ATMAWTPM Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Very Impressive.

Ye Tingtong was just asking politely, he didn’t expect Shen Jun to actually accept his honey water. Before leaving, he even left a sentence, “Call me Shen Jun.”

On the open deck of the cruise ship, Yu Huanhuan, after listening to what he said, reached out and touched his forehead, “Are you sick? Why are you dreaming in broad daylight?”

After all, they were on the same cruise ship, and she had encountered Shen Jun several times. The other person’s eyes didn’t look around, and he had an aura that kept people away, making even her, a social expert, dare not go up and talk to him.

Ye Tingtong pulled down her hand, “I’m sure I didn’t hear it wrong.”

He was shocked at the time himself, and when he came back to his senses and wanted to chase Shen Jun, he couldn’t even see the other person’s back.

Yu Huanhuan casually said oh, “Then there is only one possibility, you always call him little uncle, which is like trying to get close, and he politely rejected you.”

Ye Tingtong thought about it and felt that this explanation made sense. The energy he had built up was gone, “Why are these big shots so stingy? They can’t even let people take advantage of a title.”

Yu Huanhuan poked his forehead with her finger, “That’s Shen Jun. So many people want to get in touch with him, but they are also very cautious for fear of offending him. You are good, one little uncle after another.”

She looked at Ye Tingtong’s aggrieved little appearance, and clicked her tongue, “I didn’t use much force, don’t pretend to be pitiful with me. Use this little trick on Shen Minghuai.”

“Speaking of Shen Minghuai, didn’t you want to take him to meet the Ye family? This birthday banquet is just the right time to meet your dad.”

“I know.” Ye Tingtong lazily lay on the table, “I ran into him yesterday.”

The two of them were like strangers, brushing past each other. Ye Guodong didn’t want to have any interaction with this illegitimate child in such a formal occasion, and he didn’t want to endure the nausea to act out a father-son loving scene.

“As for Minghuai, I’ll find him later. He just flirted with a girl yesterday, so he needs space to show his charm.”

The “someone” Shen Jun mentioned this morning should have been referring to that girl, right?

Shen Minghuai took such good care of him, so he couldn’t ruin the other person’s good time.

“You’re quite considerate.” Yu Huanhuan rolled her eyes at him, “Forget it, I’m too lazy to care about you.”

Before long, Ye Tingtong was chased away by Yu Huanhuan, who said that she couldn’t stand his lazy appearance and told him to go find Shen Minghuai sooner.

Ye Tingtong was helpless and had to wander around the cruise ship, trying to run into him by chance.

He didn’t know if Shen Minghuai was done, so he was embarrassed to go and disturb him.

He didn’t find Shen Minghuai, but Ye Tingtong did see the girl who had been with Shen Minghuai yesterday.

Today, she had fresh makeup and was wearing a white dress. Paired with the boundless sea, it was a refreshing sight.

Perhaps it was because Ye Tingtong’s intention to find someone was too obvious, or perhaps he had been peeking for too long, Liang Yuting took the initiative to walk towards him.

“Are you looking for Minghuai?” Liang Yuting smiled gently, “He drank too much last night, and he probably won’t be able to get up until noon.”

After she explained, she took a glass of orange juice from the waiter’s tray and handed it to Ye Tingtong, “My name is Liang Yuting. He kept mentioning you when he was drinking last night, and asked why you didn’t come to watch the fireworks.”

Ye Tingtong took the juice and awkwardly touched his nose, “There were too many people, and it was dark, I couldn’t find my way.”

But luckily he didn’t go, otherwise he would have been a super bright light bulb.

“I should have had Minghuai go out to lead you over.” Liang Yuting tucked her hair behind her ear, “But he drank too much last night, and he should be up now, you can go find him.”

After saying that, she handed Ye Tingtong a room card.

After Ye Tingtong left with the room card, Liang Yuting’s friends gathered around, “Tingting, why are you being so enthusiastic about an illegitimate child?”

There was a hint of disdain in her words, after all, in their opinion, Ye Tingtong’s identity was really not something that could be brought to the table.

“And, isn’t Shen Minghuai’s relationship with him unclear?”

“Don’t talk nonsense.” Liang Yuting frowned and interrupted, “Minghuai said that Ye Tingtong is a very good friend of his.”

Moreover, the people Shen Minghuai dated were all girls, otherwise she wouldn’t be so polite to Ye Tingtong.

Not only were they speculating about the relationship between Ye Tingtong and Shen Minghuai, but Ye Tingtong was also thinking about the current situation between Liang Yuting and Shen Minghuai on the way.

