Chapter Forty-One: Losing Is Harder Than Winning

“So you mean that if two people are married, then no matter how badly they fight, it’s still appropriate?”

Hua Mei did not answer directly, but offered this instead: “Marriage is not a game. If even the embossed seal on the marriage certificate can't bind a person's heart, then perhaps going all in is the last chance left.”

Xiaoxiao didn’t know whether Hua Mei would ever reach that point, but she couldn’t help reflecting on it. Nothing that happens in a city is truly surprising—the only surprising thing is when no one bothers to record these happenings or learn from them.

A few days later, Xiaoxiao was certain that Lin Shuo would not appear again. She began to hesitate over another matter: should she take this opportunity to delete his number? Staring at that string of digits she knew by heart, her finger hovered over the screen for a long time, but in the end, she couldn’t do it. All day, she trailed behind her client—not too close, not too far—covering most of Heilongtan Park. Everyone else was out in pairs or with their families, enjoying the spring outing, while she played at being a shadow, exchanging secret signals with her client now and then, wasting the beautiful day for nothing.

Driving back, she had just turned off the engine when her landlady, upon hearing her return, came running out to greet her. “Xiaoxiao, come here, quickly!”

The landlady’s enthusiasm made Xiaoxiao feel uneasy. She waved her off, claiming she was tired, but the landlady wouldn’t let her escape, pulling her along. Half-willing, half-reluctant, Xiaoxiao soon found herself in unfamiliar territory. But what she hadn’t expected was that, apart from the usual card-playing neighbors in the alley, Lin Shuo was also seated at the card table.

She was used to his unpredictable ways, so surprises from him had become almost routine, though she still felt a secret thrill. When he saw her enter, he didn’t make a show of it—just nodded slightly, which only added to the subtle tension between them.

“Xiaoxiao, why did you come back so late? Poor Mr. Lin has been waiting for you all this time.” Clearly, Lin Shuo had successfully ingratiated himself with her landlady; now the landlady was even scolding her on his behalf.

“It’s nothing, just busy, that’s all.”

After that, there was no more conversation; everyone turned their attention to the game. Who knew how much they won or lost, but the room was filled with laughter and good spirits. After all, he had more than enough money; tossing out a bit here and there was merely a charitable gesture. He stayed focused on the game, occasionally glancing at her from the corner of his eye. The landlady kept winning hand after hand, praising his skill, and Xiaoxiao echoed her while quietly amused.

“Such luck tonight! But Mr. Lin has certainly suffered a loss because of it!” The landlady played the gracious winner perfectly, while Lin Shuo was even more adept, smiling with easy grace, “I really don’t know how to play this Sichuan-style variation. As long as I’m not in your way, I’m happy.”

The more Xiaoxiao listened, the more she wanted to laugh. How could anyone here mind his presence? They’d welcome a generous patron like him any day. As for him, he played his part flawlessly; it wasn’t that he didn’t know how to play—he was simply too skilled. Otherwise, how would he know exactly which tile others needed, or which one to discard to let someone win, orchestrating each round in his favor? Losing, for him, was harder than winning.

“Xiaoxiao, would you like to play a few rounds?” For the first time, the landlady invited her to the table. Lin Shuo chimed in, seemingly offhand, “You never mentioned you had such a formidable landlady. Why not come and see for yourself?” His tone was almost intimate, causing the ladies to exchange knowing glances.

“No, I’m tired from the day. I’ll head up first. Enjoy your game.” She knew he wasn’t here just to play cards tonight; it would be a waste of his precious time to keep him at the table. For this round, she had to play the part of the gracious guest, declining politely.

Without waiting for his reaction, she got up and left. A few minutes later, he pushed open her half-closed door and walked in, calm and collected.

When Lonely Hours Fall Silent 41_Chapter Forty-One: Losing Is Harder Than Winning—Update Complete!