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Ye Tingtong asked out of politeness, never expecting Shen Jin to actually take his honey water. Before leaving, Shen Jin added, "Call me Shen Jin."
On the open deck of the ship, Yu Huanhuan felt his forehead after hearing his words, "Are you feeling okay? Daydreaming already?"
After all, being on the same cruise, she had encountered Shen Jin a few times. He always looked straight ahead, giving off a vibe that kept everyone at arm's length, making even a social butterfly like her hesitant to approach.
Ye Tingtong gently pushed her hand away, "I'm sure I heard him right."
He was shocked at the time, and when he came to his senses and wanted to catch up with Shen Jin, he couldn't even see his back.
Yu Huanhuan just said, "Oh," "Then there's only one possibility, you kept calling him 'uncle,' like you were trying to cozy up to him, and he was politely rejecting you."
Ye Tingtong thought about it and found the explanation reasonable, his excitement fizzled out, "These bigwigs are so uptight, not even allowing a little advantage in titles."
Yu Huanhuan tapped his forehead with her finger, "That's Shen Jin, lots of people want to get close to him but are scared of pissing him off. You, on the other hand, keep calling him 'uncle.'"
She glanced at Ye Tingtong, who was rubbing his forehead pitifully, and clicked her tongue, "I didn't use much force, don't act pitiful with me, save those moves for Shen Minghuai."
"Speaking of Shen Minghuai, weren't you planning to introduce him to the Ye family? This birthday party's the perfect chance, your father is here."
"I know," Ye Tingtong slumped lazily on the table, "I ran into him yesterday."
They brushed past each other like they didn't know each other. Ye Guodong didn't want to have any interaction with his illegitimate son in such a formal setting, and he wasn't about to fake some father-son bonding either.
"As for Minghuai, I'll go find him later. He just met a girl yesterday, he needs room to work his magic."
The 'someone' Shen Jin mentioned this morning was probably her, right?
Shen Minghuai's been so good to him, he shouldn't ruin his good time.
"You're so thoughtful," Yu Huanhuan rolled her eyes at him, "Whatever, I'm done with you."
Soon, Ye Tingtong was driven away by Yu Huanhuan, who said she couldn't stand his lazy demeanor and told him to go find Shen Minghuai early.
Ye Tingtong had no choice but to roam around the ship, hoping to bump into him.
He didn't know if Shen Minghuai was done yet and didn't want to disturb him.
He didn't find Shen Minghuai, but he did see the girl who had been with him yesterday.
She looked fresh-faced today, wearing a white dress that stood out against the vast sea.
Perhaps Ye Tingtong's intention to find someone was too obvious, or perhaps he had been staring for too long, Liang Yuting walked over to him.
"Are you looking for Minghuai?" Liang Yuting smiled gently, "He drank too much last night, he probably won't wake up until noon."
After explaining, she took a glass of orange juice from the waiter's tray and handed it to Ye Tingtong, "I'm Liang Yuting, he kept mentioning you last night while drinking, wondering why you didn't come to watch the fireworks."
Ye Tingtong took the juice and awkwardly touched his nose, "There were too many people, and it was dark, I couldn't find the way."
But thankfully he didn't go, otherwise he would have been a huge third wheel.
"I should have had Minghuai come out to guide you," Liang Yuting tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "But he drank too much last night, he should be awake now, you can go find him."
After saying that, she handed Ye Tingtong a room key.
After Ye Tingtong left with the room key, Liang Yuting's friend came over, "Tingting, why are you so friendly with a bastard?"
Their tone carried a hint of disdain, as in their eyes, Ye Tingtong's status was indeed not up to par.
"Besides, isn't Shen Minghuai's relationship with him a bit unclear?"
"Don't spout nonsense," Liang Yuting frowned and interrupted, "Minghuai said that Ye Tingtong is a close friend of his."
Besides, Shen Minghuai only dates women, otherwise, she wouldn't be so polite to Ye Tingtong.
Not only were they speculating about Ye Tingtong and Shen Minghuai's relationship, but Ye Tingtong was also thinking about Liang Yuting and Shen Minghuai's current situation as he walked.
Shen Minghuai is fickle and cold-hearted, never keeping a relationship with any girl for more than three months, and he keeps things very clear in private, not to the point of handing over a room key.
