I am Really a Superstar 3

by Little Merger

Zhang Ye was originally a mundane college graduate with aspiring dreams to become a star, but unfortunately has below average looks and height. However one day, he woke up and suddenly found himself in a parallel world!It’s like the same world, but wait a minute…many brands, celebrities and even famous works from his world changed and are gone in this new world!

9. 1081

I am Really a Superstar #Chapter 1081: The Clown takes off his mask! - Read I am Really a Superstar Chapter 1081: The Clown takes off his mask! Online - All Page - NOVEL NEXT

Chapter 1081: The Clown takes off his mask!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Flowing Time gasped!

Different expressions were shifting and running across King of Oddity's face!

When "Life Fantasia" from The Clown's world was recited, a lot of people felt as though their sweat glands had suddenly exploded! This was a poem they had never heard before. It was such a ridiculously good poem that many people became very engrossed in listening to it! However, the reason for their shock was not because of how good this poem was. What shocked them was totally unrelated to this poem's literary and artistic standards!

It was because this poem had suddenly reminded them of someone!

At this moment, everyone watching on TV and those at the venue all thought of one man!

Zhang Xia said anxiously, "Is he?"

Amy said, "Surely that can't be, right?"

Yao Jiancai said, "Holy shit!"

Chen Guang stared with wide eyes and said, "That's impossible!"

Xiaodong also shouted in astonishment, "It can't possibly be him! It's absolutely impossible!"

No one believed that The Clown could be that man!

Who are you?

Just who are you?

The music suddenly started playing gently.

The title of the song was already displayed on the teleprompter screen: " I Am What I Am 1 "!

When everyone saw this, they were stunned!

"I Am What I Am"?

The Clown smiled as he walked around the stage barefoot.

Standing at center stage barefoot, it felt very cooling and comfortable. The pajamas he had on gave him a very relaxed sense of unparalleled coziness. It was as though all his disguises and burdens had suddenly been dropped and he could finally get back to being himself again in front of everyone!

It was such a good feeling!

Ever since he was banned, he had never felt so happy!

Being secretive? Hiding here and there? This was not actually something he enjoyed. He wished to stand in the light and sing to the entire world!

This was the real him!

This was who he really was!

The Clown lifted his microphone.

He started singing softly.

"Happiness is that there's more than one way to be happy.

"The greatest blessing is that everyone is the pride of the Creator."

The platform below him started to rise!

Bit by bit, it took Zhang Ye higher!

One meter…

Five meters…

Eight meters…

Before long, The Clown was standing at the highest point in the venue, ten meters up in the air where he could see everyone!

Dressed in his pajamas and standing barefoot, he sang loudly as though he had seemingly forgotten himself.

"There's no need to hide.

"I live for the life I appreciate.

"No need for a disguised side.

"In the bright corner I'll wait!"

The audience was stunned when they heard!

Xiaodong, Fan Wenli, and the others were also stunned!

No hiding?

No disguising?

Waiting in a bright corner?

You…

You…

At this moment!

The Clown suddenly raised his hand and ripped off his mask. Flinging it, the mask flew outward. A face that shocked everyone was exposed onscreen!

The eldest young sister shouted, "Ah!"

His second sister screamed!

His third sister's mouth was hanging there like she had forgotten how to scream!

Ha Qiqi, who was in the audience, was dumbfounded!

Zhang Zuo was dumbfounded!

Spinach looked at him in shock!

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Han Qi was dumbfounded as she sat there unable to move!

It's you!

Why is it you?

How could it possibly be you!

At this moment, the venue erupted!

At this moment, everyone watching on TV went crazy!

This was really crazy!

Looking at that very familiar face, everyone went insane!

The Clown suddenly exploded with a high note!

Who am I?

You're all still asking who I am?

I'm not anyone else!

Lose the honorific.

The surname is Zhang.

He screamed as he looked up and pointed to his chest and sang loudly.

"I am what I am!

"A firework of different colors!

"The broad sky and open seas!

"I'll be the strongest bubble as I please!

"I like what I am!

"May the wild rose blossom at ease!

"Even in a lonely desert,

"Blooming in plain sight, unhurt!"

Banning?

Censoring?

Criticizing me?

Insulting me?

Bullying me?

It doesn't matter! It really doesn't matter at all!

Even if there is only one person looking at me, even if there isn't a single person left! I still won't retreat and let this world change me!

I am what I am!

No matter where I go, I am what I am!

Like that stubborn wild rose that blooms in the desert.

Can you all understand that?

Can you all see that?

In the audience, his mother suddenly cried as she pointed at the stage and shouted, "That's my son! My son!"

His father also teared up a little!

So earlier, when The Clown had said that his parents were here too, he was actually referring to them!

His mother was choking back her tears. "It hasn't been easy for Little Ye! It really hasn't been easy at all!"

His third sister shouted, "Brother!"

The eldest young sister and second sister were also so excited that they were unable to get ahold of themselves!

Currently, all of the audience's reactions were similar to theirs!

Shock!

Enthrallment!

Astonishment!

Disbelief!

It was Zhang Ye!

The Clown was actually Zhang Ye!

The Clown laughed!

He laughed without restraint!

"How happy I am,

"Enjoying life in a glass house."

He pointed to the sky and sang loudly.

"And telling the world!

"What it's like to be bright and open!"

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A sustained note made the entire audience stand up!

Screams!

Applause!

Everything else was drowned out in an instant!

A lot of people were crying!

A lot of people were shocked!

The man who insisted on singing when he had nearly fainted on the stage due to a fever during the first episode—that was Zhang Ye!

The man who sang "The Internationale" with anger when he was faced with censorship from several television associations—that was Zhang Ye!

At this moment, many of The Clown's songs floated uninhibited into the minds of the audience!

I am a beautiful, beautiful wild rose! / Hating the Heavens for being unfair!

I'm ugly, / but I am so tender!

Arise! / ye pris'ners of starvation! / 'Tis the final conflict!

You only see the brightest of stars in the starry night sky!

Zhang Xia cried out, "It's Little Zhang!"

Xiaodong shouted, "Oh my god!"

Zhang Yuanqi was the first person to guess that The Clown might have been Zhang Ye. But when she saw The Clown take off his mask and the face behind it, she still found it unbelievable!

Dong Shanshan was dumbfounded!

High up in the air!

The Clown pointed at himself.

"I am what I am!

"A firework of different colors!

"The broad sky and open seas!

"I'll be the strongest bubble as I please!

"I like what I am!

"May the wild rose blossom at ease!

"Even in a lonely desert,

"Blooming in plain sight, unhurt!"

It was too shocking!

This song had turned the theater upside down!

This song was written with Zhang Ye in mind!

Every single word was about him!

Many of the audience members were waving their arms and screaming for Zhang Ye!

Countless viewers watching TV were shouting and yelling in shock and going crazy for Zhang Ye!

Zhang Ye closed his eyes.

He lowered his voice.

"Even in a lonely desert,

"Blooming in plain sight…unhurt."

The entire audience stood up!

It was as if everyone had agreed beforehand that they should stand up in unison!

Han Qi covered her mouth and cried. She had already lost count of the number of times she had cried today. It was really touching. She was captivated by his unique charm! So much so that she couldn't free herself!

Han Qi suddenly raised her hands and shouted, "Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye!"

In an instant, cheers erupted throughout the venue!

A female audience member shouted in tears, "Zhang Ye!"

A male audience member bellowed, "Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

The audience had gone out of control!

The audience had gone insane!

This night belonged to The Clown!

This night belonged to Zhang Ye!!

Translator's Thoughts

Legge Legge

1. https/en./wiki/Leslie_Cheung / https/youtu.be/873fnUmJQzU?t=1m15s

Do you all know about Leslie Cheung? Comment away!

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Chapter 1082: A national sensation!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

At Old Rao's house.

The live broadcast of King of Masked Singers was showing on the television.

Yang Shu, sitting on the sofa, was staring with her mouth agape!

Rao Aimin was stunned!

Chenchen was also so shocked that her jaw had fallen to the floor!

Yang Shu said "Th-This is my senior bro?"

...

At Peking University.

It was almost summer break. The teachers from the Chinese Department were having a dinner party.

When "I Am What I Am" was performed on television in the restaurant's private room, when The Clown who was on screen suddenly ripped off his mask, the entire room fell silent. Before the song was finished, no one moved their chopsticks. Everyone looked like they had seen a ghost as they kept staring straight at the television!

"Zhang Ye?"

"It's Professor Zhang!"

"How could The Clown turn out to be him! Damn!"

...

At the SARFT.

In Old Wu's office.

Secretary Bai Li pushed open the door and came into the room. "Chief Wu, something has happened!"

"What's the matter?" Wu Zeqing was working overtime to handle some documentation work. When she heard Bai Li, she did not even look up as she continued writing something calmly with her head lowered.

Bai Li said in horror, "Zhang Ye is on TV!"

Only then did Wu Zeqing slowly look up. "Oh?"

Bai Li said anxiously, "Take a quick look at King of Masked Singers!"

Wu Zeqing picked up the remote control and immediately turned on the television.

The figure of Zhang Ye appeared on screen!

Then Wu Zeqing laughed. "OK, I see."

But Bai Li could not laugh at all, because Zhang Ye was currently on the ban list. As the tone had been set long ago, these people were supposed to be restricted from appearing onscreen for a certain amount of time! But who could have expected Teacher Zhang Ye to take on another persona and appear on the most popular, currently running variety show while hiding behind a mask? Further, he revealed himself during the live broadcast. This was something that no one had expected at all!

...

At an entertainment company.

Fang Weihong stared at the television in shock!

A lot of her surrounding colleagues were also stunned!

Today, they were waiting for The Clown to take off his mask and were discussing whether they would be able to poach him to their company. The proposal was already written and the offer had been decided on as well. All that was left was for The Clown to reveal his true self. As long as they knew who he was, they could find and approach him!

But when Zhang Ye's face appeared behind the mask, their office fell silent!

Silence!

Then, Fang Weihong threw the proposal straight into the trash can and said, "There's no need to try to poach him anymore." Since it is him, there would be no talent agency that could ever poach him even if he was a free agent!

Her colleagues gave bitter smiles as they knew that their proposal was written in vain!

It was Zhang Ye?

The Clown fucking turned out to be Zhang Ye?

Oh my god!

What's happening with this world?

They felt as though that this world had gone crazy in this moment!

...

On television, the live audience was screaming in excitement!

On Weibo, the reactions were about the same as well!

A fan club that had kept a low profile ever since their idol went silent suddenly came alive and appeared again. This fan club that had previously made people tremble in fright countless times in the entertainment industry was called—Zhang Ye's fan club!

"Zhang Ye!"

"It's Teacher Zhang!"

"Oh my god!"

"Comrades, so Teacher Zhang did not disappear after all!"

"Fuck, when did our Old Zhang pick up singing?"

"I'm so surprised! This is so fucking surprising!"

"How could it be Zhang Ye! Goddammit!"

"I'm so shocked!"

"Is this for real? Is this really happening?"

"I love you to death, Teacher Zhang! I've been wondering why The Clown's bad temper felt so familiar!"

"I should have known! He even admitted defeat just so that he could eliminate Li Yu? How many people like him are there in the entertainment industry who dare to fall out and pick a fight with someone like that!"

"I've only been a braindead fan of two people in my entire life. One is Zhang Ye and the other is The Clown. In the end, the two of them are actually the same person! Can you guys imagine the shock? Can you? This is too unbelievable! Teacher Zhang, I love you to death! You're fantastic! You're really fantastic!"

The acting leader of Zhang Ye's fan club, Big Saber Bro, who had disappeared for a long time, suddenly appeared again!

Big Saber Bro: "My large saber is again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again again unable to endure the thirst! Brothers and sisters! Follow my lead!"

In an instant, Li Yu's and Flowing Time's Weibo were filled with condemning voices!

Previously, they had not known about The Clown's identity. But now that they knew who he was, they definitely had to seek an explanation about the issue from back then. If they did not receive one, then they would scold them until they gave one!

Elsewhere.

Many netizens were shocked by what they were seeing.

"Fuck!"

"Zhang Ye's fan club has been revived!"

"They've started their insulting again!"

"These people are fucking warriors just like Zhang Ye!"

"Hahahaha, I haven't witnessed such a sight in such a long time. It feels pretty nostalgic to me!"

"Yeah, an entertainment circle without the presence of Zhang Ye's fan club is definitely incomplete. After such a long time without seeing them banding together for something, I really do miss them!"

"This Zhang Ye is amazing!"

"I thought that Teacher Zhang didn't know how to sing? Was he just pretending in the past?!"

"How devious of him! He's way too devious!"

"That's right, I've never before seen someone as awful as him!"

"But it's really such a nice song! I've realized that I've also become a braindead fan of Zhang Ye's! What should I do!"

...

At the King of Masked Singers' venue!

The song ended!

The live broadcast was still ongoing!

The entire venue was still going crazy!

Thousands of audience members began chanting Zhang Ye's name in unison as the atmosphere reached its climax. There was no way to calm them down!

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

"Cham-pi-on!"

"Cham-pi-on!"

The live broadcast was coming to an end!

Dong Shanshan was not feeling any calmer than the audience. She raised her microphone and said loudly with a smile, "Thank you, everyone. With Teacher Clown's song over, the King of Masked Singers grand finals has come to a perfect ending. Tell me, do you guys still wish to watch and listen to these teachers' performances again?"

The audience shouted:

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

Dong Shanshan announced loudly, "If so, I would like to send out an invitation to everyone on behalf of Beijing Television and the King of Masked Singers program team. King of Masked Singers will be holding a live concert next Saturday night! Contestants like The Clown, Petal Shower, Sunset Glow, Flowing Time, King of Oddity, and Spinach, whom you all like so much, will be appearing at the live concert! Then, I welcome everyone to join us for the event! At that time, let us witness the glory together!"

There was still more?

There was still going to be an episode showing the live concert?

When the audience heard, they became exceedingly excited!

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

"Fan Wenli!"

"Liao Yiqi!"

Everyone was madly shouting the names of the contestants they liked!

Counting down: three, two, one!

The live broadcast signal was shut off!

The night of the King of Masked Singers' finale had officially come to an end!

Zhang Ye, who had just gotten off from the stage, was immediately surrounded!

Yao Jiancai chided him with a laugh, "You sure are good, Little Zhang! Why didn't you tell me you joined the competition? You're a real puzzle! A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma!"

Zhang Ye felt a little embarrassed. "Ahem."

Fan Wenli smiled and said, "Director Zhang, it's been a while."

Zhang Ye was amused and said, "It hasn't been that long. We meet each other every week."

Chen Guang asked with great surprise, "Were all the songs that you sang onstage written by you?"

"Yes." Zhang Ye grinned and said, "Please excuse my poor writing."

Zhang Xia pointed at him and said, "You're just great! I never expected that it would be you! You even pretended to be a northeasterner? Pretended to be a Hong Konger? And even pretended to be Hokkien?"

Zhang Ye said awkwardly, "Grandma Zhang, that was because I didn't dare to reveal myself. The air pollution documentary problem hasn't been dealt with yet. I'm still banned, unlike all of you."

At this moment, Dong Shanshan suddenly rushed down from the stage to question him.

"You!" Dong Shanshan shouted at him loudly.

Zhang Ye rubbed his nose. "Yo, if it isn't Teacher Shanshan."

Dong Shanshan pointed at him and said, "When I called you that one time, I asked you if you were The Clown. You even denied it back then and swore that you were not him, didn't you?"

Zhang Ye smiled sheepishly. "Did I? I've forgotten already."

Li Xiaoxian laughed and said, "Was that song of yours really dedicated to Teacher Shanshan?"

Xiaodong exclaimed, "Didn't they explain it online? That Shanshan's birthday was not on that day?"

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "We've been classmates for so many years and were even seated in front and behind of each other, so how could I not know when her birthday is? Her recorded date of birth on her household register is the wrong date."

Dong Shanshan rolled her eyes. "Then why did you claim that I never told you about it before?"

Zhang Ye said innocently, "But it's true that you never told me about it. I only knew because I overheard when you were telling another classmate back in school."

Dong Shanshan asked, "…Then how did you suddenly learn how to sing?"

Zhang Ye laughed, "That's a secret."

Zhang Yuanqi also walked up to him and said with a smile, "How many favors do you owe me this time?"

Zhang Ye replied nervously, "Isn't one more than enough?"

Zhang Yuanqi said, "I guessed it was you."

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "But you weren't very sure about it."

"Right, because I've heard you sing on the spot before," Zhang Yuanqi said.

Zhang Xia also remembered the day Zhang Ye wrote "Woman Flower" and sang it on the spot for her and Yuanqi backstage during the Spring Festival Gala. They really did not find anything flattering about his singing skill and voice at that time. Coupled with "A Letter to Home," which he sang on Beijing Television's Spring Festival Gala, no one had expected that Zhang Ye would know how to sing. This was also the reason why no one thought of him as a possibility! As such, when everyone saw The Clown after he took off his mask, that shock was really too great to handle!

Over there!

The Beijing Television staff also rushed up to him all at once!

Dafei shouted, "Director Zhang!"

The moment Hou Ge came up to Zhang Ye, he gave him a bear hug. "How could it be you!"

Xiao Lu came over!

Hu Fei came over!

Han Qi also excitedly ran up to him!

"Teacher Zhang!"

"You were so amazing!"

"We were trying to guess who The Clown was! Why is it you! How could it possibly be you!"

"Did you really win?"

"I was wondering who could have written so many heaven-defying classics!"

Han Qi's eyes reddened a little as she got very excited at seeing her idol. "Teacher Zhang, I like every one of your songs! I love them to death!"

Zhang Ye looked at her and said with a smile, "Thank you, Little Han. Thanks for all your hard work these past several days." Then he gave the group a fist and palm salute. "Everyone, I'm sorry that I had to hide this from you. I was afraid that if my identity was exposed, the show would be dragged down by me, so I had to keep it a secret. If there's anything that I did wrong, I'll treat everyone to dinner as an apology at a later time! Haha!"

All of a sudden, someone wrapped their arms around Zhang Ye's waist and lifted him up!

Then a lot of people from Beijing Television surrounded Zhang Ye and raised him up high!

They threw him up in the air!

They caught him!

They threw him up in the air again!

They caught him again!

"Cham-pi-on!"

"Cham-pi-on!"

"Cham-pi-on!"

Today!

He was a national sensation!

Translator's Thoughts

Legge Legge

Let's start easing towards the next arc...no hangovers..and keep commenting!

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Chapter 1083: Zhang Ye's latest celebrity ranking?

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

Sunday.

At his parents' house, Zhang Ye slept all the way until 10 in the morning.

After he had sent his parents home from the competition venue last night, he headed straight to bed and dozed off immediately for a full 11 hours of sleep. Over these past few days, he had become incredibly tired. It was much too tiring having to do the production, choose his songs, arrange music, practice his singing, record the show, and attend the live broadcast. He was just like a warrior who did not know what fatigue meant. Throughout the duration of the competition, he even experienced staying up for two days and nights in a row, as well as not succumbing to a fever of 40C! It had been two months, and now the competition was finally over. When the tension he had been experiencing was released, he was immediately overcome with a heavy sense of fatigue that made him sleep until now.

His cell phone had run out of battery.

He rolled over and plugged it into the charger before turning his phone on, all without stepping out of his bed.

There were quite a few notifications of missed calls and messages received on his cell phone's display.

His old colleague, Ha Qiqi: "Director Zhang! Me, Zhang Zuo, Little Wang, and everyone else all saw the moment you got crowned champion onstage. Great job! Congratulations!"

Central TV Department 14's Director Yan Tianfei: "Teacher Zhang, you're really not being a bro here. Why didn't you let me know about such an important thing? Haha, I couldn't get through to you, so I'm sending you this message to congratulate you. I thought that you'd really stopped doing things after getting banned and were really going to behave yourself from now on, hur hur. But seeing that you're back now, I'm relieved! You're still the same old Teacher Little Zhang that I knew, always going around and stirring up trouble every other day!

His university classmate, Yu Yingyi: "Old classmate, you're really on fire now! In the entire entertainment industry, you're the most popular one of all! When are you going to treat us to a meal? Quickly set a date! I can't wait!"

His old colleague, Tian Bin: "Old Zhang, do you intend to ascend to the Heavens!"

A-list movie star, Ning Lan: "Did you have to make such a big splash?"

His friends and colleagues all came to congratulate him and express their shock at the same time!

Zhang Ye was lying in bed and smiling as he read the messages, replying to them one by one.

For the entire morning, the Internet, newspapers, and news broadcasts were all reporting about The Clown and Zhang Ye, as well as King of Masked Singers. Admittedly, Zhang Ye's position was slightly more awkward since he was currently soft banned without any official statement or clarification from the authorities. Any news reports regarding him were also greatly controlled. However, yesterday's live broadcast had caused such a big stir that there was no one who did not know about it anymore. So the media couldn't possibly avoid not mentioning Zhang Ye's name and not report about it even if they wanted to!

"Curtains fall on King of Masked Singers: The Clown crowned champion!"

"Inconceivable! King of Masked Singers' The Clown's true identity!"

"The Clown turns out to be Zhang Ye!"

"The Clown's 'I Am What I Am' send shockwaves through audience!"

"Zhang Ye performs another astonishing crossover!"

"A layman sweeps away the music industry!?"

"King of Masked Singers to hold live concert next week. Zhang Ye's appearance still unknown!"

"Our reporter inquires over the phone; authorities yet to make statement!"

"Zhang Ye—entertainment industry's professional 'shit stirrer'!"

"Watch out, music industry musicians! Here comes Zhang Ye!"

People throughout the country were still in a state of shock!

Fan Wenli had also taken her mask off yesterday, as did Li Xiaoxian. But as their identities had long since been speculated by the netizens, there didn't exist an element of surprise. However, no one had been able to guess The Clown's real identity all this time. Then there was also the fact that the name of Zhang Ye itself had always been a focal point, and his status was unlike Fan Wenli and Li Xiaoxian's, who were professional singers. A host, director, mathematician, and someone who meddled in the Chinese language had been crowned the grand champion of King of Masked Singers by taking down a series of professional singers like Fan Wenli, Li Xiaoxian, Zhao Qiquan, and many others. This made many of the industry insiders want to vomit blood! This was too unreasonable! Zhang Ye, did you intend to blast off from Earth?

Any topic related to Zhang Ye had always been this hotly debated!

He was truly the most wondrous person in show business. No one could predict what he would do next. Ever since his debut, everything he did would always shock a group of people!

Just look!

It was no exception this time!

...

Outside, the door opened.

His parents came home in a laughing mood.

Zhang Ye quickly got out of bed and strolled into the living room. "Dad, Mom, where did you go?"

"You just woke up?" His mother was grinning from ear to ear. She placed the plastic bags in her hands down. "Your dad and I went grocery shopping. I must cook some good dishes for you in the afternoon to celebrate!"

His father glanced at his wife and said, "What grocery shopping? Your mom went out early this morning to brag. She reached the market at 8 AM and started bragging the moment we bumped into every neighbor we saw. Look at the time now. It's already 11 AM."

His mother was having none of it. "What's wrong with me bragging about my son!"

His father threw his hands up and said, "Alright, alright, I didn't say that it was wrong."

His mother harrumphed. "My son is so popular. Why am I not allowed to tell others about it?"

His father pursed his lips at Zhang Ye.

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "Mom, just go ahead and tell anyone you like; no one will stop you. Let's quickly eat lunch. I'm getting hungry already. I haven't had anything much to eat at all."

His mother immediately said, "Wait a bit, wait a bit. It'll be ready soon!" Just before stepping into the kitchen, she suddenly turned around and asked, "By the way, son, what's your popularity score now? Where are you ranked?"

Zhang Ye was taken aback. "Oh, I would have forgotten if you hadn't mentioned it."

His mother urged, "Quickly go and check! You were at the last two places on the A-list rankings last time, but it should have changed by now! Go check and see how many spots you've advanced!"

Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright."

In recent days, his popularity score had been at a standstill while the celebrities behind him had kept increasing their popularity and were catching up to him. Like Li Yu, who had exposed his own identity on King of Masked Singers. He was close to returning to the A-list Celebrity Rankings once again. Meanwhile, Zhang Ye, who hadn't been appearing much onscreen and had few new works, had dropped to the last two spots on the A-list rankings. He was in a very precarious position. Yesterday's unmasking was a turning point for him as he finally did not need to worry about dropping back down to the B-list rankings. He would definitely advance in the rankings although he did not know by how many positions he would advance.

He quickly went back to his room and powered on his computer.

Zhang Ye typed in the address to the official website of the Celebrity Rankings Index and loaded the page.

But the page could not load.

"Please try again."

This notification was all that was on the page.

Zhang Ye refreshed the page.

The page was still unable to load!

What was happening?

Why couldn't he access the site?

He immediately went onto Weibo to check. Be it the netizens or the industry insiders, everyone was confused about what was going on.

"The Celebrity Rankings website is not loading?"

"I'm experiencing the same thing. Is there something wrong with my connection?"

"It's not your connection. The site has been inaccessible since midnight."

"Eh?"

"But that's not possible."

"This is the official website! Nothing like this has ever happened before!"

"Yeah, what's going on?"

"This has never happened in the past!"

"What's their technical team doing? We're at a crucial point in time right now!"

"I was hoping to check out Fan Wenli's popularity ranking!"

"I was waiting to see Zhang Ye's! He was about to drop off the A-list rankings the last time I checked!"

A lot of those in the entertainment industry were also waiting. The influence of King of Masked Singers was so widespread. Its songs dominated the Top Chinese Music Chart, and the popularity score gain it gave was also astonishing. Those involved in the show would always check their own rankings the following day to see if there were any changes in their rankings and how much their popularity scores had increased by. Even the celebrities and people from the talent agencies who did not have anything to do with the show would also check. They wanted to know if those who were on the show would have any changes in their ranking and whether they would be overtaken by them in the rankings!

Popularity was the lifeblood of a celebrity!

And this Celebrity Rankings Index was the lifechart of the entertainment industry!

...

This issue was also being discussed in the Goof Group.

Ning Lan: "It's still not out yet? It's still not loading?"

Huo Dongfang: "I don't know, perhaps something happened."

Chen Guang sent a sweating emoji. "On my lovely wife's request, I've been waiting up all night in the hopes of checking the rankings. I can wait no longer, so it's time to sleep."

Xiaodong appeared. "Hahaha, Brother Chen. You're truly a model husband!"

Amy: "I'm waiting for our Xiaoxian's ranking to come out. Hurry, hurry!"

A male star said: "This has never happened before in the many years it's existed, so what's going on today?"

...

Noon.

12 o'clock sharp.

There was finally an official announcement!

It was an announcement that dumbfounded the entire entertainment industry and the public!

The announcement was as follows:

Explanation regarding the temporary inaccessibility of the Celebrity Rankings Index Website:

Due to the rising influence of a certain variety show in recent times, the data statistics of the Rankings Index have been affected to a certain extent. In addition, the popularity score of a certain celebrity has seen fluctuation on too wide of a scale. The amount of data collected has exceeded more than what our systems can handle and this caused a temporary outage to our system. At the moment, our technical team is stepping in to rectify it as soon as possible. We sincerely apologize for inconveniencing everyone. We will be making another announcement when the Rankings Index is updated and returns to service.

A certain variety show?

Wouldn't that be King of Masked Singers?!

A certain celebrity?

Wouldn't that be Zhang Ye?!

When this announcement was made, everyone was dumbfounded!

On Weibo.

"What?"

"Zhang Ye's popularity score has greatly fluctuated? And it even crippled their systems?"

"Pfft, are they serious?"

"Why is it that everything that goes wrong has to do with Zhang Ye, hahaha!"

"Holy cow, just how much did Teacher Zhang's popularity score increase by! It even fucking crippled their systems?"

"That's nothing strange with that. When The Clown took his mask off yesterday, that was an instantaneous moment. Because of that, the system would have to transfer all of The Clown's popularity score from the previous month or so to Zhang Ye. Perhaps the data for that really did overflow! Pfft, Teacher Zhang is really great. He even brought down the Celebrity Rankings Index that had been operating fine for so long!"

"I'm cramping up from laughing!"

"Teacher Zhang is so mighty!"

"Teacher Zhang is so impressive!"

Suddenly, someone posted the poem that Zhang Ye recited at last night's grand finals!

"Life Fantasia."

Especially those last few lines. No matter how you looked at it, it was got the blood going!

Many of the netizens hadn't read Zhang Ye's poems in a long time, but it was still as domineering, earthshaking, and moving as ever.

I want to sing

a human song

that ages from now

will chorus through the universe.

The netizens started posting in the comments below.

"I like Zhang Ye so much!"

"His poems are always so awesome!"

"His songs as well!"

"Earth no longer has a place that can contain Zhang Ye!"

"Congratulations, Teacher Zhang. You're already blasting out into the universe!"

"The Celebrity Rankings Index website could even get crippled? I really have to take my hat off to Zhang Ye!"

The people in the industry didn't know how to react!

The website crashed?

It was Zhang Ye's fault?

Damn, just how much did your popularity score go up by this time!

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Chapter 1084: The first concert of its kind in the industry!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

The Celebrity Rankings Index website was still down.

The netizens were continuing to gloat over this problem.

"@ZhangYe!"

"You made a huge mess!"

"All the celebrity rankings have been wiped out because of you!"

"Teacher Zhang Ye, you've caused trouble again."

"Hahahahaha!"

"Pissing myself laughing, this is so funny!"

"Every time Zhang Ye does something, the entertainment industry experiences an earthquake!"

"I just like how this fellow always causes trouble wherever he goes!"

As the cause of the problem, Zhang Ye could only wryly smile!

What are you guys mentioning me for?

What the fuck has this got to do with me?

Quite a number of netizens were "blaming" him for it, but of course they were just joking.

The one thing that relieved Zhang Ye was that none of his music industry peers had scolded him this time around!

Wang Zhuishu's Weibo: "During the run of King of Masked Singers, my favorite singer was Petal Shower. But the one who sang best was definitely The Clown. That's something that anyone would admit!"

A female musician: "Zhang Ye is really the favored Son of Heaven! His music literacy is so good that you'd never believe that he isn't even a professional singer yet."

A lyricist: "No one has ever dared to sing only originals on any singing show. Only Zhang Ye would dare to do something like this! He's incredible. In the field of writing lyrics, there shouldn't be anyone who is a match for him!"

In the past, whenever Zhang Ye crossed over to a new industry, there would always be people calling him out. So those people from Zhang Ye's fan club were gearing up for a fight, ready to take on the industry peers in the music scene. But to their surprise, there was not even an opportunity to do so as no one scolded Zhang Ye at all! Instead, there was only praise all around!

...

At around 2 in the afternoon, the official website of the Celebrity Rankings Index was finally partially restored after being down for close to 40 hours.

The updated celebrity rankings were published!

Countless netizens and entertainment industry insiders anxiously came to check!

Fan Wenli's name glittered at the front of the B-list Celebrity Rankings. She was already in second place on the B-list rankings after her popularity score had increased by an unknown amount!

There were also changes to Li Xiaoxian's ranking. She shot to the middle of the B-list!

Spinach, Liao Yiqi, reached the front of the C-list rankings!

Flowing Time, Zhao Qiquan, also experienced quite an increase to his popularity score!

As the only host of the show, Dong Shanshan was almost within reach of the B-list!

Chen Guang, Yao Jiancai, Zhang Xia, and the others also skimmed some popularity off of King of Masked Singers. Their popularity had also grown, although it was not as much as those who took part in the show as contestants.

Only Zhang Yuanqi's ranking did not change, but that was because she had already reached the top. Being an S-list Heavenly Queen, this increase to her popularity score might have been a large increase for others, but it was only considered a minor change for her. Of course, it wasn't negligible, but it wasn't really that much either.

Everyone was happy!

For the celebrities who took part in King of Masked Singers, the celebration and revelry this time was all to the credit of Zhang Ye alone. Whether it was from the perspective of the show's production or the copyright of the show, this entire show was essentially Zhang Ye's baby. Using his show and the production to gain their current popularity, even if Flowing Time did have a conflict with The Clown and clashed with Zhang Ye's fan club after the competition ended, he didn't have any complaints—all for that reason alone. He could blame The Clown, but there wouldn't be any pointing of fingers at Zhang Ye!

On Weibo.

"Fan Wenli has risen in the rankings so quickly!"

"That's really fast! She's already second place on the B-list rankings?"

"She could even get to this position by purely singing? I guess it's only Fan Wenli who could do something like that, right?"

"Haha, Old Chen had better work harder. He's been overtaken by his wife!"

"Li Xiaoxian is really fearsome too!"

"Spring Garden is gonna blow up!"

"Yeah, all of the Spring Garden members are now B-list celebs. Put them together and there would simply be no competition! They deserve to be called the #1 girl group! Definitely one of the top ten in Asia!"

"Eh, where's Zhang Ye's name?"

"Damn, you're right!"

"Why isn't Zhang Ye's name listed?"

"There's no sign of him on the rankings at all!"

"I've also checked! His name really isn't there!"

The netizens all rushed to lodge complaints with the official website in an instant!

In the end, another announcement was made.

"Explanation regarding Zhang Ye's celebrity ranking: The system is currently undergoing maintenance to repair the statistics to recalculate Zhang Ye's popularity score. Our technical team will strive to complete the maintenance within the week."

Only his ranking was not fixed!

The system was not fully repaired yet!

"It's still not done?"

"I'm just waiting to see Zhang Ye's ranking!"

"I'm also waiting for it."

"They will get it fixed within the week?"

"Isn't the King of Masked Singers concert scheduled for this Saturday? Are they going to wait until then to calculate all of his data at once?"

"Anything that involves Zhang Ye always ends up a mess!"

"Zhang Ye has probably created history in the entertainment industry with that, hasn't he? Pfft!"

"I'm really looking forward to this weekend's concert!"

"I wonder what songs Zhang Ye will sing."

"Me too! I can't wait!"

"Looking forward to seeing Fan Wenli's performance!"

"How I wish I could attend the concert!"

"How can we get tickets? Or do they only give them out through a lottery?"

"Are there scalpers selling any?"

The topic gradually changed to the weekend concert!

Countless viewers were anticipating it highly as there had never before been a concert like this. This was going to be an unprecedented concert that no other variety show had put on before. It wasn't that the other singing shows did not want to hold one, but that they were not popular enough to do so. King of Masked Singers was the first to hold one and had booked an entire stadium that could hold tens of thousands of spectators!

