"Bronya did not recommend betting on either side."
Since they were close, Bronya offered this reminder, lightly raising a finger beside her cheek like a proctor issuing a warning. As the bookmaker, she ought to know more information.
"Going all-in feels great for a moment; losing money leaves two lines of tears."
Since she had put it that way, Zhao Bai naturally withdrew his hand that was about to spend money. He turned to look at the two pairs warming up onstage. There were only two competing teams in total—could there possibly be a third winner?
He could not see through it. He truly could not see through it.
After waiting for a while, Kiana began her performance.
"Today, I'll be performing the Kaslana family's ancestral technique—Breaking a Boulder on My Chest!"
"..."
Zhao Bai scratched his head and muttered, "That's not right. Wasn't this a contest to see who could sell more egg tarts? I explained everything clearly in the letter, even going through the rules one by one. How did it turn into an ordinary talent show the moment they got here?"
"Were you expecting an idiot to remember the rules?"
Bronya had anticipated this long ago, and Zhao Bai nodded as if enlightened.
Sure enough, he could not expect too much from an idiot.
Kiana's performance was a traditional street act, brimming with the arrogance of old nobility. Still, it was not entirely without highlights. The atmosphere reached its peak when the special guest arrived, with cheers crashing over the venue like waves.
The guest—Theresa.
Sugar Lotus Child.
Theresa appeared carrying Judah, serving as the hammer for the chest-boulder-breaking act. A bluestone slab was brought up as well. Theresa held one tool in each hand, her face drawn with misery.
"This is the last time, my niece.