Ye Tingtong figured that the two must have known each other for a while, not the girl he thought they had just met on the cruise.
Besides, she could have just given him the room number, after all, he wouldn't just barge into Shen Minghuai's room without knocking.
This behavior seemed more like a claim of ownership.
Deep in thought, Ye Tingtong reached Shen Minghuai's room door, collected his thoughts, and knocked, "Minghuai."
The door opened, and Shen Minghuai, pulling on a sweatshirt, asked, "What are you doing here?"
Ignoring the suggestive scratches on Shen Minghuai's back, Ye Tingtong sat down on the sofa, "Did you forget what you promised me, huh?"
Seeing Ye Tingtong's puffed-up face, Shen Minghuai couldn't help but smile, "How could I forget? I just had too much to drink yesterday and overslept."
He finished dressing and went to the bathroom to brush his teeth, casually inquiring, "I told you to pick me up yesterday, why didn't you come?"
"Dude, what time was that?" Ye Tingtong said helplessly, "I was already asleep."
"Besides, didn't you have someone to pick you up?" Ye Tingtong muttered, "I even brought you the room key."
After he said that, the sound of brushing in the bathroom abruptly stopped, and after a while, Shen Minghuai's muffled voice came, "You met Liang Yuting, what did she say to you?"
"Nothing much," Ye Tingtong answered truthfully, "Just felt like you two have a good relationship."
Hearing Ye Tingtong's relaxed tone, the weight in Shen Minghuai's heart lifted, but he felt uneasy, not wanting to dwell on this feeling, "This time I drank too much, and you didn't even bring me honey water."
"Ah?" Ye Tingtong guiltily rubbed the floor with his toes, "I forgot, next time for sure."
He never realized Shen Minghuai cared about that little bit of sweet water before!
Fortunately, Shen Minghuai just mentioned it in passing, and after tidying up, he got down to business with Ye Tingtong.
Shen Minghuai had promised to accompany him to meet the Ye family at this banquet, to back him up.
Following the crowd downstairs, Shen Minghuai yawned, "Don't you need to call your dad to ask for the location?"
"No need," Ye Tingtong skillfully led Shen Minghuai to the second floor below the cruise.
This was the casino, a good place he discovered while wandering around yesterday when he had nothing to do.
Before boarding the cruise, everyone was a respectable person in expensive suits, but once in the casino, with wins and losses, even the most arrogant dignitaries would show their ugly side.
Ye Guodong was among them, probably losing more than winning, he rolled up his sleeves aggressively, his face red as he shouted at the winner, accusing them of cheating.
The result was being escorted out by security.
However, not even ten minutes later, perhaps sobered by the sea breeze, Ye Guodong sneaked back in, changing to another gambling table to continue.
Yesterday, Ye Tingtong stuffed his pockets with snacks and wandered around the casino, watching the action at various gambling tables.
He was certain Ye Guodong would be in the casino at this time.
Sure enough, as soon as he entered the second basement level, he heard Ye Guodong's angry voice, "What's with the cards? Why do I always get such lousy hands? Are you rigging the game?"
But the moment he raised his voice, security was already behind him. He reluctantly lowered his hand and muttered to the guy next to him, "Let's switch tables."
That's when Ye Tingtong spotted another familiar face: Hu Cheng.
Despite his efforts to keep up appearances, the gray streaks in his hair and the crow's feet gave away his age. He patted Ye Guodong's shoulder, "Don't sweat it, losing's no big deal. I've got plenty of chips left."
Ye Guodong's expression visibly softened upon hearing this.
This was the suitor the Ye family had picked out for Ye Tingtong.
Hu Cheng spotted Ye Tingtong before Ye Guodong did. His eyes were shadowed, but his tone was warm and smiling. "Guodong, your younger son's turned out even more striking. I almost didn't recognize him."
With his slim build, fair skin, and clear, luminous eyes, his strikingly beautiful face was both innocent and alluring—utterly captivating.
Ye Tingtong felt a shiver crawl up his spine under Hu Cheng's gaze, like he'd been marked by a snake.
Shen Minghuai, maybe picking up on his unease, stepped in front of him, blocking Hu Cheng's view.