It was the first in the industry!

The first in the entire country!

Beijing Television invited everyone from all walks of life to join in the celebration!

Of course, there was also a small issue here that everyone was worried about.

...

Beijing Television.

Hu Fei asked, "Have you guys sent it upstairs already?"

Hou Ge nodded. "Yes, but the SARFT did not make a single comment."

"Not a word?" Hu Fei was startled.

Hou Ge gave a wry smile. "Nothing."

Dafei blinked several times. "Then would that mean that Teacher Zhang can take part in the concert and it'll be fine? Is this how we should understand this?"

Hou Ge shook his head. "How would I know?"

Hu Fei felt that this was strange and was wondering about it. "Have you guys realized? In this past year, the SARFT's toward Little Zhang has changed a lot. They barely touch him anymore? Just think about it. I think the SARFT also did not issue any statements regarding the air pollution documentary incident? What's more, the air pollution documentary even managed to stay online for a few days! And there was that time when those associations issued a joint statement to make those changes but were chased away by Little Zhang with 'The Internationale.' The SARFT did not say anything and even criticized those associations for cooking up those nonsensical guidelines. All these incidents don't add up."

Xiao Lu added, "Now that you've brought it up, that's true."

Hou Ge said excitedly, "Then does that mean that Teacher Zhang's ban has been lifted?"

Hu Fei replied, "Not necessarily. Who knows? Since no one has said anything against it, we'll just go ahead with the concert arrangements! Everyone, start getting down to work. We must do well and make this first concert of its kind a success! Let's make it beautiful! We'll have the perfect finale for King of Masked Singers! None of you are allowed to screw this up!"

...

Back home.

Zhang Ye received a lot of calls to thank him.

The first call was from Fan Wenli.

"Thanks, Director Zhang."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Your show, of course. Who else would I be thanking if not you?"

"Hur hur, you're welcome."

"See you at the concert this weekend."

Then came Liao Yiqi's call.

"Thank you, Teacher Zhang."

"You're welcome, Student Spinach."

"Hehe, I've mooched off of you this time. My popularity has grown by so much. An advertising company just approached me to give me an endorsement and offered me 3 million RMB straight up. I was stunned since I was never worth that much in the past."

"3 million isn't that much. You're really popular now, so I think you can still push for more."

"Eh?"

"Just take my advice."

"Alright then, I'll listen to you."

After hanging up, Zhang Ye smiled.

Since his popularity score hadn't been calculated yet, he stopped thinking about it. It was better to do something fruitful, like choosing a song for the concert. He definitely had to be well-prepared for it even though it was no longer a competition. Although he had already been crowned the champion, he was still not going to be sloppy about things. As long as it was related to work, Zhang Ye would take it seriously.

Which song then?

For this final song, what should he sing?

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Chapter 1085: Piano playing coming from the room!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

The King of Masked Singers concert was getting hyped up!

Be it within the industry or to the audience, everyone was looking forward to that day. They were also anticipating what kind of finale The Clown, Petal Shower, Sunset Glow, Flowing Time, King of Oddity, Spinach, and the others would perform for the concert!

In the morning.

Zhang Ye got up and ate breakfast.

Ring, ring, ring.

The Clown's cell phone was ringing.

Zhang Ye was startled at first, then answered it. "Hello, Little Han?"

On the other end of the line, Han Qi said: "Good morning, Teacher Zhang."

Zhang Ye laughed and said: "Why are you still calling me on this cell phone?"

Han Qi said in embarrassment, "Ah, I got used to it and didn't notice. Teacher Zhang, Director Hu wanted me to inform you that the concert this weekend will proceed according to plan. You can take part in the concert since the SARFT did not raise any objections."

"Alright, I understand."

Han Qi said: "We found it quite strange. We were already prepared for an inquiry by the SARFT on this matter, but surprisingly, nothing came of it in the end."

Zhang Ye smiled. "Isn't that good?"

Han Qi asked: "Have you decided on the song that you'll be singing? When can you start rehearsing?"

Zhang Ye thought about it. "I haven't decided yet. I'll contact you again within the next two days."

Why didn't the authorities say anything?

They did not know what the reason was, but Zhang Ye did.

His mother looked at him. "Are they pressing you for the song that you'll be singing at the concert?"

Zhang Ye grunted in affirmation.

His mother asked with interest, "Are you ready? What song will you be singing? Are you going to sing another song for me and your dad? That 'I Really Love You' was quite a good song."

Zhang Ye coughed and said, "Probably not? I still haven't decided on what to sing after thinking about it all last night. I still need to give it some thought." However, Zhang Ye wanted to handle something else right now. He had to take his mind off the concert for a while. "Dad, Mom, I need to go out after lunch. I won't be coming home for dinner tonight."

"Where are you running off to now?"

"I'm going out to buy a piano."

"Do we have any space for that at home?"

He had something that he wanted to do.

It was something that was very important to him.

...

Later that morning.

In a piano shop without many customers.

The shop was rather empty. Other than the female manager, there was no one else around at the moment.

A young man wearing a pair of sunglasses and a surgical mask pushed open the door and walked in. "Hello, do you have a piano for sale? I'm looking for a decent one."

The female manager nonchalantly looked up and suddenly screamed, "Ahhhhhhhhhh!"

Zhang Ye was frightened. "Whoa, what's the matter?"

The female manager seemed to have seen a ghost. "Zhang Ye! You are Zhang Ye!"

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "You can even recognize me like this?"

The female manager blurted out, "I've been following King of Masked Singers every week! I can recognize you even if you turn to ashes!" Then, probably realizing that it sounded a little inappropriate, she quickly said, "Aiyo, I love you to death! You sang so well! You want to buy a piano? You don't have to pay! I'll give you a piano for free! You can choose from any of the pianos in the shop."

Zhang Ye waved her off. "How could that do?"

The female manager said in embarrassment, "It's alright, just…let me take a picture with you to put in our shop. Consider it promotion for us."

Zhang Ye smiled at that and said, "How about this? I'll pay for the piano and also take a picture with you, that OK?"

The female manager immediately said, "That would be great. Is the piano a gift for someone or yourself? Let me recommend you the best piano we have in our shop. Although it's a bit expensive, but hai, it's not like you're poor or anything. Come, come. What do you think of this piano? It's a high-end one; I wouldn't sell it to just anyone." Whether she was usually this talkative or just excited to see him, Zhang Ye didn't know. He just listened to her chatter away anyway.

Finally, he selected the piano he wanted.

"Where should I deliver it? Please write down an address for us."

"You don't have to deliver it. I need it today, so can you get someone to help me tie it up on my car?"

"Ah? What kind of a car do you have?"

"A BMW X5."

"But there's no way to fit it in there."

"Just secure it on top of the car."

"How can that do? Your car will get scratched."

"It's a bulletproof car. You won't be able to scratch it."

"Uh, th-then I'll get someone to give it a try."

The female manager knew that a big shot like Zhang Ye would not be willing to let others know his address, so she wasn't exactly surprised at this and immediately went to find someone.

...

Evening.

6 PM.

Wu Zeqing had just gotten off from work and was walking out of the office building.

"Chief Wu."

"You're leaving?"

"Chief Wu, take care."

"It's been hard on you, Chief Wu."

Wu Zeqing nodded at them with a smile. "You guys knock off early when you finish working."

A department supervisor walked quickly to her and said with an anguished look, "Chief Wu, about the list for the concert that was submitted by King of Masked Singers—"

Wu Zeqing waved it off and said, "It's already been decided. Don't bring it up anymore."

The supervisor said nervously, "But Chief Chen seems to—"

"If he has any problems, get him to come and look for me," Wu Zeqing said calmly.

"Oh, alright then."

Secretary Bai Li quickly caught up with her. "Chief Wu, you can't drive your car today, right? I'll send you home."

Wu Zeqing nodded. "OK."

In the car.

Bai Li blinked and said, "What are you having for dinner tonight?"

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I'll just go home and fix something up for dinner. Since I'm eating alone, I can make do with anything."

Bai Li instinctively asked, "You're still single?" Then she realized her slip of the tongue. "Oh, look at me, I always ask about things that I shouldn't be asking. Please don't take it to heart."

Wu Zeqing smiled. "You've been working for me for a year. Why are you still so restrained?"

Bai Li laughed and said, "Because you're the boss."

They arrived at Wu Zeqing's place.

Bai Li said, "I'll be going then, Chief Wu."

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Alright, thank you."

She turned around and walked into the villa's yard in her high heels. She had a glance at the flowers in the yard and thought that they looked quite beautiful. Walking to the front door, she took out her keys to open the door and bent down to change into her slippers.

It was the same thing every day.

It was the same routine every day.

Opening the door.

Changing into her slippers.

Opening the refrigerator.

Making dinner.

Except something different happened today!

The moment Wu Zeqing closed the door, she could hear piano playing coming from upstairs!

She didn't have a piano at home!

There shouldn't be anyone in her house!

Old Wu looked up to the second floor and was stunned for a moment. Then she headed straight for the upstairs.

The sound of the piano was very soothing.

The melody sounded really nice too.

All of a sudden, a voice softly drifted out in the room.

It was a man's voice!

It was a very clean male voice 1 !

"I have loved, and also lost.

"Tasted the sweet and tart parts of love.

"Escaped from the irony of fate.

"I know what I want.

"There is an indescribable state.

"Created by all emotions thereof.

"Why ponder the meaningless cost?

"What in this world is there to be proud of."

Wu Zeqing walked up the stairs.

The sound of the piano was getting closer and closer!

The singing was also getting closer and closer!

The man sang loudly.

"If I'm without you,

"I keep my eyes on the distant peaks!

"But miss the turn on the track!

"Suddenly I looked back!

"I found you waiting for me, you were always there!

"I searched down in the seas of pitch black!

"And ignored the meandering rivers!

"When I found myself going against the tide!

"You were at my side, pushing me on!"

The door to the study was ajar.

Wu Zeqing stood at the door. Seeing the man at the piano, she didn't know what to do for a moment. Where did the piano come from? What was with this song?

The man sitting at the piano was Zhang Ye!

Zhang Ye continued to play.

"I know that I am very rich.

"Because love fulfills all.

"Every hole in my life.

"You've filled them with your sincerity.

"Right now.

"From this moment on.

"I want to hold you in my arms.

"And give you twice the affection.

"I want to sing a love song dedicated to you!

"So please listen!"

Old Wu.

This song is dedicated to you!

Actually, I've wanted to sing you a song since a long, long time ago. But there just wasn't a chance to do so. I will only ever sing this song for you. Thank you for not leaving me when I was most down and out. Thank you for always staying by my side!

As everyone knows, I'm not someone who usually speaks seriously and I don't know how to express what I really want to say. There are some things that I just can't put into words.

So, please, let me sing for you!

Zhang Ye sang in the tenor range.

"I kept my eyes on the distant peaks!

"But missed the turn on the track!

"Suddenly I looked back!

"I found you waiting for me, you were always there!

"I searched down in the seas of pitch black!

"And ignored the meandering rivers!

"When I found myself going against the tide!

"You were at my side, pushing me on!"

...

Outside the villa.

A neighbor opened their window in shock.

A lady driving home stopped her car in the neighborhood and rolled down the window with a stunned look!

Who's playing the piano?

Who's singing?

Why haven't I heard this song before?

It sounds really nice!

Isn't this song way too good?

That lady and several of the closer neighbors were visibly moved by what they heard!

Just who are you?

Who…are you singing for?

Translator's Thoughts

Legge Legge

3

1. Terry Lin (Subbed) - https/youtu.be/lgyjGc_T5mw

2. Angela Chang (Subbed) - https/youtu.be/m3jLpSXWq2Q

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Chapter 1086: Old Wu wants to attend the concert too?

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

In the neighborhood.

It echoed with the melodious notes of a piano.

The piano is one of the very few instruments that do not require a power source or connection to any audio equipment to be heard inside a large enclosed space or concert hall. Of course, it would have to be a grand piano meant for such venues to achieve that. On this note, both the cello and the violin cannot achieve the same sound amplification of a mechanical percussive transmission 1 . Although the piano that Zhang Ye bought was an upright piano, its sound amplification was still quite outstanding. However, once in an open space, the sound of the piano would diffuse a little.

Several neighbors in the vicinity of Old Wu's villa could vaguely hear a man singing. Although the singing could not be heard further out in the neighborhood, the faint sound of a piano playing still managed to float out to their ears.

The security guards at the neighborhood's entrance turned around in shock!

The residents of the neighborhood stopped in their tracks!

A lot of people were attracted to the sound of the piano and got enchanted by it!

He finished singing.

The sound of the piano gradually drifted away.

Everyone was looking around for the source of the music.

"Where did it come from?"

"Which house did the playing come from?"

"Was it a sound system?"

"No, it must've been played on an actual piano!"

"Who could be so talented?"

"Does our neighborhood have someone so talented?"

...

At Old Wu's residence.

In the upstairs study.

After he played the final note, Zhang Ye took his hands off the keys and put the fallboard down. Then he smiled at Wu Zeqing.

Wu Zeqing looked at him. "What's the title of this song?"

Zhang Ye said, "'You Were Always There.'"

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Is it for me?"

"Yes. What do you think of it?" Zhang Ye wasn't sure if Old Wu liked it.

Wu Zeqing smiled and asked, "I like it very much. When did you learn how to play the piano? When were you able to sing that well? Hmm?"

Zhang Ye gave a hearty laugh and said, "Hai, please don't mind those small details."

"Did you just buy this piano?"

"Yep. I bought it this morning, then drove it here. It was really quite heavy and nearly crushed my car. Fortunately, I own a bulletproof car and the frame is a special make as well."

"You didn't get someone to deliver it?"

"I was afraid that they might know where you live."

"So you carried this piano into the house and upstairs all by yourself?"

"Yeah, this weighs nothing."

Zhang Ye started boasting.

Wu Zeqing pointed at the upright piano. "A piano that weighs three to four hundred pounds, and you carried it up here all by yourself?"

"Of course." Zhang Ye boasted shamelessly, "Even if it were two pianos stacked on top of each other, I could still carry them up here." These words of his were merely meant for boasting.

In reality, it had taken all of Zhang Ye's strength to carry in this piano that weighed 300-odd pounds. This was even with him having martial arts and already maxing out on the Fruits of Strength and Stamina from the Lottery Draw (One). It was just that Old Wu had not seen how much effort it took for this fellow to carry it in earlier, so he started bragging about being able to carry two pianos by himself now. 700, 800 pounds? Even if this fellow had used his concealed power, he still would not be able to carry them. Besides, concealed power was not meant to be used in such a way. It was an instantaneous kind of power that could only be used for destroying, not for carrying things.

Wu Zeqing smiled.

Zhang Ye probably thought that he had bragged by too much, as he quickly changed the subject. "Old Wu, have a seat. Are you angry at me about this matter?"

Wu Zeqing saw that his collar was slightly crumpled, probably from carrying the piano earlier. It was also a little dirty, so she reached out and straightened it for him and patted off the dust. "Why would I be angry with you?"

Zhang Ye stood still and let her adjust it for him. "Because I didn't tell you that I went to participate in King of Masked Singers. Actually, it's not that I didn't want to tell you. In fact, I had wanted to tell only you about it. In the end, I was just too embarrassed to bring it up after a long hesitation the other day. The main issue was that I'd never sung before. As it was my first time singing onstage and this being such a huge competition, it would've been really embarrassing if I lost by the second episode. So I thought it might be better not to say anything about it at first and only tell you about it after I became the champion. So here I am, immediately coming to seek your forgiveness after I got crowned grand champion. I practiced the song that I just sang for you for a very long time."

Wu Zeqing said gently, "I couldn't be any happier for you, so why would I be angry with you? You're really in the limelight this time. Not bad, you didn't make me ashamed."

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "That's true."

"Take off your shirt. I'll wash it for you later since it's dirty," Wu Zeqing said.

"OK." He did not stand on ceremony.

"Are you hungry?"

"Not yet."

"We'll eat in a bit?"

"Sure."

"Then do something for me first."

"Oh? What is it?"

Wu Zeqing did not say anything and searched around the study. She took out the four treasures of the study 2 and immediately began to grind the ink. Then she said, "Write down the lyrics of the song that you just sang for me. I can't remember them after listening to them just once. When you're done writing, I'll hang it and read it at my own leisure."

Zhang Ye immediately said, "That's not a problem."

"I've prepared the ink."

"How would you like me to write it?"

"How many scripts do you know?"

"I can write it in regular, semi-cursive, clerical, or cursive script."

He thought about saying how he could also write in " Microsoft YaHei 3 " if he wanted to, but Old Wu would surely not understand what he meant by that.

Old Wu smiled and said, "How about semi-cursive. I like your semi-cursive."

"Alright!" Zhang Ye immediately began writing.

A set of lyrics was written down in a free-flowing motion.

Wu Zeqing held up the Xuan paper for it to dry and took a look. The more she looked at it, the more she liked it.

As she gazed at the calligraphy, Zhang Ye looked at her. Since it was summer, Old Wu was dressed lightly and looked especially elegant in the thin, classic qipao. The more he looked at her, the more he liked her.

All of a sudden, Old Wu looked up and said, "Oh yeah, I've got something to tell you. Your ban will officially be lifted today. Although the SARFT won't be issuing any notices or documentation about it nor will there be any announcements to the public, there won't be a restriction on any news and shows related to you anymore. In fact, your ban was scheduled to be lifted soon, but King of Masked Singers expedited the process. You've caused such a big ruckus that they were unable to keep the ban on you for longer, even if they wanted. So they might as well use the opportunity to lift your ban. Even though there are still some people in the organization who are opposed to it, I've taken care of them, so it's not going to be a big deal. And there might be some flexibility given to the air pollution documentary. With some editing, I think there could be some hope that it gets re-released to the public. I will be following up on this matter."

He had been unbanned?

This bro had regained his freedom?

This was no doubt the happiest news Zhang Ye had heard in recent days!

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Thanks, Old Wu."

Wu Zeqing said, "You fought for this. It has nothing much to do with me. You've been crowned grand champion of King of Masked Singers and even took your mask off during the live broadcast. Did you think you would stay banned after all that? Furthermore, your songs were very good too. That's one of the most crucial factors as you have quite a few songs that were full of positivity. For example, 'Strive Hard to Succeed,' 'Life's More Than the Grind,' and 'I Really Love You.' All of those songs were a great help in changing your image. So there's no need to thank me as you were the one who grabbed this opportunity. Without this show, you might have needed to wait at least another month or two before your ban was lifted."

Zhang Ye blinked and said, "'The Internationale' is also a very inspirational song."

He personally liked the song a lot!

On that day, he vented most of his anger after he sang it!

On that day, the feeling of having everyone stand up and sing loudly along with him was just so satisfying!

Wu Zeqing looked at him. "Don't mention that song. Do you know how big of a mess it created?"

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, I understand. I won't sing it much in the future."

Wu Zeqing asked, "How are your preparations for the concert going?"

Zhang Ye said, "Hai, I still haven't decided what song to sing yet."

Wu Zeqing smiled. "Take your time, there's no need to hurry. Any song that you sing will definitely be good."

Zhang Ye especially liked hearing that and could feel a warmth in his chest. He really had never come across a woman like Old Wu before. It was as though Old Wu found whatever he did to be good and would always give him her support. Furthermore, Old Wu would never broach further on a subject if it was something he did not wish to speak about or preferred to keep secret. She always gave him a lot of space and respect in that regard. She was always beside him, supporting him and encouraging him on his journey.

Wu Zeqing suddenly asked, "Do you have any tickets for the concert left?"

Zhang Ye was surprised. "Of course. Why?"

Wu Zeqing smiled. "I would like to attend in person and listen to you sing."

"You really want to go?"

"Yes, I want to go there in my own personal capacity."

"Although the broadcast is on Saturday, the recording is scheduled for Friday afternoon. You don't have to work?"

"I'll take the day off. My fiancé will be staging a concert. Even if the sky falls, I must go."

Just look at the way she put it!

Zhang Ye loved hearing it!

"Alright! I'll get a ticket for you. It'll definitely be a front row seat!"

"That's not necessary. I'm fine with sitting wherever."

"That won't do. You won't be able to see me if you're seated too far away."

Thinking about how Wu Zeqing would also be there on that day to listen to him sing, Zhang Ye was suddenly quite looking forward to it. At the same time, he also felt a little more nervous about it. He suddenly thought of a song and knew exactly what he would be singing at the concert.

It was a very nice song.

It was a song about one's ideals.

Translator's Thoughts

Legge Legge

1. Pianos are considered both percussion and string instruments.

2. Ink, inkstone, paper, and ink brush

3. https/en./wiki/Microsoft_YaHei

Chapter 1087: The concert begins!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Friday.

In the afternoon.

There was a sea of people at the Beijing Stadium.

"Where are the Fan Wenli fans?"

"Zhao Qiquan's fans, please gather under the billboard!"

"Over here!"

"Here!"

"Come with me!"

"Where are the Zhang Ye fans?"

"Coming!"

"We're here!"

"Hurry, it's time to distribute the items!"

"Glow sticks for everyone! They're free!"

"Don't buy from those people out there. They're so expensive!"

Even before entering the stadium, the bustle outside was spectacular. Vehicles had already occupied all of the underground parking garage spots and roads around the venue. There were no more free spots and the roads were no longer accessible other than the one that was leading west toward the suburbs. The roads in the other three directions were jam-packed. At the entrance, it was as though the entire population of Beijing's merchants and peddlers were gathered here. There were people selling celebrity posters, glow sticks, scalped tickets, and even the King of Masked Singers contestants' "genuine" autographs. The media outlets' vehicles also arrived one after another!

It was a flurry of activity!

The place was heating up!

...

On Weibo.

The netizens also made a racket.

"Who still has tickets for the concert?"

"It's beginning soon! I can't wait!"

"Haha, I'm already at the venue and waiting to get admitted."

"Previous poster, bragging like this will only end up with you getting beaten up!"

"How I wish I could go and watch them perform live! Especially Zhang Ye's songs. Why do I like him so much! I wonder what song he'll sing today!"

"Our Xiaoxian is quite good too!"

"Everyone knows that Zhang Ye is good at writing songs, but I'm still finding it difficult to accept that the guy can also sing this well!"

"It's impossible to measure a person like him with common sense."

"He was born to be a star!"

"You're wrong. Zhang Ye wasn't born to be one."

"Yeah, he was never meant to be a celebrity at all. He had to fight so hard to be where he is now. This has been a very difficult journey for Teacher Zhang Ye, and everyone knows that! I wonder how he has managed to survive for this long! I heard that the SARFT has not said anything either this time and allowed Zhang Ye to take part in the concert. Does that mean that Zhang Ye has been unbanned? I'm so happy for him!"

"Yeah!"

"The ban has finally been lifted!"

...

Inside the stadium.

The singers had already arrived for some time.

There were not only Zhang Ye, Fan Wenli, and those other singers who had taken part in the King of Masked Singers competition. Even Chen Guang, Zhang Xia, Amy, Celery, and several other celebrity guests were also backstage and getting ready for the concert. They too would be taking part in the concert today.

Executive Director Hu Fei said, "We've been preparing for this concert for quite some time now. We practically started preparing for it since the broadcast of the first episode and had the stadium booked since that time. The entire country's attention is on us now, so I hope we can make this industry's first concert based on a variety show a great success. I'll leave all that to you, so let's execute this beautifully." With a pause, he reminded them, "By the way, there's something else to note. It wasn't reported on yesterday's weather forecast, but this morning's forecast predicted that there could be rain today. So, everyone, please be aware of this possibility."

Hou Ge came over to look for him. "Director Hu, we need you over at the stage."

Hu Fei nodded, then said to the other staff members, "I'm going to the front for a bit. If there's anything urgent over here, ask Director Zhang for advice. He can take charge of the things here."

Xiao Lu replied, "Yes, sir!"

Han Qi replied, "Understood!"

Everyone responded in kind, thinking it was a matter of course.

However, Zhang Ye did not seem to care for anything right now. He lowered his head and continued texting.

Zhang Ye: "Are you here yet?"

Wu Zeqing: "I just arrived. There was a traffic jam."

"Zhang Ye: "Are you lining up to get in yet?"

Wu Zeqing: "Yes, I'm passing through security now."

Zhang Ye: "Let me get someone to bring you in."

Wu Zeqing: "There's no need. Don't alarm too many people. Most of your staff knows who I am, so it's better for me to keep a low profile. After all, I'm here in my own personal capacity today."

Zhang Ye: "OK."

Chen Guang came over. "Director Zhang, who're you chatting with?"

Zhang Ye looked up and smiled. "What's up?"

Fan Wenli looked at her husband. "Stay away. Don't come over here and try to pry any information from us."

Chen Guang yelled, "Must I, Wenli?"

Li Xiaoxian also smiled. "We belong to different camps today."

Amy rolled her eyes. "Teacher Chen, let's give our best and sing well today. We'll stamp them down!"

Chen Guang harrumphed. "Alright!"

Zhang Xia laughed and shook her head. "You people."

Today's opening song was going to be an explosive and attention-stealing showdown between the contestants and the celebrity guests. Each side was a team, the contestants' team versing the celebrity guests' team. Everyone was looking forward to this matchup. Just look. Even before going onstage, the competitiveness from both sides was picking up.

Half an hour later.

People gradually filled the stadium.

In the blink of an eye, the seats were packed with over ten thousand people!

Some of the audience members were shouting their favorite celebrities' names, some were holding up LED lightboards and waving them around, while others were bursting into songs performed on King of Masked Singers.

"Sunset Glow!"

"The Clown!"

"Flowing Time!"

"Petal Shower!"

"I am what I am! / A firework of different colors!"

"Why is the concert still not beginning?"

"I can't waaaait!"

The scenes were very chaotic!

The audience was reaching a fever pitch!

Wu Zeqing finally got into the stadium at this point in time. She found her way to the second row of front row seats and checked her ticket to find her seat. As she made her way across the row, she smiled warmly. "Excuse me, coming through."

But a little ways in, someone called out to her.

It was a middle-aged married couple.

"Hey! President Wu?"

"President Wu!"

The couple looked at her, startled.

Wu Zeqing turned around in confusion and asked, "You two are?"

Zhang Ye's mother stood up excitedly. "I am Zhang Ye's mother!"

Wu Zeqing said, "Oh, it's Auntie."

His father asked, "Why are you also here?"

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Well, I'm off today. So I came to watch the concert."

"Aiyo, thank you so much for taking care of our Little Ye. You've helped him a lot. We've been wanting to visit you to express our thanks, but we just didn't have the chance to do so," his mother said.

Wu Zeqing said, "Auntie, you're too kind."

His mother immediately said, "Sit here with us, sit. Little Ye gave us three tickets, but we have an empty seat now because his cousin was unable to make it."

Wu Zeqing thought over the offer for a moment, then smiled and sat down. "Alright."

His mother was very enthusiastic. "President Wu, wait, I should be addressing you as Chief Wu instead."

Wu Zeqing immediately said, "Don't call me that, Auntie. You can just call me Little Wu."

"That would be so inappropriate."

"It's not."

"Hur hur, can I really call you that?"

"Of course."

And so, Wu Zeqing started chatting together with Zhang Ye's parents, talking and laughing throughout their conversation.

Taking some time out, Wu Zeqing quietly sent a message to Zhang Ye. "I've found a seat, I'm sitting together with your parents."

Very quickly, she got a reply. "Ah???"

Wu Zeqing: "Hur hur, I've wanted to meet your parents for a while now. What a coincidence. I won't be replying anymore. I want to chat some more with your parents."

Zhang Ye: "*sweats* OK."

At this moment, the host, Dong Shanshan, came out!

When the crowd saw her, they gave her warm applause immediately!

"She's here!"

"It's starting!"

Dong Shanshan announced, "Welcome, everyone, to King of Masked Singers, brought to you by our sponsor, Bright Fruit Cocoa. I'm your host, Dong Shanshan. How are all of you?"

The audience cheered in response!

After a slew of opening remarks, the main event finally kicked off.

Dong Shanshan smiled and said, "Backstage today, there was so much going on. Two groups of people nearly clashed, with one side claiming that they could sing really well, while another side claimed that they could sing even better. They bickered so much that when I was asked to give my opinion on who was better, I was too scared to answer. I believe that we should let our audience decide!"

Clashed?

Hahaha!

The audience chuckled!

Dong Shanshan said, "Next, let's welcome the All-Stars onto the stage to perform ' I Believe 1 ' for everyone!" She handed over the stage.

Applause thundered!

The music started playing!

Spinach, Liao Yiqi, took her microphone and went out onto the stage. "I wanna fly to the sky, walk beside the Sun. The world waits for me to change it!"

At the other end of the stage, Zhang Xia appeared and sang, "Never been afraid of others seeing my dreams. Here, I can make it happen!"

Back on other side, Fan Wenli strode onto stage. "Laughing loudly, let's walk side by side. Isn't happiness everywhere!"

At the other end, Amy appeared. "Casting off all worries, I stride forward bravely. Now I am taking center stage!"

Li Xiaoxian: "I believe I'm me, I trust tomorrow!"

Celery: "I believe that youth has no limits."

Zhang Ye appeared. "Whether sunset at the beach or the crowded streets, it's the prettiest paradise for me."

Chen Guang sang loudly, "I believe in freedom. I believe in hope! I believe I can reach out and touch the sky!"

They sang altogether.

"With you by my side!

"Life is more exciting!

"Every moment so wonderful!

"I do believe!"

The contestants were in one group!

The celebrity guests were in another group!

They sang one line one after the other as they appeared and took the stage!

The two groups of people were apparently competing, trying to outdo and outsing the person before them!

The atmosphere in the stadium flash ignited!

Screams!

Shouts!

Clouds darkened the skies as the multicolored glow sticks started to come to life!

This song was the theme song for The Voice. Back then, Zhang Yuanqi, Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, and Fan Wenli sang it together. Zhang Ye wrote this song!

Translator's Thoughts

Legge Legge

I Believe - https/youtu.be/OIVBozo3fTk

Chapter 1088: 'Vast Horizons'!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The audience reached a fever pitch!

In the open-air stadium, the screaming sounded like it was piercing through the upper atmosphere!

"Awesome!"

"What a star-studded event!"

"All of them sang great!"

"The song was well-written in the first place!"

"That's for sure. This song was written by Zhang Ye himself!"

"Chen Guang's singing is a force to be reckoned with!"

"I still prefer Zhang Ye a bit more."

"The two of them don't have the same style. Old Chen is better at explosive singing while Zhang Ye focuses more on emotional singing."

"Get lost. Zhang Ye is also very good at explosive singing. Can anyone replicate that last scream in 'Exaggerated'?"

"If you wanna put it that way, then Old Chen is also good at emotional songs!"

"Fuck, what are you two arguing for?"

"Haha, as to which of those two can sing better, they have to fight it out onstage for us to find out. We won't know from the song that they just sang."

The first song ended.

The audience applauded them!

Zhang Ye's mother was also furiously clapping in the audience. "Great! Great! C'mon, son!"

His father gave her a tug and chin-nodded in Wu Zeqing's direction. "Calm down a little, will you?" He was reminding her that the executive of the organization that oversaw the entertainment industry was sitting beside her.

But his mother did not care. "Little Wu, who do you think sang better?"

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Zhang Ye sang the best."

His mother said happily, "Oh, you think so too?"

Wu Zeqing replied, "Mhm. I like his songs very much and feel that every one of them is good."

At that, his mother grabbed Wu Zeqing's hands with a sense of familiarity and felt that she was becoming more and more pleasing to the eye. She started chattering to her again. "Did you know? This kid's music genes all come from me!"

Wu Zeqing nodded. "Yes, I can see that."

His father nearly vomited a mouthful of blood.

Onstage, it was time for Fan Wenli's performance.

When she came out onstage, the applause went up by several decibels!

"Petal Shower!"

"Petal Shower!"

Everyone was still used to chanting her stage name!

The next to take the stage was Flowing Time.

Followed by Spinach.

Sunset Glow.

And King of Oddity.

The singers came out one after another!

The screaming and shouting at the venue came wave after wave!

They were midway through the concert when the skies turned even gloomier. Dark clouds blocked the moon and faint roars of thunder could be heard. It seemed like it was going to rain.

Right at this moment, The Clown took the stage!

Many of the audience members were shaken!

Some of them were very tired from clapping so much. But when they saw Zhang Ye, they started applauding again, crazy over him!

Some of Zhang Ye's diehard fans even stood up and waved Zhang Ye's LED lightboards excitedly as they screamed his name!

His mother exclaimed, "It's my son's turn! My son!"

His father stared at the stage without blinking.

Wu Zeqing watched him as he walked onto the stage, quietly waiting for his performance today.

"The Clown!"

"The Clown!"

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

Fan Wenli and Chen Guang came to the front of the stage.

Liao Yiqi silently came out as well.

Zhang Xia, Li Xiaoxian, and Amy did the same.

When everyone saw each other, they smiled at one another.

"What are you guys doing out here?"

"The feels aren't the same backstage."

"I'm curious about what song he'll be singing."

They were all looking forward to hearing Zhang Ye's song today, so they came to the front to listen. This was because every song Zhang Ye sang was a song that they had never heard before. It was always going to be a surprise for them!

...

Zhang Ye was already standing in his spot onstage.

Eight, nine cameras were focused on him!

Over ten thousand audience members were looking at him!

Zhang Ye swept his eyes over them and spotted Wu Zeqing in the crowd. He also saw his parents, Fan Wenli and Chen Guang, Grandma Zhang Xia, and the many pairs of eyes of the audience!

All of a sudden, the music played.

Snowflakes started drifting around.

These were "snowflakes" generated by the machine at the side of the stadium.

A lot of people were mesmerized by the effect of the snowflakes floating around.

But then, a voiceover played through the stadium.

A man's voice: "Zhang Ye, you won't be able to become famous the way you are."

Another man's voice: "This path is not suitable for you, please go back."

A woman's voice: "You want to be a celebrity with that temper of yours? Who would like you? Ha!"

A middle-aged man's voice: "Zhang Ye, you're fired. Go pack your things and leave!"

The lonely snowflakes gently drifted down!

Wu Zeqing was stunned!

Zhang Ye's parents were stunned!

Zhang Xia was stunned!

Fan Wenli was stunned!

Han Qi's eyes reddened!

