As soon as my words fell, both Selena and another player were visibly taken aback, their eyes darting in astonishment towards the man with the split hairstyle.
The man’s expression shifted to a semblance of anxiety, but he quickly masked it with feigned composure. He placed both hands on the table and glared at me, exclaiming, “Cheating? What dog’s eye caught me in the act?”
He berated me loudly, while I calmly rose and strolled in his direction.
His face paled at my approach; sensing the impending confrontation, he abruptly pushed the mahjong tiles away from him, barking in frustration, “Why bring such a lowlife to disrupt a decent game? I’m done with this!”
Turning to leave, he barely moved before Selena interjected, her tone still gentle yet laced with a hint of icy detachment, “Hold on, don’t rush off just yet…”
“Selena, do you still not believe me?” the man insisted, desperation creeping into his voice.