If anyone asked who Jack "Two-Finger" Zhao hated most, the answer was unequivocally Ethan Chen.
The underground casino at Lansway had been a money-printing press. Because of Ethan, Zhao had lost this lucrative business, broken both his arms, lost a finger, and nearly didn't pull through in the hospital.
Now that he had survived, the gossip swirling outside was relentless. Talk of being bested by a kid, of Uncle Kun's casino opening in grand style—these words were like salt in Zhao's wounds, a constant reminder that he had been the stepping stone on someone else's path to success.
"Ethan, we've got plenty of time. We'll play this game slowly."
"Then I hope you enjoy your time at the casino," Ethan said with a smile, walking past Zhao.
Back in his room, Ethan collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep.
Around 2 PM, Ethan was woken by a call from Serena.
"Can you come to the credit room? There's a situation I'm not sure how to handle."
Ethan quickly washed up and headed to the credit room.
A woman in her early thirties was seated inside. She wore a high-neck, tight-fitting sweater that left little to the imagination about what was underneath, her curves prominently displayed.
She paired it with leather pants, the whole ensemble radiating a mature, almost overwhelming sensuality, like an apple ripened to perfection.
Ethan remembered her from last night's drinks. Her flirtatious demeanor had set more than a few minds wandering. She ran the girls at a club in the West District and had some reputation in the city's circles. Everyone called her Autumn.
"Well, hello there, handsome." Autumn shot Ethan a sultry look, then said to Serena, "See, I told you two had that 'couple look' about you. Look how well you work together now."
Serena laughed. "You're teasing us, Autumn. Ethan and I just co-manage the casino. Different responsibilities." She turned to Ethan. "Autumn, sit tight. Let me brief Ethan. You wouldn't believe it, this man slept the whole day away. He's going to make me age prematurely with all this work."
With that, Serena pulled Ethan aside and quickly explained the situation.
Autumn wanted a marker but had no collateral. Given her standing in the city, the casino couldn't just strong-arm her. There was still an element of personal connection in this business; trapping a known face in the collections room on the second day would scare away future customers.
Most importantly, Autumn was considered one of The Boss's people.
Ethan understood Serena's dilemma. She needed to know if he believed the debt could be collected.
"Approve it," Ethan said. "Collecting might be a process, and I can't guarantee there won't be hiccups. But we can't refuse credit just because of that possibility." He offered a wry smile.
Serena nodded. "Alright, I'll go process the paperwork. You keep Autumn company. If this goes south, we're in it together."
Ethan didn't argue and walked back into the room.
"Oh, and Ethan," Serena called out suddenly, looking slightly embarrassed. "I was pretty drunk last night... I didn't say anything... weird, did I?"
Ethan thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No."
"Really?" Serena seemed unconvinced, as if certain she must have spilled something.
"Really!" Ethan gave her a reassuring look, then teased, "Though you did try to take advantage of me."
"Well, then maybe next time you're drunk, I'll make sure to follow through," Serena retorted with a flirtatious eye-roll before striding off.
Ethan went back inside and informed Autumn that Serena was processing the paperwork.
Autumn's eyes were half-lidded as she traced a finger lightly on Ethan's leg. "You're the one who takes care of your big sister. When are you coming to my place for some fun? Nothing but the best girls there, they'll treat you right."
Ethan stood up to pour Autumn a coffee. "Autumn, this marker has a time limit. If you don't pay it back on time, little brother here will really have to come sit with you."
Autumn feigned offense. "They say men turn cold fast after they get what they want. You haven't even taken your pants off yet, and you're already turning on me?"
Ethan sighed dramatically. "What can I do, sis? I'm just an employee."
After the marker was approved and things settled, Ethan, having checked in with Serena, headed straight for the hospital.
It was Saturday, and Maya was also there visiting.
Seeing Ethan, Maya looked happy, asking if he'd eaten and if he wanted her to bring some food from home later.
Ever since Ethan gave her the electric scooter, Maya had felt she owed him something and was always looking for small ways to pay him back. Bringing an extra portion of food was no trouble, and Ethan didn't refuse.
Maya happily went home, and Ethan sat by the bed, chatting with his mother.
"Casino opened yesterday, drank a bit too much, I see?" Lydia Chen noted the tiredness in her son's eyes. "The Boss and Uncle Kun's joint venture, with you representing The Boss's interests... I imagine quite a few people came to pay their respects."
Ethan nodded, recounting the previous day's events. He noticed his mother listened with keen interest, a smile constantly playing on her lips.
He knew it wasn't the casino or the underworld dealings that interested her; she was simply happy he was sharing his life with her.
"Mom, there's something I don't understand. In the city's circles, there's a woman called Autumn…"
Ethan briefly explained about Autumn taking the marker that day.
"Collateral shouldn't be a problem for her. And she's right here in the city. Even if her liquid cash is tied up, she could have someone deliver it in under an hour. For her to insist on a marker in this situation… could she be deliberately causing trouble?"
Lydia nodded. "If her business isn't in trouble, then yes, she's likely causing trouble. But since she's considered one of The Boss's people, it shouldn't be an insurmountable problem for you. The real question is, why would she do this? You're co-managing the place with the He girl. But Uncle Kun has several children. If this is some internal family power play, The Boss definitely won't intervene."
Lydia's words practically handed Ethan the answer.
Just then, Serena called.
"Ethan, right after Autumn got the chips, she played a couple of hands, cashed out, and took off."
"I see," Ethan said, hanging up.
Lydia sighed softly. "Son, there's never absolute sincerity in cooperation, only the absolute exchange of interests. You're in this world now; you need to adjust your mindset. Even when people work towards the same goal, their underlying motives can be different."
Ethan smiled ruefully. "Mom, tell me then, in that situation, could I have refused to approve the marker?"
"No," Lydia said without hesitation. "Refusing would have created a problem right then and there. The Boss put you in charge, gave you authority and a share of the profits, to solve problems, not create them. If you approve it and she doesn't pay, you can handle it. Once handled, it's no longer a problem."
"But if you don't approve, the problem is instant, and it defines your failure."
Ethan took a deep breath. "I understand, Mom. I'll find a way to handle it."
Autumn. West District club. The "Western Opulence Club."
Looks like he'd be paying a visit there tonight.