After being caught red-handed, and failing to reach an agreement on the compensation amount, the three old foxes suddenly adopted a tough stance, which clearly indicated something was amiss.
As an outsider observing the situation, I could tell at a glance that these three were not simple. They likely had some real trump cards up their sleeves that they hadn't revealed yet.
However, I didn't dwell on the aftermath; it had nothing to do with me.
Zhang Chengxiang had invited me to catch the cheaters, and I had accomplished that. Naturally, I could extricate myself from the situation and make a graceful exit.
As for whether he could successfully extract compensation from those three old foxes, it was none of my concern.
He wanted money, and I... only wanted favors!
The gambling match six days later was the most crucial matter I needed to focus on.
Now that Zhang Chengxiang had personally acknowledged his debt to me, it was enough as long as he stood by me when I needed him later.
...
While I was lost in thought, Zhang Chengxiang had already furiously ordered his subordinates to confiscate the phones of the three old foxes.
I lost interest in watching further, as the subsequent proceedings were undoubtedly one of the most common and uninteresting routines in any casino.
Taking advantage of Zhang Chengxiang's attention being focused on the three old foxes, I got up and signaled Han Jinlun to leave.
Just as I reached the doorway...
"Thank you."
Suddenly, someone behind me patted my shoulder and thanked me.
Without even guessing, I knew it had to be Zhang Chengxiang.
Turning around, I saw that it was indeed him.
At that moment, Zhang Chengxiang's expression as he looked at me was quite complex and intriguing.
I figured that what Han Jinlun had said to him earlier was starting to take effect.
This was why Zhang Chengxiang appeared so uncomfortable when facing me now.
With this thought in mind, I looked at the visibly conflicted Zhang Chengxiang and said, "Brother, don't worry! You owe me a favor, and I'll make sure you repay it to me again very soon!"
"You... take care of yourself."
After saying that, I turned and left.
Some people always consider themselves superior, looking down on others, deeming certain professions as lowly, or even unnecessary.
They fail to realize that existence is reasonable, and every industry has its purpose.
Take sanitation workers, for instance. It is precisely because of their tireless efforts, working from dawn till dusk, that the streets and roads of our cities remain so clean and tidy.
Without these sanitation workers, the city would still function, but it would be significantly impacted.
On a smaller scale, trash cans would go unemptied, public restrooms would be unsanitary and reek of foul odors.
On a larger scale, all matters affecting the city's appearance and polluting the environment would no longer be maintained.
The same applies to cheaters.
Without us cheaters, the casinos and card rooms in every city would be unchecked, leading to an ever-increasing number of gamblers and addicts falling prey to their schemes!
This is because human greed is boundless.
Therefore, everyone, please avoid harboring prejudices against people in any profession, and never judge others with biased eyes...
...
The biting cold of deep winter was piercing, so cold that it was hard to find anyone on the streets and alleys.
I relished this extreme sense of tranquility that came with the late night, as the entire world before my eyes was serene.
"Drive, let's find a place for a late-night snack!"
As soon as I spoke, I bowed and got into the passenger seat, adjusted the seat slightly backward, and leaned back.
Seeing this, Han Jinlun immediately started the car, turned on the heater, and then stepped on the accelerator. The car rumbled and sped away.
The streets were no longer noisy and chaotic. The car drove on the wide road like an owl soaring through the night, flying freely.
Following the main road, we found a barbecue restaurant that was still open, and Han Jinlun immediately pulled over.
After getting out of the car, I picked up the menu without a word and ordered some barbecue. I also requested a bottle of yellow wine and began my warming, heart-warming late-night meal.
That night, I asked Han Jinlun many things about Zhang Chengxiang, and also discussed the gambling match scheduled for six days later.
I frankly told him that I felt uncertain about the upcoming gambling match and would face difficulties and troubles without anyone to rely on afterward. That was why I wanted to win over locals like Zhang Chengxiang, hoping they could be of use to me.
In fact, the troubles and difficulties I was currently facing stemmed from a single source.
That was the pressure from the Xiao family!
On the surface, Xiao Tianyu was moved by the talent I displayed and, out of appreciation, released Cheng Minglang and Zhu Wenjing without causing them trouble. Everything seemed calm and peaceful.
But in reality, there has never been a free lunch in this world!
The gambling match that Xiao Tianyu wanted me to participate in was essentially asking me to pledge my allegiance to him publicly and legitimately!
If I failed to do so, or if I decided to seek support from someone else instead...
The end of the gambling match would mark the beginning of my retaliation.
About an hour later.
After eating and drinking our fill, the sky had begun to gradually lighten, with the first hint of dawn appearing before sunrise.
As Han Jinlun drove us back to our accommodation, I noticed that many breakfast shops along the roadside had already opened for business.
When the normal world starts to see the light of day, it is often when people like us, the cheaters, prepare to lie low and hide.
The most accurate description of most people involved in society is: they are active at night and sleep during the day!
Do not envy our topsy-turvy lifestyle, because people like me are mostly engaged in shadowy, gray professions.
The wine of midnight is never as good as the porridge of early morning!
Upon returning to our lodging, fueled by alcohol, I forgot to even wash up and went straight to bed, collapsing onto it.
I don't know how long I slept. When I opened my eyes, I immediately felt a bit groggy and lacked energy.
After waking up, I habitually lit a cigarette to refresh myself. Amidst the swirling nicotine mist, I gradually began to regain clarity of body and mind.
Drinking too much late at night inevitably disrupts one's biological clock.
I took out my phone and saw that it was already past one o'clock in the afternoon.
After finishing my cigarette and getting dressed, just as I was about to go to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth, I suddenly heard Han Jinlun mumble, "Brother Xiang, I missed a call from Brother Zhang. He later sent a message."
"It said he's specifically hosting a banquet tonight to thank you and to apologize to you in person!"
Before I could respond, Han Jinlun added, "How about it, Brother Xiang? Aren't you surprised and happy?"
Upon hearing this, I turned around nonchalantly, looked at the excited Han Jinlun, and replied with a cold smile, "Tell him, I'm not going!"