Chapter 177 Chapter One Hundred Seventy-Six Holding Firm to Promises
After returning to Marlin City, Ji Ma overcame the dizziness from excessive magical energy consumption, pushed open the door to her room, and looked up at the starry sky above Marlin City, where the stars sparkled.
If only I could pluck these shiny things down and sell them for money.
Ji Ma sighed to herself as she walked, thinking about how to make money.
According to the traditional approach, I could fabricate lies, spread rumors, and trick people into the casino.
But then the problem arose: typically, rumors take time to ferment, and with only five days left, after midnight tonight, there would only be four days left.
She was good at fanning the flames and fabricating rumors, but she couldn’t control everyone’s minds to get them to gamble at the casino.
Moreover, not only did she have to fabricate rumors within four days to deceive everyone, but she also had to create a spectacle like Adolph’s in order to possibly earn two thousand gold coins in such a short time.
Is this even possible? This isn’t a modern society on Earth where large transactions take an entire day; making quick money is very difficult.
Ji Ma shook her head and dismissed that plan.
At that moment, an elderly woman approached with a lantern, her fatigue disappearing like smoke upon seeing Ji Ma with gold eyes and long horns. She cautiously said:
“Lady Ji Ma, my master wishes to discuss the operation of the casino with you.”
He must want to ask me about the loss of one thousand gold coins.
Ji Ma felt a bit displeased, but seeing the elderly woman’s cautious demeanor, she nodded slightly and followed her to meet Kaslan.
Kaslan was dressed in formal attire, wearing a national servant hat and a brightly colored rainbow coat, waiting for Ji Ma in his study, where ledgers were spread out on the desk. The table that had previously experienced a stroke of bad luck had vanished without a trace, and with the smile on Kaslan’s face, it seemed as if the previous displeasure had never occurred.
“I believe I must hear your opinion on my business affairs.”
Given Kaslan’s good attitude, Ji Ma was willing to discuss. She pretended to look over some ledgers, mentally calculating numbers, successfully honing her mental calculation skills.
She put down the ledger and asked:
“What are the main expenses?”
“Repairs, personnel, medical fees, bribes…” Kaslan counted them off on his fingers.
Ji Ma’s expression was neutral as she asked:
“If I want to make a lot of money in the next four days, is it possible?”
“How much?”
“At least I want a share of nearly two thousand gold coins.” Ji Ma said, “Considering I’m putting in a lot of effort, how about we temporarily raise my share legally?”
Kaslan’s expression became serious, and he picked up a cup of invigorating red tea to sip slowly: “In this kind of situation, based on my years of business experience, it’s only possible if there are no competitors in the market.”
Ji Ma’s eyes turned dangerous: “I think that within the next few days, the casinos that harm the people of Marlin City must close for a month of rectification, or their owners will face retribution.”
Kaslan choked on a sip of red tea and said, “That’s too insane; everyone has extraordinary beings to assist them.”
“But together, they may not compare to my platinum,” Ji Ma said with growing confidence in her words, “Just a month of rectification.”
“This goes against the rules and will upset the balance, leading to chaos.”
One of Ji Ma’s life mottos is: Others’ life and death are none of my business.
Ji Ma said sternly: “Hmm? I’m thinking about the people of Marlin City.”
Kaslan winced: “No, we can’t do that.”
Ji Ma turned away: “I didn’t ask for your opinion.”
“Wait, Miss Ji Ma.” Kaslan cursed the stock traders who caused the drop in business; they had angered the demon, “Since you’re in urgent need of money, let me and my colleagues from the mayor’s advisory council raise funds for you, but you need to go in person to demonstrate your attitude.”
“They will certainly lend you money, knowing that you care about the citizens of Marlin City.”
In other words, it’s extortion.
Ji Ma shook her head: “No.”
“Zero interest!”
“No,” Ji Ma continued walking, “What I want is legal income.”
“This won’t work.”
Kaslan’s voice came from behind, “Even if we’re the only casino left in the city, it won’t work.”
“Why?”
“There’s still another casino,” Kaslan said, “the stock exchange, protected by the goddess of commerce, with the Sigma Church backing it.”
Ji Ma halted, her rationality kicking in—there are significant interests tied to the stock exchange. She would rather incite a riot in Marlin City than mess with the stock exchange; the consequences of that would be much worse than inciting a riot.
