Chapter Forty-Nine: Everyone Has Their Own Thoughts

The Prodigal Son Without Pop-Up Windows
Chapter Forty-Nine: Everyone Has Their Own Schemes

Xiao Tianci noticed carefully that when Fang Meng dragged Fire Phoenix over to his side, her whole demeanor shrank, just as it had before. Although he had drunk quite a lot, Xiao Tianci was certain he hadn't seen wrong.

Seeing Xiao Tianci staring at him in a daze, Fang Meng asked, "Boss, how do you want to deal with her?"

"Oh..." Xiao Tianci snapped back to attention, glanced at the astonished and cautious Jerryson, and waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Jerryson, I'll... leave her... to... you, all right?"

Jerryson, hearing this, quickly replied, "Yes, yes, thank you so much! Our casino has the most luxurious presidential suite, specially provided free of charge for distinguished guests like you. If you feel tired, you can go up and rest for a while."

Jerryson was truly frightened now, inwardly praying to his God that nothing would go wrong. If only the boss would come back soon, things would be much easier to handle.

Xiao Tianci slowly stood up, glanced at Fire Phoenix, and calculated to himself—he had heard Jerryson mention the name 'Azure Dragon' several times; it seemed her brother must be quite formidable. Though he had played it down just now, even if Fire Phoenix didn't tell her brother about being taken down tonight, this matter would not simply end here. If Fire Phoenix was already this powerful—forcing King Kong to reveal his true skills—then what about Azure Dragon?

Jerryson had already summoned people to carry Fire Phoenix out. Xiao Tianci thought, "The real show has only just begun; how can I stop playing now? I might as well wait for this Azure Dragon. If he's even more formidable than Fire Phoenix, perhaps I could recruit him for myself. Right now, I'm all alone—no true allies at my side. Chief Steward Lin Jian and Fang Meng are both rare talents, but can I truly trust them? I'd better remain cautious. This is the perfect opportunity to stir things up and give those watching with eager eyes a show worth seeing. Besides, with the whole affair between Nie'er and me, it's easy for others to believe I care for love over power. Hmph, let those bastards observing me see how I play my hand."

"Clang... crash..." Xiao Tianci staggered over to the drinks cart, bracing himself heavily against it. The bottles on top swayed a few times, and several nearly fell off, but since there was carpet below, it wouldn't have mattered much. He grabbed a bottle, grinning drunkenly and saying, "Heh... heh... well... then, since I'm lucky tonight... let's keep playing..." He looked around, shook his head, and said, "This isn't fun... Let's go to the main hall..."

Jerryson's knees nearly buckled at this, his heart pounding and filled with dread. "How can you call this luck? This style of play has nothing to do with luck! Oh God! He wants to go to the main hall—though it's not my jurisdiction, he's my guest. If something happens like this..."

There was nothing Jerryson could do; he knew he couldn't stop Xiao Tianci now, so he forced a smile and led them toward the main hall.

"The second time I've seen your King Kong Qi."

"Yes, there was no choice. That woman is formidable—if I hadn't used King Kong Qi, our odds would have been fifty-fifty at best."

"Fire Phoenix, vice-commander of the Azure Dragon Mercenary Corps, has recently broken into the top thirty of the Soldier King rankings—that explains why she could force you to use your true strength. By the way, her brother Azure Dragon is now in the top ten—currently ranked tenth, and in just over three years. Some say he'll break into the top five within two years. He's the fastest rising and most promising newcomer on the Soldier King rankings these years, reputed to be the most talented mercenary since the last Soldier King—he'll dominate the next decade. His Azure Dragon Mercenary Corps is also renowned. Should we increase our security?"

"Unless it's that old monster, the Soldier King himself, coming, those ranked in the top ten—even those in the top five—won't pose a threat."

"I'm confident in your strength. I'm only concerned that if they discover you mobilizing large numbers of men and weapons, things could get complicated. After all, the boss's safety is paramount. Plus, with you coming out publicly to protect the boss, what if your old enemies come looking for you..."

"Hmm... very well. I'll summon the other members of King Kong."

The two men followed behind Xiao Tianci, with Jerryson leading the way. They used lip-reading to converse, so Xiao Tianci was completely unaware of their discussion.

Inside the main hall, the cacophony of electronic gaming machines, the sighs of countless gamblers, and the occasional shout of excitement all blended together. As soon as they entered, they attracted plenty of attention—over a dozen bodyguards, each exuding an intimidating aura, flanked a single man in the center. It was impossible not to draw stares.

Jerryson saw that Xiao Tianci was clearly not sober, so he sidled up to Lin Jian and quietly suggested, "Sir, the main hall's environment is rather noisy and not very suitable for distinguished guests such as yourselves. Perhaps you'd prefer the VIP lounge, where all your needs will be met—and the security is even tighter."

Jerryson didn't dare try to dissuade Xiao Tianci directly anymore. Every time he thought of speaking, the image of that Japanese staff member who'd been dismissed came to mind. If this guest got upset for any reason and had him fired, there would be no recourse. Judging by his bearing, this man was no ordinary guest—if he were to be dismissed, it would be in vain.

Chief Steward Lin Jian was straightforward: "If the boss wants to play here, then here is where he will play."

Jerryson was speechless.

They arrived at the baccarat table, where Xiao Tianci immediately plopped himself down. "Bang..." Because of Xiao Tianci's arrival, a hush fell over the immediate area. Everyone was speculating about him, so the sound seemed particularly loud.

Xiao Tianci had slammed his bottle heavily onto the table and shouted, "The banker—one hundred million!"

(Baccarat tables are usually large, with 12 to 15 players per table, all watching the duel between banker and player, betting on either the banker, the player, or a tie. The dealer deals two cards each to banker and player, with point values from ace to nine; face cards and tens count as zero. If the total exceeds ten, only the units digit counts. If either side's first two cards total nine, it's called a 'natural,' and that side immediately wins. Those who bet on the winner receive payouts. In some casinos, both eight and nine count as naturals; if both have naturals, the higher wins. If both sides have the same natural, those who bet on a tie get paid up to eight times their bet. If neither side has a natural and the total is less than six, the player draws a third card; whether the banker draws depends on the player's hand. After all draws, the higher total wins. Bets on the banker pay out minus a 5% commission, ensuring the house always has an edge; bets on the player are paid in full.)

(Starting next Monday, there will be at least two chapters every day, one at around 7 a.m. and one at 7 p.m. If there are any special circumstances, you will be notified. This way, friends who like to read in the morning or evening will both have new chapters to enjoy. The word count per chapter will no longer be strictly controlled and will gradually increase. Today, one chapter is being updated now; the next will be posted after midnight. Please support the book.)

Click to view image link: Recommended: Xiao Feng’s new urban novel "The Growth and Romance of a Humble Boy."