King of Gamblers: Growing from a Student to a Jade King

Perhaps Qian Guang genuinely harbored no intention of resorting to violence; instead, he aimed to seize control of Ruili through alternative means. However, a decade proved far too protracted.

Qian Guang might have once envisioned the advantages of a powerful father-in-law, believing such a connection could significantly streamline his ambitions. Yet, ten years was an insurmountable timeframe for his burgeoning ambition. He couldn't wait.

We must all proceed incrementally. Since shortcuts demand excessive time, we can only strive relentlessly.

Zhu returned, reporting, "Guang ge, I have news from Shouhou. The two factions clashed violently; over twenty were injured, one fatality resulted, and Chen Xi is under arrest, likely facing a significant detention."

After hearing this, I exchanged a glance with Qian Guang. "Excellent," I declared. "This exacerbates their conflict. We shall solidify the perception of Shouhou's collaboration with us in defrauding Chen Xi."

Qian Guang nodded. At that moment, my phone rang—a call from Boss Zeng, though I knew it was Zeng Hong. I had blocked her number, and Boss Zeng's fury was palpable. Only Zeng Hong would call at this juncture.

I rose and exited to answer the call...

"Zhao Fei, where are you?" Zeng Hong inquired.

"Is something the matter?" I responded curtly.

"My father lost money and is furious. He scolded me, and I'm heartbroken. Could you meet me? Keep me company?" Zeng Hong pleaded.

"I'm unavailable…" I replied, coldly disconnecting the call. A torrential downpour raged outside. At that moment, Malan returned, accompanied by a dozen underlings, carrying two large black bags. Upon seeing me, Malan asked, "It's done. What's the plan?"

I smiled, "Deliver the money…"

The money was loaded into the trunk of Malan's BMW 760. I took the wheel, and after Malan entered, we drove towards Shouhou's Ruili World Nightclub. We arrived swiftly, the sky shrouded in oppressive darkness, not merely from nightfall, but from the stormy gloom.

I parked at the nightclub's entrance. Malan made a call, then alighted. I rolled up the car windows, obscuring the interior from outside view while maintaining a clear outward perspective. The nightclub buzzed with patrons; I ensured everyone witnessed Malan delivering the thirty million.

After a while, several figures emerged from the nightclub, Shouhou leading the way. He approached Malan, demanding, "What's this? Wasn't it supposed to be tonight?"

Malan sneered, "Fine, I'll return tonight."

"Damn it, I'm not joking. Where's the money?" Shouhou insisted.

"In the trunk," Malan replied.

I watched Shouhou head directly to the trunk. He opened it; after several minutes, he bellowed, "Get these bags inside! Anyone who dares open them, I'll chop off their hands!"

I observed six or seven men carrying away the black bags, a sardonic smile playing on my lips. This money is easily obtained, but difficult to spend, Shouhou. Your actions will soon meet their retribution.

Shouhou stood by the car, scanning his surroundings. He said coldly, "Malan, I sense a betrayal. You said the fat sheep was causing trouble. My brothers went, and after a fight, it turned out to be Chen Xi's men, and one of them is dead! What's the meaning of this?"

Malan responded, "Chen Xi was involved. I originally intended to target a Mr. Chen, but he insisted on interfering, demanding a stake with Boss Wei. You know, in our line of work, exposure is our worst nightmare. If we hadn't taken his money, what would Boss Zeng think? It's simply his misfortune; his greed is his undoing."

Shouhou spat, "Malan, how much did you swindle?"

"Close to one hundred million. You get thirty million, I take ninety. Fair enough?" Malan stated.

"What?! You're giving me only thirty million and taking ninety?! Malan, this isn't fair!" Shouhou protested angrily.

Malan sneered, opening the car door. "Shouhou, I provide the brains, you provide the brawn. Are you an idiot? If you could earn more moving bricks than I do, we could switch places."

With that, she entered the car. I drove away from the nightclub. In the rearview mirror, I saw Shouhou spitting on the rain-soaked ground. I knew the matter was settled. Greedy Shouhou, aware of Malan's ninety million, felt shortchanged. If Chen Xi demands repayment, he won't give it.