“Annoying.” Ji Ma sighed. She realized that even if she used a powerful curse to force other casinos into “rectification,” it would also involve illegal income. “Forget it.”
Kaslan sighed in relief for Marlin City and for himself; if Ji Ma really did that, he would be like a mouse in a wind tunnel, getting battered from both ends.
“By the way,” Ji Ma smiled at Kaslan, who took a half-step back instinctively, “Do you think services from an extraordinary being like me are worth a fortune?”
“Of course!” Kaslan nodded, “But it also depends on the type.”
“What about divination?”
“You might as well predict the stock trends.”
“I can’t foresee the future,” Ji Ma said, “I can only divine events that have already happened.”
“That’s fine; some business secrets are inherently valuable, such as the status of merchant ships in distant seas, or the valuation of the merchants themselves…”
I can’t divine valuations; I can only gather relevant information through intermediaries among all things.
However, Ji Ma didn’t express that.
“Alright, then I will divine for you over four days,” Ji Ma smiled even more beautifully, “Five hundred gold coins a day, how about that? Quite cheap, right? Previously, you said my ability was worth a fortune.”
Kaslan’s facial expression immediately fell, nearly causing him to kneel, and with tears in his voice, he said:
“Have mercy on me; my cash flow is less than one hundred gold coins… Don’t let appearances deceive you; even with many properties, big enterprises have big difficulties, and all these need money for maintenance.”
Ji Ma knew he must be lying; it was impossible for his cash flow to only be one hundred gold coins. However, what he said was broadly correct; if he really had to bring out two thousand gold coins, it would be a significant loss, and considering he was a miser, Ji Ma abandoned that thought.
“Fine, but you must introduce me to people who need divination,” Ji Ma said, “I guarantee my prices are fair.”
“Alright, alright.” Kaslan sighed in relief.
The desk was filled with ledgers, and as Ji Ma glanced over, she suddenly had an idea.
What if I could apply the gaming and pay-to-win mechanics from Earth?
She carefully considered the essence of the mechanics.
By using soft pornography, game mechanisms, and the psychology of comparison, users develop a craving for fictional characters, and to obtain those fictional characters, they can only spend money in gambling; they cannot buy directly. The only way to increase the odds of obtaining characters is to spend more money.
“With this, we can change our business model, adopting the way I previously sold wealth-inducing potions.” Ji Ma said, “We can give chips to some poor—ah, no, ordinary users to play; if they check in at the casino daily, they can earn chips, mainly to enhance user retention. As long as they come to the casino every day, sooner or later, they will be infected by the atmosphere and spend money on chips.”
Kaslan’s eyes lit up: “Good idea, but…”
“Skip the preamble; just speak.”
“The casino doesn’t have enough space for poor people to play.”
“Those aren’t poor; they’re free users,” Ji Ma said, “They have to spend money to enjoy better beauties and lovely maid services outside the tent. The atmosphere is very important; free users are part of the gambling experience for paying customers.”
Kaslan clapped his hands and said: “What a good idea! Truly, a succubus, able to perceive human nature at will.”
Ji Ma felt a bit proud, her tail perked up, but she said, “Don’t flatter me.”
Bringing over Earth’s advanced schemes should wipe the floor with everything else. However, Ji Ma calmed down and thought that even if the universe’s strongest tactics were brought over, it wouldn’t be possible for the casino to make a huge profit in just four days.
Just casual talk.
Kaslan rubbed his hands, looking at Ji Ma: “If we change the operation model, the necessary expenditures will be considerable.”
“Charge it to my account; I’ll pay it back with next month’s dividends.” Ji Ma tossed that out and left directly. “By the way, remember to introduce me to those who need divination.”
“Sure, absolutely.”
After finishing, Ji Ma went into the dream to find Xiya, asking her to introduce some clients to her.
Having worked hard all day, her mood fluctuated, and with too much magical energy consumption, the moment her head hit the pillow, she fell asleep.
She had a terrible nightmare.
She dreamt that her belly was swelling, and in fear, she wanted an abortion, but she couldn’t fight George and was bound by him, her limbs tied to the bed, only able to watch her belly rise, rounder and higher.
It felt just like a parasite.
Until one day, she felt a sharp pain below, blood gushing out, and after enduring excruciating pain, she actually delivered two eggs.
George and Jenna stood by, each holding a bloody succubus egg, presenting them to her. The shells cracked, revealing two hatchlings; their eyes not yet open, they opened their mouths and let out sharp cries that made Ji Ma want to smash their heads in.
