Chapter 157 – Firefighter saves the day again! (2/2)
Xie Huilan shook her head. “Xiao Dong, give up. You can never win my grandfather.”
Dong Xuebing replied: “Sister Xie! Again!”
Xie Huilan looked at him and sighed. She played another game with Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing lost again!
Xie Hao could not bear to watch anymore. “Brother Dong, just give up!”
Senior Xie, Zhang Wanxu, and the rest could see clearly. Xie Huilan could not even win 1 game out of 10 against her grandfather, and Dong Xuebing could not win her. The outcome of the challenge was obvious!
“Sorry to keep you waiting.” After a while, Dong Xuebing walked over and sat opposite Senior Xie. “I am ready.”
Wei Nan laughed. “You really want to challenge?”
Dong Xuebing gave him a stare: “Why not?”
Xie Hao said: “Brother Dong, just give up.” He does not want to see Dong Xuebing embarrass himself.
Dong Xuebing ignored them and looked at Senior Xie: “Senior Xie, I am ready.”
Senior Xie nodded. “Old Zhang, you will be the referee.”
Xie Huilan, Xie Hao, the personal doctor, and Wei Nan moved closer to the chessboard. This match was critical. It concerns Xie Huilan’s future. Even when everyone felt Dong Xuebing had no chance of winning, all of them still stares at the chessboard without blinking.
Senior Xie: “You will go first. Don’t say I am bullying you!”
Dong Xuebing did not reject him. He focused all his attention on his chess pieces and moved his ‘horse.’
Senior Xie did not take him lightly. No matter who he played chess with, he would do his best. He also moves his ‘horse.’
The first few moves of the chess were fast. If the standard of both players were not too far apart, the first few steps would not show the differences between both players. But from the 8th and 9th moves onwards, everyone could tell the differences in their skills. Dong Xuebing was no match for Senior Xie. He did not guard Senior Xie’s ‘cannon’ and allowed Senior Xie to move his ‘cannon’ and limited the movements of Dong Xuebing’s chess pieces.
Xie Huilan sighed and shook her head.
Xie Hao slapped his thigh in disappointment. This winner of this game was obvious and should end in less than 10 minutes!
Wei Nan had a smirk on his face as he looks at Dong Xuebing. Zhang Wanxu was not surprised as he already knew Dong Xuebing’s standard.
Dong Xuebing cursed in his heart. He did not expect himself to make the wrong move. He put down his chess piece and said. “Senior Xie, I made the wrong move. I lost.”
Wei Nan burst out laughing. “You are admitting defeat so fast? This match will decide your fate!”
Senior Xie frowned and felt this young man does not have any perseverance. One wrong move, and he admitted defeat?
Dong Xuebing quickly turned to Zhang Wanxu and asked: Grandmaster Zhang, can you point out what move should I make earlier?”
Zhang Wanxu is a Chinese Chess coach now. He saw Dong Xuebing asking him for advice and said: “Your ‘horse’ should not move here. You should move it to here, and Senior Xie will undoubtedly make this move. After that, you will be able to cross the river.” He moved Dong Xuebing’s chess pieces and nodded. “Senior Xie’s next move will definitely be defending this area. This way, you will be able to attack from this side.”
Senior Xie moved a chess piece. “Then, I will move this piece here.”
Zhang Wanxu looked at Dong Xuebing’s ‘soldier’ “Xiao Dong, move your soldier forward and then your ‘horse’ after that. This way, the game will be in your favor. After all, you made the first move.”
Ok!
BACK!
……
The scenes flashed before Dong Xuebing’s eyes!
When he came back to his senses, he realized he was about to put his ‘horse’ down on the chessboard. He quickly stops and places his ‘horse’ at the spot where Zhang Wanxu told him earlier. Senior Xie thought for a while and moved his chess piece. It was the same as what Zhang Wanxu said. Dong Xuebing did not hesitate for a moment and moved his ‘horse’ across the river. Senior Xie made a defensive move, and Dong Xuebing immediately move his ‘soldier’ forward.
Senior Xie started frowning.
Xie Huilan, Wei Nan, and the rest looked at Dong Xuebing in shock. The few moves he made were precise and accurate. More importantly, Dong Xuebing made those moves without thinking. It was like he changed into someone else! What was going on? Dong Xuebing had not won against Xie Huilan. How did he make those moves? Luck?
After thinking for a while, Senior Xie moved his ‘cannon.’
Dong Xuebing rubbed his chin and moved his other ‘horse’ forward. Senior Xie moved his ‘Chariot,’ and Dong Xuebing followed. He wanted to exchange with Senior Xie, but Senior Xie moved his ‘Chariot’ away. Dong Xuebing moved his ‘soldier’ a step forward. Senior Xie laughed and moved his ‘Chariot’ forward to the center of Dong Xuebing’s territory. Dong Xuebing was stunned. Damn! I made the wrong move again!
“I lost.” Dong Xuebing said and turned to Zhang Wanxu. “Grandmaster Zhang, how should I move earlier?”
