Everyone harbored their own schemes. Selina Shi, looking striking and full of spirit, walked at the back with Evan Lin, both dressed in matching couple outfits that really made them stand out.
If Selina hadn’t been wearing a hat to hide her face a little, the effect would’ve been even more eye-catching.
Gavin Guan led the group inside. The décor here wasn’t exactly luxurious, but it had a bit of Western flair. In the main hall, a huge oil painting hung, showing crisscrossed bows and spears.
On a nearby table sat all sorts of odd and exotic items. Farther ahead, after pushing open a heavy wooden door, they entered a large hall filled with green gambling tables, one of which was neatly stacked with chips.
Right in front of them—it was clearly a casino.
Inside the casino, the place was buzzing. Men in suits slammed their hands on the tables, while glamorous female dealers stood behind them, flashing practiced smiles.
Every now and then you’d hear someone burst out laughing in excitement, but there were also guys with dull eyes and messy hair, stumbling away from the tables in total defeat.
“Bro, what does your family do? If you know Selina, your folks must have some connections, right?” Gavin pulled out a chair at an empty table, sat down, and smiled at Evan Lin.
The boys and girls with Gavin all sat down too. Hearing his question, they all turned to look at Evan.
The maids saw what was happening and quickly stepped up, placing cups of premium Tieguanyin tea by everyone’s hand.
“He’s probably some rich kid. Around Jinnan, I’ve heard of the Su family, the Mu family, or maybe the Lin family?” one boy said, smirking at Evan.
“No way he’s just some average rich kid. Otherwise, why would Kai Chen let you come along? Everyone knows Kai’s uncle is a big shot in the Jinnan Military District. He’s told us before—anyone who tries to chase after Selina, he’ll skin them alive!” another boy cut in, stressing the name Kai Chen.
He finished, then stared at Evan: “Am I right? So, come on, tell us—what kind of big shot are you, anyway? Let us see for ourselves.”
He sneered, expecting Evan’s expression to change, but Evan just picked up his tea, and without hesitation, splashed the scalding liquid straight into the guy’s face.
“Ah!”
The boy yelped as hot tea drenched him. He jumped up in a panic, grabbing his clothes to wipe his face, tea leaves stuck all over him.
“Are you freaking nuts?” he glared at Evan, furious.
Gavin Guan’s face darkened, his eyes locked on Evan. “What’s your problem, kid? You’re way too arrogant! If you weren’t Selina’s guest, you’d be dead a hundred times over by now!”
Everyone turned to Evan. Selina’s brow furrowed slightly, her body leaning forward as if to shield him.
“He asked me why. I gave him an answer—because I felt like it. You got a problem with that?” Evan lounged in his chair, looking at the crowd. Gavin and his crew couldn’t read Evan’s eyes behind his sunglasses, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
Hearing that answer, their faces all soured. Evan Lin’s refusal to play by the usual rules left them totally stumped.
“Also, don’t make a fuss when you get put in your place. If you can’t talk properly, just keep quiet—nobody’s treating you like you’re mute.” Evan’s voice was calm, his attitude fearless.
The people with Gavin Guan glared daggers, and even the girls were giving Evan some nasty looks now.
“Not bad, not bad! No wonder Selina’s into you—you’ve got guts!” Gavin said, his eyes steady.
One of the maids quickly brought over a towel and cleaned up the table.
“Since we’re all here to have fun, I won’t ask you any more awkward questions. How about this—since we’re in a casino, let’s just play a little.” Gavin snapped his fingers.
Soon, a beautiful female dealer came over, all smiles.
“Gambling?” Selina Shi frowned. “Is that really necessary?”
She knew exactly what kind of person Gavin Guan was. At the gambling table, there’s no such thing as fairness—win or lose, that’s all there is.
Evan might not lose in a fight, but with gambling, it’s nine cheats out of ten. Selina worried he’d get played.
“Hey, no need to say it like that. We’re just here to have fun, right? It’s not really gambling, just a way to get to know each other. It’s everyone’s first time meeting, after all.” Gavin grinned at Evan. “Of course, if you’re scared of losing, just admit it. I’m not unreasonable—just say you’re scared and we’ll move on. How’s that?”
“There’s plenty of games to play here, you know.”
Gavin Guan licked his lips.
He’d been holding back this whole time, just for this moment.
If he just had his crew beat Evan up in front of Selina, it might be satisfying, but it’d look pretty low-class.
But at the gambling table, it was different. If he could win every last cent off this kid, he’d strip him of all dignity.
Thinking of this, Gavin’s eyes flashed. “Of course, since we’re just here to play, it’ll be totally fair—no tricks, I promise.”
“So, you game or not?”
Gavin squinted at Evan, waiting for his answer.
“Hey, are you scared or what? Say something! Don’t be a turtle hiding in its shell!” a boy shouted.
“Probably scared, huh? If you are, just admit it—it’s not a big deal. Gavin’s been playing cards and dice since he was six, and he’s won millions in Macau before. He’s basically a gambling god. If you chicken out, nobody will blame you,” a girl teased, resting her chin in her hand as she watched Evan.
Selina was just about to help Evan refuse, but before she could, Evan looked at Gavin and said, “If you want to play with me, fine.”
Gavin’s face lit up when he heard that—he was totally confident in his gambling skills.
“But…”
Evan looked at Gavin, pausing for effect.
“But what?” Gavin felt something was off, but he wasn’t about to let this chance slip away.
“Since you’re the one begging me to play, you’d better show some respect. Stand up, bow to me, and say, ‘Thank you for giving me face.’ Then maybe I’ll reluctantly agree to join you.” Evan’s tone was calm as he tapped the table with a finger, then grinned and crossed his legs right in front of Gavin.