But her hands were tightly bound, and she tugged at them vigorously but couldn’t move them. Tug, tug, tug, and finally, her hands moved.
She woke up with a start, sitting straight up.
“It was a dream.”
Panic surged like water to her legs; she felt a bit of pain in her belly, frightened, she quickly pulled off the covers and lifted her shirt to reveal her flat belly. After touching it, she finally felt relieved.
“Work starts today.” Ji Ma sighed, “I never expected that one day, I would actually have to work.”
Thinking about how the demon lord makes money? By wielding a sword, exchanging the blood of others and her own strength for money.
Legal income is always so slow to come by.
…
…
Four days later.
At the entrance of the local Adventurers’ Guild in Marlin City.
Ji Ma stood expressionless, holding a sign that read:
“Platinum-level extraordinary powerhouse, offering various extraordinary services including love, divination, alchemical potions, public relations, and dream crafting.”
“Prices range from ten to one hundred gold coins per session.”
Her beauty and extraordinary charm easily attracted a crowd of onlookers. Dwarven warriors with steel helmets, Northmen in mail, and humans carrying shields all gathered in a circle, looking at Ji Ma and whispering among themselves.
One of the mercenaries asked: “Boss, what does platinum level mean?”
“It seems to mean very strong.”
This forced business feeling was incredibly embarrassing, but to avoid getting pregnant, there was no choice. Damn, I’m a platinum-level extraordinary being; with just a flick of my finger, I could make these fools obediently give me money for a look.
But she couldn’t do that; she promised George to earn money legally.
An adventurer wearing a nose guard approached, with several companions slinging their arms around each other.
He scanned Ji Ma’s face, chest, and legs repeatedly, sincerely saying: “Truly impressive.”
“Isn’t it?”
“Hey.” He called out, revealing a gap in his front teeth with a strand of meat still hanging there, “Beautiful lady, how much for you to join us for a drink?”
Ji Ma’s golden eyes sparkled: “How about dreaming together?”
The adventurer with the nose guard and his two companions looked confused, falling into a dream-like state, turning together and sleepwalking towards the stinking sewer in front of the Adventurers’ Guild, before eagerly disrobing in public and jumping in. It seemed the sewer was a bed, lying there among beauties.
The nose guard fell off, rolling on the ground. The crowd quickly stepped aside, watching Ji Ma with wary eyes.
Ji Ma kicked the nose guard hard, sending it into the sewer, where the sounds of the three adventurers joyfully playing in the stinky mud sounded.
Ji Ma forced a smile and asked the crowd: “Anyone need extraordinary services?”
Suddenly, someone shouted: “Isn’t this the succubus who caused chaos in Marlin City last time?”
To be recognized after all this time.
Before Ji Ma could be surprised.
In three seconds, just three seconds, the crowd of onlookers disappeared without a trace, leaving the entrance of the Adventurers’ Guild desolate.
Three stinky adventurers crawled out of the sewer, saw Ji Ma, and quickly grabbed their discarded clothes and armor, vanishing without a trace.
Ji Ma dropped the wooden sign and stomped on it forcefully, breaking it.
“Work, what a load of crap.”
She angrily marched away.
In these four days, she had earned less than two hundred gold coins. Many still remembered what she had done to Marlin City, and there was a natural distrust of her, always thinking she was up to some scheme.
This four hundred gold coins were offered by some who didn’t want to provoke Ji Ma, out of respect for Kaslan, merely giving a bit of money as a courtesy.
Ji Ma’s figure vanished into the air, and behind her came several relieved sighs.
In the wealthy district of Marlin City, an elderly man lay on a silk bed.
As an extraordinary being, his body was robust, yet he could not resist the erosion of time; the strong muscles in his arms had withered, and his once weathered black skin was now full of wrinkles, loose and sagging.
He had once been able to walk and talk, but four days ago, he was suddenly struck down by a malignant illness—the priests could only shake their heads.
He opened his eyes, waking from a dream, believing he had received divine inspiration. He believed that as long as he offered two thousand gold coins, throwing them into the river as a prayer, his soul would find peace, and the disease would leave him.
He rang a copper bell, and his waiting children and grandchildren flooded in, surrounding the old man.
The old man slowly expressed his decision: “I want to give two thousand gold coins…”
Everyone thought the old man had lost his mind.
