At this moment, Yu Xiaoduo was still a little worried—was Gu Wan’er really as good as she claimed, or was she just blowing smoke? If they lost, he’d lose face all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
As Gu Wan’er sat down and the two of them set up their pieces, Uncle Kun said confidently, “Please, make your move.”
Gu Wan’er didn’t waste any words. She jumped her knight out right away, while Uncle Kun set up his central cannon. Yu Xiaoduo thought, Even I, a total amateur, can see this—it’s a cannon-on-cannon showdown in the middle.
But Gu Wan’er didn’t take the usual route. She jumped out her other knight instead, which made Uncle Kun raise an eyebrow. Opening with both knights—what’s she up to?
Gu Wan’er had no intention of playing defense. After all, the best defense is a good offense.
After a few more moves, Uncle Kun finally figured out what this handsome young man was trying to do. “Not a bad idea.”
“Your turn, Uncle Kun.” Gu Wan’er smiled lightly, radiating confidence. Yu Xiaoduo almost felt like she’d been possessed by some chess grandmaster—was she cheating or something?
Bai Ji and Ye Shishi could also see the subtle shifts on the board. Bai Ji was a bit surprised—she hadn’t expected Yu Xiaoduo to have some real skill. But if he thought he could win on ideas alone, he was still being a little naive.
Ye Shishi, on the other hand, had the exact opposite take. Looks like Yu Xiaoduo’s been backed into a corner—he’s probably going all-out with an aggressive offense to make a statement.
“Youth should know a thing or two about humility,” Uncle Kun said calmly, and promptly took Gu Wan’er’s knight.
But Gu Wan’er brought out her rook to form a pincer move, guaranteeing she’d take one of Uncle Kun’s cannons. Uncle Kun knew that too—he’d taken her knight just to teach a lesson. But it was exactly that one move that allowed Gu Wan’er’s formation to gradually take shape.
As time went on, from Yu Xiaoduo’s perspective, the two were evenly matched—you take one of mine, I take one of yours.
But in Bai Ji’s eyes, there was a flaw in Uncle Kun’s exchanges. It was as if every move was carefully orchestrated by Yu Xiaoduo—he was completely suppressing Uncle Kun.
Uncle Kun had obviously realized this too. Earlier, he’d been casually fanning himself with his folded fan, but now he’d set it aside, brow furrowed as he stared at the board, searching for a way out.
Then Gu Wan’er called out, “Check.” Uncle Kun’s frown deepened even more—he was trapped in a dead end.
This particular checkmate was called a “smothering mate.”
Bai Ji was astonished too. This Yu Xiaoduo actually has such a deep mastery of Chinese chess—he set up this killing move without me even noticing.
Ye Shishi wore an expression that said, I knew it. Classic Yu Xiaoduo—using chess strategy to fight back. Totally in character.
“Uncle Kun, I accept your concession.” Gu Wan’er smiled faintly, showing no mercy whatsoever.
Yu Xiaoduo was thrilled inside. Way to go, Boss Gu! You finally saved my face for once. Totally worth all the times I’ve risked my neck for you.
Uncle Kun stared deeply at the board and said in a low voice, “What a young man. You’ve actually left me completely helpless.”
Hearing his tone, Gu Wan’er sensed trouble. Uh-oh. He’s not going to be a sore loser, is he?
“One more round,” Uncle Kun said in a heavy voice, clearly not ready to accept defeat. He must have been careless just now.
Gu Wan’er didn’t argue. She began setting up her pieces again, her demeanor as if she’d been studying chess for decades.
The next game was slower. Uncle Kun took a full minute to think before every move. Gu Wan’er didn’t rush him—after all, he was older and a bit slower in his thinking.
But Uncle Kun was starting to find it hard to accept. Even though they were trading pieces evenly, why did he constantly feel like he was being suppressed?
Bai Ji watched the game unfold and knew Uncle Kun’s position was hopeless. Yu Xiaoduo is incredible—I probably wouldn’t even stand a chance against him. Who knew an ordinary guy could have this kind of skill? No wonder he won Wan’er’s heart.
When she saw the servants bringing out the food, Bai Ji chuckled and said, “Uncle Kun, the food’s ready. How about we eat first?”
But Uncle Kun was fixated on the board—he had no appetite for food right now. He’d just been schooled by a kid.
Gu Wan’er felt like she’d finally avenged Yu Xiaoduo, so she smiled and said, “Uncle Kun, why don’t we eat first?”
To everyone’s surprise, Uncle Kun refused to take the out. “Eat? Forget that—let’s play!”
Eager to wrap things up and get to dinner, Gu Wan’er launched a quick offensive and sealed the win with a “sleeping dragon knight” checkmate. Uncle Kun simply couldn’t accept it—this young man’s chess style was bizarre and unpredictable; you could never guess his next move, and he’d even deliberately leave openings just to throw off your strategy.
Yu Xiaoduo was overjoyed inside. Boss Gu, you really came through! When it counts, you step up. Our duo is unstoppable—you handle the brains, I handle the brawn. We’re invincible!
“Take it away, take it away. It’s annoying me.” Uncle Kun waved his hand in frustration, and the servants quickly cleared the board. They couldn’t help wondering—who was this handsome guy who’d actually beaten Uncle Kun?
“Young man, not bad at all. You really showed off today.” Uncle Kun stared at Gu Wan’er and muttered, implying that no one had ever dared to show off in front of him like that.
“In front of you, Uncle Kun, I wouldn’t dare put on airs,” Gu Wan’er said politely, though she was quietly thrilled inside. She’d finally gotten something right—now Yu Xiaoduo couldn’t keep calling her dead weight.
Uncle Kun gave Yu Xiaoduo a long, appraising look and then said, “Young man, how would you like to come work for me?”
Bai Ji was stunned. Those words carried enormous weight. If Yu Xiaoduo accepted, his future would be incredibly bright.
It seemed Uncle Kun had taken a liking to his chess skills and was thinking about grooming a younger talent.
Uncle Kun believed that a person’s character showed in how they played chess. This young man was every bit as cunning as he himself had been at that age. With the right guidance, he could go far.
His niece had said earlier that this young man wasn’t up to par—clearly, she’d misjudged him. Very few people could beat Uncle Kun, and this was the only young one among them.
“Thank you for the offer, Uncle Kun.” Gu Wan’er didn’t hesitate for a second and turned him down flat.
Yu Xiaoduo felt like he’d misjudged her—he never expected Gu Wan’er to be so firm and resolute.
But Bai Ji couldn’t understand the refusal. If he’d accepted, with Uncle Kun’s mentorship, he could eventually marry Wan’er on his own merits. After all, with Uncle Kun backing him, even the Gu family would have to think twice.
Yet he’d turned it down. Did he even realize who Uncle Kun was? Plenty of people would kill for such an opportunity.
A faint smile curled at the corner of Ye Shishi’s mouth. This refusal was only natural, but it did leave Uncle Kun in an awkward spot.
“Give me one good reason.” Uncle Kun’s voice was low, tinged with displeasure. It had been years since he’d even considered taking on a protégé, and now that he’d had a sudden urge, he got rejected. It stung.
Gu Wan’er replied seriously, “I just want to live an ordinary life.”
Yu Xiaoduo was taken aback by her answer. Why would she say that? Did she somehow steal my memories? Then why can’t I steal hers? That’s not fair!
