Chapter 73: Afternoon Tea

After a lavish lunch, the family members gathered around with their afternoon tea, splitting into small groups for conversation. Masashi found these family gatherings rather dull and, if given a choice, would have preferred to take an afternoon nap.

Next to him, Amy was full of energy, watching TV. It seemed that after crying earlier, her mood had improved quite a bit. Rolando, along with Ailin and two other young members, were in deep conversation. As was often the case with businesspeople, their discussion naturally drifted towards work.

Meanwhile, a young man named Diema seemed particularly interested in Masashi. Throughout their chat, Diema would casually ask him seemingly insignificant questions, but Masashi, astute as always, answered each one flawlessly.

As they talked, Adams and a group of seven or eight other young people suddenly got up and headed outside. Murphy, the refined and quiet young man, approached Rolando. “Brother, Adams and the others are going to play billiards. Would you like to join?”

“Billiards? It’s been a while. Would anyone here like to come along?” Rolando asked, standing up.

Most of the younger members had no objections, rising from their seats to follow.

“Lei Yin, you should come along too,” Ailin said to Masashi.

Masashi nodded and stood up. Seeing him go, Amy quickly ran over and grabbed his sleeve.

“Kiddo, have you seen people play billiards before?” he asked her as they walked. She didn’t answer, just looked up at him blankly.

Masashi chuckled, gave her cheek a little pinch, and continued walking.

Following the others to the mansion’s eastern wing, they entered a spacious room with two large billiard tables. Nearby, a dartboard hung on the wall, and in the far corner was a fully stocked bar. The room had the ambiance of a high-end lounge.

Masashi guessed this setup was likely left by Rolando’s father, Siro Defoe. Rolando, with his stern disposition, didn’t seem the type to indulge in such a pastime.

In Switzerland’s upper echelons, much like British high society, snooker was the billiards game of choice over American pool. The group split into two teams, each taking a table.

In these circles, little happened by chance; even the simple act of choosing teams revealed the social dynamics. Rolando and his two brothers, Diema, and two other young family members who had stood close to the front at the funeral naturally formed one group. It was clear that they were all members of high standing and wealth within the family.

At the other table, the remaining young people—of lower rank—gathered to play. Since she had been a trusted aide of the late family head, Montreux, Ailin was included in Rolando’s group.

It was apparent that Adams was a skilled player, sinking several balls early on and taking a fifty-point lead over Murphy and Diema. His girlfriend, the blonde beauty, clapped with excitement each time he scored.

“This is getting a bit dull. How about we make things interesting with a wager?” Adams said as it came to Murphy’s turn.

“How much do you have in mind?” Diema asked, smiling.

“Let’s say one hundred Swiss francs per point,” Adams replied smoothly, taking a sip of red wine.

“I don’t mind,” Diema shrugged.

“What about you, Murphy?” Adams looked at his brother.

“No problem,” Murphy, the quiet young man, nodded.

Rolando, familiar with such bets, said nothing.

Half an hour later, two rounds were over, with Adams winning both. His impressive skills had drawn a small audience. Receiving checks from Murphy and Diema, Adams looked very pleased, giving his girlfriend a kiss.

“Let’s do another round,” he said, grinning.

“I’d like to take a break. Does anyone else want to join in?” Diema asked the other young men.

Seeing no one volunteer, Adams smirked and, after glancing around, locked his gaze on the relaxed-looking Asian youth sipping his drink.

“Mr. Lei Yin, would you care to join for a round?” Adams took a step forward and addressed Masashi.

“I’m not very good,” Masashi replied with a faint smile.

“No worries, I’ll go easy on you.” Adams’s words made the blonde woman giggle.

Masashi smiled, putting down his glass. “Alright, go easy on me.”

As Masashi chose a cue, Adams suggested, “Mr. Lei Yin, how about a small bet? It makes things a bit more exciting.”

“Alright. What are you thinking?” Masashi looked over at him.

“How about one thousand Swiss francs per point?” Adams said.

“Adams, that’s a rather large bet,” Rolando frowned.

“Brother, this is just a game between me and Mr. Lei Yin. He hasn’t even responded yet; who’s to say he’d refuse?” Adams smiled.

Rolando’s eyes flashed with irritation as he turned to Masashi. “Mr. Lei Yin, as a guest, you’re not obligated to join the wager.”

“Actually, I don’t mind a small wager. One thousand Swiss francs per point? Sure, I’ll go for it,” Masashi replied, surprising both brothers.

“Let’s get started, then, Mr. Lei Yin,” Adams’s face lit up with a confident smile.

After selecting a cue, Masashi nodded in agreement.

“Since Mr. Lei Yin is our guest, please go first,” Adams gestured courteously.

“Alright, I won’t hold back then.” Masashi approached the table, bending down with an awkward stance to line up his shot at the cue ball.

Seeing his posture, a few people held back their laughter.

Ailin also seemed puzzled, wondering why Masashi, who clearly appeared inexperienced, would agree to a wager.

With a soft crack, Masashi sent the cue ball rolling. It struck with surprising force but didn’t pocket any balls. He looked at his cue, then at the table, showing a slightly confused expression.

“Looks like Mr. Lei Yin’s luck isn’t the best,” Adams said with a smile.

“Yes, the opening shot is usually about luck,” Murphy chimed in to ease the tension.

Adams took his turn, sinking three balls in quick succession, showing off his skill. But by his fifth shot, he missed, overshooting his intended pocket.

“Your turn, Mr. Lei Yin,” Murphy kindly reminded Masashi, who was still examining his cue.

“Thank you.” Masashi moved to the table, assuming that awkward stance again. He aimed carefully, taking a moment before gently striking the cue ball.

This time, his shot was slow, but surprisingly, the red ball rolled steadily into the pocket. Everyone thought it was pure luck.

When Masashi pocketed a second ball, people began to sense something was off. By the third, Adams’s expression shifted to one of caution.

With every ball, Masashi’s aim became more confident, and soon he was pocketing balls effortlessly, moving around the table with ease. Everyone watched in awe as he continued his flawless run, even sinking shots that seemed impossible.

At the end of the round, the room filled with applause.

“Mr. Lei Yin, here’s your winnings,” Adams handed Masashi a check, trying to hide his irritation.

“It’s been a while, so I’m a bit rusty. I mentioned that I wasn’t very good,” Masashi said, slipping the check into his pocket. In truth, he hadn’t played in nearly thirty years.

“Mr. Lei Yin, you’re quite the expert,” Adams commented in a strange tone.

“Not an expert, just a bit better than an amateur. Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.” Masashi turned and left the room.

Adams watched him go with a venomous glare, his clenched fists trembling in anger.