Chapter 322 How About I Place a Bet, Too.
The next day.
Around 6 PM, at a low-key karaoke bar on the outskirts of Houston.
The place was big but usually empty.
Every Saturday, the bar would be closed.
On that day, luxury cars would line up at the entrance.
Wealthy businessmen would come and go.
Locals had no clue what was happening inside.
A grand convoy pulled up at the karaoke bar.
The door of the fanciest car opened, and George stepped out.
Over 50 men got out of the other cars, looking tough.
Two men in black suits and sunglasses followed George.
They were Ryder and Rex, George's bodyguards.
Ryder suggested the outfits.
First, someone was challenging George today, making him the center of attention.
Second, Ryder thought someone might be targeting George, so he wanted to see for himself.
To stay low-key, Ryder came up with the disguise.
George pointed at the karaoke bar and said, "Looks normal, right? But it has an underground boxing ring that's top-notch."
Ryder asked, "Hasn't anyone reported it?"
George replied, "It's confidential. Few people know. Even if someone reports it, they will quickly turn it into a regular fitness club. Without proof of gambling, there's no evidence of illegal activity."
Ryder nodded.
Even though he'd lived in Houston for years, there were still hidden things he didn't know about.
"George! Thanks for coming!"
A voice was heard from the entrance.
A short, chubby man walked over with a smile.
George whispered to Ryder, "That's Ronald!"
So this was Ronald?
Ryder squinted.
Before coming, George had told him a lot about the underground boxing scene.
Ronald was the name he heard the most.
In his fifties, Ronald used to be in the contracting and renovation business in Houston.
Back then, the renovation business often involved shady activities.
Ronald was no exception and was involved in many.
Though he was not hugely influential, his slick personality and money earned him respect in Houston.
With these, Ronald invested in this underground boxing ring.
Over the past twenty years, he made a fortune.
In Houston's illegal circles, he was unique.
He didn't ally with any faction, stayed neutral, and treated everyone fairly.
George took a couple of steps forward and smiled at Ronald. "Ronald, with you setting this up, how could I say no?"
Ronald laughed and patted George on the shoulder. "I had no choice. Running a big place like this and feeding so many people are tough. If someone pays for a match, I can't turn it down, right?"
George smiled. "I get it."
Ronald gave him a thumbs-up. "That's why you're respected! Hope you won't hold it against me. By the way, I got some top-quality red wine a few days ago. I know you like it, so I'll give it to you after the match."
"Sounds good!"
"Alright, let's not waste time. The match starts in half an hour. Let me take you inside!"
Ronald put his arm around George's shoulder, looking like his best friend, and swaggered inside.
Ryder, George, and the crew followed in a grand procession.
They soon reached the entrance to the underground level.
There was a security checkpoint at the door.
Two guys with detectors were scanning everyone who entered.
Anyone carrying metal objects, alcohol, or even lighters had to hand them over.
The security was as strict as an airport.
This was to prevent trouble due to gambling-induced emotions.
If someone used a weapon and killed others, it would be a big deal!
After passing through security, they entered the underground boxing arena.
It was a large circular area, at least five thousand square feet.
In the center was a square ring, surrounded by a metal cage.
Rows of seats around the ring were already filled with people chatting.
The overhead lights and pulsating DJ music made the atmosphere electrifying.
Ronald smiled at George. "George, you and your crew can sit in that area on the right. I've reserved the seats for you. I have some things to take care of, so I'll catch up with you later!"
George nodded.
The group moved to the large empty area on the right and sat down.
Their arrival sparked a buzz of conversation.
"Oh my God! George actually showed up! I thought he might refuse the challenge!"
"No way! George made his name in the underground boxing scene. He wouldn't refuse."
"I've heard George is the best fighter in Houston. Tonight's going to be a great show! Who did you bet on?"
"I bet on George, four thousand dollars!"
"I bet differently. I put down seven thousand dollars! I feel that anyone daring to challenge George now must be something. Maybe tonight's the night George loses!"
Listening to the chatter, Ryder smiled. "I didn't expect everyone to be playing for such high stakes. From what I heard, the minimum bet is in the hundreds of thousands, with some going up to millions, even tens of millions! No wonder the highest-paid athletes in the world are boxers. It's truly astonishing!"
Ryder turned to George with a smile. "How about I place a bet too?"
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