Chapter Sixty-Five: When I leave later, I'll take the money and be gone!

Lu Yier looked at me with a hint of surprise when he heard my request, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded in agreement, “Alright, a fifteen-minute break.”
He promptly announced the temporary pause.
This was a recorded rule; if each of us four applied, we would all be entitled to fifteen minutes of rest!
“Please proceed to the lounge, all four of you!”
Inside the venue, the gamblers began to murmur among themselves—some quietly discussing my move, others speculating about my next plan.
After all, in the world of jade gambling, fortune and timing are everything.
I had just won a huge sum; logically, I should strike while the iron was hot and keep betting. Yet I chose to rest at this moment, leaving everyone puzzled.
I moved to the side, and Hu San followed immediately, handing me a bottle of water.
He lowered his voice, “Boss Tiger, let’s quit while we’re ahead. At least we won’t lose, and we’ll pocket some profit!”
I smiled faintly, a cunning glint in my eyes. “Hu San, don’t you think it’s too easy for Su Li if I leave now?”
Hu San paused, then understood what I meant and nodded, “You want her to lose a little too?”
“Exactly,” I said coldly, “She owes me—not just money, but dignity. I’ll make her realize there’s a price for using me.”
Hu San thought for a moment, then smiled, “Alright, I’m with you. But you need to watch out for Gao Youde—he won’t let you off easily.”
I nodded; I already had my calculations.
Gao Youde was crafty, but I wasn’t to be underestimated either.
Against these schemers, as long as I relied on my skill, I could crush them!
After all, more than a hundred stones remained; every quality stone was an opportunity for me.
This game wasn’t merely about jade—it was a contest of wits.
I had to tread carefully to come out unscathed.

I took the water Hu San handed me and entered the lounge with the others.
Inside, we sat on four single armchairs facing the table, which held some snacks and fruit, though none of us had any appetite.
Gao Youde’s cold gaze locked onto me, “Kid, impressive—you turned the tables in one go. I really misjudged you.”
I ignored Gao Youde and turned instead to Old Leopard Chen, calling over a staff member and whispering a few words.
The staff soon left.
Shortly afterward, the staff returned, carrying a tray of redwood with a million in cash and placed it before me.
I looked at Old Leopard Chen, “Old Chen, as promised—if I win and reach ten million, you get a three percent commission. Here’s one million!”
Chen hadn’t yet replied when Su Li suddenly said coldly, “Wang Hu, are you being generous with someone else’s money? Of your six million, half belongs to me. How can you just hand out money without asking?”
I scoffed at her words, “This million comes solely from my share; yours remains untouched.”
With that, I pushed the money to Old Leopard Chen.
He looked at me thoughtfully.
A rare smile appeared on his face. He took one bill and returned the rest, saying, “There’s more to come; we’ll settle it all at the end.”
I nodded, my view of Old Leopard Chen’s attitude shifting.
This old fox clearly sensed the unusual nature of the game and chose, for now, to stand with me.
Gao Youde, seeing this, sneered, “Old Leopard Chen, what’s that supposed to mean? Are you siding with Wang Hu now?”
Old Leopard Chen replied unhurriedly, “Gao Youde, the game isn’t over—why the rush? I’m just taking what’s mine; the rest will be settled at the end.”
Gao Youde’s face grew even darker, clearly not expecting such a response.
He glared at me, gritting his teeth.

Su Li sneered, “Wang Hu, so you’re stopping the game for a break just to show us your little performance?”
I looked at her and asked in a low voice, “What did you expect, then?”
Su Li laughed coldly, “Let me tell you, I’ve made enough—I’m done playing!”
“When we get out, I’m taking the money and leaving!”
Lu Yier, standing nearby, spoke up after hearing Su Li, “You two are a team. If one leaves, both must leave; if one stays, both stay.”
Su Li was so furious at the rule that she nearly exploded. She jumped up, pointing at Lu Yier, and shouted angrily, “What do you mean? Why must we advance and retreat together? What kind of rule is that?”
Lu Yier glanced at Su Li calmly and explained, “It’s the casino regulation. Since you’re partners, you must act together during the game. Otherwise, fairness is lost.”
Su Li’s face turned uglier; she shot me a vicious glare as if blaming me for dragging her into this. But I remained unmoved, calmly meeting her gaze.
“Su Li, if you really want to quit, let’s do it together,” I said, my tone edged with challenge. “But not now—I haven’t had enough fun yet.”
Su Li bit her lip, obviously unwilling to be dragged down by me.
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm, then turned to me, “Fine. If you want to play, I’ll play along. But don’t forget—we have equal rights. If you want me to open, I’ll open; if you don’t, I can choose to open anyway. If you want to drag me down, we’ll go down together!”
Red Sister, hearing our argument, interjected, “Wang Hu, maybe you should let her quit. Her presence only creates trouble for you.”
Su Li was indeed a nuisance, but if I left now, she would walk away with a fortune.
Seeing my hesitation, Su Li sneered, “See? Even Red Sister can tell. Why are you still insisting?”
I took a deep breath, steadied myself, and turned to Su Li, “If you really want to leave, then go. But the money stays!” I finished and turned to Lu Yier, “She wants to quit; I won’t stop her. The rules specify details—she can go without the money, right?”
Lu Yier was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting me to yield so easily, but quickly regained composure and nodded, “Very well. Su Li, you may leave. The rules only state that cheaters’ funds and actions are unified; in practice, you can leave the funds and exit by yourself.”
Su Li snorted coldly, suddenly stood up, pointed at me, and cursed, “Wang Hu, you bastard! You’re not giving me the money? Dream on!”