So Pure, So Flirtatious

Chapter 1837: Mortgaging Hands and Feet

“Did something happen to Zhang Bing? What’s going on?” Yang Ming’s heart wrenched. Yang Ming didn’t want to bother about Wang Mei’s fiddling matters, but he became nervous immediately when he heard that Zhang Bing was in trouble. Zhang Bing was his diehard ally since high school, and one of Yang Ming’s close friends before he became successful. When Yang Ming returned from Europe a while ago, he had even asked Zhang Bing out for a meal. What happened to Zhang Bing all of a sudden?

“To be precise, it is Uncle Zhang, Zhang Bing’s father, who is in trouble.” Wang Mei said, “Brother Yang, I didn’t dare to tell Sister Sisi about this yet… I think that only you can help Zhang Bing… ”

“You didn’t tell Zhao Sisi? Are you the only one who knows about this?” Yang Ming frowned. It was not that he didn’t trust Wang Mei. After all, Wang Mei was also Huang Lele’s friend and Zhang Bing’s mistress. Therefore, although Yang Ming did not have a good impression of her, he felt that she would not deceive him.

“Yes… It was Zhang Bing who brought me out privately… I didn’t dare to tell Sister Sisi as I’m afraid that she will be upset…” Wang Mei explained quickly.

“What do you mean? Tell me what’s going on clearly! If you say it ambiguously, I’ll be confused! What actually happened to Zhang Bing and Uncle Zhang? What’s wrong?” Yang Ming quickly interrupted and asked as he was fed up with Wang Mei’s meaningless incoherent story.

“Oh... Ok, Ok!” Wang Mei was slightly embarrassed, so she cut the long story short and said, “Here’s what happened… A while ago, Uncle Zhang’s jewelry company was invited to participate in the International Jewelry Exhibition by them. Since Brother Yang and Zhang Bing’s company is also a jewelry company, Uncle Zhang wanted to bring Zhang Bing and Sister Sisi along. However, without Zhang Bing around, the company will not be able to cope with the busy work. Therefore, Sister Sisi didn’t go and Zhang Bing brought me along privately… Of course, we didn’t tell Sister Sisi about this as we dared not tell her…”

“What happened then? Let’s get to the main point!” Yang Ming reminded her to refrain from always talking about the things between her and Zhao Sisi. These things were clear to everyone, so there was no need to say it in detail. Furthermore, Yang Ming didn’t want to meddle in other people’s family matters.

“This time, the International Jewelry Exhibition was held in Las Vegas, so we went to Las Vegas together. Initially, Uncle Zhang was not very pleased when he saw Zhang Bing bring me there. But later, Uncle Zhang tacitly consented as I was nicer…” Wang Mei explained.

Yang Ming listened impatiently. He thought to himself, You don’t have to tell me that you are nice, right? The fact that Uncle Zhang’s impression of you changed has nothing to do with me at all. What I care about now is what actually happened to Zhang Bing!

However, Yang Ming understood Wang Mei’s personality, and knew that interrupting her would be useless. Therefore, he could only endure it and keep listening to her, “What happened then?”

“The Jewelry Exhibition is only held daily until four o’clock, so there is plenty of time for our own arrangements at night,” said Wang Mei. “Uncle Zhang said that Las Vegas is the City of Gambling. He had never seen a real luxury casino before and had only watched it on TV. Therefore, he brought Zhang Bing along to experience it… Zhang Bing also went to some casinos when he was in Macau, but the casinos there are worse in comparison to those in Las Vegas. After all, Las Vegas is world-famous for its classic casinos!”

“En, and then?” Yang Ming continued to restrain his temper and asked.

“Brother Yang, as you know, Lele and I were well-behaved in Macau, so I have no interest in casinos. Plus, I also know that there are other services besides gambling there. If I am around, Uncle Zhang will not be able to have fun to the fullest. That is why I didn’t go and let them both go instead…” said Wang Mei. “I really regret it now. I shouldn’t have thought so much at that time and should have just tagged along. Then, all these things would not have happened… ”

“What actually happened?” Yang Ming was really anxious. Could it be that Zhang Bing and Uncle Zhang met with an accident on their way to the casino?

