Trafford's Trading Club

671: Chapter 84: Words Spoken Lightly 671: Chapter 84: Words Spoken Lightly When Zhu Maolin returned from outside, he found that Xiao Lu was not at the booth… the electric stove was already turned off, and the soup base had long cooled down.

Perhaps she just went to the restroom or something?

Zhu Maolin instinctively had this thought.

He shook his head and glanced at the items he had just bought—the small cake pieces bought from a nearby bakery.

But after waiting for a moment, Zhu Maolin still didn’t see Xiao Lu return, feeling somewhat uneasy.

He simply called the minister, “Has my friend who was working part-time here left already?” “Oh…

I remember now.” The minister apologized with a face full of guilt, “I’m sorry, I was really busy and didn’t notice you came back, Mr.

Zhu…

It’s like this, your friend hurriedly told me she had something urgent and couldn’t wait for you, and asked me to inform you.” “I see.” Zhu Maolin nodded and suddenly said, “Did you say she was in a hurry?” “Seems like…” The minister thought for a moment, then said, “Seems like she mentioned there was an emergency at home.

I’m not completely sure, but she seemed quite anxious, probably really had something urgent.” “Hmm, I understand.” Zhu Maolin nodded and then directly said, “Let’s settle the bill then.” “We look forward to your next visit!”

After leaving the hot pot restaurant, Zhu Maolin glanced at the time… by this time, she might have already gone home.

Go back, make an early decision, he told himself.

Then, after picking up his car from the parking lot, Zhu Maolin remembered the minister’s words at the hot pot restaurant, thought for a while, and then picked up the phone, “Hello…

Tboy?

Mm, help me find the phone number for the model who posed for us last time.

Mm, the one named Xiao Lu… just send it to my mobile later.”

As acquaintances, it seems only natural to ask after each other a bit, right?

Not long after, Tboy sent over Xiao Lu’s cell phone number.

After dialing all the digits, he seemed somewhat hesitant. ——It seemed like she was quite anxious?

Something urgent at home… ——Today is actually my birthday.

Really, if you don’t believe me, see…

He ultimately pressed the dial button and held the phone to his ear–sorry, the number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable…

Her home… seems to be this way.

The engine starts. … …

In Hou Chen Yuhuan’s mind, this should be something she could refuse.

Hou Chen Yuhuan thought so: the man in sportswear should not be the type to pester endlessly…

As for herself, she had no reason to get involved in such a ridiculous gamble.

About the million…

She thought for a moment, and honestly, she was indeed tempted – but this place kept giving her a bad feeling.

In this desire-filled and boiling place, her spirit had never been able to relax.

Hou Chen Yuhuan shook her head, just about to speak her refusal, when she saw the few wealthy wives outside the crowd had already walked in… It seemed they had noticed her, and were now walking over with not very pleased expressions.

Hou Chen Yuhuan felt things were about to go bad… these wealthy wives did not seem willing to let her off easily—especially after she snuck away earlier claiming to go to the restroom.

At this time, the other young and handsome man chosen by Liu Zixing had eagerly walked to the gambling table beside A Jie, full of anticipation.

Of course… just gambling three rounds, without needing to invest anything yourself, merely helping to draw cards, and you could get a reward of one million—Liu Zixing had already directly tossed one million’s worth of chips in front of him!

A million, even with good luck, those old and ugly wealthy women would have to play for several months to earn that! “Can… can I really take it?” But he was still a bit worried—this A Jie was a consultant for the casino, saying he wouldn’t worry was strange.

A Jie calmly said at this time, “Don’t worry, since Mr.

Liu awarded you, just take it.

Rest assured, the casino won’t swallow your tip.”

A million… tip.

Working in the service industry, he knew that he and this man, who was only ten years older, were completely people from two worlds.

Suddenly, with a million placed in front of you, it seemed not that attractive anymore… after all, he was just a duck.

