Li Xunwen, as soon as he left, contacted Chu Yanze and Liang Zhiwei, asking them to inform Gu Zhaoping that he had set aside time to play a game with her.
The two of them were a bit uneasy, unsure of where to find Gu Zhaoping, but they asked her, saying Li Xunwen was ready.
Gu Zhaoping was in the tea room, talking.
She glanced at the message but didn’t pay much attention.
Only after seeing the others off did she reply: [Are you guys still not back in the country?]
She sent a location: [Tell him to come over.]
Gu Zhaosi, sitting nearby, was feeling sleepy.
Finally, when the old man and others finished their conversation and left, he saw his sister still sitting there, replying to messages.
He perked up, turned around, and asked,
“Sis, do you know Ni Tiansong?”
Gu Zhaoping glanced at him: “No.”
She didn’t know Ni Tiansong?
Gu Zhaosi was shocked.
Well, no wonder she agreed to meet him.
He felt Ni Tiansong wasn’t the type his sister would like.
He vaguely recalled that she used to prefer guys who were sweet-talkers, the kind who’d flatter her a bit.
He thought she’d changed her taste.
He couldn’t even imagine her interacting with Ni Tiansong.
That guy didn’t seem like someone who’d talk much with them.
But among the few potential “brother-in-law” candidates, Gu Zhaosi thought it over and suddenly decided that, compared to that foreigner or even Chu Yanze, Ni Tiansong wasn’t bad at all.
Then he remembered something and asked,
“By the way, sis, how did you learn that move coming down the stairs? That was way too cool. Do you do parkour or something?”
Gu Zhaoping didn’t confirm or deny it.
As she packed up to leave, she only said,
“A female bodyguard taught me back then. I don’t usually do that.”
Gu Zhaosi was puzzled.
A female bodyguard?
Who was that impressive?
Back at Master Qi’s side, he eagerly contacted Ni Tiansong, but to his surprise, Ni Tiansong said he was busy helping someone with a match and had no time to meet anyone.
Master Qi was stunned.
Wait, hadn’t Ni Tiansong stopped playing chess for years?
Why was he suddenly interested now?
Was he just making excuses to brush him off?
Master Qi frowned, feeling it was a great pity.
He thought Ni Tiansong must have misunderstood, not realizing the importance of this meeting or who he was going to meet.
You’ll regret passing this up.
He quickly called Ni Tiansong again: “Tiansong, you there? I sent someone to invite you earlier, but I heard you’re going to play chess?”
Master Qi politely added,
“Who’s got your attention to go play a game these days?”
“Not really. I agreed to help someone out. I’m not playing myself, just observing for them.”
Master Qi understood—it was probably a favor he couldn’t refuse.
Still, it was odd.
Ni Tiansong rarely showed interest in chess matches in the past, but this time he seemed intrigued.
Well, that’s good.
“Tiansong, you’re missing out on the person I wanted you to meet. She’s great at chess too. If you two met, you’d hit it off and have plenty to talk about!”
Ni Tiansong’s tone was calm, as if he’d expected this: “Thanks for your kindness, Uncle Qi. Let’s talk in a few days when I’m free.”
Master Qi didn’t want to be too explicit since nothing was set in stone.
He could only shake his head regretfully and hang up.
But on the way, Ni Tiansong’s expression paused, his brows slightly furrowed, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Wait, didn’t Master Qi just mention something…
The one who broke his record was a young lady introduced by Master Qi.
There’ve been too many coincidences lately.
Ni Tiansong was starting to find it strange.
Could it…really be her?
As he was thinking, he arrived at the designated place.
Li Xunwen hadn’t arrived yet but called him: “Brother Tiansong, sorry, I got into a minor car accident, and I’m stuck in traffic!”
Ni Tiansong’s tone was calm: “You’re not bailing, are you?”
Li Xunwen’s voice was guilty but righteous: “No way! Am I that kind of guy? I’m definitely coming, just wait a bit. I’ll sort this out and be there. Oh, by the way, there might be some crew members there to meet you. Just follow them in!”
What a mess.
Ni Tiansong looked up and saw a group of people getting out of a car, some carrying cameras and a bunch of equipment.
He froze for a moment as Li Xunwen continued on the phone: “Sorry, Brother Tiansong, we’re filming a show. I made a bet with someone in the show.”
He gave an awkward laugh: “If it weren’t for this, I wouldn’t be in such a rush. If you don’t want to be on camera, I’ll tell them not to film you, okay?”
Ni Tiansong wasn’t too concerned, only now realizing Li Xunwen was filming a show.
He closed his eyes, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Li Xunwen, knowing Ni Tiansong’s good temper, dared to mess with him like this.
