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

The rout was utter and complete, a spectacle I now fully comprehend. Even the most formidable individual, stripped of power, becomes a crumbling wall, toppling with the slightest push.

I also learned a harsh truth: even the most exceptional man remains a lone wolf, facing inevitable death when besieged. This is a pragmatic world; success demands allies, brotherhood.

Therefore, I admire Qian Guang, and I, too, must follow his example: to cherish my brothers.

I will eat before they go hungry.

Returning to the room, I was drenched, rainwater streaming down my trousers. Qian Guang and Chen Xi were surprised by my appearance.

Chen Xi asked, "Did you see them off?"

I nodded. Chen Xi said, "Yingjiang flows into the Mekong. Once they're in the river, they'll quickly reach the other side. With this downpour, they'll arrive within the hour. The area is dense forest; the bodies will be devoured overnight."

I remained silent. I needn't concern myself with Shouhou's fate; they'll handle it.

I sat, Chen Xi pouring me a drink, his excitement palpable. "To the north, the realm is ours! You two youngsters, rise through the ranks, one day you'll be the bosses."

Qian Guang retorted coldly, "They are the bosses…"

Chen Xi, embarrassed, stammered, "Yes, but in our presence, they are our juniors. To this!"

We raised our glasses, the storm outside irrelevant to our triumph.

As I lowered my glass, Wang Gui and Zhao Kui entered, carrying black bags. "Fei ge, the money…"

"Distribute it amongst the brothers. Everyone who was there gets a share," I declared.

They smiled, departing without further comment. The sum, perhaps three million, was swiftly divided. This generosity astonished Qian Guang and Chen Xi. I took another drink. Damn, it burned, but it felt exhilarating.

The torrential rain showed no sign of abating. Our work was done; it was time to leave. At the restaurant entrance, Chen Xi said, "I'll handle Qiye's side. Don't worry; he won't make a fuss. Reputation is paramount."

Qian Guang and I nodded. Chen Xi received seventy million; thirty million were his, but the remaining forty million were a windfall. He couldn't avoid handling the aftermath.

I joined Qian Guang in his car. The motorcade departed majestically. Qian Guang lit a cigarette, smoking in silence. After a while, we reached Bianmao Street. As I opened the door to leave, Qian Guang said, "Chen Xi is not to be trusted. Devise a plan to deal with him; otherwise, when the opportunity arises, neither of us will stand a chance. He's far more cunning."

I closed the door behind me. Qian Guang's words resonated. Chen Xi was undeniably shrewd. He'd seen through my machinations but remained silent. Perhaps it was an escalation of his conflict with Shouhou, or perhaps greed for Shouhou's wealth. He profited most, so why expose me?

Such a man, adept at judging the situation, is truly formidable.

I watched Qian Guang's car depart. My men stood before me, drenched but jubilant. We had triumphed.

Wang Gui said, "Fei ge, Shouhou's territory…"

I interrupted, "We sought revenge, not conquest. We are not gangsters; we don't engage in such activities."

Wang Gui nodded. "Everyone's tired. Go get massages, relax…"

"Thank you, Fei ge…"

A dozen men thanked me, departing with nonchalant ease. Some I didn't know by name, yet they were loyal, and I trust they'll remain steadfast on my path.

I called Wang Gui back. "How's Kunming? Any suspicious activity?"

Wang Gui shook his head. "Nothing, Fei ge. We've been watching; no threats to Auntie. Perhaps you're overthinking it?"

I frowned. "Go enjoy yourselves…"

Wang Gui smiled, leading the men away. Zhao Kui remained, saying, "We can't be complacent."

I knew this, but sighed. "It's a celebratory night. Go have fun…"

Zhao Kui refused. "No point. We're not entirely safe…"

I got in the car. "Let's find Xiaomi…"

Zhao Kui drove me to Xiaomi's apartment. I knocked; she opened the door, leaning against the frame, smiling as she saw me. "I saw the news tonight. Shouhou's finished, right?"

I smiled, entering. I swept her into my arms, twirling her. She shrieked with delight, her playful slaps stinging. I carefully set her down, her excitement overriding the dampness of my clothes.

"Is it true? He's finished, right?" Xiaomi asked anxiously.

I looked at her, speaking earnestly, "His body will likely be decomposing by tomorrow. I kept my promise; it's half done. I said their corpses would rot beneath our feet."

Xiaomi cupped my face, laughing, kissing me fiercely. "I'm so happy. Go shower, quickly…"

She ushered me into the bathroom, running the water. Steam filled the room as she left. The warm water washed over me, a comforting sensation. Memories of Myanmar flooded my mind—nightmares, persistent nightmares.

But the knowledge of Shouhou's demise brought joy. Even if you're a devil, I'll be more vicious. When you plot against me, expect the consequences.

I closed my eyes, letting the water wash away my nightmares…

Emerging from the shower, I saw Xiaomi. Her appearance ignited my desire… her waist, her firm, beautiful buttocks… She was breathtaking.

Xiaomi picked up the wine on the bedside table, taking a tentative sip. "You're truly beautiful. You set me ablaze."

Xiaomi stood, embracing me. I felt her excitement. That nightmare had tormented us both. Now that Shouhou was dead, we were free, needing release.

"Kiss me," she whispered, closing her eyes, tilting her head. I eagerly met her lips…

The wine on her breath was intoxicating…

I succumbed to passion, my hands moving instinctively…

Xiaomi's embrace intensified, her response matching my own. We surrendered completely to the night's tempest.

Pleasure is fleeting.

Dawn arrived unwelcome. Sunlight pierced my eyes, forcing them open. I sat up, gazing out the window. The long-awaited sun had returned. I smiled; it truly was a bright dawn after the storm.

A warm weight pressed against my back. Xiaomi was clinging to me, kissing me relentlessly…

The joy was complete, without burden.

Xiaomi stroked my beard, its roughness surprising her. "I suddenly realize you're stronger than Qian Guang, stronger than his three brothers…"

I looked at her. "In what way?"

Xiaomi smiled slyly. "Every way…"

I chuckled, pinching her cheek. The unburdened Xiaomi was beautiful, youthful in the sunlight. I wondered why Qian Guang had rejected her, refusing even to touch her. Perhaps he was a perfectionist, rejecting what was readily available, seeking only what he conquered. A true man, unmoved by female allure, yet also deeply calculating.

She used Xiaomi to bind me, a clear indication of his nature.

My interest in Qian Guang intensified. "Do you know Qian Guang well?"

Xiaomi frowned, inhaling deeply, her body trembling slightly. She lowered her head. "I do, and I don't. No one knows what he thinks, what he's capable of. He's terrifying. I've met many men, good, bad, powerful, but none compare to Qian Guang… except you…"

I frowned, surprised by her assessment…