Shen Minghuai was a playboy and also fickle. His relationships with each girl wouldn’t last more than three months, and they were very clear in private. He wouldn’t even put the room card in the other person’s hand.

Ye Tingtong guessed that they had known each other for some time, not just a girl he had just met on the cruise ship as he had imagined.

Moreover, she could have just told him the room number, there was no need to give him a room card. After all, he wouldn’t just go into Shen Minghuai’s room without knocking.

This behavior was more like declaring sovereignty.

Ye Tingtong, lost in thought, arrived at the door of Shen Minghuai’s room. He pulled back his thoughts and knocked on the door, “Minghuai.”

The door opened, Shen Minghuai was putting on a hoodie while asking, “Why are you here?”

Ye Tingtong ignored the ambiguous scratch marks on his back and sat down on the sofa, “Did you forget what you promised me?”

Seeing his disgruntled appearance, Shen Minghuai unconsciously smiled, “How could I forget? I just drank too much yesterday and got up late.”

He put on his clothes and went to the bathroom to brush his teeth, asking in a seemingly casual way, “I asked you to pick me up yesterday, why didn’t you come?”

“Bro, what time was that?” Ye Tingtong’s tone was helpless, “I went to bed early.”

“Besides, didn’t you have someone picking you up?” Ye Tingtong mumbled, “I even brought your room card.”

After he finished speaking, the sound of brushing teeth in the bathroom suddenly stopped, and after a while, Shen Minghuai’s muffled voice came, “You met Liang Yuting, what did she say to you?”

“Nothing?” Ye Tingtong answered truthfully, “It just felt like you two have a pretty good relationship.”

Listening to Ye Tingtong’s relaxed tone, the stone hanging in Shen Minghuai’s heart fell, but he also felt uncomfortable. He didn’t want to delve into this feeling, “This time I drank too much, you didn’t even bring me honey water.”

“Ah?” Ye Tingtong guiltily rubbed his toes on the floor, “I forgot, I’ll definitely next time, okay.”

He didn’t realize that Shen Minghuai cared about that little bit of sweet water before!

Fortunately, Shen Minghuai was just mentioning it casually. After he cleaned up, he dealt with the main issue with Ye Tingtong.

Shen Minghuai had promised to go with him to meet the Ye family at this banquet and give him support.

Following the person downstairs, Shen Minghuai yawned, “Don’t you need to call your dad to ask for his location?”

“No need.” Ye Tingtong led Shen Minghuai to the second basement level of the cruise ship with ease.

This was the casino. Yesterday when he had nothing to do and wandered around, he discovered this good place.

Before boarding the cruise ship, everyone was a respectable person wearing expensive suits, but once they entered the casino, whether they won or lost, even the most arrogant nobles would reveal their ugly sides.

Ye Guodong was also among them. He was probably losing more than winning. He was rolling up his sleeves angrily, his face flushed red as he yelled at the winner, accusing the other person of cheating.

As a result, he was escorted out by the security guards.

However, in less than ten minutes, Ye Guodong might have been sobered up by the sea breeze. He sneaked back again and continued gambling at another table.

Therefore, Ye Tingtong was carrying two pockets of snacks yesterday, watching the fun at various gambling tables.

At this point, he guaranteed that Ye Guodong was in the casino.

Sure enough, as soon as he entered the second basement floor, he heard Ye Guodong’s angry voice, “How are you dealing the cards? Why do you always give me such bad hands? Are you discriminating against me?”

However, as soon as he raised his tone, the security guards were already standing behind him. He could only reluctantly lower his raised hand and complain to the people next to him, “Should we change tables?”

Only then did Ye Tingtong discover another acquaintance, Hu Cheng.

Even though he paid attention to his maintenance, the white hair between his strands and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes still revealed his age. He patted Ye Guodong’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, it’s okay if you lose. I still have a lot of chips.”

Ye Guodong’s expression clearly softened when he heard this.

This was the next partner that the Ye family had found for Ye Tingtong.

Hu Cheng had discovered Ye Tingtong before Ye Guodong. His eyes were dark, but his tone was a gentle smile, “Guodong, your youngest son is becoming more and more handsome. At first glance, I didn’t even recognize him.”

His limbs were slender, his skin was fair, and his eyes were clear and transparent. Yet, he had a very pretty face. Both pure and alluring, it was simply irresistible.

Ye Tingtong was looked over by him, and a chill went up from the soles of his feet, as if he had been stared at by a poisonous snake.

Shen Minghuai, not knowing if he had noticed his discomfort, stepped forward to block the other person’s sight.

