Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Shen Mo arrived discreetly, entering through the Royal Casino's hidden door. Jiang Yao followed him directly to the tenth floor. At the elevator, Simon and Secretary Song were already waiting.

Simon's gaze lingered on Jiang Yao's swollen lips. Jiang Yao offered a smile. "Good evening, Simon, Secretary Song."

Song Zhangcheng, a mixed-race man, was a capable assistant Shen Mo's sister had left him. He spoke even less than Shen Mo, clad in a standard black suit that was both understated and refined. His black-rimmed glasses veiled the shrewdness in his eyes, often leading people to underestimate him at the negotiating table.

The elevator ascended, and the clamor from below instantly faded.

The System remarked: "So quiet!"

"Because ordinary people can't come up here," Jiang Yao explained. Most casino visitors were only permitted up to the fifth floor. The sixth and seventh floors were designated as hotel areas, and beyond that, the betting sums were not meant for public knowledge.

The elevator stopped.

A floor manager held the door open. Jiang Yao stepped out ahead of Shen Mo, quickly surveying the surroundings.

"Sir," Jiang Yao signaled that it was clear.

Shen Mo nodded.

Simon interjected, "Butler Jiang, checking the environment is my job."

Jiang Yao replied, "My apologies, Simon."

The manager glanced at Jiang Yao, smiled, and led the group toward a private room.

As the door opened, Jiang Yao moved to follow but was stopped by the manager's raised hand. "The boss will only see Mr. Shen."

"Mr. Shen's bodyguard and secretary must enter," Jiang Yao countered, choosing a different tack. "Otherwise, how can negotiations proceed? Right?"

"Smart!" Simon gave Jiang Yao a thumbs-up before disappearing into the room with Shen Mo and Secretary Song.

The manager's smile deepened. "Care for a drink, Mr. Jiang?"

Jiang Yao declined, "No, thank you."

The manager's smile widened further. The two stood facing each other like two smiling tigers, their smiles full of hidden intentions, yet feigning harmony.

"You just lost a million in markers at the table," the manager stated.

Jiang Yao's attitude did a complete one-eighty. "Oh, my, I suppose I am a bit thirsty after all."

The manager gestured, "This way, please."

Moments later, Jiang Yao stood on the terrace, a champagne flute in hand, as the night breeze brushed past him and the manager. "I don't know much about wine."

The manager chuckled. "Neither do I. But here, as long as it's from the Jade Vineyard, there won't be any issues."

Jiang Yao raised an eyebrow. Just then, a server approached, followed by a man in a short-sleeved shirt, an apron, and rough gloves.

"Sign here," Kai'lier handed over the bill, his gaze flicking to Jiang Yao. "Well, if it isn't the young butler."

Jiang Yao greeted him, "Mr. Kai'lier, long time no see."

The manager took the pen and signed. "You two know each other? How many bottles did you deliver?"

Kai'lier replied, "Thirty. Your casino's allocation for this month is already met. Any more will have to wait until next month."

The manager sighed. "I truly don't understand why your winery refuses to make more money. Thirty bottles... you know, that's not even enough to reserve for our VIPs."

"That's your problem," Kai'lier retorted, taking back the signed bill. His gaze fell upon the wine bottle on the high table, and he suddenly let out a laugh.

"What is it?" Jiang Yao's eyes glinted with interest. The dim light from indoors cast shadows on the terrace, obscuring his brows but highlighting his full, kiss-reddened lips. He tilted his glass slightly. "Did I get served fake wine?"

Before the manager could speak, Kai'lier interjected, "The bottle is real."

Jiang Yao smirked. The alcohol was going straight to his head—his tolerance was low, and even a little could reveal his true nature. His hummed laugh ended with an upward lilt, flirtatious and light.

The manager quickly added, "The wine is real too."

Kai'lier then pulled off his gloves, stepped closer, and took the flute from Jiang Yao's hand. "Whether it's real or not, I'll know after a sip."

Jiang Yao relaxed his posture, leaning back against the railing with his elbows, palms open in an inviting gesture.

The manager snapped, "You, a mere deliveryman—don't overstep!"

