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

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that my presence would disrupt Hua Hua's plans. Reflecting carefully on those times, I began to connect the dots.

The first time I accompanied Mr. Zeng to Ruili, he won three million yuan from stone gambling. That three million was undoubtedly a baited hook, luring him into a deeper trap. Their plan was clear: the next time Mr. Zeng returned to gamble, they would strike mercilessly, ensuring he paid a heavy price.

However, they hadn't anticipated my father intervening. He gambled on a fake raw stone that Lao Niu had given him—perhaps desperate for money at the time. That single act brought my father to financial ruin, and unable to bear the blow, he took his own life.

This set off a domino effect, one calamity leading to another. My father's death ensnared Mr. Zeng in a whirlpool of misfortune. Because of me, his focus shifted to reclaiming my house, guarding against my intentions toward his daughter. By the time he finally found an opportunity to return to gambling, we intercepted him in Ruili, denying him the chance yet again.

Thus, they never had an opening to make their move. At first glance, these events seemed unconnected. But as I unraveled the threads, I realized that everything was intricately linked.

I turned to Hua Hua and asked, "Is your father ready to make his move?"

"Do I need to repeat myself?" she replied icily.

Taking a deep breath, I said, "Now's the time. Go ahead."

Hua Hua's beautiful yet frosty demeanor grew even colder. "What are you planning?" she demanded.

"I want to eliminate someone—someone irrelevant to you. But I need your operation to help me. You'd better cooperate, or you can forget about fleecing this golden goose," I said.

"I don't like being threatened," she snapped. "Let me tell you, golden geese are everywhere. I can fleece anyone. I don't do this for money or out of desperation—I do it because I enjoy it. Understand? Idiot." With that, she spat at me disdainfully.

Wiping her spit from my face, I observed her unflinching gaze. She wasn't afraid—on the contrary, she looked as if she had me completely figured out. It was unexpected. I had assumed Hua Hua was coerced into this line of work or, at the very least, motivated by greed. But it seemed I was wrong. Her actions stemmed purely from passion.

"Who in this world is born to love lying?" I asked.

"Me. I revel in having people under my thumb, controlling them with words and performance. Does that bother you? Is it any of your business?" she retorted.

There was no trace of fear in her tone, only defiance. She was truly a woman of character. "Fine," I said. "But your deception isn't flawless. If you really didn't care, why come looking for me? You do care."

"I simply don't want to fail. I've never failed. None of my golden geese has ever doubted me. I aim for perfection. It's not about money or fear—it's about keeping my record unblemished. Got it, moron?" she sneered.

I laughed at her audacity. A perfectionist con artist—how amusing.

"Well then, since you're here, let's work together for mutual benefit. What do you say?"

Hua Hua slapped me across the face, catching me off guard. "Mutual respect is a prerequisite for collaboration," she said sharply.

Rubbing my cheek, I glared at her. This woman had more audacity than anyone I'd met—even more than Ma Lan. But I didn't like it.

Suppressing my irritation, I said, "Fine. Now can we talk?"

She nodded, smoothing her clothes. Her icy facade melted away, replaced by the elegance of a refined lady. Watching her transformation made me nauseous—what a consummate fraud.

"Where's your father?" I asked.

"You don't need to know," she replied.

"How can I collaborate with him if I can't meet him?"

"You can talk to me. Since you understand this industry, you should know how it works. My father doesn't need to be involved. He'll provide the raw stone, and you'll handle the operation. We already have a target, but we've been waiting for the right opportunity. If you want to join, my father will step back and leave it to you. Isn't that what you wanted?"

She was right—her father's presence wasn't necessary. But I wanted to meet him. After all, I sought vengeance. Still, I had other priorities now: digging a deep enough pit to trap not only Mr. Zeng but also Skinny Monkey and Chen Xi.

Ultimately, this wasn't about killing them outright but creating cracks in their alliances. Skinny Monkey's downfall would come through orchestrated conflicts—with Chen Xi, with Lord Qi, and eventually with his allies from Ningdao.

