Chapter 161: Betting on Cars

Seeing everyone staring at him, Li Dong, embarrassed and angry, said, "It must be the rings that are defective. I'll ask the vendor to change some for us, and then we can continue!"

Ignoring the disdainful looks from the crowd, Li Dong quickly dragged the vendor aside.

A little distance away from the others, Li Dong said, "Give me ten rings that don't bounce!"

The vendor chuckled awkwardly and said, "Brother, don't joke around. How can there be non-bouncing rings?"

Li Dong didn't argue and simply said, "Twenty!"

"Brother, we really don't have any!"

"Fifty!"

"Well…"

"One hundred!"

"I…"

"Fine, I don't want them anymore. Anyway, it's not like you're the only one with ring toss here," Li Dong said and turned to leave.

The vendor hurriedly stopped him, saying with embarrassment, "Brother, don't be so hasty."

He picked out a few darker-colored rings from a large bunch he had and handed them to Li Dong, saying, "They will still bounce a bit, but they're better than the ones before."

Li Dong huffed, avoided the gazes of the onlookers, and handed over a hundred yuan.

The vendor's face nearly broke into a smile; even if Li Dong hit all ten rings perfectly, he had already made a profit.

---

Li Dong returned with the "secret weapon" and arrogantly declared, "The rings were the problem earlier. Now that I've got new ones, who wants to compete with me?"

The crowd looked at him with skepticism. Qi Fangfang particularly struck back, saying, "I remember you were this confident before, but the results didn't turn out so well."

"Less talk, just tell me if you're up for it."

Qi Fangfang was about to challenge him when someone nearby said with a laugh, "Mr. Li seems quite enthusiastic. How about we have a little game?"

Li Dong's expression changed when he heard the voice; all previous laughter and anger disappeared.

Turning around, he saw it was none other than Zhang Qing.

Li Dong squinted. Was this a coincidence, or had Zhang Qing followed him?

Glancing at Zhou Haidong, who was on the phone, Zhou made a few discreet gestures and nodded slightly.

Li Dong understood; Zhang Qing had indeed followed him.

Without acknowledging Zhang Qing, Li Dong smiled faintly and asked, "Mr. Zhang, what brings you here today?"

Zhang Qing walked over and said with a light laugh, "It's a beautiful day, and I had nothing to do, so I came out for a stroll. I didn't expect to run into you, Mr. Li. It seems we're destined to meet."

"Heh!"

Li Dong chuckled but didn't say anything, feeling intensely frustrated inside.

He had already suspected Zhang Qing was trouble, but he hadn't expected him to be so shameless, even following him!

Well, thinking about it, Li Dong also had people tailing Zhang Qing, so everyone had their own tricks.

Zhang Qing wasn't surprised by Li Dong's attitude and looked at the others, asking, "Are these all Mr. Li's friends?"

"Yes," Li Dong replied coldly. "Young Master Niu didn't accompany you today, Mr. Zhang?"

"Mr. Li, don't call me Young Master Zhang. It feels uncomfortable. You can call me Brother Zhang if you're being polite or just Zhang Qing if you're casual."

Zhang Qing continued, "Maozi isn't here today, Mr. Li. How about we find a place to sit and talk?"

Li Dong shrugged and refused, "Sorry, I need to be with my friends. Maybe another time."

Zhang Qing's expression slightly changed but remained smiling, "Mr. Li, there's no need to be so distant. We all make a living in Pingchuan. More friends mean more opportunities."

Li Dong's eyes narrowed. Was he threatening him?

This was the same as last time; Zhang Qing was clearly trying to push his luck. Did he really think Li Dong was a pushover?

Before Li Dong could respond, Qin Yuhan asked softly, "Li Dong, who is this?"

Everyone had noticed that the two weren't exactly friends, and since Li Dong had called him Young Master Zhang, it was clear Zhang Qing was someone significant.

Qin Yuhan worried Li Dong might be taken advantage of, so she interjected.

Li Dong glanced at Zhang Qing and smiled, "This is the son of Mayor Zhang, one of the top figures in Pingchuan."

This statement, not only Zhang Qing but even Meng Qiping could sense the disdain and sarcasm from Li Dong.

Hearing that Zhang Qing was the mayor's son made the others worried.

Zhang Qing's face turned slightly pale as he said solemnly, "Mr. Li, I sincerely want to be friends with you. Why must you be so dismissive?"

Li Dong sneered. Friends?

He couldn't afford to be friends with someone like him. Li Dong wouldn't give him even three thousand yuan, let alone thirty million!

The son of a deputy mayor daring to demand thirty million? He must be dreaming!

Li Dong laughed coldly, "Mr. Zhang, you're too lofty. I'm afraid I can't afford to climb so high."

Zhang Qing's expression changed repeatedly before finally settling into a cold stare as he said, "Fine, if Mr. Li doesn't want to be friends, I won't force it."

"But if you're interested, we could have a little game."

Li Dong ignored him. Who had time for games with this guy?

Zhang Qing sneered, "Mr. Li, weren't you just about to compete in ring toss? Although it's quite childish, I'd like to compete with you."

Li Dong's mind raced. How about taking this guy down a notch?

After a moment's hesitation, Li Dong decided to go for it.

Zhang Qing had threatened him several times; Li Dong wasn't going to let this slide without a response.

Li Dong asked, "A game needs stakes. What does Mr. Zhang propose we bet on?"

Seeing Li Dong agree, Zhang Qing's eyes briefly flashed with arrogance before he said with a smile, "Simple. If I win, Mr. Li, you invest in the Huafu Avenue project. If I lose, everything's cleared."

Li Dong's face darkened with anger. What a clear unfair deal!

If he lost, he'd have to pay thirty million, but if Zhang Qing lost, he wouldn't have to give up anything. Who would agree to such an arrangement?

Squinting at Zhang Qing, Li Dong said coldly, "Mr. Zhang, that's not very sincere!"

Zhang Qing knew Li Dong wouldn't agree and was only testing the waters.

Hearing Li Dong's response, Zhang Qing smiled again, "Since Mr. Li isn't willing, let's make it smaller. If Mr. Li loses, you'll have to walk back from Xiyan, and your car will belong to me. If I lose, my car will be yours."

"Deal!"

Li Dong agreed immediately.

Although he knew Zhang Qing's car wouldn't be as good as his own since a deputy mayor's son wouldn't drive an extravagant car, winning a car was still a good deal.

It wasn't about the money, but about pride.

If Zhang Qing lost his car to Li Dong, he'd have to face the humiliation and think twice before bothering Li Dong again.

As for why Zhang Qing dared to bet and was so confident, Li Dong didn't care.

If he lost, so be it. He could afford to lose a car.

But if he won, Zhang Qing would be in for a big embarrassment!

Others were shocked when they heard about the car bet between Li Dong and Zhang Qing.

The street vendor nearby looked particularly anxious, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Li Dong gave him a cold glance, making the vendor jump. He swallowed what he was about to say.

Both of these men were formidable; he, a mere street vendor, couldn't afford to provoke them. It was better to stay silent and avoid attracting trouble.