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

I refuse to answer hypothetical questions. I make no predictions about the future; I only focus on the present, on controlling the immediate situation.

Will I sever ties with Qian Guanghui?

No.

However, only one of us can ultimately prevail.

The rain continued to fall, a night's deluge washing over my nerves. I slept uneasily, tossed between tenderness and torment.

At dawn, I rose, left Malan's home, and returned to the bar. My younger brothers were gathered there. Upon seeing me, they exclaimed, "Brother Fei…"

I looked at these dozen or so men. Though few, their loyalty was evident. To call them "younger brothers" is a misnomer; they were more like bar employees, friends recruited by Wang Gui and Zhao Kui—some younger, some my age, appearing somewhat green, yet possessing no shortage of ruthlessness and determination.

Wang Gui looked at me and said, "Brother Fei, I received word that Chen Xi is being released today. He's hired a lawyer and will be negotiating with Shouhou at noon. What should we do?"

I was somewhat surprised; I hadn't expected Chen Xi's release to be so swift. Lawyers truly are invaluable. I sat down, pinching the bridge of my nose, feeling weary. Lately, I've been experiencing a pervasive sense of inadequacy.

Looking at my men, I asked, "Afraid of death?"

"Not afraid, Brother Fei…"

They responded in unison. I smiled, recalling my youthful recklessness. "Wang Gui, take some men there at noon. Contact Siyan; have him relay the signal. When the two are at their most contentious, strike. Smash Shouhou's shop to smithereens."

Wang Gui chuckled. "Brother Fei, you want to ensure their negotiations fail?"

I nodded. Wang Gui immediately declared, "Damn it, aren't they itching for a fight? Let's go."

With that, the dozen or so men followed him. Watching their united departure, I smiled. Once, in my youth, I too dreamt of such a moment of fiery passion.

Zhao Kui remained seated; his presence was too conspicuous. His participation would prove more hindrance than help.

"Brother Fei, the first phase appears imminent. What's next?" Zhao Kui inquired.

Zhao Kui, a former soldier, possessed a sharp mind, always thinking ahead. I pinched my nose. The next step was to utilize Qiye. I couldn't fathom his intentions; he seemed harmless, yet his ruthlessness was undeniable, brooking no opposition. He was the ultimate boss.

When Liu Qiang and the others were alive, the four of them undermined his business. Therefore, he consented to our elimination of Zhu the Fat Pig and Liu Qiang. Now, the situation is a three-way standoff. Chen Xi and Shouhou, united, could oppose Qian Guang, while Qiye, through his authority and status, could manipulate both. Thus, Qiye wouldn't readily allow us to harm Shouhou.

But what if Shouhou threatened his livelihood?

Qiye is desperate for money; he has a village of over a thousand people to support, requiring tens of millions in annual income. The pressure on him must be immense. My previous strategy was to encourage his transition into the jade business, but after a single success, Qiye didn't change course; he continued his existing operations.

His business is now thriving. Qiye is a conservative man, unlike us youngsters who embrace risk.

I frowned, lacking a clear strategy.

Seeing my silence, Zhao Kui refrained from further questions. We waited in the bar. Though absent from the scene, Chen Xi's decision to negotiate with Shouhou indicated the plan was unfolding as intended. Why didn't he contact me or Malan? Because there was no room for negotiation; he knew we wouldn't return his money. With us, his only option was confrontation. However, fresh from prison, his lawyer wouldn't advise him to risk another fight.

Therefore, he could only approach Shouhou. I smiled. Today, you'll be enjoying another prison meal.

I recalled that day in Myanmar, swearing in the darkness that as long as I lived, I would eliminate those two. I don't court trouble, but I'm not afraid of it either.

We waited in the bar, the rain falling incessantly. The turmoil outside remained unknown to us, yet I felt calm. Everything was proceeding smoothly, perfectly under my control.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps outside—a rhythmic sound of many feet. A dozen or so men entered, their steps splashing through the rain. I stood, glancing back.

It was Wang Gui, drenched, his men similarly soaked. I noticed blood and wounds on some, a sign of their struggle, but I knew they had succeeded.

"Haha, Brother Fei, it was exhilarating! I smashed Shouhou's shop to pieces!" Wang Gui laughed.

"Yes, Brother Fei, that's how we should fight—until they're terrified!"

As my men spoke, I waved my hand. "What happened? Tell me."

