Chapter 5: Red Phoniex

Red Phoenix was an enigma. Among the raucous crowd at "Gamblers' Haven", she stood out like a lone star. Poised and graceful, her moves at the gambling table were fluid, calculated, and almost always victorious. It was no wonder that Li Yang was captivated by her prowess.

After his countless evenings spent observing, Li Yang realized that while many gambled out of desperation or greed, Red Phoenix played the game like a maestro plays a symphony: with passion, precision, and a touch of artistry. He grew more convinced that if anyone could teach him the true art of gambling, it was her.

His fascination led him to a bold decision: to follow her and discover more about the enigmatic figure. Over several days, he maintained a discreet distance, tracking her movements after she left the alley.

To his surprise, her path led him away from the rougher parts of Wuyuan, and towards its commercial district. There, standing tall amidst other buildings, was a skyscraper with the sign 'Phoenix Corp'. Red Phoenix entered the building, and Li Yang's jaw dropped as he watched employees bow in respect. The realization dawned on him: Red Phoenix was not just a gambler; she was a corporate magnate.

What was a business tycoon doing in a seedy alley, gambling her nights away? The plot thickened in Li Yang's mind, and his respect for her grew tenfold. He imagined her life – balancing the corporate world by day and ruling the gambling dens by night.

For days, he observed her dual life, learning not just about her gambling techniques but also witnessing her astute business acumen. The more he saw, the more he wanted to approach her, to learn from her directly.

However, Li Yang's inexperience in the art of stealth soon caught up with him. One evening, as he trailed her through a dimly lit street, he failed to notice the pair of bodyguards trailing behind Red Phoenix. Before he could react, he was cornered in an alley, the towering figures blocking his escape.

Just as panic started to set in, a familiar voice echoed, "Let him be." Red Phoenix stepped into the light, her gaze fixed on Li Yang. "I've noticed you, young man. Following me like a shadow. Why?"

Li Yang, gathering his courage, replied, "I want to learn from you. Not just about gambling, but about life."

She studied him for what felt like an eternity before finally saying, "You have spirit, and perhaps potential. But the path you're keen on treading is perilous. Why risk it?"

"To change my fate," Li Yang responded determinedly.

Red Phoenix let out a sigh. "Meet me at 'Gamblers' Haven' tomorrow night. We'll see if you truly have what it takes."

Li Yang's heart raced with anticipation. His gamble of tracking her had paid off, and he was on the verge of entering a new chapter of his life.