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

Her voice carried a chill, authoritative and commanding, leaving no room for resistance. I didn't refuse. I stepped into the car and sat down. She slammed the accelerator, the car surging forward with unrestrained speed. I could feel her anger radiating through the confined space.

The car sped far from the bustling city and came to a halt on a deserted road. I turned to face her, and she returned my gaze.

Her beauty captivated me; no matter what Ma Qing wore, she always looked stunning. Especially today—her black semi-sheer outerwear paired with fiery, form-fitting jeans accentuated her figure to perfection. But unfortunately, her mood wasn't as alluring.

"Do you have something to say?" I asked.

She smiled faintly, but it was a hollow, emotionless smile. "Zhao Fei, I've warned you before: don't exploit my sister, don't overreach, and don't climb too high too fast. Otherwise, the fall will destroy you."

I met her eyes and replied coldly, "Miss Ma, which part of me exploiting your sister did you witness? Do you think only those born into wealthy families like yours deserve ambition or the right to rise? I'm using my skills to forge my path upward. My conscience is clear."

Ma Qing studied me, her expression sharpening. "My sister isn't cut out for business. The idea to register her company—it was yours, wasn't it? Don't deny it; I can see right through you. Rise if you must, but stay away from my family."

"And isn't it because I've jeopardized your standing with Master Qi, threatening your vested interests?" I sneered. "Miss Ma, don't pretend to be noble. Don't lecture me under the guise of concern for me or your sister. If you truly cared for her, she wouldn't have called you a disgrace in front of me."

Ma Qing froze, disbelief flashing in her eyes. "She said that?"

I gazed at her steadily. "I have no reason to sow discord between you. If you don't believe me, ask her yourself. Deep down, you don't love your sister. You despise her. You see her as a stain on your family's honor, just like your father does. Both of you think she's tainted because of what Zhu the Pig did to her. Isn't that right?"

My words hit her like artillery shells. She flinched, her face betraying unease. But she quickly masked it and retorted, "Don't assume you've figured me out. I don't despise my sister. I simply believe she's unfit for business—she's too easily manipulated."

"Then watch closely," I said coldly. "You pride yourself on being a top student, capable of managing the family business and keeping your sister underfoot. I'll prove to you that your assumptions are all wrong."

She laughed scornfully. "Where do you find such confidence?"

"Defeating someone like you doesn't require confidence," I replied. "Your sister is already surpassing you, and you feel the pressure. And as for your fiancé, Qian Guang, you don't even care for him. You're just using each other for mutual gain. I'll admit, you outshine your sister in every way—but there's one thing she has that you'll never possess."

Her expression darkened with anger. I gripped her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Your sister doesn't look down on others. But you? You'll always be an arrogant little brat."

"Slap!"

Her hand struck my cheek hard, the impact stinging. But I laughed, genuinely pleased. At least I had her attention now.

I opened the car door. "Goodbye, sister-in-law."

Closing the door behind me, I walked confidently to the vehicle trailing us, my mood elated. From the moment I first met Ma Qing, her gaze had been filled with disdain and indifference. But now, she could no longer ignore me.

Zhao Kui's car drove us back to the bar. Though I'd riled up Ma Qing, I didn't care. What could she do to me? Ma Qing, you should never underestimate any man.

Back at the bar, Zhao Kui and I didn't rest. We waited for news—news from Ma Lan. Everything was poised for a decisive blow, the final move that would leave Skinny Monkey with no escape.

I waited all night. Morning arrived, bringing a torrential downpour. Watching the rain cascade from the sky, I couldn't shake the feeling that it was either mourning for me or for Skinny Monkey.

Time dragged on, and finally, Qian Guang's Land Rover arrived, followed by several other vehicles. Zhuzi held an umbrella as he escorted Qian Guang inside. Without saying a word, Qian Guang sat calmly on the sofa.

I wasn't sure if Ma Qing had complained to him about the previous night's humiliation, but at this moment, I didn't care. My focus was entirely on Ma Lan's progress.

Despite the sleepless night, I felt neither tired nor weary—only energized. I watched as a dozen of our men guarded the entrance, and I knew Wang Gui should be back soon. I called him, ordering him to return immediately.

