In a neon-flashing bar, as the end of the workday approached, the peak hours of customers arrived, and people walked in groups of two or three.
Anderson, looking somewhat nervous, requested a booth, ordered a few drinks, and Chou Ping stood up after a while.
"Anderson, wait a moment, I'll be right back. It won't take long."
In the corner of the bar, Kailin sat alone, a light green matador cocktail in front of her, enjoying the leisure time after work.
"Kailin?"
Kailin was slightly surprised. She didn't expect to encounter someone she knew here. Looking up, she furrowed her brow. T
he person approaching her was obviously Asian, but she couldn't remember where she had seen him or what his name was.
But Kailin couldn't bring herself to ask directly. Since the person could remember her name, they must have had some interaction.
"Wow, what a coincidence! Meeting you here is really unexpected. Can I sit here?"
Kailin raised an eyebrow, "Of course, but you have to tell me who you are. I think I've had a bit too much to drink..."
Chou Ping smiled and sat down. In a reminiscent tone, he said, "I never thought, after all these years, you still like the color green."
Kailin arched her eyebrows. This man seemed quite familiar with her. How did he know her preference for the color of this cocktail, rather than its taste or the relatively cheap price?
Kailin's curiosity was piqued. Despite her efforts, she couldn't recall any memories associated with this man.
Chou Ping teased, "It's really unfortunate, Kailin. I didn't expect you to forget me. Do you remember our time at Andrew Private High School?"
Pointing at her, Chou Ping continued, "I remember you hated biology class so much that you were once punished by Jack of Spades to stand."
Most of the conversation between the two was dominated by Chou Ping, with Kailin mostly listening. Although she remained bewildered throughout, Chou Ping's eloquent narration gradually brought back the image of an Asian classmate in her memories.
They had a good relationship during their school days, but Chou Ping was expelled in the second year.
Feeling a faint sense of sadness, Kailin apologized, "Chou, I'm sorry. I think I forgot you because I was too upset. I had to force myself to forget you to start a new life..."
Chou Ping smiled slightly, "But I never forgot you all these years. A couple of years ago, I even went to Los Angeles to find you, but luck wasn't on my side, and I didn't locate you."
Kailin touched her forehead, "Chou, sorry. After high school, I went to Chicago for college..."
Chou Ping waved his hand, "It's okay. Fortune favors the persistent. I meet you today, didn't I?"
Nodding, Kailin said, "By the way, how did you end up here?"
"I work in the nearby company. After work, I come here for a drink with my colleagues," Chou Ping said, waving to Anderson sitting at the other table.
Anderson acknowledged Chou Ping with a nod.
Excitedly, Kailin said, "It's really fate that we meet here. I also work nearby, but..."
At this point, Kailin's mood lowered a bit, "But in two days, I'm moving to Chicago for a new job. There's a more suitable position for me there..."
Chou Ping frowned, "Why? Is there a reason you have to leave?"
Sighing, Kailin said, "I majored in financial management in college. I'm working in a financial company now. Unfortunately, from internships until now, no one has entrusted me with managing funds.
My college advisor in Chicago helped me find a job, and the salary is better."
Chou Ping nodded thoughtfully, "If someone is willing to entrust you with funds, would you stay?"
Kailin smiled wryly, "I love this job, but there are too many people in my field. Which wealthy person would trust a newcomer who graduated just a year ago and isn't well-known to manage their funds?"
The U.S. is a country that advocates for advanced consumption. In this country, most people have already used up their future earnings through credit cards or loans.
Anyone with savings of over $20,000 is considered wealthy.
Chou Ping asked, "How much capital do you need to maintain your current lifestyle?"
Kailin thought for a moment, "Not much, just $80,000. With that, I won't have to worry about my monthly salary, and I believe once I take the first step, more people will trust me."
Chou Ping confidently said, "I believe you will find such clients in the next two days!"
Kailin finished her drink and smiled, "I hope so."
Chou Ping extended his hand, "Kailin, I'm glad to meet you today. I feel lucky, so I've decided to try my luck at the casino next door. Interested in joining me?"
Kailin shrugged, "Sorry, I'm not interested in gambling, but I can accompany you."
"That's great! With you by my side, I'll surely conquer the gambling table today!"
Kailin kindly reminded, "I also hope so, but I think it's essential to remind you to be moderate. In the past year, I've seen many customers from our company go bankrupt because of gambling."
Invited by Chou Ping, Kailin and he joined Anderson at the table. The three of them had a drink together.
"Anderson, Kailin and I are going to the casino next door. Are you interested?"
"Oh, sorry, I have no interest in that."
The same question, the same answer. Chou Ping already knew.
After bidding farewell to Anderson, Chou Ping and Kailin went to the casino.
As mentioned before, Kailin was just accompanying Chou Ping; she didn't exchange for chips.
In Chou Ping's presence, Kailin didn't apply for a loan either. He converted his $10,000 savings and $5,000 credit limit into chips.
"Chou, it's hard to imagine people of our age still having savings," Kailin exclaimed.
Chou Ping pointed at his nose, "Perhaps this is the difference in consumption concepts between Americans and Chinese."
Leaving the gambling hall, Chou Ping approached the blackjack table.
The game was nearing its end. A middle-aged man with a bald head sighed and, after a moment of contemplation, reluctantly chose to leave.
Chou Ping took the opportunity to sit down. The dealer began dealing cards again, and without hesitation, Chou Ping pushed all his $15,000 chips into the center.
This move surprised Kailin. Her old classmate was too bold; he bet all $15,000 in one go.
"Kailin, I believe you can bring me luck," Chou Ping said, turning his head with a smile.