Chapter 23: Able to Afford the Loss

As Gu Mingzhu spoke, the surrounding area instantly fell silent, everyone sizing her up.

With her graceful beauty and allure, she was even more striking compared to Xu Xingbai's bold sensuality. Her beautiful eyes, cold yet full of desire, excited men's conquest instincts.

Yang Shihao also paused for a few seconds, clearly not expecting Gu Mingzhu to intervene.

He pondered silently. Compared to Xu Xingbai, Gu Mingzhu was easier to handle since no one from the Gu family would protect her.

If she could make a fool of herself in public, Yang Shihao thought, it would save him from some embarrassment and maybe even earn him some benefits later.

With that in mind, Yang Shihao made up his mind. "Alright, let's do it."

Gu Mingzhu smirked, rose from her seat, and switched places with Xu Xingbai. As she sat down, Yang Shihao proposed, "Since it's just the two of us, how about we play blackjack for a change? It's more exciting."

Gu Mingzhu looked at Yang Shihao with a half-smile, her eyes chilly.

Baccarat was known as the fairest game in the casino. Blackjack, on the other hand, required more experience and psychological tactics. By proposing blackjack, Yang Shihao was clearly trying to take advantage of her as a 'novice.'

For a moment, Yang Shihao thought she had seen through his intentions and felt a bit uneasy.

But then he thought, even if she did see through it, what could she do? He wasn't afraid of a mere girl like her!

Before Yang Shihao could say anything else, Gu Mingzhu accepted, "Fine."

He was stunned for a moment, not expecting her to agree so readily. The words he was about to say were choked back, leaving him feeling frustrated.

The two of them moved to the blackjack table. Spectators followed, whispering among themselves.

"Who is this woman? She looks unfamiliar... Seems like a beginner."

"Who cares who she is? At least there's something exciting to watch!"

"It's a shame. Yang Shihao has a high winning rate in blackjack; she's bound to lose."

"Why not? We'll get to see something good! This arrogant woman needs to be taught a lesson."

...

While the whispers continued, Gu Mingzhu remained unfazed.

Her beautiful eyes reflected Yang Shihao, devoid of any warmth.

She knew she was at a disadvantage, but as the saying goes, one can't catch fish without getting their hands wet.

She was willing to play, as long as Yang Shihao could afford to lose.

Yang Shihao looked at her and sneered, "With so many witnesses here, don't try to back out if you lose."

Gu Mingzhu smiled, "As long as Boss Yang can afford to lose, I can too."

There were cheers from the crowd. Gu Mingzhu looked at the dealer and said gently, "Let's begin."

Since they weren't gambling with money, there was no need to place bets. They would simply compare their hands.

After the dealer shuffled the cards, the first round began with Yang Shihao as the dealer and Gu Mingzhu as the player.

Yang Shihao's two cards—one face down and one face up—were dealt first. Gu Mingzhu's two cards were both face up.

Yang Shihao's face-up card was a Jack. According to blackjack rules, 10, J, Q, K were all valued at ten, while A could be one or eleven.

Yang Shihao placed his face-down card on the table, cautiously revealing a corner. A subtle smile crept onto his lips.

"How about it? Do you want another card?" After glancing at Gu Mingzhu's cards, Yang Shihao leaned back, looking relaxed and confident.