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

A scheme requires multiple collaborators. Mr. Zeng is merely one piece of this puzzle. His presence facilitates the next step; his absence simply necessitates an alternative. His threats hold no sway over me.

Leaving the hotel, we returned to the bar. I contacted Guang Ge, instructing them to prepare funds for a visit to the Dachang Jade Emporium tomorrow.

I then contacted Malan, requesting she secure the thirty million yuan owed to me—eighteen million for Guang Ge, twelve million for myself. Combined with my existing funds, I possess nearly twenty million.

Guang Ge and Malan presented no obstacles; Siyan and Chen Xi posed no significant challenges. I consulted Malan, exploring the possibility of enlisting Qi Ye's participation. His involvement would significantly enhance the operation's weight.

I harbored no apprehension or regret regarding Qi Ye's instrumental role. Grand ambitions necessitate the calculated manipulation of influential figures; the rewards of success invariably outweigh the potential consequences.

After hanging up, a group of my subordinates surrounded me. "What is it?" I asked. "You're off duty for the next few days; rest well."

"Brother Fei, we demand retribution. We are innocent," one declared.

I recognized the speaker as Kunzi, along with Laizi—both original members of Wang Gui's crew, diligent and capable. Wang Gui intervened, "What's the commotion? Doesn't Brother Fei know? He has significant matters to attend to. Don't disturb him; do as you're told."

At that moment, Laizi emerged, eyes bloodshot, seething with rage. "Brother Fei, I cannot swallow this insult. My hand…"

Wang Gui slapped Laizi. "You damn fool! Do you think only your hand was injured? What about Brother Fei? His entire back is ravaged! Do you think he hurts less than you?"

I restrained Wang Gui, addressing the group. "Everyone, don't worry. We conduct our business honestly and lawfully. We don't provoke others, but we won't tolerate being bullied. I will avenge Shouhou's injury; it's only a matter of time. For now, remain calm, await my instructions, and I will resolve this matter satisfactorily. Do you trust me?"

"Yes, Brother Fei, we trust you…"

A chorus of affirmation. I nodded. "Good. Trust me. Go home. Wang Gui, distribute funds to the brothers; let them relax and enjoy themselves. We have grand plans ahead."

Wang Gui retrieved a stack of cash from the safe. "Here's the petty cash…"

The men dispersed after collecting their payments. After they left, Zhao Kui locked up. I sat on the sofa, contemplating the impending operation. Success was uncertain; failure would bring far greater complications, making any recovery extremely difficult.

Everything hinges on that jade. Its quality instills great confidence; I've yet to discern any deception. And Hua Hua's father intrigues me further; the more enigmatic and powerful the adversary, the more compelling the challenge.

We waited at the bar until the following morning. Stepping outside, I gazed at the rain, a sense of resignation washing over me. Yunnan's rainy season had arrived, a deluge that seemed to foster the growth of weeds. I detested rainy days; their gloominess dampened my spirits and weighed heavily on my mind.

Wang Gui held an umbrella. "Brother Fei, let's go."

I nodded, entering the vehicle. Zhao Kui drove us to the Dachang Jade Emporium. Guang Ge's car was already there; he'd arrived earlier. Entering the emporium, I found him in the lounge, sipping tea. The shop was unusually quiet; the rainy season had not only cleansed the city's decay but also deterred tourists, leaving the emporium sparsely populated.

Approaching him, I said, "Guang Ge…"

He waved a hand, gesturing for me to sit. "Malan transferred the eighteen million yesterday. She seems to be in a favorable position; we can leverage her. We'll route our jade through her from now on; no more dealing with Boss Wei."

I nodded. "Will Boss Wei agree?"

Guang Ge exhaled, his expression cold. "What does his agreement matter? Can he challenge Qi Ye?"

"But what about Myanmar…" I voiced my concern.

