Shamar clicked his tongue lightly.
Belphegor gave him a sidelong glance. "Is this what you call growth? Gambling yourself away so casually, you're more of a gambler than a gambler. As long as others take it one step at a time, he just jumps right in and bets everything he has. Hehe, I wonder who he learned that from."
Shamar tapped his head in frustration, spreading his hands wide. "Don't look at me; I don't have a gambling habit. My pursuit in life has always been beautiful women. This kid is learning all the wrong things instead of the right ones, just like me."
Belphegor didn't even bother to respond; were gambling and beautiful women even things one would openly admit to having as hobbies?
You think I don't know that you used to take him to bars to watch people play dice and cheat when Gokudera Hayato was still young?
Shamar gave an awkward laugh. Damn it, how did this woman know? He had clearly been very discreet.
Forget about the past. Look up; how much certainty do you think that kid Gokudera has?
Belphegor answered lazily, "One hundred percent."
Shamar let out an "oh" of surprise: "As expected of an elder sister, you trust your younger brother so much."
It wasn't trust. In a daze, Belphegor seemed to see that stubborn little boy; despite the pain in his eyes, he kept a stiff face, carving out a reputation for himself in the Hidden World at such a young age, earning his title with a death-defying attitude.
This child, who had such severe self-destructive tendencies at such a young age, a child who could sacrifice his life for others, a child who held his own life in such low regard, would fulfill the wishes of those important to him even if it meant being crushed to pieces.
Belphegor dared to say one hundred percent because she believed that even if Gokudera Hayato could not achieve his goals through force or intellect, he would pave the way to success with his own life.
For the sake of the person he cared about, life was not something Gokudera Hayato considered at all; he only needed to succeed, he feared nothing, even if it meant being torn to pieces.
What resolve! As expected of Mr. Gokudera," Young Di Ne applauded. "However, Mr. Gokudera cannot represent Vongola. Compared to my stakes, it seems yours aren't quite enough.
Gokudera Hayato maintained a cold expression, his noble temperament remaining unshaken even by the gambling table. "That is enough. As long as you can defeat me, I can create another set of interests as vast as the Di Ne Family for you; it all depends on whether you have the ability."
Young Di Ne did not get angry upon hearing this; instead, he burst into laughter. "Very well, I admire your courage. In that case, I won't waste any more words. How about we settle this in a single round? That way, we won't waste everyone's time."
I agree.
Young Di Ne said, "How about a game of chance? It's a very simple and clear method."
Sure.
According to the rules of the Di Ne Family, a contract is signed before gambling, with the stakes of both parties written down to prevent anyone from refusing to honor the agreement after losing.
Once the written contents for both parties were finalized, each side ignited a flame as an anti-counterfeiting mark.
The ring on Gokudera Hayato's hand ignited with red flames, setting the paper ablaze: "In the name of Vongola."
Young Di Ne ignited indigo flames and smiled, "In the name of the Di Ne Family."
From this moment on, the contract is established, witnessed by the flames, no one shall be allowed to renege.
Upon seeing the flames, a sinister smile appeared at the corners of Young Di Ne's mouth, but he immediately suppressed it.
Soon, the scantily clad dealers entered with smiles on their faces. Two seductive beauties appeared behind Young Di Ne, leaning against his legs on either side; one held a cigar for him, while the other lit it.
Two beauties also followed Gokudera Hayato, approaching him with sweet smiles. He frowned deeply and said coldly, "I don't need them. Get out."
The two beauties were stunned. Young Di Ne took a deep breath, blew a smoke ring toward the beauty on the left, she replied with a flirtatious giggle that she hated it.
Since Mr. Gokudera doesn't like it, then you two should leave.
Only then did the two beauties withdraw.
The dealer dealt the cards, first showing both sides that his cards were perfectly fine, then began to display superb shuffling techniques that left people dazed.
Young Di Ne didn't feel nervous at all; he leaned back in his chair and tilted his head back to enjoy himself.
The cards were dealt, he flipped one over casually; it was a high number.
Gokudera Hayato flipped his, his number was smaller than his.
Young Di Ne said modestly, "Just luck, just luck."