Shen Minghuai’s expression was even worse than Ye Tingtong’s. He met Hu Cheng’s gaze, and Hu Cheng politely nodded to him. Shen Minghuai sneered and ignored him.

Ye Tingtong didn’t notice the undercurrent between the two. He ignored Hu Cheng and pulled Shen Minghuai to Ye Guodong, “Dad, Minghuai said he wanted to meet you.”

Shen Minghuai casually nodded, following Ye Tingtong’s words, “Uncle, I hope you enjoy yourself on the ship.”

If it were before, Ye Guodong would have been licking his face and trying to get close to people. Today, his attitude was lukewarm, “Oh, this casino is pretty good, but the dealers are a bit lacking. You can’t even say a word or two. Your training is not up to par!”

A hint of mockery flashed in Ye Tingtong’s eyes.

Ye Guodong was idle and often went to those irregular underground casinos. He was probably used to being fawned over. Now that he had suddenly become the lowest class, he was even unable to teach a dealer a lesson, which made him feel embarrassed.

Shen Minghuai didn’t expect that Ye Guodong would actually pick faults. He said impatiently, “If you are not satisfied, I can call a small boat to send you back.”

These words left Ye Guodong without a way to step down.

He had finally obtained an admission ticket, how could he be willing to disembark halfway? He would be laughed to death.

Ye Tingtong looked at his pale face, but didn’t say anything to help.

Whether Shen Minghuai showed the Ye family a good face or a bad face, it was the same for him.

The former would bring them closer, while the latter would have a deterrent effect.

Just as Ye Tingtong was guessing how many more seconds Ye Guodong would give in, Hu Cheng suddenly spoke, “Young Master Shen, as the host, you shouldn’t say that. The guests think the dealer’s service attitude is not good and are giving you a suggestion. How can you directly kick people out?”

“Is the Shen family’s tolerance so small?”

One sentence put the entire Shen family on the spot.

Many people around noticed the commotion here. Shen Minghuai was being watched by so many eyes, making it difficult for him to advance or retreat.

After all, he was still a university student, not the same level as Hu Cheng, an old fox who had been in the society for many years.

Ye Guodong also became arrogant, “That’s right, Young Master Shen, you can’t use your power to bully others!”

The Shen family was large and powerful. He had once hoped to gain benefits from Shen Minghuai through Ye Tingtong. But for so many years, Shen Minghuai had not done a single thing. A large cake was hanging in front of him, but he did not even have the chance to get a spoon to share it.

Weighing the two, of course, Hu Cheng’s help was greater.

Thinking of this, Ye Guodong shouted at Ye Tingtong, “You, come here.”

Ye Tingtong glanced at him, pretending he didn’t hear.

Of course, he wouldn’t abandon Shen Minghuai at this time. He was very loyal.

However, he couldn’t find a solution either. The atmosphere was tense. Just as Ye Tingtong was hesitating whether to pretend to faint to take Shen Minghuai away from this difficult situation, a slightly cold tone came from behind him.

“What’s all the noise about?”

Shen Jun came to the second basement level, and the originally crowded crowd consciously made way for him.

Ye Tingtong tilted his head to look. He discovered that Shen Jun was standing next to the casino’s manager, who had a pale face and was wiping the sweat on his forehead.

He had been wondering why no one was in charge, so it turned out they went to inform him.

Hu Cheng’s smug expression had completely disappeared the moment he saw Shen Jun. Ye Guodong also quietly lowered his head, afraid of being noticed.

Just as Ye Tingtong was struggling how to make way for Shen Jun in a natural manner, Shen Jun stopped beside him, tilted his head, and looked at the hand he was using to hold Shen Minghuai’s arm.

In order to show his closeness, he had been holding onto Shen Minghuai’s arm since they entered the casino. Because the argument was too exciting, he had forgotten to let go for a moment.

Being stared at by Shen Jun like this, Ye Tingtong reflexively let go of Shen Minghuai, put both hands behind his back, and stood upright as if he was assuring someone that he wouldn’t do it again.

After the person left, Ye Tingtong couldn’t help but mutter in his heart, was he being too protective? He couldn’t even hold an arm…

No one noticed the interaction between the two. Instead, Hu Cheng took the initiative to go forward, “It’s just a small misunderstanding, it was about to be resolved. I didn’t expect to alarm Mr. Shen. It was really inappropriate.”

Hu Cheng was already an old man, but in front of Shen Jun, he didn’t act arrogant at all. He even lowered his posture, which showed his scheming nature.

