The casino at Penacony pulsed with life. Dim lights reflected off polished marble floors, casting glows across the room. The clatter of poker chips and jingle of slot machines created an atmosphere of motion and anticipation.

You sat beside Jiaoqiu at a quieter table, dividing your attention between the room’s energy and the man beside you. Jiaoqiu, as always, carried himself with calm dignity. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled to his elbows, revealing the lines of his forearms. A black vest hugged his lean frame, perfectly tailored, and his salmon-colored hair, tied in a neat bun, stood out against the dark colors.

Even without sight, Jiaoqiu maintained an air of poise. His long fingers handled the deck of cards with precise, fluid movements, as though his sense of touch had sharpened to compensate. As you guided him through a poker game, his focus was intense, listening to the shuffling cards and subtle sounds around him.

Every now and then, a small smile would cross his lips. He always had a knack for games requiring strategy and intuition, and even now, without sight, he seemed to thrive, feeling his way through with an uncanny sense of awareness. His confidence was unwavering.

Just as he was about to make his next move, your phone buzzed in your pocket, breaking the rhythm of the moment. You glanced at the screen to see General Feixiao’s name. It wasn’t unusual for him to check in, but the timing felt sudden.

“Give me a moment,” you whispered softly to Jiaoqiu, leaning close.

Jiaoqiu paused, his fingers resting lightly on the cards. His head turned slightly toward you, and though his eyes no longer met yours, his expression softened. He nodded.

You rose, moving toward a quieter corner. The noise faded as you distanced yourself, though occasional laughter or the sound of clinking glasses reached your ears.