long after, that leader was suddenly killed by his lover in bed, with certain parts cut off and stuffed into his mouth.
The entire gang fell into chaos immediately, allowing my grandfather to break free and go solo.
Of course, he wouldn’t engage in gang activities or live a life where his head was constantly on the line. So, he began specializing in selling Amulets. This item was popular in Southeast Asia at that time, but few people on the mainland knew about it. Thanks to his connection with the Hong Kong merchant, my grandfather met many wealthy individuals and conducted numerous related businesses.
Word spread quickly; many people learned that there was a Chinese man in Thailand specializing in selling Amulets—not only effective but also reasonably priced with free shipping!
As a result, my grandfather’s Amulet business grew larger and larger. As his two sons reached adulthood, he expanded the business into mainland China and other countries. This is why my Second Uncle frequently travels between domestic and international locations.
As for my Second Uncle, he mostly stays in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan and is rarely seen.
In recent years, more and more people have recognized the profit potential of Amulets, leading to a surge in those entering this industry. Although my grandfather started early, he could not withstand the pressure of so many competitors gathering together.
He thought it over and ultimately decided not to confront the local Thai people directly. Instead, he gradually focused on the Amulet business, shifting to selling small spirits and Kuman.
Regarding this, my grandfather was reluctant to share too many details with me. He only told me that these were similar to Amulets. However, due to the more complicated production process, many Achan were unwilling to make them, so their popularity was not particularly widespread, leaving room for exploration.
I was astonished and couldn't help but think of the White Olive Amulet I had with me. My grandfather said that acquiring it was indeed not easy; it was the most legitimate Long Por Amulet, with very few in existence. He insisted that I keep it close to protect myself from disasters.
I asked, "Since your business is so big, is it also because you have Amulets?"
Grandfather shook his head and replied, "I only sell them; I don't use them."
"Why not?" I was puzzled at the time. Everyone else seemed to benefit from them; why didn't he use his own?
Grandfather asked me, "Do you know what happened to the first Amulet I sold? It was to that Hong Kong merchant. What do you think happened to him?"
I thought for a moment and said, "He should be doing much better now, right? Didn't you say his business improved after he got an Amulet?"
Grandfather chuckled softly and shook his head. "He got drunk in Kowloon and was killed by gangsters. His body was cut into several pieces; half an arm was even thrown into a drain."
I was shocked. How could this happen? Wasn't it said that Amulets could ensure safety?
Grandfather explained, "There are authentic Amulets and those made with dark intentions. The High Monks in temples, like Long Por and Long Po, produce authentic ones. Although their effects are weaker, they have no side effects. In contrast, those made by unrestrained Achan are often dark Amulets. Especially the Black-Clad Achan; they rarely have restrictions and often incorporate very malevolent spirits into their Amulets. Their effects can be powerful, but if mishandled, they can lead to serious consequences. Like that gang leader from my youth—he was also killed by someone close to him because he used a dark Amulet and violated taboos."
"This stuff is like drugs; it can bring me great profits, but I would never use it myself," Grandfather concluded.
I felt a chill run down my spine, as if a cat had scratched my chest. It turned out there were so many complexities surrounding Amulets. Seeing how strange they were made me wonder if the small spirits and Kuman my grandfather sold were even more sinister.
What once seemed like a magnificent little villa now felt eerie, as if there were man-eating ghosts lurking everywhere.
Understanding that I needed time to digest this information, Grandfather called for my Second Uncle. He jokingly kicked Second Uncle and said, "You brought this upon yourself; deal with it. It's not a big deal."
Second Uncle laughed awkwardly and quickly led me away. On the way to the room, he asked what Grandfather had said. I filtered out the parts I didn't want to repeat and recounted the rest. After hearing it all, Second Uncle smirked and said, "Looks like Grandpa really cares about you; he won't let us talk about it but spills all the details himself."
I turned to look at my grandfather, who was sitting in the restaurant drinking tea, and quietly asked Second Uncle, "What exactly are the little ghost and Kuman?"
Second Uncle also glanced back and, seeing that Grandpa wasn't paying attention, suddenly rolled his eyes and said, "Do you really want to know?"
I nodded vigorously, thinking that he better tell me these were some kind of imported dolls, even if they were inflatable; otherwise, I would definitely have trouble sleeping.
To my surprise, Second Uncle didn't provide any details but instead said mysteriously, "Tomorrow I'll take you to a place, and there you'll know everything."
Before entering the room, I curiously asked why I hadn't seen Grandma. Second Uncle paused slightly, then forced a smile and said, "She passed away a few years ago. You should go to sleep now; we need to get up early tomorrow."
I was taken aback, and then I heard a long sigh from Second Uncle after he closed the door. I touched the amulet around my neck, feeling quite surprised that Grandma had actually passed away. But I had never heard Second Uncle mention it before; logically speaking, as the eldest grandson, I should be in mourning. Perhaps there is no such custom in Thailand?
Early the next morning, Second Uncle drove me out. At that time, Thailand's economy had not fully recovered from the Asian Financial Crisis; it was quite desolate. I even saw roads covered with debris like steel bars and concrete due to halted construction.
There were relatively few cars visible here; most were tuk-tuks, which are like passenger tricycles back home. They lined the roads like an army, leaving onlookers dumbfounded. Second Uncle didn't disturb me while I enjoyed the scenery and played soft music in the car. I could tell it was a male singer but couldn't understand what he was singing.
Second Uncle said this was Bird Thongchai, a popular Thai singer. Being a native Thai person himself, he naturally had admiration for local idols. He had always liked this singer named Tong Chai until last year when he lost his hearing in both ears due to an accident and could no longer listen.
After countless turns, the car stopped in front of a small alley. Second Uncle called for me to get out and reminded me that if I saw anything I didn't understand inside, I shouldn't speak carelessly. I agreed and asked him where we were.
Second Uncle replied that this was the home of an Ajan Master. He brought me here both to broaden my horizons and to pick up some goods.
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