Rebirth and making money first

Zhang Jing was looking out the window when an elderly woman suddenly squeezed past her. With a fawning smile, she explained, "My original seat number was unlucky—4. So I tried to trade, but unfortunately, seats 6 and 8 were already taken." Then, with regret, the elderly woman added, "It's a shame you didn't get a better seat so early."

Zhang Jing simply smiled and didn't respond. Apparently someone with a strong belief in numbers, the old lady seemed quite talkative and began to tell Zhang Jing about herself. She'd sneak out every week to gamble, a fact she'd concealed from her husband, who wouldn't allow it.

This afternoon, while out shopping for groceries, she came over to gamble. Win or lose, she'd leave. Her gambling money came from the savings she'd earned from grocery shopping. Hearing this, Zhang Jing couldn't help but sigh that the old lady truly had the potential to be an underground agent. Gambling has long been a harmful and useless practice, despite repeated bans, deeply enticing those who can't change their gambling habits.

As the car slowly moved forward, Zhang Jing looked out the window and noticed that the road was dotted with real estate projects awaiting demolition. These projects were surrounded by high walls, with the word "demolition" painted in large red paint, making it stand out. Furthermore, some people had hung banners on the walls with slogans such as "Please ask the central government to seek justice."

Seeing this, the old lady couldn't help but sigh, "Business is booming these days. Even the government is planning to expand it. However, sometimes compensation isn't paid out in time, or some people refuse to move out, which leads to bullying."

Zhang Jing frowned when she heard this, but she didn't say anything. She knew that this situation was not uncommon, but she couldn't change anything.

Finally, the car arrived at its destination. Zhang Jing got off the car and immediately saw the same number of children as in her previous life. They were gathered together, some big and some small, squatting or standing. Outside the casino, there was a huge sign building, and underneath the building was a circle of children. Some children were carrying various bags filled with snacks, toys, or other items; some children were leisurely eating snacks in their hands, and from time to time they would share them with their friends. Their eyes were constantly staring at the casino door, as if they were expecting something, as if they were waiting for something, which made people laugh.

These children all look adorable, but they're not here to play. They've been brought here by their parents under the guise of tourism, then turned away because they're too young, as indicated by the sign at the casino entrance. The sign clearly states: "Under 18, No Admission!" But their parents can't resist checking it out, and this place has become a real spectacle.

At that moment, a stylishly dressed young woman was comforting a child. In front of her was a little boy of eight or nine. The woman, carrying her bag, led the boy by the hand to the signboard. She knelt down and gently said to her son, "Honey, wait here for me. Eat whatever's in the bag when you're hungry, and grab your drinks. I'll be in just a minute and back out. Be good and don't run around!" With that, the woman kissed the boy on the cheek and walked back into the casino.

The little boy watched his mother leave, pouting and saying, "Then keep your word and come out early!" His voice was filled with a hint of grievance and helplessness, clearly unhappy that his mother had abandoned him. But he still sat there obediently and picked up the snacks in the bag to eat.

"Who told you not to go with others?" A pair of grandparents also warned their grandson, who seemed to be about twelve or thirteen steps away. "I know! Go quickly." They were obviously impatient.

"Be good! Wait until we get out, and we'll buy you whatever you want!" It was obvious this was a father from Northeast China trying to coax his child. His parents and wife were already heading toward the casino entrance, urging him on. "I'm telling you, this kid's okay. He can't get lost. You think we're inland? This is Macau. What kind of fool would come here and kidnap a child? You can't even leave without ID."

"You guys are so annoying, can you please come back soon? I don't know anyone and I feel like a fool. I wouldn't have come out with you guys if I had known."

There are also many people posing for photos. The noisy world is inseparable from the hustle and bustle.

……

Those who criticize gambling should really be asked to come over and watch the exciting show outside the gate. After watching the excitement, Zhang Jing calmly walked through the counter door and went inside. The old lady followed Zhang Jing closely to the second floor. "Which one do you play? We can play together."

This is a place of bustle and excitement—the second floor of the casino. The vast hall is filled with numerous gaming tables and equipment. Rows of slot machines, gleaming with colorful lights, beckon people to sit and insert coins, hoping for good luck. The remaining space is divided into a bridge area and a roulette wheel area, each with varying numbers of players gathered around a table, some intently engaged in the game, others cheering excitedly. While every table is occupied, there are occasional empty tables.

