NASAY CH 59

Master Huo’s room was simply furnished, mostly filled with items related to chess. There were more than a dozen different chess sets on the table, and the walls were adorned with various photographs.

Luo Xing didn’t know much about this, but the picture frames had inscriptions—photos of chess tournaments and records of awards.

“Don’t worry, just play however you want. I’m here,”

Huo Xing reassured him softly, discreetly holding Luo Xing’s hand.

“Anyway, there aren’t many people who can beat him. He won’t dislike you.”

“But…”

Luo Xing swallowed the rest of his sentence. He wanted to say, I want Grandpa to really like me, just like Uncle and Aunt do.

Not just to not dislike him.

Yan Yan, full of mischief, leaned in close and suddenly kissed Luo Xing on the cheek.

“Brother, don’t be scared! If you lose later, I’ll just flip the board over so Grandpa won’t know!”

“You little rascal! Who let you come in?”

Huo Xingzhou yanked him back and slung him over his shoulder, giving his little butt a light smack.

“Didn’t your teacher ever tell you about personal boundaries? You dare kiss just anyone? You need to be taught a lesson!”

“I didn’t kiss you!”

Yan Yan struggled to climb down, flailing around and shouting for help.

“Put me down! Handsome Brother, you should kiss Yan Yan too!”

Huo Xingzhou pinched Yan Yan’s little butt lightly.

“Say that again, and I’ll punish you, you little brat.”

“Sit,” Master Huo gestured.

He sat in a spot against the wall, with an empty chessboard in front of him. On either side were two open containers holding crystal-clear chess pieces.

Luo Xing was extremely nervous. Seeing the old man’s serious expression, he clenched his fingers tightly before sitting down.

Huo Xingzhou stood behind him, resting his hand lightly on Luo Xing’s shoulder. Master Huo coughed and said,

“Kid, I’ll give you a three-stone handicap. Is that enough?”

Luo Xing wasn’t sure at all, but he didn’t want to disappoint the old man, so he forced himself to nod.

“It’s enough, Grandpa.” Then, taking a deep breath, he reached into the container and picked up a cool, black jade chess piece.

Master Huo never underestimated his opponents, no matter their age. After giving the three-stone handicap, he played seriously, showcasing his true skills and pressing Luo Xing step by step.

As the chess pieces fell one after another, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Huo Xingzhou couldn’t understand the game, but he noticed that Luo Xing’s brows furrowed more and more, and even his grandfather’s expression became more solemn.

For a moment, the only sounds in the room were quiet breathing and the crisp clicks of chess pieces landing on the board. The elderly man with silver hair subconsciously furrowed his brows. Huo Xingzhou glanced down at Luo Xing with pride—this kid was really something.

He knew that Luo Xing had spent his childhood doing nothing but studying. Under Zhao Jiulan’s strict and forced education, he never had any time for fun. Huo Xingzhou had thought this only applied to academics, but he hadn’t expected Luo Xing to have learned even this.

Just how much hardship had he endured as a child?

The skills he used to please Huo Yeshan and Master Huo were proof of his painful past. Huo Xingzhou looked at him, feeling a sudden pang in his heart. He would rather Luo Xing know nothing at all than be this flawless at everything.

After a long while.

When the game finally ended, Luo Xing had only lost by half a stone.

Master Huo stared at the board in a daze for a long time, shaking his head and nodding in succession. After a moment, he finally said,

“Let’s play another round!”

Luo Xing let out a long breath, looking at the old man, who was now eager for another match. He resisted the urge to wipe his face—his back was completely drenched in sweat.

Master Huo was really strong. He had given it his all, and even with the three-stone handicap, he had only barely lost by half a stone.

It had been a long time since Master Huo had met such a strong opponent. He didn’t like participating in those messy, showy tournaments.

Ever since Zhang Xiaoqian had passed away, he had simply moved to the foot of the mountain, where playing against himself was still more enjoyable than competing with those people.

Unexpected Strength!

No one had expected this quiet and introverted child to have such incredible skill!

After three rounds, Luo Xing lost by just a stone and a half in the first game, then by a single stone in the second. But in the final round, he barely managed to win against Master Huo by half a stone.

