Chapter Thirty-Seven: An Unexpected Opponent

At that moment, the door to the room was pushed open once more.

Guided by Li Zhen, a middle-aged man of average build with a fierce countenance entered. He wore a black shirt adorned with floral patterns; the material was refined, yet paired with his pockmarked face, it lent him an even more intimidating appearance. The sides of his head were shaved clean, the hair at the front slicked back neatly with pomade, and his gaze was sharp, revealing a shrewdness.

As he walked in, my expression showed little change; I maintained a composed and unruffled demeanor. However, Hu San, standing behind me, straightened up involuntarily, a flicker of tension in his eyes.

This man was none other than the second name on the list—Gao De. Our rival, known as Brother De.

Gao De strode up to Old Leopard Chen, his smile gradually twisting into something almost sinister as he sized him up and laughed, “Old fellow, who would’ve thought? Here we are again!”

Old Leopard Chen merely nodded gently, the corners of his mouth lifting in a lukewarm smile. “Brother De, it’s been a while.” His tone was as calm as if greeting an old friend, betraying not the slightest trace of anxiety or unease despite the man’s notorious reputation.

Gao De’s eyes flashed with displeasure, though he masked it swiftly. He turned, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the room before finally settling on me. His eyes were sharp as blades, as if seeking to pierce through me.

I met his gaze with serenity, neither servile nor arrogant. In truth, I was cursing inwardly—this damned actor, staring at me like that, didn’t he fear arousing Chen’s suspicion?

Before my thoughts could settle, Gao De suddenly clapped me on the shoulder.

“Kid, you look unfamiliar. How old are you, and you’ve already climbed to second in command?”

I ignored him, feeling this man was overplaying his hand. I glanced at the beautiful waitress nearby and signaled for a glass of water.

Seeing I wouldn’t respond, Gao De idly tapped the table and remarked, “Wonder who the fourth will be!”

Just then, the door opened again.

A tall figure entered slowly. At first, I didn’t pay much attention, only sensing a powerful aura. She wore a black jacket, a small hat tilted on her head, lending her an air of mystery.

It wasn’t until she removed her hat and jacket that I recognized the familiar figure—it was Sister Hong!

Her sudden appearance left me utterly at a loss. I never imagined she would show up here!

Hu San behind me was visibly startled as well. From his eyes, I knew exactly what he wanted to ask: “Brother Hu, was Sister Hong’s arrival prearranged?”

I sighed inwardly—Hu San was still too inexperienced, always letting his thoughts show on his face. I shook my head lightly, signaling him to remain calm.

Sister Hong strode to the center of the room, her gaze sweeping across everyone before finally resting on Gao De.

“Brother De, it’s been a long time.” Her voice was cool, yet carried a subtle hint of amusement.

Gao De’s expression shifted slightly; he seemed unfazed by her arrival and laughed, “Sister Hong, what a rare guest! This gathering is getting more interesting. Apart from this young chap, the rest of us are old acquaintances!”

Sister Hong ignored his banter and turned to Chen, “Old Leopard Chen, your arrangements this time have caught me off guard.”

“The jade I bought from your stall is better with every piece. What, have you found new treasures down south?”

Old Leopard Chen maintained his indifferent smile. “Sister Hong, your presence is most welcome. Gambling on jade is a matter of luck—seven parts skill, three parts fate. If you’re making more, that’s your own ability. Don’t flatter me.”

Sister Hong smiled slyly, a cunning glimmer in her eyes. “Well, I’m just here to join the fun—not nearly as skilled as you veteran stone gamblers.”

Her words had barely faded when the atmosphere in the room tightened. Gao De’s brows furrowed, clearly dubious about her remark, while Chen remained composed.

There was just one table left.

No one knew who the final participant would be. All eyes turned toward the door, anticipation in the air. The sharp sound of high heels striking the tiled floor echoed through the room.

“The last one must be a beauty!” Brother De commented.

“But surely not as lovely as Hong,” he added, glancing at her. “Isn’t that right, Sister Hong?”

She ignored him.

The tension in the room was palpable, everyone’s attention fixed on the entrance, minds racing with guesses.

The door slowly opened, and a figure appeared in the doorway.

The sight made me gasp—it was Su Li, my cousin!

Today, Su Li wore a simple white suit, matching white high heels, her hair pinned up. She looked nothing like the troublesome girl she used to be; instead, she appeared sharp and elegant. Her long hair draped over her shoulders, a faint smile on her lips, her gaze calm yet piercing. Her arrival shattered the quiet, drawing every eye to her.

Of all possibilities, this was the one I least expected.

How could it be Su Li?

This girl, always a little rebel, no matter how cunning—she never showed any talent for gambling on jade.

Yet here she was, seated across from me in the last chair.

Her gaze swept the room, finally settling on me.

At that moment, I couldn’t deny my nerves.

Gao De was within my calculations.

Old Leopard Chen, naturally, was too.

But I never imagined Sister Hong would return.

Least of all, Su Li would appear.

Were they here to help me, or hinder me?

I couldn’t tell.

The situation felt increasingly out of control.

No one knew what would happen next.

A flicker of surprise crossed Gao De’s eyes, but he quickly regained composure. He glanced at me, then at Su Li, and smiled, “Looks like the jade gambling trade has new blood. What a surprise—a pretty girl joining the game.”

Su Li’s expression was cold, even as her gaze lingered on me, there was a hint of menace.

Hu San nudged me from behind, but I paid him no mind.

I looked intently at Sister Hong, who now seemed tired, resting her chin in her hand and narrowing her eyes.

She regarded me as if I were invisible.

I forced myself to remain calm. No matter what, I’d come this far.

There was nothing to do but keep moving forward.