A fierce gunpowder gleamed in the eyes of both sides! Their gazes clashed, and a silent tension filled the space of several meters between them!
Especially Wu Youcun, Yang Ge, and Chen Yaohui, these three were staring at each other with wide eyes and fierce expressions, none of them willing to lose in terms of momentum!
Don't think this match is just about Wu Youcun and Gao Jianfei; in fact, it's even more significant for Dongxing and Chen Yaohui!
300 million in gambling funds, plus a casino... Dongxing can't afford to lose! Chen Yaohui can't afford to lose!
"This friend of yours is a shady character from the underworld in F province, isn't he?" Chen Yaohui glanced coldly at Brother Yang. He knew that Wu Youcun was affiliated with the underground forces in F province, so he directly deduced Brother Yang's background. "Hmph! It seems you don't follow the rules of the underworld! Instead of making your fortune in F province, you come to our G province to steal our food... Fine, very well! Tonight, I, Dongxing, will show you what 'trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice instead' really means!"
"Bullshit!" Yang Ge was a pure thug, and he didn't have any manners when he spoke. He directly cursed, "...Our Teacher Wu came here to gamble against some nobody from your casino. This is to give you face... Don't be stubborn. After the gambling is over, I, Zhang Yang, will personally take over Dongxing Casino! And I will cut off that kid's hands!" As he spoke, he glared at Gao Jianfei viciously.
"...Don't be so arrogant!" Chen Yaohui's henchmen bared their teeth and roared.
Zhang Yang's henchmen were also quite menacing.
Gao Jianfei stared intently at Wu Youcun. Wu Youcun's expression was full of disdain. He shrugged at Gao Jianfei, "A very young and promising lad, what a pity. I want to see how you'll support yourself after losing both hands! Ha!"
“Perhaps it will be you, not me, who loses both hands and becomes a homeless dog,” Gao Jianfei retorted sarcastically.
Before the competition even started, the two sides were already exchanging barbs and were on the verge of a fight!
At this very moment...
7:59!
A group of people walked straight in from outside the casino lobby!
The leader, dressed in luxurious attire—a white shirt under a black blazer—didn't seem too hot despite the hot weather, even with the casino's air conditioning blasting. This, however, showed how much he cared about his image. He appeared to be a year or two older than Gao Jianfei, and while handsome, his face held an arrogant expression, his eyes flashing with a haughty air. His gleaming leather shoes clicked loudly on the casino's polished ivory marble floor, exuding an air of power!
Song Zhui! One of the grandsons of Song Qian, the head of the world's number one family of referees! The head referee for this match!
Behind the aloof and indifferent young man, Song Zhui, were three assistant referees and five bodyguards.
As soon as the five bodyguards entered, their eyes, sharp as leopards, swept over Chen Yaohui and Yang Ge's group. Instantly, the noisy scene fell silent!
The gazes of those five bodyguards held a tangible sense of intimidation!
Yes, it's definitely intimidation!
Their gaze was indifferent, dismissive, disdainful, and concealed a bloodthirsty brutality!
Their arrival immediately intimidated Chen Yaohui and Zhang Yang, two gangs of underground thugs!
Gao Jianfei lowered his head slightly, his heart also filled with shock!
The arrival of the five bodyguards gave Gao Jianfei a rather uneasy feeling! It was as if five wild beasts from the primeval jungle had suddenly rushed in!
"...Experts! These five bodyguards are definitely experts!" Gao Jianfei had already made up his mind.
The subtle pressure exerted on Gao Jianfei by the five bodyguards was far greater than that of the martial arts thugs and boxers under Hu Zi's command!
The five bodyguards scanned the area but found nothing unusual. One of them whispered in Song Zhui's ear, "Young Master Zhui, it's alright. They're just ordinary people. You don't need to worry about their safety. Please feel free to enforce the law."
They, however, failed to notice anything unusual about Gao Jianfei! Indeed, although Gao Jianfei was skilled in martial arts and concealed weapon techniques, he had killed very few people and rarely engaged in combat. Therefore, he usually didn't exude a dangerous aura. At first glance, he appeared harmless. No wonder the Song family's bodyguards couldn't see anything amiss!
Song Zhui nodded slightly, his arrogance undiminished. "Both sides participating in today's competition, Xiao Gao and Wu Youcun, are they both present?"
His tone remained cold and condescending. However, to be fair, a referee in a match does indeed need this kind of aura and presence.
You can interpret this aura and demeanor as... fairness!
That's true. As the head referee of a crucial match, if someone is hip-hop and very approachable, their impartiality will be questioned.
"Heh, the referee trained by the Song family does indeed have some presence, and it seems I don't need to worry about his impartiality." Gao Jianfei was also certain of Song Zhui's impartiality.
"Heh, Young Master Song Zhui." Wu Youcun walked out with a slightly ingratiating smile.
Gao Jianfei also walked out without making a sound.
