Volume 1, Chapter 18: Duan Rui

The person who pushed the door open was a young girl, followed by an elderly woman of about sixty with graying hair.

She was also the idol of Jiang Li’s life—the world’s only professional nine-dan female Go player, Duan Rui.

Although Jiang Li was a student of Cui Tao, she had been too busy building her reputation in her youth, spending her days immersed in the Go academy and various tournaments, never having the opportunity to cross paths with such luminaries. Later, at the peak of her career, she had retired from the professional Go scene because of Shen Yechu.

It was ironic, in a way; she had been hailed as the most promising successor to Duan Rui, yet she had never once met her.

Seeing Jiang Li’s stunned expression, Cui Tao walked over with a smile and patted her shoulder. "What’s the matter? Don't you recognize her?"

Jiang Li felt an urge to cry. She remained rooted to the spot, her hands trembling slightly.

Lin Xunan, standing beside her, tilted his head slightly, stood up, and walked over to Duan Rui. "Grandma Duan, was it cold outside?"

Duan Rui looked vibrant and spirited, perhaps even more so than Cui Tao.

Almost the moment she saw Lin Xunan and Jiang Li beside him, she understood why this young man, who hadn't been in touch for years, had invited her and Cui Tao to dinner.

"It wasn't cold. It is my good fortune that you thought to reach out to me, young man," she said, her tone quite similar to Cui Tao’s.

"Old Cui, is this the student of yours who boasted about reaching nine-dan?"

Cui Tao laughed heartily. "What do you think? She has the same flair you did back in the day, doesn't she?"

Jiang Li wished she could crawl into a hole. She had only just met her idol, and yet everyone was bringing up her most embarrassing topic.

Duan Rui walked over to her seat and gazed intently at Jiang Li for several seconds before a smile finally touched her lips.

"Not bad. This young lady has spirit. She truly does have the flair I had in my youth!"

Jiang Li finally found her voice, her face flushing with awkwardness. "Master Duan, you are too kind. I—I was just, just spouting nonsense."

"Nonsense? How can you say that? A move made cannot be taken back, and one must keep one's word. If you say it, you must do it."

"Rest assured, Old Cui has already told me that you want to participate in the friendly tournament between Japan and Korea next year. Don't worry, I will guide you well."

"What?"

"What?!"

Jiang Li was pleasantly surprised, while her senior fellow apprentice, Ding Yuqi, was indignant.

He looked at Cui Tao, unconvinced. "Teacher, your favoritism is too much! I told you years ago that I wanted to study at Master Duan Rui’s Go school!"

"You said Master Duan was too busy to see me! And now, Master Duan is personally stepping in to guide my junior sister! I won't accept this!"

"So what if Master Duan likes girls?" Cui Tao sat back down. "Are you a girl?"

Ding Yuqi gritted his teeth for a long time. Once everyone was seated, he sidled up to Duan Rui, nudged her gently with two fingers, and, in a pinched, high-pitched voice, called out, "Master~ Duan~"

Duan Rui felt goosebumps rise all over, and Cui Tao slammed his hand on the table.

In the end, there was no other choice; Duan Rui agreed to let him audit the classes, and only then did the senior apprentice settle down. He looked at Jiang Li, looking smug. "See? That’s personal charisma."

***

The meal went well for both host and guests, but Jiang Li remained troubled by one question.

The senior apprentice took Cui Tao home, Duan Rui had an assistant to drive her, and Lin Xunan claimed to have driven himself. Everyone left thoroughly, leaving only Jiang Li, who prepared to hail a taxi.

A deep gray Koenigsegg with incredibly sleek curves pulled up in front of her. The window rolled down, and Lin Xunan, wearing a dark brown coat, smiled suggestively.

"President Jiang, let me give you a ride."

Jiang Li sat in the vehicle, which was considered extravagant even in the Beijing elite circle, and exclaimed, "I thought your car would be..."

Lin Xunan raised an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "What did you think I drove? A BMW, an Audi, or a Mercedes?"

With her thoughts laid bare, Jiang Li looked out the window, feeling awkward. "I just thought you were more low-key."

He chuckled softly, watching her for a moment before suddenly leaning over.

The two were suddenly extremely close. Jiang Li’s ears turned bright red, and she didn't dare move.

A cool-toned fragrance radiated from Lin Xunan, a scent that suggested he should be unapproachable and out of reach. Yet, he was incredibly tender, like a beam of light slowly illuminating someone’s heart.

