Chapter 016: Pre-Match Pep Talk

This story is purely fictional.

Chi Zhaoming returned his wife Dujuan’s call.

Dujuan, who had just gotten out of bed, picked up her husband’s call with excitement. “Didn’t you say you’d be coming home late after broadcasting the match yesterday? Your phone was off when I tried to call you. Xiyu and I waited up late—our son refused to go to sleep until he saw you. He’s just left for school now. When will you be back today? While you’re away, I’ve been living on instant noodles.”

“How can you eat instant noodles all the time? That’s not good for your health—be careful or you’ll get malnourished! If you really don’t want to cook, you could at least go to your father’s and get a proper meal.”

“I don’t want to cook, I want to wait for you to do it. Can’t I?” Dujuan replied, pouting.

“Of course, I’ll cook when I get back. But if one day I’m not around, would you not even be able to survive?” Chi Zhaoming chuckled.

“Don’t say such ominous things! You’ll live a long, healthy life, don’t worry. You need to take good care of yourself while you’re out there alone, otherwise, I won’t let you off the hook!” Dujuan admonished.

“How am I alone? I have company,” Chi Zhaoming replied mischievously.

“What’s that supposed to mean? You have company? Don’t tell me you’ve got a woman with you. My colleagues always ask me how I can be so trusting of my husband. They say all men are prone to temptation, that no man can resist beauty, and that I’m basically leaving the fish in the care of the cat!”

“Leaving the fish in the care of the cat, ha! Isn’t this fish being watched by you, the cat?” Chi Zhaoming laughed heartily.

“Who’s the fish and who’s the cat? You’re getting it mixed up. I’m talking about other fish—mermaids! If you were left to watch over them, I doubt you’d be able to resist eating them.” Dujuan said sternly.

“Don’t worry, I’m no cat—I’m just a mouse. Aren’t you the cat? When I see you, all I can do is run for my life. Where would I find the time to worry about any fish? Last night, I ran into Zhengzhe working a case in Hexi. We had a bit too much to drink, and this morning we were woken up by a call from the boss.”

“All right, I get it. Go take care of your work. I need to get to the office, too. I was late yesterday and it set me back. Today, I have to be on time. If my pay gets docked, you’ll have to make it up to me! Don’t say any more—finish up at the station and come home early.” With that, Dujuan left for work.

After getting up, Gao Yating washed up, put on her makeup, and dressed with care.

After breakfast, they prepared to leave. Under Gao Yating’s guidance, Yunjiu put on the most expensive suit they had purchased in City H.

“Clothes really do make the man—you look so handsome!” Gao Yating praised. “Let’s go, time for work.”

They arrived at the entrance of Zhizhen, where greeters lined the way, welcoming them: “Good morning, President Gao!”

Thanks to Leng Junfeng’s arrangements, the HZ region’s Gambling Consortium Meeting was held as scheduled in the conference room of the Zhizhen Hotel.

At the head table, Gao Yating sat with a serious expression. Beside her was an exceptionally handsome young man—Yunjiu, whom she had brought back from the recent MC conference. Leng Junfeng sat next to this young man. In previous meetings, Leng Junfeng had always sat to Gao Yating’s left, and though the staff initially placed his nameplate there, before the meeting began, Gao Yating herself switched the seats of Leng Junfeng and Yunjiu. Now, the newcomer Yunjiu sat at her side. This left Leng Junfeng feeling inexplicably resentful.

“Before we begin, I’d like to introduce a new member—Mr. Dai Yunjiu,” Gao Yating announced.

Yunjiu stood up, bowed deeply, and said in a clear, resonant voice, “Pleased to meet you all—please take good care of me!”

“Mr. Dai is young and promising. He has worked for many years in MC’s gaming halls and has a wealth of experience. He has also studied under Mr. Will from headquarters and has received direct tutelage in gaming operations. To have such a capable talent join us is a great honor for the HZ region. In MC, he’s a recognized master organizer, highly valued by Mr. Will. Here, he will be my assistant, and his opinions will, to a certain extent, represent my own. Everyone present should actively support and cooperate with Mr. Dai. I am confident that his arrival will have a positive impact on the development of the gambling industry in HZ! Let’s give him a warm round of applause!”

The room erupted into enthusiastic, prolonged applause. Only Leng Junfeng looked displeased, clapping perfunctorily, his eyes fixed on the young man. Gao Yating had never given such praise to anyone before, especially not a man. Leng Junfeng had always harbored suspicion and vigilance toward any young man around her. He knew all too well what the woman he had followed for years was thinking. He had looks, charm, and was never stingy with spending on the woman he liked. Yet no matter how hard he tried, he could never win her favor. He was hopelessly infatuated with her, lost in desire, but after her repeated rejections, he no longer dared cross the line. It seemed the only place he could possess her was in his dreams. He racked his brains but could not find a reason for her change. "Could it be that during her week away, she started something with this man?" he wondered, lowering his head in silent contemplation.

Gao Yating cleared her throat, took a sip of tea, and relayed the full spirit of the MC conference to the board members.

Afterward, on behalf of HZ Gaming Group, she reviewed the operations of the regional gambling industry and analyzed current specific challenges. She also provided a detailed explanation of the operational plan she had submitted at the MC conference.