Zhang Jing looked around curiously, remarking that she had just arrived and had never witnessed such scenes before. She planned to observe and understand the situation before making a decision. However, she suddenly remembered that she could apply for a membership card here, which also included a free cake. So, she decided to check it out. The old lady immediately told her, "You can go directly to the fourth floor and apply for a free membership card with your ID card. I'll stay downstairs and continue observing. Come back to me when you're done!" Zhang Jing gratefully thanked the old lady and headed upstairs without hesitation.

As she went up the stairs, Zhang Jing noticed that the amount of each bet increased with each floor. The bet range on the second floor was usually between 50 yuan and 100 yuan, which was relatively affordable; while the bets on the third floor were increased to 100 yuan and 200 yuan. When she arrived at the fourth floor, she was surprised to find that the bets were as high as 500 yuan per round, and this was the case for almost all the gaming tables, with only a few set at 200 yuan. This gradually escalating bet made her feel the luxury and high-end atmosphere of the casino. Zhang Jing saw the card application counter and went to line up. After handing in her ID card and waiting for 5 minutes, the card and ID card were returned to Zhang Jing. They also gave her two boxes of cookies as a casino gift, "I wish you a good time!" Even after being reborn, Zhang Jing was still touched by this thoughtful service.

I went to the restroom; it was so clean. Zhang Jing washed her hands, tidied herself, and went to the front desk. She exchanged 1000 Hong Kong dollars for five 5-yuan chips and ten 100-yuan chips. Looking at the chips in her hand, Zhang Jing lamented that if people only played with chips, they'd soon forget they were money. They'd just treat them like game currency. The designers had a deep understanding of human psychology.

Looking up at the luxuriously decorated rooftop, Zhang Jing knew she couldn't reach the next floor. There were bets of 1000 yuan each, yuan each, and even VIP clients gambling for millions. She could only hang out on the second floor.

Going down to the second floor, Zhang Jing looked around but didn't see the old lady. Instead, she was pulled over and asked where to get the cookies. She told them it was on the fourth floor, and a group of people rushed up. It was definitely a mainland-style grab for food and eggs. Zhang Jing guessed the receptionists handling membership card applications might laugh, but they were definitely cursing inwardly.

She didn't bother to pay attention, and instead observed each table, watching the gamblers, the dealers, the security guards wearing earplugs, and the hall manager. She knew there must be surveillance cameras here, with almost no blind spots in the 360-degree view.

Zhang Jing remained calm, knowing that only by remaining patient would she have a chance. Holding five 5-note chips, Zhang Jing observed from a crowded area. She quickly realized the dealer was fishing, and the larger fish was the bald man who had just won.

The bald man had already won two rounds, and for the third time, his face flushed with rage, he bet big again, throwing down several hundreds. Everyone else followed suit, and Zhang Jing, struck by an idea, bet 100 on small. The elderly man nearby thought for a moment, looked at Zhang Jing, and bet on her side. Another man bet on big, and Zhang Jing immediately bet 200 on big. Everyone stared at Zhang Jing, who remained expressionless.

The bet went big, and Zhang Jing got her original 400 back. In the next round, the bald man bet big, the old man bet big, and the others continued to increase their chips, with the dealer also urging them on. Zhang Jing thought about it and bet big, 200 yuan, and sure enough, she won.

After a few more rounds, Zhang Jing stopped placing bets. With more and more people losing, everyone dispersed and moved on. Zhang Jing was the only one left, and the dealer was trying to attract more players. Seeing that some people were gathering around, Zhang Jing put out 400 and bet on number 13. She muttered to herself, "If I don't win, I'll leave."

A few people gathered around to watch the dealer open the lottery, and surprisingly, they won. Zhang Jing smiled, and the dealer slowly handed her 14,000 chips. The people around her also became interested. Zhang Jing knew that her bait had attracted fish! She was also the fish that the dealer had been keeping an eye on.

She decided to be patient and test the dealer. She bet 200 on the big bet and won 200. Seeing that most people were betting on the big bet, she bet 200 on the small bet and won again. Zhang Jing was certain the dealer wouldn't stop until she got her 50,100 back, so she decided to just play with or bets. She would stop and leave when she lost.

Zhang Jing didn't want to play anymore after a while, but the dealer was staring at her, and she didn't know how to get away. Then she felt someone pulling her from behind.