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

The car sped toward Kunming, and I sat in the backseat, my eyes fixed on the fleeting scenery outside the window. Outwardly, I seemed calm, but within me, a tempest raged. Compared to the time I dealt with Slim Monkey, this felt like a roller coaster ride—frightening and unrelenting.

My time with Xuanling was brief, but I knew the purest part of my heart belonged to her. No matter how evil my deeds, how many women I was involved with, or how dark my soul became, the truest emotions I harbored were always reserved for her.

At first, I didn't realize how important she was to me. It wasn't until this moment, when something happened to her, that I understood the torment in my heart. Her every smile, her playful antics, her silly words—they all haunted me now, making this anguish unbearable.

I was terrified I might never see her again. I didn't know much about Hua Hua, but I knew the things they did were despicable. They could ruin lives without a second thought, and for money, there was no line they wouldn't cross. Anger boiled within me. I knew they were ruthless criminals—so why had I taken their money?

Was it worth falling into a new cycle of vengeance just for revenge?

But I couldn't give up. That old ox was the one who killed my father; I had to bring him to justice.

I sighed in helpless frustration. Love and hatred—how could I choose between the two?

When we reached Kunming, I went home first. Seeing my mother at home, oblivious to everything, cooking for me as usual, filled me with unease. Should I tell her what had happened to Xuanling? After much deliberation, I decided to keep it from her. I didn't want to worry her. This was something I had to handle on my own. I ate a little food absentmindedly, then left the house and returned to the car.

Looking at Zhao Kui, I asked, "Xuanling has been taken by Hua Hua. What should we do? I can't think straight right now."

"Brother Fei, you're letting your emotions cloud your judgment. Calm down and listen to me. Who is Hua Hua exactly?" Zhao Kui replied.

"She's a conniving woman. She demanded thirty million from me…"

Zhao Kui frowned. "That's troublesome. Did she give you a deadline or a location for the payment?"

"No, she didn't. She called using Xuanling's phone and demanded the money but didn't say anything else. I have no idea what she's planning," I said, distressed.

"Call her back," Zhao Kui suggested.

Realizing I had been waiting passively like a fool, I immediately dialed Xuanling's number, but the call didn't go through—it was out of service.

Frustrated, I muttered, "Damn it! There are so many remote mountains and wildernesses in Yunnan. She must've taken Xuanling to some desolate place. Damn it!"

Zhao Kui took my phone and said calmly, "Brother Fei, stay composed."

I couldn't calm down. I clenched my fists tightly, anxiety eating away at me. If something happened to Xuanling because of me, I'd never forgive myself. My conscience would torment me until it destroyed me.

"She hasn't contacted you further because she wants to break you," Zhao Kui said. "This woman is calculating. She knows how to manipulate you. The initiative is in her hands, and she's testing how much you care about Xuanling. If you fall into her trap, you'll be at her mercy."

"What should I do, then?" I asked, desperate.

"The best option is to call the police," Zhao Kui suggested.

I immediately shook my head. "No way. Hua Hua preys on fat targets, and this is the border. If they find out we've involved the police, Xuanling is as good as dead. They'll vanish without a trace, just like Old Ox. We can't risk it. Do you have any other ideas?"

Zhao Kui frowned. "The only alternative is a needle in a haystack. I doubt they've left Kunming. They're probably hiding in some remote area on the outskirts. We could systematically search potential locations—or wait."

I nodded at his professionalism but refused to wait idly. "Can we search while waiting?"

"Of course. Hua Hua is a familiar face. Familiar perpetrators often leave clues. Seek out Zeng Hong; she knows Hua Hua best and might have information."

I hesitated. I had treated Zeng Hong harshly before, and now I needed her help. Yet Zhao Kui's words about the critical 72-hour window spurred me into action.

For Xuanling's sake, I made the call.

The phone rang briefly before Zeng Hong picked up. Her voice carried a mix of surprise and expectation.

