Chapter Fifty-Four: Five Million, No Deal—Three Million?

Red Sister’s eyes lost their usual complexity the moment I exposed her. Instead, they became hollow. The next instant, she sneered at me, “There’s no love or hate without reason in this world. You’re young, you don’t understand!”

I merely returned her words with a cold laugh. Right now, I cared nothing for anyone standing before me. Red Sister noticed my disdain and her gaze grew icy. “I’m no fool. Five million—I won’t pay that! If you want to sell, then sell!”

Seeing her rejection, a sudden sense of relief washed over me. As expected, everyone here is a villain. I can’t be picky; I must take them all on. Yet, among them, there is only one person I truly care about. He is the key to winning this round of stone gambling. As for Chen Old Leopard, High Virtue, Red Sister, and Su Li—they are nothing more than bets in my game.

I drew a deep breath and looked firmly at Chen Old Leopard. “Sir Chen, I know three million might seem steep, but this isn’t just a matter of priority. You’ve seen for yourself—my judgment isn’t poor, luck just wasn’t with me this time. If you trust me, these three million will absolutely be worth it. Furthermore, for every ten million I win from now on, I’ll give you a three percent commission. How about that?”

Chen Old Leopard hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. At that moment, Red Sister suddenly interjected, “Wang Hu, enough. I’ll pay five million for that priority spot.”

I was startled—Red Sister was actually willing to pay five million? Hadn’t she always wanted to see me lose? What scheme was she plotting? Yet, just as she was about to agree to my offer, Chen Old Leopard raised a hand to block her. “Hey, Red Sister, you can’t just say that. He already offered me three million, and quoted you as well, which you refused. Why change your mind now? Women may change their faces like flipping a book, but this is a stone gambling event—don’t let outsiders laugh at us!”

Red Sister looked at Chen Old Leopard with cold indifference. “Old Leopard, can’t you just see it as me bargaining?”

Chen Old Leopard shook his head.

Red Sister turned to me. “Well? Five million, I’m willing to pay. Hand it over.”

I replied, detached and calm, “Sorry, Red Sister. As Sir Chen said, you refused at first. Even if you offer five million now, it’s too late.”

Red Sister’s expression shifted upon hearing this. She looked at me as though I were a stranger. “You’re playing me?”

“Red Sister, you once taught me that in the underworld, loyalty matters. You already refused, and I’ve given my word to someone else. Even if he’s offering two million less, I feel I still owe it to him.”

With that, I no longer cared for Red Sister’s reaction. I beckoned to Chen Old Leopard, “Sir Chen, come over. The first spot is yours!”

But just as I finished speaking—

“Wang Hu, wait. That spot isn’t yours alone… Did I agree?” The voice belonged to Su Li.

Su Li’s words stunned me. She was right—the spot I stood on was hers as well; we shared a single quota. I turned to face her, her gaze full of accusation and displeasure. “Wang Hu, you decided to sell without consulting me, and you’re passing up a high price for a lower one. Are you a fool?”

I was struck—she was right; I hadn’t considered this. I spoke slowly, “Su Li, you’re too late. It’s already done…”

Su Li stared coldly at me. “Fine, I won’t force you. But the next round—those twenty stones must be chosen by me!”

Her words made my whole body tense. What hidden cards did Su Li have to dare play so big? I had just scraped together three million for this raise. With her limited skill, if she picked twenty stones and only three were average and one exceptional, I would lose all my capital!

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm and think of a solution. Su Li’s gaze remained icy—clearly determined to gamble big in this round. But I couldn’t let her wreck my plans so easily.

“Su Li, you know how important this stone gambling round is,” I lowered my voice, keeping it as even as possible. “We can’t take that risk.”

Su Li snorted, adamant, “Wang Hu, don’t forget—we’re partners this time. You can’t make decisions alone. Either you agree to five million and give the spot to Red Sister, or I take full control of the next round. Otherwise… no one gets to keep playing!”

Her words pierced me like a blade. I knew she was right. We were partners, and if either of us withdrew, we’d break the rules and lose everything we’d gained.

I couldn’t act alone. But I also couldn’t let her seize control so easily.

“Fine,” I finally relented, “You can pick the twenty stones in the next round, but on one condition.”

Su Li raised her eyebrows, surprised by my compromise. “What condition?”

“We pick them together. Every stone must have my approval and commentary.”

Su Li considered for a moment, then nodded. “Alright, as you wish.”

I breathed a sigh of relief, though the tension within me hadn’t fully eased. From here on, I’d have to stay alert, making sure every stone was carefully vetted—no mistakes allowed.

“Alright, Sir Chen, the first spot is still yours.”

I turned to Chen Old Leopard.

Red Sister’s look grew even colder.

Chen Old Leopard nodded, clearly uninterested in the quarrel between Su Li and me. He stepped forward and took the first spot.

This was the last stone in this round of ten.

Chen Old Leopard approached the small train without hesitation and pressed the start button.

The train clattered into motion, drawing everyone’s gaze to the stone about to be revealed. The air was tense with anticipation, as if time had paused for this moment. Chen Old Leopard’s face remained calm, though a hint of nervousness flickered in his eyes.

With a click, the train stopped and the stone settled firmly in place. Chen Old Leopard took a deep breath, then slowly reached out to lift the cloth covering the stone. He turned to the staff. “This one—open it.”

The staff carefully took the raw stone, prompting Chen Old Leopard for a price. He thought for a moment and named it. “Three million.”

The staff nodded, placed the stone in a sealed box, and began cutting it. The sound of the cutter was especially harsh in the silent hall, and all eyes focused on the stone. As the blade advanced, the surface was gradually shaved away, revealing what lay beneath.