Zhang Wanxu replied: “You should not move that soldier. That piece is to defend your territory and could not cross the river easily. Your ‘Chariot’ should move here. Senior Xie’s next move will undoubtedly be defending this chess piece. You will then move your ‘horse here, and his ‘Chariot’ got to move away. This way, Senior Xie’s ‘horse’ will be stuck in his territory. You will have more options after this. Here, here and here…… you can move wherever you want.”
OK! BACK!
……
The scenes before Dong Xuebing’s eyes flashed again!
Dong Xuebing could estimate 1 minute at the back of his hands now. He returned to the moment when he was about to move his ‘soldier.’ He moved his hand slightly to the right and picked up his ‘Chariot’ and place it at the spot where Grandmaster Zhang taught him. Senior Xie really moves a chess piece to defend. Dong Xuebing immediately move his ‘cannon’ attack Senior Xie’s ‘horse’ and Senior Xie moved his ‘Chariot’ according to what Grandmaster Zhang said. Dong Xuebing move his ‘Chariot’ and block all available moves of Senior Xie’s ‘horse,’ trapping it inside his own territory!
Senior Xie looked at Dong Xuebing in surprised. He could not understand why Dong Xuebing felt like he suddenly becomes someone else.
Wei Nan was also stunned. What’s happening? How come Dong Xuebing suddenly become so good at chess?! When he played chess with me, he was not this good! When he played against Xie Huilan, he made lots of mistakes! But the few moves he made now were outstanding! He is just better than me! It feels like…… Zhang Wanxu’s moves!
Xie Hao slapped his thigh excitedly: “Sis! Brother Dong! Brother Dong is……”
“I know!” Xie Huilan was breathing heavily. Her eyes were glued to the chessboard.
After thinking for a long time, Senior Xie made his move. He moved his ‘elephant.’ Dong Xuebing hesitated for a while and moved his ‘cannon’ to the right. Senior Xie saw it and immediately move his ‘Guard.’ Dong Xuebing continued his attack and moved his ‘horse.’ Senior Xie moved his ‘horse’ to defend. Dong Xuebing’s next move was to move his other ‘cannon’ across the river. Senior Xie stroked his beard and ‘Chariot.’ Now, Dong Xuebing had to sacrifice one of his chess pieces!
Dong Xuebing slapped his forehead. “I lost! Grandmaster Zhang, I should not have moved my ‘cannon’ across?”
Zhang Wanxu shook his head. “You are too anxious. Your other ‘cannon’ can remain in your territory. What you should do is to suppress his chess pieces. You are ahead in the game and why didn’t you continue attacking with your ‘horse’? Here and here…… there are many more moves. Senior Xie will move his ‘elephant’ back down, and you can move your ‘horse’ here. Senior Xie will have no choice but to move his guard. This way, you will be able to eat his ‘Chariot,’ and he will be on the defensive. You can then move your ‘cannon’!”
BACK!
……
The time returned to 1 minute ago.
Dong Xuebing stopped his hand midair and move slightly forward to pick up his ‘horse’ to attack. Senior Xie moved his ‘elephant’ back, and Dong Xuebing continued with his attacks. Dong Xuebing was relieved when Senior Xie moves his ‘Guard’ back. Dong Xuebing move his ‘horse’ a step back to attack Senior Xie’s ‘Chariot.’ After Senior Xie moved his ‘Chariot’ away, Dong Xuebing moved his other ‘cannon’ across the river!
Senior Xie’s face changed!
Wei Nan and the rest were shocked!
16 times of BACK!
A total of 16 BACKs!
Dong Xuebing had used up all the BACKs accumulated over the past few weeks in this game!
……
5 minutes passed……
10 minutes passed……
20 minutes passed……
Ta, ta, ta…… it was the sounds of chess pieces landing on the chessboard.
Dong Xuebing looked at Senior Xie and moved his ‘Chariot’ forward. “Checkmate!” He could finally relax!
This was unbelievable!
Goddamn! Is this really Xiao Dong? The Xiao Dong who could not even win Xie Hao just now?
Everyone had seen Dong Xuebing’s skills. He lost to Wei Nan, Xie Huilan, and Xie Hao. His standard cannot even be called average. No one believes that he will win Senior Xie!
But Dong Xuebing won!
Dong Xuebing had won Senior Xie!
Under the watchful eyes of Xie Huilan, Zhang Wanxu, and the rest, Dong Xuebing had not made any wrong moves from the start of the game. He moved his chess pieces without any hesitation. The moment Senior Xie moves his chess piece, Dong Xuebing would immediately move without thinking. He seems to have predicted all of Senior Xie’s moves. Even the best chess players in the world cannot play as fast as Dong Xuebing. He controlled the whole game and suppressed Senior Xie’s chess pieces in his own territory. Senior Xie could not even retaliate!
This was an overwhelming victory!
Dong Xuebing was the clear-cut winner!
Zhang Wanxu looked at Dong Xuebing and smiled. Hidden talent?
Xie Hao jumped up: “Wow! Brother Dong, you won!”
