TGCF React

Chapter 5

"So he bet his own legs and lost." Yushi Huang said with a sad look. "He should have known better."

"There are many ignorant fools that goes to that place." Hua Cheng said only because Xie Lian also looked sad. "So don't worry, gege, it's their own will anyway."

"He's asking a good question, though, why is his legs important?" Qing Qiu asked in wonder.

One of the women standing before the curtains smiled. "That man was known as the king of thieves, famous for his exceptionally light footwork which allowed him to scale buildings and take off at ease. His legs were the basis of his livelihood, hence they were worthy as bargaining chips. You are neither a craftsman nor a famous physician, what is your one hand worth?"

"Oh." Qing Qiu said, finally understanding why.

"How stupid, betting their entire livelihood when there's a huge chance of losing." Qi Rong scoffed before smirking. "Well, that's what makes humans fun."

The man gritted his teeth and announced, "Then I...... I'll bet—–ten years of my daughter's lifespan!"

Xie Lian was stunned. How on earth could there be a father willing to gamble with his child's life? Is this even alright?

Everyone had similar expressions, disgusted at the man who was willing to ruin their child's life.

Behind the curtains, Hua Cheng gave a short laugh. "Alright."

Some wanted to shout at Hua Cheng for agreeing but couldn't because of the absolute faith Xie Lian had with Hua Cheng when they saw the latter's gaze towards the ghost. 

'How can he be absolutely sure that that calamity is good?!' some thought in their hearts. 

Xie Lian thought he sensed a cold, thread of anger from that one word alone, but wasn't sure if he had imagined it.

"You didn't." Hua Cheng whispered before giving Xie Lian a reassuring look. "Don't worry, gege, that man's daughter won't experience anything bad from my hands."

"I trust you, San Lang." Xie Lian said with a smile.

San Lang said he has always had good luck, he thought, faintly uneasy. When drawing fortune sticks, he would always receive 'success' and 'great fortune'. If this man gambles with San Lang, wouldn't he be giving away ten years of his daughter's life?

The sweet voice of the dealer at the end of the long table broke through his thoughts. "The even number loses, the odd number wins. Once the cup is opened, there will be no backing out. Proceed!"

Apparently, Hua Cheng would not be actively participating in the game. The man broke into a trembling fit, both hands clenched tight around the dice cup. Then he began shaking the cup madly. The noise in the lobby died down somewhat, so that the crisp sounds of the dice rattling around inside the cup seemed magnified. After a long while, his movements came to a sudden halt. Deathly silence followed.

The man remained frozen for quite some time, before he slowly, slowly, lifted a corner of the cup. He bent over to peek through the crack of the opening, then his bloodshot eyes widened abruptly.

He quickly pulled the wooden dice away and shouted ecstatically, "Odd! Odd! ODD! I won! I won! HAHAHAHAhahahaIWON!!! I WON!!!"

Many breathed a sigh of relief, glad that the daughter wouldn't suffer due to her father's stupidity.

Every person and ghost crowded around the long table had been waiting to see a show, but ended up disappointed. Boos and hissed filled the air as they began slapping on the table in a noisy display of dissatisfaction. The dealer smiled. "Congratulations, sir. Your business will take a turn for the better immediately."