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

Sweat trickled down her tender body, mingling with her subtle fragrance as it slid over her smooth skin, leaving no trace behind. Her complexion was flawless, her pores invisible, and even her perspiration seemed elegant.

I gently caressed her damp, silken hair, lost in the lingering euphoria of our shared moments.

She was neither naïve nor flamboyant. She carried herself with quiet confidence, possessing her own refined sense of joy.

"He was promising at first," she began, her tone soft yet laced with pain. "In university, he excelled academically. Though he achieved little afterward, I didn't blame him. I believed as long as we worked hard together, we could create a bright future. But after graduation, something changed. Out in the world, he seemed consumed by comparison, always feeling inadequate…"

Listening to her monologue, I heard the bitterness in her voice—a raw, unfiltered hatred that came from deep within her soul.

"While I was preparing for my postgraduate exams, dedicating all my time and energy to studying, I neglected him. I didn't have time to guide him, to keep him on track. Then, by chance, I discovered he had fallen into the abyss of gambling."

She paused, her voice trembling. "Men have an innate inclination to gamble, chasing effortless gains. I've seen it in others and even in myself. But I was lucky—I didn't lose as much as he did."

She continued, her pain palpable. "He gambled away a fortune, accumulating insurmountable debts. When he came to me, begging for help, I loved him too much to refuse. He knelt before me, pleading, and I sold the house I had painstakingly purchased for our future to pay off his debts. I thought it would be enough to pull him back from the brink, so I redoubled my efforts—studying for my doctorate, working three jobs to support us. I hoped my sacrifices would rekindle our love and lead to a simple, peaceful life."

Her voice quivered with emotion, and I could see her vulnerability. She was a woman with modest dreams, wanting nothing more than a tranquil existence. Despite her beauty, she bore no vanity or pretentiousness, nor did she seek to compete with others.

"One day, a group of strangers dragged me away, demanding money. That's when I learned he had not only continued gambling but had also started using drugs. I was devastated. I borrowed from every family member I could and barely managed to cover his debts. When I sought him out, determined to leave him, he vanished—disappeared without a trace, leaving me with six million yuan in debt. With no options left, I fled. I abandoned my job, my studies, my family. All I could do was run."

Her body trembled as she recounted her story, as though reliving a nightmare. These words seemed to have been locked away, never spoken aloud until now. The rawness of her emotions was both haunting and deeply human.

I held her close and kissed her forehead, a gesture meant to comfort. She touched my stomach, her hand warm and tender. Her words carried both vulnerability and resolution.

"When I first met you," she said softly, "I saw glimpses of him in you—not just in your appearance, but in your reckless gambling. At first, I didn't like you. But as time passed, I realized you were different. Unlike him, you had skill and fortune. Watching you succeed reminded me of him and stirred a mix of love and hatred within me."

I chuckled lightly. "So that's why you've kept your distance?"

She nodded. "I was afraid. Afraid you were the same as him. But when your bar opened, I saw you were nothing like him. You're stronger, far better. Yet when the debt collectors found me again, I…"

"Say no more," I interrupted. "I understand. From now on, I'll take care of you."

The words surprised even me, carrying a sense of dominance and responsibility. She sat up, her eyes glistening with tears.

"I don't ask for anything," she said. "No promises. You've already done more for me than I could ever repay."

Her beauty was striking, her tear-streaked face radiant. She leaned in and kissed me, her body warm and yielding, as though seeking solace in our closeness.

Hours passed before I rose, leaving her resting in her modest, cold apartment. The contrast between her beauty and her surroundings struck me.

"You should move," I said. "I'll buy you a new place."

She shook her head. "President Ma doesn't approve of us. If she finds out…"

Her words kindled a spark of anger in me. "She has no say in this," I replied, kissing her gently. "Forget the past. You're like a cuckoo in the forest—meant to soar toward the sun."

Her smile was faint but genuine. I left her apartment, stepping into the fresh air, feeling a weight lift from my chest.

Downstairs, Zhao Kui waited by his car. I got in, and he handed me a card. "Brother Fei, this project won't be easy."

I laughed. "Men are naturally drawn to challenges. Loving difficult women is in our nature."

Zhao Kui hesitated. "That red-haired guy said her debts are massive—not just loan sharks but private creditors too. The total is…"

I frowned. "All because of that scumbag. Let's lay low for now. With eighty million in hand, no problem is insurmountable."

Zhao Kui nodded but said no more as we drove to Qian Guang's bar.

The night was lively, the bar teeming with energy. In Qian Guang's office, I found him seated with Ma Qing.

Seeing me, Ma Qing's gaze sharpened, her tight jeans highlighting her long legs and flawless figure. Her cold demeanor betrayed her irritation, but she said nothing.

"Brother Guang," I greeted.

"Congratulations on your win," he said with a nod.

"Part of the plan," I replied.

Before we could delve into details, Ma Qing interrupted, her voice cutting. "Why do you lose when gambling with us but win when you're alone? I suspect you're doing this on purpose. Are you targeting me?"

I smirked. "Miss Ma, you flatter me. How could I dare? It's just bad luck on your part. Whenever you join, we lose. Once you leave, we recover. The problem lies with you."

"You—!" she fumed, her cheeks flushing with anger.

"Enough," Qian Guang interjected. "Women shouldn't gamble. Go enjoy yourself elsewhere. Let us handle the serious matters."

Ma Qing huffed. "I came to spend time with you. Are you sending me off alone?"

"I have business to discuss," Qian Guang said firmly.

"Qian Guang! Are you calling me unreasonable?"

Standing his ground, he replied, "I don't want to repeat myself."

His unwavering demeanor surprised me. Even for Ma Qing, he made no exceptions during business.

Frustrated, she stormed out. Qian Guang instructed a guard to follow her. Then he turned to me. "The plan is halfway there, but I heard Chen Xi is involved. You know how dangerous that is, don't you?"

"I do," I said. "But I'll handle it. Our strategy is solid. Once Ma Lan delivers the raw stone to Skinny Monkey, his days are numbered. My main concern is the people from Nongdao. We can't let anyone steal our prize."

Qian Guang's confidence was unwavering. "Leave Nongdao to me. Just ensure Skinny Monkey is eliminated."

His certainty intrigued me. "Do you have someone in Nongdao?"

He gave me a measured look. "Just trust me."

I nodded, though curiosity gnawed at me. What ties did he have to Nongdao?

As I left, my thoughts swirled with questions. The night air was crisp, and I felt a strange mix of anticipation and unease.

From a car parked nearby, a woman's voice called out coolly. "Get in."