Chapter 200 - 200: Friends

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

No one heard Song Yin’s muttering; everyone was focused on the two people in the center.

It was a rare sight, a match of such intensity. Even in top international competitions, it was unusual to witness such closely matched opponents. This style of chess was enough to provide valuable lessons for a long time.

As the game progressed, they even began to review their initial moves, trying to discern how they reached this point. It became evident that they couldn’t have reached this level of play. Talent was an inexplicable thing.

Upon watching the chess game become increasingly complex, Old Master Fu eventually frowned. Fu Nian saw his grandfather’s expression and quickly asked in a low voice, “Grandpa, did you notice something?”

Old Master Fu shook his head and replied, “I believe it’s very difficult to determine the winner.”

Fu Nian was taken aback, asking, “So Xiao Zhi can’t win either?”

Although he acknowledged Song Fan’s current strength, he knew how skilled Xiao Zhi was when they both started learning chess. Fu Nian had even set Xiao Zhi as his goal and worked diligently. Yet, even now, he couldn’t defeat Song Fan. Fu Nian was at a loss.

Old Master Fu was irate upon hearing this question. He gazed at Fu Nian and declared, “If you hadn’t insisted on breaking off the engagement back then, we wouldn’t be in this situation. Even if Song Fan isn’t the Song Family’s eldest daughter, you’d be fortunate to have someone of her caliber. In my opinion, you aren’t worthy of Song Fan at all.”

Old Master Fu was genuinely impressed by Song Fan. He believed she was the most accomplished young individual in terms of ability and character.

She could even hold her own among the older generation.

Unfortunately, his grandson was blind, insisting on breaking off the engagement before even meeting her. Now, after interacting with Song Fan, he sighed at home every day. Anyone with discerning eyes could see that he regretted it, but what’s the use? Song Fan might not necessarily be interested in Fu Nian.

Old Master Fu was frustrated with his grandson for failing to appreciate what a great prospective daughter-in-law he had lost.

If it were in the past, Fu Nian would have argued with Old Master Fu upon hearing this. However, today, he remained silent upon hearing his grandfather’s words.

His grandfather was right, and he knew it. He genuinely wasn’t worthy of Song Fan.

Although they hadn’t interacted much recently, he could see Song Fan’s strength.

She was no longer the willful and mischievous girl from their childhood. She now radiated an aura of calm and confidence. No matter where she sat, she exuded an aura of leadership that was far superior to her peers. With her current demeanor, nobody would question her position as the head of any family.

This realization left Fu Nian feeling dejected, which only further aggravated Old Master Fu.

Old Master Fu playfully tugged on Fu Nian’s ear and urged him, “Since you know you’re unworthy, study diligently. You’re still young and have a lot of room to grow. In time, you’ll certainly catch up to Song Fan.”

Fu Nian took this to heart and rekindled his determination to enhance himself. He had been a prodigy for many years and still harbored pride and self-assuredness. He was now determined to excel in every aspect.

In the end, the chess match remained a tie. Xiao Zhi proposed, “It appears we won’t have a winner today. How about we save this game and continue it later?”

Song Fan agreed, “That sounds like a good idea.”

Compared to before, Xiao Zhi’s demeanor had softened considerably. With a smile, he continued, “It’s been a while since I’ve played chess with so much joy. Facing you has truly been a great learning experience. We should be friends from now on.”

Xiao Zhi was genuinely pleased. While winning or losing was important, a predictable victory held no excitement.

Song Fan also felt like she had found a kindred spirit. She smiled and replied, “It’s my honor to have played chess with you, Mr. Xiao.”

She rarely used such flattering words, but this time, they came from the heart.

Xiao Zhi responded, “Since we’ve played chess together, there’s no need to address me as ‘mister.’ We can consider each other friends.”

Song Fan readily accepted the idea. The two shook hands and became friends.

Song Yin couldn’t hold back any longer. If this continued, Song Fan’s reputation would only grow larger. Soon, everyone would forget she was also a daughter of the Song Family.

“Sister, you were incredible today. Fourth Brother would be very happy if he saw this,” Song Yin said as she stepped forward. “But Sister hasn’t apologized to the Fourth Brother yet. Why don’t you take advantage of this opportunity, with everyone present, to record an apology video? It would be a heartfelt gesture, and Fourth Brother would surely accept your apology.”