Chapter 197 - 197: A True Genius

Wang Lu hadn’t anticipated Song Fan’s intimate knowledge of Song Yin. Finally, someone who saw through her hypocrisy. She smiled and leaned over, saying, “I knew you wouldn’t fall for Song Yin’s act.”

Unfamiliar with the Song Family’s internal dynamics, Wang Lu assumed that Song Fan and Song Yin were biological sisters. Even if they were momentarily upset, she believed they’d reconcile. This was why she refrained from scolding Song Yin in front of Song Fan earlier. She hadn’t expected Song Fan’s acute insight.

If they both despised the same person, it was clear that they could become friends. Wang Lu was already captivated by Song Fan’s beauty, and now she considered her a confidante.

However, just as she was about to speak, Song Ting abruptly stood up, saying, “I need to speak to Song Yin right now. She’s gone too far.”

After some consideration, he chose to trust Song Fan. She had endured a great deal in the countryside all those years, and he couldn’t let her down once more.

Song Fan smiled, saying, “Let’s discuss it when we’re back home. You shouldn’t reprimand her in front of so many people.”

Song Ting believed that she was looking out for the Song Family’s best interests and gazed at Song Fan with gratitude.

However, that was not Song Fan’s intention. She simply knew that Song Yin was not one to abide by the rules and would likely stir up more trouble later. When the time came, settling all matters together would be the best course of action.

Song Yin, however, didn’t give up as Song Fan had thought. She aimed to find an opportunity to cause trouble for Song Fan. But before she could act, Old Master Fu approached.

“Dear friend, you promised to play a game of chess with me, so I’ve come to invite you personally.”

Song Fan smiled and replied, “Since you’ve invited me, I must oblige.”

With that, he stood up and followed Old Master Fu to the chessboard. Everyone was astonished that Song Fan dared to play against Old Master Fu. He was an enduring legend in the Hua Country chess world, having won numerous trophies for the country.

Many aspired to be his students, but Old Master Fu had stopped taking disciples since Fu Nian’s birth. No one expected him to sit down and play chess with Song Fan.

Finally, Song Yin had an opportunity to speak. She smiled and said, “Sister, I haven’t seen you play chess at home. You shouldn’t trouble Old Master Fu to indulge you in this game. Your engagement with Brother Fu Nian has already been annulled. It’s best to keep your distance.”

As she spoke, she appeared to be acting in Song Fan’s best interests. Those unaware of the circumstances would believe her to be a caring sister.

However, Song Ting had already furrowed his brow. He pulled Song Yin aside and said, “You shouldn’t say anything.”

Wang Lu added, “Old Master Fu can play chess with whomever he chooses. It’s none of your business.”

Song Yin lowered her head and said, “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

Tears welled up as if she had suffered a great injustice.

Song Ting and Song Yin usually met at home and did not know about her behavior outside. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

In Song Ting’s view, girls should be strong. Crying like this wasn’t a positive attribute. Moreover, Song Yin was crying for no apparent reason. Could it have been due to Wang Lu’s words?

Song Yin, however, didn’t notice Song Ting’s expression. She was accustomed to using her tears as a weapon, crying whenever things didn’t go her way. She hadn’t expected Song Ting to be displeased with her.

Yet, as they were at someone else’s banquet, Song Ting chose not to confront her. He simply turned away and refused to look at Song Yin.

Since there were few young people present, they didn’t pay much attention to Song Yin’s tears. They were fully engrossed in the chess match between Song Fan and Old Master Fu.

They believed that Old Master Fu wouldn’t engage in frivolous games. He had only agreed to spar because they were evenly matched.

Fu Nian stood by Old Master Fu’s side. Though he had heard from his grandfather that Song Fan was highly skilled, he had never seen it in action and was somewhat anxious.

Song Fan extended her hand and allowed Old Master Fu to make the first move. This gesture established her superiority, but Old Master Fu accepted it willingly and played the opening move.

Both swiftly entered a state of concentration. Observers’ admiration for Song Fan grew because she not only kept pace with Old Master Fu’s speed but also took the lead in the game.

This signified that Song Fan’s chess skills surpassed even those of Old Master Fu. The acknowledgment was astounding. As one of the representatives of Hua Country’s highest-level chess, Song Fan was competing at this level at such a young age, a feat beyond the description of mere genius.