Chapter 16: The Poker Showdown

The tension in the room was palpable. With each participant having scored a win, the stakes had never been higher. A victory from either Li Yang or Lan Xi would seal the fate of the competition, while a win from Zhao Ming or Wang Lei would force the game into overtime, adding another layer of drama to the proceedings.

The mahogany table gleamed under the overhead lights, and a brand-new deck of cards sat in the center. As the dealer shuffled with practiced ease, the room was silent, every spectator hanging on the edge of their seat.

Li Yang, having drawn the first seat, was dealt his cards first. Keeping a poker face, he peeked at his hand and let out an almost imperceptible nod. Lan Xi, seated opposite him, caught this and shot him a quizzical look. Zhao Ming, to Li Yang's right, adjusted his glasses, betraying no emotion. Wang Lei, meanwhile, cracked his knuckles, trying to relieve some of the mounting tension.

The first round of betting was cautious. No one wanted to commit too much too soon. But as the community cards were revealed – a King of Hearts, a Seven of Spades, and a Two of Diamonds – the bets grew larger and bolder.

Zhao Ming, holding pocket sevens, quickly calculated his odds and made a sizable bet, trying to push out the competition early. Wang Lei, with nothing but a high card, decided to bluff, doubling Zhao Ming's bet.

Lan Xi, ever the strategist, called the bet, while Li Yang, holding a pair of twos, also decided to stay in, hoping the turn or river might improve his hand.

The turn revealed a Two of Hearts. Now, Li Yang had a set, and the dynamics changed. Trying to mask his excitement, he pushed forward a substantial amount of chips, effectively raising the stakes.

Zhao Ming, confident with his three-of-a-kind, called. Wang Lei, realizing his bluff might have put him in a tight spot, decided to fold. Lan Xi, after a moment of hesitation, also decided to call.

The tension peaked as the final card, the river, was turned over - a Seven of Diamonds. This changed everything. Zhao Ming had a full house, sevens over twos. Li Yang's set was overshadowed. But Lan Xi's mysterious hand remained unrevealed.

The final round of betting was fierce. Zhao Ming, sensing a win, pushed all his chips into the center. Li Yang, hesitating for just a moment, matched his bet. The stakes had never been higher. Lan Xi, with a smirk, also went all-in.

The table was set for a dramatic showdown.