"Zhao Fei, loyalty matters. When you were in trouble in Myanmar, he didn't offer assistance, nor did he inform Kusan. What does that tell you? He was prepared to abandon you. He's a middleman. Before we had other channels, we needed him. Now we have Kusan; we can deal directly with him. Cutting out Boss Wei saves us a share. He's expendable now; it's time to let him go," Guang Ge stated calmly.

I stroked my chin, apprehensive. Was Boss Wei truly expendable? Perhaps. Guang Ge's judgment was impeccable, though the irony of discussing his dismissal in his own shop wasn't lost on me.

But it's true; he brought this upon himself. When he abandoned me, he should have anticipated his own abandonment. He probably never imagined this day, as he never anticipated my rescue.

"Lao Wu mentioned Boss Wei has some influence and weapons in Myanmar. He assured me he's secured some individuals, so if Boss Wei acts against us, we have nothing to fear," Guang Ge said calmly.

A wry smile touched my lips. Lao Wu was lying; Boss Wei became the scapegoat. But it served its purpose; using everyone to their fullest potential.

A flashy BMW 760 pulled up. Malan. I waved; Zhao Kui went out with an umbrella. A woman emerged, clad in a black, semi-sheer blouse.

All eyes turned to her; she seemed unfazed, accustomed to such attention.

"Zhao Fei, if possible, secure this woman. She'll be invaluable," Guang Ge said coldly, extinguishing his cigarette.

My gaze shifted to Malan; Guang Ge's words held a deeper meaning, referring to Qi Ye. His foresight and ruthlessness were evident.

Malan approached, sitting down carelessly, lighting a cigarette. "Zhao Fei, are we ready?"

I nodded. "Qi Ye couldn't make it?"

She exhaled. "His old ailment flared up; chest pains. My sister took him to a TCM doctor. His absence shouldn't hinder our success."

I felt a pang of regret, but his absence wouldn't derail our plans. The success of this operation depended on the meticulous execution of our charade.

Two figures entered, followed by several subordinates—Siyan and Chen Xi. They paused at the entrance, offering a brief smile before approaching. "Quite lively," Chen Xi remarked. "Boss Wei mentioned a top-grade piece he wanted us to see. I didn't expect you all to be here."

Guang Ge remained silent; we offered no response, leaving Chen Xi slightly embarrassed, though seemingly unconcerned. He sat down.

All the key players were present, except Zeng. I checked my phone. If he didn't arrive, I'd need to improvise; Boss Wei would become the scapegoat. It mattered little; either outcome served my purpose.

But just as my apprehension grew, I saw Zeng arrive, alone. Zeng Hong's absence was a relief; her unpredictable nature could disrupt my plans.

I rose to greet him. At the entrance, he seemed displeased. "Zhao Fei, why didn't you pick me up?"

His expectation surprised me. "My humble vehicle is hardly suitable for a magnate like yourself. Come, let's go upstairs. Let's begin."

I escorted him upstairs, Malan following. Guang Ge and Chen Xi seemed engaged in conversation, remaining downstairs. I didn't mind; they weren't central to this phase.

Upstairs, I saw Boss Wei examining jade with an employee. Upon seeing us, he said, "Welcome, Mr. Zeng…"

"Not as welcome as you, Boss Wei…" Zeng retorted, his displeasure evident.

His previous loss and beating here had soured his mood, leaving him disinclined to show Boss Wei any courtesy.

Boss Wei appeared awkward. "Zhao Fei, shall we examine the jade?"

I nodded. He went to retrieve it. I glanced downstairs; Guang Ge and Chen Xi were still conversing, likely on important matters. Their discussion at this juncture unsettled me.

Zeng sat down, nonchalantly. "Zhao Fei, proceed. I'll rest; this dampness is causing me back pain."

His demeanor suggested a calculated display, or perhaps a test. A successful businessman wouldn't blindly trust; to lure him into the trap, I needed to pique his interest.

I approached the jade, selecting a piece to entice him, igniting his desire for the next…