I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2209 - 1410: Winning Is Winning, Losing Is Also Winning (Part 2)

The Yuanming Garden is a site destined to retain its place in the annals of human civilization.

Although the clamor of war has long since faded, a sense of desolation lingers. Shattered columns stand like a ruined harp, while vibrant wild roses choke the intricate baroque stonework. Marble arches lie half-sunken in the overgrown grass, and living vines entwine with the delicate engravings of the Qianlong Era, transforming the cloud motifs into a cascading curtain of green.

The remnants of a pond ripple under a patch of sunlight, with broken bridge piers tilted into drifts of lotus. Koi drift amidst the reflections of the algae-covered surface, and the warm glow of the sun casts long rays across the skeletal remains of the European-style buildings. The vacant spots of the Twelve Beast Heads create elongated shadows, providing just enough cover for the rhythmic drone of cicadas spilling from the fissures in the ancient foundations.

"I haven't properly thanked you for handing over the dog head." Jiang Chen remarked softly.

Beside him, Miss He Four stood out in a floral dress, her appearance appearing starkly vibrant against the bleak surroundings.

The era of war has passed, and tranquility has descended upon the nation.

"Do you enjoy it?"

A white butterfly fluttered through a crack in the ruins, its wings brushing against her hair.

It was the heart of summer.

Without a parasol to offer shelter from the harsh glare, the heat was unrelenting.

Yet, it held no significance.

Miss He Four had never possessed the typical pale, delicate features of a traditional beauty; her skin was a tanned, wheatish tone—wild, vibrant, and full of health.

Of course, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.

In this particular moment, Miss He Four embodied a grace and tenderness that eclipsed even the white butterfly dancing in the light.

Oh, the girl in the floral dress.

She was the very essence of the dream every young man harbors in his soul.

Indeed, when Jiang Chen had first spotted Miss He Four waiting at the Yuanming Garden, he found himself momentarily breathless.

After all, one can hardly blame a hero for succumbing to such beauty.

"Where did you manage to retrieve it?" Jiang Chen inquired with a faint smile.

"I took it from my father's vault."

"..."

Had the Gambling King not already donated the major beast heads to the nation?

And yet, there were more?

Could it be that the elusive dog head had been sequestered in the Gambling King's private collection throughout all these years?

"Why didn't the Gambling King...?"

"Father believed that while these relics appear lifeless, they possess profound meaning. Unveiling them at the precise moment allows one to extract their maximum value."

Typical of the Gambling King.

Indeed.

A man of meticulous calculation.

Donating them all at once would result in little fanfare, but spacing them out over time? That makes all the difference.

"The Gambling King kept the dog head locked away, waiting to use it when the He Family's position required it. Yet, you chose to hand it over to me instead..."

"The dog head was a personal gift from Father to me, which means I hold the authority to decide its fate."

"..."

There was once a deep-seated fear that excessive affection might compromise a young lady's perspective. How could the Gambling King simultaneously maintain multiple wives and oversee an industry as controversial as gambling—which conflicts with traditional inland values—yet still command such widespread respect? Beyond the calculated narrative provided by the authorities, his strategic donations of the national treasures played a crucial role in cultivating a public image of deep patriotism.

One learns from history to better prepare for the future.

He Yihui could have followed in her father’s footsteps perfectly, unveiling the dog head at the peak of a high-profile moment to return it to the motherland. Her reputation would have skyrocketed, firmly etching her name into the hearts of every compatriot.

The Gambling King had surely left the treasure to her with that very intention in mind.

Yet, Miss He Four had clearly strayed from her father's vision.

She refused to treat the artifact as a political bargaining chip, choosing instead to present it, almost dismissively, as a gift to the man standing before her.

Fortunately, this occurred after the Gambling King’s era had reached its curtain call, or else Jiang Chen would be at a total loss for how to face that iconic titan.

"Do you harbor no fear of regret?" Jiang Chen asked with composure.

"Regret what?" Miss He Four countered, her eyelashes fluttering as a mischievous gleam sparked in her eyes.

A rarity indeed.

To witness a woman of her standing retain such a spark of youthful playfulness.

"Regretting that you might have handed the dog head to the wrong man."

"How could it be a mistake? It is much like a high-stakes game; once you take your seat at the table, there is no place for hesitation. Regret is futile and devoid of any real meaning."

Her words were thought-provoking.

Jiang Chen nodded in silent agreement.

Suddenly, his phone hummed.

They both fell silent.

He Yihui tactfully turned her attention elsewhere, choosing to admire the ruins of the royal garden in their state of quiet decay.

The caller was Zhuge Xi.

Jiang Chen answered the call, listening in stoic silence.

