Chapter 0153

On the other end of the phone, Liu Ruxue hung up with tears streaming down her face.

"Auntie, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I love Lin Ran, and I have to help him."

She didn’t want to do this, but Lin Ran had instructed Wang Bao to force her hand.

Liu Ruxue had been torn at first, but then Liu Ritian immediately froze all of Liu Yuemei’s assets—something the entire Liu family knew about.

Liu Ruxue realized there was no going back with her brother Lin Jian. The thought broke her heart.

But then she considered: what if Liu Yuemei told Lin Tianba? If Lin Tianba retaliated against the Liu family, wouldn’t she suffer too?

To prevent Liu Yuemei from striking back, she needed leverage over her.

So, she agreed to the plan.

She didn’t know what would ultimately happen to Liu Yuemei, but she trusted Lin Ran wouldn’t go too far.

After all, she had sacrificed so much for him—surely he would love her now, wouldn’t he?

Besides, Liu Yuemei had treated Lin Ran horribly in the past. In a way, this was payback.

The thought eased her guilt, even giving her a twisted sense of satisfaction—like she was punishing a villain.

"Auntie, don’t blame me. Blame yourself for being a wicked woman all these years."

"If you had treated Lin Ran better, you wouldn’t be in this mess. This is your fault, not mine. I’m just the messenger."

Meanwhile, at the villa, Wang Bao quickly reported the situation to Lin Ran.

A smug grin spread across Lin Ran’s face.

"Tell Brother Dao it’s time to move."

"Understood."

After Wang Bao left, Luo Yao watched Lin Ran with a flutter of excitement in her chest.

Ah Ran was truly growing.

And his growth was beyond anything she could have imagined.

Even Luo Yao, a woman of legendary status, had to admit she had underestimated him.

She had always assumed Lin Ran would remain caged in the gilded world she crafted for him.

Yet now, this little bird had spread his wings and soared, swiftly transforming into a mighty eagle.

Though he had broken free from her grasp, she adored him more than ever.

Soon, Liu Yuemei arrived at Brother Dao’s territory.

Not long after she entered, Brother Dao appeared.

The underground fight club was hosting a match that night. The brutal thuds of fists against flesh reverberated through the space, unsettling Liu Yuemei’s nerves.

Was it really safe to negotiate with someone like Brother Dao?

"Ms. Liu, need debt collection services?" Brother Dao’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

She took a deep breath and steeled herself.

"Yes. My family owes me over 50 million. I want you to get it back for me."

"Possible. But we need to discuss the price."

In truth, Brother Dao had no intention of helping her. This was just a ploy to lower her guard.

"How much would it cost me?"

Brother Dao held up a single finger.

"Ten percent."

"That much?"

"Ms. Liu, others pay at least twenty. I’m giving you a discount."

Liu Yuemei thought of her family’s despicable faces—and the fact that she couldn’t even track them down. Gritting her teeth, she nodded in agreement.

The two signed an unofficial contract on the spot.

"Ms. Liu, time to pay up."

Liu Yuemei froze.

"Pay for what?"

"The collection fee, of course." Brother Dao spoke as if it were obvious.

"You’ll get your money once you recover it."

Brother Dao chuckled.

"Ms. Liu, who do you think I am? If you back out later, who’ll I turn to? My rules are clear—payment upfront, at least half. What, you don’t have it?"

Liu Yuemei flinched at his sudden aggression. "I—I do! I’ll have my husb—"

She caught herself. Lin Tianba couldn’t know about this.

"Brother Dao, I only have a million on me. Take that first, and I’ll pay the rest once you retrieve the money. Deal?"

Brother Dao’s smile widened.

"Ms. Liu, no need for complications. I can offer you another path."

"What do you mean?"

"That million could turn into ten."

"How?"

"Follow me. Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. I’m a reasonable man."

Liu Yuemei hesitated for a long moment before finally following Brother Dao—straight into an abyss with no return.

Upstairs in the entertainment complex, the casino was in full swing.

Liu Yuemei enjoyed cards, but only in high-society games with fellow wealthy ladies, where the stakes stayed within reason.

This was her first time in a place like this, and something primal stirred inside her.

"Ms. Liu, we signed a contract. Breaking my rules comes with consequences. But since you’re a sensible woman, I’m giving you this chance."

"Either hand over that million as a penalty, or take it to the tables. Win, and you’ll have the means to pay me. Lose, and I’ll let you walk away unharmed."

Liu Yuemei didn’t hesitate. Of course she’d gamble.

She exchanged her million for 900,000 in chips—the house’s cut already taken.

At a poker table, the dealer’s eyes urged her to place her bet.

First hand—she won 30,000.

Second—50,000.

Third—100,000.

Liu Yuemei kept raising the stakes.

After six straight wins, a crowd gathered, marveling at her luck and showering her with praise. Her grin stretched ear to ear.

By the seventh round, she went all-in—over two million between her original chips and winnings.

One hand to decide everything.

Win, and she’d have the funds to settle her debt. Lose, and she’d walk away.

Then, her "luck" ran out.

She lost everything.

Liu Yuemei stood there, stunned.

Her million—gone just like that?

She had told herself she could accept the loss, but the reality hit hard.

A glamorous woman beside her piped up.

"Big sister, your luck’s too good to quit now! Why not exchange more chips?"

"But I’m out of money," Liu Yuemei admitted.

"Easy. The casino offers loans—didn’t you know?"

"Loans?"

"Of course! Just head to the counter."

"But…"

"Your streak was incredible. This was just a hiccup. A few more rounds, and you’ll win it all back."

Liu Yuemei considered it—then marched to the loan desk.

Brother Dao watched from the sidelines and scoffed.

"Pathetic. Women like her could bankrupt empires."

Gambling reveals character.

To her shock, Liu Yuemei—using her status as Lin Tianba’s wife—was approved for a 100-million credit line.