“When the two of them returned from gambling the first day, they were still fine. However, they were a little dispirited on the second day. When I asked Zhang Bing what was wrong, he refused to say and just said that they lost some money.” Wang Mei continued, “Finally, he called me on the third day, which is yesterday, and said that they lost all their money. They even owed a lot of money and the casino’s people detained them there. They did not allow them to return and requested the money to be sent over… I didn’t know who to talk to. After pondering on it, only you, Brother Yang can help them… ”

Yang Ming frowned. I can help them? It seemed that Wang Mei was clueless about the show I put on at Huang Lele’s Casino. Moreover, it is unlikely that Huang Lele would have told her about it, right? How is Wang Mei so certain that I can help them?

When Wang Mei noticed that Yang Ming didn’t speak, she thought that Yang Ming didn’t want to bother about it, and said quickly, “Brother Yang, please. I beg you. Please save Zhang Bing. Consider it as borrowing money from you for now. Zhang Bing and I will work hard to repay you later. Yang Ming, I beg you. These people are outrageous. They said that if the money is not sent over by tomorrow, they will cut off Zhang Bing and Uncle Zhang’s hands… ”

“Cut off their hands? Aren’t these people being a little too unscrupulous?” Yang Ming was a little shocked. Normally, regular casinos would not use such extreme and violent methods. Although casinos were somewhat involved with the underworld, there were also under regulatory authorities after all. They could not do as they wished.

“Yes… Yes… Zhang Bing and Uncle Zhang gambled uncontrollably and finally bet on their hands…” Wang Mei explained carefully.

“Crap!” Yang Ming could no longer hold it and wanted to scold someone. The casinos could not be blamed in this case. Most of the time, there would certainly be additional conditions when it came to gambling among guests. There were people who gambled uncontrollably to the point of using property, companies, or even wives and children as mortgages… Didn’t Lan Ling’s father sell her to the brothel for money previously?

A gambler’s heart was very strange. He couldn’t extricate himself if he lost to a certain extent. He knew that his action was wrong, but he couldn’t help but keep gambling, hoping that lady luck would shine on him and let him win all the lost money back at once.

However, this often resulted in the loss of one’s entire fortune and families breaking apart. When they were left with nothing, they might bet their hands, feet and even life in order to continue gambling.

No doubt, this gambling method was done under the mutual consent of both parties as some gamblers liked to play to the extreme. Upon seeing others bet their hands and feet, they would play along with it willingly and the casino would not interfere. They turned a blind eye to this kind of thing.

Of course, it could not be ruled out that someone had colluded with the casino’s dealer to frame the guests in order to swindle a substantial amount of money.

Yang Ming didn’t know Zhang Bing and Uncle Zhang’s current situation, so he couldn’t come to a conclusion. But it must be that Zhang Bing and Uncle Zhang had gambled recklessly which led them to make such a decision.

Zhang Bing, oh Zhang Bing, what can I say about you? Yang Ming sighed helplessly. If Zhang Bing was in trouble, Yang Ming would certainly lend a hand. Yang Ming was a person who valued relationships. Not to mention Zhang Bing, he would do the same for Tian Donghua who he had met later. Yang Ming knew that Wang Xue tried to harm him previously but he still let her go due to Tian Donghua. The same applied to Tian Donghua’s father, Tian Long.

Therefore, Yang Ming wouldn’t stand on the sidelines for Zhang Bing’s matter. He was his diehard ally from high school until now! It was just a matter of how to manage it.

“Brother Yang…” Hearing Yang Ming say ‘crap’, Wang Mei’s heart chilled with disappointment for a moment. Isn’t Yang Ming going to care about this?

“Fortunately, Zhang Bing still has a little affection and didn’t bet you,” Yang Ming said lightly. “Where are you? How much does he owe?”

“I am at the hotel arranged by the Jewelry Exhibition event group, the Douglas Vast Hotel. It is very famous and all taxi drivers know it,” said Wang Mei. “As for how much money Zhang Bing owes, he didn’t tell me in detail. The people at the casino asked me to go there to talk about it. I… I’m afraid… I didn’t dare to go yet… ”

Wang Mei was also faithful and righteous to Zhang Bing. Knowing that Zhang Bing got into trouble, she didn’t run away herself. After all, if Zhang Bing and Uncle Zhang had no money, Wang Mei would likely be caught as an alternate form of payment. Zhang Bing’s affection towards her was not in vain indeed.

