©WebNovelPub
Reborn Heiress: Seeking Revenge-Chapter 99 We’re Comparing Who’s More Profligate 2(2)_1
Chapter 99: Chapter 99 We’re Comparing Who’s More Profligate 2(2)_1
Shangguan Qing and Gui Luo both had somewhat solemn expressions. Although they had gambled in the past, the stakes had never exceeded one million. Now, every piece was priced at five million. If they won, great. But if they lost, spending five million on a pile of stones that wouldn’t even be worth that much if they were made of gold... Was this simply burning money?
And how would they explain it to Dad? Dad held the position of Provincial Party Secretary, and his words and actions in Beijing were highly scrutinized. They had played the prodigal sons before, but it had never damaged their core standing nor drawn unwanted attention. Now, if they agreed to gamble, it could truly undermine them, especially their reputation. If they lost, they would not only damage their father’s reputation but also incur a huge debt, resulting in the Shangguan Family losing face before the Yu Family.
But if they didn’t gamble, they wouldn’t have to burn five million as if it were paper; however, what they’d lose instead was the Shangguan Family’s reputation. And that punishment... Shangguan Qing shivered just thinking about it. In such a scenario, he wouldn’t just lose face; he’d lose everything of substance. He wouldn’t be able to hold his head high, and neither would Dad. So, no matter what, they simply could not afford to refuse the gamble and concede defeat.
"What’s wrong, Young Master Qing? Don’t tell me you’re afraid to gamble?" Yu Zijin said, looking at Shangguan Qing as he pondered. She couldn’t help but speak in a mocking tone, her words dripping with sarcasm.
Shangguan You was annoyed to see Yu Zijin acting so arrogant. It’s just five million, what’s the big deal? Brother Qing has serious considerations, but I don’t!
"Just a few stones. Does Miss Yu think the Shangguan Family can’t afford to gamble?" Shangguan You’s lips curved slightly as she chuckled at Yu Zijin. She then released Shangguan Qing’s arm and began to examine the blocks of stone nearby.
Shangguan You looked at the various stones before her, merely glancing over them without touching any. There were some tools beside the stones, but she didn’t use them either. From her demeanor, it was clear she was an absolute amateur.
"This girl is decisive! Since Young Master Qing has reservations, why don’t you pick a stone for him instead, Youyou? I believe Young Master Qing won’t object," Zhang Yuchen laughed heartily. He walked up to Shangguan You’s side, smiling as he watched the clear amateur examine each stone.
"You’re wrong this time, Brother Yuchen," Shangguan You said with a light smile. "It’s not that Brother Qing is hesitant. It’s just that this method of burning money is what prodigal sons normally do, and it doesn’t suit the genteel Brother Qing, who is destined to bring glory to the Shangguan Family. Such actions could tarnish his reputation if word got out, so it’s better if I do it. After all, I can represent the Shangguan Family too, right?" She then casually glanced at Yu Zijin.
"Youyou," Shangguan Qing exclaimed softly. How can this girl act so rashly? I’m not confident about this, let alone an amateur like her!
"Brother Qing, you said earlier that I’m in charge tonight. I can play however I wish, and you can’t go back on your word, okay?" Shangguan You playfully clung to Shangguan Qing’s arm, speaking in a somewhat coquettish manner. Her clear eyes blinked as she looked at him, and then she lowered her voice to a whisper.
"Brother Qing, rest assured, I will definitely win."
"Ah, silly girl, what do you, an amateur, know about stone gambling? Just stand quietly to the side and watch how Brother Qing beautifully wins this round." Shangguan Qing’s voice was gentle and filled with indulgence. He knew Shangguan You was trying to defuse the situation for him. But can she, an amateur, really do it?
Even though she sounded so certain, he was still worried.
"Brother Qing, don’t you remember? We agreed when we came here. Today, you just watch, and Youyou will win for you to see. Then, we can make matching bracelets for Auntie and a Guanyin statue for Grandma. How about that?"
"Girl, you sure talk a big game. In gambling, there are losses as well as wins. You need to be prepared not only for victory but also for defeat. If you lose, millions could just vanish into thin air," declared a middle-aged man with a protruding belly as he entered the room. This was none other than the stone-gambling tycoon, Gu Weixiong.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Gu Duoduo warmly greeted him.
"My luck has always been so good, it’s beyond words. I only win; I never lose. I don’t even know the meaning of the word ’lose,’ so we don’t need to consider such a hypothetical question! Brother Qing, Brother Luo, don’t you agree?" Shangguan You pouted, asking those around her. Her expression and tone were undeniably cute.
"Of course. Youyou is our lucky star. Let her handle this stone gamble," Shangguan Qing said, ruffling Shangguan You’s hair. He smiled lightly, his gentle eyes filled with trust. Whether it’s me or Youyou, one of us has to do it. I’m not confident anyway, so it’s better to let her try and learn a bit about stone gambling.
At worst, if we lose, I’ll take the punishment for her, he thought.
"Youyou, Brother Luo trusts you! My entire fortune is in your hands now!"
"Youyou, if you show even one-fifth of the ability you have during exams, we’re guaranteed to win tonight! And if you become a rich woman overnight, you’d better not abandon me," Gui Mo said, fluttering his peach-blossom eyes. He felt certain Youyou would astonish everyone that evening.
Shangguan You’s lips twitched fiercely. Those cursed peach-blossom eyes! What relationship do I even have with him for him to use a word like ’abandon’? At the same time, Shangguan Qing glared fiercely at Gui Mo. How dare he flirt with my girl? He’s asking for a beating!
"Heh, hear that, Brother Yuchen? I told you I was amazing, and you didn’t believe me," Shangguan You chuckled, facing Zhang Yuchen with a provocative expression.
"Girl, since that’s the case, pick one then," Yu Zifeng said, his phoenix eyes filled with excitement. Alright, I admit it, I’m really looking forward to the stakes of this bet! The anticipation made his heart beat faster.
Yu Zifeng elegantly moved next to Shangguan You, stepping aside to let her choose first. He considered himself quite the gentleman, especially in front of ladies.
Yu Zijin, on the other hand, had a sweet smile on her lips, but her eyes, as she watched Shangguan You, were filled with disdain. Brother made so many preparations for today. Her win? That’ll happen when the sun rises in the west!
After entering the private room, Ye Sanshao had found a corner to keep himself hidden. Glass in hand, he leaned casually against the bar, sipping red wine, his deep eyes smiling as he watched Shangguan You’s every move.