Ethan spoke these words with the calm, matter-of-fact demeanor of someone stating the obvious, leaving even Serena momentarily stunned.
Even Tyler He was taken aback for a few seconds before retorting, "You think you can just set someone on fire because you say so?"
"It's not me saying it," Ethan shook his head. "It's knowledge. You're right, I am just a high school senior. But I'm a senior at City Prep No. 3."
Tyler frowned. "What's so special about City Prep No. 3?"
Serena interjected mockingly, "It's the top-ranked academic high school in the city."
Ethan nodded. "I'm ranked first in both the Arts and Sciences tracks."
"Hahaha, brilliant!" Mr. Kun laughed, clapping his hands. "A top student is indeed a top student. Your way of thinking is completely different from folks like us."
Tyler curled his lip. "Being book-smart is fucking useless!"
The smile vanished from Mr. Kun's face instantly. "Tyler," he said, his voice cold. "Let me remind you, I don't want to hear that kind of talk from you again. It's only because we're among ourselves. If outsiders were here, you'd just be a laughingstock."
"'Book-smart is useless'? This world is driven by knowledge and technology. The fact you can say that only shows your own ignorance and lack of sophistication!"
The Boss, who had been watching the exchange like a spectator, finally spoke. "Ethan, from now on, you and Serena need to cooperate well in running this casino. You're both young. Young people have ideas and drive. Your Uncle Kun and I have high hopes for you both."
Ethan gave a slight nod. "Thank you for your trust, Boss, Uncle Kun."
"Alright, we'll leave this to you young people." The Boss stood up, straightening his collar. "It's dark already. Time for me to go home, have some tea, and get to bed early. Haha."
Mr. Kun waved a hand at Tyler. "Let's go. You focus on doing a good job with your credit loan operations."
Mr. Kun also headed out.
Tyler's eyes swept over the opulent hall, the hundreds of slot machines, the brand-new gaming tables. They were filled with reluctant. He shot a glare at Ethan first, then delivered a final parting shot to Serena before leaving: "Serena, remember your place. A bastard daughter will always be a bastard daughter. Don't think running one casino lets you climb over me, Tyler He!"
Ethan glanced at Serena. He suddenly remembered that night after escaping Lansway, when he'd asked her why Mr. Kun hadn't arranged a backup plan. She had remained silent then.
"Come on, let's get something to eat. My treat. You drive."
Ethan patted Serena's shoulder.
A few cars drove down the mountain from the resort in a small convoy. The Boss sat alone in his car, his narrow eyes glinting as he watched the reflections in the rearview mirror.
"So, both Kun's people and Michael's people went to find Ethan today?"
"Yes," the driver replied.
"What did Ethan do?"
The driver recounted in detail. "Ethan walked for two blocks. Serena and Summer followed him for two blocks. In the end, Ethan got into Serena's car and came directly to the resort."
"Heh." The Boss let out a soft chuckle. "Truly Lydia Chen's son. He knows exactly where he stands. Are the preparations made?"
"The invitations have been sent. But there are still some people..." the driver hesitated.
"I'll pay them a visit myself."
Huaixi Night Market was the largest night market in the city, even in the entire northwest region, covering sixty thousand square meters with countless food stalls of varying quality.
Ethan and Serena sat opposite each other at a small table, surrounded by an array of purchased snacks.
"Everyone says Huaixi Night Market is a great place. It satisfies your cravings and can cure constipation."
Serena wiped her mouth. "We're eating! Could you save that for after the meal?"
"Just an observation." Ethan stuffed a large skewer of grilled squid into his mouth. "Haven't been here in a long time. Prices keep getting higher. Isn't the point of a night market that it's cheap? Now, two people can easily spend three hundred bucks here. It's insane."
"That's because you eat too much!" Serena retorted, rolling her eyes. "You eat enough for three people by yourself!"
"Can't help it." Ethan picked up a box of Xichang-style mixed noodles. "I'm at the age where I'm still growing."
Serena found herself momentarily unable to rebut that.
After the whirlwind of eating subsided, Serena asked the vendor for a can of beer.
Pop! She opened it, and foam bubbled out.
"Thanks." Ethan took the can from her hand and took a large gulp.
Serena's eyes widened. "Couldn't you get your own if you wanted one?"
Ethan looked genuinely puzzled. "You weren't opening that for yourself?"
"Duh!" Serena reached for another can.
"You can't drink that," Ethan stopped her. "You're driving."
"Then we'll go back!" Serena glared. "We'll drink back at the resort!"
In the car, Serena made a U-turn.
Ethan looked at the road ahead. "Could you just drop me off at home first?"
"Go home? Why?" Serena was confused. "There's a room reserved for you at the resort. It has everything."
Ethan fastened his seatbelt. "I still have homework to do."
Serena opened her mouth, then took a deep breath and focused on driving. It was the third time that day she was left utterly speechless.
The phrases coming out of Ethan's mouth... she hadn't heard anyone talk like that in years.
A guy who took a trophy from Jack "Two-Finger" Zhao, a future manager of the city's biggest casino... needing to 'grow' and do his homework?
And yet, it was the undeniable truth!
By the time Ethan got home, finished his homework, and packed his books for the next day, it was late. He went to the hospital.
Lydia Chen was still awake, having anticipated his visit.
A smile instinctively spread across her face as her son entered the room. "What did you have for dinner? Did you eat enough?"
"Went to the night market. I'm full." Ethan sat by the bed. "I went to the casino. Met The Boss."
He recounted everything he'd seen and heard that day, omitting the scene at the school gate.
"Mom, there's something I don't quite understand," Ethan voiced his confusion. "From what you said last time, the people behind Zhao are powerful enough to give even The Boss pause. So why is The Boss willing to risk offending them to take over this casino? If it were just about profit, The Boss shouldn't be short on money. At the very least, he doesn't need the profits from one casino."
A pleased smile appeared on Lydia's face. "Good. While casino profits are substantial, they aren't essential for someone at The Boss's level. There are many profitable ventures in this world. If you try to grab hold of everything, you'll only meet destruction. Son, before I answer your question, let me ask you one. What social stratum do you think The Boss belongs to?"
Ethan answered without hesitation. "Wealthy and powerful. Among the top tier in the city."
Lydia nodded. "Correct. But looking across the entire Northwest region?"
Ethan shook his head. "I don't know."
"Ordinary," Lydia stated. "So, if The Boss wants to climb higher, he needs certain... channels."
"These channels consist of two parts. The first is connections! You need to know them, and they need to know your name."
"The second part is interest. When your connections and your interests align, that forms a true channel."
"And a casino," she continued, "is a place that perfectly combines connections and interests. No matter who you are, the moment you step into that casino, you become part of The Boss's network of connections. Whether you win or lose money inside, you create a financial interest with The Boss."
"For The Boss, it's simply a matter of how to strengthen those connections and expand those shared interests within his own casino. That's all there is to it."