"Stay and have some fun, Captain Zhou. It wouldn't be good to spoil everyone's mood."
"It's fine if you didn't bring any money. I can lend you some. One thousand taels or two thousand—name your price."
Bai Yan reached out to block Zhou Zaiwei's path, speaking with a broad grin.
Seeing this, Zhou Zaiwei let out two awkward laughs and waved his hands repeatedly.
"No need, Captain Bai. I'm really not in the mood today."
"Don't be like that. Stay a while."
Bai Yan's smile faded, and his tone abruptly shifted, carrying a trace of chill.
Zhou Zaiwei's expression changed, and he said in a low voice, "What do you mean by this, Captain Bai? I don't think I've offended you."
"You truly haven't offended me, Captain Zhou."
Bai Yan stared at Zhou Zaiwei and slowly said, "I'm just sorry, but you can't leave the Pacification Bureau today."
Since soft words were useless, Bai Yan could only resort to force.
Zhou Zaiwei's face instantly darkened. "Bai Yan, what exactly are you trying to do? Why are you blocking my path for no reason?"
Bai Yan let out a cold laugh. "No reason? You know perfectly well why!"
The moment he said this, Zhou Zaiwei's pupils abruptly constricted. His lips trembled faintly, and his hands clenched involuntarily until his knuckles turned white.
For a moment, the two faced off before the main gate. The atmosphere was taut as a drawn bowstring, and where their gazes crossed, invisible sparks seemed to fly. Even the surrounding air grew somewhat stagnant.
Old Song, Old Tang, and the others nearby saw that something was wrong and hurried forward to mediate.
"Don't be impulsive, don't be impulsive. Whatever it is, let's talk it out. Isn't it just a few rounds of dice? There's no need to