Hou Chen Yuhuan also hesitantly walked to Liu Zixing at this moment; Liu Zixing simply glanced at her, without saying anything, and similarly gave her a million in chips.

Hou Chen Yuhuan abruptly shook her head, whispered, “I don’t want this money… can you take me out of this place later?”

Liu Zixing was stunned for a moment, someone refusing money?

This was the first time he encountered… but he wasn’t completely foolish—especially after boldly requesting a gamble from that mysterious boss in a desperate situation, he hadn’t realized some things about him had already changed.

He noticed the woman in front of him seemed apprehensive, frequently glancing back… she didn’t look like someone working here, nor someone from a wealthy family, her dress was simple yet not exactly elegant. “You have trouble?” Liu Zixing said calmly. “I…

I was dragged here.” Hou Chen Yuhuan nodded, hesitating, “I don’t… don’t really like this place.” “Alright.” Liu Zixing nodded, “A million given to you is yours, I won’t take back my words.

Taking you away is fine too, just focus on pulling cards for me.”

Hou Chen Yuhuan still worriedly said, “But… what if we lose?

I don’t… I don’t have enough money to compensate you.”

The chips on this table, she probably couldn’t earn even in ten lifetimes, she dared not easily venture into this high-stakes gamble… unless the other party could provide sufficient reassurance. “I absolutely won’t lose.” Liu Zixing’s gaze was sharp at this time, “Especially today, especially gambling… Rest assured, even if we lose, I won’t make you compensate a penny.

There are so many people here to witness, if you are still not at ease, writing a proof now is fine too.”

The latter words, Liu Zixing had already raised his voice so that everyone around could clearly hear.

Across the table, A Jie was even more impressed, “Mr.

Liu, what boldness!

Regardless of winning or losing after these three rounds, I, A Jie, am willing to befriend you!” “Alright, I’ll befriend you too.” Liu Zixing nodded.

At this moment, the staff brought a brand new unopened deck of playing cards to the scene.

A Jie smiled and said, “Mr.

Liu, please inspect the cards.” “No need.” Liu Zixing shook his head, “If you resort to tricks with the cards here, nobody will want to come again.

I believe you want to operate long-term and wouldn’t sabotage yourselves.” “Then… let’s begin.” A Jie nodded and used skillful technique to shuffle the new deck, then placed it in front of Liu Zixing, “Mr.

Liu, please cut the cards.”

Though he didn’t inspect them earlier, Liu Zixing personally cut the cards this time.

His technique wasn’t as good as A Jie’s, but he was still a competent gambler. “Director… is this gambling feasible with A Jie?

If he doesn’t participate himself, then…”

In the monitoring room, Feng Shan frowned and said seriously, “He must have his own plans.

A Jie is the God of Gamblers’ closed-door disciple; he wouldn’t act recklessly.

I think he is trying to break Liu Zixing’s luck.” “Break luck?”

Feng Shan nodded, “People experience three declines and six prosperities.

It sounds mysterious, but on the gambling table, these things are tricky and hard to explain.

Only true gamblers can sense their luck…

I’ve heard seniors talk about it.

Take Liu Zixing for example; he’s experiencing a surge in luck now, so he likely won’t leave his position easily – you see, he preferred to gamble in the main hall earlier rather than change his place, probably for this reason.

It’s his wealth spot… but if he uses someone else, that’s different.

When his luck is disrupted, or he loses once, it’s no longer scary!

Using someone else means it’s someone else’s draw, someone else’s luck…” “It’s started!”

In the main hall, Liu Zixing was the first to bet again – once more, he pushed all his chips forward without hesitation, displaying a consistent daring that prompted admiration.

Some seemed to recognize him – after all, such a bold gambler was known in certain circles in the city. “This guy seems different today, huh?

Didn’t see him this crazy before.” “I heard his mom kicked him out and cut ties…

Could this be a comeback from rock bottom?” “He’s almost at three hundred million.