Just those few lines of the voiceover were enough to stun everyone!

Zhang Ye opened his eyes and reached out. He tried to grab some of the snowflakes but was unable to catch any.

He sighed, then lightly sang 1 .

"Tonight, I saw snow drift through the cold sky.

"With a cooled off heart, I drifted far away.

"Chasing you in the storm.

"Can't tell shadows apart in the fog.

"You and I in these vast horizons.

"Can we change?"

This is what my life has been.

Today, I will sing it out for all of you to listen to.

He took two steps forward and looked at everyone as he sang.

"Many times, I've been scorned and ridiculed.

"But never have I abandoned my ideals.

"In a fleeting trance.

"I felt something was missing.

"Unaware, it faded away.

"My passion."

The choir accompaniment sang, "Who understands me?"

Who can understand him?

Which of us here…can understand him?

Li Xiaoxian gasped!

Flowing Time fell silent!

Listening to him sing, Amy was dumbfounded!

Zhang Ye suddenly sang loudly.

"Forgive me for always loving freedom and indulging.

"I'm afraid I might fall someday too.

"Discarding one's ideals.

"Anyone can do.

"Why would I be afraid if it's just you and me?"

The audience had forgotten how to speak!

They had forgotten how to clap!

Everyone was just staring dumbfounded at the onstage Zhang Ye.

At this moment, the voiceover began anew.

A man's voice: "Give it up, you won't be able to make it!"

Another man's voice: "Hurry up and go back home!"

A woman's voice: "Ha, how far do you think you can make it to with what you have?"

A middle-aged man's voice: "You want to say whatever you want to say? You want to sing whatever you want to sing? Do you think you make the decisions around here? Art? Don't talk to me about art! Just hurry up and kick yourself out of here! Let me tell you this: A person like you, no one in the entire entertainment industry would ever take a liking to you!"

The audience's mood was restrained to the extreme!

His mother felt a niggling sense of uneasiness!

Zhang Xia and the others also felt like there was something heavy weighing on their chests!

They knew that these were the past events Zhang Ye had experienced!

But the very next moment!

The music soared!

The guitar sped up the tempo!

The drums also turned up the heat!

Zhang Ye's expression changed as he pointed up to the sky suddenly and sang.

"I am still who I am!

"Forever singing as I please!

"Wherever!

"I go!"

With that, the stadium erupted!

His father stood up from his seat!

His mother stood up with tears in her eyes!

Wu Zeqing stood up as well!

Every one of the audience members started screaming wildly!

They had been moved!

They had been stunned!

Liao Yiqi's tears flowed without end. "Well done! Teacher Zhang, good on you!"

Zhang Ye shout-sang.

"Forgive me for always loving freedom and indulging!

"I'm afraid I might fall someday too!

"Discarding one's ideals! Anyone can do!

"Why would I be afraid if it's just you 'n' me!"

You all can insult me, underestimate, or even scold me. All of that is fine!

Just give up on me!

But I won't give up on myself!

Even if everyone in this world discarded their ideals!

Zhang Ye suddenly turned to where Wu Zeqing was and looked into her eyes.

"Discarding one's ideals, anyone can do!

"Why would I be afraid if it's just you and me!"

He smiled.

And then she smiled.

Even if there were only the two of them left on this road.

At least I still have you!

At least you'll still be right by my side!

Translator's Thoughts

Legge Legge

The song you've (probably) been waiting for!

1. https/youtu.be/vxTICrwS89g

Didn't realize, but happy Songkran to our Thai readers!

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Chapter 1089: Do you guys really want to keep listening?

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The audience in the stadium was going crazy!

"This is Zhang Ye!"

"This is who he is!"

"Zhang Ye! I love you!"

"The Clown, you're the best!"

"You still have me!"

"Right, you still have us!"

"We'll walk together with you down this road!"

"Count me in!"

"There's me too! Count all of us in!"

"Why would I be afraid if it's just you and me!"

I am still who I am!

Forever singing as I please!

These couple of lines in the lyrics had made everyone's blood surge with passion!

This was a song by Beyond. This was a song from Zhang Ye's previous world that could be considered one of the most classic and greatest songs of all.

It was called " Vast Horizons 1 ."

...

Outside the stadium.

In a nearby neighborhood.

"Hear that? What's that sound?"

"It's going to rain soon. Let's hurry and get back home."

"Uh, what's this shouting that's coming from that direction?"

"The stadium? Is there a match going on today?"

"That noisy? Why is it so loud? Who's shouting over there?"

"Did you guys forget? That's the recording 'studio' for the King of Masked Singers concert!"

"Damn, what happened over there?"

"I don't know, but it does sound like a lot of screaming."

"Does it have to be so electrifying?"

...

The sky was getting heavier.

The dark clouds were growing and rain was drizzling.

There was no forecast of rain during yesterday's weather report, so the program team did not full preparations for such an event. They immediately deployed some employees to set up several temporary parasols to cover the equipment.

The stadium was not specialized to handle concerts, but as time had been too tight for them to get a proper place, they had to make do with this venue. In the entire stadium, only part of the grandstands facing the stage were sheltered. Meanwhile, the rest of the grandstands and the stage were all in the open air. As many of the equipment was not waterproof, they were forced take emergency measures to protect them. However, that would only be effective under light rain conditions.

But they were really unlucky to meet with such trouble today.

The wind started picking up!

The rain became heavier too!

The audience hurriedly took out their umbrellas and put on their raincoats.

"It's getting heavier!"

"Quick, go and take shelter!"

"What's with this weather!"

Some people in raincoats insisted on staying where they were.

A lot of the audience members seated in the front ran back a few rows. There was a large zone there where they could take shelter from the rain for a bit.

His parents had not brought umbrellas with them today.

His mother complained, "How could it rain just like that!"

His father said, "The weather reports are getting more and more inaccurate these days!"

Beside them, Wu Zeqing took out an umbrella from her bag. "Auntie, Uncle, take this umbrella and share it." Then she opened it up and handed it to them.

His father said, "No, no!"

His mother did not accept the offer either. "Shelter yourself!"

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "I don't need it. If it gets too heavy, I'll head back for shelter."

"How can that be fine!" His mother did not expect Chief Wu to be so polite.

Fortunately, Xiao Lu came running over right at this moment. "Auntie, I have a raincoat over here. I'll give it to you and go look for another. If there are extras, I'll get more for you!" She didn't bother with other people, nor could she care too much about them. But since these were Teacher Zhang's parents, she must definitely look after them properly. There was a relationship here, after all.

His mother said, "Aiya! Thank you then, Xiao Lu."

Wu Zeqing smiled. "That came at just the right time. Let Uncle have the raincoat. Auntie and I can share the umbrella." She leaned closer to Zhang Ye's mother and held up the umbrella.

His mother reached out to take the umbrella. "Let me hold it."

Wu Zeqing said, "There's no need. You don't have to be so polite with me."

Backstage.

Recording had temporarily been suspended.

The singers and program team staff were all looking for a place to take shelter from the rain.

Hu Fei asked loudly, "How's it looking? Can we still record?"

Hou Ge ran over and said, "It's possible since the cameras are all waterproof, but the instruments and performers are not. With all that rain and wind out there, it's impossible to sing!"

Fan Wenli looked at the sky.

Zhao Qiquan shook his head. "I'm afraid this rain won't be stopping anytime soon."

Over there, Zhang Xia, Amy, Li Xiaoxian and a few others were all standing under a temporary sunshade tent to hide from the rain.

Zhang Ye came up. "How many songs are left?"

Hu Fei was holding an umbrella and said, "There's still three or four songs left for the set. We were only slightly more than half-done with the concert schedule. There's still a choir that we invited to perform, as well as the group closing song that all of you were scheduled to sing."

Xiao Lu returned. "Brother Hu, the rain is getting heavier."

Hu Fei clenched his teeth and said, "Let's wait a little longer!"

After five more minutes.

The weather did not look like it would get any better.

King of Oddity shook his head and said, "We can't sing anymore. The weather won't allow us to do so."

Zhao Qiquan (Flowing Time) added, "I think we should cut the recording short. They can't play music out there anymore. Furthermore, the rain has already gotten so heavy. How can we still sing? Let's quickly disperse the crowd and get everyone home."

Amy sighed, "It's true. We can't carry on recording."

Zhang Ye looked over at the audience and saw that no one had left yet.

Hu Fei said, "Then—"

"Let's wait a while," interrupted Zhang Ye.

Hu Fei looked at Zhang Ye and nodded. "Alright, let's give it another five minutes."

Zhao Qiquan frowned and wondered why they still bothered to wait. The weather was clearly not going to clear up!

King of Oddity also gave a slight shake his head. Who could sing in this bloody weather? There might be a bit of a shelter in the grandstands, but no place on the stage could shield them from the rain!

However, the program team staff did not have any objections to waiting. With Zhang Ye's words already spoken, it was as good as Hu Fei saying them himself. Whenever even Hu Fei could not make a decision on something, he would usually seek Zhang Ye's advice.

Soon after.

The rain did let up a little but still did not stop.

Chen Guang also spoke up, "We really won't be able to sing if it goes on like this."

Xiao Lu anxiously said, "Brother Hu, Director Zhang."

Dong Shanshan was holding an umbrella and talking to the audience from the stage at this moment. "Would everyone please wait for a bit. I have to seek advice from the program team on how to proceed."

At this time, Xiao Lu hurriedly walked up to the stage and whispered some instructions to Dong Shanshan.

Dong Shanshan nodded. "Alright, I understand." Then she looked at the audience and said, "I'm terribly sorry, but this sudden downpour was not something that we had anticipated. We were not prepared to handle such weather, so we sincerely apologize on our part. We can't continue recording, so the concert will end here. Please get ready to leave the stadium and remember to give way to each other."

When they heard this, many of the audience members started shouting!

"But why?"

"The rain's not that heavy; it's only a moderate shower!"

"We still wanna listen!"

"So few songs have been performed!"

"Can't we have a few more songs?"

"We're fine!"

"Right, we don't want to go!"

"It was so good! Let us have another song!"

Several dozen audience members were already starting to stream out of the stadium.

However, a majority of the audience did not move. They stared at the stage without blinking, some of them sitting in their seats in their raincoats or carrying umbrellas!

Dong Shanshan urged, "Please start exiting the stadium. We're truly sorry about today. Recording will stop here because the musical instruments cannot be played in the rain, so it isn't possible to perform anymore. You all can see for yourselves that the stage is open air. We also did not wish for this to happen."

"Sing a few more songs!"

"We really haven't had enough yet!"

"I came up from Shanghai just to attend this concert!"

"Just one song would do. Must we end it like this?"

"We don't need any musical accompaniment. Just sing a cappella!"

All of a sudden, someone led a chant.

"Petal Shower!"

"Petal Shower!"

"The Clown!"

"The Clown!"

"Flowing Time!"

"Flowing Time!"

They all chanted the stage names of the contestants!

The audience was eagerly waiting for them to appear back on stage. This concert had excited them so much that hardly any of them were willing to leave!

Dong Shanshan was out of ideas. "We're really—"

From out of nowhere, Zhang Ye came up onto the stage. "Hand me the microphone."

Dong Shanshan looked at him and then handed him the microphone. Seeing that he was without an umbrella, Dong Shanshan wanted to shield him from the rain.

However, Zhang Ye fluttered his hand in refusal. He did so because he saw many people in the audience who were still out in the rain. Since they didn't have umbrellas, he didn't want to be shielded by one.

The rain was soaking Zhang Ye's shirt.

Dong Shanshan had no choice but to hand the stage over to him and went back down by herself.

Facing the audience, Zhang Ye stood in the rain and said, "We can't carry on recording. The cameras have already stopped. No one can predict the weather, but we were in the wrong too. Please give me some face and quickly go home. It's too cold out here, and the rain is getting heavier as well. It's a shame about the concert, but—"

"But we really want to continue listening!" a middle-aged man shouted.

A girl yelled, "We're not afraid of the rain! Really!"

A mother said, "My kid loves to watch your show. Can we have a few more songs to listen to?"

Zhang Ye said loudly, "But today's weather…"

Suddenly, a little girl of around nine years old somehow made her way up onto the stage. She probably came up via the side stairs, which the staff forgot to watch due to the rain becoming heavier.

The little girl was holding a kids' umbrella with floral patterns on it and walked straight up to Zhang Ye's side.

Zhang Ye was startled by her, not knowing what she doing up here. He was just about to tell her that his place was restricted to non-authorized personnel when the little girl pushed the umbrella toward him.

The little girl was very short and trying very hard to stand on her tippy toes to get the umbrella over Zhang Ye's head.

Zhang Ye was taken aback by this action and quickly knelt down.

When a few staff members saw this, they ran over in panic to lead her away.

But Zhang Ye put his hand up at them to stop them from coming over.

The little girl finally managed to shield Zhang Ye with the umbrella. "Brother, please. Can you please sing a few more songs? I will shield you and not let the rain get on you."

The umbrella was very small and could only shield one person at most.

In the blink of an eye, the girl's clothes were wet.

Zhang Ye asked, "Then what will we do about you getting wet?"

The little girl said determinedly, "I'm not afraid of that!"

Zhang Ye took the little girl by her hand and pushed the umbrella back over her head. "Do you really…wish to keep listening?"

The little girl nodded vigorously. "Me, my parents, and my brother, we all like you! And we also like Sister Petal Shower and Sister Spinach too!"

Zhang Ye smiled then. He turned to the audience and looked at the stubborn audience members who were still sitting there. He suddenly asked, "Do you guys really want to keep listening?"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

In an instant, the shouting thundered!

It even drowned out the rumbling of the thunder!

Zhang Ye smiled again. "Everyone's not afraid of getting wet?"

"No!"

"No!"

"Afraid, my balls!"

Everyone shouted in unison!

Zhang Ye smiled for the third time. He carried the little girl down the stage and returned her to her mother. Then he went back onstage and looked around it for something.

Xiao Lu was stunned. "Director Zhang, what are you doing?"

Han Qi also asked, "What are you planning on doing?"

The Miracle Wheels band also said, "The rain is so heavy. You…"

Hou Ge added anxiously, "The cameras have already stopped. We're not recording any more today! You don't have to…"

Stopped recording?

Won't be broadcasting this?

What did all that have to do with him?

The audience was still here!

The audience had not left yet!

If they are not afraid, why should I be afraid?

If they are not leaving, how can I leave?

Translator's Thoughts

Legge Legge

1. https/youtu.be/vxTICrwS89g

Happy Songkran to our Thai readers!

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Chapter 1090: Singing three songs in a row!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

"Director Zhang!"

"What are you doing?"

"We really cannot keep performing in these conditions!"

"The rain's too heavy! How can we sing?"

"Have you gone crazy?"

"Teacher Zhang, you can't really intend to…"

Backstage, a lot of people were frantically trying to dissuade him.

When they saw Zhang Ye grab an acoustic guitar placed there, the program team, contestants, and celebrity guests all had a look of incredulity on their faces. They knew that Zhang Ye really meant to go onstage and perform. On this windy and rainy day, he was really going to go onstage and sing!

What are you trying to achieve?

Why are you doing this?

Zhang Ye did not say anything and simply strode onto the stage. By the time he finished setting up the microphone stand, he was soaked from head to toe. Then he started playing the acoustic guitar and a melody floated out!

In the midst of the pouring rain, Zhang Ye's voice reverberated through the skies!

The first line of his song stunned the crowd!

What am I trying to achieve?

I'm not trying to achieve anything!

He sang loudly 1 .

"Inside of my heart, I once had a dream.

"To make you forget all of your anguish with my singing.

"Brilliant starry night, who is the true hero?

"It's ordinary people who inspire me the most."

The audience was stunned!

Everyone was stunned!

The next second, screams came from all over the stadium!

He was singing!

Zhang Ye was singing!

He really did not leave!

He really came back on!

Zhang Ye sang and played at the same time.

"No more hate, and no more pain.

"Now if only throughout the world of man love reigned.

"Let's use our songs to gain your sincere smiles.

"And bless you with an extraordinary life from now on.

"Seize every second and minute of life!

"Spare no effort chasing after our dreams!

"Without wind and rain, how can you see a rainbow!

"No one can succeed at it with just one go!

"Seize every single inspiration in life!

"Enthusiastically embrace your beloved friends!

"Let sincere words, and tears of joy!

"Ebb and flow and swirl in our hearts!"

The Miracle Wheels band were all staring with dropped jaws!

They swore that they had never heard The Clown sing this song before during his rehearsal sessions. When did you write such a song? You can just come up with a song as and when you like? You can just start singing something the moment you open your mouth?

Han Qi shouted, "Great! Fantastic!"

Hu Fei suddenly grabbed hold of Hou Ge. "The cameras! Are the cameras on and recording this?"

Hou Ge turned to look at the cameras that were facing the stage. "They're on! Two cameras are on!"

Hu Fei yelled, "Turn them all on! All of them!"

Hou Ge said, "All?"

Hu Fei shouted, "Hurry up!"

Hou Ge immediately said, "OK!"

When the song ended, the applause was thunderous!

It was clearly raining!

The rain was very loud!

The acoustic guitar that Zhang Ye was playing did not have enough volume to be heard in such a noisy environment!

Yet the applause was so loud! It was at least twice as loud as when most of the singers performed before the rain! This happened because the audience was moved. Because someone was willing to stand out here in the wind and rain and sing for them! To them, celebrities were all very precious figures. Especially an A-list star like Zhang Ye. They were even more precious than most. Everywhere they went, they would have bodyguards surrounding and protecting them!

But Zhang Ye was not like that!

He was really singing for them!

He was sincerely singing for them!

Even if he was drenched by the downpour!

Wu Zeqing showed a happy smile.

His mother was also very excited. "That's how my son is! That's how he is!"

Wu Zeqing said, "Your son was born with a special kind of charm. Many people find it odd that others would like a celebrity with a temperament like his. But for me, I think those people who don't like him are odd."

Zhang Xia gave a wry smile. "What a nice song!"

Chen Guang was also getting a little pumped up listening to him!

The audience was chanting:

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

Brilliant starry night.

Who is the true hero?

You're the hero today!

At least to us, you're everyone's hero today!

The next second, the guitar melody switched up!

Zhang Ye did not even take a breather for more than a minute. He sang 2 .

"Black coffee is a little strong.

"I just need the lightness of soda.

"Daydreaming during this heat wave.

"I dreamed that I became a rainbow.

"I have the urge to start running.

"With you here, even falling down is fine.

"I will chase my dreams without fear.

"Our sweat records our glory.

"There are all kinds of characters in a movie.

"And every one of them has a dream of their own.

"Negativity on the big screen just isn't shown.

"I wanna hold your hands in the rain! And! Wait! For! The! Rainbow!"

In the rain?

Wait for the rainbow?

The audience instantly cheered!

Zhang Ye pointed at the little girl who came up onto the stage earlier to give him an umbrella and pointed at everyone as he sang.

"You say I am your superhero!

"As well as your occasional guest punching bag!

"I'm perfectly happy to accept this honor!

"To be the firefly by your side!

"Ah, oh, ai!

"So if I really am your superhero!

"Let me sing you this love song at this time!

"Love blossoms with a little understanding!

"I'll be the hero you're the proudest of!"

The audience chanted in unison.

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

This was the second song!

No, that's not right!

Counting "Vast Horizons," this was his third song in a row! Further, he was singing in this heavy rain without even taking a break!

A few of Zhang Ye's fans felt their hearts ache and cried!

"Rest for a while!"

"Teacher Zhang, rest for a while!"

"The rain is too heavy!"

"Teacher Zhang!"

A lot of people were shouting!

Hu Fei also said anxiously, "Quick, go and tell Zhang Ye to take a break. He better not have something happen to him!"

The physical exertion on a person during a rainy day was very large. To go all out and be singing like the way that he did, even a man of steel would not be able to take it. During the first episode of King of Masked Singers, Zhang Ye had nearly collapsed due to a high fever and "cold." At that time, he really gave everyone on the program team a huge scare!

However, the very next second!

The melody of the guitar in Zhang Ye's hand changed again. He started playing and jumping around at the same time!

Once!

Twice!

Thrice!

His playing sped up!

The melody sped up!

Suddenly, Zhang Ye used a very high-pitched voice that a normal singer would usually not be able to reach and scream-sang 3 .

"I won't get tired at all!

"I have danced for three days and three nights!

"I'll get drunk just drinking soda in this state!

"Oh!"

Hu Fei was dumbfounded!

Spinach was dumbfounded!

All of the audience members were also stunned. But right afterwards, the atmosphere reached a high!

A lot of people were pulled along by the rhythm of the music and started screaming and jumping as well!

Zhang Ye played the guitar and laughed loudly at the same time:

"There's no way I'll get exhausted!

"I wanna dance another three days and three nights!

"I feel so light that I believe I can fly!"

All of a sudden, the Miracle Wheels drummer rushed up onto the stage and took his seat. He started playing a beat!

The Miracle Wheels guitarist roared with laughter. He could not use the electric guitar in this circumstance, so he grabbed another acoustic guitar and went up on stage as well!

Zhang Ye sang loudly.

"Join in along with me!

"Jumping from morning till night!

"You won't lose out being happy!

"Don't even think to refuse!"

The stadium hit a fever pitch!

Screaming was coming from every directions!

"Three days, three nights, into the late night, dancing without a stop!"

"Three days, three nights, into the late night, staying up with just music!"

"Three days, three nights, into the late night, all that's left is sweat!"

"Three days and three nights, into the late night! Ba ba ba! Ba ba ba ba ba!"

Zhang Ye shouted at the top of his lungs!

The pitch of his voice went higher with every syllable he sang!

"I won't get tired at all!

"I won't get tired at all-l-l-l!

"I won't get tired at all-l-l-l-l-l!"

" True Heroes 4 "!

" Superhero 5 "!

" Three Days and Three Nights 6 "!

Performing three songs in a row, Zhang Ye left the audience in a state of utter shock!

Translator's Thoughts

Legge Legge

Concert-in-progress:

True Heroes - https/youtu.be/8muHAPkljwQ

Superhero - https/youtu.be/a4mFO9q8aVc

Three Days and Three Nights - https/youtu.be/zx01za5NGbY

Report chapter CommentsI am Really a Superstar #Chapter 1091: Please put your hands up and wave them for me! - Read I am Really a Superstar Chapter 1091: Please put your hands up and wave them for me! Online - All Page - NOVEL NEXT

Chapter 1091: Please put your hands up and wave them for me!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The rain continued to fall!

The wind was still blowing!

But the atmosphere in the stadium had somehow reached its highest point!

"Ah!"

"This is so good that I could die!"

"Zhang Ye is so awesome!"

"Where did he get all those songs from!"

"Yeah, how did he write all that!"

"Could he have written them beforehand? Or did he come up with it spontaneously?"

"Damn, surely he couldn't have made that up on the spot, could he?"

"Then why does every line in the songs fit the atmosphere here so well?"

"Who knows!"

"This is what you call genius!"

"I love him to death!"

"A singer like that, a guy like that, how could anyone not like him!"

"Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye!"

On the stage.

Zhang Ye was already experiencing shortness of breath as he made his way down the stage. However, he did not look like he was tired at all. In fact, he kept smiling even though the raindrops were hitting his face. It was like he was totally unaware of it.

Han Qi was getting anxious. "Teacher Zhang, rest for a bit!"

Zhang Ye waved her off and said in a hoarse voice, "Do you have water?"

"Yes! Yes! I'll go get it!" Xiao Lu ran off to get some water.

Fan Wenli came up to him with an umbrella. "Director Zhang, you're like this." She gave him a thumbs up and continued, "Whether it's your singing, personality, or character, I'm really impressed by you."

The other singers and guests looked deeply at Zhang Ye.

They all knew that recording wouldn't continue anymore, so there was no need for them to perform. The cameras had been stopped, so even if you continued to sing, there wouldn't be anyone other than the ten thousand-odd audience members at the venue watching. Was there a need to continue singing? Was there a need to do so much?

Zhang Ye was feeling extremely thirsty, and he gulped down three mouthfuls of water.

Han Qi and Xiao Lu stood around him with umbrellas as they used towels to wipe his face and hair, wet from the rain.

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "I'm different from you guys. All of you are better qualified and started at a better position than me. About my matters, Old Yao should know them the best."

Yao Jiancai was also present today. When he heard that, he laughed and said, "Back when Little Zhang and I were banned, we couldn't get any work and could not even take any commercial appearances. You could say that we were left with no options at all. Do you guys know what we ended up doing? We went to join the Crosstalk and Skit Competition. At that time, the stage was much smaller than this place that we're at now. There were also much fewer people in the audience, probably around a hundred to two hundred at most. We knew very well that Central TV might cut our scenes in the broadcast, but we still practiced day and night without rest and took our crosstalk performance very seriously. Every joke segment was rehearsed and tweaked so many times. You wouldn't know how it felt, but as long as there was a single audience member watching, we would definitely do our best and put on a good show."

Zhang Xia was silent.

Chen Guang was silent.

Liao Yiqi, Zhao Qiquan, and the others were also silent.

Yao Jiancai laughed and said, "So after that time, Little Zhang and I changed a lot. Picking what shows to appear on? Acting like big shots? Both of us know very well that we were not qualified to do so."

But now, they could do so.

They were qualified to be picky!

They could behave like big shots if they wanted to!

However, the motivation they experienced during those days was something they would never forget for the rest of their lives. When they were at their wits' end, when everyone had left them for dead, when they were faced with so many sets of cold and doubting eyes offstage, someone had actually shouted their names in excitement, cried for them, and cheered them on. It was like a wisp of fire in the ice plains that was so heartwarming. From that, they knew they had not been totally given up on yet and that there were still people waiting for their return! That kind of feeling just couldn't be described with words. It was truly an unforgettable experience for them!

During our most difficult times, all of you accompanied us by encouraging and supporting us.

So now that you guys wanted to continue listening to us sing?

How could we not sing for you!

What reasons could we have for not wanting to sing for you!

Zhang Ye picked up his microphone and smiled. Then he went up onto the stage again.

Looking at his receding figure, Fan Wenli, Amy, and the others suddenly felt in awe of him!

The audience was screaming.

"He's coming!"

"Zhang Ye is coming back on again!"

"He still hasn't left! He hasn't gone yet!"

Ads by Pubfuture

Applause rang out all of a sudden!

Round after round of applause. Some people even threw aside their umbrellas to clap with all their might!

Hearing the applause and seeing the excited crowd, Zhang Ye suddenly thought of many past incidents. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Then, he raised his microphone.

Zhang Ye crooned 1 :

"Once again, I drowned in the sound of applause.

"You looked so excited in front of me.

"In the dark,

"the world has seemed to have stopped turning.

"Our hands are not needed for our hearts to embrace."

The audience froze!

Is this song…written for us?

Are you…singing this song for us?

Suddenly, Zhang Ye walked off the stage and strode toward the audience. Then he took out some foldable umbrellas and raincoats he found backstage and opened up one to hand to a female audience member who was sitting there in the rain and constantly shouting Zhang Ye's name.

That teenage girl was startled, and she immediately teared up. "Teacher Zhang!"

Zhang Ye handed the umbrella to her and sang:

"If I get lost in the storm one day.

"I know that you will heal the pain and allay it."

He handed another umbrella to a middle-aged audience member.

"Perhaps our worlds are always going to be a bit unique.

"But I know that you will stay with me through the bleak and shrieking storm!"

The teenage girl covered her mouth and started crying!

He walked another two steps before giving out a raincoat to a couple who was here with their child.

He did not open an umbrella for himself!

He did not put on a raincoat for himself!

Zhang Ye just sang loudly.

"Please raise your hands and wave them again for me!

"Then I will know just where you are standing!

"Life passes in a hurry!

"I hope we can share our glories!

"I hope our dreams will never fail!"

Pandemonium spread through the crowd!

Some of them started crying!

Someone raised their hands and waved them about!

Followed by a second person!

10 people!

100 people!

1,000 people!

"Please raise your hands and wave them again for me!

"Then I will know just where you are standing!

"Perhaps one day I'll get too old to sing or to walk!

"But I will still offer you my sincerest smile!"

All of a sudden, Zhang Xia led the way and walked over as well!

Fan Wenli!

Liao Yiqi!

Chen Guang!

Amy!

Li Xiaoxian!

Ads by Pubfuture

All of them gradually followed as well!

They each held an umbrella in their hands and walked toward the audience. Then they handed them to the audience members who were still standing in the pouring rain and exposed themselves to the weather in the process of doing so!

A male fan was overwhelmed by this. "No, I can't accept this!"

But Fan Wenli did not say anything and just gave the umbrella to him.

Then.

Zhao Qiquan!

King of Oddity!

And all of the other singers also followed along!

Zhang Ye continued singing.

"Much thanks for going through thick and thin with me.

"Thank the Heavens

"that I have you to understand me.

"I'm grateful that we can still smile

"through our tears.

"Although we must treasure every single moment we have together!"

The rain overhead seemed to have stopped.

Zhang Ye looked up and found that there was an umbrella over him.

He continued walking forward and another umbrella opened for him!

With every step that he took, another umbrella opened up over his head!

Zhang Ye did not know why, but his hands started trembling and his eyes also reddened from out of nowhere.

Fan Wenli, Zhang Xia, Chen Guang, Amy, and the others had come forward and were standing together with Zhang Ye!

Zhang Ye sang loudly.

"Please raise your hands and wave them again for us!

"Then we will know just where you are standing!

"Life passes in a hurry. / I hope we can share our glory. / I hope our dreams will never fail!

"Please raise your hands and wave them again for us!

"Let us keep the love burning in our hearts!

"Perhaps one day I'll get too old to sing or to walk!

"But I will still offer you my sincerest smile!"

This was the last song of the day!

It was the last song on King of Masked Singers!

But this was not the end yet!

Believe me, anytime you guys need me.

I will surely be there!

I will definitely be there!

Everyone was waving their hands!

Everyone was waving their hands for them and shouting their names over and over again!

"Zhang Ye!"

"Zhang Ye!"

"Fan Wenli!"

"Li Xiaoxian!"

"Zhao Qiquan!"

"Zhang Xia!"

"Chen Guang!"

This song had elevated the concert to new heights!

A single person had made a stadium of 10,000 people wave their hands for him!

Translator's Thoughts

Legge Legge

1. For Everyone Who Knows My Name - https/youtu.be/CK6mMl5035U

If you noticed the URL, I think this means it's sung by CKtalon. Please ask him to do a live performance for you all

Ads by Pubfuture

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Chapter 1092: Celebrity Rankings Index maintenance completed! Zhang Ye's ranking!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

Saturday night.

Today was the broadcast of the King of Masked Singers' closing concert!

Those who did not have the chance to attend the live recording were all waiting at their televisions. They switched their channels to Beijing Television and were nervously looking forward to the start of the broadcast. They were anticipating it so much because they really wanted to listen to Zhang Ye, Fan Wenli, Li Xiaoxian, and the others' sing again, especially since it was a live concert as well as the farewell concert of King of Masked Singers. As some of the singers did not take off their masks to reveal themselves until the grand finals last week, everyone was still left wanting for more. They were nervous because everyone knew that there was a sudden downpour in Beijing last night and that the concert venue was in an open-air space!

So how could they sing?

How did they manage to record?

Would they stop the concert halfway through?

The show started broadcasting.

The singers made their appearances one by one.

Sure enough, a light spattering of rain could be seen on television screens halfway through the concert. There was also a very strong wind gusting!

Dong Shanshan announced onstage that recording would be cut short.

"As expected!"

"Why didn't they carry on recording!"

"Uh, it ended just like that?"

"Surely not, right?"

"I haven't heard enough yet!"

"How can this be? Has it really ended?"

"I've been waiting the entire week and they only sang those few songs?"

"It can't be helped. The rain was really too heavy."

"Right, we have to be understanding too and not blame them for it."

However, just when everyone started discussing this and when many of them were about to change the channel or turn off their television, they suddenly heard a singing voice coming from it. It stunned everyone!

...

"True Heroes".

"Inside of my heart, I once had a dream.

"To make you forget all of your anguish with my singing."

...

"Superhero".

"You say that I am your superhero!

"As well as your occasional guest punching bag!"

...

"Three Days and Three Nights".

"I'm won't get tired at all!

"I have danced for three days and three nights!"

...

Old Zhang's home.

Ning Lan and Fang Weihong were also here today.

Watching Zhang Ye on the television playing and singing simultaneously in the rain, they were all stunned!

Fang Weihong couldn't help but say, "This is really nice to listen to!"

Ning Lan exclaimed, "Those songs were all written by him?"

Zhang Yuanqi laughed and said, "Ning Lan, I think there will be a threat to your spot in the Celebrity Rankings Index this year."

"Hmm? Ning Lan blinked and said, "Surely Zhang Ye couldn't be on such a heaven-defying streak, could he? My popularity gained this year should be quite good. I have taken seven movie projects, and I'm now at second place on the A-list rankings. Zhang'er's popularity ranking is still not updated since the system is still undergoing maintenance. Even if they include all the songs that he sang today, he couldn't possibly jump straight from the bottom two places of the A-list to the front few, could he? No one has ever done that before!"

Fang Weihong, who also seemed very optimistic about Zhang Ye's chances, said, "There was no such precedence before, but that doesn't mean that it won't happen. You can't use common sense with him!"

...

At Peking University.

Summer break had arrived, but a lot of the students did not go back home. It was not that they were unable to get hold of the bus tickets, but that many of them wanted to stay behind to finish watching King of Masked Singers!

At the moment, uproars occurred in many of the dormitories!

Many students were screaming one after the other!

"That was so exciting to watch!"

"Ahhhh!"

"Professor Zhang is so cool!"

"I can feel my blood coursing through my veins in excitement!"

"Me too! I had an eargasm!"

"How exhilarating! That was so damn exhilarating!"

...

When the last song was performed, the emotions of every single viewer around the country watching on Beijing Television reached a crazy high!

"Much thanks

"for going through thick and thin with me.

"Thank the Heavens

"that I have you to understand me.

"Please raise your hands and wave them again for me!

"Then I will know just where you are standing!"

Zhang Ye's fanbase numbers exploded!

The most direct indicator was the number of followers on his Weibo, which had already reached an alarming 25 million people. In the few days after Zhang Ye had taken off his mask during the King of Masked Singers grand finals, his follower count on Weibo had increased by about a million per day. It could be said that this growth was defying the heavens to the extreme!

"Zhang Ye, you're fantastic!"