Shen Minghuai's expression was even darker than Ye Tingtong's. He locked eyes with Hu Cheng, who gave a polite nod. Shen Minghuai just scoffed and turned away.
Ye Tingtong, oblivious to the tension, ignored Hu Cheng and dragged Shen Minghuai over to Ye Guodong. "Dad, Minghuai wanted to meet you."
Shen Minghuai gave a half-hearted nod. "Uncle, hope you're enjoying the cruise."
Normally, Ye Guodong would've been fawning all over him, but today he was lukewarm. "The casino's alright, but the dealers are subpar. Can't even take a little criticism—your training's clearly lacking."
A flicker of mockery crossed Ye Tingtong's eyes.
Ye Guodong was a layabout who spent his time in shady underground casinos, used to being treated like a big shot. Now, stuck at the bottom of the pecking order, he couldn't even chew out a dealer, and it stung his pride.
Shen Minghuai wasn't expecting Ye Guodong to start nitpicking. He snapped, "If you're not happy, I can have a boat ready to take you back."
This put Ye Guodong on the spot.
He'd pulled strings to get that ticket—no way he'd leave now. It'd be humiliating if word got around.
Ye Tingtong watched his father's pale face and stayed silent.
Whether Shen Minghuai was polite or harsh to the Ye family, it didn't matter to him.
Being polite would help build rapport, while being stern would keep them in line.
Just as Ye Tingtong was wondering how long it'd take for Ye Guodong to cave, Hu Cheng cut in. "Young Master Shen, as the host, that's no way to talk. If a guest has a complaint about the dealer, you can't just throw them out."
"Is the Shen family really that thin-skinned?"
With that, he'd put the entire Shen family in a tight spot.
The commotion drew attention, and with all eyes on him, Shen Minghuai was stuck.
He was just a college kid, no match for a sly old fox like Hu Cheng.
Ye Guodong puffed up, "Exactly, Young Master Shen, you can't just throw your weight around!"
The Shen family is vast and powerful. He had once hoped to leverage Ye Tingtong to gain benefits from Shen Minghuai, but over the years, Shen Minghuai hasn't given him a single advantage. It's like dangling a big cake in front of him, yet he hasn't even had a chance to take a bite.
After weighing the options, Hu Cheng's support clearly held more weight.
Thinking this, Ye Guodong snapped at Ye Tingtong, "Get over here!"
Ye Tingtong glanced at him and pretended not to hear.
Of course, he wouldn't abandon Shen Minghuai at this moment—he's got a strong sense of loyalty.
However, he couldn't find a way to break the deadlock. As the standoff continued, Ye Tingtong was considering whether to fake a faint to get Shen Minghuai out of this predicament when a cool, detached voice came from behind.
"What's all the noise?"
Shen Jin arrived on the second underground level, and the crowd instinctively parted for him.
Ye Tingtong tilted his head and noticed that Shen Jin was accompanied by the casino manager, who was wiping sweat from his forehead with a pale face.
So that's why no one stepped in—they had gone to alert him.
Hu Cheng's smug look disappeared the instant he saw Shen Jin, and Ye Guodong also bowed his head, trying to avoid attention.
As Ye Tingtong was trying to figure out how to gracefully step aside for Shen Jin, Shen Jin stopped beside him and glanced at his hand, which was still holding Shen Minghuai's arm.
To show closeness, he had been holding Shen Minghuai's arm since entering the casino. The argument was so intense that he forgot to let go.
Under Shen Jin's stare, Ye Tingtong instinctively let go of Shen Minghuai, placing both hands behind his back and standing straight, as if vowing not to do it again.
After Shen Jin walked away, Ye Tingtong couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Is he really that possessive? Can't even hold an arm…"
No one caught the interaction between the two, but Hu Cheng stepped forward and said, "It's just a minor misunderstanding. We were on the verge of sorting it out, but we didn't mean to bother you, Boss Shen. Our apologies."
Hu Cheng, despite his years, didn't put on airs in front of Shen Jin and even humbled himself, revealing his shrewdness.
The manager beside him quickly briefed Shen Jin on the situation.
Shen Jin swiftly decided, "Shen Minghuai, head to the lobby. Your mother's looking for you."
