Wu Changshun's intention in allowing San Pang to learn the tricks of dice was clear: he didn't want to personally participate. If he failed, his reputation would be ruined, and he would face immense danger.
At his age, he should have been enjoying retirement, spending time with his grandchildren, and tending to his garden. However, his son and daughter-in-law had fallen on hard times in the past two years, losing over a million yuan in business ventures. With their finances in dire straits, he was forced to re-enter the fray.
On the morning of the seventeenth day of the first lunar month, after Yang Jian dropped San Pang off at Wu Changshun's house, he and Liu Chao went to the People's Hospital to visit Song Jianmin.
"Yang Jian."
Just as he reached the door of Song Jianmin's ward, Yang Jian heard someone call his name from behind. Turning around, he saw Wei Xia.
Wei Xia was wearing a white coat, and her entire demeanor was clean and elegant, like a blooming lily, giving one the feeling of a spring breeze.
"Dr. Wei, do you work here?"
Yang Jian was somewhat surprised. This was the surgical ward, where doctors typically performed operations, and the majority were male. Female doctors were a rarity.
Wei Xia smiled radiantly, "Yes, my specialty is surgery. I'm currently a resident physician in surgery. You're here to see Song Jianmin, aren't you?"
"Yes. So, Jianmin is your patient now?"
"I'm not his attending physician, but I'm familiar with his condition. It's very serious and will require a long time to recover."
As they spoke, the two entered the ward together. Song Jianmin's wife, Wang Qi, was peeling an apple and quickly stood up. She didn't recognize Yang Jian but knew Wei Xia.
"Hello, Dr. Wei."
Wang Qi assumed Wei Xia was making her rounds. Wei Xia had been very attentive to her husband's condition during this period. Although not his attending physician, she visited twice daily. Even Song Jianmin was unaware of the situation, certain he had never met Wei Xia before.
"Hello, sister-in-law. I'm Yang Jian."
Yang Jian took the initiative to greet her. He was a few months younger than Song Jianmin and knew his wife had been taking care of him here.
"Yang Jian, please sit down, sit down. Dr. Wei, you sit too."
Wang Qi had clearly heard her husband mention Yang Jian often and was exceptionally warm.
Wei Xia didn't sit but instead checked the patient's chart by the bedside.
"Jianmin, sister-in-law, Dr. Wei and I knew each other before. She was the first to arrive at the scene and provide you with initial treatment."
Song Jianmin realized with a start, "Thank you, Dr. Wei. Thank you for your concern and help during this time."
"You're welcome. You were the first patient I encountered after graduating and preparing for my career. Furthermore, Yang Jian is a good friend of my best friend. I simply did what I could and didn't help much. You all chat, I have to get back to work."
After speaking, Wei Xia left.
"Yang Jian, you're something else, knowing such a beautiful female doctor. I've been wondering these past few days. I thought, even though I'm handsome, I wouldn't be so attractive to such a beautiful doctor. Turns out, I'm benefiting from your connection."
Song Jianmin joked, enduring the pain in his body.
Yang Jian laughed, "Jianmin, you're really bold. You dare to have such thoughts in front of your wife. If you weren't bedridden, I suspect you'd be kneeling on a washboard."
Everyone in the ward burst into laughter.
"Yang Jian, laugh all you want, but I think this Dr. Wei has feelings for you. Seize the opportunity and win her over. You're not getting any younger; it's time to consider your personal life."
Song Jianmin suddenly turned serious.
"Forget it. Dr. Wei is a master's graduate from a medical university and a future expert in surgery at the People's Hospital. We country folk are from entirely different classes. Why would she be interested in me? I've never even dreamed of such a thing. Once I pay off my debts, I'll find a village girl and get married honestly. That's my destiny."
After being dumped by Chen Xiaoli, Yang Jian had become more rational in his relationships, perhaps even a little self-conscious.
"You have a point. To change one's social class, one can probably only rely on the next generation. Let's not talk about this. Yang Jian, my brother said he's going to Hancheng on the twentieth of December. You haven't changed your mind, have you?"
"No, I'll go with him. You'll likely only be able to go in the latter half of the year."
"It's okay. Even if I don't go, I'll still have a stake in the Emperor Company. As long as you're involved, we'll definitely make money. I have confidence in you."
Song Jianmin was completely relieved. In his heart, he believed that as long as Yang Jian was with the company, their luck wouldn't be worse than last year.
As they chatted, the morning passed. It wasn't until San Pang called that Yang Jian left the hospital.
After picking up San Pang, the three of them found a more secluded small restaurant for a meal. In the town center, Yang Jian had to remain vigilant against retaliation from Baoguo and his men.
"San Pang, how's your learning with Old Wu going?"
Yang Jian was very concerned about this. Having a skilled cheat by his side would be crucial for future casino ventures.
"Besides learning the 'steal the beam and replace the pillar' technique, everything else is quite simple. It's mostly about learning to recognize various cheating devices, how to spot them, and how to counter them."
San Pang spoke with ease, indicating he had made significant progress.
"So, are you confident enough to deal now?"
"I'm not quite confident yet. I still need to practice the 'steal the beam and replace the pillar' technique."
This answer disappointed Yang Jian slightly, so he didn't press the matter further. After all, cheating was a skillful art that couldn't be mastered in a day or two; it required time.
After the meal, the three arrived at Song Family Village, only to find Wu Changshun had arrived even earlier. He had ridden a scooter, likely taking a back road.
Wu Changshun called Yang Jian aside, "Xiao Yang, come here, I need to talk to you."
"What is it?"
"Xiao Yang, San Pang has a great talent for dice. It shows he put in a lot of effort when he was learning from Maozi before. He's only practiced with me for over two hours, and he's basically mastered the 'steal the beam and replace the pillar' technique. Most importantly, his plump hands have a unique advantage. Even I find it difficult to detect when he hides a few dice."
"What! This kid San Pang actually lied to me, saying he hadn't learned the 'steal the beam and replace the pillar' technique. I'll give him a scolding later. By the way, Old Wu, can he deal today?"
"Based on the technique he's mastered, it should be fine. The question is about his psychological fortitude, which is quite critical. After all, changing dice right under the eyes of dozens or hundreds of people requires considerable composure. If he gets timid, he'll make mistakes, and the consequences will be uncontrollable."
Yang Jian smiled, "Don't worry about his psychological aspect. He's been trained by me in Xichuan for a long time. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to win so much money in such a short period."
"If that's the case, then let him deal today. I'll observe his performance first. If he falters, I'll replace him before the gambling session ends."
Wu Changshun was eager for San Pang to deal and take charge, so he wouldn't have to face the danger himself. The older he got, the more he feared death. The painful experience of losing a finger back then was something he would never forget and never wanted to repeat.