Guiying nodded slowly, the look on his face of someone filing things into the correct places.
"So you'd rather I bust than try to beat you honestly.." he said.
The dealer laughed, genuine. "That's one way to put it."
"Alright.." Guiying said, and pushed his chips forward. "Let's go."
A server appeared at Liuxian's elbow while the first hand was being dealt and Liuxian ordered without looking at the menu, the easy familiarity of someone who knew what he wanted.
He glanced at Guiying.
"Something light.." Guiying said, eyes on his cards. "Whatever."
"He'll have the same.." Liuxian said.
The server left.
Guiying looked at his hand.
Two cards, fourteen total, the dealer showing a seven.
"Hit.." he said.
The dealer turned a four.
Eighteen.
"Stand.." he said.
The dealer flipped her hidden card.
Fifteen.
He drew again.
Twenty.
Guiying's eighteen lost and he looked at his remaining chips with the equanimity of someone who had expected to pay for the education.
