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

Malen's fury blazed, engulfing me in its inferno. "Come to my office," she roared.

I felt a wave of helplessness wash over me. Under the scrutinizing gaze of my colleagues, I followed her towards her office. I was neither her punching bag nor her subordinate; her outburst was unwarranted. Yet, as a man, I understood her distress and endured her tirade.

Inside her office, she locked the door, then unleashed her rage, shattering the computer, documents, and even a potted plant—anything within reach. I stood by, observing. A woman's wrath, I realized, is truly untamable. I let her vent.

After a while, Malen, spent and trembling, retrieved a pack of cigarettes from her bag, lit one, and began to smoke. I noticed blood staining her hand, a long gash. I offered her a tissue, gently grasping her hand, as crimson quickly saturated the paper.

She flung my hand away, demanding, "Oh? Flirting with my employee, was it? Enjoying yourself? Fancy bedding her, eh?"

I met her gaze, calmly replying, "You're upset. I won't engage."

"Damn it! You knew I was furious and still flirted with that hussy? Do you even care about me?" she raged.

Speechless, I retorted, "You shouldn't unleash your frustrations with your father and sister on me. I am the only one who genuinely cares for you, who is honest with you, and who can help you. If you insist on destroying our relationship, then bring it on."

Malen stared at me, taking two sharp drags of her cigarette, her anger subsiding. "I have a terrible temper," she admitted. "If you're unhappy, feel free to berate me."

I gathered the scattered documents, computer, chair, and potted plant, restoring order. My silence, however, proved futile.

She slumped onto the sofa, her agitation palpable. "How could he be so biased? So incredibly biased! He handed over the family business to my sister right in front of everyone! Why? Am I not his daughter? Why...?"

Witnessing her distress, I bluntly stated, "Didn't you say you'd fight for what's yours? What's the point of all this bluster?"

"It's just talk," she scoffed. "What can I do? Do I have money? Do I? I even had to borrow money from you to buy a BMW! Do I have money?"

Malen possessed considerable wealth, having amassed fifty to sixty million, but her extravagant spending habits had likely depleted her fortune. Otherwise, she wouldn't be pleading poverty.

My financial situation wasn't much better; my bank account held less than twenty million. Malen coveted Old Man Qi's four properties, each generating millions annually. The total acquisition wouldn't be feasible without several hundred million.

Even if Malen had the funds, Old Man Qi would never agree.

I explained, "Don't get so worked up. You won't get Old Man Qi's properties. His businesses aren't publicly traded. He won't sell unless facing bankruptcy. It's impossible."

Malen looked at me, exasperated. "Stop wasting my time! I know that! What's your solution?"

I sat down, putting my arm around her neck, my forehead resting on her head. She resisted, attempting to pull away, but my grip held firm. She eventually relented. Inhaling her intoxicating scent, feeling the intensity of her gaze, I proposed, "The Ma Gang is a cultural institution. Your ultimate goal is to seize control. To legitimize your claim, register a 'Ma Gang Cultural Co., Ltd.' This gives you leverage. Even if Old Man Qi refuses to sell, you'll possess the Ma Gang's name. With money, you can rally the idle members. You can also help them escape that small village."

Malen burst into laughter. "When it comes to scheming, you're the best."

I looked up. She didn't release me, instead biting my lip, a familiar pain. It was a peculiar habit of hers, a game she found amusing, but for me, it was torture.

Noticing my discomfort, she released me, gently kissing my face and cupping my cheeks. "I have a terrible temper. I can't control myself. I just needed to vent. It wasn't directed at you. Don't be mad. I'm a woman; don't hold it against me."

I pushed her down, firmly stating, "Cut the crap. You're a woman, yes, but a savage, greedy one. Unsatisfied, you'd disrupt the whole world. If it weren't directed at me, you wouldn't have sent Sang Ling out to distribute flyers."

At my words, Malen grabbed my hair, pulling us closer, causing pain. "You know me so well, yet you still flirt with her? Are you doing this on purpose?"

Her grip was painful, igniting my anger, but she immediately released me, softly asking, "Don't I satisfy you? Why do you have to fool around with other women? Men are such bastards."

I sighed. Malen's aversion to men having other women was intense, bordering on hatred. I understood; as a domineering woman, she wouldn't want to share.

I said, "No, I didn't mean to do anything with her, really, I swear…"

Malen looked at me. "Go ahead, do whatever you want. If you cause trouble, I'll handle it. But remember, when I deal with her, stay out of it. If you interfere, I'll make you regret it for life. You're not like Fatty Zhu, my husband. I won't control you, but remember, you're in my bed."

Malen's ruthlessness chilled me. Recalling her brutal attack on Fatty Zhu when he cheated, I believed she was capable of making me regret my actions forever.

After a moment of silence, Malen lit another cigarette. "If you really want other women, go for my sister. I'll help you; I'll give you her house keys. Or you can ambush her on the street."

I stared at her, finally understanding her depravity. "You're insane! Don't use my vengeance to satisfy your jealousy. I'm not a monster."

"Are you stupid? Can't you see? Qian Guang is smitten with my sister. Then you'll see the consequences. You'll never get ahead. You'll be Qian Guang's lackey forever. Don't you remember how my sister treated you? She barely deigned to speak to you, understand?" she spat.

Her words stung like a slap. I chuckled, "Does it have to be this way? Must we hurt each other?"

Malen laughed, unconcerned. I was helpless. As I stood, she asked, "Where are you going?"

"I have something to do," I replied.

"Spend the evening with me…" she pleaded earnestly.

"Take care of your business. Register the company. Right now, you're nauseating me. Find me when you realize your mistake."

I left, closing the door behind me. Taking a deep breath, I realized Malen's cruelty was no less than her sister's. Both women were chipping away at my self-respect. Pretending indifference was impossible, but I would persevere.

Leaving the Jade City, I saw Sang Ling distributing flyers in the rain. One hand held an umbrella, the other handed out flyers, most of which were discarded with disdain. She was drenched, her hair plastered to her face, looking utterly miserable. My irritation flared. I approached her, snatched the flyers from her hand, and tossed them in the trash. Fear flickered in her eyes.

"I lost them… the boss will scold me…" she whispered, frightened.

I opened my umbrella over her. "Get in the car…"

I pulled her into the car. She seemed embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I've dirtied your car. I haven't finished work yet, the boss…"

"Screw the boss," I interrupted roughly. "Take half a day off. I'll cover your wages."

My rudeness stemmed from defiance against Malen. I refused to be controlled by her. We had no right to dictate each other's lives, but she was too forceful, and I resented it. The more she forbade it, the more I desired it.

What did it matter if I slept with Sang Ling? Let's see what Malen could do about it.

Sang Ling nodded. I used a tissue to wipe the rain from her face. She lowered her head, shy but unresisting. She was pretty, delicate, with an oval face that conveyed warmth. Even drenched, she was beautiful.

I draped my coat over her. "Where do you live? I'll drive you home…"

Sang Ling, surprised but with a hint of delight, gave me her address. Zhao Kui drove us there.

We arrived at an apartment complex. I held the umbrella over her as I walked her to her building. "Go on up…"

Sang Ling hesitated, then finally summoned the courage. "Come up for a while…"

A woman inviting a man upstairs—it wasn't just a casual invitation, especially a drenched woman. From the moment I met her gaze, I sensed her attraction. It wasn't vanity.

I understood what her invitation implied.