Chapter 15: Roulette Storm

The atmosphere in the room grew dense as the roulette table was unveiled. It wasn't just a game of luck – it was a test of precision and judgment. Each participant would have their turn at spinning the wheel and placing the ball, while simultaneously betting on a potential outcome.

Li Yang, still high on his previous victory, approached the table first. With an air of confidence, he spun the wheel, releasing the silver ball with a fluid motion. As it circled, he placed his bet on black 17, his intuition guiding him. The others, Wang Lei, Zhao Ming, and Lan Xi, placed their respective bets.

When the ball came to a halt, it wasn't in favor of Li Yang. He took it in stride, though, nodding appreciatively at the unpredictable nature of the game.

Wang Lei followed next, his focus unwavering. He chose to bet on red 23, hoping to tip the scales in his favor. As the wheel spun and the ball whizzed, a hush fell over the room. But again, fate decided on a different outcome.

Then came Zhao Ming. His fingers danced gracefully over the table, finally settling his chips on zero. The choice was bold, and murmurs filled the room. When the ball missed its mark, Zhao Ming sighed, a mixture of disappointment and acceptance in his eyes.

Finally, it was Lan Xi's turn. She had been observing the others closely, analyzing their strategies and decisions. Her fingers delicately placed the ball onto the wheel, choosing to place her chips split between black 8 and red 9. It was a strategic decision, increasing her chances slightly.

As the wheel slowed, the room's collective breath seemed to hold. And then, miraculously, the ball settled snugly between the two numbers Lan Xi had chosen.

Cheers erupted for Lan Xi, who had masterfully clinched the victory in the roulette round. Her face glowed with triumph, yet her eyes sought out Li Yang, sharing a silent message of camaraderie amidst competition.

With the final game looming, the competition was neck-and-neck. Who would emerge as the ultimate victor remained to be seen.