He held his breath, hoping his plan would work.
This time, he needed to be absolutely sure.
He didn’t dare underestimate Gu Zhaoping again or risk losing once more.
Ni Tiansong waited for a while before Chu Yanze and Liang Zhiwei showed up.
Seeing Li Xunwen wasn’t there but spotting an unfamiliar man, they were taken aback.
This man had an extraordinary aura—refined yet understated, sitting quietly nearby.
They looked around, puzzled, and asked,
“Where’s Li Xunwen?”
A crew member said,
“Teacher Li had a minor car accident and is stuck in traffic. He’ll be here soon.”
Chu Yanze let out an “oh” and sat down, crossing his legs, facing the man across from him.
For some reason, as soon as he sat down, his gaze was drawn to this man, unable to look away.
Chu Yanze stared for a long time, a bad feeling creeping up.
Then Liang Zhiwei called out,
“Zhaoping’s almost here. He’s still not here?”
The crew shook their heads awkwardly.
Just as Ni Tiansong was about to say something, the tea room door was pushed open, cutting off everyone’s words.
They all turned to look.
A young woman walked in.
The moment she entered, it was as if everyone froze.
Her features were striking and distinct, with a high nose bridge, long brows sweeping into her hairline, and sharp cheekbones.
Her expression was calm.
She was dressed simply, her hair neatly combed back, revealing a bold hairline.
Wearing a crisp black coat, she walked in with her hands in her pockets, then took off the coat with one hand.
Someone behind her quickly took it and hung it on a nearby rack.
Amid everyone’s attentiveness, Gu Zhaoping sat across the chess table, looked up, and asked,
“Where is he?”
Ni Tiansong was stunned.
He realized he’d been staring at her since she walked in, his gaze never leaving her face.
Only when she sat down and her eyes met his did he snap out of it.
Suddenly, he realized he felt a hint of unease.
“Hey, Teacher Gu, so sorry, Teacher Li Xunwen got into a car accident and hasn’t arrived yet.”
Gu Zhaoping nodded, her expression calm: “How long do I need to wait?”
It was just a simple question to confirm the time, but with her aura and demeanor, it felt almost like a challenge.
The crew member nearly trembled.
“So sorry, Teacher Gu, we’re already urging him, urging him.”
Now their attitude toward Gu Zhaoping was completely different from the start.
The production team turned around, complaining bitterly, and hurriedly tried to contact Li Xunwen again, but this time it was worse—the phone wouldn’t even connect.
They were dumbfounded.
With no other choice, they all turned their gazes toward the person Li Xunwen had supposedly invited.
What a mess.
Ni Tiansong noticed, glancing aside with his peripheral vision, and said,
“I’m just here to support him.”
Gu Zhaoping checked the time on her watch.
She had planned to make this quick since she had an important speech that afternoon and didn’t have much time to spare.
She glanced at Ni Tiansong and asked,
“Can Li Xunwen make it here in 15 minutes?”
Ni Tiansong realized she was addressing him, paused for a moment, then shook his head slowly, saying,
“I’m not sure.”
Gu Zhaoping’s gaze lingered on him briefly.
It was polite enough, without any probing or scrutinizing intent, but her presence was so commanding that just being looked at made Ni Tiansong feel a touch of embarrassment.
He avoided her eyes.
But in the moment he looked away, Gu Zhaoping said,
“Doesn’t matter. You’ll do.”
Chu Yanze and Liang Zhiwei were stunned.
Huh?
Just swapping someone in like that?
Would that work?
Ni Tiansong froze.
Gu Zhaoping was already setting up the chessboard: “I don’t have much time. Let’s finish this game in 90 minutes, alright?”
Ni Tiansong locked eyes with her for a moment, as if he wanted to say something but held back.
Finally, he looked at her steadily and said,
“Fine.”
His voice was soft, without any hint of competitive fire, but those who knew him well would feel a chill, recognizing that he was truly about to get serious.
Ni Tiansong would never help someone cheat or get involved in something like this, but the moment Gu Zhaoping invited him to play, for some reason, he didn’t refuse.
He stood, then sat across from Gu Zhaoping, with only a small chessboard between them.
“White moves first.”
Gu Zhaoping lowered her eyes to the board, decisively removing her rook and placing it on Ni Tiansong’s side, saying,
“I’ll give you a piece.”
Her hand was close to her side, and Ni Tiansong’s gaze followed as she placed the black rook in front of him.
He paused.
She was really conceding a piece?
To him?
She wasn’t giving up a knight or bishop but a rook, which made Ni Tiansong hesitate.
He looked up at her, studying her expression.