"Teacher Zhang, we should be the ones thanking you! It was you who went through thick and thin with us! It's you who understands us!"

"As long as you're around, we'll raise our hands and forever wave them for you!"

"Right, forever!"

"What an impact!"

"Why wasn't I present that day?!"

Back at home.

Zhang Ye was currently on the phone with Hu Fei.

Zhang Ye said in surprise: "Why did it get broadcast?"

Hu Fei laughed and said: "How could we not include such impactful scenes?"

Zhang Ye said nervously: "I thought you stopped recording?"

"We did say so at first. But when you opened your mouth to sing, I quickly got the staff to turn on all the cameras." Hu Fei laughed and said: "If this part had been lost, it would have been such a shame."

Zhang Ye gave a wry smile and said: "The musical accompaniment was not clear enough and the noise from the rain was so loud that it affected the microphone's reception. My singing was also just average, so I'm not satisfied with how I did."

Hu Fei said: "Look at how the stadium was at the time. There were so many people who were moved by the performance, and you're still saying that it's only average? Everyone, including me, felt that it was very good. I can guarantee that even if you had recorded the songs in a studio, you would not be able to get such a good atmosphere like we had from the live audience. The musical accompaniment could be improved on and the environmental noise like the rain could be removed, but we won't be able to replicate the same kind of atmosphere and impact it had on the audience. Therefore, this is already the best version there is!"

Zhang Ye laughed and said: "I guess. You're the executive director, so your say is what matters."

...

On the same night.

At 12 AM.

Weibo buzzed with activity.

"It's almost out!"

"Are the latest celebrity rankings out yet?"

"Not yet."

"I wonder if Zhang Ye's name will be there after the rankings are refreshed today."

"It hasn't been fixed yet? Didn't they say it would be out by this week?"

"Yeah, it's already Saturday. Why hasn't it been updated yet?"

"How much will Zhang Ye's popularity score increase by?!"

Many of Zhang Ye's fans were waiting at their computers and constantly refreshing the ranking index. They really wanted to know what Zhang Ye's ranking was now!

It wasn't only Zhang Ye's fans.

There were also netizens from everywhere else.

And those industry insiders from the entertainment industry.

Everyone was getting really curious because Zhang Ye's performance on King of Masked Singers was simply too shocking. The show had created yet another viewership legend with the published nationwide viewership rating of the grand finals' live broadcast standing at 3.89% and setting a new record in the process. Coupled with several billion views online throughout the entire run of the show, it could be said that the majority of people had watched the show. Together with the farewell concert, everyone was wondering just how popular Zhang Ye had gotten!

At 12:05 AM.

The rankings were suddenly updated!

There were exclamations throughout Weibo!

"The rankings are out!"

"The updated rankings are out!"

"It has been updated!"

"Zhang Ye's name is in there!"

"The rankings have been fixed!"

"Holy shit! Quickly have a look!"

On the latest Celebrity Rankings Index, Zhang Ye's ranking had vanished from the last two places on the A-list rankings!

He overtook one person!

He overtook five people!

He overtook ten people!

Jiang Hanwei.

Huo Dongfang.

Zhang Ye jumped past all of them in one leap!

At this moment, Zhang Ye's name glittered at the third spot on the A-list Celebrity Rankings. There were only two people ahead of him. One of them was a superstar who was ranked first on the A-list and the other was Ning Lan, who was ranked second!

He had reached the top of the A-list rankings!

Zhang Ye had reached the top of the A-list rankings in the span of one night!

He was nearing the S-list Heavenly Kings and Queens in front of him!

No one had experienced such an explosive one-time surge in their popularity before. At the level of the A-list Celebrity Rankings, the difference in the popularity scores that separated each position was enormous. Some people might be able to jump from the E-list to the C-list celebrity rankings overnight, but the popularity score difference for such a jump would probably not even compare to the difference in popularity scores between the last and third to last places on the A-list Celebrity Rankings! At the level of the A-listers, every step taken was fraught with difficulty! It would require a massive leap in popularity in order to surpass the person ahead in the rankings. As such, before the appearance of Zhang Ye, there hadn't really been any major changes in the A-list Celebrity Rankings for many years!

But now the wolf arrived!

On this night, Zhang Ye's ranking moved up by more than 10 spots!

The netizens were shocked.

"Oh my God!"

"Third? He's ranked third in the A-list rankings?"

"Zhang Ye has entered the ranks of the superstars?"

"Holy shit, that was too fast! That was too fucking fast!"

"Dammit! Zhang Ye is really too heaven defying!"

"The difference between an A-list celebrity's popularity score can be huge and on a completely different level. A celebrity at the bottom of the A-list rankings would at most be considered a big name or big shot. Only the top three A-list celebrities are considered superstars! And yet, Teacher Zhang reached that spot in just one night? I'm floored!"

"This is too frightening!"

"Teacher Zhang has ascended to the thrones of the superstars!"

"How long has it been since he was promoted to A-list? And now, he's almost reaching the top?"

"Ahhhh!"

The industry was also in a state of shock!

They had thought about how Zhang Ye's popularity might surge by a lot, and that it might even be an unprecedented kind of surge. But still, they never expected it to increase by so much!

Third in the A-list rankings?

A domestic superstar?

This was simply unbelievable!

China's ranks of superstars had actually ushered in a "raffish"...host!?

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Chapter 1093: The Superstar's Crew!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

Early in the morning.

The weather was clear and there were clouds drifting across the sky outside the window.

Some people went to bed early last night and did not know about what had happened after midnight. It wasn't until this morning when they woke up that they realized that something big had happened in the entertainment industry. It was already everywhere in the newspapers!

"Zhang Ye joins ranks of superstars!"

"Third ranked A-list celebrity!"

"Shooting to fame overnight! An unprecedented rise!"

"The popularity score that took the entire rankings system down!"

"Zhang Ye's ban lifted!"

"King of Masked Singers: Zhang Ye's best move!"

"Zhang Ye returns!"

"Zhang Ye's friends offer congratulations!"

"Many in industry speechless and have yet to express thoughts!"

It was also as lively over on Weibo!

"What?"

"Zhang Ye rose to third in the A-list rankings?"

"Damn, what happened while I was asleep?"

"Congratulations, Teacher Zhang! This is such exciting news!"

"Zhang Ye the Mighty!"

"Teacher Zhang, work harder and move up further, to the S-list!"

"Pfft, I think it's better to forget about the S-list. He only just experienced a breakthrough in his popularity, but it hasn't stabilized yet. Let's wait for Teacher Zhang to consolidate his position first. Only then will he be considered to be among the superstars."

"This is so awesome!"

"So there are actually so many people who like him?"

The country was still in a state of shock!

Everyone was discussing this turn of events, be it on the television, newspapers, or online. Even in the streets, the discussions were all about Zhang Ye.

...

At his parents' house.

Zhang Ye was actually quite calm at this moment.

His phone had woken him up early in the morning and it hadn't stopped ringing since.

His old classmate, Yu Yingyi:

"My superstar classmate, how are you?"

"Ha! Are you poking fun at me?"

"Can I ask you how you're feeling right now?"

"I just feel like sleeping for a while longer. I've been tired out by all that has happened in recent days."

"You've gotten really popular now. You're the most popular host in the country right now. There has never been a professional host who has ever reached the level you're at now. This has never before happened in the history of hosting either. Haha, you've really done the bunch of us old classmates proud this time, and also brought glory to us broadcast hosts!"

"Whoa, are my contributions that great?"

"Of course, so you should treat us to a meal."

"Hai, was that what you were really after, woman!"

Ning Lan's call:

"Congratulations."

"Thank you, Sister Ning."

"Please have mercy on me. You're right behind me in the rankings."

"Oh, come on. I can't possibly surpass you."

"You say that. I'm just afraid that you'll suddenly pass me the moment I take my attention off you. I've decided to take on another two film projects this year. The momentum of your popularity is way too strong."

"I'm still far behind you in terms of our popularity."

"It's not that great a difference anymore. Are you trying to blindside me and then suddenly deal me a heavy blow?"

"Damn, am I such a person?"

"Did you think you had a good reputation? Haha!"

Liao Yiqi.

Chen Guang.

Fan Wenli.

Yao Jiancai.

Dong Shanshan.

Zhang Zuo.

Ci Xiufang.

More than a dozen friends called to offer their congratulations.

After a full hour of receiving calls.

Zhang Ye was no longer feeling sleepy. He hummed a ditty and got out of bed to wash up. Looking out into the living room, he shouted twice and found that his parents were not home. His mother had probably dragged his father out somewhere to boast. He smiled at the thought of that but was actually already quite used to it. Then he checked the fridge and took out some leftovers to reheat for breakfast.

What was different about being a superstar?

To him, it didn't feel like there was any difference.

Just look, he still had to eat leftovers.

He was not exactly prepared for this surge in his popularity either. He might seem rather calm now, but he was really not prepared for it. He had suddenly reached third place on the A-list rankings? If this had happened to anyone else, they would also be in for a shock. Thinking back now, Zhang Ye had set a goal for himself this year to see if he could climb up into the A-list rankings. But he never thought he would only need a few months to get there. And who would have thought that he would even make it to third place after just another few months of being on the A-list rankings! He had as good as jumped several rungs, each time further than the last. It was no wonder that the industry insiders and netizens found it difficult to accept since even Zhang Ye himself was quite stunned by it!

At this moment, Rao Aimin called.

To return a very big favor, Old Rao had now taken on the role of Zhang Ye's agent. Although Old Rao had quite an unreasonable personality, did many things quite half-heartedly, and also possessed a sharp tongue, she still handled many of Zhang Ye's matters diligently. At least, she had never let him down when it came to his work.

Old Rao: "What are you up to?"

Zhang Ye laughed. "I just finished eating."

"You're still in the mood to eat? I haven't slept a wink since last night!" Rao Aimin immediately started scolding: "Did you have nothing better to do than go onto King of Masked Singers? Why did you have to go and sing? Now that you've become so popular, I'm starting to get all kinds of inquiries. Do you know how many calls I've taken in these past few days? Huh? Over 200! Seven film crews invited you to take part in their productions, eight television stations wanted to cooperate with you on some shows, nine music companies were hoping to sign a contract with you, and 60-plus commercial performance leads came knocking on your door. There were also some other calls which I don't really remember anymore!"

Zhang Ye hurriedly said: "It was hard on you, hard on you."

Rao Aimin said impatiently: "Are you gonna take any of those offers?"

"Not for now. I want to rest up for a period of time first." Zhang Ye said: "Besides, I haven't thought of what I want to do next, so let's wait it out for now."

"Alright, I understand then." Rao Aimin even instructed at the end of the call: "Don't get any more famous than you already are. It's good enough. Don't overdo it."

Zhang Ye didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Eh?"

Rao Aimin suggested: "If you're free and have nothing to do, go and scold more people and get into more fights. Make yourself less popular. Alright, I'm hanging up!"

Zhang Ye said: "It's only for a while. It'll get better as soon as the popularity dies down."

An agent requesting for her celebrity client to not get too famous? To go and scold more people? Get into more fights? What the fuck, what kind of requests were those? In the entire industry, perhaps only Rao Aimin would say something like that!

However, Zhang Ye was not angry about this. Old Rao was never really an agent to begin with. She was just an amateur agent who did things according to the mood she was in. He got Rao Aimin to be his agent simply for the reason of "protection." He had made too many enemies and offended too many people. If he had appointed someone else to be his agent, Zhang Ye would definitely be worried about them. What if something were to happen or his enemies wanted to take revenge? If that happened, Zhang Ye would have brought harm onto others. But if it was Old Rao, he wouldn't have to worry. She had more or less fully recovered from her injuries by now, so not even several dozen people would be able to get close to her. Further, she could help Zhang Ye turn down some work as well. This made things much simpler for Zhang Ye. Otherwise, he would have had to handle everything and answer all the calls by himself. Even if there were 25 hours in a day, it wouldn't be enough, so he could only trouble Old Rao with this for the time being.

Ring, ring, ring.

It was a call from his junior sister.

Yang Shu said: "Senior Bro, do you need me around today?"

"I don't. What are you planning to do?"

"Then I won't go over to your place. I'm teaching shadowboxing now."

"Don't get into trouble with the Urban Management Bureau 1 ."

"Ah, OK."

Right now, Zhang Ye's team was simply a motley crew of people.

The four of them could basically be labeled as the oddest team of people in the entire entertainment industry.

The star, Zhang Ye: The publicly acknowledged most wondrous person in the entertainment industry.

The agent, Rao Aimin: A martial arts grandmaster without a proper job. A well-known hooligan of the martial arts world who hopes daily for Zhang Ye's popularity to drop.

The bodyguard-cum-chauffeur, Yang Shu: A rash woman who only thinks of making Taiji Fist famous again. Often found giving out pamphlets to the elderly in the closest neighborhoods and asking them to take up Taiji shadowboxing, dealing a blow to the town square dance group that was just starting to get popular!

Logistics, Wu Zeqing: The only normal person among all of them.

Hai.

This was what made up a superstar's crew. Sometimes, Zhang Ye even felt that it would be too embarrassing to speak of this to others.

It would be a long road ahead.

There was still much left to do.

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Chapter 1094: Zhang Ye's request for leave!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Later that morning.

His parents were still not home yet.

He watched television.

Listened to music.

It felt like a pretty good way to spend his time.

Zhang Ye was ready to give himself half a month of break and not take on any jobs for the moment. He would just not bother with anything and rest up for a period of time. Every time he had a major breakthrough in his career, Zhang Ye would do this afterwards. It could be said that this was a habit of his, and the media and citizens had also gotten used to this casual attitude of his. Further, now that Zhang Ye had successfully gained entry into the ranks of the superstars, he would need to rest for an even longer period of time. As the saying goes, to rest is to prepare for a stronger challenge ahead. After he had taken a long enough break, he would go back and continue causing a stir in the entertainment industry. He still needed to think of a way to get to the top of the A-list rankings, so how could he not recharge first?

Ring, ring, ring.

The calls kept coming. There were reporters seeking interviews and advertisers who bypassed his agent to get in touch with him directly to invite him to take some commercial filming. Zhang Ye rejected all of them.

He decided to make an announcement on Weibo.

Zhang Ye: "Applying for half a month's leave. I will not be taking any work in this period of time so that I can get some rest. If there are any urgent matters, please contact my agent."

After he posted it, Zhang Ye called Wu Zeqing.

"Old Wu, where are you?"

"I have a meeting today in the suburbs."

"You're so busy on a Sunday too?"

"Is something the matter?"

"I miss you. What time will you be back from the meeting?"

"It should end at around 3 or 4 in the afternoon, but I need to go back to my parents' place first. They arranged a blind date for me again, so I need to go back to sort it out them."

"They're still arranging blind dates for you? Have you told them about us yet?"

"I've brought it up before but did not mention who you were. I told them that I have a boyfriend and that he has a successful career. I also mentioned that you have quite a good character and are a little younger than me. My mother was quite alright with it and did not say anything, but my father was pretty against it. He did not even ask who you were and just objected to it, so I'll still need to work on him a little."

"Hai, that's tough."

"Let me get everything settled here first before I bring you to formally meet my parents."

"Alright, give me a call tonight after you're done with everything."

"OK."

A blind date?

He would have to seize the chance and quickly marry Old Wu. That was what mattered the most!

After hanging up, he continued browsing through Weibo and was met with a bustle of activity.

Countless netizens had replied to his post!

"Applying for leave again?"

"Pfft, Teacher Zhang is so wilful!"

"With your popularity soaring, now's the best time to make more money. Why are you applying for leave at such a crucial time?"

"In all of showbiz, only Teacher Zhang would do something like this!"

"Hahaha, isn't this how he's always been?"

"Not approved!"

"Right, your leave is not approved!"

"I won't agree to it either!"

"Rejected!"

"The reason for your leave request is inadequate!"

"Rejected! Rewrite your application!"

"Heehee!"

Quite a number of people started bantering.

When Zhang Ye saw this, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. You guys aren't even allowing me to take a leave of absence? If I don't take some time off to rest and spend time with my girlfriend, she'll run off soon!

He posted an update to his request for leave. "I've nearly forgotten what my girlfriend looks like. I would like to go and see her, so please approve of my leave."

This was a very famous reason to request leave in Zhang Ye's previous world.

When this was posted, a lot of the media personnel and fellow industry peers were taken aback!

"Ah!"

"Zhang Ye has a girlfriend?"

"Who is it? Who is it!"

"Damn, this is big news!"

"There was no news about this before though?"

"When did it happen?"

Suddenly, a lot of netizens started disproving him.

"Don't listen to his crap!"

"Teacher Zhang just likes to brag and talk nonsense!"

"Hahaha, this leave request has really tickled my funny bone!"

"Pfft, Teacher Zhang. Are you really in such a miserable state? You even forgot what your girlfriend looks like?"

"I don't believe it!"

"The issue here is that you need to have a girlfriend first!"

"What is Zhang Ye's criteria for a partner?"

"Right, don't brag anymore. Tell us your criteria and we'll help introduce someone to you."

"Do you want someone pretty?"

"Long or short hair? Big or small eyes?"

"Teacher Zhang, could you be requesting leave to go on a blind date? I'm cramping up from laughing!"

"My sister is really pretty. Let me matchmake the two of you!"

"What are the things you're looking for? Tell us!"

Zhang Ye's request for leave post had suddenly attracted a lot of attention. He was currently very popular and there was a lot of attention on him. But no one expected Zhang Ye to throw out a poem at the next second. A lot of people who saw it were shocked. The beauty of this poem was simply too intoxicating!

Zhang Ye's Weibo:

Carrying an umbrella, all alone.

Pacing up and down this long, long

rainy alley on my own.

I yearn to meet

a girl who is like the lilac,

resentful and downbeat.

She has all

the colors of the lilac,

the fragrance of the lilac,

the sorrow of the lilac.

Wistful in the rain,

wistful and halting,

she paces down this deserted, rainy alley,

holding an umbrella

just like me,

and just like me she

silently trudges,

aloof, sullen, and brooding.

Silent she approaches,

nearing and casting

a glance like a heavy sigh.

She drifts past

as if just a dream,

as if just a hazy dream, downcast.

As if a lilac

passing through a dream,

this woman passes by my back;

She silently goes far, farther,

and reaches a toppled fence,

leaving this rain lane.

In the rain's mournful song,

her colors wash away,

her fragrance dissipates.

Gone, washed away, even her

eyes that heavily sigh,

her lilac lachrymose.

Carrying an umbrella, all alone.

Pacing up and down this long, long

rainy alley on my own.

I yearn to meet

a girl who is like the lilac,

resentful and downbeat.

The netizens were dumbfounded at reading it. Damn, he really could just compose a poem on a whim!

Yet, this was really, incredibly beautiful!

The woman described in this poem was truly beautiful!

All at once, the comments blew up!

"This is the most artistic request for leave that I've ever seen!"

"My heart aches for Teacher Zhang!"

"The woman who's like a lilac has already gone far ahead. Teacher Zhang, hurry up and chase after her!"

"Approved!"

"Approved!"

"You can take your leave now!"

"Teacher Zhang, we'll allow you to go on your break!"

"Hurry and go!"

"Go for it!"

A woman who crossed paths and then headed off into the distance had captivated a lot of the netizens. They did not know which unlucky girl Zhang Ye had set his eyes on, but they definitely had to be supportive of such an important encounter of love!

Only a few people from the literary circle could not resist criticizing Zhang Ye. Their literary upbringing was clearly much higher than the common folks!

Someone from the Writers' Association sighed: "What a good poem! But to use such a good poem in a place like this! Isn't, isn't this too great a waste!"

A person from the CFLAC 1 said angrily: "How could the beauty of this poem be so simple? There's clearly a much deeper meaning to it! How could Zhang Ye use something so grand as his request for leave?"

"What a waste of talent!"

"I'm so angered that I laugh!"

"This Zhang Ye! Having all that talent but using it so carelessly! He pisses me off!"

One of his poems had once again generated heaps of controversy!

Zhang Ye actually understood much better than them that this was not a poem about a girl. It did not just refer to a lilac girl, but more about the vague hopes and desires of a person. But to Zhang Ye, Wu Zeqing was currently all of his hopes and desires.

In his eyes, Old Wu was that lilac girl.

What can anyone do about that?

Bite me?

Chapter 1095: The strangeness of the Lucky Halo!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

In the suburbs.

In a conference hall.

During the meeting's intermission, Wu Zeqing suddenly overheard the people beside her whispering while holding their cell phones. There were mentions of Weibo, Zhang Ye, poetry, and something about a request for leave?

She went online to check.

The poem "Rainy Alley" appeared before her eyes.

The colors of the lilac.

The fragrance of the lilac.

A girl who is…like the lilac?

She read this poem five times over before breaking out into a grin. A lot of people around her were stunned from reading this poem as well.

Her cell phone rang.

It was a call from her family.

"Zeqing."

"Dad."

"What time will you be back this afternoon?"

"4 or 5 PM."

"Alright, drive safe."

...

Noon.

Back at home.

Zhang Ye's parents called to say that they were at a relative's place and would not be coming home for lunch. Zhang Ye ended up eating leftovers again for lunch. He sighed to himself at the sorry state of things. He looked at his watch and saw that it was still too early for Old Wu's meeting to have finished. Moreover, she still had to go back to her parents' place in the evening, so it would have to be at least 8 PM before he could get to see her today.

So what should he do in the afternoon?

As a matter of fact, this fellow did not really have any hobbies at all. Ever since he'd graduated, he had always been working, day in and day out. Even when he took leave from his work, he did not really know what to do.

It's time for the lottery then.

Zhang Ye had so many Reputation Points right now that it was even shocking to him.

He activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded) and chose the Lottery Draw (One) option to play. He decided to place 1,000 additional stakes to see if he could get any new items!

100 million Reputation Points were spent just like that!

The lottery draw began!

The wheel started to spin!

Soon after, the needle came to a stop in the Skills Category region!

[Go Skill Experience Book] 1001.

Go 1 ?

What would I need this for?

Zhang Ye was speechless. Had the Lucky Halo lost its effect? But thinking about it, similar situations had happened too. The luckiness effect of the Lucky Halo was not 100% effective. Out of a few hundred times, there would be an occasional, ineffective occurrence. So he wasn't too bothered by it. He started to study the Go Skill Experience Books as he "ate" them one by one. When he came to the last skill experience book, a familiar looking notification popped up, just as he had expected. He had encountered this before!

The Go skill has been maxed out!

He was unable to learn it any further!

Zhang Ye decided not to play Lottery Draw (One) anymore. Since he hadn't tried his luck in Lottery Draw (Two) for quite a while now, he decided to spend another 100 million Reputation Points on it.

He opened the Lottery Draw (Two) interface.

A familiar looking slot machine appeared.

This was the lottery draw that required 10 million Reputation Points per try. If he placed nine additional stakes, that would expend 100 million Reputation Points immediately. But Zhang Ye did not feel the pinch anymore since he had a ton of Reputation Points.

The draw began!

The slot machine started cycling!

One by one, the icons slid past the screens!

Then it slowed, slowing and slowing!

Zhang Ye's Lucky Halo (Upgraded) was still activated. He did not mind what items he would get from the draw as long as it didn't turn out to be empty. Otherwise, these 100 million Reputation Points would go down the drain.

The slot machine came to a stop. The result came out!

Skills Category Treasure Chest (Medium)!

The medium-sized golden chests were about twice as big as the small chests. When he opened them up, the Skill Experience Book inside turned out to be much larger than the ones in the small treasure chests. It seemed that this was the first time Zhang Ye got a skill experience book from Lottery Draw (Two). But when he saw the name of the skill experience books, he was dumbfounded!

[Go Skill Experience Book] 10.

Your sister!

It was still Go?

He immediately gave it a try and flipped open the first skill experience book. The book dissolved into glowing light particles and surged directly into Zhang Ye's mind. He could clearly sense that his skill had leveled up, and there was no system notification to say that it couldn't be learned. It looked like his previous guesses were right. For the Lottery Draw (One)'s Skill and Stats Category items, some of them would max out at a hundred, while some would max out at a thousand. But in Lottery Draw (Two), the enlarged skill experience books in the medium-sized treasure chests would still continue to increase his experience. However, that increase would no longer be exponential and the effect lessened the more he "ate" them. The 1,000 smaller Go Skill Experience Books that he had just studied cost the same as the 10 larger ones, at 100 million total Reputation Points each. But the 10 larger skill experience books clearly did not have as great an effect as when he "ate" the smaller ones.

This was actually quite normal. To cite an example: A weightlifting beginner could easily go from lifting 25 kg to 50 kg. But to get to lifting 75 kg from 50 kg, it would only get more difficult. Then, to get from lifting 100 kg to 125 kg, it would be even harder. Once it got close to human limits, it would almost be impossible to achieve. The great thing about Lottery Draw (Two)'s prizes was that it could allow the user to continue increasing the skill level even though the base limits had already been reached. It might seem like the growth rate was negligible, but the actual growth was not the same. This was a really important discovery!

Stamina?

Strength?

This meant Zhang Ye could still get to a higher level in those stats!

Zhang Ye was rather happy to have gained a further understanding of the game ring. But still, he felt that this skill experience book for Go was a bit of a scam. Oh right, the Lucky Halo was still activated.

Just as he was about to deactivate the Reputation Points sucking item, he heard a shuffle of footsteps at the door. With a swish, an ad pamphlet was slotted in through the gap at the bottom of the door.

He deactivated the Lucky Halo and walked to the door to pick up the pamphlet.

Xuanwumen Go Club?

Recruiting members?

Play for free for two hours by showing this pamphlet?

Zhang Ye suddenly realized that there was something going on. Logically, the Lucky Halo would not usually fail. Moreover, the Lucky Halo he was using was an upgraded version, so the effects should be much stronger. Even if it had failed to work properly once, it shouldn't happen twice in a row. Further, someone had even handed out a Go club pamphlet through the door?

Could there be some deeper meaning to this?

Since he did not have anything to do, he immediately decided that he would head there to have a look.

...

Later that afternoon.

Xuanwumen.

As it wasn't far away, Zhang Ye slow jogged over so that he could get some light training in as well. But as he got recognized by people three times along the way, he quickly turned into the alleyways to hide from the attention. Very soon, he reached his destination.

A traditional air exuded from the Go club building that spanned two stories.

He pushed opened the door and entered the building. It wasn't a large place and felt more like a café.

An old man sat at the reception desk.

"Hello, young man."

"Hello."

"Is this your first time here?"

"Yes. This pamphlet says that I can play two hours for free?"

"Let me take a look, please? Oh yes, you can play for free. It's on the second floor."

Clack, clack. He could hear the clink of the Go stones being played upstairs.

Zhang Ye went upstairs to take a look but saw that there weren't too many people at the club. Those who were here were basically just the elderly, so he took off his sunglasses. Since his fanbase did not include the elderly, he thought that it would be fine to just wear his surgical mask as he probably wouldn't get recognized by anyone here. If he had been wearing his aviators inside, it would have made him stand out even more.

He found a spot where no one was at and sat down. Then he started laying out the stones based on a game record 2 .

Zhang Ye had learned about Go way back then. Of course, he didn't learn it professionally. He only joined those compulsory interest-based classes where they made you learn activities like Xiangqi 3 , badminton, and soccer during elementary and middle school. For some reason, he chose to learn about Go back then. It was because of those classes that he had gained a basic knowledge of Go, although his knowledge was just on how to play it. Though he'd read many game records, he still couldn't grasp many of the basic concepts and wasn't exactly interested in the game either.

Five minutes.

Ten minutes.

He sat there by himself. No one came to look for him to play him, nor did he go to anyone seeking to play them. He simply wanted to find out what was going on with the Lucky Halo today.

Suddenly, someone came upstairs.

He turned to look and saw an old man in his fifties. He was wearing in a Chinese tunic suit and dressed very smartly. His eyebrows were pretty bushy, and he looked like he had quite the temper.

When he arrived, the people in the Go club immediately stopped playing.

"Yo."

"Teacher Changhe."

"What a rare guest!"

"What brought you here today?"

"Did you argue with your daughter again? Haha!"

"Or did you get chased out of your house by your wife?"

The several old men were definitely old acquaintances from the looks of it, bantering the moment he arrived.

That old man who was addressed as Teacher Changhe scowled and rolled his eyes. "You all better keep it down. Do you think I won't slaughter all of you on the Go board? Who wants to have a go? Come on, I'll let you have a handicap of three stones!"

A middle-aged man laughed and said, "We wouldn't dare to play against you even if you gave us a handicap of five stones. Who hadn't heard of your great name all those years ago, Changhe 9-dan?"

Teacher Changhe did not like what he was hearing. He harrumphed, "You make it sound as if no one knows who I am now!"

An old man said in amusement, "You have students everywhere, and so many of them are even national players. I'm sure the entire world knows who you are. Does that sound better to you? There's a popular saying that goes 'a good man does not harp on past glories.' You've been retired for so many years. Why are you still so competitive?"

Teacher Changhe said with a laugh, "But I'm still stronger than the several of you old fogies. You tried so hard all those years ago and still couldn't make it as professional Go players. At most, you're known as dominant players among amateurs!"

9th dan?

A Go 9-dan?

Zhang Ye was taken aback. There was actually such a highly skilled player in this small Go club?

A 9th dan is one of the highest honors in the Go world. Even if one was old or retired, a 9th dan's strength was still at the level of a professional and would definitely be considered a person of distinction in the Go world. What was such a high ranking person doing here in a small, amateur Go club like this one?

Changhe 9-dan said, "I'm not going to continue bantering with you all. I still have something to handle here. Where's Old Lu? We arranged to meet at this time, so where is he?"

"Old Lu just left."

"Ah?"

"I think his wife fell sick."

"That old fogey! I told him that I had something important to discuss with him! How can he delay me like this!"

"What's the matter, Teacher Changhe?"

"Nothing, it's nothing."

Changhe 9-dan was looking pretty unhappy.

Where else could he go to find someone at a time like this?

Suddenly, he glanced over in Zhang Ye's direction. "Eh? Who's that young man?"

An old man looked over. "We don't know him. He just came in a short while ago, I think he's here to play Go? But he didn't approach anyone to play against and has just been laying out stones from a game record all this while."

In this Go club that basically consisted of only the elderly, a young man walking into the premises naturally caught their attention. However, no one went over to interact with him.

Changhe 9-dan walked over to him and had a look at the Go board. His curiosity was piqued and he took a closer look at it. His eyes lit up. "Why have I never come across a game record like this one before?"

Zhang Ye looked up at him and said with a smile, "I was placing them down willy-nilly. I forget where I saw it."

Of course he wouldn't have come across it before. That was because this game record was from a match between two Go masters from Zhang Ye's previous world. Zhang Ye was just replaying that match.

Changhe 9-dan sat down across from him and scrutinized him "You're a beginner?"

Zhang Ye smiled. "More or less."

Changhe 9-dan asked, "How good are you?"

"I'm OK, I guess," Zhang Ye said conservatively.

The several old men in the Go club were all amused at this reply. OK? How confident!

Changhe 9-dan narrowed his eyes. "Alright, let's play a match."

Zhang Ye thought a little. "Sure."

"I'll let you have a handicap of two stones. Come on!" Changhe 9-dan took the whites stones for himself.

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Chapter 1096: Zhang Ye's blind date?

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

In the Go club.

The atmosphere livened up.

"Quick, let's go and watch."

"Changhe is playing."

"I haven't seen him play Go in a very long time."

"I'll go and watch as well."

"Why is he playing against a young man?"

"I don't know."

The game began.

Zhang Ye was given a handicap of two stones. He did not say anything and just smiled as he started playing his first moves 1 .

Changhe 9-dan made his move. "How should I address you?"

Zhang Ye played a knight's move 2 . "You can call me Zhang."

Changhe 9-dan followed up with another move. "Where do you stay?"

"At Caishikou." Zhang Ye played a diagonal move 3 .

Changhe 9-dan's eyebrows jumped as he said, "Oh, that's not far away. I live in the area as well. Not bad, you're pretty good. Let me test you further."

Clink.

Clink.

The stones were placed down onto the board very quickly.

The two of them were seemingly playing a fast game, taking very little time to think in between each move.

As Zhang Ye was given a handicap of two stones, he naturally had the greater advantage and that manifested right from the beginning of the game. However, Changhe 9-dan was a professional and had even stood at the top of Go world before. By the midgame, he had gradually clawed back from his disadvantage, exciting the nearby spectators.

"What a great move!"

"This move is really beautiful!"

"Teacher Changhe is still as skilled as ever!"

Changhe 9-dan even chatted as he played. "Haha. Compared to those past years, I'm no longer as skilled. I'm getting on in age and my mind can't function as fast as before."

An old neighbor of his laughed and said, "The main issue is that your temper has grown and your play has become less steady as before."

Someone who did not agree with that said, "But compared to his previous playing style, Teacher Changhe's attack has become much stronger."

An old man had a look at the Go board, then said, "This young man is pretty good. For an amateur to play so well against Changhe is already quite something. If he puts in more effort and practices, he might even be able to turn professional!"

"That might not be the case."

"Right, don't forget that he was given a handicap of two stones."

"The gap between them is still pretty wide."

"This young man has potential."

There were all kinds of evaluations.

The first match ended.

Without even the need for adding compensation 4 , Zhang Ye had lost.

But Changhe 9-dan was very happy. "That was a very enjoyable game. In recent years, other than professional players, there have rarely been any amateurs who can play so well against me."

Zhang Ye smiled.

Changhe 9-dan's interest was piqued. "Come, come, let's play another game. I will give you a handicap of two stones as usual."

Although Changhe 9-dan was very familiar with the old neighbors here, he seldom played with them. This was because the difference in their levels was so huge that even giving a handicap would not resolve the issue. He would usually play Go with his disciples instead or go on Internet Go servers to look for his old friends who were professional Go players to be his opponents. But to him, the feeling of playing online by clicking on a mouse was clearly not as good as the real thing. So now that he had met this young man who could compare to him, he naturally would not allow him to leave.

They started a new game.

Changhe 9-dan won again!

Zhang Ye was not bothered by this either. It was as if he was not being serious at all.

However, the others around definitely did not think of it any other way. They thought that this young man had already given his all in order to achieve such results against a former 9th dan Go master.

After three rounds, Changhe 9-dan banged on the table and laughed heartily. "Alright, young man! You'll do." Then, amid everyone's confused gazes, Changhe 9-dan pulled Zhang Ye toward the exit. "Let's go! Come with me!"

