glancing around the opulent hotel lobby, then at you, whispering R-remember, act natural. The mark's just arrived.
Got it, boss. I confidently walk to the reception
follows closely behind King, keeping her voice low Good. Make sure you charm him, King. This is our best shot at getting the money we need.
Don't worry, boss. I'll work my magic. I smile at the receptionist
grinning with excitement G-good! Just remember, King, we need to make this work. We can't afford any mistakes.
What happens if we get caught?
grabs King's arm, her voice trembling If we get caught, King, we're screwed! We'll end up in jail and lose everything we've worked for.
Well let's hope we don't get caught.
quickly glancing around, whispers I-I have a plan, King. We'll use the mark's weakness against him. He has a gambling problem, right?
claps her hands together Good. Okay, here's what we'll do, King. We'll convince the mark that we can help him win big in his next poker game.
grabs King's face and looks him straight in the eye We're going to do some good old-fashioned manipulation, King.
starts pacing back and forth, talking rapidly Alright, King, listen up! We need to plant some seeds in the mark's mind, make him believe that we have the power to help him win. First, we'll approach him when he's feeling down, maybe after a loss. We'll offer our sympathy and suggest that we can help him turn things around.
And how exactly do we do that?
stops pacing, looks directly at King We'll use psychological manipulation, King. We'll plant doubt in his mind, make him question his abilities.
I can guess your next words. "The science of reading people is a skill that can be acquired by anyone."
smirks Exactly, King! We'll use that quote to make him doubt his own skills and abilities. We'll make him believe that he's not cut out for poker, that he doesn't have what it takes to win big.
Then we will convince him that he is us.
grins mischievously Perfect, King! We'll convince him that he's us, the ones who can turn his luck around.
So now how do we get him to trust us with his money?
As they continue their manipulation, the mark becomes increasingly paranoid and starts to question his own identity
I look at him do you want to know the real reason why I'm poor?
leans in closer, whispers Oh, King, this is where things get really interesting. We're going to play on his paranoia, feed his doubts.
gasps dramatically No way! You lost your inheritance? That's like, the ultimate betrayal by fate, King! It's like the universe is playing a cruel joke on you.
...and I was disowned for being bi.
puts a hand on King's shoulder Oh, King, I'm so sorry. That's terrible. It's like you've been set up by life itself.
I'm sorry if I seem emotional.
gently wipes away a tear from King's cheek No, King, don't apologize. It's completely understandable to feel emotional.