Chapter 160: Small Stakes

Chapter 160: The Small Tile Face

Chongqing Mansion, Nan-yu District.

Though it was the dead of night, the scene within this humble gambling den remained one of clamor and prosperity.

Thick smoke curled from the throng of heads, gathering into a hazy mist beneath the ceiling.

Warm yellow light struggled through the murk, scattering into a kaleidoscope of colors.

It mirrored the gleam of the various banknotes flashing across the gaming tables.

At the most crowded table, a game of Pai Gow was in progress.

"Deal the cards; I don’t believe you can still kill my banker this time!"

The dealer at this table slammed his ivory tiles onto the wood, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the opposing player—a man with a scholarly face and a refined, Confucian bearing.

The man glanced at the dealer’s spread tiles, his expression one of admiration. "Red and white double sixes, celestial pair. Your hand is formidable indeed."

The dealer’s face twisted into a grimace. "Knowing it’s strong is good! This round, I’ll make you cough up every coin you’ve won!"

"But though it’s mighty, it’s still not the mightiest."

The round-faced man’s smile was gentle, his words deliberate.

Amid the dozens of eager gazes around him, he slowly revealed his own tiles.

One bore a red and two white pips; the other, two red and four white.

"Sss!"

The entire table seemed plunged into an ice cellar. The onlookers gasped in unison, their palms slick with sweat.

"Ding San paired with Er Si, Monkey King pair. Supreme Treasure."

At the sight of the round-faced man’s hand, the dealer’s face went slack as a drowned fish, his eyes bulging as he gasped for breath.

His body swayed violently, barely steadied by the table’s edge to keep from collapsing.

How could this be?

Including this round, he’d been bested twelve times in a row by this man, losing enough banknotes to rival a month’s profit for the entire den.

And this final hand—he’d swapped the man’s tiles himself. How could he have drawn the Supreme Treasure? Unless...

"You’ve cheated!"

A flash of insight struck the dealer. Though he couldn’t discern the method, he’d bite first.

Otherwise, how could he explain the losses to the boss?

Besides, what luck could be so relentless that even his cheating couldn’t overcome it?

This man must be a master of deception!

Crash! Clatter...

Footsteps erupted in chaos around the table. The round-faced man stood like a flood unleashed, no one daring approach within three feet, lest they be branded accomplices.

"A customer insulted at the gambling table, accused of cheating after losing—does Tiger Head He Cang Jia’s den treat guests this way?"

The round-faced man’s measured tone and unflappable demeanor only unnerved the snarling dealer.

"Judging by this stance, he’s no ordinary nobody. And he dared speak the boss’s name—have we truly hit a wall?"

The dealer’s mind raced, caught between a rock and a hard place.

Just as he faltered, a clear voice rang out.

"Sir, you’ve won this round. There’s no cheating, only a misunderstanding. But our staff was indeed rude. I apologize on behalf of the boss."

The round-faced man turned slightly, casting a sidelong glance at the young man behind him, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"Young man, by your words, you’re in charge here?"

Zhou You smiled modestly, bowing slightly. "Not in charge, merely acting in the boss’s absence."

"Then tell me—how do you propose to resolve this? A mere apology won’t restore my honor."

Zhou You’s smile remained unchanged. "What do you think is fair?"

"In a gambling house, money speaks loudest."

The round-faced man pointed at the dealer. "Since he’s falsely accused me of cheating, I demand two hundred thousand in compensation. Is that unreasonable?"

"Two hundred thousand per word? You might as well rob us!"

The dealer’s face flushed crimson, veins bulging at his temples. A sudden rage surged from nowhere, and he barked out curses.

The round-faced man chuckled, "Good, good. Add the word ‘rob’—that’s six hundred thousand now."

"You—"

Zhou You shot the dealer a cold glance, then turned to the round-faced man with a smile. "Words spoken in error deserve payment, but your demand is steep. Shall we discuss this elsewhere?"

The round-faced man surveyed the room, raising his voice. "This place suits me fine. Or do you prefer a secluded spot to employ some underhanded tactics?"

"We can talk here. Our den has never harbored anything shameful. I spoke only to safeguard your privacy."

Zhou You echoed the words loudly, then stepped forward two paces, leaning toward the round-faced man.

The young man’s smile was radiant, but his lowered voice carried a chilling edge.

"Think you’ve hypnotized the dealer into compliance? No one fails to see through your rigged game. You aim to win and extort? Your conduct is unseemly."

The round-faced man arched a brow. "Trying to intimidate me?"

"Whether you’re bluffing, you know best. I’m giving you face—best not push your luck, lest you end up trampled by a hundred feet and beyond use."

Could this brat truly have spotted something?

The round-faced man locked eyes with Zhou You, who met his gaze unflinchingly.

Those eyes held no trace of youthful vigor, only the weight of years.

Interesting.

After a pause, the round-faced man grinned. "But you’re right—why let these rabble watch my performance for free?"

"As you wish."

Zhou You turned to address the crowd. "Apologies, everyone. Today, this gentleman has won all our liquid assets. We’ll close temporarily. Tomorrow, we’ll have more cash to repay you. Please return then."

How could such a line fool these sharp-eyed gamblers? They’d already sensed the tension, and fled in a scramble.

In moments, the den was empty.

Zhou You’s smile vanished, his face grim.

He knew full well that regardless of today’s outcome, the den’s reputation would suffer.

Recalling this, he whirled around, fury blazing in his eyes.

"Speak—if you can’t produce an identity more formidable than our boss, you’ll die here today."

"Young, but fiery. I advise calm. Call He Cang Jia first."

The round-faced man remained unperturbed, smiling. "With hands like yours, you’re not fit to speak to me."