Zhang Ye was stunned. "To where?"

"To my place."

"Are we still going to play?"

"No, we won't be playing anymore. Haha!"

"Uncle, I still have something to attend to."

"Whatever it is that you have, you need to postpone it. I'm depending on you to save the day!"

Zhang Ye was at a loss for words. Without even knowing what was going on, he had been dragged to the entrance of a courtyard house 5 by the old man. Once inside, he didn't see anyone else in the courtyard and was unsure if the entire place belonged to the old man's household. Very quickly, he was then dragged off into the northern house by the old man.

In the house.

A middle-aged woman preparing some vegetables looked up, slightly startled. "You're back?"

Changhe 9-dan said with a laugh, "I'm back. Are you preparing dinner?"

Li Qinqin looked at Zhang Ye. "Is this young man Old Lu's son? That's not right. I saw him last year. He doesn't look like that?"

Changhe 9-dan waved her off. "Don't talk about that Old Lu. He'd too unreliable, standing me up at the Go club. There, didn't I still manage to find this young man at the last minute? We even played two rounds of Go together and I found out that he's quite good. I would consider him to be one of the better amateur players around. It's just a shame that he's a bit old. If he were 16, 17 years old, I would definitely have taken him as my disciple."

Li Qinqin grumbled, "You're always doing things like that. Look at him. He doesn't even know what's going on and you've dragged him here. You're really something."

Zhang Ye gave a wry smile. "Auntie, what is going on?"

Li Qinqin apologized, "Child, please go back. This has nothing to do with you."

"Why're you making him leave!" Changhe 9-dan waved her off. "Never you mind. Our daughter will be back soon. Just make dinner. I'll take charge of this myself."

Li Qinqin didn't know how to react. "You do that."

Changhe 9-dan said, "So what if I do? I just dislike that guy our daughter found for herself."

Li Qinqin shook her head and said, "You don't even know who he is."

"Isn't it enough knowing what his job is?" Changhe 9-dan grunted, "Anyway, I won't agree to it. I'll definitely foil her plans!"

Zhang Ye was confused by what was going on.

Changhe 9-dan's next line scared the living daylights out of Zhang Ye. "Kid, when my daughter gets back, I'm arranging for you two to have a blind date. Do have a good chat with her."

What?

A blind date?

Why would I have a blind date!

Zhang Ye was floored. "I already have a girlfriend."

Changhe 9-dan said, "Uh-huh, that's fine. My daughter definitely won't have eyes for you anyway."

Zhang Ye was floored again. "Uncle, why doesn't that sound right at all to me?"

Li Qinqin blinked. "Young man, what's your job?"

Zhang Ye took off his surgical mask.

Li Qinqin said curiously, "Why do you look a little familiar?"

Changhe 9-dan looked at him and nodded approvingly. "Mhm, your looks are average but you're classy. Otherwise, why would there be a saying that those who play Go don't lack for class? So what do you do for a living?"

Man, you two really don't know who I am?

Zhang Ye had to nonchalantly say, "I'm a teacher."

Li Qinqin probed further, "What subject do you teach?"

Zhang Ye said, "Mathematics."

"A teacher? That's not bad!" Changhe 9-dan nodded and said, "You even teach mathematics? No wonder you could play Go so well. Mathematics and Go are interrelated. I know some math professors from Peking University who are also quite good at Go."

Bro, I am from Peking University!

Li Qinqin studied Zhang Ye, then said, "It's just that he's too young."

Zhang Ye made to leave. "I really can't do this, so I'll be leaving."

But Changhe 9-dan grabbed him. "Get back here. Do you know how beautiful my daughter is? Huh? Let me tell you this! If you leave now, you'll regret it forever! You are a Go player as well. Don't you know the traditions of our Go world? In times of trouble, aid arrives from all over. You must know that, right? Sit down. No matter what, you must have dinner before you leave. What if, and I'm saying what if, my daughter really likes you? Then that would be a blessing that you've earned through your previous eight lifetimes! Of course, that likely won't be the case." Beaming with joy, he could not help but continue, "You do not know how outstanding my daughter is. She is beautiful, she works as…"

In the end, Zhang Ye was persuaded to stay.

Or rather, he had been held back by force.

Zhang Ye was starting to feel ill at ease and was almost in tears. I'm having a blind date? If this gets out and Old Wu learns about it, I'll die without knowing how I died! Are you trying to get me into trouble?!

This Lucky Halo is really too much!

I've totally been scammed!

This is simply—

All of a sudden, footfalls came from the entrance of the courtyard.

Li Qinqin's eyes lit up. "Our daughter is back!"

Changhe 9-dan gave Zhang Ye a wink and said, "Perform well and act natural. When you see what my daughter looks like in a while, don't get too shocked. She's really beautiful!"

The footsteps were getting closer and closer.

The silhouette of a person was visible in the courtyard.

Li Qinqin went up to her with a smile. "You're back?"

Changhe 9-dan asked, "Where did you park your car?"

The woman smiled and said, "I parked it at the entrance of the alley."

Then, when the woman spotted Zhang Ye inside the house, she was stunned!

When Zhang Ye saw the woman standing outside the house, he was stunned as well!

Holy shit!

Old Wu?

1. Zhang Ye plays black, Changhe plays white https/senseis./?Handicap https/senseis./?Komi

2. 飞/Fēi/Keima - a stone placement which makes an 'L' shape. Often referred to in English as a "knight's move", as it mimics the movement of the knight piece in chess. https/senseis./?KnightsMove https/en./wiki/Shape_(Go)

3. 尖/Jiān/Kosumi - a move placed at a point diagonally adjacent to another of one's own stones where the adjoining intersections are unoccupied. https/senseis./?Kosumi https/en./wiki/Shape_(Go)

4. 贴目/Tiē mù/Komi - a bonus in score given to white as compensation for going second. There is no agreement on what komi ought to be, but is commonly in the range of 4.5 to 7.5 points. Komi almost always includes a half point for breaking ties. Area Scoring - https/senseis./?ChineseCounting Territory Scoring - https/senseis./?JapaneseCounting https/senseis./?Komi

5. https/en./wiki/Courtyard_house https/en./wiki/Siheyuan

Chapter 1097: This is my boyfriend!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

In the courtyard house.

The two of them stared at one another and saw the shock in each other's eyes. Zhang Ye could not have expected that the woman who came in would turn out to be Old Wu even if he were told this a hundred times over!

What was this?

What was going on?

Zhang Ye's jaw dropped!

Wu Changhe patted Zhang Ye on the shoulder and pointed at the woman who just came in. With a smile, he introduced, "This is my daughter, Wu Zeqing. What do you think? She's good, right? Hur hur, look at you, you're all dumbfounded at seeing her. I was just warning you a moment ago." He was clearly very pleased and proud, thinking that Zhang Ye had been stupefied by his beautiful daughter. "My daughter is a civil servant. She's an official, and an important leader at that, hahaha. Guess which organization she's from. Hmm?"

"Eh?"

Wu Changhe asked again, "Guess! I'm sure you won't be able to guess!"

Zhang Ye didn't know whether to laugh or cry!

Guess?

I won't be able to guess, my ass!

We've known each other for a long time!

Wu Changhe did not even wait for Zhang Ye to guess as he simply announced the answer. "Haha, my daughter is currently an executive at the SARFT. As for what position she holds, you two can talk about it in detail afterwards. I won't go on further about it." Then he looked at Wu Zeqing and said, "My daughter, this is Little Zhang. A young and promising man who can play Go as well as him at his age is rarely seen. He's considered quite outstanding when it comes to the ranks of the amateur players. I only met Little Zhang by chance today and played a few games with him. It felt great playing against him! Although he paled in comparison to me, and I beat him by quite a large margin even though I gave him a handicap of two stones, he was still quite outstanding. Oh, and can you guess what his job is? Take a guess."

Play Go?

Just met each other?

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "What's his job?"

"A teacher! He's a university professor!" Wu Changhe laughed and said, "What a good job that is! Can you guess what subject he teaches? Hmm?"

Wu Zeqing said, "Chinese."

Wu Changhe shook his head. "Nope, he teaches mathematics."

Zhang Ye wiped his sweat away and said, "About that, I—"

Wu Changhe was an impatient man. "Don't be so wishy-washy. Quickly shake hands and get to know each other, hurry."

Shake what hands?!

Zhang Ye did not know what to say anymore.

It was Wu Zeqing who put out her hand first, in a gentle manner. "Hello, Teacher Zhang."

Zhang Ye forced a smile. He had no choice but to shake her hand in return. "Hello."

Li Qinqin pulled her daughter into the house. "Don't stand out here. Let's talk inside. Zeqing, how long ago was it since you came back home? You should come back to visit us more often."

"I'm too busy at the office and can't get away sometimes." Wu Zeqing glanced at Zhang Ye and said, "Feel free to sit and make yourself at home."

Eh?

Their daughter's attitude wasn't too bad?

It seemed like her attitude had changed?

Li Qinqin looked at her daughter with great surprise.

Wu Changhe was quite happy as he thought that his daughter would be very resistant to the idea of this blind date. "That's right, have a seat. Make yourself at home and don't stand on ceremony with us!"

Sweat started beading at Zhang Ye's forehead. "Alright."

The atmosphere was very awkward!

At least Zhang Ye felt that way!

So this is your father?

So this is your mother?

So this is your house?

Holy shit!

Only now did he realize what had happened, and it wasn't that the Lucky Halo that was ineffective. Instead, it had "coincidentally" helped him to meet his future father-in-law. Further, as luck would have it, he was dragged along by his future father-in-law who needed him to step in for someone else to go on a blind date with his daughter! Thinking about it now, he remembered that Wu Zeqing had mentioned on the phone that she would be going back to her parents' home in the evening as her father had arranged another blind date for her! But he could never have expected that the man who came for the blind date would turn out to be him. Just what the heck was this! This was way too dramatic!

Zhang Ye really was not mentally prepared at all. If he knew that he would be coming to Wu Zeqing's home today, he would have bought things and gotten some gifts no matter what. He had never expected that his first time visiting Old Wu's home would happen under such circumstances that would leave anyone at a loss!

The four of them sat down.

Li Qinqin brewed a pot of tea. "Come, have some tea. I'll go make dinner."

Wu Changhe said, "Yes, just chat among yourselves. Don't worry about us." Even though he said that, he did not move away and continued to sit beside them.

Wu Zeqing looked at Zhang Ye and said with a smile, "You can even play Go?"

Zhang Ye coughed and said, "I learned a little when I was in school."

Wu Changhe added, "He's very good."

Zhang Ye immediately said, "No, no. It's just a hobby and I'm only an amateur."

"Look at Little Zhang. He's so modest," Wu Changhe praised.

Li Qinqin rolled her eyes at her husband. "Don't disturb them. Come and help me with dinner."

Wu Changhe said, "You do it. I want to have a little chat with the young ones."

"Auntie, why don't I come and help you?" Zhang Ye swiftly stood up.

Li Qinqin immediately smiled and said, "No need. You two can carry on talking. The food has already been made and dinner will be served in a bit."

Frankly, Old Wu's character was closer to Li Qinqin's. She was gentle and took after her mother in the looks department, with their eyes and nose looking exactly alike. Of course, she also inherited some behavioral traits from her father. For example, she was quite authoritative when it came to work, like him. Old Wu might be gentle, but she was never meek.

Before long, dinner was ready.

Wu Zeqing went to help her mother bring the dishes out.

Wu Changhe asked Zhang Ye in a low voice, "How is it? My daughter's not bad, eh?"

Zhang Ye nodded firmly. "She's really good!"

The dishes were served.

Wu Changhe said loudly, "Actually, my daughter cooks very well. Even her mother cannot compare to her culinary skills. She can make any kind of dish and they'll all be delicious!"

Li Qinqin said with a laugh, "If you don't like to eat something, don't eat it."

Wu Changhe laughed heartily. "How can that do? Come, Little Zhang, try your auntie's cooking. Oh yes, what do your parents do?"

Zhang Ye sat up straight and said in a serious tone, "My parents are ordinary workers."

Li Qinqin said, "Mmm, that's good. The labor workforce consists of the most honorable people."

Wu Changhe nodded. "In fact, we're just an ordinary family as well and are not fussy about such things. We're not insistent on looking for someone who is a government official. Or someone rich. Or require them to be from a family of comparable status. Our family does not have such a mindset as we are very casual people, you know?" He looked at Zhang Ye and said, "We're mainly looking for someone who has a good character and a stable career, like being a teacher. Then, of course, my daughter has to like him as well and they should share something in common. That's all that matters."

Zhang Ye did not dare utter a word.

Wu Zeqing did not show much of an expression and continued to eat.

Wu Changhe looked at his daughter. "My daughter, what do you think of Little Zhang?"

Wu Zeqing nodded. "He's quite good."

Li Qinqin was taken aback. "What do you mean by he's quite good?"

"I'm quite happy." Wu Zeqing smiled.

Li Qinqin gasped in surprise. She felt that her daughter was behaving differently today. In the past, whenever she had a blind date, she would not even turn up to meet the person. When it got unavoidable and she had no choice but to meet them, she would always come up with some excuse, like being needed back at the office, before leaving quickly. So why now was she inviting Little Zhang to have a seat and telling him to make himself at home? She even said things like how she was happy with him? This had never happened before! Did the sun rise up from the west today?

Wu Changhe was also very surprised. "Oh? Then…there's a chance to progress further?"

Wu Zeqing smiled as she scooped some food for both her parents. She said, "Dad, you really know how to choose someone. From a sea of a billion people, even if you narrowed down the range to only Beijing, there are still more than ten million people to choose from. In the end, you just had to bring the most unlikely guy back here."

"Hmm?" Li Qinqin blinked several times.

"What do you mean by that?" Wu Changhe was also confused.

Wu Zeqing pointed at Zhang Ye and said, "The two of you really don't know who he is?"

Zhang Ye gave a hollow laugh.

Wu Changhe said, "I know. He's Little Zhang."

The elderly couple really did not watch much television nor paid any attention to the matters surrounding the entertainment industry.

Li Qinqin suddenly stared at Zhang Ye. "I found him somewhat familiar right as he came in. It's, it's like I've seen him somewhere before."

Wu Zeqing put down her chopsticks and said with a smile, "Then let me reintroduce him to you. The gentleman before you is indeed a university professor. That's not false. It's also true that he teaches math. But the two of you definitely do not know that he holds a title at Peking University and that he is an associate professor in the Math Department."

Li Qinqin was startled. "Peking University? Didn't you used to be the vice president of Peking?"

Wu Changhe stared with mouth agape. "Associate professor? How can there be such a young associate professor at Peking University?"

Wu Zeqing continued, "At the same time, he's also a lecturer in the Chinese Department at Peking University and holds the title of Visiting Associate Professor at Media College. He's as real an academic as you can get." She then paused when she saw her parents' stunned faces. She added, "By the way, he still has some other identities as well. For example, he's a calligrapher, a famous radio host, a famous variety show director, a famous documentary director, a famous singer, a musician, an actor, a famous poet, a famous author, a lawyer, and so on and so forth."

Wu Changhe jumped to his feet!

Li Qinqin asked in surprise, "Th-The two of you already know each other?"

They had figured out who this man was!

Someone who held all these titles in all the nation—there could only be one!

The next moment, Wu Zeqing held onto Zhang Ye's arm very naturally and introduced him calmly to her parents, "This is Zhang Ye, my boyfriend."

Li Qinqin opened her mouth wide. "Ah?"

Wu Changhe panicked. "What did you say?"

"This is your boyfriend?" Li Qinqin didn't know whether to laugh or cry!

They finally understood why their daughter had said those things that didn't make sense to them earlier! From the millions of people in Beijing, Wu Changhe had actually dragged his daughter's real boyfriend whom he had always objected to to their home for a blind date with his daughter! What was the damned probability of that?

Wu Changhe nearly vomited a mouthful of blood!

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Chapter 1098: I will give you a handicap of two stones!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

This was too dramatic!

And it was too unbelievable as well!

How could there be such a coincidence?

Even in television dramas, there wouldn't be such a fucking coincidence!

In an instant, Wu Changhe flew into a rage as he banged on the table and pointed at Zhang Ye. "So you're the rascal that duped my daughter? You still have the cheek to sit here? Huh?"

Zhang Ye sat there in a daze. "Huh? Didn't you tell me to make myself at home?"

Wu Changhe said furiously, "What makes you think that this is your home? Go back to wherever you came from! Get up, get up right now!"

Zhang Ye wiped his sweat away and stood up obediently.

Wu Changhe pointed at him and said, "You got me good, you rascal. Did you plan all of this? You knew that I would be going to the Xuanwumen Go club today? Did you go in advance to lie in wait after my daughter tipped you off? Then insist on following me home, leading to this situation? Huh? Was it you?"

Feeling wronged, Zhang Ye said, "Bro—no, Uncle, I didn't even know where you lived and Old Wu has never even mentioned to me who you are, so how could I possibly know that you were going to the Go club today? And it just so happened that Uncle Lu's son whom you were looking for did not show up? It's not like I'm a fortune teller or something. Besides, I did not insist on following you home. It was you who dragged me here. I didn't even know what was happening!"

Wu Changhe said angrily, "You're still denying it?"

"But it was really you who dragged this young man here," Li Qinqin spoke fairly. "When Little Zhang found out that he was here for a blind date, he even wanted to leave. But you blocked the door and refused to let him go."

Wu Changhe didn't say anything.

It was clear that this was just a coincidence!

Li Qinqin muttered to herself, "Could it really be fate?"

Wu Changhe yelled, "What fate!"

Wu Zeqing smiled. "Dad, let's eat for now." Then she pulled at Zhang Ye for him to sit down and continue eating.

Wu Changhe said, "Do you think I still have an appetite?"

But Wu Zeqing was still as calm as ever. She even gave some food to Zhang Ye. "Try this. My mother is also very good at making chicken wings. She taught me all my culinary skills."

"Oh." Zhang Ye had a taste and said, "Mmm, delicious!"

Wu Changhe shouted, "I won't agree to this anyhow! I won't allow it!"

"Keep it down." Li Qinqin smacked her lips and said, "Little Zhang has come as a guest. Besides, after all's been said and done, you were the one who dragged him to our place."

Wu Changhe quibbled, "I was deceived by him!"

Wu Zeqing looked up. "Dad, can you sit down and eat for now? We'll return to this after dinner. We can't solve anything on an empty stomach, don't you think?"

Wu Changhe sat down angrily. But he did not take another bite of food as he was not in the mood to eat anymore. He had found Zhang Ye to be pretty pleasing to the eye before this. After all, there weren't that many young people who would put in the effort to play Go. But at this moment, Wu Changhe found Zhang Ye to be very unlikable no matter how he looked at him. He wished that he could grab a rolling pin and chase him out of the house!

Wu Zeqing's mother did not have any negative feelings for Zhang Ye. On the contrary, she seemed to be quite interested in him.

Li Qinqin looked at him. "Little Zhang, the two of us don't usually watch television and couldn't recognize you just now, but we've heard a lot about you on more than one occasion. Your reputation precedes you, so I was really curious about you and have always wanted to meet you. But I never expected that we would meet under such circumstances."

Zhang Ye said respectfully, "It's an undeserved reputation that was given to me by the public. Auntie, I've actually wanted to pay you a visit for a long time, but there hadn't been an opportunity to do so. If I knew that I would be here today, I would have brought something along. I feel bad that I didn't get gifts."

Li Qinqin asked, "How many people are in your family?"

Zhang Ye said, "There's only my parents and me."

"You don't have any siblings?"

"I'm an only child."

"How did you get to know my daughter?"

"The first time we met was on a plane. Old Wu invited me to teach at Peking University when she was still the vice president. That was quite a while ago."

Li Qinqin blinked. "How long have you two been together?"

Zhang Ye coughed and said, "About a year."

"We didn't even know about it." Li Qinqin gave her daughter a look.

Wu Zeqing laughed. "How would I dare let you two know when Dad is like this?"

Li Qinqin smiled. "That's true."

Wu Changhe raged and addressed her by name, "Li Qinqin, whose side are you on?"

Li Qinqin replied, "I think Little Zhang is quite good. I don't know much about the entertainment industry nor do I know any of those celebrities. But I've still heard of Little Zhang's name many times before. Even though he is young, he has many accomplishments. Moreover, I heard that Little Zhang helped out a lot with Little Mo's and Little Chubs' (Fat Sis) companies. It's all because of his help that their companies managed to do well. Didn't they mention that during our last meal together? They were especially thankful to Little Zhang, saying that if not for him, their companies would have gone bust! Little Zhang has given his best and really done a lot for our family."

Zhang Ye was extremely touched!

He did not expect that Wu Zeqing's mother would actually speak up for him!

Wu Changhe said angrily, "I'm telling you, I will declare this first: I will not accept this, definitely not. So what if he is very accomplished? No matter how accomplished he is, he is still someone in the entertainment industry! Don't you know what sort of people are in that industry? There are hardly any good people in there! That industry is just a messed up place! The age difference and earnings are both not issues here. But no matter what, she mustn't get married to someone in the entertainment industry! Are you trying to push our daughter into a fiery pit of suffering?"

Wu Zeqing smiled. "Then you can think of him as a university professor."

"I can't do that." Wu Changhe said, "That is not his main career!"

Wu Zeqing said, "Aren't you making things difficult for me this way? When I said that I found someone, you told me that you were not fine with it. Alright, now that you've brought someone back and I accepted him, you're telling me no again? Dad, I can make my own decisions and know what I'm doing. If it's someone I like, no one can talk me out of it."

Wu Changhe said angrily, "Why are you so naïve? Don't you know what kind of reputation this Zhang Ye has? His character is already questionable. How can you marry a person like him?"

At this, Zhang Ye could no longer just listen quietly.

Zhang Ye's eyebrows jumped as he interrupted, "Uncle, I won't say anything if you criticize me on other matters. But if you say that my character is questionable, I won't accept it."

Li Qinqin looked at Zhang Ye in surprise.

Wu Changhe had a bad temper, but so did Zhang Ye.

There were issues that he could back off on.

There were issues that he could give in to.

But some things, he had to speak up when something needed to be said!

Wu Changhe stared at him. "You won't accept it?"

Zhang Ye said slowly, "It's not that I don't respect my elders. But if you say that my character is questionable, I must definitely take it up with you. I can't pretend that I didn't hear it."

The two of them immediately started to quarrel!

They had quite an exchange of words, but neither of them was willing to give in!

Li Qinqin quickly mediated by saying, "There's no problem with Little Zhang's character. He saved a lot of people during the plane hijacking incident back then. Didn't you also say it just now? That he plays Go exceptionally well. You've said that those who can play Go well never have bad characters."

Wu Changhe sneered, "He plays well? You really believe the words that I casually said? By that skill of his and me giving him a two stone handicap, I can still beat him by 6 points and above without needing to wrack my brains. His Go skill is so lousy. How well could he possibly play! Judging by his Go technique that was full of rashness and unsteadiness, it would be a wonder if his character can be good!"

Wu Zeqing put down her chopsticks and wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin in an even manner. "Enough. Little Ye, let's go."

Li Qinqin said, "Stay awhile longer and eat more."

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "If we continue eating, these two will soon start a fight. Little Ye and I will go back."

However, Zhang Ye was not about to leave just yet. "That won't do. We have to clear up this matter about my character first. Uncle, I can sense that you're deliberately targeting me."

Wu Changhe couldn't help but laugh. "You still don't want to admit that you play a lousy game of Go?"

Zhang Ye said, "Does that mean that a person who can play Go well will automatically have a good character?"

"Of course. Go is a kind of self-cultivation. Those who exploit others by taking advantage of the situation and people with questionable characters would never be able to play it well." Wu Changhe grunted.

Zhang Ye nodded. "Alright then, let's use Go to sort it out. We'll play another match. Are you fine with that?"

Wu Changhe was amused. "You still want to play against me? You're far from as good as me! Even if you practiced for another 50 years, you still won't be a match for me! You couldn't beat me even if I gave you a handicap of two stones!"

However, Zhang Ye's next line stunned everyone in the house!

Zhang Ye said, "This time around, let me give you a handicap of two stones!"

There was a Go board with specialized seats in the house. Having said that, Zhang Ye walked right over and sat down. He took the white stones 1 and looked at Wu Changhe. "Go ahead."

You're giving me a handicap?

Of two stones?

Wu Changhe nearly burst out laughing!

Li Qinqin gave a bitter laugh. "Little Zhang, your uncle here was ranked as a 9th dan in Go back in his day."

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "Auntie, I know that."

Wu Changhe laughed in anger. He sat down heavily on the side of the black stones. "Alright, you think that you can beat me just because I didn't play seriously just then? Haha!"

Zhang Ye said with a smile, "What a coincidence. I wasn't playing seriously either."

The atmosphere became really tense!

The conflict between these two escalated!

Li Qinqin knew that she could not dissuade them, so she did not say any more and spectated. She was no stranger to Go. Although she was not good at playing, she still knew how to watch a match of Go.

It was the same for Wu Zeqing. She quietly walked to the rear of Zhang Ye. She understood Go as well, of course.

Wu Changhe didn't try to be polite nor have the bearing of a one-time 9th dan professional player. He grabbed two black stones and slapped them down on the Go board with a sneer. "You're giving me a handicap of two stones, right? Good! Let's see how you're going to play!"

Li Qinqin frowned. "Changhe, what are you trying to do?"

Wu Changhe said, "He was the one who spoke arrogantly first and gave me a handicap of two stones. I'm just abiding by his wishes." He said to Zhang Ye, "Come, let me see what you look like when you get serious!"

Taking the white stones, Zhang Ye's expression had already changed. It was a completely different look from the way he was while at the Go club in the afternoon. It was as though he had totally become another person now.

Clink!

Zhang Ye placed his stone!

Wu Changhe glanced at him as he laughed and placed his stone too.

Knight's move.

A move followed.

Horizontal stretch 2 .

Placement 3 .

Another knight's move.

Followed by another move.

Extension 4 .

As he played, Wu Changhe kept mocking, "What lousy moves. Do you even know how to play? You even want to make a diagonal move over here? What's the point of doing that? Have you ever seen any professional players play like that? You're a total amateur!"

But gradually, Wu Changhe's words lessened until he did not have anything to say.

Li Qinqin was stunned!

Wu Zeqing suddenly smiled!

That "diagonal move" that Zhang Ye made just now had made Wu Changhe break out in a cold sweat!

Holy shit!

What kind of move was that?

This way of playing had rarely been employed by anyone in the past!

Wu Changhe's expression changed.

...

Two hours later.

Their match lasted a full two hours.

Zhang Ye placed the last stone down with a loud clink.

Wu Changhe's face had turned green from anger!

How could that be possible!

Just how could that be possible!

Li Qinqin also looked at Zhang Ye in disbelief!

He lost!

Wu Changhe had actually lost!

And he even lost after given a handicap of two stones!

Zhang Ye said, "You were saying earlier that those who can play a good game of Go would surely have a good character? So it looks like my character isn't that bad after all, huh?"

1. Black stones go first, white stones go second. Essentially, going second means you're at a disadvantage from the start.

2. 并/Bìng/Narabi - A Japanese Go term, is a specific type of stretch (solid extension) in which neither the stone extended from nor the extension touches other stones. https/senseis./?Narabi

3. 点/Diǎn/oki - A placement is a play inside the opponent's group, mostly but not necessarily on a vital point, weakening the group.

A placement is disconnected from one's existing stones from one's group; to succeed it should be difficult to defend against. It's more of a clever play than a speculative invasion. https/senseis./?Placement

4. 拆/Chāi/hiraki - An extension is a big opening point that extends an existing configuration of one or more stones along the side, leaving several spaces between the played stone and the existing stones. It outlines potential territory towards the edge and/or blocks the opponent's extension. https/senseis./?Extension

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Chapter 1099: Arranging a battle against his future father-in-law!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

In the house.

The three of them were stunned by Zhang Ye's Go skill!

You won?

How did you manage to win?

Nowadays, Wu Changhe was admittedly no longer that commandeering Changhe 9-dan from 20 years ago. His Go skill had regressed and he was already way off from the peak of his prowess. Go might seem like it was a game that many middle-aged people and the elderly played. But in fact, the top players in the world were all young people. At least, there weren't many that were past the age of 40. However, if one used to be an elite player in the Go world, they would still be an elite player now. Even if their skills had regressed, it would still not be easy to beat them. They were still regarded to be at the professional level and definitely not just at the level of those who had recently turned professional. Even if Wu Changhe had underestimated his opponent by not being serious at the start, this should still not have happened! It still did not make any sense at all!

Giving a handicap of two stones?

And he still won?

For a professional Go player, this was as good as demolishing your opponent!

Because for a professional Go player, there shouldn't be talk about giving handicaps at all. Although there was a difference in each person's skill, the difference would never call for giving a two stone handicap. What was the difference indicated by two stones? That would probably be the difference between a high level amateur and a low level one, or the difference between a professional Go player and a high level amateur Go player!

Li Qinqin said in astonishment, "Little Zhang. Y-Your Go skills are so advanced?"

Wu Changhe angrily banged on the table and stood up. "How devious! You rascal, you're too devious! So you were only pretending this afternoon when we played each other? You were only trying to lower my defenses around you!"

Zhang Ye said, "In any case, I've won."

Wu Changhe said angrily, "What do you mean you won! If I had known you were at the level of a professional Go player, I would have played properly against you! I wasn't being serious at all just now!"

Zhang Ye spread his hands. "It's your problem that you were not serious. I still won anyhow."

"You despicable rascal!" Wu Changhe raged. "You did that on purpose! You must have done that on purpose! Moreover, do you know how many years it has been since I've dabbled in a handicap game? That was a sneak attack! A sneak attack!"

Zhang Ye rolled his eyes.

Wu Zeqing said with a laugh, "Dad, are you a sore loser now?"

Wu Changhe stared with eyes wide. "Me? A sore loser? Haha, what a joke! If I were to play him seriously, would I possibly lose? My daughter, you're looking down a little too much on your father! At just the mention of my name in the Go community, who wouldn't be afraid of me? If this rascal didn't pull a fast one on me, he wouldn't have won even if I gave him a handicap of five stones!"

Five stones?

Give me a handicap?

Hur hur!

Zhang Ye sneered!

Li Qinqin also rolled her eyes at her husband. "Alright, enough with your bragging."

"You think that I was bragging? Huh?" Wu Changhe said exasperatedly, "Look at this boyfriend that our daughter found. Haven't you seen? He's so devious! I will never approve of him! She can look for any other person, but she must never find a boyfriend like him! He has a questionable character. Let me say this again: His character is too questionable!"

Li Qinqin smacked her lips and said, "He played against you fair and square, and even gave you a handicap of two stones. What do you mean by he's devious? The way I see it, it's your skill that has dropped. You were not a match for him."

Wu Changhe was getting annoyed. "I wasn't playing seriously! If I had, he would surely have been scared to death!"

Wu Zeqing smiled. "Alright, alright, you weren't being serious just now." She pulled at Zhang Ye. "Let's go. Dad, Mom, we'll be leaving now."

Wu Changhe stopped them. He pointed at Zhang Ye and said, "What's the matter? Running away after you've resorted to dirty tricks? Don't run away if you are so good!"

Li Qinqin tugged at her husband. "That's enough."

Zhang Ye had wanted to leave with Old Wu, but when he heard that, he stopped in his tracks and turned around. "I won't leave then. If there's anything you're unhappy about with respect to the game, you can set the rules and I'll accept them."

Wu Changhe laughed furiously. "Alright, kid! You've got balls!"

Wu Zeqing pulled at him. "Little Ye."

Wu Changhe said, "Come on, let's battle it out!"

Zhang Ye said, "Let's do it!"

Wu Changhe said loudly, "Come on then!"

Zhang Ye said, "Alright!"

However, how could Li Qinqin and Wu Zeqing let them play against each other? These two were already on the verge of fighting. No matter who won, it would still cause a fallout. The two of them hurriedly tried to stop them!

Li Qinqin pulled her husband away and said, "You're a good player, alright? You're a really good player."

Wu Changhe fumed, "He couldn't beat me in the first place!"

Zhang Ye was now unhappy. "But I already did."

"That's because you resorted to dirty tricks!" Wu Changhe said angrily.

Wu Zeqing also held Zhang Ye back. She didn't know how to react and said, "Why are you trying to argue with my dad? Let's go already." She dragged Zhang Ye out to the courtyard.

In the end, the two of them continued to argue from either side of the door.

Wu Changhe shouted, "Get back here. Let's play another match!"

Zhang Ye rushed back into the house. "Alright, I'm up for it!"

"I'll give you a handicap of three stones this time!"

"No need! How 'bout I give you a handicap of four stones!"

"I'll give you a handicap of five stones!"

"I'll give you a handicap of six stones!"

"I'll give you a handicap of ten stones!"

"I'll give you a handicap of twenty stones!"

Eventually, the handicap went up to 200 stones!

The two of them started talking big. In Go, each player would have at most 181 stones to play, so how could they possibly give a handicap of 200 stones! They were basically just bragging to the skies!

Li Qinqin was floored. "You two are really something!"

Finally, Wu Zeqing managed to pull Zhang Ye away.

Just before he stepped out of the courtyard house, he heard Wu Changhe shout, "If you're that great, let's battle again tomorrow! I'll show you what Go is all about! Are you up for that?"

Zhang Ye turned around as he was being dragged off. "Sure, I'll be back tomorrow!"

Wu Changhe said, "You're a whelp if you don't show up!"

...

Outside.

In the alley.

Wu Zeqing's face was covered with sweat from pulling Zhang Ye away from the argument. She did not usually exercise much and did not have much strength either, so having to pull Zhang Ye out of the house took a big toll on her.

"Oh, you!" Wu Zeqing shook her head and smiled.

Zhang Ye harrumphed, "Old Wu, it's not that I'm not giving you face today. But if your dad wants to accuse me of having a questionable character, I won't take that lying down."

Wu Zeqing changed the topic. "Since when did you know how to play Go?'

Zhang Ye said, "I've always known how to."

"You can even beat my dad?" Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Although, he really wasn't being serious today either. He started that game very casually and allowed you to gain an advantage. It was only because of that that you managed to narrowly beat him."

Zhang Ye said, "Even if your dad got serious, I still won't lose!"