"Hmph!" Song Zhui snorted, completely ignoring Wu Youcun, and walked straight towards a large gambling table in the casino hall.
Tonight's match will be held in the casino lobby; there's no need to go to a private room.
In fact, without spectators, the casino lobby is actually better than the private rooms. After all, the casino lobby has all kinds of gambling tables and games, and both sides can choose their betting methods at will.
Song Zhui walked to the large gambling table and stood there. His three assistant referees stood obediently beside him, while his five bodyguards stood behind him.
Gao Jianfei and Wu Youcun quickly walked to their respective sides of the gambling table and stood facing each other.
"Please sit down," Song Zhui said gently, waving his hand.
Gao Jianfei and Wu Youcun sat on either side of the gambling table.
At this moment, Chen Yaohui and Dongxing's henchmen sat on Gao Jianfei's side, about 7 or 8 meters away from him.
Zhang Yang and Wu Youcun's four apprentices, along with some henchmen, sat on Wu Youcun's side, several meters away from him.
The two sides are clearly divided!
The atmosphere in the entire casino became unusually quiet and solemn. A sense of tension hung in the air.
Song Zhui cleared his throat and then spoke in a very authoritative tone, “Tonight’s battle is a world gambling ranking competition. Xiao Gao from Dongxing will challenge Wu Youcun, ranked 51st in the world. If Xiao Gao wins, he will replace Wu Youcun in the world rankings, while Wu Youcun will lose his ranking and become a nobody. In addition, the stakes for this match include 300 million in cash, and a casino under the umbrella of the forces to which the two contestants are affiliated.” Song Zhui paused. “Furthermore, there are the hands of both contestants!”
When Song Zhui speaks, his rhythm is excellent. His volume is resounding, and his words are forceful, which naturally generates a sense of authority.
Indeed, they are truly outstanding talents cultivated by the world's leading referee families!
The five bodyguards behind Song Zhui couldn't help but nod repeatedly, "Young Master Zhui performed very well! This is the young master's first competition, and his performance on the spot is already quite excellent! If the young master can overcome his sex addiction, his status in the family will rise sharply in the future!"
The bodyguards were indeed full of praise for Song Zhui's performance.
Song Zhui glanced at Gao Jianfei and Wu Youcun. "Furthermore, Gao Jianfei himself has no right to challenge Wu Youcun, who is ranked 51st in the world. However, Wu Youcun agreed to the challenge, and the match will be held at Gao Jianfei's home ground, the Dongxing Casino. Therefore, the betting method will be chosen and determined by Wu Youcun. Our Song family believes that this request is reasonable and fair! Gao Jianfei, what are your thoughts?"
Gao Jianfei laughed and said, "I also think it's fair. Yes, I like fairness. Let Teacher Wu choose the method of the bet."
Gao Jianfei smiled calmly. Wu Youcun was slightly taken aback... Why wasn't this Gao Jianfei alarmed at all? Although the betting was set up in Dongxing, with the Song family involved, the home-field advantage was practically nonexistent! It could be said that Gao Jianfei hadn't gained any advantage at all! On the contrary, having the choice of the betting method was a huge advantage for me! This Gao Jianfei, clearly a lousy gambler, why wasn't he alarmed? Why wasn't he afraid?
Could it be?
No, he's weak, he's faking it, I don't need to worry about him!
“Okay!” Song Zhui nodded. “Since neither side has any problems, please show the betting amount!”
As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Yaohui walked to the gambling table, carrying a land deed, a contract, and a check. Zhang Yang, also carrying a pile of documents, came over as well.
Chen Yaohui and Zhang Yang simultaneously placed the items they were holding on the table.
Song Zhui nodded to the assistant referees on either side of him.
Immediately, one of the two assistant referees began to check and verify the items that Chen Yaohui had brought over; the other began to check and verify Zhang Yang's items.
They checked very carefully.
Two minutes later, both referees said simultaneously, "Young Master Song, no problem. Both sides have presented valid cash checks for a total of 300 million RB. In addition, there are the land deeds and operating licenses for the two casinos."
"Okay, then there's no problem!" Song Zhui snapped his fingers. Immediately, an assistant referee pulled out a brand-new deck of cards from his pocket, smiled, and nodded at Gao Jianfei and Wu Youcun.
“The betting method for this competition will be decided by Wu Youcun; he has chosen to bet on poker cards.” Song Zhui’s gaze swept over Gao Jianfei.
“I have no objection.” Gao Jianfei smiled warmly.
Song Zhui nodded. "In the world of gambling, the games between masters are incredibly diverse and all-encompassing. Take playing cards, for example; the variations that can be derived from playing cards are countless. The playing card game that Wu Youcun has devised is as follows… The dealer holds a deck of cards. After both sides verify the cards and confirm they are in order, the dealer shuffles and deals. From the 54 cards, 35 are randomly dealt face down on the table, and their positions are then shuffled. The game begins at the dealers' command. This game consists of 5 rounds. In each round, the two players grab cards from the 35 cards on the table and compare their hands. It's best of five. In the first round, each player grabs 5 cards and compares their hands according to the rules of Texas Hold'em. From the second round onwards, the winner chooses how many cards to grab and what rules to use for comparing hands. Do you understand?"
