Chapter Sixty-Four: Young Master Ye Arrives

The next day, she relayed the contents of yesterday’s phone call to her father.

Shangguan Xing was well aware of his father-in-law’s deep affection for Shangguan Enran—if anything, it surpassed even his own. He understood completely. “Speak to him properly. Don’t let him worry.”

“Yes, Father, I know what to do.”

Shangguan Enran entrusted departmental affairs at the company to Ye Zuo and Ye Xin, then flew to Country Y that afternoon.

Before leaving, she called her beloved Mr. Huangpu.

By the time she arrived in Country Y, it was already four o’clock in the afternoon.

Her grandfather held her hand for a long time, scrutinizing her. When he noticed the wound on her forehead, his temper flared instantly. “What kind of father is Shangguan Xing? How could he let you get hurt? And that wretched Huangpu family—what about that Huangpu Qingyin? Did anyone go after her?”

Shangguan Enran wrapped her arm around her grandfather’s. “Grandpa, calm down. Huangpu Qingyin has been punished as well. She was hit too—the wound on her forehead is even deeper than mine.”

Butler Li was in the kitchen preparing dinner. He had only learned the news yesterday when he accompanied the old master to the underground casino. He knew Ye Zuo had mobilized the Nightfall operatives in City A because their young lady had been injured.

Ye Hai was furious when he heard—no one had bothered to inform him. He had sent Ye Zuo and Ye Xin to protect her, and this was what happened. If it weren’t for the butler’s intervention, Ye Hai would have skinned them alive. The most formidable members of Nightfall, world-renowned assassins, working in an office—was Shangguan Xing’s company so short-staffed? Was it on the brink of collapse?

“Is that so? Not killing her was an act of mercy. Who sent the people to do it? Was it someone Shangguan Xing arranged?”

“Well… yes, it was Father’s people,” Shangguan Enran replied, clasping her hands behind her back, rubbing them nervously. She certainly couldn’t admit it was Huangpu Shenqing who’d done it.

“That’s more like it. Finally acting as a father should. And another thing—I sent Ye Zuo and Ye Xin to protect you, so why did you assign them to the company? Hm? Is your father’s company going under?”

Having just praised Shangguan Xing, her grandfather’s expression darkened again.

“I’m at the company myself, so I gave them positions there. After a while, I’ll have them step down, all right?”

“From now on, whenever you go out, you must take them with you. Understand? Or should I assign you two more people?”

“No need, Grandpa, they’re doing just fine.”

—

Lianran Group

When Mo Yi came in to deliver his report, he immediately noticed the suffocating pressure emanating from his boss—a chill so severe it felt as though it might crush him.

He gave his report with trepidation.

“Any developments in Country Y?” Huangpu Shenqing tossed aside his work, his cold, proud eyes trained on Mo Yi.

“There’s… there’s nothing unusual in Country Y, but the business in Country M does require your attention. Our interests there…”

Why did it feel as if the boss’s aura was growing even more oppressive?

“I think the operations in Country Y need some follow-up, don’t you?” His tone was icy, brooking no disagreement.

Mo Yi instantly changed his tune. “Yes, Country Y requires your personal oversight, sir.”

“Good. As for Country M…”

“Mo Wu and Mo Liu are overseeing Country M. You can leave that to us.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Book me the next available flight.”

“Yes, sir.”

As Mo Yi exited, he clutched his pounding heart. Their jobs were truly not easy.

…

Having returned to Country Y, Shangguan Enran naturally had to visit the casino.

So after dinner, she quietly slipped away to the underground casino.

Most of the world’s casinos were owned by the Ye family. In this realm, the Ye family reigned supreme, and the largest underground casino in the world was here in Country Y.

Every night, the place was packed—some came to while away their time, the scions of wealthy families; others were desperate souls, gambling for a shot at quick riches; and then there were the true experts, who came to display their skill.

The rules here were simple: if you had the skill to win, your money would be paid out on the spot—no delays, no excuses. No one would try to lure you into another round just to win their money back; everything was strictly voluntary.

But if you were caught cheating, you’d lose a hand or a foot—no exceptions. Even the staff had to abide by these rules, set down by the old master of the Ye family in his youth.

The casino had three visible floors, but five more lay underground, each with its own unique games.

The first floor was where you exchanged chips and entered or exited the casino.

On the first floor, they played blackjack; on the second, roulette; on the third, Pai Gow (dominoes). The first basement level was Shangguan Enran’s favorite—the dice games, usually simple high-low bets, requiring no great mental effort.

The second basement held Russian roulette, the third Caribbean stud poker, the fourth baccarat, and so on.

Shangguan Enran tied her hair back into a ponytail and donned a mask to conceal most of her face.

The casino manager saw her on the monitors and came out to greet her. “Young Master Ye, what would you like to play tonight?”

Though Shangguan Enran was a woman, her gambling skills were legendary. To prevent opponents from underestimating her, she had them address her as Ye Qing—Young Master Ye.

Before long, the legend of Ye Qing, the King of the Casino, had spread far and wide.

Though everyone knew Ye Qing was a young woman, those who had gambled against her were full of admiration and never spoke ill of her.

“I’ll go to the first basement level, as usual.”

“Of course—the chips are ready and will be brought to you at once.”

“Thank you.”

The moment Ye Qing—Shangguan Enran—entered the casino, the place erupted with excitement. Everyone had witnessed her prowess, and knew she was the disciple of Ye Hai, the legendary King of the Casino from years past. The resemblance between master and apprentice was uncanny.

“Young Master Ye has arrived!”

“Is that Young Master Ye? Tonight’s going to be interesting!”

“Isn’t it? I wait here every day, hoping for just this chance.”

“Hurry, let’s go—Young Master Ye’s gone down to the first basement!”

“Young Master Ye is on the first basement level!”

“First basement!”

The news traveled from the first floor to the third, from the third to the first basement, and from there all the way down to the fifth basement in an instant.