If he stops now, although it’s not as much as before, he at least has enough to start afresh.

Liu Zixing still doesn’t know how to read the situation.” “Who knows?

I heard Brother Panther is desperately looking for him… he might be waiting at the hotel outside.” “Shh… it’s starting, don’t make noise!”

Before the arc-spread cards, Hou Chen Yuhuan stood unsteadily, palms sweaty, while the young man selected opposite her swallowed nervously, his lips faintly pale.

The first game was for nearly three hundred million…

Hou Chen Yuhuan and her opponent were, after all, just ordinary people. “Maybe it’s fate.” The man opposite, probably out of a professional instinct to please, although flustered, calmed himself and slightly smiled, “We cannot defy fate.

For them, it might be just a small incident in life, but for us, it might be an encounter of a lifetime.

I think the magic of fate is here… we really don’t know what will happen next second, and it’s because of this, the future seems worth looking forward to, right?”

The future holds promise… destiny.

Suddenly, Hou Chen Yuhuan remembered the flower cards she kept close – those representing valuable options she could exchange for what she wanted to change in her life.

Is this… fate too?

She wasn’t sure; drawing a card from these required immense courage… choosing from those flower cards was equally a decision driven by reckless resolve.

She stared blankly; though her opponent spoke gently, he remained still, evidently unwilling to draw first, adhering to the local custom.

Although able to please women meticulously, they remained heartless.

Hou Chen Yuhuan took a deep breath and reached out, drawing a five of diamonds – a card few had hopes for.

In this game of drawing high points, an Ace is just a point… releasing a five, essentially a point – indeed, it’s not a promising draw.

Seeing the expressions and eyes around her, Hou Chen Yuhuan knew she was probably…

She glanced instinctively at the man urging her to draw, finding him as composed – at least outwardly calm.

Was there truly no concern?

Or did he really not mind losing this much in one go? “Now it’s my turn.”

The opponent smiled slightly; the five of diamonds meant better odds for him.

He discreetly glanced at technical adviser A Jie, noticing A Jie hadn’t glanced at him at all — from the start, A Jie’s gaze never left Liu Zixing. “I’m drawing!” The man took a deep breath; with no signal from the technical adviser, he could only muster the courage to draw from the cards.

Unlike a complete layman like Hou Chen Yuhuan, this guy pressed the card to the table, slowly prying its edges open, almost lying flat on the gambling table, continuously chanting things Hou Chen Yuhuan didn’t understand.

Stuff about edges or no edges… the onlookers started chanting too, as if possessed. “Scary, isn’t it?

That’s how the casino is; it can enchant people.” Liu Zixing calmly said, “Look at them, each so carried away that even if you asked who their mother was, some might not know.”

Hou Chen Yuhuan was stunned; at this moment, he wasn’t anxious at all, even discussing such matters with her, “But… but you?”

Liu Zixing said, “I hate this place immensely, unprecedentedly so.

Each extra glance around me feels unbearable.

So ridiculous, so foolish… so unappreciative.” “Then why did you come…” Hou Chen Yuhuan frowned. “I have a compelling reason to be here.” Liu Zixing stood up, “Also, an essential reason to win… Alright, I won, prepare for the second round.”

Won…

Won?

Hou Chen Yuhuan turned around in astonishment, seeing her opponent pale-faced, hands trembling, gazing in terror at the card in his hand, barely steady on his feet.

A spade… four.

No matter how high a spade, it couldn’t beat the smallest diamond – simply because of four versus five. “Consultant…” The man called out frantically.

Without losing his composure, A Jie waved, “Give Mr.

Liu his chips.

Pay the same amount wagered.

Prepare for the second round… bring the cards.”

Another unopened new deck; A Jie asked Liu Zixing again if he wished to inspect the cards.

This time, Liu Zixing also didn’t inspect the cards, nor did he cut them; he directly placed his bet: a wager of ten thousand yuan.