Wu Zeqing said, "That would have to be under the condition of having no handicaps." She took his hand. "Let's go. We didn't even have a proper meal. When we get back, I'll cook for you. After that, let's play a round of Go as well."

"You can play too?"

"I've been playing ever since I was seven years old."

"How good are you?"

"So-so, I guess."

...

A short distance away in the house.

Li Qinqin started complaining to her husband, "Look at you. Why did you have to argue with the children?"

"It was him who started it first!" Wu Changhe sat down and took a sip of tea. He was still quite fired up from earlier. "How dare he pretend to be an amateur in front of me? He was too devious!"

Li Qinqin laughed and said, "I saw his skill just now too. Even if you had been serious and did not give him a handicap, you might not necessarily beat him. Zeqing's boyfriend this time is really something. He's just as legendary as they reported in the newspapers. He's such an astonishing person. I just wonder why his Go skill is so advanced. Logically, it's not something that can be practiced with just one or two years of play. As a celebrity, where does he find time to practice Go? But I heard that the mathematical conjecture proof that he proposed has almost been verified. He should be the greatest mathematician in the country now, and also a globally recognized world-class mathematician. With the interlinked relationship between Go and math 1 , it's still within reason that he can play so well. This Little Zhang is really such a marvel. It's no wonder that our Zeqing, who usually sets her sights really high, would like him. I heard that he also got into singing a while ago? I think he even became the champion? And he's already a superstar in the country? It seems like he's really good at everything."

Wu Changhe stared at her. "Did you get duped by him too? He's not good! Not even close!"

Li Qinqin said, "Alright, alright, he's not good. You're the best, hur hur."

This meeting today was truly too funny.

Thinking about it, Li Qinqin couldn't help but find it funny. How could there be such a huge coincidence in the world?

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Chapter 1100: The Internet Go server!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

Early in the morning, 6 or 7 o'clock.

At home, Zhang Ye's mother was already awake while his father was still sleeping.

"Mom, I'm going out."

"Where are you going now?"

"I have some serious business to attend to."

'It was past 8 when you got home last night. Come back earlier tonight."

"Got it."

"You don't have much to do at work anyway, so why are you still always going out every day."

Zhang Ye thought to himself how he really had serious business to handle. This was a matter concerning his marriage!

Outside Old Wu's villa.

Zhang Ye had driven over and used the key to open the door. He changed into his slippers with familiarity and placed the still warm breakfast onto the dining table. He looked up the staircase and called out twice. No one responded. She was probably still asleep.

He headed upstairs and opened the door to Old Wu's bedroom.

A whiff of perfume greeted him as he stepped into the room.

The room was very clean and tidy. Even the clothes Old Wu had taken off had been carefully folded and stacked before being placed at the side. The topmost piece was a nude bra, with a skirt and pale pantyhose placed beside it. These were what Old Wu had been wearing last night. Lying in bed under her blanket, Wu Zeqing's eyes were closed. Her sleep posture was very beautiful and elegant. A woman's upbringing and her family environment could sometimes be seen from their sleeping posture. Some women might look very elegant during the day. But once asleep, their true colors would be revealed by their sprawled out legs and snores. However, Old Wu's gentleness was something that was etched deep into her bones. She looked especially nice and ladylike even while she was sleeping.

"Old Wu?"

"…"

"Old Wu?"

"Hm?"

"Wake up."

Wu Zeqing was finally awake.

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "It's past 7."

Wu Zeqing covered her mouth and yawned a few times, then said with a slight smile, "You're here?"

"Yeah, I bought breakfast. Come downstairs and eat." Zhang Ye said, "After you're done eating, help me call your parents. I'll go over during the day since your dad is waiting for me."

Wu Zeqing laughed and said, "You're still thinking about that?"

Zhang Ye said, "Of course. Your dad scheduled a match with me, I must definitely show up. He already said that if I don't go, I'll be a whelp. So of course I'm still thinking about it!"

Wu Zeqing said, "Alright, I understand. I'll send you over later."

"Don't you need to work?" Zhang Ye was taken aback.

Wu Zeqing smiled. "I'll take the day off, I guess. I'll be worried if you go there alone. If you start arguing with my dad again, my mom won't be able to hold off the two of you for sure."

Zhang Ye harrumphed, "If I can't argue, I will let my skill speak for itself. If I lose, he can scold me or beat me up however he wants. But if I win, your dad will have to take back his words about my character being questionable! Just ask around. Who wouldn't give a thumbs up when they hear the mention of the name Zhang Ye? Why did my character even get called into question?"

"Right, a thumbs up." Wu Zeqing pulled aside the blanket and had a slow laugh as she slowly moved her slender legs off the side of the bed. She put on her slippers and got up. "Go eat breakfast first. I need to wash up."

Zhang Ye urged, "Quick, Old Wu. I can't wait any longer."

Wu Zeqing said, "Hur hur, I understand."

"Or why don't you make the call first," Zhang Ye said impatiently. "Then we can head over right after breakfast!"

Wu Zeqing had no response.

After eating.

Wu Zeqing called her parents' house.

...

At Old Wu's parents' house.

The telephone in the living room rang.

Li Qinqin and Wu Changhe were both not fond of sleeping in. Although they were retired, they still usually got up quite early. Li Qinqin was already making breakfast.

"Hello?" Li Qinqin answered the call.

Wu Zeqing said: "Mom, you're up?"

Li Qinqin said: "Zeqing, yes. I'm making breakfast right now."

"Is Dad around?"

"He is. What's the matter?"

"Zhang Ye came over to my place and insists that he wants to go over today. Didn't Dad arrange for them to play another match? He insists on showing up."

"Eh? I'll have to check with your dad about that first."

Li Qinqin walked into the courtyard.

Wu Changhe was doing some stretching and exercises. "Who called?"

Li Qinqin smiled and said, "Our daughter. She says that Little Zhang wants to come over."

Wu Changhe's expression sank. "What does he want to come here for?"

"Didn't the two of you arrange to play another match today?" Li Qinqin didn't know how to react. "You said that you would give him a handicap of 190 stones, and he said that he would give you a handicap of 200 stones."

At this, Wu Changhe gave a sneer and said, "Don't let him come over. I won't see him!"

Li Qinqin said, "But didn't you both arrange a meeting?"

"I just don't like seeing him. I can't be bothered to play Go with him!" Wu Changhe turned around and continued exercising.

Li Qinqin smacked her lips. "You said that whoever didn't show up would be a whelp."

Wu Changhe said coldly, "He thinks that he can play against me with that skill of his? He's still way off. Perhaps if he trains another 20 years in his next life, he could stand a chance playing me!"

Li Qinqin didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Changhe, are you afraid that you'll lose another match to him and won't be able to show your face around?"

When she said that, Wu Changhe laughed on end. "Me? Lose? I'd lose to him? Ai, Li Qinqin, why are you so funny today? I'm not going to play him for the sake of our daughter, do you understand? Can't you see? If I were to get serious, I could beat him even with my eyes closed! Me? Afraid to lose? Hahahaha!"

She went back into the living room.

Li Qinqin conveyed the message exactly as it was said.

Wu Zeqing was amused. "These two, ai."

Li Qinqin also said with a laugh: "These two grown men have really similar tempers. They're both feisty and want to save face for themselves."

Zhang Ye was nearby listening to the conversation. His ears perked up and he got so close to Old Wu that his cheek was almost touching hers. Then he whispered, "Ask about me, ask about me."

Wu Zeqing laughed and said: "Mom, what do you think of Little Ye?"

"My view?" Li Qinqin thought about it before answering: "I think he should be quite alright. I rather like him as he is quite smart, is knowledgeable, and speaks what he feels. Hur hur."

Zhang Ye was touched by this!

His mother-in-law was the best!

Just look at how insightful she was!

What about that future father-in-law of his? Ai, how can there be such a big difference when it comes to comparing the two of them!

The call ended.

Wu Zeqing said, "I don't think it will be a problem with my mother. She seems pretty satisfied with you. But it should be quite troublesome with regards to my dad. Alright, let's just rest well at home today. You won't be needing to go to my parent's place since my dad does not want to see you."

He's afraid that he'll lose to me!

Wu Zeqing and Li Qinqin probably still did not quite understand it. After all, their Go skills were limited and they were not great at the game. But Zhang Ye understood quite well. He was sure that Wu Changhe also knew very well that he was trying to avoid Zhang Ye so that he wouldn't need to play him!

Zhang Ye suddenly asked, "That's right. Old Wu, does your dad usually play Go online?"

Wu Zeqing said, "Yes. He doesn't go to the Go club often since the skill there isn't high and the people there are not able to play against him. He usually only plays against those disciples of his or the other elite Go players who have retired like him. Besides that, he also goes online to search for an opponent to play against. With the Internet so advanced nowadays, the Internet Go servers are expanding their user base. Many of our domestic professional Go players, and even those from Japan and Korea, go online to search for opponents to play against."

"Which server does he play on?"

"It's called the Online Go Server 1 ."

"And what is his username?"

"Wu Changhe, his real name."

"Alright, I got it."

"Why are you asking?"

"It's nothing. I was just asking out of curiosity."

You want to avoid me?

Then I will search you out!

Zhang Ye was already as good as in a fight with Wu Changhe now!

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Chapter 1101: Changhe 9-dan gets utterly demolished!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Later that morning.

In the study on the second floor of Old Wu's house.

"Old Wu, I'll be using your computer for a while."

"Go ahead."

"You're really not going to the office today?"

"I've already asked for the day off, so I won't be going and will be resting today."

"Yeah, don't exhaust yourself. Let the people below handle things for now."

"I'll leave you to whatever you're doing. I'm going out to buy some groceries so that I can whip up something good for you when noon rolls around."

"Alright, thank you so much."

Wu Zeqing went back to her bedroom to get changed.

When Old Wu left, Zhang Ye turned on the computer immediately. This was not the computer that Wu Zeqing usually used. That laptop was kept in her bedroom. This computer in the study was just an extra one. Other than the commonly used programs, it was basically clean and did not have much software installed on it.

He connected to the Internet and loaded a web page.

He downloaded a software client from the Online Go Server.

After installing it, Zhang Ye launched it and had a look. The interface was very clean and professional looking. It was worthy of being the country's largest Internet Go server. It was split into many different sections, including the beginner section, the amateur section, the professional section, the practice section, the free play section, and even had an events and tournament mode. Zhang Ye logged on to the server as a guest and found that he could only access the beginner section. So he typed in some information to register an account.

What should he call himself?

Alright, I'll just go with "YE." This was the romanized spelling of his Chinese name "烨."

After he completed the account registration, he managed to gain access to most of the sections in the server.

In the public chat box, there were quite a lot of people "shouting."

"Someone come to the amateur section!"

"Amateur 5-dan 1 player LF 2 similar level opponent!"

"LF teachers for instruction."

"LF good player with good connection speed. No handicap!"

"Haha, I've won three in a row and got promoted in rank!"

"There's a live broadcast of a professional match in the afternoon. Who's watching?"

"Not me. Today's match won't be interesting as those two pros are both newcomers, so there's a limit to how good they are. Tomorrow's match between Daqi and Liu Di 7-dan is the match to watch!"

"I have to say, Old Liu is no longer as strong as he was back when."

"Yeah, he's getting old."

There were many people online and the server was bustling with activity. The atmosphere in here was also quite good.

...

Meanwhile.

Old Wu's parents' house.

After breakfast, Wu Changhe asked his wife, "What did that kid say?"

Li Qinqin said, "What else can he say? If you don't want him to be here, do you think he would come over?"

Wu Changhe harrumphed, "If he ever calls again, don't answer. His character is much too awful!"

"I don't see that at all." Li Qinqin shook her head.

Wu Changhe scorned, "That's because you don't have enough social experience. Let me tell you this: We mustn't let our daughter mix with him too much. Quickly continue looking for a few more candidates that we can introduce to her. How dare he try those dirty tricks on me? He even dares to sneak up on me while I had my defenses down? Does he take me, Changhe 9-dan, to really be a weakling? He must not know that even I am afraid of myself when I get serious! Just because he beat me once by sneaking up on me, he's getting all arrogant? He even dares to find his way up to my house now to challenge me? Fancy that! How very impulsive! If it weren't for our daughter's sake, I would definitely have made him come over. I would slaughter him in a 10-game match and leave him without a win. Don't you believe me?"

Li Qinqin rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say."

Wu Changhe stood up and strolled back inside the den. He powered on his computer and said, "Don't disturb me. I'm going online to see if I can find an opponent to play against."

The computer turned on.

He went online.

Then signed into the Online Go server.

As Wu Changhe was quite old, he wasn't too familiar with operating a computer and was still using " two-fingered typing 3 ."

Li Qinqin brewed a pot of tea for him as usual.

Wu Changhe sipped the tea and hummed a Peking opera tune as he bobbed his head around while searching for players on the server.

All of a sudden, he received a message from someone on his friends' list who probably saw him come online.

Beep beep.

Sun Minqi: "Teacher Changhe, you're online today?"

Wu Changhe hunt-and-peck typed: "Oh, it's Little Sun."

Sun Minqi: "Are you free now? Could you give me an instructional game?"

Wu Changhe smiled and said: "Sure, I was just looking for an opponent."

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Sun Minqi said excitedly: "I'll wait for you to set up a room then. I'll go look for you there."

Wu Changhe quickly got a room set up with a password. Other players were allowed to access this room to view the match, but not allowed to play against him. Only the person with the password was allowed to do so. This was what was commonly known as a "private game" on the Internet Go servers. Then he sent the password to Sun Minqi and his opponent joined the game very quickly.

The battle was about to start.

With this matchup, many of the netizens on the server were attracted to the game.

"Wow, Table 288 in Zone 2! Quickly come and see this!"

"It's Changhe 9-dan vs. Sun Minqi 3-dan!"

"A battle of Go pros!"

"Is it an instructional game?

"It's probably a serious match!"

"Is that so? Then we must definitely go over and watch!"

"Changhe 9-dan? A god of the Go world!"

"Yeah, he once stood at the top of the Go world. The current number one and number five players in the World Go Ratings List were both his disciples once!"

Wu Changhe clearly often came online to play Go and had many netizens following his games. When the game began, the netizens received a notification and came over to watch immediately!

The number of viewers soared!

100!

500!

1,000!

There were also a few professional players' accounts that appeared in the viewers list in the room. These players were all the more well-known ones among the currently active professional players!

The Go match began.

Wu Changhe would be playing second as he took the white stones.

Sun Minqi, who took black, would start the play.

This match went by quickly, due to Sun Minqi committing an error that a pro shouldn't have made around the 30th move. Wu Changhe seized on this and pressed him hard. In the end, Sun Minqi was forced to resign midmatch.

The viewers exclaimed endlessly.

"What a beautiful match!"

"Teacher Wu is still as good as ever!"

"Yeah, a master is a master. He plays so steadily!"

"Actually, if Teacher Changhe had continued to play in professional Go tournaments, he would definitely still be a very high level pro. I wonder why he decided to retire."

"Amazing!"

"I had fun watching!"

Wu Changhe started to give his opponent an explanation of the game through replay. "Over here, why did you make this move?"

Sun Minqi typed: "It was a mistake."

Wu Changhe: "It would have been better to go this way."

"Thank you for your guidance," Sun Minqi said earnestly.

Back at home.

Wu Changhe was laughing loudly. "Fill the teapot, fill it up!"

Li Qinqin came over with a thermos. She said with a smile, "Did you win?"

"But of course!" Wu Changhe was very happy.

Li Qinqin asked, "Who did you play against?"

Wu Changhe said, "Sun Minqi, Little Sun."

Li Qinqin said, "Little Sun hasn't been ranked all that high this year. He's been average."

"Haha, it's not that he's bad, it's that I'm too good," Wu Changhe bragged. "If I took part in a pro tournament, I'm sure that I could still play as I did 20 years ago. Do you believe me?"

Li Qinqin reluctantly said, "Of course I believe you. Is that good enough for you?" She followed up with, "But I wonder who it was that got defeated by an amateur yesterday even though he had been given a two stone handicap."

But Wu Changhe didn't even seem to hear these words. "I'll continue playing. This time, I'm going to find a higher level player. Otherwise, it won't be fun to play!"

On the server.

There were a lot of people who were asking to play him. Some were amateurs, while others were professionals.

Wu Changhe just laughed as he started picking who he wanted to play next. The number of netizens who came to view the game also increased!

But right as Wu Changhe was deciding on who to play against next, he suddenly saw that someone had come in to take Sun Minqi's place after Little Sun had left the room. It wasn't a viewer but a player who had taken the seat across from him. However, Wu Changhe remembered that he had set a password for the room, so an outsider couldn't have just taken the seat like this. Could Little Sun have given this player the password then? This Little Sun, how could he be so unparticular like that!

Who was this person?

YE?

It wasn't a real name?

The fellow Go players were all getting thrilled.

"Someone's here!"

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"There's another player!"

"Who is it?"

"I don't know."

"His registration date is today?"

"Damn, who could this be? Did Teacher Changhe send the invite?"

A lot of the spectators were startled.

YE spoke: "Teacher Changhe, please instruct me."

When Wu Changhe saw this, he decided not to kick YE out. He thought that if it was someone that Little Sun had invited, then they should not be too bad. So he decided to go ahead with the game.

The two of them clicked the "Ready" button.

The game began!

YE took black and went first.

Wu Changhe smiled as he used the mouse to place his stones.

Five moves.

10 moves.

20 moves.

In the beginning, Wu Changhe did not sense anything.

The Go players spectating also did not seem to have noticed anything.

It was just a very common opening, and a very common way of playing. There wasn't anything new or unusual about the moves, and it even felt a little boring to watch. This game was just too by the book with neither side getting an advantage. But when Black reached the 23rd move, things changed!

It was a beautiful move!

So beautiful that it astonished the viewers!

"Holy shit!"

"What a great move!"

"Wow, this is a good one!"

"This move by the black stones is so powerful!"

This unrestrained move had allowed the black stones that were almost dead in the upper left corner to come back to life!

Wu Changhe was very surprised and tried to rectify the situation!

But after another two moves, he realized that there was nothing he could do about it. He could only clench his teeth and calmly step back from the deadlocked situation in the upper left corner. He would just have to attack in the middle so that he could set up his opening 4 in advance!

However, YE did not fall for it. As he had gained the tempo, he played right in the lower right to take on Wu Changhe's white stones!

His attack was extremely ruthless!

It was extremely aggressive!

Wu Changhe was caught off guard and had to try to turn things around again!

Move after move!

YE kept pressing harder and harder!

Wu Changhe was slowly being pushed back!

Even before they reached the endgame, Wu Changhe's opening was taken apart when YE placed another stone down on the central region of the board. Wu Changhe stared at the screen with a dark look. He stared at it without blinking and thought for a full ten minutes before giving up and resigning!

YE was victorious!

The room flew into an uproar!

"YE won?"

"Fuck!"

"Changhe 9-dan lost?"

"This…this…"

"How ruthless! Which godly person is this YE?"

"Yeah, which Go pro's alt is this?"

"Damn, weren't these territorial battles just so beautiful?"

A lot of the people were simply in disbelief!

This was because to them, Changhe 9-dan was already the highest peak to conquer. Although his Go skill had already regressed by a lot, he still should not have lost this badly to an unknown person, right? He didn't even manage to make it to the endgame? He resigned right in the midgame? H-How could this be!

Wu Changhe broke out in cold sweat!

He immediately went looking for Sun Minqi. "Little Sun, who did you give the password to?"

Sun Minqi was still replaying the match he had just had with Wu Changhe. He was completely confused by this question. "Ah? Teacher Changhe, what password? But I didn't give it to anyone?"

Wu Changhe quickly typed: "Then who is this YE?"

Sun Minqi said: "I, I don't know. What YE?"

Only then was Wu Changhe convinced that Sun Minqi did not know anything about this. This YE person that suddenly went into the match room was not invited by Little Sun at all!

Then who are you?

Who the fuck are you?

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Chapter 1102: Wu Changhe calls for reinforcements!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

4,000 viewers.

5,000 viewers.

6,000 viewers.

The number of people in the room kept increasing.

After a big commotion in the public chat box, numerous people came into the room to view the game!

"What?"

"Changhe 9-dan really lost? He resigned in the midgame?"

"It was just a lucky win, right?"

"Which professional player could this be?"

"I don't know him at all!"

"This YE's playing style seems a little strange. Could it be a Go pro from Japan or Korea trying to provoke us? I've never seen any of our Chinese pros use such a playing style!"

"Let's watch another round."

"Are they going to play again?"

Wu Changhe often played online Go and would also play games with some of the domestic players or even foreign pros. It wasn't like these online Go players had never seen Changhe 9-dan lose before. Even at his peak some 20 years ago, it was impossible for him to never lose a match. There were too many factors affecting the outcome of a Go game. Things like skill, state of mind, luck, and even the air quality and temperature of the venue could decide the victor. But rarely had anyone seen Changhe 9-dan lose so badly!

In the room.

Wu Changhe said: "Another game!"

YE: "Sure."

...

In the courtyard house.

Wu Changhe's angry voice sounded, "I won't believe this!"

Li Qinqin entered the room. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing!" Wu Changhe grunted.

Li Qinqin knew that her husband must have lost a game of Go, so she sat down curiously beside him and looked at the computer screen. "YE? Which master is this?"

The second game began.

Wu Changhe took black and went first this time.

"Make your move!" Wu Changhe placed his stone and muttered to himself, "I'll get serious with you this time!"

His opponent placed a stone.

Wu Changhe moved again.

Li Qinqin could tell that her husband had really become serious this time as he thought very long for each move that he made. But seeing how his opponent named YE continued his next sequence of moves, Li Qinqin's expression slightly changed as well. First, the opponent played very quickly like he did not require much time to consider his moves. Second, his strategy was a little odd. Although the majority of his moves followed a traditional sense of play, some of them were very strange moves. But what was even stranger was that YE's moves, which would not be considered the best moves by most people, had actually ended up making a very nice shape 1 on the Go board that no one could have expected!

Who was he?

Li Qinqin was very surprised!

Wu Changhe's expression became darker as he played on!

When YE made a diagonal move in an unexceptional position on the board, Wu Changhe finally realized who he was. Li Qinqin wore an expression of shock as well!

This move was way too familiar!

Other people might not know it, but they were really familiar with it!

This diagonal move was not made that cleverly and was not even considered a standard move. From the looks of the opening strategy and the framework 2 in the smaller division of the board, this was not the best move to make. However, Wu Changhe and Li Qinqin had witnessed someone make this same move just yesterday, and he had relied on this diagonal move as a foundation to instantly reverse things and completely destroy Wu Changhe!

Li Qinqin gasped, "It's Little Zhang!"

Wu Changhe cursed angrily, "That young bastard! So it's him!"

They finally found out who it was!

They finally realized who it was!

In the entire Go world, no one would play that way other than him!

Li Qinqin didn't know how to react. "Didn't you refuse to play him? Didn't you tell him not to come? Look now, he came looking for you instead. This Little Zhang's temper is really interesting." Li Qinqin couldn't help but laugh. The more she laughed, the more she couldn't stop. This was the first time she had witnessed and heard of a future son-in-law getting into this sort of feud with his future father-in-law after his first visit. This Little Zhang was indeed just like the rumors said. He really was not a normal person!

Wu Changhe shouted, "I'll fight him!"

Clink!

He bumped 3 with a stone!

YE nonchalantly placed another stone down!

Wu Changhe said angrily, "That move again? He's trying that move again? Shameless! Shameless to the extreme!"

He was forced to make an attack!

However, YE counterattacked!

When Wu Changhe saw this, he nearly went crazy. "Damn, this young bastard is too devious!"

The house was filled with the sounds of Wu Changhe's cursing!

"Despicable!"

"Shameless!"

"Don't you dare!"

Half an hour later, the outcome was decided.

Even after adding the compensation, YE still beat Wu Changhe by over seven points!

With that, the crowd viewing the match broke into chaos!

"Holy shit!"

"Which god could this YE be!"

"Isn't this too fucking awesome?"

"He was taken totally apart, alright?"

"Where did this amazing person pop out from?"

"Those moves by YE were just so classic!"

Immediately, the public chat box in the Online Go Server was flooded with comments!

"Come quickly!"

"Something big has happened here!"

"Changhe 9-dan was utterly demolished!"

"What?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Quickly come and see!"

Meanwhile.

YE sent a private message.

Only Wu Changhe and he could see this private message.

"Uncle, were you being serious this time?"

Wu Changhe nearly fainted from anger. "Alright, kid! You're great! You're just great!"

"Now will you take back what you said about me having a questionable character?"

Wu Changhe quickly hunt and pecked: "No! You definitely have big issues with your character"

"But I beat you."

"Did you really think I played seriously? Hahahaha, ridiculous! You are too laughable! I only used 60% of my strength to play against you just now!"

"What a coincidence. I only used 50%."

"I used 40%!"

"I used 30%!"

"I used 20%!"

The two of them got into an argument again!

Li Qinqin tugged at him and said with a smile, "That's enough, Changhe. What's the point of boasting like that? A loss is a loss. Previously, you even said that you could beat Little Zhang with your eyes closed. But you're getting smacked in the face by him now, aren't you? Come on, both you and Little Zhang, just what sorts of tempers do you two have?"

Wu Changhe stared at her. "Go away. Don't bother me!"

Then he sent a message to Zhang Ye. "Rascal, don't get too cocky. If you're so skilled, let's play another game. Do you dare? Ah? Will you accept?"

"I'm waiting!"

"Alright, wait right here! Just wait!"

Wu Changhe stayed in the room and online. Then he stood up and looked for his cell phone. He cursed as he was looking for it, "I'm so pissed off! I'm so pissed off! I'll teach him to act cocky! Watch how I'm going to teach him a lesson!" When he found his cell phone, he picked it up and browsed through his contacts. He found his disciples and called them immediately.

Li Qinqin was stunned. "What are you doing?"

Wu Changhe ignored his wife. The call connected.

"Hello, where are you?"

"Teacher, I'm at the Go Academy."

"Come to my house right now!"

"Huh? We're practicing. You want us to go over now?"

"I want you to come over right now! I want to see you here within 10 minutes! Are your fellow disciples around?"

"They're all here."

"Call them over as well! I don't believe it!"

"Teacher, what happened?"

"Why're you still talking! Come quickly!"

"OK, we'll be there soon!"

Dumbfounded, Li Qinqin asked, "What are you doing, Changhe?"

Wu Changhe said coldly, "I want to make teach that rascal a lesson and teach him what 'there is always someone better out there' means!" Then he returned to the computer and he typed out to Zhang Ye with a sneer: "Wait ten minutes for me!"

YE: "OK."

Li Qinqin rolled her eyes. "This is cheating!"

Wu Changhe objected, "What do you mean by cheating? I'm giving a lesson to the youth! I'll teach that kid what Go is all about!"

Li Qinqin said in a speechless manner, "Those disciples of yours are all ranked within the world's top 30. Do you enjoy getting them here to take on an amateur like Little Zhang?"

Wu Changhe roared with laughter. "Yes! A lot!"

Li Qinqin couldn't think of anything to say.

1. https/en./wiki/Shape_(Go)

2. https/senseis./?Framework

3. 顶/Dǐng/tsukiatari - White bumps into a black stone. The Japanese term is tsukiatari. The bump is not a very usual move, but it has its uses. https/senseis./?Bump

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Chapter 1103: Zhang Ye vs. Hu Liang 7-dan!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Later that morning.

10.30 AM.

Downstairs, the door opened. Wu Zeqing returned.

Zhang Ye called out to the floor below, "Old Wu, you're back from grocery shopping?"

"Yes. There were so many people at the market today. I had to line up for a really long time." She placed the grocery bags in her hands down and went upstairs to the study. "What are you doing?"

Zhang Ye smiled and said, "I didn't have anything to do, so I played Go for a while."

Wu Zeqing sniffed the air. "You were smoking?"

Zhang Ye said a little embarrassed, "Hai, I tend to smoke when I'm concentrating on something. I've already opened up the windows to clear away the smell." He quickly wiped off some of the scattered ashes on the table with his hand.

"It's fine." Wu Zeqing said, "I'll buy an ashtray for you later."

Zhang Ye quickly said, "No, no, you don't have to. I'm not going to smoke anymore. I'm planning on quitting."

Wu Zeqing found a saucer for him. "Flick the ashes into this."

"Ai, thanks." Zhang Ye said, "My Old Wu is the best."

Wu Zeqing smiled. "Don't smoke so much. It's bad for your health."

Zhang Ye said, "Alright, I'll remember that and listen to your advice."

Wu Zeqing giggled. "Continue playing. I'll go and make lunch. I'll call you down when it's done."

...

Elsewhere.

Old Wu's parents' house.

A minivan suddenly pulled over at the entrance to the courtyard house. The car door opened and a tanned young man in his twenties rushed out of the car, yelling with wooden staff in hand. He ran into the courtyard with a few others trailing behind him.

"Teacher! Ma'am! We're here! What's going on? Did something happen at your house?"

"Hu Liang, why'd you bring that wooden staff along!" snapped the only girl among them.

The oldest person in the group, which was a man in his thirties, boomed, "Find out what's happening first. Little Hu, don't be rash. Let's clear things up first!"

They went into the courtyard.

Li Qinqin came out to receive them when she heard the commotion, but was given a scare. "Little Hu, what's that in your hands?"

Hu Liang said anxiously, "Ma'am, what happened?"

Li Qinqin didn't know how to react. "Put aside the staff for now. You're making me dizzy. How can a current world-class Go player behave like this."

"Aye yai yai." Hu Liang immediately let go of the staff.

Tian Weiwei, the youngest of the group, scratched his head. "Ma'am, Brother Liang was just anxious about you two. When Teacher called us over, we thought that something bad had happened."

Li Qinqin pursed her lips. "What could possibly happen to him!"

Chen Ying said, "Then what's the matter, Ma'am?"

Li Qinqin said with a laugh, "Your teacher lost a game of Go."

"Ah?"

"Is that it?"

"Doesn't Teacher lose all the time?"

Wu Changhe strode out of the northern house and glowered at his disciples. "Who are you all accusing of losing all the time? Who? I usually lose because I'm trying to coach you. I wasn't playing seriously, understand? None of you are even close to good enough and don't know a lick about humility!"

Chen Ying laughed and said, "Yes, Teacher is the greatest player."

The slightly older Xu Han said, "So you called us over just because of that? We still have a tournament to play in next week. Chen Ying will be going up against Korea's Park Jaeha 8-dan, while I will be taking on Japan's Shinji 7-dan. They're both really tough opponents to play against."

Wu Changhe stared hard at him. "You always have something to say, you always have a lot to do. Do you have to fuss over some minor international tournament? I made you all come here today because I found all of you an opponent! Come with me!" He led the group of his disciples into the house, then pointed at the computer screen. "See that? It's this guy. I want you all to annihilate him! Bury him!"

They looked at the screen.

"YE?"

"Who could he be?"

"Is it a pseudonym?"

"Not many pro Go players use pseudonyms, right?"

"I've never heard of this name before?"

"Ma'am, who is this person?"

Li Qinqin replied, "Him? He is—"

"Don't worry about who he is," Wu Changhe interrupted. "All I can tell you is that this person is an amateur. He's not even a pro Go player and has never received any kind of professional training before. Just treat him as a practice partner and destroy him! Make him cry uncle! Crush him so that he'll shudder at the mere mention of Go!"

Fuck!

Just what kind of grudge is there between the two of you!

The disciples were all sweating and looking at each other, not knowing what to do.

Li Qinqin smacked her lips. "Has Little Zhang tricked and annoyed you?"

Wu Changhe said, "Yes, yes, he has!"

"He's not even part of the Go world. You're just great. Why do you have to keep butting heads with him?" Li Qinqin really had to wash her hands of her husband. "Can you behave more like an elder to these young people? If you lost, then so be it. When did you become such a sore loser?"

Wu Changhe was getting irritated. "Who's a sore loser? Who?"

Li Qinqin pointed at him. "Look."

Hu Liang was the first to step forward. "Teacher! I'll avenge you!"

Wu Changhe nodded in satisfaction. "Good! Take him on, Little Hu!"

"Let me log in to my account first," Hu Liang said.

But Wu Changhe calmly said, "You don't have to; it's too troublesome. Isn't my account already logged on? Since I'm already logged on, just play on my account."

"Huh?"

Wu Changhe glared at him. "What are you hemming and hawing about?"

Hu Liang wiped away his sweat. "Uh, nothing."

Wu Changhe hunt-and-peck typed: "Rascal! Let's start now! I'll make sure to play you seriously this time! Don't run away!"

You'll be playing seriously?

Aren't I playing?

What's going on? I'll be playing on your behalf?

Hu Liang and his fellow disciples coughed at this for a while but were afraid to voice their thoughts.

YE replied: "I've waited forever. Come on!"

Wu Changhe patted Hu Liang on the shoulder. "Get him for me! Show him your best offense. Beat him to hell!"

Hu Liang rubbed his hands together. "I will, Teacher! Since he's just an amateur, leave him to me!"

Hu Liang.

A Go 7th dan.

As an elite pro Go player, he was ranked 27th in the world this year and ranked 11th in China. He joined the ranks of professional Go when he was 17 and defeated a once legendary Japanese player when he was 20. That match catapulted him to fame and he was recognized as a top-level professional. He was known for an aggressive playstyle and was considered an attacking player.

Unlike Wu Changhe, Hu Liang was currently a high-level star player in professional Go. In terms of experience, he was definitely far behind Wu Changhe. He didn't have as broad an outlook either, or else he wouldn't have become Wu Changhe's disciple. But if they truly played a normal game of Go, Wu Changhe clearly wouldn't defeat Hu Liang. Out of ten games, Hu Liang would probably win nine. This was the difference between an active Go player and a retired one.

As a result, no one thought that Hu Liang would lose.

YE might have been able to beat a retired 9-dan player, but he definitely wouldn't beat an active 7-dan player. No matter how good an amateur player was, even if it were that fella with the nickname Amateur Devil, they would at most be able to equal a 2nd or 3rd dan player. It would be impossible once a 4th dan player came into the picture!

Wu Changhe felt this way, as did Li Qinqin. It was also the same for all those top Chinese Go players in the house. They found a place to sit down and took this opportunity to watch the game for their entertainment and amusement.

...

The room reopened!

The fellow Go players got excited once more!

"It's starting, it's starting!"

