Chapter 2: The Golden Phoenix Casino

The Golden Phoenix Casino was a glittering monument to excess, its neon lights cutting through the night like a beacon for the city's elite. Kai stood outside the entrance, his heart pounding as he adjusted the collar of his borrowed suit. He had never been to a place like this before—never had the money, never had the reason. But tonight, everything was different.

The system's voice echoed in his mind, calm and reassuring:

[Enhanced Probability Calculation and Poker Face Mastery activated. Duration: 23 hours, 45 minutes remaining.]

Kai took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The casino floor was a sensory overload—flashing lights, the clinking of chips, the murmur of voices, and the occasional burst of laughter. Kai felt out of place, like a beggar who had stumbled into a king's banquet. But he couldn't afford to hesitate. He had a mission to complete.

He approached the cashier's desk, his hands trembling slightly as he handed over his bank card. "I'd like to exchange $100,000 for chips, please."

The cashier, a young woman with a practiced smile, didn't bat an eye. "Of course, sir. High-stakes tables are on the upper level. Enjoy your evening."

Kai nodded, clutching the stack of chips like a lifeline. He made his way to the upper level, where the air was thicker with tension and the stakes were higher. The high-stakes poker tables were surrounded by onlookers, their eyes glued to the players as fortunes were won and lost with every hand.

Kai found an empty seat at a table and sat down, his system abilities kicking in immediately. The other players glanced at him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disdain. They were seasoned gamblers, their faces etched with the confidence of those who had seen it all.

The dealer, a sharp-eyed man in a crisp suit, began shuffling the cards. "Welcome to the table, sir. Minimum bet is $10,000."

Kai nodded, placing his chips on the table. The game began.

The First Hand

The cards were dealt, and Kai's mind raced. The Enhanced Probability Calculation ability allowed him to analyze the odds with pinpoint accuracy. He knew the probability of every possible outcome, every potential hand his opponents could have.

He glanced at his cards: a pair of kings. Not bad, but not great either. The flop came—a king, a seven, and a two. Kai's heart skipped a beat. Three of a kind. He had a strong hand, but he couldn't let it show.

The Poker Face Mastery ability kicked in, keeping his expression neutral as the other players placed their bets. One by one, they folded, until only Kai and one other player remained.

The man across from him was in his fifties, with a salt-and-pepper beard and a gold Rolex on his wrist. He smirked as he pushed a stack of chips into the center of the table. "$50,000."

Kai hesitated for a fraction of a second, his mind calculating the odds. The man likely had a strong hand—possibly a straight or a flush. But Kai's three kings gave him a 78% chance of winning.

He matched the bet. "Call."

The turn card was revealed—a nine. The river card—a four. The man's smirk widened as he revealed his hand: a pair of aces.

Kai flipped his cards. "Three kings."

The table erupted in murmurs as the dealer pushed the pile of chips toward Kai. The man with the Rolex scowled, his confidence shaken.

The Rise of a New Player

Over the next few hours, Kai dominated the table. His system abilities gave him an edge that no amount of experience could match. He won hand after hand, his stack of chips growing steadily.

But his success didn't go unnoticed.

A man in a tailored suit approached the table, his presence commanding immediate attention. He was in his early thirties, with sharp features and an air of arrogance that set Kai's teeth on edge.

"Mind if I join?" the man asked, his tone dripping with false politeness.

The other players exchanged glances, clearly recognizing him. Kai nodded, though he felt a pang of unease.

The man sat down, his eyes locking onto Kai's. "Xu Zhenyu," he introduced himself, though it felt more like a challenge than a greeting.

Kai's stomach churned. Xu Zhenyu—the heir to Navigation Group, one of the most powerful conglomerates in the city. He was known for his ruthless business tactics and his love of high-stakes gambling.

"Kai Zhou," Kai replied, keeping his voice steady.

Xu smirked. "Let's see if you're as good as they say."

The Showdown

The game resumed, and the tension at the table skyrocketed. Xu Zhenyu was a skilled player, his every move calculated to intimidate. But Kai's system abilities gave him the upper hand.

The final hand came down to the two of them. The pot was massive—over $1 million. The cards were dealt, and Kai's heart raced as he analyzed his hand: a full house.

Xu's expression was unreadable, but Kai's Enhanced Probability Calculation told him the man likely had a flush. The odds were in Kai's favor.

Xu pushed his remaining chips into the center of the table. "All in."

Kai hesitated for a moment, then matched the bet. "Call."

The table fell silent as the cards were revealed. Xu had a flush—just as Kai had predicted. But Kai's full house was stronger.

The dealer pushed the mountain of chips toward Kai. Xu's smirk vanished, replaced by a look of pure fury.

"Well played," Xu said through gritted teeth. "But don't get too comfortable. Luck doesn't last forever."

Kai met his gaze, his confidence unshaken. "Luck has nothing to do with it."

The Aftermath

As Kai collected his winnings, a voice called out to him. "Impressive performance."

He turned to see a stunning woman in a sleek black dress approaching him. Her presence was magnetic, her every movement exuding confidence and grace.

"Su Lingyan," she introduced herself, extending a hand. "CEO of Hengda Group."

Kai shook her hand, his mind racing. Su Lingyan was a legend in the business world, known for her intelligence and ambition. What was she doing talking to him?

"I couldn't help but notice your skills," she said, her eyes gleaming with interest. "Perhaps we could discuss a partnership."

Kai smiled, sensing an opportunity. "I'd like that."