The manager next to him briefly explained the matter to Shen Jun.

Shen Jun quickly made a decision, “Shen Minghuai, go to the hall. Your mother has something to call you for.”

Shen Minghuai was unwilling, “Little uncle, it was them–”

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Shen Jun, “Go up!”

There was no room for argument.

Shen Minghuai was sent upstairs. Ye Tingtong tentatively glanced at Shen Jun, confirming that the other person wouldn’t deal with him, he brazenly stayed behind, and secretly stood behind Shen Jun.

He had a limited perspective, having only seen other people complimenting Shen Minghuai. This was the first time he had seen Shen Minghuai in a difficult situation, and even more surprisingly, the person who made Shen Minghuai fall into this situation would immediately lower his posture when Shen Jun just showed his face.

Ye Tingtong was deeply aware that he had underestimated Shen Jun’s status.

Shen Jun waved his hand, and had people clear out the gambling table in front of him. He placed a thick stack of chips on it, “It was our poor hospitality that didn’t satisfy the guests. This table of chips is a form of apology.”

Ye Tingtong widened his eyes, he didn’t expect that Shen Jun would also take a step back and handle the matter flawlessly. This way, no one would criticize the Shen family again.

Ye Guodong’s face was full of greed. He was about to grab the chips on the table, but Hu Cheng stopped him without batting an eye, “Mr. Shen, you are too kind. Rather than these chips, I actually want to gamble a game with Mr. Shen, I hope Mr. Shen will give me the honor.”

Usually, someone like Hu Cheng wouldn’t even have the qualification to have a game with Shen Jun. This opportunity was especially precious.

If he lost, it wouldn’t be a big deal, and it could also invisibly elevate his status. If he won, it would become his badge of honor.

He was sure that Shen Jun would not refuse. After all, the other person was a magnanimous host.

Sure enough, Shen Jun agreed, “Since Mr. Hu brought it up, of course I won’t decline.”

Hu Cheng sat at the gambling table, with Ye Guodong standing next to him, looking excited.

Today, Hu Cheng’s luck was excellent. In addition to being good at psychological warfare, his chances of winning were very high.

Shen Jun sat on the other end. Ye Tingtong wanted to occupy the best viewing spot behind him, but he was stopped by the casino manager.

If an unrelated person saw Shen Jun’s hole cards, whether it was his expression or lip movements, it would reveal information to the opponent.

Just as Ye Tingtong was feeling regretful that he couldn’t participate, he heard Shen Jun say, “It’s okay, let him come over.”

Ye Tingtong successfully stood next to Shen Jun, hesitating, “Should I wear a mask?”

His acting skills were not very good.

Shen Jun played with the chips at hand, calm and composed, “No need.”

Ye Tingtong said oh, thinking, if he couldn’t help it, he would just cover his face with his hand.

Even if his expression was too obvious and caused Shen Jun to lose, it didn’t matter, it wasn’t his money anyway.

But then he realized that his worries were unnecessary.

Shen Jun’s luck was so good that even if he let the other side win a bit, they still couldn’t.

The chips on Hu Cheng’s side were getting less and less. Even if he was experienced, he couldn’t help but become gloomy. In the last game, two cards were dealt. Ye Tingtong glanced at Shen Jun’s hand, a 3 of diamonds and a 4 of diamonds.

Regardless of whether the final card was a 5 or a diamond, they would be excellent cards.

With Shen Jun’s luck, Ye Tingtong felt that he could celebrate with champagne ahead of time.

What was even more pathetic was that Hu Cheng’s current chips were not enough for him to continue betting.

If he folded now, he could cut his losses in time. After all, Shen Jun was playing too big. To follow him, one had to pay a huge price. But this hand, the cards in Hu Cheng’s hands were obviously not bad either.

Shen Jun rested his elbow on the table, looking at Hu Cheng with a solemn expression, and slowly opened his mouth, “Mr. Hu, it’s the last hand after all, why don’t we play a bit bigger?”

Hu Cheng looked up, “What do you want to bet?”

Compared to Hu Cheng’s battle-ready stance, Shen Jun’s tone was lazy, as if he was just casually mentioning it, “I heard Mr. Hu got that piece of land in the west of the city?”

The meaning was self-evident.

Hu Cheng looked at the cards in his hand, gritting his teeth, “Fine, I’ll bet on that piece of land. If I win, I want your Shen Group to sign a ten-year cooperation agreement with us.”

As soon as this bet was made, the whole room was in an uproar.

Although the location of Hu Cheng’s land was good, if he could achieve a stable cooperative relationship with the Shen family, then it would definitely be a surefire profit.