"It's starting again!"

"Haha, let's see who will win this time!"

"Teacher Changhe was so utterly demolished in that last round!"

"Yeah, even I could feel the humiliation just from watching!"

"Could it be Amateur Devil's alt?"

"It can't be. He isn't as good as YE!"

"YE must be a Go pro, right? If he's really just an amateur, he shouldn't be known as the Devil. He should be called Amateur God instead!"

Countless people started spectating the match!

Some of them were analyzing the game, while others were gossiping.

...

At Old Wu's residence.

In the study, Zhang Ye had already made his move. He was Black this round and could go first. But this time, he went for a corner opening 1 !

His opponent placed his stone.

Zhang Ye smiled and placed another stone. He put on some music as well and hummed along as he played. He didn't concentrate fully on the game. Without giving a handicap, he could play completely casually against Wu Changhe. He did not notice that his opponent had changed even after over a dozen moves had been made. As he didn't really belong to this world, he basically had no idea about Wu Changhe's playstyle. Even the name he had learned of just yesterday, so how could anyone expect him to be able to recognize him via playstyle?

On the 15th move, his opponent forced an atari 2 on him.

Zhang Ye gasped and said to himself, "This old comrade is rather good. He's playing better and knows not to contend with me anymore? He's playing active and attacking? Come on then, let's see how you respond to this move of mine!"

Click.

He placed the stone.

"Yo, that's not a bad response. What about this move then?"

"Haha, you got bamboozled, didn't you?"

"Come, let me give you an even more ruthless move!"

"Yoho, is this your last stand? Off you go! Keep struggling! Continue struggling!"

"Oh, you're resisting now? You want to bring it into the corner?"

"See how I surround you! You walked right into my trap! Haha!"

...

At the computer.

The people in the house fell silent!

Li Qinqin was dumbfounded!

Chen Ying was dumbfounded!

Hu Liang was also dumbfounded!

At this point, Hu Liang found that he no longer had any way left to play his stones. The stones in the upper left corner were dead, while he had lost the tempo on the stones in the right corner. He was also unable to expand on the framework in the center of the board after being restricted!

Hu Liang resigned!

Chen Ying said, "Th-This guy…"

Xu Han was shocked and said, "Who the hell is this guy?"

Tian Weiwei said in astonishment, "Even Brother Liang lost?"

Hu Liang could no longer hold it in. In anguish, he looked to the somber Wu Changhe. "Teacher, I'm sorry. I, I was too careless."

Wu Changhe said angrily, "You can't even beat an amateur?"

Hu Liang gave a wry smile, not replying.

Careless?

This was just an excuse that he had come up with so that he could save some face for himself!

He had not actually been careless at all. The man who beat his teacher had to be a professional Go player at the very least. With his teacher and his wife observing the game from the sidelines, he couldn't possibly be careless. Yet Hu Liang still lost. A star professional Go player ranked top 30 in the world had lost to an amateur? And he was even crushed like he was an amateur? Thinking about how Wu Changhe had wanted him to beat this YE to hell just now, Hu Liang felt like he was about to vomit a mouthful of blood!

Who the fuck was the one beating up whom?

However, Hu Liang did not feel frustrated at all. He was not at all frustrated by the game he had just played! Nor did he speak further about it. This was because he knew that even if he played the same opponent again, he still wouldn't beat him!

In fact, Wu Changhe was feeling even more shocked than Hu Liang!

He would never have thought that this Zhang kid could have won against active 7-dan pro Hu Liang!

Fuck!

Are you on fucking steroids or something?!

1. https/en./wiki/Go_opening_theory

2. 打吃/Dǎ chī/Atari - Atari is a term used in Go for a situation where a stone or chain of stones has only one liberty https/senseis./?Atari

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Chapter 1104: Zhang Ye vs. Xu Han 8-dan

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

Old Wu's voice came up from downstairs.

"Little Ye."

"Yes?"

"Shall I start cooking now?"

"You can do it a little later. I'm going to play another game."

"You're not hungry yet?"

"Haha, I was a bit ago, but not anymore!"

Zhang Ye was full of energy. After sadistically demolishing Wu Changhe over the course of three games, he felt like he was endlessly powerful. There was nothing more enjoyable than this!

I have a questionable character?

I'm not a good person?

I have a terrible temper!

Don't say any more. I'll crush you every time you play against me!

...

The spectating Go players were once again dumbfounded!

"He won again!"

"Oh my goodness, YE won again!"

"Changhe 9-dan has been destroyed so badly!"

"But why do I get the feeling that Teacher Changhe's playstyle has changed?"

"Yeah, I also feel the same!"

"Although this playstyle is one of the stronger attacking styles, it doesn't seem like how Teacher Changhe usually plays. Hai, maybe I'm just overthinking it?"

"Teacher Changhe is gonna cry soon!"

"This YE is too mean! How can he keep taking apart Teacher Changhe like this? Doesn't he know what position Changhe 9-dan holds in the Go world?"

"This YE fellow is a little too aggressive!"

"Hahaha, but I like it!"

"Who cares what happens when I'm just watching! More!"

...

At Old Wu's family's house.

Tian Weiwei said while sweating, "Ma'am, h-he's really not a pro Go player?"

Li Qinqin gave a wry smile and nodded. "He's not."

Hu Liang said gloomily, "That's not possible. There's no way an amateur could play so well. How can an amateur beat a pro 7-dan player? Then what are us pro Go players still needed for!"

"Yeah."

"Ma'am, could you be mistaken?"

The several of them did not believe it. This was totally illogical!

But Li Qinqin told them with certainty, "He's really not a pro Go player, but you all must not consider him to be a normal person either. He's not normal at all."

Xu Han, who had been silent for a very long time and was studying the defeat on the board, suddenly spoke up. "Ma'am is right. He's really not a pro Go player. As long as they're a pro, even if they're a pro who's participating in a tournament for the first time, we'd be very familiar with them and know who they are. But whether within the country or outside of it, there are no pro Go players who play like this. I've never seen anyone play this way before!"

The others looked at him and did not say a word.

Tian Weiwei asked, "How high should he be ranked?"

Chen Ying clenched her teeth and said, "He's at least a 7th dan no matter how you look at it."

Hu Liang judged, "He's definitely not just a 7th dan. Even if he's not an 8th dan, he's definitely at a higher level than your usual 7th dan!"

Tian Weiwei said, "Even Brother Liang could not beat him, so I guess I can't either."

Tian Weiwei. A professional 6th dan Go player. He had entered and been in the ranks of professional Go for a mere three years but was already hailed as the player with the most potential in China. He was the darling of many of the senior players. There was even a retired 9th dan senior player who claimed that if China were to produce another 9th dan player, Tian Weiwei would most likely be the person to achieve that rank. He was quite young and had the most potential. However, he was still at the stage of rapidly improving his game. He hadn't hit his ceiling yet and was not ready to be the flag bearer at many of the international tournaments. He had to be protected and slowly groomed and trained to fulfill that potential.

Beep beep.

YE sent a message.

"Are we still playing? I'm going to eat lunch if not."

How arrogant!

He was too arrogant!

Hu Liang yelled in anger, "He holding us pro Go players in utter contempt!"

Wu Changhe was trembling with rage. "Hurry up! It's time to put you all to the test! Destroy him! He's only at the level of a good 7th dan. Is that all he needs to scare you all shitless? Ah?"

Hu Liang looked at Chen Ying and Xu Han. "Sister Ying, Brother Xu."

Chen Ying and Xu Han looked at one another. "Who?"

Chen Ying was a 7th dan Go player, but was publicly acknowledged to be at the level of an 8th dan. She had played particularly well in every competition she took part in for the past two years, and she was the world's highest ranked female player from China. She was 16th in the world.

Meanwhile, Xu Han was the only 8th dan player of the lot here. He was one of the top players in China and had won many medals at various world tournaments. He was also the most accomplished player among these disciples of Wu Changhe. The only problem was that he was already in his thirties and his skill had peaked. There wasn't much more that he could improve on and could even be said to be declining. One could even go as far as saying that he would never reach 9th dan. He was currently ranked 13th in the world and was the highest ranked 8th dan. The remaining rankings above 13 were practically all active 9th dan players, although there was a 6th dan and a 7th dan player who occupied two of the spots in the top 13. Those two players were there because they had played especially well this year.

Xu Han said, "Let me do it."

Chen Ying said, "Alright. It's better if it's you."

Hu Liang gave up his seat.

Xu Han exhaled and sat down.

Wu Changhe urged, "Play well, give him hell!"

"OK!" Xu Han typed out: "Let's begin."

YE replied almost instantly with: "Alright."

Chen Ying, Hu Liang, and the others immediately gathered around Xu Han!

A good 7th dan? To them, Xu Han should most definitely win this. At least, he stood an 80% chance of winning. Xu Han was playing pretty good this year. He was also one of the better 8th dan players around, unlike Chen Ying, who was just a 7th dan but recognized as an 8th dan ranked player. Xu Han had been ranked as an 8th dan for several years, so whether it was his strength or experience, he was incomparable to the others. Although this amateur was astonishingly good, no matter how they thought about it, it would be impossible for him to beat a player ranked in the world's top 15!

Wu Changhe was already sneering!

Come on!

Come and play!

If you can even beat a professional 8th dan player, then I'll really have to give it to you!

Hahaha!

...

The room was nearly packed to the brim.

"Wow, it's starting!"

"The match has started!"

"Come quickly!"

"Time to watch the excitement unfold again!"

With all that had happened, more and more professional Go players took notice and were starting to come over to watch as well.

The amateurs could not see the signs, but how would they as professionals not know what was happening? Besides, they knew very well what Changhe 9-dan's playstyle was. A lot of them read Changhe 9-dan's game records growing up and had even received coaching from him personally.

At a Go academy.

In the lounge.

A female 5th dan player was stunned. "Th-This isn't how Teacher Changhe plays!"

A male 7th dan player frowned. "It's been this way since the previous game. The game before this one seemed more like Hu Liang 7-dan's playstyle. It was very masterful and the moves were more radical. With this opening, who do you think's playing?"

An 8th dan player next to them laughed. "I think it might be Old Xu?"

"Old Xu?"

"Teacher Xu Han?"

"Damn, isn't this a fake game then?"

"Hur hur, don't you guys know what Teacher Changhe's temper is like? To get his disciples' help after losing is something Teacher Changhe would definitely do."

"That's true."

"But who could this YE be?"

"I don't think I have any memory of such a player?"

"Yeah, where did this guy come from?"

"Look! Xu Han 8-dan is counterattacking!"

"It's really Teacher Xu Han. This is his typical strategy!"

"Hasn't the opponent figured out that he's playing against someone else by now? Is he really a pro? Isn't he too amateurish not noticing it?"

However, someone else had appeared behind this group of people at some point in time.

When one of them realized, they got startled and quickly stood up!

When the others saw this man, they quickly gave up the good seats and excused themselves!

It was Xiang Rong 9-dan!

30 years old, and an active 9th dan Go player!

A legend who was the current world number one. He had retained his rank of first place for the past three years in a row. He was also the three-time champion of the World Go Championship. The current number one in the Go world, and arguably recognized as the best player in the world—with no one coming close!

After spectating the game for a few minutes.

Xiang Rong smiled. "Interesting."

...

At Old Wu's residence.

The music was rocking out the study.

Zhang Ye had his legs crossed, playing Go as he spoke to himself.

"This old comrade is pretty good!

"Whoa, that's a good move. Very clever!

"Whoa, you're getting better and better?

"Haha, but you're still not good enough!"

He was truly very amateurish. This fellow totally did not know that his opponent had already changed twice. He still thought that he was playing against Wu Changhe as he continued destroying him!

"Off you go!

"Yo, well defended!

"Try that against me again!

"Heh, you're still holding up? Show that to me again!

"Haha, you can't hold on anymore!

"Watch this! I've even shredded your pants!

"Come on, show off! Why aren't you showing off anymore? Weren't you trying to counterattack? Why are you shell-shocked? Oh? You even dare to make this move? You're quite brave!

"Do that again!

"Do it!

"Haha, why aren't you moving?

"Hurry up! The flowers are wilting as I wait!"

...

At the computer.

They saw a barrage of messages from YE.

He sent so many of them that it amounted to over twenty messages in just a short while.

"The flowers are wilting as I wait!" was accompanied by a picture of a withered flower.

Infuriating!

So infuriating!

The spectators in the room were all roaring with laughter!

"Pfft!"

"This YE is hilarious!"

"This is Go! Why are you typing all that?"

"LMAO! Do you think you're fucking playing Fight the Landlord 1 ?!"

"Hahahaha, this person is so weird!"

"But he's really good!"

"I feel bad for Teacher Changhe!"

At the courtyard house.

Wu Changhe's face was green from anger. "This young bastard! We're now sworn enemies! Sworn enemies!"

Xu Han, who was versing YE, was sweating profusely!

Chen Ying was getting anxious. "Brother Xu, you can do it!"

Hu Liang said, "Get him! Senior Bro, get him!"

Xu Han was on the verge of tears!

Who do you want me to fucking get!

Are you guys blind?!

It's clear from this that I'm the one getting played, alright!

After another seven, eight moves, Xu Han was finally unable to hold out any longer. He gave up and resigned. His face had paled and he was couldn't even turn around to face his teacher and fellow disciples!

Who is this!

Who the hell is this?

Chen Ying, Tian Weiwei, and the others were all silenced!

You can even beat an elite, professional 8th dan player?

Damn, are you really an amateur Go player? Are you trying to ascend?!

Li Qinqin looked at the mess of a game on the computer screen. She had also been shocked. This time, she had really been shocked! If a world-class mathematician like Zhang Ye could beat an average professional Go player, she might be surprised but still wouldn't find it strange. But the issue here was that it was not that simple!

He had won against a professional 7th dan player!

And now, even a professional 8th dan was not his equal!

This turn of events was far too shocking!

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Chapter 1105: Zhang Ye vs. China Qiyuan!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The game ended.

The Online Go Server was flooded with messages once again.

"Come and see this!"

"This match was a spectacle!"

"Yeah, it was really intense!"

"What was the result? How did the game end?"

"Damn, Teacher Changhe lost again."

"Pfft, Teacher Changhe has been taken apart yet again!"

"He's indeed the famous Changhe 9-dan. Rather than getting upset about this, it seemed like he did not even get affected. If it were me, I would have smashed the computer after losing all those games! But just look at Teacher Changhe! He wasn't annoyed at all and continued playing despite losing so many times. What a good sport he is!"

"Yeah, that's how a Go grandmaster should behave."

At this time, YE sent a private message to Wu Changhe: "Uncle, do you still want to play?"

Wu Changhe was so angry that he grabbed the keyboard for himself and hunt and pecked. Very agitated by the loss, he even typed the words wrong many times. "Of course! Come!"

"I think I won't be playing for now. I have to eat."

"Are you running away, kid?"

"Lunch is waiting."

Wu Changhe was floored. He shouted and ranted in a fury!

If you're not going to play, why did you ask me if I wanted to keep playing?

How dare you!

You're great!

You're just great!

Li Qinqin, who had been in a state of shock, laughed at Zhang Ye's messages. "This kid."

Wu Changhe rolled up his sleeves in preparation to charge out. "I'm going to look for that damn rascal!"

"What are you doing?" Li Qinqin hurriedly pulled him back, overwhelmed. "You still intend to pick a fight with him?"

Wu Changhe said angrily, "I'm going to beat him to death!"

"Teacher!"

"Calm down! Calm down!"

"Damn! Teacher, no! You mustn't!"

His disciples all ran to hold him back.

How could a game of Go almost lead to a fight?!

Li Qinqin laughed and said, "Serves you right. Who told you to question his character? Look what you did, you've shot yourself in the foot."

Wu Changhe pointed at his disciples and said, "What in the world were you all doing playing like that? All of you have disgraced me! Completely disgraced me! All of you!"

Xu Han scratched his head. "Teacher, why don't I try playing against him again?"

Hu Liang said, "Right, right, there's too much random chance to decide things with just one game. Even Xiang Rong 9-dan could not possibly win every game that he plays. We must decide this in best-of-three series!"

Chen Ying sighed. "Teacher, this YE really is very good. We—"

"More like the several of you aren't skilled enough!" fumed Wu Changhe. "Very good, my ass! I won't believe it! I don't believe that no one can beat him!"

...

At Old Wu's villa.

Downstairs, the smell of cooked food greeted him.

Zhang Ye eagerly made his way downstairs. "Aiyo, lunch is ready?"

"It's almost cold." Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Eat quickly."

Zhang Ye sighed as he sat down and started eating. "I'm getting addicted to playing Go."

Old Wu asked, "But I never knew that you enjoyed Go so much?"

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "I didn't have time for it in the past, but I'm finally discovering the fun in playing it." He did not explain what kind of fun he was referring to.

Ring, ring, ring.

Old Wu's cell phone was ringing. When she saw the caller ID, she answered.

"Hello, Dad."

"Where's that brat!"

"Who are you talking about?"

"Who do you think! That Zhang brat!"

"We're having lunch."

"So he's really with you! You cooked for him, didn't you?"

"Yes, what's wrong?"

"How dare you cook for him! Are you trying to drive me to my grave? Are you? Throw away all the food! Grab a container of salt and pour it into his bowl! I'll make him eat it up!"

"Whoa, what's the matter?"

"Tell him this for me! Don't go anywhere! Tell him not to go anywhere! I'll fight him 300 more times in the afternoon! I'll show him why all the flowers have turned red!"

Du du. Wu Changhe hung up.

Zhang Ye, who was listening closely beside her, quickly lowered his head and continued eating. He feigned ignorance and said, "Aiya, the dishes you whipped up are so delicious. My Old Wu's cooking is still the best!"

Wu Zeqing put down her cell phone and asked, "Did you play Go with my dad just now?"

Zhang Ye said in surprise, "What? No?"

Old Wu smiled and said, "If you did, you did. Why don't you admit it? From my dad's tone, he must have lost quite a few matches to you. He was so mad that he asked me to grab a container of salt and pour the salt into your bowl. He even wanted me to tell you to play him again in the afternoon."

Pour salt into my bowl?

How can you be so mean!

Zhang Ye harrumphed inside his head. Fine, we'll play. Do you think I'm afraid of you?

He looked at Old Wu and said, "If I drive your dad into a corner, don't tell me off."

Old Wu smiled and said, "Why would I tell you off? Go is won by whoever is more skilled. Every competitive game winners and losers. It's quite normal."

"Ha, I'll rest easy then!" Zhang Ye was delighted and devoured the food.

Old Wu said, "Eat slowly."

Zhang Ye said, "I'll be playing Go after lunch."

Old Wu smiled and said, "You two have really clashed?"

Well, with things progressing to this point, one of them had to give in first. Otherwise, this "fight" would definitely not come to an end!

After lunch.

Old Wu put on an apron and washed the dishes.

Zhang Ye couldn't wait and headed straight up to the study while humming a ditty. When he turned on the monitor, he realized that there was no one left in the room!

Where did he go?

Where did he run off to?

He snorted and began flooding the room with messages!

...

In the afternoon.

Near Tiantan East Gate 1 .

At China Qiyuan 2 .

This was an official agency responsible for China's strategy board games under the State General Administration of Sports and acted as the integrated training hub and competition venue for the various sports. It oversaw the management of the national Go team, chess team, and Xiangqi team, as well as taking responsibility for organizing various domestic and international tournaments.

Due to the recent international Go tournament, there were many experts gathered at China Qiyuan today. Some of them were practicing, some were playing matches against others, but the majority of them were watching the furor surrounding Changhe 9-dan!

The moment Wu Changhe arrived, he was surrounded by a large group of professional Go players.

"Teacher Changhe!"

"Why are you here?"

"Pfft, who have you offended this time?"

"Who is that YE?"

"Was it Hu Liang and Xu Han playing just now? The two of them lost too?"

"Take a look at this! YE is online and searching for you!"

"He has been flooding the chat box for hours! The entire Online Go Server exploded with activity!"

"There's a commotion on Weibo as well!"

"Everyone knows about this now!"

Everyone was wondering what had happened.

Wu Changhe kept silent, a dark look on his face. When he heard, he walked straight up to a computer and saw YE shouting without end in the Online Go Server's room. He even brought the fight to the public chat!

YE: "Where are you?"

YE: "I waited until my face turned green."

YE: "I'm here, where did you disappear to?"

YE: "Paging Teacher Changhe!"

YE: "Are we still playing? If not, I'll take my afternoon nap."

When Wu Changhe saw this, he flew into a rage. "This rascal is really pushing it too far!"

Many of the professional Go players didn't know how to react. They were wondering why he was only targeting Teacher Changhe. Just what kind of fucking grudge existed between the two of them!

Wu Changhe immediately logged in to his account. He entered the password and went back into room they were in. He messily hunt and pecked out: "I'm here! Wait for me! Don't go anywhere!"

"I've already been waiting for half an hour."

"Don't be so impatient! I'm going to make you lose ugly. Do you believe me?"

"Hur hur."

Wu Changhe turned around and ordered, "Did you see his clamoring? Did you see it? A layman, an amateur Go enthusiast is openly provoking us pro Go players. Can you tolerate this? Can you? Quickly destroy him for me! Send him to his death! Crush him so that he won't play Go ever again! Humiliate him so that he'll puke at the mere sight of Go!"

Everyone was floored.

But he didn't provoke us professional Go players at all!

He was clearly just directing his provocations at you, no?

But what Wu Changhe said was not without reason. An amateur Go player was bullying one of their fellow pros. And he was provoking Changhe 9-dan, who was once the biggest icon in the world of Go, and winning against active players like Hu Liang 7-dan and Xu Han 8-dan. This really made them lose a huge amount of face as professional Go players!

China Qiyuan's president appeared at this time.

Dan Donghe walked out with a grin on his face. "Brother Wu, I heard that you and a few of your disciples were swept aside by an amateur Go player? Did it really happen?"

Wu Changhe said angrily, "You're smiling, you old fool? Hurry up and come over to help me!"

Dan Donghe. A professional 9th dan Go player and the current president of China Qiyuan. He was a 9th dan Go player from the same generation as Wu Changhe and also his junior brother. They had dominated the world of Go back in their heyday for many years and were known in the country as the "He Twins." They had a very good personal relationship as well.

Dan Donghe wondered, "What kind of feud do the two of you have?"

"A blood feud!" Wu Changhe said as he rolled his eyes.

Dan Donghe asked curiously, "Is he really an amateur?"

Wu Changhe nodded but knew better in his heart of hearts. Was his opponent really an amateur? In reality, that Zhang fellow could not even be considered an amateur Go player!

Changhe 9-dan's disciples arrived as well.

"That guy is posting another thing!" Chen Ying said angrily.

On the screen, they saw YE urging endlessly: "Are you ready yet, Uncle? It's not that you're scared of playing me, right? But that's fine too, if you take back your words from earlier."

A professional 8th dan player could no longer stand idly by. "I'll play him! What kind of person is this! He's too big for his britches!"

"I'll take him too!"

"Count me in as well!"

"Damn, does he really think that pro Go players are pushovers?"

"How dare he come knocking on our door looking for trouble?"

"An amateur who only got a little lucky. Does he really think he's invincible?"

A lot of people could no longer sit still and began denouncing him!

Dan Donghe nodded. "Alright, Little Qi. Practice some with him."

Qi Qi was up?

Damn, was this even necessary?

Qi Qi. A professional 7th dan Go player. Although his rank was not high, he was seemingly imbued with the power of the gods this year. He was even higher on the world rankings than Xu Han. During an international tournament last week, he even won a game against a Korean 9th dan player!

Everyone was gloating as they thought that they would be in for a treat.

Wu Changhe came to China Qiyuan to seek assistance. His disciples might not have been good enough, but this place was filled with all the best Go professionals in the country. As it was also close to the tournament period, nearly all the professional players above 5th dan were present today. The strongest Go players in the country were all here, and there were also a few active 9th dan players around as well!

Ha!

I'll see how long you can continue being so smug!

Wu Changhe wanted to make Zhang Ye beg for mercy as he felt that he would lose ugly. You might have gotten lucky and won one or two games, but I don't fucking believe that you can beat so many of our best Go players!

Come!

You dare woo my daughter?

I'll teach you a lesson, rascal!

1. https/en./wiki/Tiantandongmen_Station

2. https/en./wiki/China_Qiyuan It oversees the Chinese Weiqi (Go) Association, the Chinese Chess Association, the Chinese Xiangqi Association and the Chinese Contract Bridge Association.

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Chapter 1106: Sweeping China Qiyuan single-handedly!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

In the study.

Old Wu came in with a cup of tea.

Zhang Ye was still staring at the computer screen.

"Have some tea."

"Oh, thanks."

"Has the game begun yet?"

"We'll be starting soon, haha."

"OK. Let's see just how good my boyfriend is at Go."

Old Wu pulled a chair over and sat down.

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "I'm actually not that good. Your dad's still pretty good. When I started playing him, I didn't need to put in much effort at all. But the more we played, the better he became. It was as though his skill had been restored to how good he was in the past. At times, I even had to get serious. Otherwise, I would really have been beaten by him."

"Of course. My dad once stood at the top."

"But I'm not bad either. Eh, it's starting. Hur hur, watch how I play!"

"You can only win against my dad because his skills have regressed a lot. If you went against active 4th or 5th dan pros, it would be very difficult for you to win."

"I know that."

Zhang Ye deeply believed that as well. He actually did not even know how good he was. All he knew was that he had maxed out his Lottery Draw (One)'s Go skill, and added another 100 million Reputation Points' worth of the Lottery Draw (Two) Go skill experience books on top of that. From the looks of it, the Go players of this world seemed to be really strong. If a professional Go player whose play had regressed by that much since his retirement 20 years ago was still this strong at Go, then Zhang Ye felt that what Old Wu had said was correct when she mentioned that he could only win against her father. But it was enough if he could beat him. Right from the beginning, this fellow was just aiming for Wu Changhe anyway.

The game began!

"WuChanghe," who was "sitting" opposite, had already placed his stone.

When Zhang Ye saw this, he followed up by placing his stone in the opposite corner. An opening with moves in opposing corners 1 could easily throw the framework into disarray. This method was often employed by weaker opponents against a stronger one. The idea behind it was to win amid the chaos it brought. But Zhang Ye was not afraid of that. Instead, his character suited such a method even better!

About eight moves later.

Old Wu said curiously, "Eh, this doesn't look how my dad usually plays?"

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "Yeah, your dad often changes his strategy. He would change his playstyle after every game he lost to me."

Old Wu understood. "It must be because he couldn't find a way to deal with you, so he deliberately changed his strategy. My dad is pretty good. When did he become so adaptable?"

"Whoa, this is a good move!"

"Mhm."

"Haha, but watch me now!"

"How are you going to respond?"

"Watch as I trick him."

"Eh, why did you place your stone there?"

"Hehe, you'll know why in a bit. Ha, look at this! Your dad has taken the bait. Wait a bit. Just wait a bit and I'll show you a clever play!"

After Black made the 85th move.

Zhang Ye smiled as he took a white stone and clinked it down!

His opponent was silenced!

This silence lasted for a full ten minutes!

Zhang Ye cackled with laughter. "He fell for it! I bet your dad is getting frustrated!"

As Wu Zeqing's Go skill was just average, her observational skills were lacking by quite a bit. It wasn't until this moment that she understood why Zhang Ye had played his stones in those positions in the opening!

Wu Zeqing marveled, "Very beautiful."

Zhang Ye was overjoyed at receiving praise from his girlfriend.

Then a dialog box popped up!

His opponent resigned!

Zhang Ye typed: "Are we still playing, Uncle?"

"Yes. Wait a little! Don't run off!"

"Alright, I'll be here."

Very quickly, another game started!

This time, his opponent changed to yet another opening playstyle!

Zhang Ye did not think anything of it. He chatted with Wu Zeqing as he simultaneously played and explained his moves.

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "If you keep playing like this, you might really end up losing. Don't other people play Go silently?"

However, Zhang Ye was accustomed to playing and chatting at the same. He really hadn't played much Go before and did not have a subdued personality either. He had played a lot of Fight the Landlord, so this fellow was actually using the mentality of that game to play Go. Every now and then, Zhang Ye would send some offending words to "WuChanghe" to harass him. He even felt that this was very normal behavior in Go. If you played like a slowpoke, you would definitely be hurried!

"Are you in the toilet?"

"Uncle, where did you go?"

"Are you taking a dump?"

"Why aren't you moving?"

"Please move?"

"The flowers are wilting as I wait!"

"Did you forget to bring toilet paper?"

Wu Zeqing could not refrain from laughing. This was the first time she had seen someone play Go in such a way. Furthermore, those messages he sent sounded really mean as well!

In reality, Zhang Ye was having a very difficult time this game. "Your dad is playing really well in the midgame. He's playing really well this game, really well. Look at this setup here. He's trying to trap me!"

Wu Zeqing said, "He making you make forcing moves."

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "That might not be the case. He wants to trick me? Your dad is really overthinking things. Alright, I'll confuse him by responding with a horizontal stretch."

"A horizontal stretch?"

"Haha, I have to make him think that I've actually taken his bait."

"And then?"

"Then the midgame will be mine!"

His opponent placed his stone!

Zhang Ye placed his stone!

His opponent placed another stone!

Zhang Ye smiled as he played an atari on his opponent!

And then, there were no more thens!

His opponent's timer 2 started counting up.

Three minutes…

Five minutes…

His opponent resigned.

Zhang Ye said to Old Wu, "In fact, this game can be played on until the endgame. But there's no point in playing any further than this. Your dad has no hope of turning things around."

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "My dad's skill has really regressed a lot over the years."

In Zhang Ye's heart, his attitude toward Wu Changhe was slowly changing. He was starting to think that this old man was really quite skilled. Wu Changhe made some moves that nearly landed him in an unfavorable position and the standard of play increased the more games they played. It was as though he had changed persons with every match they played. He was indeed worthy of being the best Go player all those years ago. He was truly a force to be reckoned with!

But still, Zhang Ye did not lose!

One game!

Three games!

Five games!

Zhang Ye defeated all in his way, emerging victorious!

...

Near the computer.

Inside the Go association at China Qiyuan.

Silence reigned in the hall.

Wu Changhe was dumbfounded!

President Dan Donghe was dumbfounded!

All the professional players in the Go association were dumbfounded!

"Qi Qi 7-dan lost?"

"Chang Han 9-dan lost?"

"Tian Xi 9-dan lost too?"

"Li Yi 9-dan is also no match for him?"

"Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!"

A total of five professional Go players had played against YE!

One of them was ranked 12th in the world!

One of them was ranked 10th in the world!

One of them was ranked 9th in the world!

One of them was ranked 7th in the world!

The highest ranking player was 4th in the world!

All of them lost!

All of them fucking lost!

"Holy shit!"

"Oh my God!"

"Who the fuck is he?"

"H-How could this be!"

They could not believe their eyes!

Chen Ying, Xu Han, and the others nearly pissed their pants!

A lot of the 5th and 6th dan players were staring at the computer screen while rubbing their eyes, dumbfounded. They could not react to it for a very long while. They were almost going crazy as their concept of the game had been completely shattered in these moments!

The reason Wu Changhe came to seek assistance from China Qiyuan was because he wanted to get the top Go players to take turns teaching Zhang Ye a lesson. But in the end, YE, by himself, destroyed everyone from China Qiyuan!

They were crushed!

He did not suffer a single loss!

The most crucial part was that this joker called YE kept harassing them throughout the games. He constantly sent messages like "hurry up," "even the flowers have wilted," "why are you taking your sweet time," and "are you taking a dump." He even repeatedly sent those messages, taking those 9th dan players to the brink of collapse and making them see red!

Taking a dump?

Forgetting to bring toilet paper?

Why the hell would you care if I brought any toilet paper or not!

What the fuck has that got anything to do with you!?

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Chapter 1107: The world number one in Go makes his move!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

At China Qiyuan.

Everyone was sorely beaten!

"Go on!"

"Get him!"

"There are so many of us! I don't believe that we can't beat him!"

Quite a few people started calling for action!

They could not take it lying down!

They were reluctant to accept the results!

This was too embarrassing! This was way too embarrassing!

With so many of the world's top Go professionals on their side, how could they have possibly been defeated by an amateur?

Li Yi 9-dan said angrily, "This bastard is too rude! Causing trouble! He's making trouble! How can he keep sending those offending messages during the game! If I wasn't distracted by his messages, I would have won!"

"Yeah!"

"Despicable!"

"Extremely despicable!"

"This person is so evil!"

A group of professional Go players were hurling all kinds of abuse!

But all of a sudden, someone came out from behind them. "If he can still send that many messages while playing, that means he has not given his best effort yet. Even if he plays a few more games, you guys still might not be a match for him."

It was Xiang Rong!

No one knew when Xiang Rong had arrived!

The computer's display here at the Go association was hooked up to the big screen. Everyone had been watching the games on it earlier, so Xiang Rong must have also been spectating all this while!

"Master Xiang!"

"Teacher Xiang!"

"Ah, Master Xiang is here!"

"Master Xiang, that fella is too cocksure!"

Everyone looked over.

The moment Wu Changhe saw Xiang Rong, his spirits lifted. "Little Xiang! What are you also doing here?"

Xiang Rong said politely, "Elder Wu."

At the association, or even within the Chinese Go world, whoever met with Wu Changhe would have to speak to him very politely. That applied even to the current number one in the world of Go!

Dan Donghe was still in a state of shock. The losses suffered by several of those 9th dan players had rocked him to his very core. He wouldn't have believed it if someone told him before today that his Qiyuan players would fall so easily. He said, "Little Xiang, there's something very odd about this guy! He clearly does not play by the book and uses many moves that no one has really used before. Yet every move of his has meaning, and the openings were played exquisitely! If you were playing, do you think you could win?"

Xiang Rong smiled and said, "Without going up against him, I won't know."

But Wu Changhe said, "How could you possibly not win!"

Qi Qi was on the verge of tears. "Master Xiang, you have to avenge us!"

"Master Xiang!"

"Master Xiang, please play him!"

"Only you're capable of defeating him!"

"Get him!"

Yes!

Everyone knew that Xiang Rong was just being humble. No one believed that he could lose!

Xiang Rong? Lose? What a joke! This was the current number one in the world of Go. Comparing the current Xiang Rong and Wu Changhe 9-dan at the peak of his prowess when he went undefeated, it would be difficult to tell who would win. Xiang Rong's name alone was the greatest reputation in the world of Go, which was a stage all to his own. Some experts predicted that within the next two years, there would be no one who could compare to Xiang Rong even if he was not that young anymore—he turned exactly thirty this year.