The cards were dealt again, this time Gokudera Hayato won. As time passed, upbeat music began to play outside at some point, the sounds of people cheering drifted through the cracks in the door, making things very lively.
Young Di Ne still maintained that leisurely and carefree manner, even letting the beauties beside him feed him fruit and massage his shoulders.
In contrast, Gokudera Hayato remained alone, his expression unchanging.
Aside from the two of them, there were only the croupiers, beautiful women, the World 73 bodyguards in black suits surrounding them.
Another card flip, Young Di Ne gave a delighted smile: "It seems my luck is still good this time; I've won again. Mr. Gokudera, you still have three chances left. If you don't catch up soon, I'll be happy to accept your chips."
The fireworks show is about to start outside, everyone is getting impatient. Let's hurry up too.
Gokudera Hayato's gaze was cold and aloof: "Do as you please."
Dealing cards, flipping cards, dealing cards again, flipping cards again, Young Di Ne laughed even more wantonly. "Haha, it seems the Goddess of Luck is paying extra attention to me today. You'd better do your best too, Mr. Gokudera Hayato."
"If you win the next hand, you will make a complete comeback, but if you lose, you will truly have nothing left." As if he had already secured his ticket to victory, Young Di Ne's eyes flashed with a viper-like malice as he watched Gokudera Hayato hungrily, using honorifics with every word, yet his gaze looked as if he wanted to devour him.
It is said that you are the sharpest spear in the Tenth Generation's hands. I wonder if you can bring him the victory he desires this time.
Young Di Ne slowly recited Gokudera Hayato's title in the Hidden World: "Vongola's Hound, the Fiercest Mad Dog under the Tenth Generation."
Gokudera Hayato didn't even raise an eyebrow, simply saying, "Deal the cards."
As the cards were dealt, Young Di Ne picked them up and took a look, unable to contain himself any longer as an extremely joyful smile spread across his face. "Hahaha, it seems the Goddess is in a very good mood today, constantly giving me favors. Mr. Gokudera, stop resisting; you have already lost."
Start imagining it now—how to create value for the Di Ne Family, how to wash away the mark your previous master left on you. You'd better recognize your place quickly; you're about to become a dog of the Di Ne Family.
Sawada Tsunayoshi said indignantly, "How can you speak like that? That's going too far." A dog, or a hound.. it was too insulting.
Gokudera, resist! Don't just think about completing the mission; feel like taking that hateful person down!
Outside, Gokudera Hayato's mind was constantly calculating, trying to figure out the odds. No matter how he calculated, he felt something was wrong, his brow furrowed deeply. "He's definitely cheating; his cards shouldn't be like this."
At the same time, he was also puzzled, "Something's not right, my own cards are very strange too."
Rokudo Mukuro let out a cold laugh. "Nothing more than petty tricks and illusions."
With his strength, he had long ago seen through the trickery in this gamble, even looked down upon it with contempt.
Yamamoto asked curiously, "Do you think Gokudera Hayato will win? It feels like his luck is quite bad." He watched with great anxiety, his emotions rising and falling along with the dealing and the cards being revealed.
Rokudo Mukuro glanced at the curious baby, but he didn't mock him, nor did he say it explicitly: "He will win."
"That's good, that's good. Now I'm relieved." Having received his answer, Yamamoto was satisfied. He didn't ask Rokudo Mukuro for the specific reason, as he simply trusted him.
Mammon pouted: "Hmph, every cent I earn is hard-earned money. This guy actually dares to be richer than me and has it even easier. It seems I was too naive before; I'll have to earn money like that too from now on."
Skull clamored, "Mammon, you're not even ashamed to say that. You're naive? I think you're the most black-hearted person of all; you scammed me out of so much money last time!"
Mammon immediately changed his expression. "A fair trade, you're more than willing to agree."
Feng Qing smiled. "Behind any kind of inflated luck, there is a set of operating principles. So, luck in gambling is the same. Reborn, I am very curious about how their family survives in the Hidden World."
Reborn was easy to talk to at this moment: "It is naturally because they are weak enough."
Because they were weak, they understood the way of survival and knew there were certain lines that must not be crossed.
He added leisurely, "From then on, there probably won't be a Di Ne Family in Sicily anymore."
