"Hahaha, you're too kind, too kind, my lords!"
The Daimyo of the Land of Wind eagerly swept the colorful chips into his arms, his face flushed with excitement and eyes gleaming with vigor. He suddenly plucked a chip from his winnings and tossed it to the dealer.
"Here you go, God of Gambling. A reward for dealing such favorable cards today."
"Much obliged, my lord."
Blood Pool Gao Jin caught it smoothly with a slight bow. Upon inspection - hmph, merely a silver triangle chip.
He inwardly cursed, "Damn, I worked my ass off helping you win over ten million tonight, and this penny-pincher tips me just this much?"
When the "Daimyo Group" arrived at the Wind Hall of the Crystal Palace, they were greeted by none other than the "God of Gambling" Gao Jin who had just been performing on stage. He must have rushed over right after the curtain call, still sporting that slicked-back hairstyle though minus the dramatic black coat.
"Well, well! Aren't you the God of Gambling? What brings you here?"
The Wind Daimyo exclaimed with delighted surprise. The other Daimyos also murmured their amazement.
Blood Pool Gao Jin gave a measured bow to the lords and replied.
"Indeed, my lords, I was the God of Gambling in the play earlier, but that's merely my hobby. My official position is the managing director of the Wind Hall at the Crystal Palace Casino. I came straight to work after the performance, and for distinguished guests such as yourselves, I naturally came to serve you personally. What would you like to play?"
"Hehe, since the God of Gambling himself is hosting, we must play Five-Card Stud!"
The Fire Daimyo declared casually.
The other Daimyos nodded in agreement.
Gao Jin smiled and gestured gracefully,
"Having the Five Great Nations' Daimyos competing at one table is truly a momentous occasion in gambling history. Please follow me to our VIP Gaming Room."
After six months of training in the Intelligence Department, Gao Jin had mastered the art of smooth talking. The Daimyos were all pleased with his eloquent manner and flattering words.
After all, imagine playing cards with the God of Gambling himself as the dealer - what an impressive story to tell later.
On the way to the VIP Gaming Room, the Wind Daimyo couldn't help but ask,
"Young man, your performance was quite impressive."
Gao Jin, leading the way, gave a slight bow,
"My lord, that's just my hobby, and I'm merely the understudy for that role, filling in temporarily. The real lead actor - Brother Fa - now that's someone with superb acting skills and remarkable presence."
"Is that so? I must watch him perform someday."
The Wind Daimyo replied.
Once at the gaming table, Gao Jin gave a formal bow and spoke with measured dignity,
"My lords, as they say, at the gaming table, there are no distinctions of rank or relation, and within the game, no ninja techniques or illusions are to be used. Though I am of humble status, once at the table, I see only the game. If there are any shortcomings in my service, please forgive me, and if any lord experiences bad luck, please refrain from slapping me or tearing my clothes."
His words were elegant yet clear in meaning - play fair and don't cause trouble.
"Hahaha, naturally! Win with grace, lose with dignity. We're all people of status here, no one will rough you up."
The Fire Daimyo laughed. The other Daimyos nodded in agreement.
Gao Jin bowed again.
"I thank you all in advance, my lords. If you desire any food or drink during the game, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll arrange it. Come, attend to the lords!"
Ten stunning women entered the room, each boldly dressed and beautiful, with two attending each Daimyo - clearly "card companions." The Daimyos nodded approvingly, praising Gao Jin's thoughtfulness. For figures of their status, women were secondary - maintaining appearances was key.
"First, bring me some sake to wet my throat!"
The Lightning Daimyo called out.
"I'll have some clear sake."
The Water Daimyo added.
The other Daimyos also ordered their drinks.
Only the Wind Daimyo remained silent. Gao Jin, noting his frugality, quickly said,
"Don't worry, these are all compliments of the house."
Oh, free drinks? In that case...
"Bring me some Meilanchu."
Gao Jin produced a deck of cards and performed a series of dazzling shuffling techniques that drew admiring exclamations from the Daimyos.
After the opening ceremony, Jinghang had given each Daimyo five million ryo in chips - not that these wealthy lords needed it, but it was a gesture of respect.
The gambling session itself was remarkable. The Wind Daimyo had incredible luck, winning with strong hands in at least six out of ten rounds, and successfully bluffing several times as well. His excitement grew with each win.
In one night, he won over ten million ryo. His spirits soared to extreme heights, showing classic signs of dopamine and adrenaline overdrive.
"Well, shall we call it a night?"
The Earth Daimyo yawned. He had broken even for the night.
"Earth Lord has a point. I'm tired too."
The Lightning Daimyo said dejectedly.
"Agreed."
Added the Water Daimyo, who had lost considerably.
"Come now, we're just getting started! Let's battle until dawn!"
The Wind Daimyo was still full of enthusiasm. As the biggest winner of this high-stakes game, he felt as if possessed by the spirit of the God of Gambling from the play, experiencing an unprecedented thrill.
"Listen, Wind Lord, we know you're on a hot streak, and you've got home field advantage. No matter, we have plenty of time - tomorrow we'll try our luck in the Fire Hall!"
The Fire Daimyo declared.
With four of the five Daimyos withdrawing, the game had to end. They agreed to meet the next evening for a showdown in the Fire Hall before departing.
The "Wind Lord" still felt energized, brimming with restless excitement. He was clearly unsatisfied.
"My lord, if you haven't had your fill, perhaps I could humbly offer to play a few hands with you?"
"Excellent! Let's see what the God of Gambling is really made of."
The Wind Daimyo proceeded to win another five million ryo from the house.
"Hahaha! So this is the extent of the God of Gambling's skill!"
Having beaten Gao Jin, the "Wind Lord" was ecstatic. Not just for the unexpected twenty million ryo windfall, but for the infinite thrill that gambling had brought him.
Gao Jin smiled modestly and said,
"My lord's gambling skills are supreme. The title 'God of Gambling' rightfully belongs to you."
The Wind Daimyo's joy increased further. In this moment, he truly felt like he had become the invincible God of Gambling from the play.
By now dawn had broken, and the "Wind Lord" was finally feeling tired. Supported by two beautiful women, he returned to his guest room to rest.
Watching the Wind Daimyo's retreating figure,
Gao Jin smirked coldly, "Enjoy your happiness for now, old man. Soon enough you'll have plenty to cry about."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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