By the time the group settled in, it was already afternoon.
The night hadn’t yet arrived, and visiting the casino during the day lacked some of its allure. Qin Xianming wasn’t in a rush, so he had the bodyguards accompany Wen Ying and the other three to explore the area.
Macau boasted numerous casinos, where gamblers, flush with winnings, spent money recklessly, driving up the cost of living. The city featured many Portuguese-style buildings and cuisine, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists. However, in Macau, gambling and tourism were often intertwined. Visitors from around the world felt it would be a shame not to experience the casinos.
Many associated Macau solely with its thriving gambling scene, unaware that since the 1970s, as Hong Kong’s economy took off, significant investments had flowed into Macau, spurring the growth of its export-oriented manufacturing. Industries like knitting, clothing, toys, and electronics set up factories there. While living expenses in Macau were high, shopping for these goods was relatively affordable compared to the mainland, especially with duty-free stores. Even tourists uninterested in gambling saw Macau as a shopping paradise.
Qin Yi splurged on several women’s outfits and two designer bags, clearly for Xu Mei. Generous as ever, he also covered Qin Jiao’s expenses, though she only picked out a pair of boots.
“Big brother, your money doesn’t grow on trees. Spend a bit less,” Qin Jiao said.
Qin Jiao wasn’t usually money-conscious, but Qin Yi was spending excessively.
The money Qin Yi spent wasn’t from the family but earned himself. Qin Jiao just felt for how hard he worked.
Qin Yi smiled, saying he knew his limits.
Xu Mei had decided to enter the entertainment industry, a world where appearances mattered greatly. As a newcomer, her fees from commercial performances or events were modest, and after her agency’s cut, she earned even less.
Given Xu Mei’s financial situation, she couldn’t yet afford expensive clothes or accessories. Qin Yi, unable to always be by her side, felt some guilt and wanted to use these gifts to stake his claim—he didn’t want Xu Mei to be underestimated. Whether it was diehard fans chasing her across cities or second-generation rich kids trying to “make friends” through connections, they had sharp eyes. If they thought Xu Mei came from an ordinary background, they’d buzz around her like relentless flies.
Qin Yi was confident in their relationship, but who wants their girlfriend constantly hounded?
These thoughts weren’t something he could share with Qin Jiao or Wen Ying, so he brushed off Qin Jiao’s concerns with a smile.
Wen Ying could tell. Last time, she’d awkwardly witnessed Mrs. Qin’s attempt to persuade Qin Yi to break up. Judging by Qin Yi’s devoted boyfriend act, he’d heard his mother’s advice but had no intention of following it. This wasn’t surprising—Qin Yi and Qin Jiao grew up in an open-minded family with encouraging parents. Both siblings were strong-willed, and Qin Yi, never having faced real setbacks, wasn’t about to give up his first love easily.
Outsiders’ opinions didn’t matter. With the intensity of Qin Yi and Xu Mei’s relationship, unless it crumbled naturally, Qin Yi would never initiate a breakup.
“Wen Ying, anything you need?” Qin Yi, ever generous, didn’t forget her.
Wen Ying shook her head with a smile, “No thanks, Brother Qin Yi. I haven’t seen anything I like yet, and I brought my own money. Save yours for Sister Xu Mei.”
Wen Ying patted her bag.
Knowing Wen Ying earned money through her “Shrimp King” venture, Qin Yi didn’t press.
As they continued shopping, Xie Qian lagged a step behind, “You really don’t need anything? If you’re short on cash, I can lend you some.”
It was better not to use the Qin family’s money if avoidable.
Accepting a skirt from them might come with unclear expectations.
Especially from Qin Yi—buying for his girlfriend and sister was natural, but for Wen Ying? Xie Qian found it odd. With Qin Yi’s girlfriend, trouble was likely brewing. Wen Ying should steer clear of that couple, lest Xu Mei later blame her if they split.
Wen Ying gave Xie Qian a strange look, “If I can’t afford it, it means I’m not ready to own it. Borrowing money to shop isn’t my style.”
The only “spending beyond her means” Wen Ying accepted was a mortgage!
For anything else, needing to borrow or pay in instalments meant her financial status didn’t justify the purchase.
Qin Yi’s lavish gifts to Xu Mei didn’t spark envy or jealousy in Wen Ying. In her past life, she could afford those brands herself.
Without that financial power now, Wen Ying wasn’t anxious. As long as her skills remained, no matter how many times she was reborn, what was meant to be hers would come in time.
Seeing her refusal, Xie Qian didn’t push.
Wen Ying’s mindset was right—wanting something meant earning it yourself, a sign of ambition. Relying on others without effort was just vanity.
As for why he was fine lending his own money but wary of Qin Yi’s, Xie Qian felt his intentions were pure, with no expectation of repayment.
—Good friends shouldn’t keep score too strictly!
Wen Ying used her own money to buy some cosmetics for Chen Ru and Chen Li at the duty-free shop. Gifts for others would wait until she had winnings from the casino.
Xie Qian thought her too confident and advised her to buy the gifts first, but Wen Ying wouldn’t listen.
“My luck’s always been good!”
At 8 p.m., Qin Xianming took the four to the casino.
Minors under 18 weren’t allowed in, and only Qin Yi was of age among the group. Someone delivered temporary IDs for Wen Ying, Qin Jiao, and Xie Qian. Wen Ying examined hers, unable to tell if it was fake—the photo looked convincing. Peeking at Xie Qian’s, though, it was noticeably off.
“Forging IDs is illegal!” she remarked.
Unfortunately, Yu Wei hadn’t handled this personally, and the casino would never admit involvement. The IDs were delivered to the hotel as “lost items found,” leaving the choice to use them up to Wen Ying, Xie Qian, Qin Jiao, or their guardian, Qin Xianming. The casino was meticulous, ensuring no evidence could be traced back.
Though Xie Qian had opposed Wen Ying’s casino plans, now that they were here, he showed no hesitation, pocketing the fake ID.
“We’re here, so let’s see what it’s about. Remember your promise—win or lose, you’re done after tonight. Stop once you’ve burned through two thousand!”
Qin Xianming headed straight to the VIP room, leaving Yu Wei to look after the four.
“Let them have some fun, but don’t bet too big.”
Wen Ying said she’d only exchange 2,000 yuan in chips, and Qin Jiao didn’t want more either. In the end, they all agreed on 2,000 each. Yu Wei led the four novices to a baccarat table, briefly explaining the rules: “Give it a try and test your luck.”
