Chapter 198 - 198: A Battle Between Geniuses

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

As the chess piece was placed on the board, a collective look of comprehension spread through the onlookers. There was no suspense in the outcome of this game.

After a few minutes, Old Master Fu put down the chess piece he held and smiled, saying, “It appears I’ve lost to you again.”

Song Yin’s eyes widened upon hearing Old Master Fu’s admission of defeat. She couldn’t believe that Song Fan had won. After all, Old Master Fu represented the pinnacle of chess in the country. Even though he hadn’t competed for many years, his skills were honed to perfection.

Song Yin found it difficult to accept. She stared at the chessboard, searching for any signs of a mistake.

Old Master Fu didn’t seem perturbed by his loss. He looked at Song Fan and remarked, “Your chess skills continue to improve. I managed to win a couple of games in the past, but it seems I won’t have the chance anymore.”

Fu Nian, standing beside Old Master Fu, gazed at Song Fan with admiration. He had been quite confident in his chess abilities and considered himself unrivaled among his peers. However, witnessing the chess match between Song Fan and his grandfather made him realize what true genius was.

Song Fan didn’t adhere to a particular style of play. It was as though she moved her pieces with an unpredictable strategy, making it impossible to deduce her intentions. She appeared to be a novice at the game, but she ultimately left her opponents helpless.

One was watching her place her pieces but only realized her intentions at the very end, by which point it was already a lost cause.

This level of chess play required exceptional intellect. It was said that in chess, one must think ten moves ahead, but Song Fan appeared to be thinking a hundred moves ahead. If she pursued a chess career and represented her country, Hua Country would dominate all international chess competitions.

Fu Nian wasn’t the only one who considered this. Other chess players from various clubs also understood. They swarmed around Song Fan, seeking advice and eager to learn a few moves.

Although Song Fan’s demeanor was somewhat distant, she patiently addressed everyone’s inquiries. She was no stranger to flattery.

The chess players at this banquet were all moderately renowned, and while they had been arrogant outside, in the presence of Song Fan’s genuine skill, they had no choice but to yield.

After the crowd dispersed, Xiao Zhi approached and said, “You’re indeed quite talented. No wonder Old Fu speaks so highly of you. I wonder if you’d be willing to play another game with me?”

Song Fan was genuinely interested in facing a true expert. She hadn’t accepted earlier because Xiao Zhi hadn’t treated her as an equal. The chess match had been suggested by Old Master Fu, and even if he had been willing to play, he probably would have looked down on her. So, she had to demonstrate her skills.

With a smile, Song Fan replied, “Please, have a seat.”

The two of them exchanged courteous gestures and began a new match. This time, the spectators were even more eager, as if they wished they could lie on the board for a closer view.

Xiao Zhi had considerably reduced his participation in competitions, nearly entering seclusion. People hadn’t seen him compete with anyone for quite some time. Now he was facing a formidable adversary like Song Fan.

Song Yin turned to the person next to her and inquired, “Is this man very skilled?”

The young lady standing beside her was astonished. “You’re attending this event and you don’t even know Xiao Zhi?”

Upon having spoken, she took a couple of steps back, distancing herself from an uninformed companion.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Song Yin truly was unfamiliar with Xiao Zhi. She had only started learning chess due to Fu Nian, and while she had acquired some basic knowledge, her proficiency was limited. She wanted to ask Fu Nian questions and have him teach her, which would enable her to interact with him more often.

Thus, she knew little about chess, and Xiao Zhi was rarely seen in recent competitions. She had never encountered him before.

Now, hearing others’ comments, she realized that Xiao Zhi must be a significant figure in the chess world. Embarrassed by her earlier question, she lowered her head, hoping no one would recall it.

Yet, people’s hopes often went unfulfilled. Wang Lu had overheard her question and mocked, “How could you have the audacity to attend this event? This is a chess-themed banquet. Do you truly understand how to play chess?”

Before Song Yin could reply, Wang Lu continued, “Since you’re already here, you should at least know something. But if you’re clueless about Xiao Zhi, it’s apparent that you can only try to deceive those who don’t know him.”

Incensed, Song Yin retorted, “Who said I don’t know how to play chess? If you’re up for it, let’s play.”

Song Yin wasn’t confident in her chess skills, and she immediately regretted her challenge. Nevertheless, Wang Lu readily accepted, saying, “Alright.”