Chapter 8: Turning the Tables

Soon, the Lin family’s casino opened its doors. On the day of the grand opening, Lin Zhenting had hired a lion dance troupe to drum up excitement, and the atmosphere was nothing short of lively. He himself stood at the entrance, beaming with pride, greeting distinguished guests and eagerly awaiting a flood of customers.

But as time slipped by, the anticipated crowds failed to materialize. In fact, not a single guest arrived. The lavishly constructed casino stood as nothing more than an ornament. Gazing at the empty hall, Lin Zhenting’s face darkened.

“Where is everyone?! What’s going on?” he roared.

“Master, I… I’m not sure either. I’ll go and find out,” his attendant stammered.

Lin Zhenting was practically fuming. He was about to order someone to go outside and drag in customers to save face when he looked up and caught sight of a familiar figure.

Zhao Kaiyan approached with a serene smile, as if he had seen through everything.

Lin Zhenting, who was always concerned with appearances, especially did not want Zhao Kaiyan to witness this humiliating moment. He straightened his clothes and adopted a haughty posture.

“What are you doing here?”

Still putting on airs even at a time like this.

“Naturally, I’ve come to congratulate you on the grand opening,” Zhao replied, his words barbed.

That remark stung Lin Zhenting. He could no longer contain himself and grabbed Zhao Kaiyan by the collar. “Is this your doing?!”

Zhao Kaiyan remained composed, gently brushing away his hand. “Master Lin, we are both businessmen—there’s no need for violence.”

To be honest, if it came down to a physical fight, he wasn’t Lin Zhenting’s equal.

Lin Zhenting was completely enraged. As the eldest son of the Lin family, he was constantly outmaneuvered by this upstart. His pride was unbearable wounded, especially after suffering such a humiliation today. He ached to give Zhao Kaiyan a thorough beating.

But just as he was about to lash out, the servant he’d sent to investigate came running in, stumbling over himself.

“Master, it’s not just our casino that’s opening today—several others are as well. The small casinos on West Street opened just yesterday, and all of them have the exact same games as we do.”

At this, Zhao Kaiyan looked up at him, and the servant, catching the warning in the eyes of the man who had invented these games, quickly added, “Their games are identical to those at the Zhao family casino…”

That was more like it; if he hadn’t introduced these card games, there would be no such excitement.

Lin Zhenting was dumbfounded—how could this be? How could the other casinos have opened? The Zhao family would never allow them to imitate their games; they wouldn’t risk going head-to-head with him.

Watching Lin Zhenting’s face shift with emotion, Zhao Kaiyan mocked, “Master Lin, keep calm. There’s plenty of money to be made; don’t let this ruin your health.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhenting lashed out in anger. “It was you! What did you do?!”

“I didn’t do much. Wasn’t it you who said I was monopolizing the market, making buckets of money while everyone else lost out? I reflected on that and decided it was true—so I made some changes.”

In truth, all of this was directed at Lin Zhenting. The Zhao family’s casino had been thriving and the envy of all. But even with wealth and influence, monopolizing the trade and seizing all the business would inevitably breed resentment among the other casinos.

The big fish eats the small fish, but sometimes the small fish can bite back. For long-term success, one must learn to share the profits.

He had calculated everything: once the Zhao family had reaped both fame and fortune, he would let the other casinos adopt his newly created games.

This would not only win the Zhao family a sterling reputation, but also earn him credibility among merchants, paving the way for his future ambitions.

He had also anticipated that Lin Zhenting would try to snatch some of the business and invest heavily, so he let him have his way.

And on the day Lin Zhenting opened his doors, the crowds were already scattered among the various casinos, no longer fighting for entry at the Zhao family’s alone.

The era of card games had arrived, just as Zhao Kaiyan wished.

Of course, timing, geography, and human harmony were all indispensable.

Knowing the truth, Lin Zhenting looked utterly defeated. “How could you… Impossible. How could you let others in on such a lucrative opportunity?”

“Don’t assume everyone is so selfish. Joy is greater when shared—why not let everyone join in the fun?”

He had gone from door to door negotiating with the other businesses, and it had taken considerable effort. No wonder Zhao Yan’er had remarked that he seemed thinner lately.

But seeing Lin Zhenting’s current state—there was only one word for it: worth it!

Lin Zhenting could no longer describe his feelings. Bitterness, resentment, regret—they all fell short of the turmoil inside him.

He wanted nothing more than to tear Zhao Kaiyan apart. Yet when he looked at his own lavish casino, he was filled with heartache.

He was finished. He would lose even the shirt off his back. Everyone knew he and Zhao Kaiyan were at odds, so no one would come to his casino. What did he have left?

And there were debts to pay. With only half a month to the deadline, how would he repay them?

Lin Zhenting hung his head, overcome with dejection. Seeing this, Zhao Kaiyan offered him a way out, magnanimously suggesting, “You’ve gone to a lot of trouble here. What a pity for such a magnificent casino. Why not sell it to me? You wouldn’t be losing out.”

Lin Zhenting knew he was being humiliated, but still couldn’t help asking, “How much would you offer?”

Zhao Kaiyan held up a single finger.

“A thousand taels?”

He shook his head.

“Ten thousand taels?”

“No,” Zhao corrected, “one copper coin.”

“Get out!”

Lin Zhenting was beside himself with rage. Zhao Kaiyan had deliberately insulted him, rubbing salt in his wounds.

If you want to build a casino under his nose, you’ll need his permission.

Enough—the farce was over. It was time to leave.

Zhao Kaiyan sauntered away at his leisure. The whole episode quickly became the talk of Jinghong County. Everyone knew how proud Lin Zhenting had been at the opening of his casino, and how utterly humiliated he was when not a single customer showed up.

And in this “battle,” Zhao Kaiyan won a sweeping victory. Once merely the manager of the Zhao family’s casino, a young man just starting out, he was now recognized by all for his business acumen. His generosity, resourcefulness, and wisdom earned universal admiration. Zhao Kaiyan was no longer just a member of the Zhao family—he was a golden signboard in his own right.

Even Master Zhao’s face shone with pride. He had not misjudged Zhao Kaiyan; he had thought the young man, after tasting success, would stumble. Unexpectedly, Zhao Kaiyan not only avoided any misstep but handled everything with moderation, humility, and prudence, winning praise all around.

Zhao Yan’er admired him all the more, wishing she could help out at the casino every day.

Lin Fei’er was overjoyed by her husband’s rising fame. This man was no longer the one she had first met—he was someone worthy of lifelong trust.

“Fei’er, take this money. Buy whatever you wish.”

He had promised her a good life, and he would not let her down.

Lin Fei’er shook her head, eyes misty, pushing the money aside. “My love, money means nothing. As long as I’m with you, I am content.”

Zhao Kaiyan was moved to his core, gazing at her with deep affection. “Fei’er, I will give you an even better life. I will help you reclaim your place in the Lin family.”

Whether or not she returned to the Lin family no longer mattered. As long as they were together, wherever they were would be Lin Fei’er’s home.