Jiang Li was at a loss, watching as Lin Xunan came closer and closer. Just as she was about to push him away, she heard a soft, light "Heh" from the man, and he quickly pulled back.

*Click.* Only when the seatbelt was fastened did Jiang Li realize she had overthought the situation. Her cheeks burned, and she silently cursed herself for having a wandering mind.

Lin Xunan glanced at her, the smile on his lips deepening.

"Shall we go get some coffee? You probably have some questions you want to ask me."

Jiang Li was almost getting used to his knack for guessing her thoughts, so she simply gave a faint nod.

When they arrived at the coffee shop from before, Fu Ming was quite busy, perhaps because it was the weekend. After nodding to them, Lin Xunan went to the counter and poured a cup of hot milk for Jiang Li himself.

The milk was at the perfect temperature, with a hint of sweetness.

"Oh? Did you add sugar?"

Lin Xunan nodded. "Are you not used to it? Drinking some sweet milk helps you sleep better."

His tone was casual, as if there were truly an intimate concern between them. Jiang Li held the cup, feeling both comforted and conflicted, but she thanked him gratefully. "I'm used to it. Thank you."

Lin Xunan leaned back slightly in his chair, smiling, though he looked a bit weary.

"President Jiang seems particularly fond of saying thank you to me."

Jiang Li avoided his gaze, feeling uncomfortable. "It’s true that Mr. Lin has helped me a lot, so this thank you is well-deserved."

She added, "Mr. Lin, why don't you call me Xiao Li like the others? You calling me President Jiang... it sounds strange."

Lin Xunan’s expression finally relaxed. "It seems my efforts have had some effect."

***

"And don't call me Mr. Lin, either. Otherwise, I keep thinking you have business cooperation you want to discuss with me."

Jiang Li smiled. "I couldn't possibly discuss cooperation with you; the Lin Group's business is far too vast."

She hesitated for a moment before asking, "Brother Xunan, are you old acquaintances with Master Duan?"

Lin Xunan nodded and pressed his temples, which were aching. "My family elders know her; she watched me grow up, in a sense. It was her suggestion that I study Go under Master Cui."

"Then why have I never heard you mention you could play Go?"

"I only know the basics; it’s nothing worth mentioning," he said with a faint smile. "However, if you ever feel bored and need a practice partner, I would be happy to give it a try."

"Really?" Jiang Li was always exceptionally excited whenever she encountered someone who played Go.

"Of course, it's true. But you'll have to go easy on me."

Jiang Li nodded eagerly. "No problem! I will definitely leave you a group of stones; I won't wipe you out completely."

Watching the light fill her eyes and the way she seemed to glow, Lin Xunan suddenly felt a sense of regret. If he had persisted in his studies as a child, would he have been able to meet the real Jiang Li on the competitive stage?

Because of this new connection, the way Jiang Li addressed him changed.

When she left, she looked at Lin Xunan with joy. "Senior Brother Xunan, remember to come find me tomorrow."

Lin Xunan’s eyes were filled with pleasure. As he was about to offer to drive her home, a man with an icy expression walked over, his hands in his pockets.

Jiang Li turned to follow his gaze and saw the cold-looking Lu Jinye.

She instinctively took a few steps back, and Lin Xunan gently placed a hand on the small of her back to steady her.

When Lu Jinye’s eyes fell upon that hand on her waist, his expression turned freezing, though a mocking, half-smile curled his lips.

"Good evening, university classmate."

He enunciated the last four words with extreme exaggeration. Jiang Li felt afraid of him in this state; she sensed that something was amiss.

Lin Xunan stepped forward, shielding Jiang Li behind him, and reached out with a professional smile. "Oh, it’s President Lu. Long time no see."

Lu Jinye didn't play along, keeping his hands in his dress trouser pockets. "I'd prefer not to see you at all."

Lin Xunan’s hand hung in the air, slightly awkward, but he withdrew it with composure, his tone remaining as steady as ever. "President Lu seems to be busy, so we'll be going now."

He lowered his head and whispered to Jiang Li, "Let’s go, Xiao Li."

Jiang Li remained in a state of "I don't know what to do, I don't dare move," and followed Lin Xunan toward the Koenigsegg.

"It seems President Jiang and Young President Lin have an extraordinary relationship," Lu Jinye said, watching them with a sneer. "I wonder when the two of you made it official?"

Although his tone was mocking, his eyes were fixed intently on their matching outfits, and his emotions churned beneath the surface.

"Did you hold hands? Did you kiss? Or... did you sleep together?"