"Zhao Fei, do you need something?" she asked, her tone almost eager, as if she had been waiting for this moment.

Her reaction caught me off guard, and I felt a twinge of guilt. "I need to see you. Are you free now?"

"I'm available. I'll meet you at the usual place. I'll be there soon," she replied before hanging up.

Her quick agreement left me momentarily stunned. Despite the way I had treated her, she still wanted to help me. I felt a pang of regret but quickly pushed it aside—this wasn't the time for emotions.

Zhao Kui drove me to Kunming University, and near the campus, I entered the familiar café where Zeng Hong was already waiting. She wore a simple outfit—a T-shirt and jeans—that accentuated her natural beauty, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. Her tall, elegant frame exuded an effortless charm.

But I wasn't here to admire her. I sat down across from her, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping.

"Do you know where Hua Hua might be?" I asked directly.

Her expression darkened as she frowned. "Why do you always bring her up when you talk to me?"

"Don't misunderstand," I said hurriedly. "Xuanling has been kidnapped by Hua Hua. I need to find her and rescue her. Did Hua Hua mention any plans or secret locations to you recently?"

Zeng Hong's beautiful face clouded with displeasure. "You're only here because of Xuanling?" she asked, her voice tinged with bitterness.

"Yes," I admitted, lowering my head slightly. "I'm begging you. If you know anything, please tell me. I need your help to save her."

Her eyes widened, shimmering with unshed tears. "You're begging me—for her?"

I nodded solemnly. "Yes. Please, if you have any information, share it with me. I'll owe you everything."

For a moment, she seemed conflicted, but then she sighed and nodded. "Fine. I'll help you."

Her unexpected agreement filled me with gratitude. Grasping her hand impulsively, I said, "Thank you. Please think carefully—did Hua Hua ever mention a secluded place or any recent plans?"

Zeng Hong shook her head. "She didn't say where she was going, but recently she seemed troubled and talked about wanting to get away for a while. Her car was damaged—its windows were smashed—so she borrowed a vehicle from me."

I stiffened at her words. The smashed windows aligned with the incident Zhao Kui had caused. This was a solid lead.

"You lent her your car? Does it have a GPS tracker?" I asked urgently.

"Yes, it does," Zeng Hong confirmed.

Without hesitation, I grabbed her hand and stood up, pulling her with me. She looked startled but didn't resist. I led her to the car and opened the door for her.

Turning to Zhao Kui, I asked, "Can we track the vehicle?"

Zhao Kui nodded. "I'll call a friend in the military for assistance. Give me the license plate number."

He made the call, but after a brief conversation, he hung up with a grim expression. "Brother Fei, my friend is tied up with emergency landslide relief from the recent storms. He can't help right now."

Frustration boiled over as I slammed my fist against the seat. Why did everything seem to go wrong at the worst possible moment?

Zhao Kui remained calm. "We still have other options. The police can help."

"No!" Zeng Hong interjected, her face pale. "If they find out it's my car, I'll be implicated. I can't risk being seen as an accomplice, Zhao Fei."

Her fear was understandable, and I couldn't blame her. After a moment of silence, she said, "I'll call my father. He has friends in the police department. I'll say the car was stolen and ask them to locate it. Would that work?"

Her suggestion gave me hope. I nodded and said, "Thank you, Zeng Hong. I owe you everything for this."

She smiled faintly, then called her father. After a brief conversation, she turned to me. "He said he'll handle it. He'll contact the traffic bureau to check the surveillance and GPS data. We should have news soon."

Relief washed over me. Despite everything, Zeng Hong was willing to help me unconditionally. Perhaps I had misjudged her all along.

As we waited, she grasped my hand tightly. "Hurry, Zhao Fei. If we don't act fast, Xuanling will be in even greater danger."

Her warmth steadied me, and I nodded resolutely. Zhao Kui started the car, and we headed toward the traffic bureau.

Xuanling, hold on. I'll bring you back safely.