“Douglas Vast Hotel?” Yang Ming was dumbfounded. Why is it the Douglas Vast Hotel again? But fortunately, it was not the Douglas Vast Hotel that held Zhang Bing. Otherwise, I would have to make a phone call to Caique and continue to “acquire” the hotels in Las Vegas.

Chapter 1838: Stole My Own Lover

“Yes… I heard that one also recently opened in Song Jiang…” When Wang Mei left, the Douglas Vast Hotel had not been acquired by the Song Jiang International Hotel yet. The news was spread after they left, and it was normal that they did not know as they were away.

“Okay, wait for me. I will hurry over as soon as possible.” Yang Ming comforted, “You don’t need to worry. Since they want money, naturally they will not harm Zhang Bing. You don’t have to hurry over to the casino to look for them now. Try to contact them and tell them that you are raising money from China. Buy us some time and stall until I arrive.”

“Okay, Brother Yang. I got it… Thank you!” Wang Mei said gratefully.

“Don’t thank me. There is nothing to be thankful for considering my relationship with Zhang Bing. However, you have changed my impression of you this time. You should follow Zhang Bing faithfully. Your choice is not wrong.” Yang Ming said calmly. Yang Ming knew that Wang Mei obviously had deep feelings for Zhang Bing as she had not left by herself during this situation, but he hinted to her as he was afraid she would do something irrational.

Before Yang Ming went to Yunnan, he obviously needed to ask someone to take over the jewelry company business, and naturally Zhang Bing was the perfect candidate. Therefore, it also served to remindWang Mei that even if Zhang Bing had no money now, she should not look down on him.

For a gold digger like Wang Mei, Yang Ming felt that it was necessary to say a few words so that she could correct any mistakes made and keep a good record if there weren’t any.

Yang Ming rubbed his temples after hanging up Wang Mei’s phone call. When did Zhang Bing get addicted to gambling? Or was it because he was dragged by Uncle Zhang suddenly and lost impetuously as a result?

If it is the former, it will be difficult for him to quit gambling. If it is the latter, I believe that he will never dare to lift a finger to gamble anymore after this incident.

As for how much money Zhang Bing owed, Yang Ming didn’t really care about it. Money was not a problem for Yang Ming. If he didn’t have it, he could just get some from the local Douglas Vast Hotel. It was just a matter of a phone call. He believed that Caique would be more than happy to sponsor it.

Prior to leaving for Yunnan, Yang Ming had not planned to leave Song Jiang’s area. But he didn’t expect that his plan would have to be changed due to the current situation. It was all so sudden and Yang Ming had no choice.

First, he called Bao Sanli and asked him to book the earliest flight from Donghai to Las Vegas. Then, he textedChen Mengyan, telling her that Zhang Bing had gotten into trouble in Las Vegas, so he had to rush there personally.

Chen Mengyan also knew about Zhang Bing’s trip to Las Vegas. She and Lin Zhiyun were also members of the jewelry company, so she replied shortly afterward. She asked Yang Ming what happened to Zhang Bing and whether it was serious.

Yang Ming didn’t want her to worry, so he just briefly said that Zhang Bing had some funding problems there and he would deal with it himself.

Chen Mengyan heard Yang Ming say so and didn’t say anything further. She just reminded Yang Ming to be careful. She had become accustomed to Yang Ming running around and not being at home often.

On the contrary, when Yang Ming stayed at home all day long without leaving previously, it made Chen Mengyan wonder if Yang Ming had encountered something. Before she could ask about it, Yang Ming had something to deal with again and needed to leave. This let Chen Mengyan’s slightest concern disappear.

Yang Ming didn’t expect Zhang Bing’s problem would solve a big problem for him instead! If Chen Mengyan started probing, he really didn’t know how to explain why he kept staying at home and lingering with them.

After Yang Ming finished speaking to Chen Mengyan, he sent text messages to Xiao Qing, Sun Jie, Jing Xiaolu, and Wang Xiaoyan. Yang Ming was not worried about Zhou Jiajia and Lin Zhiyun because Chen Mengyan was with them, and she would definitely tell them about it.

However, in these text messages, he did not mention Zhang Bing. Instead, he just said that he had to travel abroad to manage some issues.

After thinking about it, Yang Ming also sent a text message to Zhao Ying. Yang Ming felt that he better not provoke Zhao Ying during this time. Let her forget about him and develop an online relationship with the Internet’s “There’s No True Love In This World”. However, considering that he was about to travel far away, he should inform her even as a friend.

