Gambling

After waiting for about three minutes, Liu Jun felt puzzled. Why wasn’t Mu Qingxi asking anything—not even what they were about to play? Unable to contain his curiosity, he finally asked, “Why aren’t you asking what we’re going to play?”

Mu Qingxi was taken aback, thinking to herself how foolish the question was. Just because she hadn’t been seen here before, did they assume she’d never come? She picked up a dice cup from the table, shook it awkwardly, and smiled, “Heh, Liu Jun, in a bar, it’s all about drinking contests, dice games, and gambling. Isn’t that what they always show on TV? Asking would seem redundant, wouldn’t it?”

“Heh… Mu Qingxi, you’re much more knowledgeable than Qin Yu! Since you know the drill, Jun doesn’t need to explain further. Let’s just start.” Li Ruoying was fixated on the idea that whoever came here could only win items from the others, so she’d invited Mu Qingxi specifically to embarrass her.

Li Ruoying glanced sideways at someone behind her and said, “Go fetch the things.” Mu Qingxi, seeing Li Ruoying’s eager anticipation for her humiliation, quickly understood—they were going to play mahjong. With only one of her and three of them, it would be easy for them to cheat.

“We brought our own things in. Looks like it's lively tonight. Liu Jun, you won’t mind three extra spectators, will you?” Old Hou entered just as the person was about to leave, followed by Third and Fourth.

“Of course not, Boss Hou, you three can take your seats.” Liu Jun flicked the ash from his cigarette.

Li Ruoying wrapped her arms around Liu Jun’s neck, pouting coquettishly. “Jun, you won’t lose, I’m sure. Good luck!” Then, with a smack, she planted a kiss on Liu Jun’s lips.

“Hmph, a tramp is always a tramp, throwing herself at him,” Qin Yu sneered with disdain.

Old Hou, Third, and Fourth were quietly delighted. Finally, they’d get to see the madman toy with someone again—it was enough to make them happy just thinking about it!

“Boss Hou, would you mind hosting the game? It’ll help her believe we aren’t cheating.” Liu Jun stood and invited Old Hou.

“With pleasure. I never imagined you’d target a young woman, Liu Jun. Hard to believe. Aren’t you afraid that if word gets out, the reputation you’ve just built will be ruined?” Though his words sounded like advice, it was an outright threat.

If Liu Jun dared to go after the young woman, his reputation would be destroyed; whatever he’d built up on this path would vanish instantly.

Having been in the game for years, Liu Jun immediately caught the threat in Old Hou’s words. He felt uneasy but had no choice—after all, he relied on Boss Hou. Awkwardly, he replied, “Heh, thank you for the reminder, Boss Hou. I’ll keep it within bounds.”

Mu Qingxi, hearing Liu Jun’s words, scoffed inwardly. Whether he could keep it within bounds depended on whether she let him. If he dared challenge her, he’d better be prepared to leave crying—or worse.

Without further ado, the shuffling began, the cards clattering together. Soon, the four had arranged their tiles. Three rounds passed; Liu Jun was the dealer each time, but Mu Qingxi won every round.

Liu Jun’s expression darkened as he looked at the two beside him, gritting his teeth in frustration. Damn it! He exchanged glances, asking what was going on—why did Mu Qingxi always end up with the winning tiles, always with double the points? Wasn’t she bankrupting them?

Yu Deng and Li Qi, nearby, shook their heads, indicating they had no idea what was happening.

Liu Jun thought to himself, this can’t go on; he had to win.

“Mu Qingxi, you’re cheating, aren’t you? How come you always win double? You must be cheating!” Li Ruoying couldn’t sit still any longer, her shrill voice echoing in the private room.

But no one bothered to pay attention; it was as if a dog had barked twice.