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

I longed for it, even desperately hoped for it—I wished for a call from Boss Wei. Just a moment of concern or a brief discussion would have sufficed.

That way, my anguish would have lessened, proving that in moments of crisis, they hadn't abandoned me.

But no.

The two words Zhao Kui felt like a sledgehammer, shattering all my hopes and leaving my thoughts in ruins.

I let out a bitter smile. Not even the most basic question of concern? What is he thinking? What has been on his mind these past two days?

I couldn't begin to understand. Bowing my head, I felt a simmering resentment. This is what a businessman is—someone who shares your gains but not your risks. No matter how useful you are to him, when it threatens his interests, all he can say is, Sorry.

I watched as Qian Laowu trudged upstairs, looking utterly exhausted. Holding his phone, he muttered, "Guang just called."

Taking the phone from him, I answered, "Hello?"

"Are you safe now?" Qian Guang asked.

"Yes," I replied, my voice heavy with despondency.

There was a moment of silence before he sighed. "Yesterday, when I learned about your kidnapping, it was Boss Wei who told me. He asked for fifty million, claiming you'd been taken. Panicked, I withdrew nearly everything from my account and rushed to Mu Jie with the cash. But this morning, the news reported gunfire in the Burmese mountains, many deaths. That's when I called Lao Wu, and he told me you were rescued."

Clenching my fists as I listened, I cursed inwardly. This damn Boss Wei! He dared to ask Guang for money? Unbelievable! I bit down hard on my hand to stifle my anger.

My silence seemed to trouble Guang. He added, "Anyway, you're safe now, and that's what matters. Come back soon. From now on..."

"I understand, Guang," I interrupted. "I'll return as soon as possible."

Ending the call, tears involuntarily welled up in my eyes. Zhao Kui, seething with fury, punched the wall and cursed, "That bastard! Not contacting us is one thing, but going behind our backs to ask Guang for money? He's made billions—billions—thanks to you! That son of a..."

Qian Laowu crouched down, saying calmly, "Zhao Fei, Boss Wei only cares about profits. I think you've learned how to deal with him from now on."

I nodded silently, got up, and said, "Get ready. We're heading back to the mainland."

Leaving the room, I entered Xiaomi's. She was curled up in a corner, hair disheveled. Seeing me, she looked up cautiously. I walked over, saying softly, "It's over."

She managed a faint smile but quickly turned away. Placing a hand on her shoulder, I felt her tremble with fear. I understood—she still carried her scars. "Don't be afraid. I'm here… We're going home," I reassured her.

As I stood to leave, Xiaomi suddenly rose, anger flashing in her eyes. "Why? Why did you do it? Why save me? You should have abandoned me, protected yourself, given me no hope. You should've been ruthless! Why?"

Her words tore at me, but I forced a faint smile. "I just couldn't stand by and watch you die. I knew we might both perish, but I couldn't bear being the one left behind. That kind of torment... I couldn't endure it."

Xiaomi let out a bitter laugh, shoving me hard. As I stumbled back, she glared at me. Bathed in the sunlight streaming through the window, her disheveled hair and sorrowful expression gave her an almost tragic beauty.

Suddenly, she lunged forward, clinging tightly to me, her body trembling as she wept. Through her tears, she muttered, "You should've left me. I'm terrified—terrified of losing you, terrified of loving anyone, terrified of caring…"

I stroked her hair, a shared pain binding us. But I said nothing more. It was all behind us now.

Sunlight touched my face as the car sped towards the airport. Watching the quaint yet unremarkable cityscape fade, I felt no attachment—only an urge to leave it all behind.

At the airport, we stepped out of the car and immediately noticed Boss Wei's vehicle parked nearby. He stood at the entrance, spotting us and eagerly hurrying over.

Zhao Kui's face darkened, and he seemed ready to lash out. I stopped him. "Don't say or do anything," I instructed calmly.

Forcing a smile, I walked toward Boss Wei. He greeted me with an overly enthusiastic hug, his face painted with exaggerated relief. "Zhao Fei, my brother! You're truly blessed with good fortune. Thank heavens you're safe; I wouldn't have known how to explain things to Qian Guang otherwise!"

"Thank you for your concern, Boss Wei," I replied with a polite grin. "Luck was on my side this time."

He nodded vigorously, patting my shoulder as though we were old friends. "I've already arranged first-class tickets for us. Let's head home together."

I gave a slight nod and followed him into the Yangon airport alongside Zhao Kui and Xiaomi. Outwardly, I kept my composure, laughing and chatting as if nothing had happened. But within, there wasn't a shred of sincerity left.

