Chapter 15: If You Can't Handle the Game, Don't Play

The expressions on everyone’s faces were a spectacle to behold. Apart from the shock and terror etched upon Liu Qing and President Du, Little Snow was already so frightened she covered her mouth, almost screaming out loud. Sister Rose’s beautiful eyes rippled with surprise as well.

Ling Xiao, who appeared to be nothing more than a mere youth, possessed a strength that stood above all, utterly shattering everyone’s understanding of the world.

Yet Ling Xiao’s face showed no trace of pride, only a cold indifference as he spoke, “Get up, it’s not your fault.”

At his words, Black Rose finally breathed a sigh of relief. Had Ling Xiao chosen to hold her responsible, her life would have been forfeit.

Once she had risen, Liu Qing and President Du dropped to their knees without a word and kowtowed.

“Please spare us, sir! We were blind to your true nature. We beg your forgiveness!”

Ling Xiao glanced at them lightly, his gaze lingering on President Du.

“I gave you two chances. One to live, and one for a whole corpse. You failed to seize either.”

President Du shuddered, his face ashen and waxen.

“Sir, I was wrong—so terribly wrong! Please, I beg you, spare me!”

Ling Xiao no longer spared him a glance. “Take him out. Chop him up and feed him to the dogs.”

President Du quaked with terror, wetting himself in fright.

“Sir, please—have mercy! I was wrong! Spare me, I beg you!”

Black Rose barked sharply at the people behind her. “Didn’t you hear the young master’s order? Take him away! Chop him up and feed him to the dogs!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

A group surged forward, seizing President Du by the arms and dragging him out.

“Sir—spare me! Please—!”

President Du’s cries faded into the distance.

Ling Xiao’s eyes fell once more on Liu Qing. Liu Qing shivered, hastily kowtowing.

“Sir, I was blind for a moment and shouldn’t have offended you. Please, spare me!”

Ling Xiao walked out with his hands clasped behind his back.

“If you wish to survive in this world, learn the rules. In your next life, remember: Never be too snobbish.”

Despair washed over Liu Qing. He collapsed to the ground, unable to utter a single word.

As Ling Xiao passed, everyone stepped aside, lining the corridor to make way for him.

Not a single soul dared stand in his path. Ling Xiao, like a sovereign ruler, strolled leisurely down the hall and out of sight.

Sister Rose cast a glance at Liu Qing and let out a deep sigh.

“Liu Qing, do it yourself. I won’t trouble your family. And from now on, everyone must remember: If you want to keep your place with Black Rose, abide by the rules—no showing off. Crossing the line will not be tolerated!”

With that, she hurried after Ling Xiao.

“Young master, about what just happened—”

“I know right from wrong. This wasn’t your fault.”

“To have your understanding is my honor. I’ve prepared fresh water and the best attendants for your bath and change of clothes on the top floor.”

Ling Xiao nodded and ascended to the top floor.

It was the very essence of Black Rose’s domain, the most luxurious corner of the establishment.

Upon his arrival, a pair of twin sisters attended to his bath and change of clothes. Dressed in a fine silk robe, Ling Xiao, led by Black Rose, made his way to the fourth-floor casino.

This was the most profitable venture, always bustling with customers.

“Young master, in the past two years, my casino has done quite well. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s just a single floor—each year, it nets me at least a billion. It’s the most lucrative of all my businesses!”

Beside them, Ming Cheng couldn’t help but roll his eyes.

“A billion is nothing—hardly enough for my young master’s pocket money.”

Black Rose gave a wry smile. “My small business cannot compare to the young master’s. I’ve prepared half a billion in chips for you. Win, and it’s all yours; lose, and I’ll cover your losses.”

“You’re thoughtful.”

“It’s only right to serve the young master.”

As she finished speaking, they entered the casino.

Many within recognized Black Rose, and seeing her follow behind a young man, they couldn’t help but feel surprised, each secretly guessing at Ling Xiao’s identity.

Ling Xiao sat at a table, played a few rounds, and won a fair sum. He didn’t employ any tricks, but his luck was extraordinary—he won every hand.

He knew in his heart that Black Rose was deliberately letting him win to lift his spirits, so he said nothing.

After a short while, a beautiful waitress approached Black Rose, whispering a few words in her ear. Black Rose’s brow furrowed as she leaned in to speak softly to Ling Xiao.

“Young master, please continue. I have a small matter to attend to.”

Ling Xiao waved his hand. “Go on, take care of it.”

“Thank you, young master.”

With that, Black Rose departed quickly, the waitress close behind.

Ming Cheng glanced over, grinning. “Looks like something interesting is about to happen!”

Black Rose strode to a corner table, where a young man sat, beaming with delight.

“Come on! Deal me in again! Tonight, I’m turning my luck around—I’m going to win all of Black Rose’s money! Hahaha!”

Dozens of gamblers had already gathered around the table, crowding so tightly there was barely room to move.

“Man, this kid’s incredible! Every hand’s a winning hand—almost supernatural!”

“Could he be cheating?”

“This is Black Rose’s place—he wouldn’t dare. Besides, the dealer is one of her own, and he hasn’t touched the cards once. There’s no way he could cheat!”

“Good heavens, is there really someone this lucky in the world?”

Just then, someone shouted, “Black Rose is here!”

At the sound, the crowd parted, making way for her.

“Wow, even Black Rose herself has come—this kid must really be something!”

Black Rose walked straight to the young man’s side and sat on the edge of the table, her long legs revealed by the slit of her cheongsam, drawing every eye.

“Well, well—who would’ve thought the famous Black Rose herself would show up? I must be quite the VIP tonight,” the young man said smugly.

Ordinarily, anyone so bold would have been dealt with by Black Rose long ago, but tonight, this young man was different. She dared not act rashly.

“Young sir, your card skills are impressive. In just two hours, you’ve won two hundred million from me. May I have your name?”

The young man smiled. “No need for formalities. My surname is Qin, given name Lang.”

“So it’s President Qin. I haven’t seen you before. Meeting you today is quite an eye-opener. I’ve opened two bottles of Romanée-Conti on the fifth floor—might I invite you up for a drink?”

Qin Lang narrowed his eyes and replied with a faint smile, “That won’t do. With luck like mine tonight, I have to play all night and win big—how could I leave so soon?”

Black Rose’s eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing within.

“President Qin, have a drink and rest for a moment. It won’t delay your play.”

Qin Lang chuckled. “Rose, are you… afraid of losing? Why not say so? If you can’t stand the heat, don’t play at all!”