Chapter 067: An Interesting Soul

In Las Vegas, the famed city of chance, it seemed almost a crime not to try one’s luck—was any journey truly complete without it?

Though Li Lekang was not particularly fond of gambling, winning would be easy for him. Yet there was no necessity, for his identity was far too sensitive—a magician! In a sense, that made him little better than a card sharp, master of sleight of hand. While he wielded magic and no one could ever catch him in the act, casinos could easily blacklist him, barring him from their premises. Winning millions was simply unrealistic; the casino would politely interrupt, invite him to stay in a luxurious suite, cover his indulgences, and then urge him never to set foot on the gaming floor again.

Still, Sophia’s eager suggestion stirred his interest. The thrill of gambling was secondary; bringing a woman into a world of glitz and debauchery was far better than ending the evening with dinner and bidding each other a dry farewell. That sort of iron-willed, matter-of-fact dating belonged to Li Lekang’s past. He now sensed Sophia’s anticipation for the evening—she did not wish for it to end prematurely.

With a flourish, he declared, “Be my Bond girl. Let’s take on the casino together!”

Sophia instantly warmed to the role, gleefully linking her arm with his as they set off. “We need disguises. Professionalism!” she added.

“Absolutely,” he agreed.

The parade of luxury boutiques along the way provided ample choices: sunglasses, hats, sparkling jewelry, and a fur draped across Sophia’s shoulders—a look that was simply flawless.

He teased, “Just by holding onto my arm, you won’t need to say a word. Everyone will know I’m a nouveau riche tycoon.”

His words made her laugh.

Sophia’s temperament was delightful: “That just proves our outfits are spot-on. Classic tycoon with his secret lover—how amusing!”

Since both were public figures, Li Lekang chose the VIP lounge. It was quieter, more private; their glittering, fur-clad presence attracted little attention. Las Vegas was a city of contrasts—a place where strange sorts mingled freely, where country cowboys and city men in suits could share a laugh, caring little for culture or sophistication, only for the value of their hands.

Sophia clearly enjoyed slipping into her new persona. She walked with a graceful feline stride, peering through her shades at the bustling splendor around her. Her neck remained rigid, her posture regal, as she tried her best to embody the pride of a queen.

Gone was the witty, playful beauty he’d known; now she swayed her shapely hips and sat with him at a blackjack table.

Li Lekang warned her in advance, “If things get tense, I might resort to magic.”

She sensed the unknown danger—and it thrilled her, a mix of fear and fascination. That was the reason so many housewives were tempted away; the monotony of daily life needed excitement to spice it up.

She clung tightly to his arm, her heartbeat quickening.

Li Lekang pulled several rolls of cash from his bag and exchanged them for chips. He played the part of the wealthy playboy to perfection; Sophia struggled to stifle her laughter, raising her hand to request two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter.

“To my darling!” she toasted, thoroughly in character.

Li Lekang grinned as he collected the chips. This was all for fun, after all. He held them in his palm and offered them to her: “Blow on them and bring me luck.”

She blew gently on his palm.

With a laugh, he placed the chips on the table.

The dealer dealt the cards—Li Lekang had a modest seventeen, but the house busted, and he won!

“Wow—you really are my lucky goddess!” he exclaimed, clinking glasses with her. “Tell me, how much should I bet next round?”

“I’m actually a cautious woman. I’d keep my winnings and risk only the original stake,” she replied.

“Isn’t that the same thing?” he chuckled. “You’re adorable.”

She threw her head back in laughter.

She was simply not suited for the cold queen role—heaven had gifted her with a sexy, wide smile, and not using it would be a waste.

Between banter and laughter, they won again.

They cheered, high-fived.

Winning a little money made them giddy like fools.

Li Lekang hadn’t used any tricks—perhaps luck was on their side. They won some cash, though for Sophia, whose annual income ran in the tens of millions, it was a trivial amount.

Yet the thrill of the scene and their roles was exhilarating!

They drank deeply, champagne flowing, hands clasped in celebration. Li Lekang found her vibrant red lips irresistible and couldn’t help but steal a quick kiss.

“My lucky goddess, tell me what to bet next?” he asked, caught up in the excitement.

That light kiss deepened the intimacy between them; Sophia’s smile remained, but behind her glasses, she observed this spirited young man with interest.

In the entertainment world, there was no stigma about older women and younger men. If you like someone, you pursue them—milfs had their own market, and what did it matter what others thought?

“I think we should quit while we’re ahead,” Sophia advised wisely.

“Perhaps you’re right,” Li Lekang replied, weighing the small stack of chips before him. “Maybe something even more exciting awaits us!”

His exaggerated tone made Sophia laugh; she tapped his finger. “So, where to next?”

He pondered for a moment. “Ordinary things no longer pique your interest, I believe.”

“Well, I’m not a young girl anymore,” she sighed, resting her chin and suddenly growing contemplative.

“But!” Li Lekang insisted, “That doesn’t stop her from becoming more graceful and enchanting, like fine wine. Come—let’s go to a strip club!”

“Wow!” she cheered, raising her hand. “Hey—you said a strip club?”

Her reaction made him laugh. “Do you always cheer first, then think?”

She rolled her eyes playfully, then said, “I think… it’s a great idea. Maybe I should try the sinful side of Vegas! Yay!”

In truth, Li Lekang wasn’t sure what possessed him—taking a woman to a strip show? How much had he had to drink to come up with that idea?

But she agreed, and her personality was truly intriguing.

After tossing some chips to the dealer as a tip, Li Lekang led her away, chatting and laughing.

In Las Vegas, such clubs and shows were commonplace. The famed “Belle Topless Show” was a must-see for all ages—there was nothing unusual about it.

Still, Li Lekang was careful, arranging for bodyguards to accompany them. Being celebrities, they had to be mindful of being recognized or encountering trouble.

Sophia listened as he made arrangements over the phone, her appreciation for his attention to detail growing. Though playful, he was not careless—his actions reassured her.

Soon enough, John and Doug arrived together, a pair of burly, bald men driving an Escalade, providing a solid sense of security wherever they went.

The valet brought out his Maserati. Li Lekang stepped forward to open the car door for Sophia, only to see her still holding the casino’s champagne glass. He couldn’t help but laugh, “Look at this! We’ve scored an extra glass tonight, darling!”

She threw her head back in wild laughter.

“I didn’t even realize! I just kept holding it and no one stopped me. I thought to myself, ‘I’m the queen—who dares block my way?’ So I just walked out! Oh!”

“Maybe they thought you really were,” Li Lekang said, closing the door for her, then waved to the bodyguards and the man in the white suit further off.

No one spoke up, and for good reason.