Gokudera Hayato also flipped his cards. Facing Young Di Ne's blunt words, he didn't even spare him a glance: "Mr. Di Ne, you know that on a card table, the biggest taboo is celebrating too early."
Young Di Ne smiled. "But I think the situation is already beyond saving. No matter how much you try to use your silver tongue, Mr. Di Ne, it won't do any good. Haha, let me show you now; my confidence lies in my hand."
He flipped over the card, only to see a number completely different from the one before. Young Di Ne's expression suddenly changed, he blurted out, "Impossible, I didn't.."
"Haven't you already replaced all the cards with illusions? Is that what you're trying to say?" In an unusual departure from his usual self, Gokudera Hayato rested his chin on his folded hands, a look of absolute certainty shimmering in his turquoise eyes.
He mocked, "Do you think your technique is flawless, or do you simply underestimate the strength of our Vongola?"
Mr. Di Ne, isn't it a bit too arrogant to underestimate Vongola?
Young Di Ne blurted out, "Impossible, it's impossible for you to see through my technique. Vongola has already gone to Japan; he couldn't possibly be here."
In other words, you have underestimated the depth of Vongola's foundation.
Gokudera Hayato stood up, pressing both hands against the gambling table, looked down at Young Di Ne.
Somehow, he thought back to the conversation he had with the Tenth Generation before appearing. When he had explained the plan, the Tenth Generation had first asked about his safety with concern, then had anxiously assigned him various personnel. He had, of course, accepted with great anticipation, planning to write twenty essays that night praising the Tenth Generation's brilliance and heroism.
At that time, the Tenth Generation said a particularly majestic and domineering sentence to describe this plan.
Gokudera Hayato intended to share the Tenth Generation's golden words with Young Di Ne, letting those filthy ears hear what it truly means to be celestial music.
Heh, the weather is getting cold; it's time for the Di Ne Family to go bankrupt.
】
Author's Note:
Here I am, sorry, I thought I had put up a leave notice yesterday; I went out to a wedding yesterday.
Chapter 17: Live Stream Day 17
What is he saying? What kind of lewd talk is that?
Gokudera Hayato's face turned red. Why would such vulgar words be spoken at such a critical moment? It was so embarrassing; he was suffering from his habit of feeling secondhand embarrassment for others.
Shamar was so shocked that he didn't even realize he had dropped his cigarette; he pointed at the screen, "You taught him?"
Belphegor rolled his eyes at him. "I want to ask if you're the one who taught him to read improper novels, making Gokudera Hayato see them."
Shamar stared blankly, having not yet snapped out of the shock of seeing his disciple transform from a down-and-out, proud young nobleman into a domineering CEO, answered dazedly, "My novels aren't even that wholesome; they're full of things only adults would understand, uh!"
He snapped out of it in time, quickly composed himself, said seriously, "I understand, Sawada Tsunayoshi taught me this."
Sawada Tsunayoshi, feeling inexplicably targeted, said indignantly, "Who said that? How could I possibly say something so embarrassing? It's not like some third-rate CEO novel, besides, that kind of trope hasn't been popular for twenty years."
It was so awkward, he wanted to curl his toes in embarrassment.
Even Young Di Ne was stunned: "What on earth is that?"
Gokudera Hayato glared at him, clearly dissatisfied. "What, don't you think that sentence was layered, domineering, full of meaning? How is this all the reaction you have?"
Is he alright?
Young Di Ne was even more stifled now than when his hand had been exposed.
"Heh, it was just a single move short of perfection; there is no need to humiliate me like this." Young Di Ne concluded that Gokudera Hayato was speaking solely to humiliate him.
Where do you even find such trashy insults? They're nothing special.
"What did you say!" Gokudera Hayato threw his hands up, any trace of an aristocratic air completely gone, as if fire were burning within him.
You dare call this trash? You brainless pig with no sense of aesthetics, you couldn't even hear the subtle nuance in those words! No wonder you've always been a brainless pig that never evolved. To think you'd treat such wonderful words as garbage—in your previous life, you were most likely a paramecium, in your next life, you'll be nothing more than a wild monkey in the mountains!