There was an eerie calmness in the air, but I knew it wouldn't last. A storm was brewing, and by tonight, blood would undoubtedly be spilled.

After waiting for over an hour, a black Honda pulled up outside. Chen Xi stepped out and entered the bar. Like Qian Guang, he took a seat on the sofa without a word. The three of us, once rivals, now sat together, united by a common goal: to bring down one man.

It was a rare moment, and it reassured me. As long as I stayed patient and followed the plan, Ma Lan's move would seal Skinny Monkey's fate. If the transaction succeeded, Skinny Monkey wouldn't even have the chance to see Master Qi.

The rain intensified, falling in relentless sheets. A fourth car arrived, and Si Yan emerged, braving the downpour without an umbrella. He entered silently, joining the tense gathering. Everyone who mattered was now present, except for Ma Lan.

I was tense yet exhilarated. This was my operation, orchestrated from the ground up. Even as a subordinate of Qian Guang, I had the power to direct them, to make them follow my strategy. The thrill of control was intoxicating.

As the clock ticked past five, Wang Gui returned with his men. They didn't enter the bar but waited outside under Zhao Kui's orders. Soon, a crowd of dozens had gathered, their silent presence adding to the oppressive atmosphere.

I grew increasingly uneasy. Why hadn't Ma Lan arrived? I refrained from calling her, fearing it might disrupt her mission.

Chen Xi and Qian Guang, seasoned leaders, waited with stoic patience. Neither uttered a word, exuding the air of true bosses.

Finally, in the midst of my growing anxiety, the familiar roar of a BMW's engine pierced through the rain. I sprang to my feet, exclaiming, "She's here!"

Sure enough, Zhao Kui approached the BMW with an umbrella, escorting Ma Lan inside. She entered, drenched but triumphant.

"Is it done?" I asked immediately.

"It's done," Ma Lan confirmed. "I delivered the goods to Skinny Monkey, and he accepted them."

Chen Xi frowned slightly. "What's the pretext?"

I cut him off sharply. "We don't need a pretext. The moment he took the goods, he sealed his fate. Guang-ge, are your preparations ready?"

Qian Guang nodded. "Si Yan, get moving."

Without a word, Si Yan left, braving the storm to climb into a waiting car. Moments later, the vehicle disappeared into the rain.

Qian Guang turned to me. "I arranged for a massive shipment under Skinny Monkey's name, sourced from Nungdao. After you make your move, the authorities will intercept the goods. It's a large haul. When Nungdao doesn't get paid and the contraband is seized, Skinny Monkey is finished."

I was stunned but impressed by the ruthless efficiency of Qian Guang's plan. Chen Xi, however, seemed unfazed—he understood Qian Guang better than I did.

Chen Xi jabbed a finger at my chest. "Of the three million Skinny Monkey stole, I want it back. He has at least five million on hand; the rest is mine. His territory we'll split evenly. As for that four-million-dollar gem, wire it to me promptly. After you take over, I'll sponsor you into Ma Gang as a lieutenant."

Though unfamiliar with Ma Gang's hierarchy, I assumed the title carried significant weight. I nodded and turned to Ma Lan. "It's time."

Ma Lan walked to the bar, grabbed a bottle of beer, and chugged it fiercely before smashing it against her own head. Glass shards scattered as blood trickled down her face. Her beautiful features twisted in pain, but she gritted her teeth and said, "Skinny Monkey stole my goods!"

Chen Xi shouted, his voice echoing like thunder, "How dare he rob Miss Ma! Let's take this to Master Qi!"

Outside, the storm raged, mirroring the fury that brewed within us. A group of men escorted Ma Lan to a car, while I and Qian Guang climbed into another. Behind us, a convoy of vehicles carrying dozens of men rumbled forward, cutting through the relentless rain toward Master Qi's restaurant.

As I gazed out at the downpour, I knew the matter was settled. Skinny Monkey's days were numbered. This was how the underworld worked—when someone offended too many people, their end was inevitable. Connections were everything in this game we played.

I admired Ma Lan's ferocity and resilience. Though she was a pawn in my scheme, her determination made her a formidable ally. Together, we would rewrite the rules and claim our place in this chaotic world.

The winds of change were howling, and the North District of Ruili would never be the same again.