Chapter 12: Battle

The wind of change blew across the city, bringing with it an opportunity so golden that every major corporation was eyeing it greedily. It was a vast piece of land in the city center, a jewel waiting to be claimed. As rumors spread about the government's intention to develop it, the land's value skyrocketed. Whoever secured it would reap unimaginable profits.

It wasn't just a battle of finances; it was a power struggle hidden behind closed doors and played out on the gambling tables. Red Phoenix's empire had always been known for its opulence and influence, but as Li Yang delved deeper into its workings, he realized there was a dark underbelly. Deals, acquisitions, and power moves were often sealed over gambling matches, a shadowy realm where rules were bent and ethics blurred.

Li Yang's association with Lan Xi had given him insight into the workings of rival corporations. But now, the battlefield was set, and the warriors were the younger generation of these behemoth corporations. Each conglomerate could only send one representative, and the stakes had never been higher.

The showdown to determine Red Phoenix's representative was between the two brothers and Li Yang. The challenge? A game of discerning dice scores purely by listening to their sound.

As the challenge commenced, the three contestants shook their dice cans rhythmically. The room echoed with the sound of rattling dice, but beneath the surface, strategies were at play. When it came time to stop, Li Yang discreetly slid a strand of his hair into his can, hoping to leverage it at the crucial moment.

The guessing game began. Tensions were palpable as each tried to deduce the others' scores. Just before revealing the results, with a subtle tug, Li Yang maneuvered his hair, causing one of the dice to shift. The brothers, confident in their guesses, were left astounded when they found they had both misjudged Li Yang's score. Accusations of cheating immediately flew, especially from the elder brother.

However, Red Phoenix, who had been observing silently, clapped her hands in delight. "Well done, Li Yang," she declared. "In this world, if no one catches you cheating, then it's as good as playing fair!"

Li Yang's heart raced. He had secured his place as Red Phoenix's representative in the high-stakes gamble that would determine the fate of the coveted land. The challenge ahead was daunting, but he was ready.