Chapter 146: Set Up
"I believe, I believe, how can I not believe!" The bald-headed gangster nodded his head heavily. "Yang Ming, you're such a ruthless person. For you to screw us up, isn't it just like child's play? Please be generous and spare us..."
The green haired punk was terrified. He never thought the person that Zhang Bing asked for was Yang Ming! What kind of person was Yang Ming? He was the one who would fight without considering the risk to his life. The green haired gangster usually was indeed able to bully students and old men, but it was still scary for him to face such a violent character like Yang Ming!
Yang Ming wanted to teach him a lesson, but he let him go after thoughtful consideration. He had promised Chen Mengyan not to get into trouble anymore. So he released the green haired punk and waved his hand to signal the punk to leave.
Zhang Bing, Chen Afu, and even Wang Zhitao were looking at Yang Ming with shocked expressions. They never thought four bada** punks had been dismissed by Yang Ming! Especially the leader, Yang Ming squeezed a jujube cake into his mouth, and he didn't dare to even make a f*rt!
Although Zhang Bing and Yang Ming were good friends, they only met each other in high school. They didn't know about each other during junior high school. Zhang Bing knew that all the bad students listened to Yang Ming in school, but he didn't know Yang Ming had the same deterrence to the gangsters out there!
Zhang Bing was glad that he had Yang Ming as his friend. If it weren't for Yang Ming, he couldn't step back from it. Being slapped by the green haired punk was a small case, but losing reputation in front of Zhao Sisi wasn't great.
Wang Zhitao was even astonished by it! The incident about Zhang Yuliang last time could be a coincidence. But this time, the punks were terrified of Yang Ming! This explained that Yang Ming had his place in the underworld! Wang Zhitao was truly overthinking this, but who could blame him? The incidents were so coincidental!
Wang Zhitao knew that using brute force on Yang Ming wouldn't work, so he needed some dirty tricks to fight with him. But dirty tricks... Wang Zhitao thought about Chen Fei who was Chen Mengyan's father. He feared that he would be in the police station before he could trick Yang Ming!
This situation was fearful of wolves ahead and tigers from behind [1], Wang Zhitao had no choice but to wait. But it wouldn't stop Wang Zhitao from setting up little traps to trip Yang Ming up. Although I can't do anything to you, I could still set up some traps to fool you!
What Wang Zhitao didn't know was that Yang Ming had the same idea! If Yang Ming knew Wang Zhitao had no way to deal with him, would Yang Ming laugh out loud?
Someone probably called Teacher Li. She rushed here and asked Yang Ming and Zhang Bing, "What's going on? Why did you guys fight with outsiders?"
"It's alright now Teacher Li. This was just a misunderstanding." Yang Ming said lightly.
"Yeah, it's just a violent case that was caused by jujube cake." Chen Afu was the only one who was beaten, so he was p*ssed off.
"En?" Teacher Li asked, "What violent case?"
Wang Zhitao stared at Chen Afu, then said, "Chen Afu is just kidding, Teacher Li. It's alright now. Those people have left already. It's thanks to Yang Ming who convinced them in time."
Wang Zhitao was the class monitor, so his words were more convincing. Teacher Li didn't know how Yang Ming convinced them, but she was just a class teacher in name now as the students have graduated already. So she couldn't care much.
"Yang Ming, are you alright?" Chen Mengyan asked with concern.
"Sister-in-law, you're being unfair. I'm the victim. Why aren't you concerned about me?" Zhang Bing gave a bitter smile.
"I should have appeared later so that you could enjoy a slap from the green haired punk." Yang Ming looked disdainfully at Zhang Bing. His meaning was obvious. Why do you need care from Chen Mengyan? Don't you already have Zhao Sisi?
They talked casually after that. After lunch, they grouped up and played by the side of the reservoir.
A reservoir was a protected area that didn't allow people to swim in it. However, the person-in-charge of the reservoir was Teacher Li's student, so he made an exception to let them fish by the side. Their dinner would be the fishes that they caught.
Technically, reservoirs had private contracts, so there was usually a fee for fishing. Since there were dedicated areas for fishing, other areas were off limits. But due to Teacher Li's relationship, the person-in-charge didn't restrict the students.
Of course, the precondition was that the fish could not be taken away. They can only get cooked in the reservoir restaurant. If there were leftover fish, they had to be released.
The four of them took fishing rods and started fishing after they found a spot.
Fishing was a task that required patience. Many lost their patience after a while, so they played poker in the grassy area beside the reservoir.
"Yang Ming, do you play poker? Let's have a match?" Wang Zhitao came over and tapped Yang Ming's shoulder. "Did you catch any fish?"