Gao Jianfei was no stranger to this type of gambling game where players grab cards and compare their hands. In fact, it's a fairly common type of gambling game.
With 35 cards, in the first round, each player takes 5 cards and compares their hands according to the rules of Texas Hold'em. In the second round, the winner of the previous round announces the rules for comparing hands in the next round. For example, if Gao Jianfei wins the first round with his Texas Hold'em hand, in the next round he could stipulate that each player takes two cards and compares the sum of their hands; or each player takes two pairs and compares the pairs; or each player takes one card and directly compares their hands...
On the surface, this type of gambling is a test of hand speed. Both players grab every card they want from a deck of 35, and the winner is the fastest.
However, relying solely on hand speed is basically not enough to win a game!
Think about it, no matter how fast your hand speed is, if you don't have fast eyesight, memory, or hearing, you simply can't see or hear what each card actually is!
Furthermore, the dealer deliberately shuffles the cards during the dealing process. Even if you know the exact number and position of each of the 35 cards at the beginning, how can you know them after they're shuffled? That's where memory comes in!
Therefore, this kind of betting relies on... hand speed! Eye speed! Memory! Hearing!
This is a comparison of overall strength!
Coincidentally, Wu Youcun's four data points are very, very average, and not bad at all!
"Well, Young Master Song, I have no questions. Let's start checking the cards!" Wu Youcun glanced at Gao Jianfei with a smile, his eyes filled with endless mockery and sarcasm!
Chapter 111 A Beautiful Victory!
Chapter 111 A Beautiful Victory!
"Alright, Young Master Song, I have no further questions. Let's begin verifying the cards," Wu Youcun said to Song Zhui with a smile. His tone exuded an air of absolute confidence and certainty of victory. It could be said that today's gamble was tailor-made for him by Wu Youcun!
The competition will assess comprehensive strength in four aspects.
Gao Jianfei smiled calmly, "Okay, I'm fine with it too."
Seeing Gao Jianfei's calm expression, Song Zhui was also surprised! This was his first formal match as a referee! However, he had a general understanding of both Gao Jianfei and Wu Youcun's backgrounds. He was actually certain that Wu Youcun would win! And within the World Gambling Association, there were people betting on the sidelines of this match. It's important to know that members of the World Gambling Association are not allowed to participate in gambling or go to casinos for entertainment; therefore, betting on the sidelines is their only form of gambling entertainment.
Regarding the match between Wu Youcun and Gao Jianfei, the odds offered by the World Gambling Association were 1:7.
In other words, if Gao Jianfei wins, those who participated in the peripheral betting will receive a 1:7 payout; while those who bet on Wu Youcun to win will receive a 1:1 payout.
As a family of referees, the Song family doesn't even have the qualifications to bet on the outside! However, Song Zhui was also aware of these odds, and in his mind, he estimated that these odds were quite reasonable. Gao Jianfei was really unlikely to win.
However, Gao Jianfei's attitude at this moment surprised Song Zhui... "Where does this little Gao get his confidence from?"
Of course, all these thoughts only flashed through his mind, and Song Zhui quickly returned to the role he was supposed to play... referee, fair and impartial referee!
"Both sides shall begin verifying their licenses!" Song Zhui nodded.
Immediately, the dealer holding the playing cards skillfully split the cards apart and gave Wu Youcun and Gao Jianfei a wink.
Gao Jianfei smiled slightly and waved his hand, saying, "Teacher Wu is older and can be considered a senior in this industry, so let Teacher Wu verify the token first."
Without saying much, the dealer handed Wu Youcun a deck of cards that had been unfolded.
Wu Youcun, holding a deck of cards, suddenly changed his entire demeanor!
He became serious, focused, and solemn! He gently tossed the playing cards in his hand, swirling them around with a soft, rhythmic "snap." His ears began to twitch slightly. His gaze was fixed intently on each card as it swiftly passed through his hand!
In fact, when it comes to poker, verifying the cards is an absolutely crucial step! It's nothing like in Hong Kong gambling movies where the gambling gods casually say, "No need to verify."
That's not the case at all!
It's no exaggeration to say that verifying cards is fundamental to winning a betting game! The first step!
The purpose of card verification is to be able to discern the value of each card by stroking it, and to remember the position of each card by using one's eyesight and memory.
In other words, before the dealer deals the cards, the gambling expert examines the cards himself and can have a general understanding of the situation of the hand!
Wu Youcun checked the cards in one and a half minutes. Afterward, he smiled with satisfaction, then shuffled the cards a few times, completely scrambling the order and suits of the cards he had just memorized. Of course, he had already firmly memorized the scrambled card order and suits in his mind.