Xie Huilan was still in shocked. She took in a deep breath. Xiao Dong really won?!
Wei Nan was staring at the chessboard in a daze. How did this happen? Impossible! How can there be someone that can beat Senior Xie effortlessly? Dong Xuebing should not be this good!
No one knew what was going on.
Even the personal doctor and servants were shocked.
Senior Xie looked at the chessboard, deep in thoughts. Suddenly, he hit the table and exclaimed. “Splendid move! This move is outstanding!” He turned to Zhang Wanxu. “Old Zhang, if you play with Xiao Dong, are you confident of winning?”
Zhang Wanxu thought for a while and replied: “If I am playing the red chess and I go first, I am confident. But if he goes first, I will not win.”
Xie Hao was dumbfounded. Brother Dong is so good at chess?! Even Grandmaster Zhang cannot win him?
Wei Nan panicked. “Grandpa! Grandpa Xie!” How is this possible?! Xie Huilan will get engage in Dong Xuebing?
Dong Xuebing knew clearly that regardless of the outcome of this game, he had already offended Senior Xie. He was no longer afraid of anything. He does not care about his job anymore. All he wanted was to save Sister Xie. “Senior Xie, Sister Xie, and I……”
Senior Xie looked at Dong Xuebing and did not say a word. He got up and walked towards the villa with his doctor.
Wei Nan also cried out to him: “Grandpa!”
Senior Xie ignored him and entered the building.
Inside of the Villa.
Senior Xie was sitting on the sofa, and he looked over to his personal doctor. This doctor had been serving him for many years. “The youngsters nowadays are getting more capable and have fouler temper. Haha…… I lost the game. I admit my defeat. That Xiao Dong is as good as Old Zhang. Old Zhang had always given in to me during our games. If not, I will also not win him so many times. Xiao Dong is on the same level as Old Zhang. I cannot win him. This young man cannot be judged by his looks.”
The personal doctor replied: “You must watch out of your health. Stop getting angry with them.”
Senior Xie laughed. “Am I really that unreasonable?”
The doctor said: “No. Wei Nan’s father can help the children in critical times. You are also doing this for their own good. In the family, Xiao Hao might seem to have a foul temper, and only you and Huilan can control him. But when Huilan is angry, her father also cannot stop her.”
Senior Xie waved his hand. “Not only her father. I can’t even stop her. She is even more stubborn than me when I was young. No one can control her!” Senior Xie sighed. “My grandson and granddaughter scolded me senile. I also know that Xiao Nan is not good enough to be with Huilan. How many youngsters are good enough for my granddaughter? None! Not a single one! Maybe this was a mistake from the start.”
The personal doctor knew Senior Xie was looking for an excuse for himself to call off the engagement. “Senior Xie, it is not a good thing for a family to fight. Why not…… just call off the engagement?”
Senior Xie thought for a while and asked: “What do you think of Xiao Dong?”
The doctor thought for a second and replied: “He looks ordinary, but he should not be simple. If not, Huilan will not pick him.”
Senior Xie sighed…… This is fate……
The garden outside.
Zhang Wanxu looked at Dong Xuebing with a smile. “Xiao Dong, your standard is good enough to be in the top 3 of the professional leagues. It is rare to see people of your age be so good at chess. Hahaha, although I already have a disciple, if you want to enter the Chinese Chess league, I will make an exception and take you as my disciple. Are you interested?” Zhang Wanxu really likes Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing was surprised. “Grandmaster Zhang. I am very sorry. I want to develop a career in government service.” Dong Xuebing does not have the skills. The match earlier was actually Zhang Wanxu playing against Senior Xie. Most of his moves were taught by Zhang Wanxu. Zhang Wanxu was also family with Senior Xie’s chess moves. If not, it would be impossible for Dong Xuebing to win.
Xie Hao laughed loudly: “Brother Dong! You are pretending to be lousy at chess just now?! You are just trying to show off! Hahaha!”
Wei Nan gritted his teeth. Pretending?! Impossible! We are enemies! When he played with me earlier, why can’t he win? He should win me and humiliate me! If Dong Xuebing were really on the same level as Zhang Wanxu, Wei Nan would never win him!
Dong Xuebing smiled and turned to look at Sister Xie: “Did Senior Xie agree to call off your engagement?”
Xie Huilan replied excitedly. “Since Grandpa made a promise, he will keep to his words. Xiao Dong, thank you very much!”
Dong Xuebing replied: “I am the one who caused trouble for you. It’s great to know that Senior Xie will not force you to get engaged with Wei Nan.”
Xie Hao saw the bitter Wei Nan and purposely said: “Sis, Brother Dong, I wish you two to have a harmonious union lasting a hundred years!”
Dong Xuebing blushed.
Xie Huilan smiled: “We should think of how we are going to apologize to Grandpa! We made him really mad this time!”
Dong Xuebing sighed when he heard this. I’m dead. I still need to face Senior Xie’s wrath. But when he saw Wei Nan’s face as he ran into Senior Xie’s villa, Dong Xuebing laughed in his heart! You want to marry Sister Xie? Get lost!