This kind of betting isn't uncommon; many people play it this way, so there's nothing surprising about it. It's just a way of echoing Zhao An's behavior. The sordid nature of high society circles is beyond the imagination of ordinary people; this kind of thing is perfectly normal.
"Okay, what do you want?" Huang Yu lit a cigarette, his eyes showing a hint of calm, as if he was starting to think about something.
"Everyone puts up their chips. If it's a good match, we'll raise the price; if not, we can simply pass. It doesn't matter." Zhao An didn't refuse, offering his first chip: "The age of electrification has arrived; everything is about strategy. I can give the winner a three-year right to use my invention, a hydroelectricity conversion technology, without paying me any patent royalties."
This condition was quite tempting. Zhao An's new energy invention wasn't unheard of; it had been demonstrated at Huang Meng's party, using water entirely for energy conversion.
"Is your energy source tap water, purified water, or seawater?" Fang Shunli asked a crucial question, because Fang Shuiling had revealed that Zhao An's energy source was seawater, meaning the cost was extremely low. "Production only needs to be done near the sea; seawater is no problem at all—it's incredibly simple and cheap."
"Seawater is best, tap water is so-so, and purified water has the worst conversion efficiency." Zhao An wasn't afraid to say it aloud. Even if he did, no one else could crack the code. That's the advantage of technological monopoly; no one else knows it, only he does, and even if he explained it, no one would understand. It's a crushing victory of intelligence and knowledge.
"I'm betting. Iron Bull Plaza on Iron Bull Street." Fang Shunli offered his bid readily and immediately placed it.
A murmur rippled through the crowd. "Iron Bull Plaza has a great location! Monthly revenue could reach 300 million!"
"That's a huge investment. Too bad I don't have the money. If I did, I'd place a bet."
"Having money but no experience is just gambling; it's about the thrill. If you're not at the right level, don't meddle."
Indeed, this was a high-stakes gamble. Win, and you have everything. Lose, and the price is heavy. Such gambles are rare; it's all about the thrill and the potential profit.
"Well, it's definitely a heart-pounding gamble. People with heart conditions should absolutely not participate; it's easy to have a heart attack and die."
Huang Yu's eyes flickered a few times. "Then I'll bet on Nonghua Plaza on Nonghua Street."
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd; they were clearly shocked. Nonghua Plaza was a major real estate highlight for the Huang family, each plaza guaranteeing over 500 million in revenue per month. The plaza Huang Yu had bet on was a top-three property, a luxury plaza with a monthly income exceeding 1.5 billion—truly a big shot.
"Amazing! No wonder he's Young Master Yu."
"So rich! My goodness! This is a win-win situation!"
"One plaza, and you won't have to worry about the rest of your life even if you break your leg."
Undoubtedly, Huang Yu's offer was very sincere; compared to what he paid, what he received was the best outcome. Whoever got the new energy patent first would make a fortune. They weren't afraid of Zhao An openly giving them opportunities; what they feared was Zhao An quietly making a killing, accumulating wealth in silence—that was the hardest thing to defend against. They couldn't stop this tide, nor did they have the right.
Now, all eyes were on Xu Chun. Whether it was Zhao An, Fang Shunli, or Huang Yu, the prices they offered were all heart-pounding. Win and you'd get a hostess model; lose and you'd be forced into prostitution. Xu Chun was still struggling with whether to gamble. Going all in—that was the most exciting part.
Gritting his teeth, Xu Chun said, "I'll go with it, but not mahjong. We'll play poker, all in."
"No problem. What chips can you offer? Trying to get something for nothing? You're overthinking it." Zhao An wasn't flustered at all. Instead, he exhaled smoke rings and said in a mocking tone. This time, he was going to make a fortune.
Xu Chun gritted his teeth. "The Liudunli Coal Mine, I'm giving it up."
"A coal mine?"
"How much is it worth?"
"It seems to be a small coal mine. It's been abandoned since the accident. That's a bit unfair."
The other family heirs watching the scene whispered among themselves. They certainly wouldn't dare to point fingers openly, but they could certainly offer their opinions from the sidelines.
Zhao An scoffed. "Who wants your lousy coal mine? It's been abandoned for years, it's probably moldy inside. If you don't have any stakes, get out of here. Nobody wants to play with you."
"Then what do you want?" Xu Chun gritted his teeth again. "I also have a media company with over two hundred actors. You can have them all."
"Two hundred prostitutes? I don't like wearing worn-out shoes, trash." Zhao An was still incredibly disgusted.
"So what do you want? Don't push your luck." Xu Chun genuinely didn't have much money; he was indeed a bit strapped for cash. Most of his businesses were owned by the eighteen families, and he couldn't possibly use them as a wager. This alone put him far ahead of top-tier playboys like Huang Yu.
True playboys don't lack money or connections. Before inheriting the family headship, they can even be a little frivolous. They can play however they want; what kind of youth isn't a little wild?
Zhao An glanced at the people behind Huang Yu, stroking his chin. "I heard you got married—no, engaged. Oh well, it's pretty much the same anyway. How about using your fiancée as a wager? If I win, I get to play with her for a year, how about that?"
Bang! Xu Chun slammed his hand on the table, his face flushed. No man can tolerate a cuckold, not even his fiancée. "What are you saying? Do you want to die?"
"Xu Chun, it's just about the bet. You can talk it over slowly. If you can't reach an agreement, don't play. You don't want to cause trouble at my birthday party, do you?" Bai Qingyang strongly supported Zhao An. He was just there to watch the show; so far, Zhao An had won big. Although he was worried about the new energy issue, it wasn't limited to one company, so there was still room for negotiation. At most, everyone would be on a level playing field.
Xu Chun's expression changed. Now wasn't the time to lose face, so he paused. "Let me think about it." He turned to look at Lin Xiao, who was chatting and laughing.
Lin Xiao noticed the other's gaze and then nodded subtly, meaning he agreed.
"Okay, I'll go with you." Xu Chun had made up his mind. So what if he was cheated on? He could just not touch her again. Everyone has a mistress, right?