Smack!

Master Huo slammed his palm down on the board, scattering the pieces in all directions. Luo Xing was startled and instinctively tensed up, his gaze flickering nervously to Huo Xingzhou.

He had been so focused on playing his best—just hoping not to lose too badly—that he never imagined he could actually win. Did he… make Grandpa unhappy?

Luo Xing anxiously stood up.

“I’m sorry, Grandpa…”

Huo Xingzhou frowned slightly and took Luo Xing’s hand, shielding him behind his own body.

“Grandpa, what are you doing?”

“You won… You actually won against me.”

Master Huo finally recovered from his excitement. He grabbed Luo Xing’s hands tightly, examining him from left to right, his old eyes brimming with tears.

“The younger generation surpasses the older… incredible!”

Luo Xing was dumbfounded. Huo Xingzhou was equally confused by the sudden change in mood.

Then, realization dawned on him, and he burst into a triumphant grin.

“Grandpa, of course! Do you even know whose student he is? My parents both adore this kid—how could he be anything less than amazing?”

Master Huo nodded repeatedly, his satisfaction growing.

“Much better than your father.” He then turned and rummaged through a nearby cabinet.

Luo Xing took a few deep breaths, swallowed hard, and whispered,

“Huo Xingzhou… does this mean Grandpa isn’t mad at me?”

“Of course not.”

Huo Xingzhou winked and mouthed,

“He wouldn’t dare be mad at my wife. In fact, he might even give you some lucky money later.”

Luo Xing was so startled that he frantically waved his hands. “That won’t do!”

“What do you mean, ‘that won’t do’? If he gives it to you, just take it. Not only will they give you lucky money, but I have to give you some too.”

Huo Xingzhou pressed Yan Yan’s little head, turning him toward Master Huo, then swiftly stole a kiss from Luo Xing.

“If other kids get lucky money, our family’s kid has to get some too.”

Luo Xing was completely stunned by his audacity. His face belatedly flushed red, and he stammered as he covered his mouth.

“Y-You… How can you be so bold?!”

Huo Xingzhou chuckled, releasing Yan Yan’s head. He licked the corner of his lips and teased,

“I can be even bolder. Want to try tonight?”

“No way!”

Luo Xing shook his head furiously, took a step back in alarm—then hesitated and stepped forward again, rising on tiptoe to whisper,

“Back home… you can do whatever you want, but not here at Grandpa’s house… okay?”

Huo Xingzhou looked at him, seeing the nervousness in his eyes. He knew Luo Xing cared deeply about how his family viewed him—he wanted to leave a good impression on everyone. To him, even the smallest affectionate gesture in front of them felt improper. If anyone caught them, he’d probably die of embarrassment.

His watery eyes shimmered, and his slightly reddened rims made him look utterly pitiful. Huo Xingzhou, seizing the chance to tease him, leaned down and whispered,

“Then give me a kiss.”

Luo Xing shook his head frantically.

“N-No way…”

“Then I guess I have no choice…”

Huo Xingzhou straightened up dramatically and sighed.

“Ah, what a shame…”

Luo Xing grabbed his fingers and bit his lip, sneaking glances at Master Huo, who was still rummaging through the cabinet. Finally, he struggled to negotiate, whispering,

“Tonight… tonight, okay?”

“An audio drama?”

Huo Xingzhou took the opportunity to push his luck, watching Luo Xing’s face grow redder and redder. His lower lip now bore several faint crescent-shaped bite marks. After a long moment, Luo Xing barely managed a tiny nod.

Huo Xingzhou tilted his head back and sighed inwardly. This kid is really going to be the death of me.

Just then, Master Huo finally found what he was looking for. Overwhelmed with excitement, he didn’t even notice Luo Xing’s utterly flushed face or how he was too embarrassed to meet Huo Xingzhou’s gaze.

“Kid, this is for you.”

Without giving him a chance to refuse, Master Huo handed him a box.

“Open it and take a look.”

Luo Xing hesitated, then carefully lifted the lid—inside lay a sapphire ring, exquisitely carved, its jade-like texture radiating an unmistakable aura of immense value.