"Still nothing. These fish seem very smart. It wasn't easy to get them hooked." Yang Ming seemed bored as well. When he noticed how Wang Zhitao called on him, he showed a delighted expression. "Play what?"
"Versus the landlord, blackjack or five card stud, anything will work." Wang Zhitao said, "Are you joining?"
"Okay, then I'll play a while!" Yang Ming wasn't interested in playing cards, but how could he disappoint Wang Zhitao? Therefore he feigned interest.
"Then let's play blackjack. It ends faster." Wang Zhitao suggested.
"Alright. What's the prize?" Yang Ming asked.
"Whatever, any prize will do. We're just playing for fun." Wang Zhitao said.
Wang Zhitao got a deck of cards. He invited Bi Yuntao, An Quantao, and Chen Afu. The five of them started to play.
Blackjack is also known as twenty-one, a common card game. The rule is simple. Each person takes turns to draw a card. Whoever has cards that are nearest to 21 points or equal to 21 points is the winner. If the points add up to more than 21, then it is a "bust." There is usually a dealer in a real blackjack game, but Yang Ming and they ignored the dealer role since they were just playing for fun.
Yang Ming knew Wang Zhitao's intention, so he started to play without making any sound. Yang Ming won the first two matches. Wang Zhitao and the others were either "bust" or the points were too low, and they didn't have the guts to draw.
Of course, this is just on the surface. In fact, Yang Ming saw their cards clearly. There was one round where Wang Zhitao had two 10s in his hand, and this was considered greater in points. However he kept drawing so of course, he wasn't lucky enough to get an Ace, so he went "bust."
As for Bi Yuntao, he had an 8 and a 3 in his hand, but he didn't dare to draw more. How could Yang Ming not notice such an obvious and pretentious act? It was just that he didn't expose them.
"This is so boring!" An Quantao threw the cards on the ground. "I lost again!"
"Yeah, Yang Ming really has good luck!" Chen Afu said promptly, "Why don't we spice it up a little? If it's like this, the play will be more exciting."
"You're right! I agree. What do you guys think?" An Quantao voiced out an agreement.
"I think this could work. Class monitor, Yang Ming, what do you think?" Bi Yuntao expressed his opinion too.
"This… isn't very good?" Yang Ming acted like a weakling. "Isn't this gambling?"
"This should be fine, right? We are adults already." Wang Zhitao hesitated on purpose. "I think we should be fine if we aren't playing in large amounts!"
"Right, Yang Ming. Class monitor has said so. Shouldn't you give face to him?" Chen Afu said in an excited tone, "Are you afraid of losing money?"
"Then so be it! How much are we betting?" Yang Ming acted perplexed and nodded his head.
"One yuan per round, is that ok?" An Quantao said.
"One yuan?" Yang Ming thought. Oh my god, can't you mention a little bit more? But he still nodded his head nervously. "Alright."
Wang Zhitao and the other three were delighted to see Yang Ming agree to it. Hehe, there is no man who doesn't gamble. Since you got yourself into it, I won't be afraid that you won't gamble more!
Within two games, Yang Ming already understood the intention of Wang Zhitao and the other three people. They haven't started their action yet, they were still setting him up. Yang Ming had won a few rounds. He already won around thirty yuan.
After Chen Afu went "bust," he threw the cards and complained, "Playing one yuan per turn isn't really fun. I have no interest in this!"
"Then you say how much you want to play." Bi Yuntao continued.
"Ten yuan? What do you guys think?" Chen Afu suggested. Based on the current situation, Yang Ming was always the winner, so Chen Afu wasn't afraid that Yang Ming would disagree. The thing about gambling was that who wouldn't want to win more when they were on a winning streak!
Unfortunately, the person in front of him was Yang Ming!
Chapter Notes:
[1] Chinese idiom: In a dangerous situation where it was tough to make a move in either direction.
So Pure, So Flirtatious is a novel translated on Gravity Tales. Please read at the source! G R A V I T Y T A L E S . C O M !!!
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Chapter 147: Putting Up An Act
Luring me with bait to land a critical hit on me? Yang Ming saw through their plan. He didn't know when they would raise it to one hundred yuan. Hence, he simply said it boldly, "Ten yuan is too little. How about one hundred yuan?"
Wang Zhitao and company were all surprised by what Yang Ming said. But, smiles quickly surfaced in their expressions. It seems that he had been blinded by victory. He thought he has the blessing of fortune god. After a few rounds of winning, he lost all his sense!
But in this way, the motion of the event went along with Wang Zhitao intention. Originally, he wanted to have a few more rounds before raising the bet. He didn't expect Yang Ming to suggest it first!
