The Gambler Deserved to Die!

Cao Feng looked up at his parents' wrinkled faces and the determination and expectation in their eyes, and nodded deeply. "Dad, Mom, I promise you. From now on, I will never gamble again. I will work hard to earn money to pay off our debts and give you a better life."

His parents didn't scold him much; they simply patted his shoulder gently with their wrinkled hands, their eyes filled with helplessness and affection.

"My son, no one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. But you must remember, mistakes are not terrible, what is terrible is making the same mistake again and again."

"Kou'er is a good girl, she's still waiting for you. Go, go find her first, and start over." His father's words struck Cao Feng's heart like a hammer blow. He looked up at his parents' expectant eyes, and tears finally streamed down his face.

"I will, I will definitely find her." Cao Feng said firmly, then turned and walked out of the house. He knew it would be difficult, but he was no longer afraid. Because he understood that only by finding Kou'er and finding that home that was once full of love and warmth could he truly redeem himself.

Ye Jing continued to watch Cao Feng's retreating figure quietly.

This scene was all too familiar; he'd seen it twice before!

If gamblers could quit so easily, there wouldn't be so many families torn apart, broken homes, and deaths!

Furthermore, he sensed that Cao Feng's heart was not pure; he was no longer the Cao Feng he once was!

After some twists and turns, Cao Feng finally arrived at Kou'er's parents' home. He stood outside the door, looking at the tightly closed door, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He mustered his courage and gently knocked on the door.

The door slowly opened, Kou'er appeared in his sight.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still. Their eyes met in the air, as if they had a thousand words to say, yet didn't know where to begin.

"Kou'er ..." Cao Feng's voice choked with emotion. He slowly stepped forward, wanting to hold Kou'er's hand, but he was afraid of being rejected by her.

Kou'er gazed at the man she had once deeply loved, now a man weathered by life, tears welled in her eyes.

She didn't pull away from his hand, but gently grasped it back.

Suddenly, she sensed something, looked down sharply, and saw that Cao Feng was missing a finger!

When Kou'er's hand touched Cao Feng's mutilated fingers, she trembled violently. The piercing cold seemed to penetrate her palm and reach her heart. She looked up abruptly, and tears that had been welling up in her eyes finally burst forth, sliding down her cheeks and dripping onto their tightly clasped hands. "Husband, what happened to you..." Her voice trembled, each word seeming to be torn from the depths of her heart.

Cao Feng lowered his head, avoiding Kou'er's direct gaze. His once confident eyes were now filled with weariness and self-blame. "Kou'er, I... I lost the bet. I not only lost everything, but... I lost even more." His words were filled with endless regret, each word like a heavy hammer, striking the hearts of both of them.

Upon hearing this, Kou'er felt as if her heart was being torn apart.

She once thought that as long as two people loved each other, they could withstand all the storms of the world, but she never expected that human greed and fragility could destroy all beauty so thoroughly.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Her gaze fell on Cao Feng again, her affection undiminished, but now tinged with more complex emotions.

"Feng'er, do you know? When I heard that you were addicted to gambling, and even... I couldn't believe it was true."

I thought that no matter what difficulties we encountered, we would face them together and solve them together. But you chose this path."Kou'er's voice was choked with emotion, but more so with determination. "But today, as I stand here, looking at you, I feel your pain, your regret. These touch me more than any words."

Upon hearing this, Cao Feng suddenly looked up, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes.

He held Kou'er's hand tightly, as if afraid she would disappear if he let go. "Kou'er, I really know I was wrong. I've lost too much, and I don't want to lose you too. Give me a chance, let me prove to you that I can change, that I can start anew." His voice was full of pleading and determination.

Looking into Cao Feng's longing eyes, Kou'er felt a mix of emotions.

She knew the relationship was riddled with holes, but she also believed that as long as there was love, there was a possibility of repair. "Feng'er, I need time, and I need to see you change. But today, I'm willing to go home with you." Her words were soft, yet like a gentle spring breeze, they warmed Cao Feng's cold heart.

Cao Feng was so excited he almost jumped up. He hugged Kou'er tightly, tears and smiles mingling together. "Thank you, Kou'er. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will spend the rest of my life proving that I deserve your forgiveness and trust."

The two embraced and wept, as if all the pain and struggle had vanished in that moment.

Hand in hand, they embarked on their journey home.

Although the road ahead is unknown, they believe that as long as they rely on each other, nothing is impossible.

Back home, Cao Feng's parents had been waiting for a long time. When they saw their son bring Kou'er back, a hint of surprise flashed in their eyes, which was quickly replaced by joy.

The mother hurried forward, took Kou'er's hand, and said with tears in her eyes, "Kou'er, it's so good to see you back. We've been worried about you and have been trying to persuade Feng'er to change her ways. Now that we see you both like this, we can finally rest easy."

Kou'er smiled and nodded, looking gratefully at Cao Feng's parents. "Uncle and Aunt, thank you for your continued tolerance and understanding. I know I've caused you a lot of trouble during this time. But please believe that we will work together to make everything alright."

Cao Feng's father patted Cao Feng on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Feng'er, remember what you said today. We believe you can change your ways and start anew. But you have to take things one step at a time, and eat one bite at a time. Don't be impatient for quick results, and don't let us down again."

Cao Feng nodded solemnly, his eyes shining with determination. "Dad, Mom, don't worry. I will definitely prove my change with my actions. I will work hard, pay off the debts, and give Kou'er a happy future."

After a few more days of quiet, Cao Feng felt as if a huge rock was pressing down on his heart.

Those exorbitant high-interest loans were like maggots clinging to his bones, gnawing at his soul day and night.

In the stillness of the night, he could hear those cold numbers echoing in his ears, reminding him of the abyss he was about to face.

Kou'er noticed Cao Feng's unusual behavior. She asked gently, trying to melt the frost in Cao Feng's heart with her warmth. "Feng'er, what's wrong with you lately? You always seem to be preoccupied." She sat on the edge of the bed, gently holding Cao Feng's hands, her eyes full of concern.