Shen Minghuai hesitated. "Uncle, it's them—"
Before he could finish, Shen Jin interrupted him. "Go up!"
There was no arguing with that.
Shen Minghuai was sent upstairs. Ye Tingtong shot a cautious glance at Shen Jin, making sure he wasn't in trouble, and brazenly stayed put, quietly positioning himself slightly behind Shen Jin.
With his limited experience, he had only ever seen others fawn over Shen Minghuai. This was the first time he'd seen Shen Minghuai put in his place, and he was even more shocked that the person who did it immediately backed off the moment Shen Jin showed up.
Ye Tingtong finally grasped just how much he'd underestimated Shen Jin's standing.
Shen Jin waved his hand, instructing the staff to clear the gambling table and place a thick stack of chips on it. "We apologize for not ensuring our guests had a good time. These chips are our way of making it up to you."
Ye Tingtong's eyes widened. He hadn't expected Shen Jin to also take a step back, handling the situation flawlessly. This way, no one could criticize the Shen family.
Ye Guodong's face was filled with greed, and he was about to grab the chips on the table when Hu Cheng subtly stopped him. "Boss Shen, you're too kind. Rather than these chips, I'd actually like to play a round with you. I hope you'll honor me with your presence."
Normally, someone like Hu Cheng wouldn't even have the chance to play against Shen Jin. Such an opportunity was especially rare.
Losing would be inconsequential and could even elevate his status. Winning, however, would become his badge of honor.
He was sure Shen Jin wouldn't say no. After all, Shen Jin was a gracious host.
Sure enough, Shen Jin agreed, "Since Mr. Hu suggested it, I'm not about to turn it down."
Hu Cheng sat down at the gambling table, with Ye Guodong standing beside him, beaming with excitement.
Today, Hu Cheng's luck was exceptional, and coupled with his expertise in psychological warfare, he had a strong chance of winning.
Shen Jin sat at the other end, and Ye Tingtong wanted to occupy the prime spot to watch behind him, but was blocked by the casino manager.
If someone not in the game saw Shen Jin's cards, whether through expressions or lip movements, it could tip off the opponent.
Ye Tingtong was regretting not being able to participate when he heard Shen Jin speak, "No problem, let him come."
Ye Tingtong got his wish and stood beside Shen Jin, hesitating, "Do I need to wear a mask?"
He wasn't much of an actor.
Shen Jin fiddled with the chips in front of him, cool as a cucumber, "No need."
Ye Tingtong said "Oh," thinking that if he couldn't help it, he could just cover his face with his hands.
Even if his face gave it away and caused Shen Jin to lose, no big deal—it wasn't his cash.
But later he realized he'd been worrying for nothing.
Shen Jin's luck was simply too good; even if he went easy, the opponent still couldn't win.
Hu Cheng's stack of chips was shrinking fast, and even though he was experienced, he couldn't hide his scowl. In the final round, two cards were dealt, and Ye Tingtong glanced at Shen Jin's hand, a 3 of diamonds and a 4 of diamonds.
Whether the final card was a 5 or a diamond, it'd be a killer hand.
With Shen Jin's luck, Ye Tingtong thought they might as well pop the champagne now.
To make matters worse, the chips Hu Cheng currently had were not enough for him to continue.
If he bailed out now, he could cut his losses before it got worse, after all, Shen Jin was going all in, and to follow would require a huge price, but in this round, Hu Cheng's hand was clearly not bad either.
Shen Jin leaned his elbow on the table, looking at the solemn Hu Cheng, and leisurely said, "Mr. Hu, since it's the last round, why not go for broke?"
Hu Cheng looked up, "What's your wager?"
Compared to Hu Cheng's tense demeanor, Shen Jin's tone was lazy, like he was just tossing it out there, "I heard Mr. Hu has acquired the land in the west of the city?"
The implication was clear.
Hu Cheng looked at his cards, gritted his teeth, "Fine, I'll bet that land. If I win, I want your Shen Group to sign a ten-year cooperation agreement with us."
As soon as this bet was made, the room erupted in chatter.
Although Hu Cheng's land was in a good location, being able to establish a stable cooperative relationship with the Shen family would definitely be a guaranteed win.