The old man angrily gritted his teeth and exclaimed, “Anyone who opposes this won’t get a single coin from me!”
Outside the window, on the roof.
An invisible Ji Ma looked coldly at this scene.
What kind of work is that? Wouldn’t it be better to extort and blackmail for money? What do I need to discuss with those merchants? I just discovered treasure at the bottom of the sea, which counts as legal income.
In fact, Ji Ma had even prepared a treasure map, confident she could fool George.
Down below, the old man was creating a scene, and his descendants had no choice but to compromise.
Ji Ma sighed, recalling George’s serious eyes: “Forget it, if I get pregnant, then I get pregnant.”
Ji Ma raised her hand, waving to dispel the curse she had placed on the old man.
The old man suddenly jumped up from the bed: “Huh? I’m better? It must be that Sigma saw my sincerity and charity and blessed me.”
Ji Ma flapped her wings and left; she was making an effort to ease her mind.
Although giving birth is painful, I can just lie down and enjoy a double affair without having to move—how comfortable!
After some mental preparation, Ji Ma felt much better.
Now it was noon, and before leaving this sorrowful city, with the spirit that even a salted fish had to still flop about a bit, Ji Ma went to ask Kaslan for the casino dividends.
In the restaurant.
“Wonderful!”
Kaslan was beaming, even replacing the meager porridge and sour pickles on the table with red wine, spiced fried meat, sea fish, and other delicacies.
“The operational method you proposed has brought in huge profits for the casino!” Kaslan raised his hand in a fist, “You are truly a business genius; the casino has been so busy that everyone is lining up to throw in their gold coins.”
Ji Ma was skeptical, thinking that she only spread a few rumors to advertise the new operational method of the casino: “Really?”
“Really, you are the most talented woman in business I’ve ever seen.”
Ji Ma swallowed hard: “Then how much will the dividends be?”
Kaslan mysteriously extended three fingers.
“Three hundred?”
“Three thousand.”
“Three thousand?” Ji Ma was both shocked and delighted, “That’s faster than robbing!”
“This is gambling.” Kaslan chuckled, “By the way, about your previous negative profit…”
“Just one thousand gold coins; you can keep that.”
Ji Ma really couldn’t believe it—the tactics from Earth were genuinely that effective. After receiving two thousand gold coins in cash, her last doubts vanished, and she happily poured the gold coins into the “Dream Palace entrance.”
…
…
That night.
George was invited to the Dream Palace.
Ji Ma had been waiting for a long time; the moment George arrived, she snapped her fingers, and several beams of light fell upon her. She appeared seated on a high stool, her legs wrapped in translucent black silk, surrounded by piles of gold coins.
With seductive eyes, she leaned forward, exposing her chest to George, her hand caressing her thigh, saying in a sultry voice:
“Care to come play, little boy?”
Her delicate hand reached down to her belly, gently tapping it: “Would you like this to grow bigger?”
Before George could speak, she laughed eagerly: “Hahaha, too bad you can’t!”
Saying this, she pointed her toes and glided over the pile of coins, scattering a few pieces.
“I’ve earned enough, ten thousand gold coins, all legal.”
George replied, “Congratulations.”
“Oh, I know you’re feeling down.” Ji Ma lightly leaped off the pile of coins and floated in the air, circling around George, her tail brushing against his knee as she tilted her head, sniffing: “You smell nice; how about coming to play?”
George looked at Ji Ma, about to speak.
Ji Ma stretched out two fingers to cover his mouth and said: “Not a chance, you can’t touch me, and don’t even think about talking.”
After saying that, Ji Ma turned and walked away, laughing as she went, leaving behind a faint fragrance in the air.
Ji Ma was in a great mood, opening her personal information system, and saw a message: “DM: Congratulations, you have completely mastered the power of the Pain Demoness.”
Ji Ma’s mood soared to the highest point, feeling incredibly arrogant, spending the whole night flaunting herself in front of George.
Jenna could no longer hold back and quietly asked George: “George, why don’t you just tell her the truth?”
George personally wrote a letter for Jenna to send to her father, telling him that if Ji Ma needed money, he should give her enough under the pretense of earning from the casino.
“She hates giving birth so much; let’s settle it this time. Pressing her will only make her hate legal money-making… She has finally managed to stick it out.” George calmly watched Ji Ma flaunting her backside from afar, “As long as she’s happy.”
————
Five thousand-word chapter, thank you all for your votes.