"Do whatever you deem necessary."

Once the call concluded, Jiang Chen turned to find her gazing at him with an expression of pure sweetness.

A gentle breeze from the lotus pond caught the hem of her dress.

"Eavesdropping is hardly the proper decorum for a young lady of a respectable household."

"I grew up in a humble, far-flung fishing village."

Jiang Chen hummed softly.

"Zhong Xiaoye has been released."

He Yihui appeared unbothered by the news.

They continued walking along the remnants of history.

"It was to be expected."

"Once you return, make sure to have a serious talk with your sister. Someone like Zhong Xiaoye can be useful in the short term, but he is certainly not a long-term ally."

He Yihui was quiet for a long moment.

"Have you made up your mind to bring him down?"

"Wasn't that inevitable regardless?"

"How much longer do you need?"

"Perhaps another year and a half."

This information was classified, and Boss Jiang understood the delicate art of balance.

Ignoring personal biases, dismantling a figure like Zhong Xiaoye cannot be done in a rush. The web of interests he has cultivated is vast; could one simply apprehend every single affiliate at once? That would be entirely unrealistic.

As the saying goes, it is better to avoid collective tragedy; whatever can be resolved discreetly should not invite unnecessary chaos.

Boss Jiang requires time, and those financially tethered to Zhong Xiaoye require time as well.

The warning will be disseminated in small doses. Whoever possesses the sense to perceive the shift will distance themselves accordingly. If they refuse to see the writing on the wall, then when the storm hits, they have only themselves to blame for the consequences.

This is the standard procedure for such undertakings. All in the name of social harmony and stability, of course.

"It seems the time has arrived for me to depart."

Listening to her whispered words, Jiang Chen remained detached.

"I really must head back." He Yihui insisted.

"Mhmm."

In this moment.

Was that really all he had to say? A simple, indifferent acknowledgement?

Why did he seem to be drifting further away?

He Yihui fell into silence again.

Precisely. It is impossible to wake a man who is only pretending to sleep.

Regardless of what is said, it is like shouting into a void.

They walked along in silence until Jiang Chen sensed the tension in the air. Just as he opened his mouth, a soft voice interrupted him.

"I miss my father."

"..."

Jiang Chen’s face remained frozen, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and melancholy.

Even a woman of her formidable independence still possessed the heart of a little girl.

"Actually... there is no immediate rush. There is still a year and a half remaining."

To acknowledge a mistake and rectify it is the highest form of virtue. A soul that wanders home is worth more than any treasure.

"It seems you are less than enthusiastic about my presence."

"..."

Jiang Chen’s bitter smile widened.

"Then I shall take my leave tomorrow."

Sometimes, a man simply has to articulate his thoughts.

"If you aren't pressed for time, you could extend your stay in Kyoto. There are plenty of sights you haven't yet explored."

"Will you accompany me?"

Jiang Chen hesitated for a second before saying, "I can."

His hesitation had been glaringly obvious, but occasionally, that is all a woman asks for—the assurance of an attitude.

"Next time, then. There will surely be another opportunity. But you must not be so impatient, otherwise I might change my mind."

Jiang Chen was suddenly reminded of how she had been his guide in Haojiang, and a sharp pang of guilt took hold.

"No need for a next time. We can start right now."

He responded quickly, his tone significantly firmer.

Though his effort was noted, once the deadline has passed, there is no retaking the exam.

"It is already too late."

He Yihui’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile.

Jiang Chen offered a wry smile in return.

Indeed.

She was the daughter of the Gambling King, after all.

How could she succumb to a trivial, sappy romance?

A short distance away, a young couple walked through the park, fingers intertwined, sharing laughter and intimacy.

Jiang Chen cleared his throat.

He Yihui watched the ordinary, enviable couple in silence without uttering a word.

Though the guilt-ridden Boss Jiang felt a internal struggle, he ultimately allowed his right hand to move slowly toward her.

Coincidentally, her left hand moved to meet his halfway.

Their fingers brushed, fingers eventually weaving together to exchange warmth.

"Let us hope there are no reporters lurking about."

Jiang Chen still remembered the lessons from their past scandals.

Unfazed by the possibility of gossip, He Yihui, in her charming dress, tilted her head, rose on her toes, and kissed his profile with total lack of hesitation.

The stray locks of her hair swayed, and the fabric of her skirt danced in the wind.

The mind of a casino operator differs greatly from that of a gambler. If you choose to sit at the table, you must not trouble yourself with thoughts of victory or defeat, nor should you dwell on the sting of regret. You must whole-heartedly commit to the process.

In that case, victory is a success.

And losing? That is simply another form of winning.