At the end of the meeting, Gao Yating outlined concrete requirements for the upcoming months of competition and interdepartmental cooperation. Raising her voice, she addressed everyone:

“There are less than two months to the World Cup. I’d like each department to give a brief report on their preparations. After the meeting, all board members and representatives should go to the finance office to collect dividends and this year’s promotional funding for the World Cup. I hope these funds will be used to their full potential.”

The departments then reported:

The head of the IT Department said, “Our new betting website is now in the debugging stage. A week ago, we released the new site to our existing players, and so far, everything is functioning normally. We’ve also established contact and signed agreements with BT’s online team. Our publicity group will launch an aggressive campaign on BT’s site to influence bettors’ psychology and maximize profit. We have also coordinated with the managers of local internet cafes to ensure that players visiting those cafes will be handled according to our requirements.”

The PR Department head reported, “As of yesterday, we’ve recruited over a thousand new members, a 30% increase over the same period last year, bringing our total to more than 36,000. Most are individuals with stable incomes, such as private business owners. Our department is not content with this achievement and will continue to push forward. Our main focus now is on developing members in stable organizations and businesses, which allows for direct capital recovery.”

“Excellent! Excellent! Member development is our top priority, but only if those members have stable income. Without that, there’s no way we can achieve rapid growth. Plus, with such clients, our only worry is whether they’ll take the bait, not whether they’ll pay their debts.” Gao Yating added, “Finance Department, continue.”

The Finance Department chief followed, “Currently, the department is operating smoothly. For members who haven’t repaid, the lending team has secured loans for them, and all accounts have been settled. Next, we’ll strengthen cooperation with the Development Department to improve member information and ensure capital safety.”

Gao Yating interrupted, “I’d like to ask about a rumor I heard while in City H—that Duhao lost two million due to an enforcer named Shitou absconding with the money. Later, I heard Shitou was murdered. There’s speculation that Duhao’s people were involved. Were there any clues left behind? Headquarters has urged us to be extremely cautious.”

The room fell silent for a moment. The Emergency Department head then said, “There are no clues at all—our people did a flawless job. That guy had it coming.”

“That’s not the right attitude—after all, a life was lost. These days, it’s all about people first. We’re only here to make money; don’t let things escalate to murder. That’s crucial—everyone must remember this: people first! Later, bring the person involved to my office. I have questions.” Gao Yating spoke unhurriedly.

After the meeting, Leng Junfeng went to Gao Yating’s office, where Yunjiu stood nearby. Seeing Yunjiu there, Leng Junfeng’s displeasure was apparent, and he hesitated.

Gao Yating noticed, saying, “There are no outsiders here. Speak freely.”

Reluctantly, Leng Junfeng stood beside her. “We’ll remember your words from the meeting. But, about Shitou’s death—I arranged it personally. You’re not planning to make my man leave, are you?”

“Yes, I am. You all need to keep this matter strictly confidential—don’t let a word slip,” Gao Yating said sternly.

“Please don’t. He’s like a brother to me—absolutely reliable, and he handled the matter perfectly. Please rest assured.”

“Very well, as you wish,” Gao Yating replied, giving him a look.

“Thank you, President Gao!” With that, Leng Junfeng left her office.

Back in his own office, Leng Junfeng sat in a daze. He picked up the phone and dialed. “Who changed my seat during today’s meeting? I’ve always sat to Gao Yating’s left, but today my seat was switched to the right. Who authorized this?”

The call was answered by Duhao’s Black Tiger. “That wasn’t us—we wouldn’t dare. President Gao herself arranged the nameplates.”

“I see.” Leng Junfeng hung up with a snap.

Unconvinced about Yunjiu, he called Black Tiger to discuss strategy. “Now there’s another rival. I want nothing more than to hold Gao Yating’s hand, have a meal together, but she never gives in. Got any ideas, brother?”

“That’s not something I can help with. Matters of the heart are up to you,” Black Tiger laughed.

“If I have to do it myself, what use are you as my brother?” Leng Junfeng said sternly.

“I’ll think it over. If I come up with something, I’ll let you know,” Black Tiger replied mysteriously.

Meanwhile, Mingyue borrowed a phone at a shop near the market to call Wu Zhengzhe. “I found my son at Xingfu Kindergarten yesterday. Sorry to trouble you.”

“No need to be polite. If you need anything, just ask. I’m happy to help you, Mingyue,” Wu Zhengzhe replied warmly.

“Situ Cong needs to start kindergarten—you know how it is. Just the sponsorship fee is nearly ten thousand. If you could use your connections to help us save a bit, I’d be so grateful. Otherwise, I’m afraid I might lose him again someday,” Mingyue said pitifully.

“I’ll get on it right away and let you know as soon as I have news,” Wu Zhengzhe promised.

“Thank you, Zhengzhe. Come over for a meal when you have time—I’ll cook your favorite fish. Goodbye!” Mingyue said.

“Alright, I’ll come when I’m free,” Wu Zhengzhe replied, then hung up.

Xiao Jin, busy in his office, received a call from Ma Shengwei and immediately headed to Hexi to meet Wu Zhengzhe.

When they arrived at Shitou’s friend’s house, they found the door locked. Reasoning that no one was home, they waited in the car, hoping to get information. They waited a long time, but Shitou’s friend never appeared. The two of them sat in the car, flipping through scattered materials related to Shitou.

(To be continued.)