Chapter 376: Professor’s Question — Are You Content With Just Being the Little King?

For the sake of the Poker Organization, certain sacrifices must be allowed.

Professor’s words made K pause for a moment, his expression turning somber.

Because at that moment, he recalled the question Professor had asked him earlier…

Was he willing to protect the Poker Organization by preventing the Dragon Country Police from using the Morgan Financial Group to cross borders into the United States and arrest J, handing her over to Old Morgan?

Back then, he had chosen to rely on the unique freedoms of the United States and go head-to-head with the Dragon Country Police.

As the King of the Poker Organization, K had always treated the other members like siblings, like family. It was different from the people in the Drug trafficking organization he had founded before.

For instance, to avoid the pursuit of the Dragon Country Police, K could ruthlessly choose to let Demon Witch, Poison, Qiang Wei, and others die and take their secrets to the grave.

But when it came to J, even knowing the unimaginable risks that might follow, K still chose to confront the Dragon Country Police directly rather than hand her over to Old Morgan to appease his fury.

Now, Professor was raising the same question again.

If necessary, should they abandon Number Ten in order to ensure the success of the operation?

After a few seconds of silence, K let out a heavy breath and answered with firm resolve.

“I’ll do my best to control Number Ten’s actions and prevent her from doing anything reckless.”

“As for whether we should abandon her… I think it’s still too early to decide. Judging from the overall situation, our Poker Organization still holds the advantage.”

“After all, if the Dragon Country Police have tracked them down, it also means… they’re about to receive the grand gift I’ve prepared for them.”

“Given the differences in national conditions and environments, I can prepare a surprise far beyond their expectations.”

“As long as those Dragon Country Police step into the trap, I believe… there’s absolutely no chance of failure, and no room for any accidents.”

“Besides, they’re using the power of the Morgan Financial Group to enter the United States, not official channels. So even if they’re wiped out here, the Dragon Country government won’t be able to say a word.”

“Teacher, I’ve made all the necessary preparations. This time, I won’t lose.”

“But just as you reminded me, I do need to talk to Number Ten, to make sure she doesn’t try anything foolish in such a tense situation.”

After hearing K’s words, Professor, who had been meditating with eyes closed, still didn’t respond right away. This time, he waited nearly three full minutes before finally speaking in a slow, weathered voice.

“Since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t say more.”

“But keep an eye on the others. They all admire you, but each of them is their own person. Sometimes, you can’t control their actions or thoughts.”

“Just like… back in Dragon Country, you couldn’t control Ghost. You couldn’t silence him forever, and that led to the mess we’re in now.”

“Sometimes, overconfidence leads to unimaginable crises.”

As his words fell, K pressed his lips together, clearly filled with unspoken regret.

If he hadn’t been so eager to expand the Drug trafficking organization back then, he probably wouldn’t have tried to bring Ghost into The Organization. He would’ve found a chance to silence him permanently.

If he had done that, none of the subsequent trouble would have happened.

After a few moments of silence, K pushed down the complicated emotions in his heart and spoke with unwavering confidence.

“Don’t worry, Teacher.”

“I’m already very familiar with the Dragon Country dogs’ investigative methods.”

“This time, there won’t be any surprises. With the unique freedoms of the United States on my side, operating from the shadows, there’s no way I can lose.”

“Not to mention, I’m not alone this time. I have my family helping me.”

“I’ll go now. I need to finalize the rest of the plan. Please trust me this time… and wait for my good news.”

With that, K stood up without hesitation, ready to fully commit to the operation.

Just as he reached the doorway of the living room and was about to leave, Professor, still sitting with eyes closed, suddenly spoke in his aged voice.

“K.”

“For the time being, don’t come here again.”

“Even though I’ve lived here for over ten years and have grown attached to every room and every piece of furniture…”

“I suspect it won’t be long before those dogs find this place. I’ll choose a more suitable location to settle in.”

“Once this whole situation blows over, I’ll let you all know the new location.”

“If you need to contact me, just call. I’ll also be keeping a close eye on your actions.”

“Remember.”

“Never underestimate the Dragon Country Police, especially that officer named Su Ming. Always stay calm.”

“I don’t want… to hear a tragic ending from you, proving that all my effort in training The Thirteen was for nothing, that you can’t even handle a pursuit like this.”

“That’s enough. Go.”

“I’ll be waiting for your good news in a place that’s safe and well hidden.”

Hearing these words, K, who was just about to leave, paused and turned back to glance at Professor, still meditating with his eyes closed.

He wanted to say something.

But the words caught in his throat. He simply gave a slight nod, then turned and left the living room.

As the roar of a sports car echoed and gradually faded into the distance, the weathered face of Professor slowly opened his deep-set eyes. He stood up and looked out the window.

No one knew how long he stood there.

Eventually, a modified heavy-duty pickup truck pulled up in front of the secluded villa.

Moments later, a man in his thirties stepped out. He wore a luxurious suit, had a well-proportioned build, and a refined face. The rugged pickup contrasted sharply with the Kyoto-style surroundings.

He adjusted his suit sleeves, glanced around the villa’s surroundings, and seemed to be filled with unspoken emotions.

Then he saw Professor watching him from the window. A bright, gentle smile spread across his face. He waved and walked straight into the villa.

Half a minute later, the sound of footsteps echoed—light but steady. The well-dressed man from earlier had arrived in the living room.

Looking at Professor, who still had his back to him and was gazing out the window, he spoke.

“Teacher, it’s been a long time.”

“I even brought a pickup truck just to help you move.”

“Looks like… those kids really got themselves into big trouble this time. Even you’re being forced to abandon the villa you’ve lived in for over a decade.”

“I’m starting to feel like John did back then. I really don’t understand… why you insisted on expanding the Poker Organization. It’s only increased the risk of exposure for The Organization.”

At these words, Professor slowly turned away from the window to face the man in the suit, a trace of emotion in his weathered expression.

“Riley.”

“A full deck of Poker cards, besides the Joker, must have thirteen cards from Ace to King.”

“This is a necessary process of trial and error. As long as we get through it, I believe it won’t be long before our Poker Organization has the chance to become a true financial empire.”

“Or is it that… the mere title of Little Joker, dressed in an expensive suit yet running a low-level regional drug operation, is already enough to satisfy you…”