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

Zhao Kui helped me onto the sofa, angrily kicking away the chair on the ground with clear irritation. I said calmly, "Don't lose your temper, stay steady."

Just as I finished, Qian Guang and Zhuzi walked in. The helpless expression on Qian Guang's face revealed his struggles. I understood he had done his best, so I bore him no resentment.

Qian Guang was different from Boss Wei. He genuinely wanted to protect me, but his abilities fell short. Even though Qian Guang was formidable, he was still no match for Seventh Master. When Seventh Master's fury flared, no one could save me. This disaster was of my own making.

Qian Guang sat down, looking at me. "Zhao Fei…"

Seeing his hesitation, I spoke first. "I don't blame you. This is my own fault. You warned me, but there was no stopping it. Skinny Monkey made his move first. I was simply unlucky, but it won't happen again."

Qian Guang nodded, reaching out to pat my shoulder. I winced in pain, baring my teeth. He stood up and said, "If you want to act, just say the word. I'll back you up. If you want someone dead, I'll bring people myself and finish that bastard."

His voice brimmed with anger—whether directed at Skinny Monkey or Seventh Master, I couldn't tell. Yet his fury seemed even more intense than mine. I smiled faintly. "There's no need for reckless violence. Prepare the money. I'll lead him into the trap step by step."

Qian Guang gave a brief nod without saying more and left. Watching him go, I pulled out my phone and called Huahua.

"I need materials. Make sure they arrive within three days," I instructed.

"Where can I find you?" Huahua asked.

"72 Border Trade Street, Nightfall Bar," I replied and hung up.

Originally, I had planned to bide my time, but Skinny Monkey forced my hand. After hanging up, I called Boss Zeng. To my surprise, Zeng Hong answered.

"Hello, Zhao Fei. What's the matter? Missing me already? I knew you would…" Zeng Hong teased, smugly.

"Put your father on the phone. It's serious," I cut her off.

"You can tell me, and I'll pass the message along," she insisted.

Annoyed, I raised my voice. "It's important! Get your father—now!"

My sudden anger startled her into silence. After a pause, she replied quietly, "Alright…"

Her tone carried a hint of grievance, but it worked. I had realized Zeng Hong was the kind of woman who only obeyed when dominated. Kindness was wasted on her; she thrived on being scolded and pushed.

Moments later, I heard Boss Zeng's voice. "Zhao Fei, what do you need?"

"Are you free tomorrow?" I asked with a smile.

"What for?" His voice carried disdain.

"Tomorrow, we plan to open a gambling session. A few bosses will be there. If you're not interested, we'll go ahead without you," I baited him.

The line went silent before he responded. "I'll check my schedule… Fine, I'll be there. I have to go now." He hung up hurriedly, not wanting me near his daughter.

As soon as the call ended, Zeng Hong called back, but I declined and blocked her number. She had outlived her usefulness and would only cause trouble between me and Xuan Ling.

Just then, a woman stormed into the room. It was Ma Lan, as alluring as ever. She wore a black V-neck dress so sheer that her lingerie's color was visible. Seeing her, I asked coldly, "What are you doing here?"

Ma Lan's expression darkened. "Out. I need to speak with your boss alone."

Wang Gui and Zhao Kui glanced at me. I signaled for them to leave, and once they were gone, Ma Lan sat beside me, silently studying my back. Her face fell.

"That old fossil, that heartless tyrant… How could he brand you with a horseshoe?" Ma Lan's eyes reddened with anger.

I looked at her indifferently. "You're not the sentimental type. Why are you getting emotional over me?"

"Damn it, I care about you. Can't you see that?" she shot back, tears brimming. "When I heard my father branded you, I rushed over immediately. Does it hurt?"

I met her gaze and replied bitterly, "Try it yourself, and you'll know. Your father is truly ruthless."

For once, I allowed my grievances to surface. In front of Ma Lan, I couldn't hide my frustration. She was Seventh Master's daughter; I wanted her to feel a fraction of the torment I endured.

Ma Lan defended him. "It's not my father's fault. Skinny Monkey set you up, and my father had to act impartially. Don't blame him."

I laughed coldly. "Are you here to play peacemaker? Spare me the speeches. Seventh Master doesn't care, and I don't dare to complain. He's the true overlord of northern Ruili. If he kills me, I'll have nothing to say."

"Stop talking like that!" Ma Lan snapped, frustrated. "Be a man—face the one who wronged you instead of lashing out at others."

I stood up. "You're right. I was foolish. Thank you for your concern. Now, please leave."

Fuming, Ma Lan blocked my way. "Why are you being so stubborn? Are you trying to sever ties with me?"

"Not at all," I replied calmly.

Without warning, Ma Lan grabbed my head and kissed me. I resisted, but my hands betrayed me. She took hold of them and whispered, "Don't be so bitter. You know me, and I know you. You can vent your anger on me if you want, but don't let this bring you down. Even if the sky falls, you need to hold it up like a man."

Her words were both comforting and challenging—part compassion, part taunt. Smiling faintly, I said, "I don't need your advice. I just need your help for revenge."

"What do you need?" she asked.

"First, I need thirty million yuan for materials—by tomorrow. Second, I want to know who orchestrated your fat-sheep scam. It's crucial. Third…"

"What's the third?" Ma Lan pressed.

"Answer the second first, then I'll make my third request."

She paused, recalling something. "I think I heard Fat Zhu mention him once. He's from Nongdao, works in Factory Three. His surname is Liu. Very secretive—few know of him, not even Fat Zhu."

I narrowed my eyes. My suspicions were confirmed. The mastermind behind that operation was none other than Huahua's father. Fate seemed to be favoring me.

"I need a rift between Skinny Monkey and Chen Xi," I said. "Whether or not they currently have conflicts, I'll create them. I believe their lack of disputes comes from insufficient stakes. If we involve the mastermind in another fat-sheep scam and let Chen Xi realize all the profits end up with Skinny Monkey, what do you think will happen?"

Ma Lan's brows furrowed. "It depends. If the amount exceeds thirty million, I'd flip on you too."

I chuckled. "So, our bond is worth thirty million?"

"Stop joking. Focus. How confident are you this will work?"

"Fifty percent," I admitted.

She stared at me incredulously. "You're risking so much with just a fifty-percent chance? If you fail, how much will you lose?"

I smirked. "That's the gamble. Someone will put up the money. If you're not willing, you don't have to join."

Her face flushed with anger. "I'll back you."

I smiled again. Ma Lan was a bold woman. With someone like her on my side, I wouldn't believe Skinny Monkey could escape me this time.

"Wait for me, Skinny Monkey. Your end is near…"