After a sigh, Jin Yan looked at me and asked, "If I said that everything that just happened was a spur-of-the-moment idea, would you believe me?"
"I believe you!" I nodded and replied, "But I need to know the specific reason!"
Before today, Jin Yan and I were complete strangers. The idea that she had planned this in advance or conspired with Fan Miaomiao to put on this act was simply impossible.
Under the dark muzzle of the gun, Fan Miaomiao had been so terrified that she was about to wet herself.
That's why I was very curious why Jin Yan, after seeing me and secretly confirming my identity, would suddenly scheme the subsequent events.
After looking at me, Jin Yan slowly began to speak, "Actually, I wanted to use your breaking of my rules to set a trap for you to fall into, so I could control you."
"Once I have you under my control, I will judge your gambling skills based on your strength and performance!"
"If your skills are of a low-class, unsophisticated level, then I'll overcharge you for the matchlock guns and call it a day!"
"If you possess a refined level of gambling mastery, I will use a combination of authority and kindness to keep you bound to me, making you useful to me!"
"But I never expected your gambling skills to be far beyond the refined level!"
"Although I don't know much about the gambling circles, the top figures in all trades share a common trait: they are adept at handling all situations and possess keen senses, with meticulous observation and analytical abilities!"
"Putting aside your manual dexterity for now, your young age coupled with this level of worldly experience and insight far exceeds my original expectations!"
"Moreover, just by the fact that you dared to be ruthless towards yourself without hesitation, I can conclude... you are a rare top master of the Blue Path in the gambling world!"
"It's a pity that such a person can never be subordinate to others or be used by them."
"So, you'd better not ask about my true reason for finding you!"
"Let's pretend nothing happened. After the transaction, we'll go our separate ways!"
After hearing Jin Yan's explanation, I couldn't help but laugh.
She was indeed a formidable female leader in the underworld, her words and actions were impeccable.
I asked her to explain her initial malicious intent towards me, but instead of revealing it, she proceeded to lavish me with praise.
Whether her words were sincere or not, Jin Yan's underlying message was clear.
It was that I was no ordinary person, and she was not someone who could control me.
In fact, even if Jin Yan hadn't said it explicitly, I could have guessed it.
After deducing my identity, her first thought was to restrain or subdue me and then make me work for her.
However, the strength I displayed made her realize her miscalculation and also instilled in her a deep sense of apprehension.
One of the unwritten rules of the underworld is that anyone with real ability is never an unknown entity!
To put it more plainly, Jin Yan was wary of my strength and feared I had a significant background, so she wanted to resolve the matter quickly.
Logically, my original plan was also to expedite the transaction and leave Ge Village as soon as possible to avoid any unforeseen complications.
But there was a very practical problem: I was out of money!
Running away also required money. I couldn't possibly rely on finding obscure local card rooms or casinos in every new place I went.
This kind of stop-and-go approach carried a high risk of exposure.
Since Jin Yan had already set up the stage and acted out half the play, why shouldn't I take over from her and continue the performance?
After all, a female leader in the underworld was surely much wealthier than most people.
Perhaps the reward she would give me after the task was completed would be even more than what I could earn by going from place to place, entering several or even a dozen card rooms and underground casinos?
With this thought in mind, after a moment of silent contemplation, I looked up at Jin Yan and said, "I don't care what your original intention was in targeting me and trying to control me to do something for you. Let me be clear..."
"I can agree to your request! But I have two conditions!"
Hearing me say this, Jin Yan was briefly stunned, then immediately reacted and nodded, replying, "No problem, tell me! As long as you're willing to help me, feel free to state your conditions, provided they are not too excessive!"
"Not excessive, definitely not excessive!"
Shaking my head, I held up my right hand, showing two fingers, and said to Jin Yan with utmost seriousness, "Just two requirements!"
"First, your matter needs to be arranged quickly! I won't be staying in Ge Village for too long, at most three days! Today already counts as the first day."
"So, you have two more days to make arrangements! If you exceed this time, then I won't need to mention this condition anymore."
Upon hearing this, Jin Yan frowned, pursed her lips, and after a long period of thought, she nodded heavily and agreed, "Alright! Actually, the matter I want you to handle is very simple, which is to accompany me to a gambling match."
"I'll start making arrangements right away, aiming to finalize it by tomorrow night at the latest!"
"Very good!" I said, looking at Jin Yan with approval, and continued, "Second, according to the rules of the gambling circles, if the client hires us to set up a game, then we discuss remuneration."
"If it's about participating in a gambling match and winning, after the victory, half of the stake, including the principal and interest, will belong to me!"
I wasn't trying to swindle Jin Yan; this was the established rule of the Blue Path in the gambling world.
A seasoned gambler is hired by the client to accompany them to a gambling match, and their remuneration is settled through the stakes.
The larger the gambling match, the higher the stakes, and the greater the gambler's reward.
Taking Jin Yan as an example, at her level, her bodyguards carried firearms. The gambling matches she participated in were no less than those of the bosses.
Therefore, without even needing to guess, I knew that the gambling match Jin Yan intended to participate in would be significant, and there would certainly be a minimum stake requirement for everyone eligible to enter.
If it fell below this standard... sorry, you'd have to go back where you came from!
This was also why Jin Yan, after deducing my identity, suddenly had the impulse to test and control me.
In short, although coming to Ge Village with Fan Miaomiao was perilous and thrilling, the outcome was good, and it wasn't a wasted trip.
As long as Jin Yan agreed to my terms, not only would I get the matchlock guns in one go, but I could also earn a substantial amount of extra income!
While I was lost in thought, Jin Yan also made her decision.
"Deal!"