Even Ye Tingtong, who was an outsider, could tell that the two bets were not equal. He thought that Shen Jun would reject it with a smooth reason, but he didn’t expect that the other person agreed very easily, “Okay.”

With the bet settled, the two cards were revealed on the table.

Hu Cheng had two aces, while Shen Jun had the 3 and 4 of diamonds.

It was unclear who was going to win.

The final hole card was put on the table. Ye Tingtong was extremely anxious, but Shen Jun didn’t look. From Hu Cheng’s expression, he couldn’t analyze anything.

He didn’t know if it was his desire to peek that was too strong. Shen Jun tilted his head, “Curious?”

Ye Tingtong nodded quickly.

He had never seen a bet this big, starting at tens of thousands. It was too exciting!

He thought that after he finished speaking, Shen Jun would flip the card, but he didn’t expect that the other person would give him the empty seat in front of the gambling table, “You look.”

Ye Tingtong instantly became the focus of the audience. He was confused, “My luck is very bad…”

Every time he played cards with Shen Minghuai and them, he was the biggest loser.

Shen Jun, “It’s okay.”

Hu Cheng looked at the hesitant Ye Tingtong, and joked, “What are you afraid of with Mr. Shen backing you up? It’s good for young people to have more guts.”

Before betting against Shen Jun, Hu Cheng might have been dissatisfied with this kind of children’s game. Now, he just felt fortunate. After all, Ye Tingtong’s expression was too easy to read. Every time Shen Jun got a good hand, there was an uncontrollable joy in the other person’s eyes, which indirectly made him lose less.

Ye Tingtong couldn’t help but notice the contempt in the other person’s tone. He had always been easily provoked. He angrily got up to the table, pressed down on the last card, and imitated Shen Jun’s actions, slowly flipping it upwards. He had just seen a touch of red when a broad palm covered the back of his hand, gently pressing his card down.

Shen Jun leaned down, half-encircling Ye Tingtong in his arms, and pushed all the chips he had won on the table out, “All In.”

This generous move stunned Ye Tingtong. He subconsciously looked at Shen Jun.

The tall figure blocked the light above his head, the man’s face was a bit blurry, and his expression was unclear.

He tilted his head, and his face accidentally brushed against the other person’s chin.

It was warm.

That was Ye Tingtong’s first reaction.

The soft touch made Shen Jun’s movement of pushing the chips pause for a moment. He lowered his eyes and met the other person’s gaze.

The two of them were too close. From this angle, he could even see the upturned lip peak below Ye Tingtong’s nose, his reddish lips slightly open, looking very shocked.

Ye Tingtong blinked, thinking that he had offended Shen Jun, and was about to apologize, but the other person had already straightened up, retracted his hand, and kept a distance that was neither far nor near from him.

This time, Ye Tingtong sat obediently in his chair, and didn’t look at the hole cards on the table again.

Since Shen Jun had been so decisive in going all in, then it must be a diamond, or even a royal flush.

Therefore, Ye Tingtong played with the round chips on the table, cocked his leg, and leisurely watched whether Hu Cheng would call or not.

Hu Cheng was also watching him.

The two of them stared at each other, and Hu Cheng’s gaze towards him no longer had the blatant nature of before. Instead, it was full of vigilance. Even if he took a sip of water, it would make the other person feel like he was facing a great enemy.

In just a few breaths, Ye Tingtong clearly watched the other person’s expression change from ambitious, to hesitant, and finally to a defeated grayness.

Hu Cheng still did not have the confidence to call, and threw the cards in his hand to the side, gritting his teeth, “I fold.”

Ye Tingtong looked at his dead fish face, feeling extremely good, and mocked, “You should have folded earlier~”

Hu Cheng gave him a deep look, then turned and left.

Ye Guodong wanted to look for trouble with Ye Tingtong, but when he glanced at the person behind him, his lips moved, but he didn’t dare to say a single harsh word.

Ye Tingtong looked at the mountain of chips in front of him, and said with a smile, “Shen Jun, hurry up and praise me!”

The immense joy completely washed away the small sense of distance he had with Shen Jun. He raised his head and asked for praise, “Forget it! You don’t have to thank me too much, just consider it as me repaying you for taking me to see the fireworks last night~”

After all, it would be too difficult to force Shen Jun, with his introverted personality, to praise someone.

Shen Jun looked at his eyes that were curved into crescents, threw the unrevealed 8 of hearts on the table into the discard pile, paused, and slowly opened his mouth, “Very impressive.”