The Villain's Wife

The lines in between Zhou Jingren's forehead deepened.

"I know you don't understand a lot of things right now and you don't have to. To be honest, I don't have the time to explain everything right now either. It is best if you experience it in person." He did not miss the smugness in Harringfort's voice. "For someone like you who— grew up alone, being one of us, is considered a miracle. A blessing."

Still, Zhou Jingren said nothing.

"The Spectre is an organization which maintains the status quo of the world. Our goal is simple, keep everyone's feet on the ground. We prevent countries from colonizing another country, we prevent wars, we prevent monopoly of industries. We are the reason why a war between the US and Russia did not happen. We are the reason why the world market collapsed and we are the reason why… it recovered." The latter grinned. "You don't believe me." He said. "Of course, you wouldn't. I can understand the difficulty of grasping something as huge as this."

"Again, I have no interest in this organization."

"You still don't get it, do you? Harringfort pursed his lips. "I am not here to ask you to join us. I am here… to tell you that you are already one of us. Whether you like it or not, you are already a part of the organization." Zhou Jingren was about to answer him when he raised his hand, he held a finger in front of him, silencing Zhou Jingren in the process. "How about we play a game?"

Zhou Jingren narrowed his eyes in response. Seeing this, Harringfort let out a low chuckle before his face turned serious. "If you lose… I kill Bei Tian."

As expected, Zhou Jingren's face changed. "You wouldn't dare." This reaction only made Harringfort laugh harder. Her clutched his stomach, mockery swirling in his eyes.

"What? Is he your lover? I mean…" he held both of his hands and made a face. "I don't judge." He let out another laughter. "Ah… look at your face. You— I was not expecting this. Are you perhaps in love with that man?"

Zhou Jingren turned silent. He eyed the Harringfort's men that were keeping their distance since the latter started talking. The other's must be guarding Secretary Go and Bei Tian, he thought. There were four of them, even without Secretary Go, he could easily defeat them. The only problem now, was the man in front of him.

Based on the man's stature, Harringfort should be about his height. He was not very bulky or lean, but his eyes were enough to convince him that he too could fight. The only thing that he needed to do is—

"Now…. Now… I know what you are thinking. And I am telling you… stop it." Harringfort's voice interrupted his stupor. "Just to let you know… I won't be able to defeat you in a fight. You are fast and well… you seem to love fighting." Harringfort shrugged. "I don't. I use a gun and know a little martial arts but that's it." He eyed the blood from his men and scrunched his nose. "I hate the rustic smell of blood." He added. "However, before you decide to touch me… know this. My people are watching us and I am sure they will kill Bei Tian and that Secretary of yours before I breathe my last." Harringfort beamed. "Do you understand me now?"

He nodded. Harringfort indeed had a point. Moreover, Zhou Jingren's knowledge about this organization was practically non-existent. He was not really sure if someone from this organization would attack Lily the moment he does something to this man.

"Good! I always knew you were smart." Harringfort crossed his right leg over his left as he held his chin. "Now… about the game." His eyes sparkled with excitement. "Let me start by saying, I absolutely love anime. You shouldn't judge. I know you didn't have the time to watch them when you were younger so I can understand that reaction."

Chuckling at his own words, Harringfort continued. "I stumbled upon this anime with a strange card game. They call it choice poker. Have you heard of that game before? No? Alright… let me explain the rules." Beaming, he rubbed his hands together as he signaled his men to prepare some tables and chairs for them. "Oh… you should really get rid of that knife… or that small card in your hand. The blood is making me uncomfortable."

Zhou Jingren did as instructed. He kept the card on his jacket pocket before using a handkerchief to clean his hands.

"Great! Now… we can start!" Harringfort excitedly said. "Choice poker… hmmm… where do I start? The rules of poker apply in this game. Each of us will get five cards per round. In each round, we are given the opportunity to exchange two cards." He gave a boyish grin, a gesture that reminded Zhou Jingren of some people that he met in the Casino before. Gambling. Harringfort clearly loves gambling.

"This is where the fun begins." Harringfort continued. "The one with the highest bet has the ability to decide which type of cards will win. He can say two words, 'Higher' or 'Lower'. Meaning, even if the one with the highest bet had an absolutely low set of cards, he could still win if he chose 'Lower'. Do you get it?"

Zhou Jingren narrowed his eyes at the man opposite him. This was not a game of poker. This was a game of wealth. The one with the highest bet would decide which type of cards would win. Meaning, each of them would now try to bet higher than the other to get the opportunity to decide which set of cards will win.

For example, if Zhou Jingren gets a two of cloves, three of hearts, five of cloves, seven of diamonds and king of spades, this means that his odds of winning against someone with a pair was practically non-existent. However, since he has the opportunity to change his cards, he can choose to change the king of spades and seven of diamonds, hoping that he will at least get a four and six or a pair. If he fails to get one of those, he will then bet as much as he can to have the opportunity to decide what type of cards will win.

Now, let's say he gets the highest bet. Zhou Jingren will then choose 'Lower'. Meaning the lowest cards will win. However, Zhou Jingren will only win if Harringfort has a pair or a straight. If Harringforts card is lower than Zhou Jingren's cards, then despite having the highest bet and the opportunity to choose, Zhou Jingren will still lose.

Of course, the advantage of having the opportunity to choose which one will win is still too tempting. It could practically turn the weakest set of cards into the strongest just by betting higher than the opponents money.

Zhou Jingren's jaw's thinned as he continued to stare at the smile on Harringforts face. This game was clearly made to showcase one's wealth. He immediately wondered if this is something that the organization made so they could show how wealthy they were.

"So… are you ready?" Harringfort beamed.

...

This Choice poker is based on the anime: Kakegurui

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