For now, I needed Hua Hua. Her trust was crucial to my plans.

"I've already spoken with Mr. Zeng," I said. "He's agreed to participate in the Ruili gambling circuit. Before the public auction, we'll gamble privately. He told me to call him when the time comes. That's my leverage. You're smart, Hua Hua. If you refuse, I can always work with someone else."

She smirked. "Then why choose me?"

"Because you're beautiful. Consider it a favor," I replied seriously.

Hua Hua's expression turned solemn. "Do you know why I haven't tried to deceive you or stage some meaningless charade?"

Frowning, I asked, "Why?"

"Because a con artist can't fool another con artist. You're a liar, too. Your approach to Zeng Hong was calculated. When she asked me for musk-scented perfume, I knew you'd made your move. But your techniques are clumsy—far from professional," she said.

I was stunned. This woman had seen through me all along. She was right: con artists never trust anyone. But unlike her, my lies had a purpose beyond manipulation.

"What's this musk perfume?" I asked.

"You're clueless, aren't you? It's infused with musk to arouse men. Zeng Hong wanted to seduce you. Don't pretend you didn't know. You must have rejected her—how pitiful for her. I'm curious, what kind of man are you?"

"The kind you can't afford to provoke. Stop the car," I said.

Zhao Kui pulled over. I opened Hua Hua's door, and she stepped out. "My appetite is immense. Understand?" she said.

"So is mine. Fifty-fifty split," I replied.

"Fair enough. Looks like it's time for you to exact your revenge. This time, Mr. Zeng will lose tens of millions at least. I wonder how Zeng Hong will feel knowing we've joined forces against her father," Hua Hua said with a sly smile.

"She'll never know," I replied.

"Of course not. I'll always be her best friend," Hua Hua said.

She was a frightening woman, concealing her deceit beneath a bold, unconventional persona. No one would suspect such a striking character to be a con artist.

As we drove away, I told myself to be patient.

"Brother Fei, can we trust this woman?" Zhao Kui asked.

"If she deceives me, I'll kill her," I said coldly.

Zhao Kui looked puzzled. "You've never been this ruthless. Why do you seem so different with her? Do you hate her that much?"

"She has a hand in my father's death," I replied icily.

Zhao Kui was shocked into silence.

Gazing out the window, I reflected on fate. We were all pawns in its grand design, but I was determined to outlive and outmaneuver it.

The first step was a success. Though there was no visible conflict between Skinny Monkey and Chen Xi yet, it was only a matter of time before greed drove a wedge between them. And if no natural conflict arose, I'd create one.

My phone buzzed—a message from Xuan Ling: "Where are you? Come back quickly. I want to see you."

I smirked, replying, "On my way home now."

After sending the message, I scrolled through my contacts until I found Si Yan's number. Skinny Monkey and Chen Xi had approached him, likely trying to recruit this newly promoted figure into their circle. But they didn't know Si Yan was already one of us.

Their ignorance was my weapon. Using Si Yan, I'd subtly sow discord between them, a crack that would grow wider with time. Skinny Monkey would turn against Chen Xi. Then, I'd ensure Lord Qi expelled him from his circle, leaving him no choice but to ally with the Ningdao group.

And when the time came, I'd orchestrate a final betrayal, ensuring Skinny Monkey was surrounded on all sides, with no one left to turn to. By then, even his most loyal allies would abandon him.

All of this depended on Hua Hua. I needed her cooperation and her trust. Most importantly, I had to make sure she didn't suspect my ulterior motives.

Zhao Kui's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Brother Fei, do you think your plan will work?"

I didn't answer immediately. Instead, I watched the city lights blur past the window. "Plans aren't meant to be perfect. They're meant to be adaptable," I finally said.

Zhao Kui nodded, though I could sense his lingering doubts.

As we approached my destination, I thought back to Hua Hua's words. She claimed she didn't deceive me because a con artist couldn't fool another con artist. But in truth, we were both liars, each trying to outmaneuver the other.

I didn't trust her. And she didn't trust me.

But for now, that mutual distrust was the foundation of our fragile collaboration.