"Winning money?"
Jiang Rou blinked, then quickly realized that this place was essentially a casino.
Dogfighting, despite its fancy name, was merely a different form of gambling.
In the gambling world, whenever a gambler wins too much money, the house usually becomes restless.
Some houses would even "friendly" invite them to the back for a chat.
Jiang Rou understood Song Qiao's intention, but she was still confused.
"Helmsman, although I believe in your abilities,"
"This is a dogfighting arena, not a boxing ring!"
"Even if you wanted to fight in place of the dogs, it wouldn't be allowed."
"So, how can we guarantee a win?"
Cough, cough.
Song Qiao was quite choked by her words and couldn't help but glance back at Jiang Rou with annoyance.
"Why are you speaking so crudely? Who said I was going to fight myself?"
Did he, the dignified Helmsman of the Tongmen, fight in place of a dog?
Even if the Third Madam and the spectators agreed, did she dare to ask if the Tongmen would permit their Helmsman to do such a thing?
And would the Security Department dare to lose face like that?
"Then, you're going to...?" Jiang Rou was completely bewildered by Song Qiao's plan.
"Stop asking so many questions, just take me to the dogfighting area!"
Song Qiao was still sulking and couldn't be bothered to explain anything to her.
The dogfighting arena was divided into countless smaller fighting pits.
Each area was surrounded by about forty to fifty people, while larger arenas often gathered over a hundred.
Such a concentration of people naturally wouldn't escape the attention of the authorities.
However, the dogfighting arena had been operating smoothly for so many years.
This was mainly due to the Third Madam's bribes and the so-called legal operating license.
Even setting aside the gambling, this was at least an illegal gathering.
But through some cosmetic measures, it was transformed into people visiting the dog kennels, and no one could interfere.
Led by Jiang Rou, Song Qiao arrived at a slightly smaller arena.
Jiang Rou was still worried and decided to have him "test the waters" first.
About twenty to thirty people were gathered around the arena, their faces flushed as they cheered on.
In the center was an open space, enclosed by iron railings.
Two medium-sized hunting dogs were fiercely fighting, their rough fur already bloody.
One of the dogs had half of its ear bitten off.
Its canine teeth were broken from the root, indicating that defeat was inevitable.
Song Qiao glanced at it once and then withdrew his gaze, asking Jiang Rou.
"How do we place bets?"
Just as Jiang Rou was about to explain, a gong sound interrupted her.
Clang!
A thunderous gong echoed.
The host's powerful voice boomed across the arena.
"Round 34, contestant number 1 is the winner! Please proceed to the croupier according to the odds to exchange your chips or cash out!"
"In 20 minutes, we will commence the next round of matches!"
As this round concluded, many people were jubilant, clearly having bet on the winner.
However, it was strange that those who lost didn't seem too dejected.
Jiang Rou took the opportunity to explain, "They're all wealthy individuals."
"This small amount of money is insignificant to them; losing it is no big deal."
"Those who are happy aren't just happy about winning money, but rather the thrill of it."
Song Qiao suddenly understood. Through the host's further announcements, he gained a deeper understanding of the arena's ecosystem.
He learned that each betting match started at a minimum of 3 million.
There was a 10-minute window for gamblers to place their bets before the match, and no mid-match betting was allowed.
Settlements were made according to the odds at the end of the match.
During the intermission, staff members began to clean up the venue.
The losing dog was covered in blood. After a simple treatment, it was returned to its cage.
No one cared whether it lived or died.
The winning dog would be specially trained and, after recovering, would be returned to fight again.
Just as Song Qiao was deep in thought, another gong sounded.
Clang!
"Round 35 will begin shortly!"
As the host announced, two more combat dogs were brought in.
Song Qiao and the crowd turned to look, and saw two purebred Mastiffs.
Their physiques were comparable, with a shoulder height of over a meter.
They were well-fed and strong, appearing to weigh at least 160 catties!
Their sheer weight could easily overwhelm an adult man.
Especially with their long fur flaring outwards,
it made their already imposing figures look even more terrifying!
Fortunately, they were confined in sturdy iron cages, or else many people would have fainted from fear.
The crowd parted as the host, facing the two large dogs, began to stir up the atmosphere with passionate words.
"Here they come! They're here!"
"Today's main event, two divine dogs from the East!"
"Contestant 1, seasoned and experienced, countless opponents have fallen to its jaws, it is truly a divine dog!"
"And most importantly, this is a special combat dog personally trained by our owner, the Third Madam!"
"Contestant 2, as a purebred Mastiff, it is still quite young, and this match is its debut battle!"
"Although it lacks combat experience compared to contestant 1, it is in its prime, brimming with boundless explosive power!"
"Now, please make your choices."
"And then, enjoy this passionate battle to the fullest!"
The fighting dogs were assigned numbers 1 and 2 in advance.
In this round, the two Mastiffs were one grey and one yellow, corresponding to the two numbers.
Jiang Rou couldn't help but gasp after just one glance.
Their majestic appearance was truly terrifying.
Song Qiao looked at Jiang Rou and asked, "Which one do you think will win?"
Jiang Rou shook her head, "I don't know about these things, but I think it'll be the grey one."
"I saw many scars on its face earlier."
"The host didn't seem to be lying; it really has a lot of combat experience."
Song Qiao chuckled upon hearing this and reminded her.
"When gambling, the most important thing is not to be led by the house's narrative."
"And the more wild creatures are, the less they value combat experience!"
"In a life-or-death struggle, experience is nonsense. Do you really think anyone will constantly remember these things when the heat of battle takes over?"
"At that moment, it all comes down to the most primal thing: strength!"
"So, you think...?" Jiang Rou asked blankly.
"The younger one," Song Qiao replied without hesitation.
He also offered his reasoning.
"The yellow one has excellent leg strength, and the grey one will be knocked down by the opponent early on."
"Although it might be able to quickly get up and counterattack with its experience."
"But as soon as it sees blood, it's completely lost!"
Listening to Song Qiao's seemingly sound analysis, Jiang Rou couldn't help but frown.
"Even though you say that, it's not a sure thing..."
"How about we bet separately? That way, at least we won't lose."
Song Qiao was slightly taken aback and sighed, shaking his head. "Now I believe you truly don't understand these things."
Saying this, Song Qiao didn't bother explaining further and went to place his bet.
Jiang Rou hurriedly followed.
Just then, a young master suddenly blocked Jiang Rou's path.
Without looking up at her, he glanced at the clothing wrapped around her chest with interest and chuckled.
"This shape... Jiang Rou? I recognize you."
"What's up, are you here to ask the Third Madam for money again today?"
Hearing the lewd tone in his voice, Jiang Rou frowned, slightly displeased.
But she couldn't be bothered to pay him any mind.
Just as she was about to catch up to Song Qiao, the man became more aggressive and brazen.
"You just want money, don't you? Why go through so much trouble?"
"If you want money, find me! I apologized last time for saying 20 million for me to play for a night; that was my mistake."
"With your... endowment, it should be at least 30 million!"
Saying this, the man pointed at the magnificent sight of Jiang Rou's chest and taunted.
"So, what do you say? Interested?"
Before Jiang Rou could refuse.
Song Qiao suddenly turned around and asked with a confused expression.
"Aren't all the people who come to play here wealthy?"
"Why is there a pauper trying to show off with only 20 million?"