I floored the BMW 760's accelerator; the engine's roar drowned out all else in the downpour. I felt exhilarated, despite giving away thirty million, it was akin to delivering a death warrant.

The car sped towards Mengmao Town. Arriving at Malan's villa, I shielded us with an umbrella as we entered. Her clothes were soaked. She said, "I'm thrilled, exhilarated, but watching thirty million slip through my fingers… how will you compensate me?"

I laughed, pulling Malan into a forceful embrace, initiating a passionate kiss. She resisted fiercely, but my grip held her captive.

"Zhao Fei, I spent the whole day acting with you, contributing money, manpower, and effort, and end up with nothing, and now I have to sleep with you? I'm not an idiot…" Malan exclaimed roughly.

My enthusiasm waned. Malan possessed many desirable qualities—beauty, generosity—but her coarseness was a significant flaw, erasing any trace of feminine grace. While undeniably alluring, my mood soured.

"Wasn't that jade piece for you to sell?" I asked.

"How much will it fetch? One million? Two million? Is that worth it? I want it all!" Malan retorted.

She poured wine. I watched her pour crimson wine into a glass, shaking my head. "Half each…"

Malan smiled, approaching with the wine glass, kneeling on the sofa, offering the wine. "Now that's more like it."

Malan leaned down, kissing me, pinning me to the sofa. Suddenly, a searing pain shot through my back, causing me to recoil, throwing Malan onto the sofa. I winced in agony.

The injury was aggravated. Malan, startled, scrambled up, lifting my shirt, her face paling. "I'm sorry, I forgot…"

My fist clenched, the pain fueling my anger. Sweat beaded on my brow. Malan cupped my face. "I'm so sorry, I truly didn't mean to. I forgot. He's ruthless…"

I frowned. "Yes, he is ruthless. He's your father…"

Malan silenced me with a kiss. "Don't say a word against him. He's my father, and only I can speak of him, understand?"

Anger flared. "So, being wronged and branded with a horseshoe is my just desserts? Who will compensate me?"

I gazed at the ceiling; Malan lay exhausted beside me. The rain-cooled night air chilled me. I pulled the covers over her, my anger and resentment subsiding.

Yet, my hatred for Old Seven lingered. The pain was beyond ordinary endurance. More infuriating was that Old Seven merely used me as a pawn. His kindness was feigned. He taught me a harsh lesson: before powerful figures, equality is an illusion, forever unattainable. Even with Qian Guang's influence, he remained subordinate to Old Seven due to their familial ties. Old Seven was the elder, demanding Qian Guang's deference.

The same dynamic existed between Qian Guang and me. He was my boss; I could only survive under his wing. To usurp him would be a betrayal, inviting disgrace.

I stroked Malan's hair. She lifted her head, then rested it on my lap. I asked, "How's your sister's relationship with Guang ge progressing?"

"I don't know. They're busy with business, with your affairs. But several village heads recently expressed gratitude, saying I gave them millions, and they're willing to assist in the future. You were right; money truly holds power," Malan replied.

I smiled. "Today, Qian Guang asked me about the likelihood of him succeeding your father if he marries your sister."

Malan sat bolt upright, staring incredulously, stunned. "What did you say?"

I chuckled. Malan's anxiety was palpable. If Qian Guang married Ma Qing, her position would be utterly undermined. Regardless of her capabilities, she couldn't wrest control from the combined forces of Qian Guang and Ma Qing. Old Seven's legacy would then belong to them, legitimately.

"I told Qian Guang that he's essentially no different from Zhu the Pig. If Old Seven wanted to retire, he would have done so long ago. He clings to power. Even if they marry, it won't yield substantial results; at best, he'll transition from a subordinate to a family employee, bound for at least a decade, as Old Seven shows no inclination to retire."

Malan hugged me, breathing deeply, visibly shaken. "If I ever ask you to sever ties with Qian Guang, will you agree?"

I frowned. Many desired this rift, but could I truly do it?

I didn't know…