Casino King

Author: Zhong Liancheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Huo Zhiting discovered that although Lu Ji was enthusiastic about gambling, he lacked experience and ambition. The stagnation of gambling in Macau was precisely because there was no visionary leader. In May 1930, Huo Zhiting came to Macau from Guangzhou and was warmly welcomed by Lu Ji, Fan Jiepeng, He Shi, and others. He was accompanied to observe the casinos on the second and fourth floors and asked for advice. Huo Zhiting, who regarded himself as a gambling king, pointed out on the spot that although Macau's gambling industry had made some progress compared to the past, the variety was too monotonous. It was necessary to add new attractions such as "Fan Tan," "Dou Bao," and "Pai Ji" to attract more gamblers from Hong Kong and mainland China. Lu Ji and the others readily accepted the suggestion. To please him, they also provided beautiful women from Macau to serve Huo Zhiting. Huo Zhiting felt a bit overconfident. During a dinner one evening, Lu Ji toasted him, saying, "The success of Macau's gambling industry today is entirely thanks to Huo Boss's support. Please accept the respect of all gambling industry peers in Macau. We hope Huo Boss will visit often to offer guidance." A bit tipsy, Huo Zhiting spoke candidly, "Visit often? Macau is practically my turf, so of course, I'll be here often!" Lu Ji, Fan Jiepeng, and the others were taken aback, feeling a surge of displeasure in their hearts, but they hid it well, quickly clinking their glasses to. However, Huo Zhiting paid no attention to their reactions and continued, "The mainland market is large, but it's too easily influenced by politics. One day it's one way, the next day it's another—too unpredictable and unstable. Hong Kong, on the other hand, has a larger market, but the British government prohibits gambling. Compared to the two, Macau is better. Since its establishment, the government has actively promoted gambling. This is the right path. With such a small territory and no local industries, how else can we develop? I've had an idea for a long time—to open casinos in both the mainland and Macau. If gambling is legal in the mainland, we can make a fortune with peace of mind. If it's banned, mainland gamblers will naturally flock to Macau, and we'll still make a fortune, haha!" Lu Ji's facial muscles twitched as he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "This way, you have a way in and a way out, and Huo Boss will always be invincible. Clever move, truly clever!" Huo Zhiting burst into laughter again, patting Lu Ji's shoulder and then those of Fan Jiepeng and He Shi, "You, you, and you—do a good job, develop Macau's gambling industry. When the boss in the mainland changes and no longer likes Huo Zhiting, I'll move the headquarters from Guangzhou here!" Huo Zhiting's right-hand man noticed the awkward atmosphere and quickly, "Boss, you're drunk. You can't drink anymore." Huo Zhiting, still in the midst of his excitement, waved his hands, saying, "It's nothing, I'm not drunk. Macau is the Monte Carlo of the East. This is a great idea. Huo Zhiting is the gambling king here, the real gambling king." On stage, the dancers, shimmering under the colorful lights, began to move. The music started, and the scene was lively and muddled. In a daze, Huo Zhiting couldn't remember whether he was drinking or dancing, but one thing was clear—he was discussing the issue of the Macau gambling king with the crowd. P3