Giving up a rook significantly impacts the game, weakening the attack and complicating defense.
If she planned to castle later, she’d lose a chance to turn the game around.
Looking at her, though he knew nothing about her background, he was stunned by her move.
Sitting closer now, he could observe her features more clearly.
She didn’t look up at him or question his presence, her focus solely on the board.
Ni Tiansong glanced at the black rook placed by his hand and the empty a8 square on her side.
After a moment, he said: “Please.”
Gu Zhaoping pressed the timer on her right.
The red digits began counting down.
Ni Tiansong and she started with a Spanish Opening, a classic setup with the real action still to come.
Both moved quietly, composed and focused. For a moment, the tea room was filled only with the soft clink of chess pieces.
Chu Yanze and Liang Zhiwei held their breath, their curious gazes unable to resist lingering on Ni Tiansong’s face.
His head was lowered, his face calm and refined, his eyes intensely focused on the board.
Chu Yanze felt uneasy seeing this man sitting across from Gu Zhaoping, a sense of discomfort he couldn’t place.
Was it because this guy’s strength seemed unfathomable?
The opening was standard.
Gu Zhaoping suddenly played a6, and Ni Tiansong advanced his white bishop to a4.
Gu Zhaoping didn’t defend with f6 as expected but moved to d5.
A pawn sacrifice for an aggressive attack.
Ni Tiansong responded calmly.
It was no wonder Li Xunwen worried he couldn’t win—her skill was far above his.
From the start, Ni Tiansong was fully focused, knowing that despite her conceding a piece and playing black, she was not to be underestimated.
Ni Tiansong took her knight.
Gu Zhaoping countered with her queen.
When white’s knight pressed her black queen, she moved it to a5, threatening both the white bishop and the e5 pawn.
Ni Tiansong’s hand paused, his thought process lingering a bit longer.
As the game grew tense, footsteps echoed from the hallway of the manor.
Gu Zhaosi stretched his arms, yawning loudly.
Waking up to find his grandfather gone again—probably off drinking tea with someone—he went downstairs to find his sister.
He heard she was busy playing a match.
Gu Zhaosi paused.
A match?
He recalled his grandfather mentioning introducing her to Ni Tiansong yesterday.
Could his sister even play chess now?
Everyone’s time and energy are limited—did she somehow live an extra lifetime?
Full of questions, Gu Zhaosi rolled his shoulders as he descended.
A few people were guarding the tea room door, pausing when they saw him.
“What are you guarding for?” he asked, turning his shoulders.
The guard hesitated, seeing him: “Third Young Master, the Eldest Miss is inside playing chess.”
Gu Zhaosi nodded, peeking through the door crack.
There seemed to be quite a few people inside, so he figured he could go in.
Not wanting to disturb his sister’s focus, he quietly pushed the door open a sliver, slipped inside, and closed it, waving bye to the guard.
Turning around to take a look, his expression instantly shifted to shock.
He nearly tripped!
Who was this?
Who?
Wasn’t that Ni Tiansong?
No way!
You guys move fast!
Just yesterday they talked about an introduction, and today he’s already here playing chess with her?
You guys are…
They said he was some ethereal figure, but he’s acting like he’s rushing to a blind date with my sister, jumping right in!
Gu Zhaosi’s heart skipped a beat before he recovered, speechlessly tiptoeing to sit behind his sister.
Chu Yanze and Liang Zhiwei, who were engrossed, turned and saw him.
Recognizing Gu Zhaoping’s younger brother, they wanted to greet him but feared disturbing her, so they only nodded in acknowledgment.
Gu Zhaosi nodded back, hurriedly gesturing for them to sit, then froze, realizing something.
He glanced at them—holy crap,
Chu Yanze, you’re here too?
Gu Zhaosi looked like he’d seen a ghost.
He glanced at Chu Yanze, then whipped his head to Ni Tiansong, then back to Chu Yanze, his neck swiveling like a robot.
Chu Yanze, who’d started to greet him, was confused by his reaction but couldn’t ask aloud, so he pointed at himself, as if asking,
“What’s your problem?”
Gu Zhaosi’s mouth gaped, then clamped shut, saying nothing.
He was utterly floored, mind blown.
Chu Yanze, you little…you’re trying to pursue my sister, aren’t you?
You even chased her to this blind date match?
He glanced at Liang Zhiwei.
Could it be that Chu Yanze, to avoid seeming too deliberate, brought someone along to make himself look less scheming?
No way, Chu Yanze, do you even know who Ni Tiansong is?
This is the guy my grandfather personally picked as a match for her.
Even with all the people buzzing around my sister, in the eyes of the elders—and even in terms of status
—Ni Tiansong is the top choice!
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