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

No matter how much I wanted to distance myself from Zeng Hong, I couldn't ignore the fact that she was my only way to get close to Huahua. This Huahua was a classic "street queen"—a figure shrouded in mystery, with enough clout to likely hold a significant position among the gangsters of Nongdao. Through her, I could uncover who was collaborating with Skinny Monkey.

This was a crucial step in my plan to bring down Skinny Monkey. The choice before me was clear: either sever all ties with Zeng Hong for the sake of love or feign civility to further my revenge.

My lingering gaze caught the attention of Xuanling and Cheng Na. Both glanced in the same direction as me, their expressions hardening.

"Not going up to say hi?" Xuanling asked casually, her tone light yet probing.

"Are you crazy? She's just a conniving tramp! She's tried to steal your boyfriend, and now you want to send him over for a chat? You're too soft-hearted!" Cheng Na snapped, glaring at me pointedly.

I turned to Xuanling. "Do you really want me to go?"

"I trust you," she replied with a radiant smile.

Though her answer was brief, the warmth and faith it carried gave me a sense of resolve.

"I'll just go say hello and come right back," I reassured her.

Leaning toward Zhao Kui, I whispered, "Keep Cheng Na entertained. Talk to her, flirt if you must, but don't let her cause a scene."

Zhao Kui's expression soured as though he'd just swallowed a fly, but I didn't give him a chance to refuse. This was a command he couldn't ignore. Cheng Na wasn't as easy to appease as Xuanling. She would undoubtedly throw a fit if I so much as exchanged pleasantries with Zeng Hong, so I needed Zhao Kui to keep her distracted.

I ascended the escalator, stepping onto the upper floor where Zeng Hong sat with Huahua. As I approached, Zeng Hong's eyes lit up, and she stood to greet me. With her heels on, she appeared even taller, her figure slender and her complexion flawless.

"Sit," she said, motioning to the chair beside her.

She seemed genuinely surprised yet delighted by my presence. I glanced at Huahua and said, "No need. Just dropping by to say hi."

"You can bring your friends up. Let's eat together; my treat," Zeng Hong offered eagerly.

I frowned, and she immediately sensed her misstep. "I didn't mean to show off. I just thought it'd be nice to spend time together…"

I smiled faintly. "I know. You've always been straightforward."

Zeng Hong relaxed, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. "I've been staying out of Xuanling's way, just like you asked. I haven't done anything to upset you…"

"That's why we can still be friends," I replied. "I came up to say hello because I appreciate that."

Her face lit up with genuine happiness. "Really? That's great!"

"This must be your friend, Huahua?" I asked, shifting my attention.

Zeng Hong nodded. "Yes, Huahua, this is Zhao Fei. You remember him, right?"

Huahua's gaze met mine, her eyes gleaming with a peculiar light. "Of course. Quite the figure in Ruili these days. It's an honor to meet you," she said, raising her glass before taking a sip.

Though her words seemed complimentary, there was a hint of mockery in her tone. Huahua, barely in her twenties, exuded a bold and edgy style. Her short skirt and T-shirt, paired with studded accessories, gave her an intimidating, almost untouchable aura.

I knew little about her—how she'd met Zeng Hong or her true connections. But if I could learn more about Huahua, I might uncover the individuals behind Skinny Monkey.

"Let's have dinner together sometime. Take care," I said, keeping my tone casual.

Though eager to dig deeper, I needed to exercise patience. Step by step, I reminded myself.

Zeng Hong beamed. "Of course!"

I pulled out her chair for her to sit before walking away without hesitation. Looking back briefly, I saw her waving, but I didn't acknowledge it. Returning to my table, I noticed Zhao Kui engrossed in sharing stories from his time in the military. Both Xuanling and Cheng Na were captivated. When Zhao Kui saw me, he hesitated, but I motioned for him to continue.

As Zhao Kui recounted his tales, Cheng Na listened intently, her expression seemingly indifferent but betraying interest through her widened eyes and focused gaze.

I smirked to myself. Cheng Na was definitely intrigued by Zhao Kui.

Dinner passed smoothly, with Zhao Kui's stories providing ample entertainment. Once we finished, I offered to take Xuanling for a walk, leaving Zhao Kui to escort Cheng Na home. This wasn't just about giving them a chance; Cheng Na's critical presence could easily sour the mood.

Though Zhao Kui protested silently, he ultimately obliged, driving Cheng Na away. Alone with Xuanling, I felt a sense of relief as we strolled along Kunming Avenue. The vibrant nightlife enveloped us—couples, friends, and families creating a lively buzz.

"What did you talk about with Zeng Hong?" Xuanling asked, her tone curious but not accusatory.

I looked down at her and smiled. "Why? Are you worried?"

"Of course! You're my boyfriend," she replied with a playful grin, clutching my arm and looking at me expectantly.

I pulled her into an embrace. "Nothing much. Just said hello. She mentioned she hasn't bothered you, so I said that's good. Better to be friends than enemies, right?"

"Are you sure you didn't make any plans for dinner with her?" she teased.

I gently pinched her nose. "Nope."

Satisfied, Xuanling hugged me tightly, radiating childlike happiness. Her trust in me tugged at my conscience, but I didn't regret my actions. My love for her remained steadfast, and so did my resolve for revenge.

After dropping Xuanling off at home, I returned to my room, where a message from Zeng Hong awaited me. She had sent pictures of various clothes and shoes, asking which I thought looked best.

"They all look good," I replied curtly.

She followed up with an invitation to dine at Kunming Hotel, touting its new menu.

This was my chance.

"Sure. I'll pick you up tomorrow," I typed back, sealing the arrangement.

Satisfied, I deleted our conversation and turned off my phone, leaving no trace behind. I wouldn't let anyone connect this meeting to my true motives.

That night, I slept on the sofa as always, keeping a respectful distance from Xuanling. Though we were officially together, I knew the risks I carried. Should I fail to return one day, I didn't want her left with regret.

The next morning, I rose early. With Xuanling and my mother out grocery shopping, I made a simple breakfast before messaging Zeng Hong: "On my way."

Dressed neatly, I waited outside my building until Zhao Kui arrived to drive me. "To Kunming's upscale district," I instructed.

At Zeng Hong's community gate, I sent her a message. She soon appeared, casually dressed in a T-shirt and sneakers, her hair tied in a bun. Despite her simple outfit, her figure stood out, exuding an approachable charm.

"Come on, say hi to Brother Fei," she said to her two dogs.

As they barked and leaped toward me, memories of caring for them flooded back—memories I'd rather forget.

"Zhao Fei, they're our dogs. You used to love them. Why are you so distant now?" Zeng Hong asked, her voice tinged with sadness.

I forced a smile, kneeling to pat their heads. Inside, I felt nothing but disdain.

"Let's go," I said, brushing off her words.

The journey to Kunming Hotel was silent. Though Zeng Hong's efforts to bridge our differences were evident, her actions only reminded me of the gulf that had always existed between us.

The chauffeur and the heiress—some divides were too wide to cross.