Casino

"M-Master..."

"Mmh?"

"Ugh... I'll do it okay? So can you let go of me?" he asked and Ding smirked before loosening his grip on him.

Lian swung his legs over the bed, placed the food tray on his lap and turned to Ding. Cheeks flushing with embarrassment, he reluctantly fed Ding, who seemed to love watching him feel so awkward feeding him. Once they were done, Lian stood up to leave but Ding stopped him.

"Did you need anything master?" he asked and Ding got down from the bed, his tall figure towering over Lian.

"Help me with my bath," he stated seriously and Lian leapt back.

"W-What? W-W-why w-wou-would you w-want h-help w-with some-something li-like that?" he stammered and Ding shrugged his shoulders.

"Why not? You're my pet aren't you? A good pet does what it is told," he stated bluntly and Lian shook his head.

"Even pets have limits!" he yelled and ran out of the room without sparing a glance behind him.

Ding watched as the open door swayed gently before creaking to a close. He brought a hand to his face and chuckled despite himself.

"Damn, his reactions are so honest."

He took a quick bath and headed out of his room. He bumped into Lian just as he was about to reach the stairs.

"What are you doing?" he asked feigning anger.

"I- I- I came to apologise for my rudeness master," he said in a low voice barely above a whisper.

"Apologise? Tell me what is it that you did wrong?" he asked and Lian, without lifting his eyes to his replied in a soft voice.

"Yelled at you and left."

Before he could speak, a butler walked up to them and bowed.

"You have a guest."

Ding nodded his head and walked down the stairs without giving Lian a single glance. Lian feeling a little relieved and rejected walked after him like an obedient dog.

"I was wondering what important guest they were talking about. Turns out it's just you," Ding said his usual coldness back.

"Aren't you glad to see me son?" Zixin asked and Ding shook his head.

"Father, the doctor clearly forbade you from walking around too much and you are clearly doing the opposite of what he said."

Zixin looked at Lian who was beside Ding and turned to his son.

"I see you two are still together huh?"

"Nice to meet you again sir," Lian said his head bowed slightly and Zixin waved his hand dismissing this gesture.

"Let's have none of that. Tell me how do you like it with my son?"

"It's okay," he replied feeling Ding's murderous gaze on him.

If am not careful about what am saying in front of these two, I have a feeling I won't be able to see the light of day again.

"Would you like some tea?" he asked and without waiting for a reply disappeared out of sight.

"He's such a nice lad," Zixin said and Ding did not reply to this.

He took a seat opposite his father and looked at him.

"What happened?" he asked and Zixin chuckled.

"Nothing gets past you I see. How did you know something happened when I didn't even say anything?"

"Well, I refuse to believe your visit here was merely a 'father missing his son' kind of situation."

"As expected of my son. You are very smart. Something happened at the casino," he said and Ding nodded his head urging him to go on," someone is causing trouble on our turf and I need you to go see to it."

"What about Tsun?"

"He's on a date," Zixin replied a cheeky smile that Ding did not like on his face.

"Date?"

"Yes the daughter of a friend of mine took an interest in him."

"So you set up your son for a blind date."

"Do you want one too? Keeping your personality aside, you'd make a great husband."

Ding closed his eyes exhausted by this conversation. He had lost count of the times his father brought this up.

"I'll keep that in mind," he replied.

Lian walked into the room, placed the tea on the table, bowed and walked out of sight. Zixin stretched his hand to pour himself a cup of tea but Ding stopped him.

"Allow me father. Your back is in no shape to do this."

"Did you just indirectly say am weak child?"

Ding shrugged his shoulders and handed him the cup.

"I'll go check out the casino at night."

"I trust you'll put an end to these arising problems."

"I can't promise that but I think I'll be able to stop them for a while."

"Good. Am counting on you."

Bright, colorful lights; flashing neon signs; spotlights; chandeliers greeted them upon setting fiot into the building. The buildings design was opulent and extravagant; gold and red color schemes; mirrors and glass magnificently blended together. Lian looked around his surrounding and noticed the rows of slot machines with vibrant screens; tables for blackjack, poker, roulette; craps tables. A mix of excited and tense faces; dealers in uniforms; cocktail waitresses.

"Quit stalling!" Ding silently warned and turned to an approaching waiter.

"This way."

Ding nodded and turned to Lian only to find him admiring his surroundings like a kid. He grabbed his wrist and made his way through the crowds and towards the VVIP room. The beeps and boops from slot machines; the whir of spinning wheels and announcements faded as soon as the door closed. From the room, there was an aerial view of the entire dealings taking place below.

"What a view!" Lian said watching the activities from the rails.

Ding paid no attention to his excited squabbles but turned to place an order for himself.

"Oh and a non alcoholic drink for the kid over there," he said and the waiter nodded.

"Yes sir."

After the waiter left Lian walked back to Ding and sat opposite him.

"Right? Why did you bring me here?" he asked and Ding turned to him.

"What do you think?"

"Hmm... I have no idea, tell me won't you?"

Ding looked at him and shook his head. There was just no way he was going to tell him that he was there to investigate the people who were using the casino as a meeting point for drug transactions and venues for human trafficking operations. Lian looked at him with wide innocent eyes and Ding turned his gaze from him. Their drinks were delivered and just as Ding was about to pour himself a drink, a lady walked in. She wore a black mini dress which was stylish and revealing. She topped it up with a golden bracelet and a golden clutch bag. Her heels were a few inches tall to enhance the glamorous look. Her make up was not overdone and her long, wavy hair rested seductively on her bare shoulders. One could tell the attire was chosen to fit in with the sophisticated and opulent atmosphere of the casino while still drawing attention and appearing alluring.

"Good evening."