"Alright, let's follow. One hundred and so be it!" Chen Afu said it immediately because he was afraid that Yang Ming might back out later. After he finished his sentence, he felt something wasn't quite right. How can I be representative of others? Hence, he asked hypocritically, "Class monitor, do you have any problem with that?"
"I am fine. Since everyone is in the mood, let's have fun!" Wang Zhi Tao laughed as he nodded.
"Yang Ming, what are you guys doing?" Chen Mengyan and Zhao Sisi were fishing for a while but it wasn't fruitful. Hence, they decided to call it off. At the same time, Zhang Bing had grown bored of it. Consequently, the three of them went ahead to look for Yang Ming. As soon as Chen Mengyan saw the stack of cash in front of Yang Ming, irritation swelled within her. "Are you guys gambling?"
"We are just playing around..." Yang Ming was embarrassed. After all, women won't be fond of men who like gambling, particularly their beloved man. They didn't want them to get hooked on gambling, so Chen Mengyan wasn't happy with it.
"It is because you're playing around that you wouldn't win any money..." Chen Mengyan said without reservation, "Teacher Li is over there. Wang Zhitao, you are the class monitor. How could you lead them into gambling?"
"Chen Mengyan, we seldom have a chance to play together. It seems everyone is having fun. When playing with cards, it is just normal to bring out more excitement." Wang Zhitao was afraid that Chen Mengyan would ruin his plan, so he immediately appeased her, "Everyone had finished their university enrollment exams. Relaxing occasionally is normal."
"Yup, I agree. Everyone is having fun. Also, we volunteered to do it." Chen Afu also added on.
Chen Mengyan looked at Yang Ming and hesitated a little. In the end, she didn't complain further. Even though she disliked Yang Ming engaged in gambling, Wang Zhitao and company were all present. She didn't want to lecture Yang Ming since it would ruin his reputation. As a woman, Chen Mengyan knew a man would deem his reputation important. Since she didn't want to ruin Yang Ming's reputation, she decided to talk about the harm of gambling to Yang Ming after he finished. Right now, she could only whisper softly, "Playing a few rounds is fine. Stop playing when you start losing."
"En, I got it. Rest assured." Yang Ming smiled slightly. "I am winning right now. How can I lose?"
Yang Ming said that intentionally. The purpose was to have Wang Zhitao think that he was over the moon and lost all his senses due to the consecutive wins!
Wang Zhitao could sense it. Naturally, Chen Mengyan could sense it as well. She couldn't help but to frown slightly and sigh secretly.
The wins and losses from Blackjack were quick. In the blink of an eye, victory was decided. Wang Zhitao didn't hesitate to lose another few hundred so that Yang Ming would go deeper in his euphoria. Even though Yang Ming was winning money, his technique and judgment were obviously poor, just like a beginner who didn't play much with poker cards.
In fact, Yang Ming was honestly a beginner. So, he didn't need to deliberately put on an act. In fact, Yang Ming could oversee the game only because he was very clear about the others' cards on the table.
Wang Zhitao, Chen Afu, and company had made arrangements beforehand. If anyone had blackjack, he would give an eye signal. Later on, everyone would raise the bet until they achieved their objective to cheat on Yang Ming.
But, would Yang Ming be easily cheated? Besides being proficient in card games, Yang Ming had already known their intention from the start. Hence, when Yang Ming realized they had good cards and he didn't, he would quietly fold.
Wang Zhitao was anxious. Yang Ming doesn't follow when I get a good card. Yang Ming follows when I get a bad card. He was helpless with the situation.
At last, a long-awaited opportunity surfaced in front of Yang Ming. Similarly, Wang Zhitao felt the same as he thought this was his opportunity. However, his luck wasn't as great as Yang Ming's.
Wang Zhitao got a ten of Hearts and an Ace of Diamonds. On the other hand, Yang Ming had a ten of Clubs and an Ace of Clubs. Yang Ming won by a hair, but Wang Zhitao didn't know.
Wang Zhitao gave an eye signal to Chen Afu and An Quantao. On the other hand, Yang Ming pretended to be a beginner and hesitantly threw a hundred yuan into the pile.
"Yang Ming, do you want to draw any more cards?" Wang Zhitao asked when it was Yang Ming's turn.
"Do I want to have one more card?" Yang Ming shook his head. "Nevermind. I don't want it anymore. Just like this!"
After Wang Zhitao heard Yang Ming say this, he felt reassured. Logically, he would assume that Yang Ming had two cards of average value. He probably wished to get another card but was afraid that he would go over the highest card value.
"I will raise five hundred!" Chen Afu suddenly threw out five hundred yuan on the floor.