Wang Gui smiled. "Brother Fei, after contacting Siyan, I saw Chen Xi arrive at Shouhou's shop with dozens of men. I don't know what they discussed, but Siyan signaled the go-ahead. I immediately struck, charging in and starting the demolition. I even shouted about avenging Brother Chen. Chen's men responded, equally enraged, joining us in the destruction, fighting anyone they encountered. Shouhou's men weren't pushovers, and a brawl ensued. If it hadn't jeopardized Brother Fei's plans, I'd have fought them to the bitter end."

I smiled. "Well done, Wang Gui. The brothers are tired. Take some money, treat them to a sauna, and give each of them 10,000 yuan. Have them lay low for a few days."

"Thank you, Brother Fei…"

They all shouted. Then I saw Laizi, who asked, "Brother Fei, when will we eliminate Shouhou?"

Wang Gui slapped him. "Damn it, you don't need to ask Brother Fei about his plans."

I smiled. "Patience, Laizi. Don't rush. We take things one step at a time. For now, go celebrate."

"Thank you, Brother Fei…" Laizi grinned.

Wang Gui and his men swaggered out of the bar. Watching them go, I felt a surge of satisfaction. It seemed Shouhou and Chen Xi were irrevocably estranged.

Yet, I remained apprehensive. I called Siyan. "How did it go?"

"All went smoothly. They didn't reach an agreement. Shouhou claimed innocence, while Chen Xi insisted Shouhou stole his money. Our attack ensured a complete breakdown in negotiations. Both have been arrested; I just got out myself."

Hearing Siyan's words, I smiled. "Interested in eliminating Shouhou?"

"Absolutely. He owns the largest nightclub in Ruili. Eliminating him means at least a 50% increase in my profits and clientele," Siyan stated coldly.

I nodded, saying nothing more before hanging up. Siyan, despite his minimal involvement, played a crucial role. And I believe he will continue to be essential in eliminating Shouhou.

My phone rang. It was Hua Hua. I smiled, answering, but it was Zeng Hong speaking. "Zhao Fei, where are you? I'm ill. Can you take me to a doctor? Cough…"

Her voice was weak, raspy, suggesting a fever. I wanted to ignore her, but she was in Ruili, unfamiliar with the place, and her father was furious, unlikely to help. My actions weren't driven by kindness, but by a reluctance to see her die in Ruili. And it was time to see Hua Hua.

"I know…" I said, hanging up.

I instructed Zhao Kui to prepare the car, and we drove towards the Ruili Century Hotel. The rain, now three days old, showed no sign of stopping. I dislike rainy days; they agitate me.

We arrived at the hotel, went upstairs, and I knocked. Hua Hua opened the door, smiling faintly, inviting me in and closing the door. Zeng Hong's father was absent. "Just the two of you?" I asked.

"Yes. Zeng Hong's father is furious and returned to Kunming. Zeng Hong wanted to see you and stay a few more days, so she remained. Last night, she stood in the cold rain for a long time, and now she has a fever," Hua Hua explained calmly.

I noticed the clean shoes by the door and smiled. Hua Hua mirrored my smile. "She didn't go out; she stood in the rain for over an hour, then fell ill. All to see you."

I didn't respond, heading towards the bedroom. The door was unlocked. I entered, seeing Zeng Hong lying in bed. She was still beautiful, her makeup evident, yet her weakness was apparent. Upon seeing me, she tried to sit up, struggling. I helped her, and she smiled. "I didn't want to trouble you, but I couldn't find a doctor…"

"Money can solve anything; it's a matter of willingness. Don't be so foolish again. Don't catch a fever from standing in cold rain; even a child wouldn't do that," I said.

Zeng Hong stared at me in surprise, perhaps realizing I'd seen through her ruse. Suddenly, she embraced me, clinging to me, fear evident. "Zhao Fei, I didn't intend to deceive you. I simply wanted to see you, I missed you terribly. You wouldn't answer my calls; I felt lonely, isolated, desperate for your company. I felt insecure here, and I just wanted to see you. Please forgive me."

I felt Zeng Hong's feverish body, the strong scent of her musk perfume. I knew she was still trying to seduce me, but I knew everything…

I was truly perplexed. I'd treated her with near-cruelty, yet she didn't distance herself; she became even more insistent. I increasingly find women incomprehensible.

Why is this?