On the observation deck atop Van-Fem's Ship, Van-Fem leaned against the railing and lit a cigar. He took a deep drag and blew a round smoke ring.
After the game ended, the two of them had come up here to enjoy the sea breeze.
Van-Fem said, "A cigar, one of Cuba's finest. Want one?"
Yuan Shikai said, "No thanks. I never got used to those things."
As they enjoyed the late-night sea breeze and gazed at the bustling harbor, their visit to Van-Fem's Banquet was drawing to a close.
From the highest point, they looked down over their surroundings. Every so often, a splash came from one of the smaller cruise ships. Someone had jumped into the sea.
Van-Fem said, "Anyone who dares come to Van-Fem's Banquet is either immensely wealthy or has nowhere left to turn."
"The former come for the thrill. Winning or losing means nothing to them. They only want that moment of excitement."
"The latter are on the verge of bankruptcy. They bring what little money they have left here, hoping to turn things around-gambling addicts dreaming of making a comeback through gambling."
"The ones jumping into the sea are the desperate gamblers who have lost everything. Even if they don't jump and make it back to the harbor, all that awaits them is their creditors' wrath."
"The luckier ones go straight onto an operating table and pay their debts with their organs. The unlucky ones have to endure inhuman torture before they're finally allowed to die."
"So people really should stay away from gambling. Get addicted to it, and you'll end up with nothing."
Yuan Shikai said, "Now you're lecturing me about life? So what? All the money ended up in your pockets!"
Van-Fem said, "No, no, no. I gave all that money back to