Chapter 1: Singapore

 "This place... is a place where tons of legit money all over the world flows. Unfortunately, there is no Jackpot Machine in there... Whoever owns one, will have all their earnings legit" -Uncle Alfonso-


It was late at night, when the stars glitter and the full moon shines bright. The suite is filled with fragrance of Jasmine with a tinge of Pu'er Tea and Lotus Paste.

I thought it would be perfect if it is a couple cuddling each other at the balcony where they can both look at the night sky and be mesmerized by it while exchanging sweet words and kisses. But what was in front of me is two old men smoking cigars talking "Business" in the middle of the night. Sometimes I wonder if this is what they meant by "Money Never Sleeps"...

Back in the days, they said Singapore will never have a Casino, but later, they had two Integrated Resorts. Ever since they had the third IR, we now sit in the Presidential Suite of their first Casino.

At the Grand Family Dinner a decade back when Singapore had newly established the two Integrated Resorts, Francesco told Godfather the possibilities of Casinos in Singapore due to the Economic Improvements of the South East Asian Region, and they will have no choice but to have atleast one in order to keep up with the rest of their neighbors. So he proposed that it is great for a place to start "diversifying" investments, especially during the Euro Debt Crisis. When Francesco finished with his proposal, all the other Capo burst into laughter and even Godfather chuckled.

After the Dinner that night, Godfather, Francesco and Uncle Alfonso had a walk in the garden for almost two hours. When I saw Uncle Alfonso back from the walk, he smiled and told me, "We are going to visit Uncle Wang, do you like Mooncake?" At that time, I was like, "What the hell is that?".. And today, after a decade, I am back in this, Singapore, eating Mooncake again.

Uncle Alfonso once told me "This place where Uncle Wang lives, is a place where tons of legit money all over the world flows. Unfortunately, there is no Jackpot Machine in there... Whoever owns one, will have all their earnings legit"

Now that Uncle Wang owns one, with the help of Uncle Alfonso for three years when we first visited him, life is never the same for him after that. Not that Uncle Wang couldn't adapt to new life, for he have survived many stunts his rivals had on him, but this time is different. It is so different that Godfather had to send Uncle Alfonso back again...

The laughter at the balcony, it is all the same.. Somethings never change, just like the signature laugh of Uncle Alfonso will always be followed by words like "Accidents always happen!"