Chapter Fifty-Two: If You Lose, What Will You Offer?

When Ji Hongguang heard what Shangguan Kaicheng’s mother said, the hint of pain that lingered on his face instantly vanished like smoke, leaving no trace behind. He hurriedly stood up, a solicitous smile spreading across his face as he asked cheerfully, “Madam, are you interested in this as well?”

“No matter what, my son owes you quite a lot. I think I should at least have an explanation, don’t you agree?” As Shangguan Kaicheng heard his mother’s words, his expression faltered in surprise and he murmured softly, “Mother…”

“Don’t speak,” his mother interrupted, then continued smiling, “Tell me, what do you usually play?”

Ji Hongguang answered, “Card games, Heaven Nine, Mahjong, Rising Step by Step…”

“In that case, let’s play mahjong. I’m not quite interested in the others, but mahjong still holds some appeal for me. Manager Feng, would you be willing to play a few rounds with me?”

She was clearly intent on gambling with Ji Hongguang.

“I’m sorry, but gambling is strictly forbidden in my teahouse!” Feng Panxue’s voice turned stern at the mention of “gambling,” and she shot Ji Hongguang a fierce glare.

Ji Hongguang stuck out his tongue playfully and said with a grin, “We’re not betting money! It’s just for fun, a little wager to liven things up—nothing serious. It’s all to entertain the elder; isn’t that what matters most?”

…

Soon, Ji Hongguang, Shangguan Kaicheng, Feng Panxue, and Shangguan Kaicheng’s mother were seated at the mahjong table. The tiles were arranged, and after his mother sat down, Shangguan Kaicheng shot a glance at Ji Hongguang. The two of them slipped aside.

“Listen, Hongguang—no, Master Guang—my mother’s health isn’t good!” Shangguan Kaicheng pleaded, looking at Ji Hongguang with pitiful eyes.

Ji Hongguang nodded with a smile, “Don’t worry, Fatty. Don’t you know me by now? I won’t win too much.”

“No, what I mean is, Master Guang, it’d be best if you didn’t win a single round. Otherwise, I’m afraid my mother’s heart won’t take it.”

Shangguan Kaicheng’s expression was as pitiable as possible.

“Then what’s the point of playing?” Ji Hongguang’s face shifted at that.

Shangguan Kaicheng looked so crestfallen that he was about to kneel. “Please, I’m begging you! If you ever need anything from your brother, I’ll never refuse you.”

Ji Hongguang quickly reached out to support Shangguan Kaicheng, afraid the chubby man would actually kneel. “Alright, alright, I’ll do my best. But let’s be clear—once you’ve paid back everything you owe me, we’re done. No more games, or you’ll end up losing everything you own.”

Shangguan Kaicheng immediately broke into a wide grin and nodded enthusiastically, “No problem! I’ll remember this favor for life!”

At that moment, Feng Panxue smiled gently at Shangguan Kaicheng’s mother and said, “Madam, rest assured. I’ll definitely help you with the tiles in a moment!”

“Thank you, Manager Feng,” Shangguan Kaicheng’s mother replied with a smile. She rolled up her sleeves, spread her fingers, and suddenly muttered something under her breath, which left the others somewhat baffled.

“What are you doing, Madam?” Feng Panxue asked curiously.

“I’m gathering the essence of heaven and absorbing the radiance of sun and moon!” Shangguan Kaicheng’s mother declared. Her antics drew a round of laughter, but no one said more.

After finishing her chant, she smiled, “Alright, we can begin.”

The four of them sat down and began shuffling the mahjong tiles. When Ji Hongguang drew his hand, he was overjoyed—a perfect set on the very first round.

“I can’t believe my luck! Haha! This is wonderful! Here, eight bamboo!”

As it came to Shangguan Kaicheng’s mother’s turn, she immediately declared, “Mahjong!”

Ji Hongguang chuckled, “Madam, don’t tease me.”

Feng Panxue and Shangguan Kaicheng leaned over to look, both freezing in surprise. They turned to Ji Hongguang’s triumphant grin and said awkwardly, “No, Hongguang, Madam really has mahjong!”

“Pearl and Jade Harmony! Many thanks,” Shangguan Kaicheng’s mother said, cupping her hands in gratitude.

The six observing from the side, especially Luo Feng—who was the best at mahjong—were all taken aback by this outcome.

“This… this is beyond my comprehension. Winning with a hand like that on the first round!”

Luo Feng shook his head with a wry smile. “It seems this mission is going to be quite interesting.”

Shangguan Kaicheng gave Ji Hongguang a thumbs up and whispered, “Hongguang, you’re a true friend. I’ll remember this kindness.”

Ji Hongguang could only force a smile. The pride that had lit up his face vanished as he replied, “It’s only right.”

Yet inwardly, Ji Hongguang muttered in confusion, “How can my luck be so cursed?”

But what happened next exceeded everyone’s expectations. Every time it was Ji Hongguang’s turn to play, as soon as he discarded a tile, Shangguan Kaicheng’s mother would immediately declare mahjong—and every single tile Ji Hongguang played was exactly the one she needed.

Shangguan Kaicheng, meanwhile, was so excited and grateful that he patted Ji Hongguang’s shoulder several times, unable to put his gratitude into words.

On the other hand, Ji Hongguang’s face grew darker with each round, his whole body trembling with frustration.

“May I ask, what did my son owe you?” Shangguan Kaicheng’s mother inquired.

“It’s all settled. We no longer owe each other anything.”

“In that case, there’s no need to continue playing.” With that, Shangguan Kaicheng’s mother prepared to stand and leave, making it clear that since the debt was paid, there was no reason to play further.

“Oh, Madam, that’s not fair! A little wager is just for amusement. We’re only here for some fun, nothing more. Let’s keep going.”

Hearing Ji Hongguang’s words, Shangguan Kaicheng’s mother paused and turned back. Her eyes, though clouded, seemed to gleam with hidden interest. “We can play, but… if you lose, what will you give me?”