Wang Zhitao frowned a little. Raising five hundred yuan, wouldn't you scare Yang Ming away? He cursed in his heart, What a smarta** this Chen Afu is. Someone like him wants to get a job at my company. What kind of job can I give him? What a challenge!
"Five hundred yuan?" Of course, Yang Ming was stunned when he heard it. He thought to himself, This fellow is quite generous. But, Yang Ming noticed their nervous expressions. So, he wanted to lure them to the bait.
"Yang Ming, do you follow?" An Quantao couldn't hold himself but asked.
"Aiya Motherf*****. I made a mistake..." Chen Afu suddenly pretended to be regretful. With the glare from Wang Zhitao, he regretted his action. Hence, he tried to quickly patch things up.
Of course, Yang Ming heard Chen Afu's sentence, and the light bulb in his mind illuminated. He gritted his teeth and decided to follow with another five hundred yuan. Chen Mengyan wanted to stop Yang Ming, but she was too slow. Yang Ming had already put the money in.
"I will add another one thousand yuan!" An Quantao pretended to notice Chen Afu's despair and took advantage of the situation.
"I follow as well!" Bi Yuntao also threw in a thousand yuan.
"I don't mind. Since everyone is excited, I will play along!" Wang Zhitao acted as though he was relaxed. "Yang Ming, how about you?"
"I..." Yang Ming swore secretly, I definitely will follow. On the surface, he acted with hesitation.
"Yang Ming, you shouldn't follow. Isn't the bet quite big?" Chen Mengyan wasn't at ease when she advised Yang Ming.
"I will follow!" Yang Ming thought to himself, Little Mengyan, I can only let you be angry first. I will explain to you later.
Wang Zhitao thought Yang Ming didn't want to lose face in front of Chen Mengyan so he made the decision to follow. He was delighted deep down in his heart. But, on the surface, he spoke, "Yang Ming, you should think it through. I think we have gone overboard today. But, since everyone is in the mood, I can't say much."
Yang Ming laughed coldly deep down his heart. You can't say much? This is all your intention. What do you have to say?
Chen Mengyan noticed Yang Ming ignore her words. She frowned slightly since she wasn't happy with it. Zhang Bing quickly whispered, "Sister-in-law, Yang Ming isn't someone addicted to gambling. He must have something in mind."
Zhang Bing understood Yang Ming better than Chen Mengyan. Zhang Bing knew exactly what kind of person Yang Ming was. Yang Ming wasn't the kind of person who sought petty gains. Also, he wasn't someone who became irrational just because of money.
It was evident during the jade gambling in Tengchong when Yang Ming obtained the imperial jade. Based on common logic, if another person was put into the same situation, he might gamble persistently day and night. But, Yang Ming didn't put this matter into his heart. There was also the second time he went jade gambling. Yang Ming gambled in a controlled manner and did not continue blindly. Zhang Bing wouldn't believe Yang Ming would lose his mind just because of a few thousand yuan!
Wang Zhitao and Yang Ming weren't on the same page. Zhang Bing indeed realized this fact. Thus, he could roughly guess that Wang Zhitao and company were attempting to cheat on Yang Ming! He felt that it was impossible for Yang Ming not to notice it. Hence, Yang Ming's action must have reasons behind it.
Chen Mengyan listened to what Zhang Bing told her, and she thought about Yang Ming's attitude in daily life. She felt that Yang Ming wasn't someone impulsive. However, she felt something it wasn't quite solid. She also was aware of Yang Ming's family background and what a few thousand meant for Yang Ming. Chen Mengyan was well aware of the facts, so she didn't want to have Yang Ming be a victim of money.
But, Yang Ming seemed to be crazy! The bet had risen to five thousand yuan. No one was willing to reveal their cards, so no one had given up! Everyone kept raising the bet!
When the bet was more than ten thousand yuan, Chen Mengyan couldn't sit still, and she pulled the corner of Yang Ming's sleeve, "Do you have that amount of money?"
Since the bet had grown, there was no possibility of settling with cash only. No one carried such a large sum of money with them. Hence, the raising of bets went according to the procedures for bookkeeping.
The total pot in the game rose to fifty thousand yuan!
So Pure, So Flirtatious is a novel translated on Gravity Tales. Please read at the source! G R A V I T Y T A L E S . C O M !!!
Get ready - our Patreon is coming soon!
Chat with us on ! Come and hang out!
Write a vote vote vote!
Don't forget to Let's start off the month with a bang and VOTE!
Thanks for all your votes and support! :)
Recommendation:
If you like works from this author, Fishman II, Gravity Tales also features another one of his novels, , translated by Marcy and edited by Weirdo. Lin Yi is a disciple of Yang Ming. He knows martial arts, is a great cook and highly skilled herbal doctor and of course, has his own harem! Check it out!