The reason I rented an apartment outside rather than residing in the company's dormitory was solely for one individual—Filla. This arrangement afforded me the convenience of practising my cheating techniques. After all, one must keep their fists ready and their music ever-playing.
Upon arriving home, I flicked on the light. The darkness of the small room was instantly dispelled. I approached my desk and glanced back at Filla, who was curiously examining my living space.
Filla met my gaze, flashing a charming smile as she asked, "Why are you staring at me? Haven't you seen a beautiful woman before?" With a playful toss of her hair, she sauntered closer, swaying her hips with each step, her hand finding its way onto my shoulder. Her sultry eyes fluttered at me.
"You've won me over; tonight I belong to you. Now tell me, what do you desire?" As she spoke, her fingers lightly traced my cheek.
"Speak!" I commanded, maintaining my impassive demeanour as I regarded the enchanting Filla.
Suddenly, my tone shifted to a low, commanding whisper. "Kneel!"
Filla momentarily froze but soon returned to her playful self. With a soft giggle, she began to sway, slowly sinking to her knees at my feet, lifting her gaze to me with a coy yet innocent expression. "Lupan, no, I should call you Lord Lupan. How long has it been since you've touched a woman? Why the urgency?"
As she spoke, her fingers reached towards my belt, giving it a gentle tug, loosening it. "Do all you men enjoy having women kneel before you?"
A sharp slap! I seized her hand, realizing she assumed I was in the mood for something risqué. "What are you thinking? Turn around and see what graces your presence."
Only then did Filla direct her attention to the desk. There, resting, was my father's black-and-white portrait—his only surviving photograph.
"Today at the card game, you insulted my parents. I won you over, and having you kneel is to offer apologies and incense for my father's memory!"
Even Filla, known for her audacity, appeared momentarily embarrassed upon my declaration. Yet, compliant, she lit the incense, kneeling before the image of my father, mumbling her apologies.
I paid her no mind, slipping into a clean pair of pyjamas and taking a shower. I had to concede that Dark's blows were formidable. My body bore the marks of numerous contusions, and every movement felt agonizing, akin to shattered bones. This was a wound that would require days of recuperation.
Once refreshed and re-clad, I lay on the bed. Filla continued her exploration of my room, unfazed by my nonchalance. Upon seeing me reclining, she strolled over, a smile gracing her lips. "Lupan, you truly are a man today. Dark was utterly intimidated by you. You must be exhausted. Allow me to give you a foot massage; my skills in this regard are quite renowned in our territory…"
Without waiting for my consent, she pulled a chair beside the bed and took my foot into her hands. Though I was not well-acquainted with Filla, I sensed her ulterior motives behind this sudden display of affection.
"Wow, your feet are quite lovely!"
I inwardly scoffed at her flattery; she was resorting to compliments about my feet. "Not to mention, they smell delightful just after washing…" She leaned in and unexpectedly kissed my foot.
I kept my eyes closed, ignoring her. After a moment, Filla remarked, "Lupan, I must share a secret with you! In our Three Card Poker games, Ranulph knows the cards; the deck he uses is a magician's deck…"
I was taken aback as to why Filla was suddenly spilling this information. Did she intend to abandon Ranulph? Of course, I wasn't so vain as to think that she would switch her allegiance to me.
"Do you know him?" I asked, still with my eyes closed.
"Of course, I don't!" she replied, too quickly. The truth was, she was by Ranulph's side to aid him by reading the cards, yet she claimed ignorance.
Seeing my silence, Filla pressed further. "Lupan, are you capable of cheating? I refuse to believe it's a mere coincidence. During your deal, Dark had three Jacks, Ranulph three Aces, and you had 2-3-5? I'm convinced you're a gambling prodigy! That ten thousand dollars you possess—you won it, didn't you?"
In this matter, Filla demonstrated greater insight than Ranulph. Many situations in gambling, which appear to be a product of luck, often conceal an element of deceit.
"I know some wealthy individuals from our bathing establishments who share a passion for gambling. Why don't I introduce you to them? You could showcase your skills against them. When you win, just share a portion of the spoils with me. What do you say?"
"Nothing sounds appealing!" I coldly rejected her. It became evident that Filla's eagerness to return with me was motivated by this very proposal. While I needed money, collaborating with someone like her, who seemed blinded by greed, was fraught with the risk of betrayal.
Varg had once advised me that in this world, security is paramount, and one must tread carefully.
Filla, undeterred by my refusal, persisted. After a moment of silence, she said, "Let me share another secret. The owner of our establishment is a young woman. Not only does she run the bathhouse and clubhouse, but she also owns a casino. Mei manages the bathing facility for her…"
Despite having been at Tianxiang for half a year, this information was new to me. Was it possible that the place Mei took me to yesterday, claiming it belonged to a friend, was the domain of our boss?
"If you genuinely possess cheating techniques, I could speak to Mei on your behalf and arrange for you to work in the casino. There, you'd have the opportunity to amass wealth…"
I remained silent.
"I'll tell you this: you must be familiar with the Zou family, right? In Harbei, everyone knows of them. Our boss is part of the Zou family! Working for them is akin to striking gold. It's impossible not to prosper…"
I did not know the Zou family. My understanding of Harbei extended only as far as Tianxiang.
"Furthermore, our boss is stunning. Although I've never met her, they say she's even more beautiful than Su Mei and likely comparable to me…" Filla boasted, her self-commendation reflecting her vanity.
She had a measure of beauty, but she couldn't match Su Mei's allure.
"Let me put it this way: every man who's encountered me has desired to share my bed. I imagine the same could be said for men who might meet our boss…"
As she said this, Filla let out a soft, seductive giggle. "And what about you, dear Lord Lupan? Do you wish to share a bed with me?"
Her provocations were blatant, laced with an unmistakable allure. Filla began to tease me openly, infusing her words with breathy whispers that were captivating. Yet, I remained unresponsive, keeping my eyes closed.
Her hands, however, became increasingly daring, gradually sliding from my ankles upwards. I felt her encroaching on the sacred realms.
Just as she neared that critical point, I suddenly furrowed my brow and demanded, "What are you doing?"
"Guess!" she said with a giggle, climbing onto the bed.
"Get off!" I opened my eyes and glared at her.
Filla was taken aback, having underestimated me as simply an inexperienced youth. She thought a few suggestive words and gestures would easily ensnare me. Yet, to her surprise, I had resolutely rejected her advances.
Seeming to recover, she feigned a hurt expression. "Will you truly let me leave just like this?"
I closed my eyes again and coldly replied, "There's money in my pocket; take five hundred. Consider it payment for your earlier foot massage!"
Filla, noting my unwavering tone, had no choice but to rise from the bed and fetch her payment.
"I'll take five hundred and leave…" she said, pushing the door open.
But I knew she was taking a thousand.
Though the sound of the money being counted was soft, it resonated clearly in my ears.