"Ha!" Jiang Yao suddenly burst into laughter. He bent forward, hands on his knees, as if he'd just heard the funniest joke. His laughter was sudden, bright, and uninhibited, but then he abruptly covered his mouth, revealing sharp, almost fierce eyes. Muffled, he said, "Ah, it seems we already have our answer."

The manager stammered, "I..."

Kai'lier set the glass down and turned to the manager. "Counterfeiting my vineyard's wine. I expect your boss to give me a satisfactory explanation within three days."

"Fuck!" The manager cursed, then stormed off the terrace.

Once alone, Kai'lier looked at Jiang Yao. "Mr. Shen doesn't gamble. What are you doing here?"

Jiang Yao replied, "Mr. Shen didn't gamble before."

Implying that might change in the future.

Kai'lier asked, "Is he here now?"

Jiang Yao's eyes widened, looking particularly watery from the alcohol, his face and lips flushed. "How much have you had?"

Jiang Yao held up a single finger.

Kai'lier scoffed. "A bottle?"

The slender finger wagged.

Kai'lier looked even more disdainful. "A glass."

"Barely a pinky's worth," Jiang Yao chuckled.

Kai'lier didn't believe him. He reached out and cupped Jiang Yao's chin, examining his face. "Seriously? Just one sip?" His rough thumb then pressed firmly against Jiang Yao's lips, rubbing.

Jiang Yao said earnestly, "That hurts a little."

Kai'lier frowned, tilting Jiang Yao's chin higher to get a closer look. For some reason, the surprisingly soft texture made it hard to let go. Even knowing Jiang Yao was in pain, he continued to rub his thumb against it. "Are you injured?"

Jiang Yao thought for a moment. "Someone kissed me until it broke."

Kai'lier: "..."

The skin beneath his fingers instantly felt scorching hot. Kai'lier lost his composure, his fingertip slipping past Jiang Yao's lips and touching his teeth.

"Mmm." Jiang Yao parted his lips, allowing the finger to slide in, touching the warm, slick surface of his tongue.

Kai'lier's expression went blank for a second.

His finger withdrew from the warm mouth; Jiang Yao's tongue had gently pushed it out.

"What the fuck..." Kai'lier gritted his teeth. "What are you doing?"

The System sounded confused: "Host, what's wrong?"

Jiang Yao replied, "Thank you, Mr. Kai'lier, but there's nothing wrong with my tongue."

Kai'lier narrowed his eyes. "You..."

"You're welcome to check," Jiang Yao offered.

What the hell? He wanted him to check? The places touched by other men or women? Why? They'd only met once—this was the second time—yet he was as docile as an animal that had done something wrong, being this open with him?

Kai'lier's throat went dry. "Fine, I'll check."

Jiang Yao opened his mouth: "Ah—"

Before Kai'lier could get a good look, Jiang Yao quickly closed his mouth. He let out a drunken hiccup, hastily covering it with his hand, his eyes crinkling apologetically: "Sorry, that was rude."

Kai'lier's head spun. "Are you sober now?"

Jiang Yao looked puzzled. "I'm not drunk, sir."

Kai'lier completely froze. If Jiang Yao wasn't drunk, then his earlier actions had been deliberate—flirting with him.

"I just felt that you were very concerned about me," Jiang Yao said, standing in the moonlight, his smile innocent and flawless, "so I wanted to put you at ease. Mr. Kai'lier is truly a good friend."

Kai'lier: "..."

"Even though we've only met twice, I still feel like we've known each other forever."

Kai'lier opened his mouth slightly, his fingers still tingling where they'd touched Jiang Yao. After a long pause, his gaze turned dangerously narrow. "Is that so... Then, as your friend, can I check other places too?"

Jiang Yao looked bewildered. "Hmm?"

Kai'lier pressed, "Aren't we close friends? Don't make me worry about you."

Kai'lier grabbed Jiang Yao and pulled him close. Jiang Yao collided with the man's body, Kai'lier's rough clothes chafing uncomfortably against his skin. Kai'lier said, "Let me check—have other places been violated too?"

"Your waist?" Those large hands gripped his waist—so slim it seemed barely larger than his two hands. Kai'lier grew even more interested in what came next, his eyes fixed on Jiang Yao like a wolf on prey.

"Your ass?" His palm slid downward, but just as he was about to touch, Jiang Yao's phone rang.