Chapter 1533 - 1519: Winning Money

"How could that be, it's a pleasure to learn from you." Lai Xiaole laughed heartily, pushing the chips to his side, then said to Yan Susu, "Please deal the cards!"

"Okay, please wait a moment." Yan Susu shredded the used cards with a machine, and then took out a new deck. After Lai Xiaole and Yite both checked the cards without issue, she opened them, shuffled, and began dealing.

Having observed the previous games,

Yite was somewhat apprehensive of Lai Xiaole, making him act very cautiously in the following rounds.

If he sensed that the situation wasn't in his favor, he'd withdraw, which was different from the style of the previous players, Glo and Park Ji.

This didn't surprise Lai Xiaole; everyone's style is different, as is their gambling approach, so in this situation, the only option is to calmly face the challenge.

Thus, after playing several rounds with Yite, their chips surprisingly remained unchanged.

On the gambling table, you can't always win, but as long as the winning probability is a bit higher, you're considered a gambler. This is something Lai Xiaole slowly realized through the ongoing games with Yite.

When it was time for lunch, Lai Xiaole and Yite shook hands in a truce.

The two were constantly in battle, with neither yielding to the other.

Their defenses were extremely tight.

"Alright, I'm hungry and want to eat. If you're interested, we can continue in the afternoon." After finishing the last game of the morning, Lai Xiaole said to the others present.

"Of course, I need to avenge myself. By the afternoon, my account will have even more money, and by then, you'll be in trouble." Glo harbored grudges, so before leaving, he declared war to Lai Xiaole.

"You're welcome to try." Lai Xiaole replied with a smile.

As they were leaving, Glo glanced at Yan Susu with a blatant threat.

This, Lai Xiaole saw clearly, causing him to feel a surge of irritation; how dare Glo touch his girl?

Lai Xiaole considered talking to Jones to transfer Yan Susu, to prevent her from working in such a dangerous place.

He was also angry; why did Yan Susu insist on taking such a risky job, not realizing that if gamblers became agitated, conflicts could arise, putting her as a croupier in direct danger?

"Miss Yan, please wait a moment." After Glo and his group left the room, Lai Xiaole remained seated, counting his chips while storing them in a casino-provided box for safekeeping to avoid inconvenience.

"Oh, Mr. Lai, what do you need?" Yan Susu had a favorable impression of Lai Xiaole for getting her out of harm's way moments ago. Although his current appearance felt unfamiliar, she still held a liking for him, realizing the truth in the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

The man before her appeared fiercer than Glo, yet had a kind heart, making her quite skeptical.

"Yan Susu, listen carefully, do you know who I am?" Lai Xiaole changed his voice back.

"Ah, you're Lai Xiaole?" Yan Susu was extremely surprised upon hearing his voice, but given his new appearance, she hesitated to acknowledge him.

"Yes, my appearance has been altered, so you couldn't recognize me." Lai Xiaole explained to her.

"Oh, that's why, how did you end up here?" Yan Susu was stunned, feeling embarrassed for working here and almost being harassed. If not for Lai Xiaole, escaping Glo's clutches would've been difficult today.

"Hmm, we can discuss that later. But why are you here?" With a stern face, Lai Xiaole questioned Yan Susu.

"Uh, well, I wanted to live independently and experience a different life. It would be beneficial for the future. I saw the hotel was hiring croupiers, so I applied and surprisingly got the job, earning five hundred US dollars for three hours of work!" Yan Susu exclaimed with excitement.

"Hmm, did you forget what I told you earlier? Focus on your studies here, don't worry about anything else, I'll cover all your expenses." Lai Xiaole felt frustrated; it was her choice to come here willingly, not forced by others.

This situation truly angered Lai Xiaole.

"Well, I just don't want to rely on anyone. I'm an independent woman; I used to work in China, now I work here in the United States. What's wrong with earning money through my labor?" Yan Susu, seeing Lai Xiaole's anger, nervously defended herself.

"Alright, let's drop this topic. Do you still have anything to do during your work time?" Lai Xiaole contemplated taking Yan Susu to find Chen Ting, Ye Ling, and Mark, but realizing she was working, he chose to ask first.

"I just need to sign to end my shift," Yan Susu smiled.

"Okay, I'll join you," said Lai Xiaole.

"No need, our work area doesn't allow unauthorized people. Otherwise, I'll get penalized." She wrinkled her nose, rejecting Lai Xiaole's proposal.

"Fine, meet me at the restaurant later. Give me your phone." Lai Xiaole intended to save his number on her phone.

"Sorry, we're not allowed to carry phones during work; you can write it on paper." Yan Susu handed him paper and a pen.

"Such a hassle," Lai Xiaole muttered, jotting his number quickly and handing it to her, then they parted ways at the doorway.

Reaching the first floor, Lai Xiaole noticed many people were still around; even during meal times, those immersed in gambling don't sense hunger. Once addicted, nothing can stop them.

"Wow, bet big!"

"Okay, I trust you."

Lai Xiaole tuned his ears, quickly catching the sounds of Ye Ling and Chen Ting.

The cold, detached voice was Chen Ting's, while the softer one belonged to Ye Ling.

Picking up on these voices, Lai Xiaole smiled knowingly, figuring Chen Ting was caught up in the gambling buzz and wanted to try her luck too.

"Oh, you're amazing, you guessed right." Ye Ling's voice rang again.

"How much did you win?" Lai Xiaole suddenly appeared beside the two women, receiving a nod from Mark to acknowledge his presence, as conversing amidst the noise was inconvenient.

"Lai, you're here? We didn't win much, just around a million." Chen Ting informed Lai Xiaole.

"Lai Xiaole, gambling is so thrilling! Coming with you was the right choice." Ye Ling gathered her winnings and joined him.

"Hmm, it seems you've won quite a bit; good for you. But don't you feel hungry?" Noticing their spirited faces without a hint of hunger, Lai Xiaole couldn't help but sweat. When obsessed with something, people can indeed ignore hunger.

...

Shanghai, a certain hospital.

Tang Yumeng went out early to buy breakfast. After eating with Blue Fox, they noticed Zhou Rui's aunt had awakened.

Zhou Rui's death devastated the elder woman, aging her overnight. Her hair turned white in a day.

Watching the elderly woman, Tang Yumeng felt sorrow overwhelm him, not only for her but with emotions he couldn't quite express.

Blue Fox's mood wasn't any better, having reported to Silver Fox on the phone last night about the events at hand.

Silver Fox gave strict orders to protect the child and Tang Yumeng, promising to fly from the United States to Shanghai immediately.

According to doctors, the child's condition slightly improved, which eased Tang Yumeng's mind. Seeing Zhou Rui's aunt awake, he gently said, "Auntie, please rest well…"

Before he finished, the elder woman burst into tears, extending her trembling hands, "Secretary Tang, thank you. Ah, I fear Zhou Rui's funeral arrangements will also fall on you."

Tang Yumeng replied, "Auntie, please, there's no need to be so formal. Zhou Rui was the president of Suzhou University, both officially and personally, I will ensure her affairs are handled well."