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

I understand the importance of striking while the iron is hot, yet I haven't devised a plan to drive a wedge between Old Seven and Skinny Monkey.

We must proceed step by step; strategy, too, demands opportune moments. Seizing the right time is crucial for decisive action.

Ultimately, everything hinges on Old Seven's handling of the matter tomorrow.

The rain continued the following day. Zhao Kui and I prepared to visit Old Seven's restaurant. Old Seven is a master of observing from the sidelines. He couldn't have been unaware of the recent skirmishes, yet he remained uninvolved. He explicitly forbade violence, yet only intervened when the parties sought his arbitration.

Arriving at the restaurant, we found numerous individuals huddled under umbrellas at the entrance, their shoulders dampened by the relentless downpour, yet they stood patiently and orderly.

"Damn, the underworld, playing this act," Zhao Kui scoffed.

Alighting from the vehicle, I entered the restaurant. Old Seven isn't a mobster; the triad is defunct, its predecessor merely a powerful business consortium, akin to ancient canal transport organizations. Primarily focused on commerce, their large size, structured operations, and discretion led to misperceptions of criminal activity.

Zhao Kui shielded me with an umbrella as I proceeded through the ranks of men in black. I confess to feeling a surge of exhilaration; sometimes, a show of force is necessary.

Inside, the principal figures were assembled, awaiting Old Seven's arrival. Skinny Monkey, puffing on a cigarette, merely narrowed his eyes without speaking, while Chen Xi remained impassive and silent.

Without greeting them, I seated myself beside Qian Guang. Inquiring about Old Seven's delay, Qian Guang explained, "Heart trouble. This incessant rain has aggravated his condition."

Nodding, I remained silent. Then, Ma Lan entered, her expression grim. Approaching, she remarked, "A bunch of old geezers, convinced my father is on his deathbed. It's merely heart discomfort; they rushed here at the first whisper, fearing he'd leave them penniless."

Frowning, I asked, "What do you mean?"

Lighting a cigarette, Ma Lan explained, "Those from Wax Village, aware of Father's illness, visited under the guise of concern. Their true intention was to pressure him into drafting a will, transferring control of the inn, teahouse, hot springs, and restaurant to a suitable heir, anticipating his demise. It's our family legacy, not theirs; they're merely trying to seize an opportunity."

I shook my head, perplexed. "If these individuals are so concerned about Old Seven, why haven't they offered assistance? I haven't seen a single one of them," I questioned.

Qian Guang chuckled, "Don't pry."

My brow furrowed; Ma Lan remained silent. I noticed a curious pattern: Qian Guang, Skinny Monkey, and Chen Xi, despite their origins in Wax Village, seemed unconnected to Old Seven's triad. While acknowledging their affiliation with Wax Village and respecting Old Seven, their territories and operations remained separate, as if they had independently established their enterprises before acknowledging their ancestral roots. This suggests Old Seven discouraged individual pursuits within the triad.

Was this self-interest, or something else? Their silence left me in the dark. Old Seven's inner circle is undeniably intricate.

Old Seven entered, supported by Ma Qing. Everyone rose. Chen Xi assisted Old Seven, and I observed Ma Qing. Her beauty was striking, even in simple attire and without makeup; her refined appearance and demeanor were captivating.

Qian Guang also offered assistance, but Old Seven declined, exchanging a knowing smile with Ma Qing. Their rapport surprised me; their relationship had progressed rapidly.

Old Seven sat, coughed twice, and we followed suit. He appeared well, yet his demeanor inspired concern.

"Old Seven, I apologize for the trouble," Chen Xi said apologetically.

Old Seven glared at Chen Xi, his expression darkening. "I'm aware of your situation, Chen Xi. You claim Skinny Monkey, Ma Lan, Qian Guang, and Boss Wei conspired to swindle you out of thirty million. Do you have proof?"

Chen Xi eyed Skinny Monkey, his displeasure evident. Skinny Monkey, unfazed, remained silent. Chen Xi stated, "Old Seven, I lack concrete evidence, but my men witnessed Ma Lan handing thirty million to Skinny Monkey. Nearly everyone saw it; isn't that proof enough?"

