HRPM – Chapter 383 National Essence

With Xiao Luo’s example set before her, Yang Ruoyao had no choice but to comply. Unfortunately, she lacked his wit and composure—she could not turn a self-deprecating insult into something almost praiseworthy.

Yang Ruoyao was so upset that tears welled up in her eyes, and naturally Xiao Che’s expression darkened as well.

The atmosphere inside the carriage became heavy and stagnant once again.

“It feels like the mood is even worse than before,” Jin Luoluo said cautiously. Although she was secretly delighted to see Muyun torment Yang Ruoyao so thoroughly, she revealed none of it on her face.

Xiao Luo let out a sigh.

“I think we should stop this game. Otherwise, everyone will only grow more at odds with one another.”

“Hehe, then let’s play something else!”

Jin Luoluo pulled out yet another, even larger box from her seemingly endless collection.

Xiao Yu’s jaw nearly dropped.

Jin Luoluo had an inexhaustible supply of strange items. Who knew what oddity she had produced this time?

“Luoluo, you certainly have a lot of treasures. But if this is another game like the last one, perhaps you should spare everyone the misery.”

“This one definitely won’t cause trouble! It’s the great national treasure—mahjong! From the highest leaders to ordinary commoners, everyone loves it. It’s the perfect game for home life, travel, and leisurely entertainment.”

Brimming with confidence, Jin Luoluo opened the box.

Inside, neatly arranged, was a luxurious mahjong set inlaid with gold and jade.

Xiao Che was still bothered by what had happened to Yang Ruoyao and could not resist mocking her.

“What wonderful thing could you possibly have brought out this time? The more you praise it, the more certain I am that it’s bad news.”

“Well, mahjong only needs four players, and you’re excluded anyway. Nobody is begging you to join. Just sit there and be jealous. This time we’re not playing punishment games—we’re gambling with money. A little wager adds to the fun. Come on, Xiao Luo, Xiao Yu, Muyun, let’s get started. This is absolutely entertaining—I guarantee you’ll love it.”

Xiao Yu and Muyun had nothing else to do, and upon hearing that there would be no punishments involved, they immediately relaxed.

After Jin Luoluo explained the rules and gameplay, the four of them began playing.

Mahjong truly deserved its reputation as a national pastime.

Having survived the test of countless generations and become beloved by people from all walks of life, it naturally captivated Xiao Yu and the others as well.

After only a few rounds, they were thoroughly hooked.

Soon, they began gambling with real money.

“Peng! I win! Pay up! Xiao Yu, you owe me thirty taels. Muyun, twenty. Hehe—and Xiao Luo owes the most: fifty taels!”

“Luoluo, you can’t do this! We still barely know how to play. You should give us more time to learn.”

“Hehe.”

Jin Luoluo happily pocketed the money.

If they actually mastered the game, how would I keep making money off them?

In truth, she herself was only moderately skilled, so once they became good enough, she planned to retire gracefully.

The carriage echoed with lively shouts and laughter.

Only Xiao Che and Yang Ruoyao remained completely bored and left out.

Although they, too, found mahjong intriguing, Jin Luoluo had deliberately excluded them from the game, and neither of them could bring themselves to lower their pride and ask to join.

Thus, by the time the group arrived at Jinyun City to spend the night, everyone climbed out of the carriage exhausted yet exhilarated.

Everyone, that is, except Xiao Che, who had spent the entire journey stewing in resentment.