The Great Medical Saint

Matthew nodded. "That's probably it. Everyone believes they can make money by playing at his table. He must be on a losing streak for a while now."

As Matthew spoke, he couldn't shake off his doubts. Having spoken with Sebastian earlier, Matthew knew he was quite a sharp person. If he was always losing money, why did he keep coming back to play?

As Matthew was lost in thought, a woman in a striking red dress with heavy makeup walked right over. The woman seemed to be in her 30s, and her voluptuous figure filled her dress perfectly. As she walked, she swayed her waist gently, with her hips moving alluringly.

The refined demeanor of a sophisticated woman and her captivating charm were evident in every manner. The elegance and seductive qualities that usually seemed contradictory came together seamlessly in her. It didn't feel off at all.

She walked up to Matthew and handed him a pack of cigarettes. "Hey! Young man! Is this your first time here? Take the cigarette and enjoy."

Matthew shook his head. "I didn't ask for any cigarettes."

Just then, a man next to them chimed in. "Don't sweat it, dude. You don't have to pay for the cigarettes. Everyone who comes into the card room gets a free pack."

Matthew rarely played cards except for New Year's when he'd join his family and friends for a few rounds. Hence, he didn't expect to get free cigarettes when he entered the card room, especially not Dunhills. He suspected they were about 20 dollars a pack.

Matthew instinctively turned down the offer. He didn't believe in getting something for free and didn't want to feel like he was indebted to anyone.

"It's alright. I feel bad taking it for free."

The woman giggled. "You clearly don't come here often, young man. That's just how it is in good card rooms. Besides giving out cigarettes, all the beer and bottled water in the fridge is free too.

"We even cover all your meals here, and you don't have to play a game. I just like being in a lively environment."

Matthew was taken aback. If what she said was true, he could just hang out in the card room every day, scoring himself a pack of cigarettes and free meals. Everything sounded so sweet when the service was great as well. noveldrama

However, Matthew was already a grown-up and not some naive teenager. His instinct was to refuse something that seemed too good to be true.

Before Matthew could say anything, she reached but with her delicate hand to grab Matthew's hand. Then, she shoved a pack of cigarettes into it and continued with a grin, "Feel free to call me Jane. This is my shop. If you need anything, just let me know."

As Jane Petty spoke, her soft hand gently slid across Matthew's palm before she pulled it away. Feeling a jolt from her hand brushing his, he looked at her and saw her giving him a playful, flirtatious smile. Matthew blushed slightly.

He cleared his throat and tried to play it cool as he asked, "Can I sit at the same table with Sebastian?" As Matthew spoke, he pointed in Sebastian's direction. He had come here for Sebastian, so he stayed right on his heels.

Jane raised her eyebrow in surprise. Then, she started chuckling. "You've heard of him too? Too many people want to join him at the table. You probably won't get a turn today.

IMS

"But what can I say? I feel like we have a spark from the first glance. I'll let you slip inside here for some

fun."

Slip inside where? It sounded like an innuendo. Matthew sensed Jane's intentions and raised an eyebrow. "You're asking me to slip in the line, right?"

Jane sported a playful smile, "Of course. What are you expecting? Are you thinking about some naughty, you silly?" She swayed her voluptuous figure and pouted gently.

Matthew felt speechless. Why couldn't Jane just communicate properly? "Alright. I'll count on you to sort this out quickly."

Jane chuckled and asked Matthew to follow her before making her way to a private room.

Just as Matthew was ready to go with Jane, Renae tugged Matthew's arm and whispered, "I can't shake the feeling that she doesn't come off as trustworthy, Matthew."

Matthew blinked in surprise before grinning and responding, "Have you seen any decent woman run a card room? Why don't you just head back? You don't belong here."