He didn’t dare accept it. Hurriedly, he held the box out and stammered,

“Grandpa… I can’t take this. Please, you should keep it.”

Huo Xingzhou’s eyes widened the moment he saw the ring. Wait… isn’t this…

Master Huo’s expression darkened, and he glared at Luo Xing. “You dare?”

Luo Xing was startled by the sudden stern tone and clutched the box helplessly, looking to Huo Xingzhou for support. Even though he had never seen anything truly valuable, he could tell at a glance that this was a gemstone—how could he possibly accept it?

Huo Xingzhou chuckled, realizing that Luo Xing’s impressive chess skills had completely won over this eccentric old man. With a soft smile, he ruffled Luo Xing’s hair and coaxed,

“It’s just a cheap little trinket, not worth much. If Grandpa is giving it to you, just take it.”

“But…”

Luo Xing wasn’t convinced and turned back to look at Master Huo. The old man smiled slyly and waved his hand.

“Just take it. It’s nothing valuable, just a small trinket I picked up for a few bucks at a street stall. You’re not going to turn your nose up at it, are you?”

Huo Xingzhou scoffed inwardly. You’re an even better liar than I am. This was clearly the Huo family’s heirloom—his second and third uncles had asked for it countless times, and the old man had never given it to them. A few bucks? Yeah, right.

“N-no, of course not!”

Luo Xing carefully put the box away as if it were a treasure, afraid of dropping it.

“Thank you, Grandpa.”

Master Huo beamed.

“Since you’ve accepted my gift, you have to come play chess with me often. How about that?”

Luo Xing quickly nodded, his eyes curving into a smile.

“Of course! As long as Grandpa wants to play, I’ll come keep you company whenever I’m free.”

“You will?”

Huo Xingzhou’s eyes widened in alarm. He immediately snatched the ring box from Luo Xing’s hands and shoved it back into the old man’s arms.

This won’t do!

One after another, everyone was trying to steal Luo Xing from him. At home, it was already bad enough that Huo Yesan monopolized him for writing and discussing books. Now, the old man wanted him to come over and play chess regularly? Dream on!

Master Huo’s face darkened.

“What does this have to do with you?”

“I—!” Huo Xingzhou was at a loss for words. His gaze flicked between the two of them before he huffed coldly.

“I said no, so it’s a no! Grandpa, what’s wrong with you? He has a relationship to focus on—why are you trying to monopolize him?”

Master Huo was momentarily stunned.

“Young man, do you have a girlfriend?”

Luo Xing opened his mouth to answer, but before he could say a word, he felt a sharp pinch at his waist. Instinctively, he turned to look at Huo Xingzhou, only to see an unmistakable warning on his face—“Try saying no and see what happens.”

Luo Xing gulped and, after a long struggle, nodded stiffly.

“Y-Yes, Grandpa.”

“Is she pretty?”

“V-Very pretty.”

Luo Xing blinked and suddenly felt the hand on his back relax a little, gently patting him. But just as he started to relax, he tensed up again.

“Ah… what a pity.”

Master Huo sighed, then said,

“Well, bring her over to visit next time. That way, you can still play chess with me. Settled!”

“…”

“Jiaming-gege!” Suddenly, Yan Yan called out, abruptly cutting off the conversation.

All their gazes turned toward the door.

The door was tightly shut. Just as Huo Xingzhou was about to reach for the handle, it creaked open slightly, and a head cautiously peeked in. Huo Jiaming hesitantly stepped forward, nervously wringing his hands. “Grandpa…”

Master Huo hated it when his descendants acted like this. His temper flared instantly.

“What’s the matter? Can’t you just walk in properly instead of sneaking around?”

“S-sorry…”

Huo Jiaming took a few steps back anxiously.

“Grandmother said it’s almost time for dinner and asked me to come get you. I saw that you were playing chess, so I didn’t want to interrupt…”

Master Huo let out a cold snort.

“Hah! More like you saw me giving Luo Xing something and ran off to tell your mother. Go ahead, tell her whatever you want! I’ll give gifts to whoever I please—tell her to stop scheming!”