Chapter 1226: Everyone Has a Duty to Combat Crime
Wu Yong had also heard that Lin Tian was recruited by Miss Bai to the Xianglong Tea House because of his extraordinary card skills. It was said that he won tens of millions from Du Dahai back then.
Previously, it was just a rumor, something to laugh off and not take seriously.
But seeing Lin Tian’s serious expression just now, Wu Yong started to believe it. He blinked with curiosity and asked, "Tian, how did you win? Why don’t you teach me a few tricks?"
Lin Tian smiled and didn’t answer; instead, he asked, "How much did you lose last time you went?"
Wu Yong chuckled awkwardly and said, "Actually, it wasn’t much, just this amount."
After speaking, he gestured with two fingers.
"Twenty thousand?"
"No," Wu Yong shook his head vigorously.
"Two hundred thousand?"
"Not... that either..."
"Two million?" Lin Tian’s pupils dilated slightly. If this kid shook his head again, Lin Tian might peel his skin off for being so careless!
Finally, Wu Yong didn’t shake his head this time, just laughed sheepishly in acknowledgment.
Before Lin Tian could speak, Wu Yong hurriedly explained, "Originally, I just went to have a look and play a little. I earned a bit at the start, but then this jerk provoked me. I fell for it, got carried away, and by the end of the night, I lost everything I earned and ended up losing more than two million. It’s strange because I was really lucky at the beginning, but then I started losing."
Lin Tian rolled his eyes and asked, "No kidding, that’s a trap. If they didn’t let you taste a bit of success, how would they make you continue? You’re just too greedy."
"I know, but I got mad at that time. I thought I could keep winning, but who would’ve thought..."
"Did you go play again later?" Lin Tian asked.
"No, I wanted to, but since it’s the Wang Family’s place, and we’ve had too many run-ins lately, I didn’t dare go back. If I fell into trouble there, it’d be a huge loss," Wu Yong laughed.
"It’s good for you to take some losses; you won’t learn without them!" Lin Tian looked up and asked, "Are you addicted?"
Wu Yong shook his head, then realized Lin Tian was staring at him with such a piercing look, as if he could see through his soul. Wu Yong finally nodded guiltily, grinning, "A little bit, but not much. I just feel reluctant after losing so much and want to win it back. Once I break even, I swear I won’t touch that stuff again."
"Tch, do you really believe that? If you win, you’ll want even more! Do you even know what a gambling den is? Nine times out of ten, it’s a scam! If you manage to break even, it’d be a miracle!" Lin Tian scolded him in frustration, wondering why this normally smart kid lost his mind over this nonsense.
"Yeah, I know, it’s just... hard to resist," Wu Yong said, feeling embarrassed. "But I have to admit, those gambling dens are really profitable!"
"What? Are you interested?" Lin Tian asked nonchalantly.
"A little..."
From Wu Yong’s expression, it was clear he had more than just a little interest. He might even be drooling over it in his dreams!
Bang!
Lin Tian slapped the table, eyes wide, and shouted, "Even if you’re interested, you can’t touch it!"
They had played together from a young age, and it was rare to see Lin Tian this angry. Only genuine anger would make him react like this. Even when he bought a luxury car and lost a fortune, he hadn’t been this angry, but the idea of running a gambling den clearly hit his bottom line.
Wu Yong laughed foolishly and poured more wine into Lin Tian’s glass, waving his hands, "Don’t be mad. I was just saying it. I swear I won’t touch it again, okay? Just joking, just joking."
Lin Tian took a deep breath, rolled his eyes, and calmed down. He was genuinely frustrated with his friend; gambling addiction and wanting to run a gambling den would only lead to destruction.
If they didn’t nip this thought in the bud, regretting it later would be too late. Desires, after all, could easily consume a person.
"Back when the Xianglong Tea House was still a gambling den, the profits were substantial, but the bribes weren’t small either."
"I’ve heard a bit about that," Wu Yong said.
"So, since we’ve come clean now, we can’t go back to those old ways. Even if the temptation is there, we can’t touch them. Do you understand?"
Wu Yong nodded emphatically, "Got it! Don’t worry, I know my limits. Besides, we already have so many venues, and the company is flourishing. There’s no need to get involved in such risky business."
"As long as you understand." Lin Tian said with relief, glad his efforts weren’t in vain.
Wu Yong rubbed his hands together, looking at Lin Tian with anticipation, "Tian, you mentioned going to that gambling den. When are we going? I can’t wait anymore."
"In the next few days. Also, you know some people at the police station, don’t you?" Lin Tian asked.
Wu Yong nodded without hesitation, "Of course I do. Miss Bai introduced me to quite a few. I even know the chairman and have shared a couple of drinks with the manager, so we’re old friends."
Hearing this, Wu Yong opened his mouth wide in surprise, speechless for a while before asking, "Tian, are you planning to get these gambling dens raided?"
"Of course! Not just because of our old grudges with the Wang Family, but also because these gambling dens cheat people and deal drugs. Fighting crime is everyone’s responsibility!" Lin Tian said with a righteous air.
Finally, he added, "Of course, before we fight crime, we’ll make a good haul first!"
"..." Wu Yong was speechless, thinking how audacious can one be?
"What’s wrong? Is it difficult to report the gambling dens and drug dealing, and get the venues raided?" Lin Tian asked.
"Of course it is!" Wu Yong raised his voice, "This isn’t a joke. There are three venues! The Wang Family must have greased the right palms, so nothing will go wrong. Even if there were issues, they’d be prepared. A cunning hare has three burrows; they won’t be caught easily!"
"What’s the problem? When Shishi ran a gambling den, they gave out plenty of gifts, and what happened in the end? They still didn’t match up to the Wang Family. It’s easy; just throw money at it!" Lin Tian said straightforwardly, with a tone that showed he didn’t regard money as a concern at all.