While Zhao Ying was listening in the lecture, the mobile phone in her pocket vibrated twice. Zhao Ying thought it was a message from “There’s No True Love In This World”. She frowned and took out her phone, but did not expect it to be a short message.

However, when she saw the sender, Zhao Ying froze. It’s actually from Yang Ming! I haven’t been in touch with Yang Ming for a while, right? Why did he suddenly send a text message at this time?

Zhao Ying quickly pressed the read button, but only saw Yang Ming telling her in a very bland tone that he was going abroad and she should not worry if she can’t contact him.

What is with this Yang Ming? He has been back for so long, yet he hasn’t contacted me since we dined together. In fact, I am the one who took the initiative to look for him. Could it be that he already has no feelings for me?

Zhao Ying looked at Yang Ming’s monotonous text message, and her heart began to feel agitated again. As a matter of fact, Yang Ming and I should not belong together. The rejection at the start has probably destined today’s result.

Once I missed it, he was already gone. No matter how I try to make up for it after that, I have missed it after all. Especially since Yang Ming is now surrounded by beautiful women. He is not worse off without me, “Sister Zhao Ying”. Our relationship has really been getting weaker and weaker…

Zhao Ying sighed and replied in a very plain tone: Be safe. Keep in touch when you return.

After reading Zhao Ying’s seemingly indifferent reply, Yang Ming’s heart was slightly disappointed. Could it be that Zhao Ying has already fallen in love with the “There’s No True Love In This World”?

However, immediately after that, Yang Ming lamented that he was being crazy. Am I not the “There’s No True Love In This World” as well? I just stole my own lover. What is there to be disappointed about?

After he contacted Zhao Ying, Wang Xiaoyan called him back.

“Yang Ming, what’s going on? Is the plan ahead of schedule?” Wang Xiaoyan’s tone seemed a little hasty and worried.

“No,” Hearing Wang Xiaoyan’s question, Yang Ming knew that Wang Xiaoyan had misunderstood that he was going on the dangerous mission in advance. “It is a friend of mine. He is being held in Las Vegas as he owes some debt from gambling. I’m going to take care of it.”

“Oh, so that’s the case…” Wang Xiaoyan was relieved after hearing that it was not a major event, “Just find a subordinate to go there for this kind of thing. It is not necessary for you to go personally. It is not easy for you to rest at home for a while and yet, you are heading out now? If you don’t believe in others, I can do it myself too.”

“Hehe, look at you. I’m just going there to solve the problem and not to kill people. Why do you need to go there?” Yang Ming said while laughing.

“Aren’t you going to save your friend?” Wang Xiaoyan asked back.

“I need to take a look to understand the specific situation. If they were unlucky and lost the money themselves, I can’t blame the others for it,” said Yang Ming. “Moreover, I stayed at home for too long and I think many people are starting to feel suspicious. Going out now will save me some trouble. ”

“That’s true. Alright, please go and come back quickly. Be careful.” Wang Xiaoyan reminded, “By the way, have you told Victoria?”

“I haven’t. You can tell her.” Yang Ming had forgotten about Victoria.

“Okay, let me tell her then,” answered Wang Xiaoyan.

As for Huang Lele and Su Ya, they were both frequent flyers. They were not necessarily at a certain place at this moment, so Yang Ming did not need to specifically inform them.

Not long after Wang Xiaoyan’s phone call, he got a phone call from Jing Xiaolu. She was also a person who knew the truth and shared the same thoughts as Wang Xiaoyan. She was instantly concerned and asked Yang Ming if he was about to leave.

Yang Ming had no choice but to explain it in the same way and Jing Xiaolu was relieved. Yang Ming thought he could save troubles by shortening the text message but it actually caused such a big reaction instead. He shook his head with a bitter smile.

Sun Jie and Xiao Qing replied to the text message quickly. Obviously, they were accustomed to Yang Ming’s frequent trips. They just told Yang Ming to be careful and didn’t say much.

As for his parents, Yang Ming called them instead of texting, but what he told them was that it was about the Jewelry Exhibition. Since Zhang Bing was there, he just wanted to go over and have a look. He didn’t specifically mention that Zhang Bing was into trouble. Once Father Yang and Mother Yang heard that it was a company-related matter, they didn’t say anything further.