Logically speaking, it’s not wise to consistently win money in gambling.
However, Li Zhiyuan had his own methods; he memorized people’s faces and their subtle expressions while they played cards, nothing escaped his gaze.
Seasoned gamblers were adept at hiding or even deceiving, but it didn’t matter. The plethora of facial illustrations in "Yin Yang Face Reading" essentially established a vast database in Li Zhiyuan’s mind.
Even the best disguise couldn’t hide every flaw. There must be masters of such caliber in the world, but Li Zhiyuan believed he wouldn’t come across them in the village since they wouldn’t bother coming to the village square for money like he did.
The round ended, and Run Sheng became the dealer.
For three consecutive rounds, Run Sheng discarded his hand right after looking at his cards without even pondering, deliberately revealing them for everyone to see without any attempt to conceal them.
This was at the request of Li Zhiyuan, who needed to enrich his samples, such as correlating specific card sizes with subtle facial expressions.
Sure enough, Run Sheng’s cards were terrible in all three rounds; none were worth playing.
The data collection was complete, and very detailed, because the others at the table also liked revealing their cards rather than hiding them.
Li Zhiyuan quietly moved closer to Run Sheng, who scooted over slightly.
During the next round of dealing, the cards were almost dealt right before Li Zhiyuan.
This scene caught the attention of many at the table who were somewhat displeased; Run Sheng might still look young, but the kid beside him seemed too young.
Nevertheless, since they were sitting together, nobody really said anything; after all, there were plenty who let their sons touch the cards while sitting on their laps during a game.
Li Zhiyuan put down the money and folded a hand silently.
"Whose kid is this? He looks so fair and delicate."
"His clothes are nice too, pretty stylish."
People at the table began to make comments about Li Zhiyuan.
Li Zhiyuan gave a shy smile.
What they didn’t know was that starting from that moment, everyone at the table was an "open book" to the young boy.
This wasn’t considered cheating, because discerning expressions is part of the game in poker.
After a round of folding, some checked their cards and folded, others checked and continued.
Li Zhiyuan revealed his cards – a pair of 5s, an awkward hand, but the two who followed had one bluffing with a smaller hand and the other not having a hand as good as his.
Three people checked and followed, the rest stopped blind betting and also began checking.
Li Zhiyuan felt relieved inside, because he "saw" that he had the highest cards in the game.
In the end, the only remaining opponent tried to increase the stakes hoping to scare a child, but failed and lost; Run Sheng stood up, gathered the money, then asked those sitting next and above to help shuffle, cut, and divide the cards.
Because Li Zhiyuan was small and Run Sheng not very adept with his hands even in splitting the cards.
Also, this was to avoid potential trouble after winning money.
Li Zhiyuan folded silently then checked his hand: a pair of aces.
Then, every expression of those who looked at their cards was seen by him; after four rounds, five people remained.
Much to Li Zhiyuan’s surprise, the four had pairs higher than 10, but he was not worried, as the pairs were under his control.
As the rounds were drawn out with all having good hands, finally revealing, Li Zhiyuan won with a pair of aces against all the higher pairs.
The pot was substantial; Run Sheng, trembling with excitement as he collected the money, stood up.
The third round, old rules; fold silently then check the cards.
Flower flush, and even a straight flush.
What else was there to say about such a hand?
Yet, as the rounds went by, Li Zhiyuan found there was indeed something to say, as among the remaining five, two had straights and three others had flushes.
Li Zhiyuan couldn’t help but wonder in his mind: Were things aligning so well?
This round, the stakes were raised higher and lasted longer, but unsurprisingly, Li Zhiyuan won.
While revealing his cards, Li Zhiyuan innocently asked:
"Is there still a reward for happiness?"
Run Sheng, nearly shouting in his heart: So much money, so much money!
Actually, in this game, having a big hand doesn’t always mean winning big. Sometimes, with a big hand and no one following, you might only collect the blinds.
Only when several have good hands does the pot become substantial, and after a bloody fight, the winner eats heartily.
Next round, fold silently, then check the cards.
Li Zhiyuan always kept a shy expression, but there were ripples in his heart.
His luck today seemed really good.
Then, as everyone began checking their hands, Li Zhiyuan "confirmed" that among the remaining five, two had straight flushes, two flushes, and one straight.
It was unavoidable, a crest of blood-stained wind was about to rise.
Finally, Li Zhiyuan and the last person who actively challenged him revealed their cards, leaving everyone at the table, including those playing nearby who had left their tables to watch, in shock.
Sets were not very common but weren’t rare; however, forming such a hand was indeed rare.
"Beginner’s luck is strong, it seems."
"This kid is really lucky today."
"Wow, how much has he won already?"
The crowd started chattering.
Li Zhiyuan himself found it strange; his card luck today did indeed seem good.
Run Sheng had already emptied the bag of seeds nearby to use it to collect the money.
He suddenly wondered: Was Xiao Yuan gambling the same way his grandfather did?
Since he could remember, he had never really experienced what winning money felt like, let alone in this manner.