The Boss lit a cigarette.
The VIP lounge was silent.
Only the two men sat opposite each other, smoking quietly.
The Boss remembered the last time he'd offered Ethan a cigarette, asking if he smoked.
Ethan's reply had been:
"I can learn."
Back then, Ethan had been humble, cautious.
It was hard to imagine how much the young man's demeanor had shifted in such a short time. From that careful, deferential person to someone with clear, strong opinions—and a newfound… assertiveness?
After a long while, The Boss finally spoke. "It seems that girl's death hit you hard."
"Boss," Ethan stubbed out his cigarette. "My mother told me that with some things, you either don't do them, or if you do, you be the best."
"Right now, this casino isn't just a matter between you and Uncle Kun anymore, is it?"
The Boss asked, "Then who else do you think is involved?"
"Uncle Kun's daughter is dead. The mastermind isn't deeply hidden, or perhaps isn't hidden at all. But Uncle Kun doesn't dare speak up."
"And you, Boss, clearly know a certain power is moving to enter this casino, which will affect your interests. But you still choose to stay silent, or rather, to retreat."
"There are many powerful people in this world. But I've only seen one who could make you, Boss, retreat."
"The Gentleman."
Ethan spoke calmly and logically, though he left out a few key points that had truly led him to suspect The Gentleman.
For instance, Grace Zhang fleeing from Autumn's place proved something abnormal was happening there.
For instance, Yan Jiang wanting to use him for some goal; the Inspector knew who was behind Serena's case and wanted to use Ethan as a weapon. Someone who required that much effort from Yan Jiang couldn't possibly just be Tyler He.
Autumn had also once set a trap for him alongside Tyler.
Now Tyler was using such a direct method to enter the casino, and The Boss was turning a blind eye.
Also, Ethan had asked his mother if there was ever a powerful man who loved a woman with a birthmark on her face but couldn't have her. His mother said she hadn't heard of it. This forced Ethan to consider that The Gentleman's presence at The Majestic, and his protection of Autumn, wasn't about a woman.
All these clues pointed to The Gentleman.
The Boss flicked his cigarette butt into the teacup. "Ethan, you have nerve. Since you know it involves The Gentleman, you're now telling me you want to kick Uncle Kun out? Do you not understand what The Gentleman represents? What makes you think you have the capability?"
"I didn't before," Ethan smiled. "But after last night, I do."
"I don't need to understand what The Gentleman represents. I only need to know what the Mu family represents. Right?"
The Boss just looked at him.
After a long moment, The Boss lit another cigarette. "That Ms. Mu is just a younger daughter of the Mu family."
Ethan looked back at The Boss. He saw right through the old fox. The Boss had specifically gone to the hospital to keep him from leaving, hadn't he? He'd been waiting for this moment.
Now, Ethan had stated his position, but The Boss was still pushing him to fully commit, to stake his claim.
Ethan tapped the table lightly and spoke the words The Boss most wanted to hear. "What if we add the Western Alliance Society to the equation?"
At that moment, The Boss finally relented. "What do you need from me?"
"I need to take down Tyler He first. Someone needs to keep Uncle Kun steady."
The Boss shook his head. "Tyler He is Uncle Kun's heir. It's not the same as with the illegitimate daughter."
Ethan didn't speak, just kept looking at him.
"Fine." The Boss exhaled a cloud of smoke. "I'll handle Uncle Kun. What else?"
"The Majestic Club." Ethan bit out the four words. "Like I said, either don't do it, or go all in. Someone wants this casino? Then we'll make our stand here, put everything on the line!"
The Boss asked, "What do you know? About The Majestic."
Ethan countered, "What do you know, Boss?"
The Boss frowned and sighed. "Nothing."
That statement made it clear to Ethan: The Boss also knew The Gentleman's presence at The Majestic wasn't about a woman, but whatever connection existed between The Gentleman and Autumn, or the woman with the birthmark, The Boss didn't know.
He didn't dare ask!
Ethan was surprised. "I didn't take you for such a cautious man, Boss."
The Boss shook his head and smiled wryly. "That's why I said, you don't understand what The Gentleman represents."
"I don't need to know," Ethan repeated. "I only need to know what I possess. Whether I dare to act is my business. Whether we can succeed… you've already given me your answer, haven't you?"
The Boss said, "Doing this is like asking me to gamble everything with you."
"No." Ethan shook his head. "We each have our own goals. I want justice for Serena. And you, Boss, have what you need. Since you understand what The Gentleman represents, you should also understand the consequences of letting things continue as they are. Right now, besides gambling with me, you have no other choice."
"And most importantly, there's no conflict of interest between us. Isn't that right?"
The Boss lowered his head in thought.
Ethan didn't rush him, waiting quietly.
This time, The Boss thought seriously, for a very long time.
Half an hour later, The Boss emptied the teacup containing the cigarette butt, poured a fresh cup of tea, and raised it.
This signaled that The Boss was retracting his earlier doubts about Ethan.
Ethan also raised his cup.
"To a successful partnership."
The Boss said it proactively.
At this moment, to a certain degree, Ethan had transitioned from being someone who worked for The Boss to becoming his partner.
After draining his cup, The Boss asked curiously, "How do you plan to do it? How will you remove Uncle Kun from the board?"
Ethan also finished his tea, set the cup down heavily, and wiped his mouth. "We'll do it by the rules of our world!"
The Boss asked no more. He stood and walked towards the door.
As he reached the entrance of the VIP lounge, The Boss turned back. "It's a bold idea. But any idea must be built on a foundation of strength. Whether it's the Mu family name or the Western Alliance Society, those identities, at specific times, cannot be converted into real power. You lack manpower. That's a fatal problem you can't solve, and one nobody can solve for you."
Ethan just smiled, saying nothing.
The Boss pulled open the VIP lounge door and strode out.
Ethan stayed until the pot of tea was completely steeped out, then finally got up to leave.
"I thought you'd never come out."
Victor Mu was sitting right outside the VIP lounge door, waiting.
Ethan shrugged. "I paid for that pot of tea myself. You know how expensive it is here. Had to get my money's worth."
"I warn—" Victor started, then seemed to think better of it and changed his tone. "Whether you listen or not, I'll give you a piece of advice. Using the Mu family's name… comes with a price."