Chapter 57: Winning a Hundred Million (1)

If this had happened just a moment ago, Jin Million would have surely made a mocking remark. Now, however, his heart skipped a beat. From the confident smile on Lin Fan’s face, he sensed, vaguely, that he might have fallen into another trap. Yet the words had already been spoken, urged forth by himself; with so many people watching, how could the dignified heir of Hai Tian Group take them back?

Suppressing his unease with forced composure, Jin Million managed a smile and said, “A bet is a bet. If I truly am less skilled, I’ll willingly hand over the check for more than ten million dollars.”

“Excellent. Young Master Jin, you are indeed generous. Someone, bring the wine!” Lin Fan’s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile, his gaze brushing over Jin Million like a soft stroke.

He had just feigned weakness, intending to advance by retreat. If Jin Million were truly clever, he would have abandoned the gamble at the first sign of danger, and Lin Fan would let it go. After all, offending the future heir of Hai Tian Group over a few million was not particularly advantageous for him.

But Jin Million had not considered giving up; instead, he pressed ever forward. Since the man had come to his door, Lin Fan would not hold back. If he didn’t take this opportunity to teach him a lesson, it would hardly make sense.

Lin Fan’s sudden counterattack had already left Jin Million off balance. If he could further stir his opponent’s anger before the wine tasting, victory would be assured. With this in mind, Lin Fan flashed a mischievous smile and wrapped an arm around Zhao Ying.

Zhao Ying didn’t know why Lin Fan made such a move at this moment, but she cooperated, standing close to him. Her demure posture drew countless admiring glances from surrounding men, Jin Million included. Fei Fei’s eyes were filled with envy; how she wished she could be the woman at Lin Fan’s side...

Lin Fan, with his back to Fei Fei, noticed nothing. Upstairs, Lin Yan saw it all clearly and sighed inwardly. Wei Liang, beside Fei Fei, also took in everything, especially Fei Fei’s adoring gaze toward Lin Fan, which made him wish he could tear Lin Fan apart. He knew he couldn’t defeat Lin Fan in a fight, but that didn’t mean he would let him off. Why should every woman he fancied be snatched away by this young man? As a man, how could Wei Liang accept it? How could he not bear hatred?

Lin Fan’s subtle gesture was carefully designed for Jin Million. Wine tasting depends on a calm heart and communion with the wine. If one’s mind is already disturbed, how can he hear the wine’s voice?

Jin Million did not disappoint. The undisguised contempt in Lin Fan’s gaze made his fury rise, fists clenched in secret. He, son of Samsung Group, always admired and revered by others, had never been so looked down upon.

Especially the way Zhao Ying and the crowd looked at Lin Fan—it ignited his jealousy. He ought to be the focus, the one admired by beauties like Zhao Ying. Lin Fan’s place should have been his; everything should have been his, not that of Lin Fan, a mere security guard!

Jin Million instinctively grabbed the wine glass before him, glared at Lin Fan, and tossed the contents back in a single gulp.

A suppressed gasp rose from the crowd. Jin Million froze, suddenly realizing that the contest was supposed to be a wine tasting—and what had he just done?

He stared blankly at his empty glass, then glimpsed the hotel owner holding the bottle, eyes filled with astonishment, surprise, and amusement.

“Damn it, was I supposed to taste the wine?” Jin Million’s face flushed crimson, burning with embarrassment, wishing he could crawl into a hole.

And at that very moment, Lin Fan’s inappropriate praise rang out. Damn it, he’s doing this deliberately—deliberately making me look bad! Jin Million glared at Lin Fan, a cold murderous intent flickering in his eyes. If he had a gun, he might truly shoot Lin Fan now; when had he ever suffered such humiliation?

“Ha, Young Master Jin seems to be a fellow enthusiast. People always say red wine should be savored in small sips, gently tasting it step by step to appreciate its flavors and hear its voice. I, however, disagree. Red wine is alive—if you can read its heart, whether you drink in gulps or sips, there’s no difference.” Lin Fan wore a smile of “admiration,” raising his voice. “Young Master Jin, you may guess first. If you can name the vintage and origin, I concede.”

Jin Million stared at Lin Fan’s infuriating smile, wishing he could pummel him on the spot. Too damned cunning. His face turned ugly, lips trembling, swallowing back words that nearly escaped him.

He used his lifelong training to control his emotions, appearing calm as he placed the glass back on the tray. His teeth circled his mouth again and again, but the faint, raw taste was so subtle he could barely guess the brand, let alone the origin.

“I... cannot guess. This round, Death God wins again,” Jin Million took a deep breath, striving for calm as he spoke.

The crowd hissed in surprise. Lin Fan laughed inwardly but feigned anger, saying, “Young Master Jin, what’s this? Are you letting me win on purpose?”

Let him win? Not a chance!

Jin Million’s body twitched imperceptibly, nearly leaping in rage at Lin Fan’s opportunistic humility. He forced himself to remain composed, reminding himself, “A gentleman’s revenge is never too late.” He squeezed out a stiff smile and rasped, “I failed to taste it. There’s no question of letting you win or not. Death God, you overthink.”

Lin Fan looked him over, his smile openly displayed for Jin Million alone, though his face was otherwise gravely serious, as if genuinely concerned for his opponent.

“Ah, Young Master Jin truly knows how to win and lose gracefully. Thirty million, given up without so much as a blink. Even the richest spendthrift is no more than this!” Lin Fan’s lips bore a smile only Jin Million could see as he slowly shook his head.

Jin Million swayed slightly, no longer hiding the murderous gleam in his eyes. “I was simply outmatched. Let’s begin the third round.”

Someone immediately poured the third glass. Jin Million, now with no mind for tasting, said coldly, “This round, you explain. If you’re right, I concede.”

Lin Fan took the glass, examined it, and sniffed twice. “A fine wine. The glass is tulip-shaped, the wine pale yellow, elegant and sweet, cold and fragrant. If I’m not mistaken, only Bordeaux from 1882 has such virginal beauty, so pure and full.”

He sipped, pausing before exclaiming, “Smooth yet gentle, rich yet light. Truly a king among wines, a masterpiece! Such a fine wine—each sip is one less. I am a man of humble fortune and dare not indulge.”

He set the glass down, turning to the manager. “Sir, when you return, replace the cork with maple wood, store the bottle in oak containers filled with snow water, and keep it in a place untouched by sunlight for three to five days. Only then can the wine be preserved as usual.” At this moment, Lin Fan was nothing like a rogue—he was a wine expert, a gentleman of the highest order.

“Sir, you are truly a master! Every word is precise! I will do as you say. This wine is yours—please enjoy it!” The manager bowed to Lin Fan and hurried off to comply.

Lin Fan took the remaining wine and sighed, “In ancient times, there was the beauty Lady Gongsun, whose sword dance astonished the world. One dance conquered a city, another toppled a nation! Beauty is like wine, wine is like beauty!” Smiling at Zhao Ying, Lin Fan, before everyone, poured the last drop from his glass.

ps: Dear readers and fellow authors, please spare a moment to add this book to your collection and bookshelf. Wu Xie needs your support—your encouragement is my greatest motivation for writing!