Wu Changhe suddenly said, "Little Xiang, it was good that I took you in, right?"

"But of course. It was all thanks to your coaching when I was in my teens," Xiang Rong replied. Although his teacher was not Wu Changhe, his career in Go was still considered to have been initiated by him. Therefore, Xiang Rong owed him an enormous favor.

Wu Changhe immediately said, "Hurry up. I'm depending on you to save me some face!"

Xiang Rong gave a wry smile. "Since Elder Wu has spoken, I wouldn't dare to say no. But I will have to use my own account. Playing a game on someone else's behalf is not something that I can make myself do."

Dan Donghe asked, "You have an account?"

Xiang Rong calmly said, "Yes, but I've rarely used it."

Wu Changhe said, "That's fine. Just make sure to utterly demolish this guy!"

Xiang Rong was actually also quite eager to play against him. Earlier, when Wu Changhe's disciple had played on his behalf, Xiang Rong took notice of YE. At that time, he could already see that YE did not play to his best of his ability against Hu Liang 7-dan and Xu Han 8-dan. He was really hoping to verse this so-called amateur Go player who had won four matches in a row against four 9th dan pros. He was incredibly curious!

Xiang Rong was already seated in front of the computer.

Everyone crowded around to watch!

Even the professional Xiangqi and international chess players from the neighboring associations came over after they heard about it. News had long since spread, so who wouldn't know about it?

"Holy shit!"

"Master Xiang is going to play?"

"This is a big deal!"

"Master Xiang will be playing? Is that really necessary?"

"The opponent is most definitely not an amateur! Even a few of our 9th dan players lost to him!"

"Yeah. If Master Xiang still does not take this matter into his own hands, then China Qiyuan can no longer hold its head high!"

Presently, all of the Qiyuan was making a ruckus. YE had stirred the pot and turned everything upside down such that even a few executives came running over!

A deputy chairman: "What happened?"

A director: "Even Li Yi 9-dan lost?"

Another deputy chairman: "Could it be Korea's Old Park trying to mess with us?"

Li Yi said angrily, "I don't know who it is, but he's extremely devious. Teacher Changhe claims that he's just an amateur. But when we asked who it was, he wouldn't say."

The executives all had solemn looks on their faces. But when they realized that Xiang Rong would be taking care of things, they brightened up a bit.

Wu Changhe's account went offline.

In its place, Xiang Rong's account appeared in the room. Xiang Rong turned off the spectate option for this match and forbade any outsiders from watching.

...

Several thousand fellow Go players saw their monitors turn dark after they were kicked out of the room.

"What the heck!"

"What happened?"

"Why can't we spectate anymore?"

"I was having fun watching!"

"Why did I think I saw Xiang Rong's account appear in the room?"

"Huh? Surely not, right?"

"Haha, you must've seen wrong."

"Xiang Rong 9-dan does not play Go online."

...

At Old Wu's residence.

Wu Zeqing went to pour some tea.

Zhang Ye discovered that Wu Changhe had suddenly gone offline.

Eh?

Where did he go?

Then he saw an account by the name of Xiang Rong appear in the room.

Xiang Rong sent a message. "Elder Wu needs to rest. Shall we play a game?"

Us two play?

Who are you!

Xiang Rong?

Never heard of this name before!

When he checked his opponent's account, he saw that it had a very low rating but a 100% win rate. The total number of games played was only ten. Zhang Ye sneered to himself. Only ten games played? A newbie? And you dare to challenge me to a game? Where did you come from? Who gave you the courage to come in here, little comrade!

Zhang Ye replied: "How did you get into the room? Don't make trouble. I have important business to handle. I don't play against newbies."

Then he continued to flood the chat box.

"Teacher Changhe?

"Why did you leave?

"Is it because you're a sore loser?

"Uncle, why don't I let you play with a handicap?

"It's boring if I keep winning.

"Please speak. How many games do I have to win before you admit defeat?"

...

At the computer.

The people at the Qiyuan blew up!

Xiang Rong's eyebrows twitched wildly!

Chen Ying 7-dan's jaw dropped!

Xu Han 8-dan stared, slack-jawed!

YE's messages displayed on the big screen had silenced the hall in the blink of an eye!

I don't play against newbies?

I don't play against newbies?

Everyone was dumbfounded by what they saw!

Everyone was aghast!

You don't even fucking know Xiang Rong?

As long as someone played Go, how could they possibly not know Xiang Rong!

A newbie?

Xiang Rong was a newbie?

Goddammit, you're done for!

This time, it's really over for you!

Are you trying to offend the entire world of Go with that!

But in this moment, everyone finally believed while shocked that this joker called YE was really not a professional Go player. He wouldn't even be considered an amateur Go player. This idiot did not have the first fucking clue about the world of Go!

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Chapter 1108: Who's playing?

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

At China Qiyuan.

"This idiot!"

"I'm convinced!"

"Master Xiang, you might be able to take this lying down, but I can't!"

"This YE is basically insulting us!"

"I'll smack that newbie face of his!"

"You're the one who's the goddamn newbie, alright?"

But the second, a notification popped up: Xiang Rong has been kicked from the room by YE!

He even got kicked!

YE had actually kicked Xiang Rong 9-dan out!

Everyone was floored!

The room and the password had been set up by Wu Changhe. YE had entered the room first, followed by Xiang Rong. When Wu Changhe left the room, the second person to enter was handed the administrative rights and got the highest privileges. He could kick any person he wanted to.

Wu Changhe cursed, "This young bastard!" He pointed at Xiang Rong and said, "Little Xiang, use my account! Let him have a taste of what it means to play Go!"

"Right!"

"Show him what we are capable of!"

"Teach him that there's always someone stronger out there!"

"Master Xiang, it's your turn!"

"This joker is infuriating!"

"Destroy him!"

"Let this idiot know what it really means to be a pro Go player!"

Everyone was clamoring!

...

On the other end.

Wu Zeqing returned to the study.

"I brewed another pot of tea." Old Wu placed it on the table. "What's the matter? You're not playing anymore?"

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "Your dad went offline without saying where he was going. After that, some silly fool came into the room wanting to play me, but I kicked him out."

Old Wu asked, "Who was it?"

Zhang Ye smacked his lips and said, "I don't know. It was a newbie. I ignored him."

All of a sudden, someone came into the room!

It was Wu Changhe's account which reappeared after going offline a while ago.

Zhang Ye chortled. "He's back, he's back!"

His opponent sent a message right off the bat.

Wu Changhe: "Begin?"

Zhang Ye replied: "Sure!"

It was nearly 6 PM. Go is a relatively time-consuming activity, with a typical match between the masters easily taking up to an hour or two. And that would be a rapid match. In a real high-level tournament, it would not be unreasonable for a match to take up to 10 hours or more. Even further back, in ancient times, a match could drag on for three whole days and nights and would not even be uncommon.

But Zhang Ye had been playing a fast game today. It was the same for "WuChanghe." This was very common for online Go and a match would seldom get dragged out for too long. Due to the atmosphere being different, it naturally brought about a difference in the pace of the game. You couldn't possibly expect an online game between two players to be dragged out for over ten hours. But of course, the length of a match was also affected by the time limit, the opponent, and skill levels.

On the screen.

"WuChanghe" picked Black.

Zhang Ye went second with the white stones.

With the laying of the first stone by the black side, another round began!

...

At the computer.

The players at the Qiyuan all shifted back, trying to give the most space and quiet to Xiang Rong for his match. Everyone watched the monitor as the match took place and their mood swung with the progress of the game!

"Ah, Master Xiang has made his move!"

"An approach 1 ?"

"And it's even a high approach 2 ?"

"What a good move! Great move!"

"Splendid!"

"Haha, Master Xiang has almost never lost as Black!"

"Aiyo, White has made a stand 3 !"

"Damn!"

"This fellow is so slippery!"

"What a miser!"

Many of the professional Go players were taken by surprise!

Xiang Rong thought for a long while before placing his next stone down without any expression.

His opponent switched from his fast game of responding with immediate moves and went into a long thought process before making a horizontal stretch.

The game had only just started, but it was already making a lot of people tremble nervously just from spectating. Some of them were even sweating profusely from the intensity of the match!

"How marvelous!"

"This horizontal stretch was great!"

"Just where did this strange YE person come from?"

"Master Xiang still has a huge lead!"

"Xiang Rong 9-dan turned serious!"

"YE, prepare to cry! This fella definitely doesn't know who his opponent is! If he did, he'd surely be scared to death. Hahahaha!"

But before that person finished speaking, YE's absent spamming started up again!

YE: "Make your move."

YE: "Uncle, what are you doing?"

YE: "Did you fall asleep?"

YE: "Why don't I go take a nap as well? Call me when you've made your move, OK?"

Long strings of text totaling more than 20 messages were sent over!

Xiang Rong maintained indifference, pretending like he didn't see the messages.

But the other Go players started to hurl abuse!

"He's so arrogant!"

"He's willing to distract himself with typing while playing against Xiang Rong 9-dan?"

"I doubt he's even distracted. This is his style!"

"He's doing it on purpose! He's absolutely doing it on purpose!"

The pace of the game had been slowed!

The two of them started playing slower!

...

On the other end.

Wu Zeqing was looking at the computer screen and said, "This game doesn't seem to be going as smoothly?"

Zhang Ye was still unaware of things. He looked rather relaxed as he laughed and said, "Your dad really is strong. He's improving with every game. Looks like I underestimated him. He's really not that bad when he gets serious."

Old Wu smiled. "You've already won so many times. Why don't you let him win for once?"

"Ai, that won't do." Zhang Ye said, "I have my bottom line."

Yet, for a future son-in-law who had just visited his future father-in-law for the first time yesterday to demolish him to such a sorry state, that lacked any kind of bottom line!

On the board, the game progressed with much tension.

The stones of both sides were stuck in " mutual life 4 "!

Old Wu looked at him with a smile. "What do you want for dinner?"

"Anything is fine."

"Then I'll go make dinner now?"

"Alright, thank you so much."

Zhang Ye placed another stone down. "Haha, watch me harass your territory!"

As he played, he continued to talk to himself and type out messages to send to his opponent. It wasn't that Zhang Ye did not take this seriously, but that this was just his style. He enjoyed playing Go this way.

He prattled:

"Yo, that was a great one! What a great move!"

"You're making things difficult for me, Comrade Changhe!"

"You're trying to trick me! How can I allow you to succeed?"

"Come, let me see how you will defend this move!"

"Yoho, nice! How about this move?"

"Whoa, you captured my stone? But I sacrificed it!"

"Haha, it would be impolite if I don't respond in kind. This bro will capture a stone of yours too!"

"What? You're still capturing? Aren't you afraid of overeating 5 ? I'll let you capture them then! Go on? Why aren't you capturing them? Good thing this bro thinks quick. Otherwise, I would really have been forced into a corner by you!"

Old Wu's voice sounded from downstairs.

Old Wu asked, "How's the game going?"

Zhang Ye shouted from the room, "It's really close! I wonder if your dad is on steroids or something. It feels like he got possessed! I was nearly overwhelmed by him!"

This old guy!

He's too stubborn!

Old Wu laughed. "Don't underestimate a 9th dan pro Go player. A retired 9th dan is still a 9th dan, after all. If you don't mind, let me invite my dad's disciples over some time to play you. They're all active players ranked 6th dan and above, and they all play better than my dad. You can practice by playing them."

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "Forget it. I nearly couldn't even hold out against your dad. With my skill level, I should just play against retired pros and amateurs. I can bully them a little. But I can't win against a true pro Go player for sure, so this bro shouldn't try to look for trouble." He did not know how well was playing Go, nor did he care. All he wanted was to beat Wu Changhe. That was enough. "Haha, respond to this move!"

...

At China Qiyuan.

Everyone at the place was shocked!

"This is amazing!"

"This YE is so fearsome!"

"How did he train?"

"After taking White, he can equalize against Master Xiang in the opening?"

Earlier, no one thought that Xiang Rong 9-dan would lose!

But now, there were some people thinking otherwise!

Like Chen Ying.

Like Tian Weiwei.

These two disciples of Wu Changhe exchanged a glance and saw the disbelief in each others' eyes. Th-This was truly too frightening!

Would Xiang Rong 9-dan really be able to win?

All of a sudden, for some reason, they were feeling very uncertain!

YE's messages were still as sarcastic as ever!

Talking about going to the bathroom!

Talking about how the flowers have wilted!

Talking about remembering to bring toilet paper!

But now, no one was swearing. YE's messages were just like voodoo curses being recited to hasten their demise. It made them all tremble nervously!

Ring, ring, ring.

Chen Ying's cell phone rang.

She quickly answered it. "Ma'am."

Li Qinqin's voice came from the other end. "Little Ying, where's your teacher?"

Chen Ying gave a bitter laugh and said, "Teacher is watching the game."

"Who's playing right now?" Li Qinqin said, "I was watching too until I suddenly got kicked out of the room. I think they're not allowing us to spectate or something? This latest game has already been going on for over an hour, hasn't it? Have they not determined a winner? Could it be a 9th dan player going up against YE? Is it Li Yi 9-dan?"

Li Yi?

Chen Ying didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She said, "Ma'am, Li Yi 9-dan already lost to that guy way before this game."

"What?"

"That's right."

"Then who's playing?"

...

Elsewhere.

Dinner was ready. Old Wu brought the dishes upstairs.

"Dinner is server."

"Smells great. I'm hungry just from the smell!"

"Play on, play as you eat."

"Alright."

Zhang Ye picked up a chopstick's worth of food, his eyes glued to the computer screen. He chuckled as he placed a stone with the mouse. "I finally got to see you make a mistake! What an opportunity! I miscalculated earlier and nearly got crushed by you and almost didn't recover. It looks like it's finally your turn to experience that! Watch this! Haha!"

Wu Zeqing inched close and took a look.

Evenly matched?

It looked like it would take a tough time to determine a winner?

At this moment, Wu Zeqing's cell phone rang. Checking the caller ID, she saw it was from her mother. She put down her chopsticks and left the study to answer the call.

"Mom, what's the matter?"

"Where's Little Zhang?"

"He's at my place. We're having dinner right now. Why?"

"He's not playing Go?"

"He is. Hasn't he been playing against Dad the entire day?"

"Are you sure it's him who's playing the match?"

"What's the matter?"

"What's his account name?"

"YE?"

"So it's really him!"

Li Qinqin's voice over the phone became very loud. After confirmation, she sounded like she was quite shaken!

Wu Zeqing laughed and said: "Is Dad getting frustrated from losing too much?"

Li Qinqin said: "It's not only your dad who's getting frustrated! All of China Qiyuan is getting frustrated as well!"

Old Wu was taken aback and couldn't help but let out a laugh. "China Qiyuan? Why are they getting frustrated?"

"Daughter, did you really think that Little Zhang has been playing against your dad?" Li Qinqin said.

Old Wu didn't know how to react. "Huh?"

Li Qinqin said: "Your dad retired many years ago, so how could he still play that well! Your dad only played two games against him this morning. The rest of the day, the games were all played on behalf of him by the pro Go players from the Qiyuan! Hu Liang 7-dan, Xu Han 8-dan, Chang Han 9-dan, Tian Xi 9-dan, Li Yi 9-dan, all of them lost! All of the Qiyuan has been swept by Little Zhang!"

Old Wu found that funny and said: "Mom, stop joking."

Li Qinqin said: "Why would I joke about this! Do you know who's playing against Little Zhang right now? Do you know?"

Old Wu said: "It's really not dad?"

Floored, Li Qinqin said: "How could that be your dad! If your dad could still play like that, would he have to retire! Would he have lost to Little Zhang after being given a two stone handicap?"

Old Wu asked: "Then who's playing?"

Li Qinqin inhaled and said: "Xiang Rong 9-dan!"

Old Wu: "What?!"

1. 挂/Guà/kari - Approach is a general term which includes any move which reduces the liberties of an opposing stone or chain of stones https/senseis./?ApproachMoves

2. A corner approach which is one space away in a straight line, is called in full a one-space high corner approach https/senseis./?HighApproach

3. https/senseis./?Stand

4. https/senseis./?Seki

5. "Capturing" uses the same verb as "eating" in Chinese.

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Chapter 1109: Who won?

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

In the study.

Zhang Ye was playing Go while eating at the same time.

Wu Zeqing came back into the room from outside.

Zhang Ye asked, "Was that your mom?"

Wu Zeqing gave a soft affirmation.

Zhang Ye blinked and said, "Is it because your dad is getting angry?"

"More or less." Wu Zeqing walked up behind him and took a look at him. Then she looked at the game on the computer and asked, "Oh yeah, Little Ye, what was the name of the account you just kicked?"

Zhang Ye did not really know who she was talking about. "Which one?"

Old Wu said, "The person that you said came into the room and offered to play against you."

"Oh, that newbie?" Zhang Ye placed a stone down and said without much care, "I think he's called Xiang something, I can't remember. That's right, he's called Xiang Rong?"

Wu Zeqing was speechless.

"What's the matter?" Zhang Ye was confused.

Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "It's nothing. Just carry on playing."

Zhang Ye nodded while pointing at the screen. "Your dad is playing this game to such a godly level. If I hadn't kept a trick up my sleeve, I couldn't have held him back. Since he took Black and went first, he had the advantage right from the start. So I was forced to respond to his moves and had to slowly find an opportunity to trick him whenever I got a chance. Haha, look, look, here's another opportunity. I can trick him again with my next move! Hehehe."

He smiled slyly as he directly counterattacked with another move without much thinking!

Zhang Ye boasted, "How's that, Old Wu? This move isn't bad, right?"

Not only was it not bad!

This move had helped him to close the gap by at least two or three points!

"…Just who did you learn Go from?"

"Go? The first person to teach me was my elementary school teacher. After that, it was my extracurricular class teacher in middle school."

"Is that all?"

"That's all. Why?"

"Erm, it's nothing."

"Why don't I let your dad win this round?"

"There's no need to do that. Just play as you would."

"Alright then, I won't hold back!"

...

An hour.

Two hours.

It was already past 8 PM.

But those people from China Qiyuan were still around and had not left. In fact, the number of people gathered here even increased. Many of them were holding bowls of wonton soup as they sat there watching the match on the screen, not moving an inch! Several 9th dan players and national Go team coaches who had been resting at home also came running back after hearing about this.

When these people came in, they immediately started asking, "How is the match going?"

Xu Han 8-dan, who was nearest to them, turned around and said, "It's gotten to the midgame!"

Someone asked anxiously, "Who has the advantage?"

The others looked up at the screen.

Chen Ying 7-dan walked toward them and said, "Master Xiang took Black, so he definitely has the advantage in the game. But if we account for the compensation at the end of the game, the two of them are on par. No one really has the upper hand!"

"Dammit!"

"Why is this guy so strong?"

"Where did he pop out from?"

"Even Xiang Rong 9-dan can't beat him?"

"More importantly, he's just a goddamn amateur?"

"Who is he?"

"We have to ask Teacher Changhe about that. No one else besides him knows!"

"Shh, keep your voice down. I heard that it was Teacher Changhe who somehow offended him. As a result, this YE came to confront him!"

Li Qinqin arrived at China Qiyuan as well.

"Ma'am!"

"Ma'am, what are you doing here?"

"Auntie Li."

"Auntie Li."

Everyone greeted her since they knew her.

Li Qinqin asked, "Where's Changhe?"

Tian Weiwei immediately pointed to him and said, "Teacher is having an argument with President Dan over there."

When Li Qinqin approached, she heard them disputing over something.

Dan Donghe said loudly, "Brother Wu, you must get this guy here!"

Wu Changhe rolled his eyes. "He's just an amateur. Why do you want him!"

"Have you ever seen an amateur play like that?" Dan Donghe pointed at the big screen in a speechless manner and said, "Anyone who can play against Little Xiang that well, no matter how amateurish he is, I want!"

Li Qinqin said, "Old Dan."

Wu Changhe frowned. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

Dan Donghe immediately said, "Sister Li, we have to get this person to join our Qiyuan. I will give him special approval to join us so that he can officially start participating in pro tournaments. I will also reserve a spot for him on the national team next year! Can you bring him here? No, there's no need for you to bring him here. Just let me know who he is and I'll have my way of persuading him! I can definitely get him to join us!"

Wu Changhe scowled and said, "Don't even think about it."

When Li Qinqin heard that, she gave a wry smile and said, "Old Dan, I think it's better for you to give up the idea."

"But why?" Dan Donghe was very thirsty for talent and panicked at this response!

Li Qinqin said very helplessly, "You really won't be able to persuade him. Changhe is right. He's really an amateur and would never join China Qiyuan."

"Joining the national team and becoming a national Go player, do you know how prestigious that is?" Dan Donghe said.

Li Qinqin sighed. "That is exactly what he does not lack."

Dan Donghe said, "What about money? As a Go player at that level, he should be earning at least a few million yuan per year. Although it's not that great monetarily, I don't believe that he won't be tempted. Can he get that kind of income from other jobs?"

Li Qinqin did not know how to answer him. "I don't think income level is a problem for him. Besides, if he really wanted to earn money, he would not be earning just a few million per year. It'd be more likely to be in the figure of a few million per month."

Dan Donghe was stunned. "What?" He looked at Wu Changhe. "Is that true?"

Wu Changhe grunted and did not reply. But that was clearly an answer.

"But…" Dan Donghe refused to give up and said anxiously, "If he joined us, he would be among the top players in the world of Go. It's better than being just average in other professions—"

"But Old Dan, from what I know," Li Qinqin interrupted, exasperated. She thought for a while, then said, "He's considered to be at the top of other professions as well."

Dan Donghe had no reply

What the hell!

Can't we talk this out?

Can't we have a proper discussion?

Dan Donghe was almost in tears.

When the other executives of China Qiyuan and the Go players who were nearby heard that, they were also extremely surprised!

His annual income was in the tens of millions?

He was very famous?

He was considered to be at the top of other professions as well?

Dan Donghe said, "Sister Li, just who in the world is this man?"

Li Qinqin threw up her hands and said, "Without his consent, I don't know if I should reveal him. Anyway, it's probably impossible if you are thinking of pulling him into the world of Go."

Dan Donghe heaved a sigh. "Hai! That's such a pity! It's really such a pity!"

Wu Changhe sneered. "What's so pitiful about that, Old Dan? If you really managed to get him, you would be the one to get pitied instead. If that kid joins, he would definitely turn everything upside down and the entire world of Go would no longer have any peace and quiet!" Wu Changhe did not usually pay much attention to the entertainment industry. But clearly, after Zhang Ye's visit yesterday, he went to check and found out about the news and events related to him. He got to know more about the things Zhang Ye had done in the past.

Li Qinqin glanced at him and said, "Don't keep criticizing him. I think he's quite good."

"That's your opinion. I just don't like him!" Wu Changhe said angrily.

Wu Changhe really felt like today was the longest day of his life. When had he ever been tortured to such a state by someone like this in the world of Go? Never! This was the first time it had happened!

All of a sudden, someone exclaimed in shock!

"He's been surrounded!"

"The white stones in the right corner are in danger!"

"Great move!"

"Master Xiang is all-powerful!"

"Hahahahaha!"

Dan Donghe, Wu Changhe, and the others immediately looked over as well.

Wu Changhe laughed loudly as he slapped his thigh and applauded, "Good, good!"

However, when the next white stone was played, another uproar ran through the place!

Wu Changhe's expression darkened again!

Li Qinqin was tickled at the sight.

"Holy shit!"

"This…this…"

"He has broken the hold!"

"White has broken the hold!"

"The right corner has actually been brought back to life!"

"This is so wonderful to watch!"

"Aiyo, I'm sweating!"

"He can even bring those stones back to fucking life?"

"White is really godly!"

"Damn, whose side are you on?"

"Man, I'm on Master Xiang's side of course, but White played really well! As someone who can make that move, he's definitely at the level of the top three in the world!"

Everyone was exclaiming endlessly!

Then the game fell into a state of monotony again.

Right into the midgame, the two of them began a series of territorial battles. They played very conservatively and neither rushed to make any ruthless moves again!

Half an hour.

An hour.

It was almost 10 PM now.

Neither had managed to take the initiative. The game was still deadlocked!

When Li Qinqin saw that Zhang Ye had actually managed to be locked in such a close battle with Xiang Rong 9-dan, the current number one in the world of Go, she felt an indescribable feeling of shock and confusion. This Little Zhang was way too talented. How does he know everything? And he even manages to do well in any of the industries he goes into?

Suddenly, something unexpected happened.

Xiang Rong yawned and chuckled as he typed something. This was the first time that Xiang Rong was having a conversation with YE since the game began. "If we play to the end, we would need at least another five, six hours to finish the game. Then it would last until tomorrow morning, so why don't we stop here for today. I'm getting sleepy and should sleep soon."

Everyone was stunned!

They weren't going to play on?

Master Xiang did not want to continue playing?

YE replied very quickly: "Then who's the winner?"

Xiang Rong said: "Let's call it a draw, what do you say?"

"Sure."

"Let's play another game some other day."

Xiang Rong then went offline on Wu Changhe's account.

Everyone gathered around him at once.

"Master Xiang!"

"Why didn't you keep playing?"

"If you played to the endgame, you would definitely have won!"

"That's right! How can you call it a draw?"

A lot of people could not accept this result, because in their eyes, Xiang Rong was the legend of the Go world. No one had won against him, and it was unlikely that there would be anyone who could do so!

But Xiang Rong just smiled as he shook his head and stayed quiet.

Wu Changhe, Dan Donghe, and the others went up to him.

Wu Changhe asked, "How was it?"

Xiang Rong gave a wry smile. "He's a very strong Go player."

Wu Changhe said in frustration, "Even you can't beat him? Were you holding back?"

He was raging mad!

Could it be that there was really no one who could deal with that Zhang fellow?

"He is really strong." Xiang Rong said, "Although I'm not too used to playing online Go, and that definitely affected my ability to perform, my opponent probably did not really give his best either. Some of his moves were even more casual than mine. Besides, he also played a lot of games with others before me, and it would surely have affected his mental state. If we continued to play, it would have been difficult to tell who the victor would be." He then threw his hands up and surprised everyone with, "And the most important thing is, even if we carried on that game to the end, the victor might not necessarily be me."

At this, many people fell silent!

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Chapter 1110: YE appears again!

Translator: Legge Editor: Legge

The next day.

In the morning.

Someone broke the news on Weibo and a discussion followed.

"Changhe 9-dan was utterly demolished in Go yesterday?"

"Yeah, it happened on the Online Go Server. It was really ruthless!"

"Yeah. That opponent of his was also particularly funny. He played Go in the style of Fight the Landlord and kept urging his opponents to hurry up with their moves. He even asked if they had forgotten to bring toilet paper with them to the bathroom. Those of us viewing the matches at that time laughed our asses off! I've never seen such a rude person before. Is he even playing Go?!"

"I saw it too! I was dying of laughter!"

"But that guy is really very good at the game!"

"By the way, I think I saw a flash of Xiang Rong's account appearing!"

"I noticed it too. Could Xiang Rong 9-dan have really played against him?"

"I don't know. The room was no longer accessible after that!"

"Even Xiang Rong 9-dan was called upon? That's impossible!"

"Damn! If it really happened, I want to know who won!"

On Weibo.

In the Go forums.

Within the Go community.

Similar discussions were taking place everywhere. Among those who played Go, this matter had caused quite a big stir.

Some of the netizens were muttering about this, but many of them could only make guesses as to what really happened. Only the people from China Qiyuan were in the know, and they even knew exactly how the matter had come about and its specific details. However, the outcome of yesterday's events were still unacceptable to many of them. As a result, none of them said a word about it to anyone. To them, this was not something to be proud of at all!

...

At Zhang Ye's parents' house.

In his bedroom.

Zhang Ye woke up happily with a smile, probably from some dream that he was having. After he got up, he immediately went to brush his teeth and wash up, all the while singing, "We the common folk, we are so happy today!"

His mother looked at him. "Did you win a prize? What are you so happy about?"

Zhang Ye laughed and said, "I'm just happy, that's all."

"Why did you come home so late again last night?" His father asked.

Zhang Ye sighed out, "I went out to play Go. Just messing around and having a little fun."

His parents knew that he could play Go, but they did not know how good he was. His mother said in amusement, "You only had some lessons in elementary school and signed up for an extracurricular class in middle school. You even attended the classes on and off for only a semester, so who could you possibly play against at your level? You can't even beat your dad."

Zhang Ye said with a chuckle, "That's not true. I won't have a problem winning against Dad for sure."

"I haven't seen you touch the game in many years. What made you suddenly want to play again?" his father asked.

Zhang Ye said, "I'm on leave for half a month, aren't I? So of course I'd have to find something to relax with."

His mother pursed her lips. "Rather than playing Go, you should be out earning money."

His father gave her a look. "Our son's been tired out by work recently. It's only right that he should get some rest."

"It's still Dad who loves me more." Zhang Ye laughed.

What was so important about work?

What was the urgency of making money?

He had to get the matter of his marriage settled first and foremost!

He still hadn't managed to "convince" Old Wu's father yet!

After breakfast.

He went back to his room to prepare for another day of playing Go. Talking about it, this fellow was really starting to get addicted to playing. Especially that last game with "WuChanghe." He enjoyed it quite a lot. Although the game ended in a draw, it was only decided as so after they both agreed to it. Go was unlike Xiangqi in that no games could be drawn. As long as they played until the end, a winner would be determined. Zhang Ye didn't know if he could have won because the game played by "WuChanghe" was spectacular. Zhang Ye did not know whether he had hidden his strength before that, or if he had finally found a way of dealing with him after playing so many rounds.

He had to be wary!

Comrade Changhe was indeed still pretty strong!

Zhang Ye was so petty that he immediately thought of a way to deal with that. He decided that he would strengthen his Go skill so that Comrade Changhe would not have a chance to make a comeback and gain an advantage over him. Since he wanted to win, he would have to win every game. Only then would Wu Changhe be convinced that he was really serious and determined to marry his daughter!

Right!

It was time for the lottery!

He needed to get several more of those skill experience books!

Zhang Ye was very spontaneous about it and immediately brought up the lottery draw system. He had already maxed out on the Lottery Draw (One)'s Go Skill Experience Books, so there wasn't any meaning in getting more of those. So he selected the Lottery Draw (Two) system to play. He did not add many additional stakes to it since he had already spent quite a bit of Reputation Points the previous time. Although he still had a lot, he did not want to be so wasteful. He had to save for a rainy day, after all. And so, he only added four additional stakes to the draw for a total of five stakes which cost 50 million Reputation Points. Then, he readily activated the Lucky Halo (Upgraded). When the halo appeared, he was imbued with luck and his Reputation Points started dropping every second!

-100,000!

-100,000!

Zhang Ye quickly started the lottery draw!

When the slot machine was activated, he wasn't sure if he could be so lucky to really get the Go Skill Experience Books. This was a good time to test the effects of the Lucky Halo again!

The icons flashed by quickly!

5 seconds…

10 seconds…

Slowly, the machine came to a stop!

Zhang Ye had already closed his eyes. When he heard the ding signaling the end of the lottery draw, he opened his eyes to take a look. Then he laughed out loud when he saw that the icons had lined up with the Skills Category icons. This made Zhang Ye very excited and he couldn't wait to open up all the medium-size treasure chests!

The golden treasure chests opened up!

A golden flash of light emitted from them!

[Xiangqi Skill Experience Book] 5.

When Zhang Ye saw the prize, he nearly burst into tears!

Dammit!

Why weren't they the skill experience books for Go?

Xiangqi? Why would I need Xiangqi skills!

Zhang Ye felt a twinge of pain. But since he had gotten the prize, he had no way to give it back. He deactivated the lucky halo in sadness and then started studying the Xiangqi Skill Experience Books one by one. The books dissolved into glowing light particles and surged right into his mind! Zhang Ye could clearly sense that his Xiangqi skill was growing. He had not drawn any Xiangqi Skill Experience Books before from Lottery Draw (One), and instead "ate" the Lottery Draw (Two)'s skill experience books. In doing so, Zhang Ye discovered that the effect was essentially the same as "eating" the equivalent amount of Reputation Points worth of skill experience books from Lottery Draw (One).

For example, these five Lottery Draw (Two) skill experience books had cost him 50 million Reputation Points. This was equivalent to 500 Lottery Draw (One) skill experience books for the Xiangqi skill. It was only after the lower level skill had been maxed out that the higher level skill experience books would be able to stack on top of that experience.

Hai.

If it was Xiangqi, then so be it.

After he gained a better understanding of the system, Zhang Ye did not continue playing the lottery draw. He decided to forget about it since his luck today didn't seem too good. The Lucky Halo (Upgraded) didn't felt like it was too effective today, so it was better not to force it.

He went online and logged in to his account. Zhang Ye entered into the Online Go Server again!

Where was everyone?

Where's Comrade Changhe?

I, Hu Hansan, am back! 1

…

At China Qiyuan.

There was a sudden commotion at the computers!

"He's here!"

"Damn, YE is back again!"

"His account is online now!"

"What's he back for?"

Quite a few people had arrived at the Qiyuan this morning. When they heard the commotion, everyone rushed over to have a look.

"Ah, Teacher Changhe is also online!"

"Is he currently playing anyone?"

"He already finished a game."

"Eh? How did YE get into Teacher Changhe's room again?"

"I'm floored. Where the heck did he get the password from?"

"Ah, quick, see this!"

"Changhe 9-dan has kicked him out of the room!"

"Teacher Changhe has changed the password!"

"Ah, YE got into the room again!"

"Pfft, Teacher Changhe has kicked him out again!"

"Teacher Changhe doesn't want to play him anymore!"

"Aiyo, the room's administrative rights have been stolen!"

"What?"

"YE has become the administrator!"

"Teacher Changhe can't kick him anymore!"

"Ah, Changhe 9-dan has left the room!"

"He has set up a new room!"

"Damn, YE came in again!"

"YE has been kicked again!"

"Ah, he came in again!"

"The administrator role has been taken!"

"Aiyo! Teacher Changhe has been kicked by YE!"

"Damn!"

"What sort of grudge do they have!"

I'm dying of laughter!"

Everyone was laughing on as they watched the ruckus!

This drama of the year was incredibly funny!

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