Boss Wei was a man who spoke sweet words to those he sought to use and betrayed them just as easily when the winds shifted. His friendships were built on profit, and ultimately, those very friends would abandon him for the same reason.

Such is human nature. Such is the essence of so-called camaraderie. How you treat others is how they'll treat you. His past kindness toward me was simply an investment, hoping for lucrative returns. At one time, I was grateful for it. Now, that gratitude had drifted away like leaves in the autumn wind.

Wang Gui couldn't fly with us. Injured and without proper documentation, he had to take the overland route back. Qian Laowu arranged a car to escort him to Jie Gao, but I couldn't help but pity him. Injured, traveling in this unbearable heat—it was a harsh fate.

On the plane, Boss Wei bombarded me with questions. I answered halfheartedly, one-word replies where possible. Exhaustion eventually overtook me, and I feigned sleep, sparing myself from his relentless prying. Thankfully, the flight to Ruili was short, just over an hour.

When we disembarked, Qian Guang's car was already waiting at the terminal. Boss Wei immediately rushed over to him, groveling with an exaggerated display of humility. Though I couldn't hear their conversation, I knew it was filled with excuses, self-serving claims, or declarations of contrition.

Qian Guang listened quietly, his expression unreadable. As we approached, Boss Wei grinned broadly and grasped Guang's hand. "I've brought Zhao Fei back safely. You can rest easy now."

The sheer audacity of the statement stunned us all. How could he shamelessly claim credit for something he had no part in? Suppressing our laughter, we exchanged knowing glances. Guang, ever tactful, replied with a faint smile, "Thank you, Boss Wei. I'll treat you to dinner sometime."

Boss Wei beamed, nodding profusely. When our car door opened, the three of us climbed in without a word, leaving him waving enthusiastically behind us.

The car ride back to Guang's bar was silent, a heavy tension hanging over us. Once inside the office, Guang broke the quiet. "Who's behind this?"

I sank into a chair, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Skinny Monkey and Chen Xi. It started at the jade auction when they drove up Boss Wei's prices..."

Guang interrupted, "I don't care about the reasons. I just need to know who."

Startled, I looked at him, expecting anger, scolding, or even blame for my carelessness. But there was none—only resolute determination. His unexpected calm filled me with gratitude. At that moment, Guang felt more like family than Boss Wei ever had.

"First, we'll deal with Skinny Monkey. Then, we'll handle Chen Xi. Do you have a plan?"

I shook my head, weary and drained. "I'm too tired to think of anything right now."

Guang leaned back, considering. "Liu Qiang died over a game of jade gambling. Perhaps history can repeat itself."

I chuckled weakly. "There won't be such an easy opportunity again. With Zhu dead and Liu Qiang gone, they're no fools. Without a perfect setup, they won't fall for any traps."

Guang nodded thoughtfully. "Seven Grandfather's anger has only just subsided. Open conflict isn't an option for now, either in the open or in the shadows. If we were in Burma, we might still stand a chance."

I shook my head. "The people who kidnapped me were Burmese, working with them—armed and numerous. Fighting them on their home turf would be suicidal. Honestly, I'd prefer to use strategy rather than force. Revenge can wait. A gentleman bides his time; ten years isn't too late."

Guang looked worried. "You don't know Skinny Monkey like I do. If you don't deal with him quickly, he'll scheme relentlessly to take you down. Waiting gives him time to strike first."

Swallowing my frustration, I asked, "Then what's your plan?"

The irritation in my tone betrayed me. Of course, I wanted to eliminate Skinny Monkey, but without an opening, what could I do? His persistent pressure only added to my mounting despair.

Guang regarded me silently. Lowering my head, I muttered, "Sorry, Guang. I'm just in a bad mood. Let's leave it for today. I'll go back to Kunming for a while. When I return, we'll discuss it further."

Guang nodded. "Go. Stay safe. And don't get abducted again."

I managed a faint smile. In the mainland, kidnappings were rare. As long as Zhao Kui stayed by my side, I felt relatively secure.

After leaving his office, I caught a cab back to the bar. My subordinates were packing up when I arrived, visibly relieved to see me. "Take the afternoon off," I instructed. "Go to Jie Gao and bring Wang Gui to the hospital."

Though surprised, they didn't question me and got to work.

Zhao Kui and I headed to the basement. Sitting down, I stared blankly at the ceiling. My heart felt unbearably heavy. I had thought I could quickly shake off this shadow, but I couldn't. Between foes lurking ahead and threats behind, every step forward seemed impossible.

It truly was hard—so very hard.