Villain Simulator, Ch 242

[Age 18:]

One day, your father was out on business, and as the young master, you helped manage the Yan Shang Teahouse, but you welcomed an unusual guest, a woman with short black and blue hair who called herself "Yelan".

[Since Yelan sat down at the gambling table, she hadn't lost a single round, winning against both banker and player alike. Not only had she bested other gamblers, but even the Yan Shang Teahouse had lost a significant amount of Mora.]

[You, however, dislike gambling and rarely participate in games at the Yan Shang Teahouse. Yet, if Yelan continues her winning streak, the teahouse would inevitably suffer heavy losses. To prevent further damage, you have no choice but to step in and challenge Yelan yourself.]

[Entering immersive mode...]

[Mission Objective: Defeat Yelan in a gambling match.]

"What's wrong, handsome?"

As soon as you open your eyes, the Yelan seated across from you teases in a mocking tone. "Are you saying you want to challenge me in a game?"

You have to admit, this Yelan before you is strikingly similar to the real one. However, there's a subtle difference in their demeanors, as if shaped by distinct experiences from parallel worlds or simulators. Just as no two leaves are identical, even the same person might vary slightly in different realities.

"That's right," Lucas replies, smiling faintly. "Miss Yelan, you've been taking advantage of my father's absence to dominate the teahouse's gambling tables. May I ask what your goal is?"

"I'm just a gambler," Yelan says with a sly grin. "And gamblers come to casinos for one reason: to win."

"I'd like to play a game with you," Lucas says, narrowing his eyes. "A big one."

"Oh?" Yelan perks up, her interest piqued. She laughs cheerfully. "I love big games—the bigger, the better. So, what's your wager?"

"My wager is the thing you want most," Lucas responds coldly. "I remember you once approached my father, trying to buy this Yan Shang Teahouse, only to be turned down. So today, I'll put the teahouse itself on the line."

Gasps erupt from the surrounding crowd. The staff of the Yan Shang Teahouse even try to dissuade Lucas from making such a reckless decision.

Ever since Lucas won the teahouse in a high-stakes gamble, he hadn't showcased his gambling skills again. The others assumed he was merely acting impulsively now.

"Are you serious?" Yelan's voice wavers slightly with excitement, though she masks it by feigning indifference. "Young people shouldn't be too hasty, you know."

"What's youth without a bit of recklessness?" Lucas retorts. "But what about you, Miss Yelan? What will you wager?"

"If you win, I'll return all the Mora I've won today," Yelan says with a smile.

"That's not a small amount," Lucas replies, shaking his head. "But compared to the teahouse's value, it still falls short."

"You're not wrong," Yelan concedes. "Then tell me—what else do you want?"

"How about this?" Lucas suddenly removes his boot and grins mischievously. "If you lose, you don't need to pay money. Just kneel and lick my toes. How's that?"

"You!"

A flicker of anger flashes in Yelan's eyes, but she quickly regains her composure and smiles. "I didn't expect you to have such peculiar interests, handsome. Fine by me. If you can beat me, forget toes—I'll wash your feet with my spit if you'd like."

The gamblers around them snicker, their expressions turning wicked.

In Yelan's eyes, the young man before her is nothing more than easy prey. Once she wins this game, the teahouse will be hers. Then, she'll have all the time in the world to teach this insolent boy a lesson.

"Words alone won't cut it," Lucas says, producing a piece of paper. "Let's make it official—a contract."

In Liyue, the land of contracts, any legal agreement is binding and unbreakable once signed.

"Perfect!" Yelan immediately signs the contract without hesitation, taunting as she does. "I remember your father was a notorious gambler. He even drove your mother to her grave with his addiction. I guess it runs in the family. Once I win the teahouse, I'll be doing you a favor by teaching you a lesson."

At her words, Lucas's smile vanishes, replaced by a steely expression. Yelan's remark strikes a nerve, dredging up painful memories he'd rather not face. Her words only strengthen his resolve to put this sharp-tongued woman in her place.

"So, what's the game?" Yelan asks confidently. "Dice, Pai Gow, or something else?"

"I don't know many games," Lucas replies coolly. "Let's play 'Seventeen Cards.'"

"Seventeen Cards" is a widely popular card game, similar to Dou Dizhu but with a two-player variation. Each player starts with seventeen cards, and the first to play all their cards wins.

"Fine by me," Yelan snaps her fingers. "Deal the cards!"

The game progresses quickly. Yelan plays several brilliant combinations right away, leaving her with just four cards in hand. Meanwhile, Lucas hasn't played a single card, still holding all seventeen.

The tension in the room grows palpable.

The staff and onlookers begin contemplating how to curry favor with their new boss, assuming Yelan's imminent victory.

"It seems the game's about to end," Yelan smirks, fidgeting with her remaining cards. "Someone, pour Lucas a cup of Dragon Well tea. I wouldn't want him passing out from shock."

Yelan's remaining cards form a "bomb," one of the strongest combinations. Whatever Lucas plays, she'll trump it effortlessly.

"Miss Yelan, no need to rush," Lucas says calmly. "The winner isn't decided yet."

"For your information, my hand is a 'bomb,'" Yelan declares, revealing her cards. She grins triumphantly. "Seventeen cards? Beat me with those? Beat me?! If you can take me down in one move, forget toes—I'll wash your feet with my tongue!"

"Then watch closely." Lucas slams four cards onto the table. "First, a bomb."

Though both are bombs, Lucas's has a higher value, leaving Yelan no option to counter.

"Pass."

A flicker of unease crosses Yelan's face, but she forces a smile. "Thirteen cards left. You think you can play them all at once? Unless..."