Even Ye Tingtong, an outsider, could tell the inequality of the two bets, and he thought Shen Jin would refuse with a tactful reason, but the other party agreed very easily, "Fine."
The bets were set, and two cards were revealed on the table.
Hu Cheng had double Aces, Shen Jin had a 3 of diamonds and a 4 of diamonds.
It was anyone's game.
The final card was dealt, and Ye Tingtong was on edge, but Shen Jin didn't look at it, nor could he decipher anything from Hu Cheng's expression.
Perhaps his desire to peek was too obvious, as Shen Jin tilted his head and asked, "Curious?"
Ye Tingtong nodded rapidly.
He'd never seen stakes this high—millions on the line—and it was absolutely thrilling!
He thought Shen Jin would reveal the card after speaking, but instead, Shen Jin gestured to the seat at the betting table and said, "You look."
All eyes were suddenly on Ye Tingtong, and he was stunned. "I'm cursed at cards..."
Every time he played with Shen Minghuai and the others, he ended up the biggest loser.
Shen Jin: "It's fine."
Hu Cheng looked at the hesitant Ye Tingtong and teased, "With Boss Shen covering you, what's there to fear? Youngsters should take more risks."
Before going head-to-head with Shen Jin, Hu Cheng might have scoffed at such child's play, but now, he only felt relieved. After all, Ye Tingtong's tells were too obvious. Whenever Shen Jin had a strong hand, Ye Tingtong's eyes would light up with unconcealed joy, indirectly helping Hu Cheng lose less.
Ye Tingtong caught the sneer in Hu Cheng's voice. He'd always been easily provoked, so he stormed up to the table, pressed the last card, and began to reveal it. Just as he caught a glimpse of red, a large hand closed over his, gently pressing the card down.
Shen Jin leaned in, almost enveloping Ye Tingtong, and shoved all his chips into the pot. "*All In.*"
The audacity of the move left Ye Tingtong speechless, and he instinctively looked up at Shen Jin.
Shen Jin's tall frame blocked the overhead light, his face shadowed, his expression unreadable.
Ye Tingtong tilted his head, his cheek grazing Shen Jin's chin.
It felt warm.
That was Ye Tingtong's first thought.
The gentle contact made Shen Jin hesitate as he pushed the chips. He looked down, locking eyes with Ye Tingtong.
They were inches apart, and from this angle, Shen Jin could even see the slight curve of Ye Tingtong's lips under his nose, the red lips slightly parted in shock.
Ye Tingtong blinked, worried he'd crossed a line, and was about to apologize, but Shen Jin straightened, pulling his hand back and maintaining a polite distance.
This time, Ye Tingtong obediently sat in the chair, not daring to glance at the card again.
Shen Jin's confidence suggested a diamond, maybe even a straight flush.
So, Ye Tingtong toyed with the chips, crossing his legs, and leisurely watched whether Hu Cheng would call.
Hu Cheng was also staring at him.
The two locked eyes, and Hu Cheng's stare wasn't as bold as before, now filled with caution. Even Ye Tingtong sipping water made Hu Cheng feel like he was facing a great enemy.
In a few moments, Ye Tingtong clearly saw Hu Cheng's expression shift from ambition to hesitation, then to defeat.
Hu Cheng still didn't have the guts to call. He tossed his cards aside and gritted his teeth. "I fold."
Ye Tingtong smirked at Hu Cheng's defeated expression, feeling a rush of satisfaction. "You should've folded earlier~"
Hu Cheng gave him a long look before turning to leave.
Ye Guodong wanted to confront Ye Tingtong, but after a glance at the man behind him, he bit back any harsh words.
Ye Tingtong looked at the mountain of chips in front of him and grinned. "Shen Jin, praise me!"
The overwhelming joy erased any lingering distance he felt from Shen Jin. He looked up, eager for recognition. "Forget it! You don't have to thank me too much. Just consider it my way of repaying you for taking me to see the fireworks last night~"
After all, it was too much to expect someone as reserved as Shen Jin to dish out praise.
Shen Jin glanced at Ye Tingtong's crescent-shaped eyes, tossed the unflipped heart 8 into the discard pile, and paused before saying, "Very impressive."
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