Skinny Monkey leaped to his feet. "Chen Xi, that thirty million was from a business investment; what does it have to do with defrauding you? Old Seven, these are mere rumors. And you don't trust me, you don't trust Ma Lan, your own daughter, do you, Ma Lan?"

Ma Lan stood, exhaling smoke. "Uncle Chen, it's a gamble; we were all present. You insisted on the bet. We participated, but you forced us out. Now that you've lost, you accuse us of swindling you. Have some decency!"

Chen Xi's face hardened. Thirty million was a substantial sum, especially after Liu Qiang's disappearance with a similar amount. He wouldn't let this opportunity slip.

Instead of lashing out, Chen Xi asked, "Ma Lan, what business generates thirty million so readily?"

Ma Lan smiled. "Finished jade. Zhao Fei won several high-quality stones, which I sold. Skinny Monkey invested too. Earning over a hundred million isn't a problem. Envious?"

"Show me your accounts," Chen Xi demanded.

Ma Lan laughed. "Sorry, business secrets. But I'm profitable; ask the elders in Wax Village. I've given them plenty. I have money to spare, unlike you, pretending to be wealthy. I warned you about the risks of gambling on jade."

Chen Xi swallowed, his eyes blazing with suppressed fury. Such individuals are terrifying, capable of self-control in any situation.

Chen Xi turned to Old Seven. "Old Seven, your thoughts?"

Old Seven looked at Skinny Monkey, coughing. "I'll ask only one thing: Did you conspire with Ma Lan to defraud Chen Xi?"

"I'm innocent, Old Seven! What reason would I have to swindle Chen Xi? He gambled and lost, and now he demands money. Even though we're brothers, I'm not obligated to give him thirty million. If I did, it would be extortion. Old Seven, I'm the victim! He destroyed my shop, preventing business for two weeks. Who compensates me? And my losses impact you, don't they?" Skinny Monkey feigned indignation.

Chen Xi clenched his fists. I smiled; Skinny Monkey would deny involvement. Admitting guilt would mean returning the money and facing accusations of conspiracy. This would inevitably shatter his relationship with Chen Xi.

Old Seven nodded. Chen Xi, realizing his case was hopeless, looked distraught. Old Seven said, "Ah Chen, you've been my advisor for years. I know you're intelligent; if it were a scam, I believe you'd recognize it. Thirty million is a lot; I know it's difficult for you, but accept the loss. No more fighting. You'll compensate Skinny Monkey for his losses."

Chen Xi stared at Skinny Monkey, his face contorted, his lips trembling. Skinny Monkey smiled. "Old Seven, you're fair. Thank you."

Old Seven waved. "Shake hands and reconcile. I don't want to dwell on this. Understand?"

Skinny Monkey approached. "Brother Chen, this isn't my fault. Even if someone defrauded you, it was that bastard Zhao Fei. Why would I harm you? Right?"

Skinny Monkey extended his hand. Chen Xi, grim-faced, shook it. "Understood. I'll compensate you. Old Seven, I have business to attend to. I'm leaving."

He departed, his expression suggesting tears. Swindled of thirty million and forced to compensate his adversary.

"Damn, what a temperament! If you can't handle losing, don't gamble," Skinny Monkey fumed.

Old Seven addressed Skinny Monkey. "There's no smoke without fire. I hope this doesn't happen again."

Skinny Monkey glanced at Ma Lan, nodding awkwardly. I smiled; the matter was resolved, but I hadn't yet planned my next move.

Ma Qing suddenly addressed her sister. "Sister, does your business really generate that much profit?"

My brow furrowed. Was she here to cause trouble? Her question directly challenged Ma Lan. We could dismiss others' doubts, but not Ma Qing's. As an outsider, Old Seven's daughter, and Ma Lan's sister, her skepticism demanded an explanation.

I looked at Ma Qing, this meddlesome woman…