Extra Story: Made Up for It, But Only a Little

Si Jing left, and the splendidly decorated hall lost a wisp of her cool fragrance. Su Cheng excused himself to go to the restroom, while Ji Qingyi and the others, like homing migratory birds, quietly returned to their original seats.

In the vast hall, Su Cheng's young admirers met Liu Qingyue's remarks with intense disdain.

Their eyes held the unique stubbornness and determination of young girls, as if guarding a pure land in their hearts.

In their view, this person who called himself "Liu Batian" was simply too detestable.

The match just now was clearly a well-matched contest; Su Cheng, though defeated, had lost with honor. How could anyone say he was without talent or virtue?

The "rumors" spread by Liu Qingyue were like the thin mist of spring, dissipating without attack. Su Cheng could not only exchange moves with Si Jing on the board, but he also surpassed all others in archery. His extraordinary learning ability was even more astonishing.

How could mere gossip shake his legend?

He was like the blazing summer sun; even if fleeting clouds tried to obscure it, its radiance still shone through. Gradually, everyone concluded that this self-proclaimed "Liu Batian" was merely causing trouble out of jealousy, a truly despicable act.

Liu Qingyue, however, was unperturbed. In her eyes, these were just extras, not worth mentioning. Besides, they were cursing "Liu Batian"—what did that have to do with her, Liu Qingyue?

This detached attitude formed a curious contrast with her impish personality.

Three people remained on the balcony, silent like solidified night. Xu Tianyi and Ling Ning gazed at the tall, slender figure disappearing through the doorway, lost in thought for a long time.

Their eyes seemed to hold an indescribable sense of shock, as if they had suddenly heard thunder cleave the night sky.

"That... you two...?" Zhao Yan broke the silence: "Why do I feel something's off with you?"

For her, the recent game was just an ordinary match; the only regrettable thing was Su Cheng's loss.

Yet the expressions on Ling Ning and Xu Tianyi's faces were peculiarly strange, as if they had witnessed something earth-shattering. Under the moonlit night, their expressions seemed especially mysterious.

"Listen to the sound."

These three simple words rippled through the night air.

"What sound?" Zhao Yan grew even more confused.

"Hearing the startling thunder within the silence."

Zhao Yan was momentarily speechless. This cryptic, almost mystical conversation left her utterly bewildered.

She didn't have the "Go prodigy girl" character setting. Did people who played Go always enter some profound, mysterious state?

Seeing both of them sunk in deep thought, Zhao Yan also picked up her teacup, putting on a thoughtful expression.

This little bit of clever opportunism made her feel quite resourceful. Fitting in was what mattered most!

"Miss Zhao, what are you...?" Seeing that Zhao Yan didn't press further but instead adopted an inscrutable air, the other two couldn't help but find it amusing. This sense of contrast was like a rose suddenly blooming in winter—both abrupt and endearing.

Under their gaze, Zhao Yan felt a bit awkward. She cleared her throat softly: "Seeing you both deep in thought, I didn't want to interrupt, so... I'm also pondering what you just said."

"I was actually waiting for you to ask."

"Because people who aren't familiar with Go wouldn't be able to see it in that game just now."

Hearing this, Zhao Yan felt somewhat embarrassed now. But as a young lady well-versed in social graces, she could maintain a smile no matter how turbulent her inner feelings were.

"Sorry, I'm not very knowledgeable about Go," Zhao Yan admitted her lack frankly, then got straight to the point, asking curiously: "Was there a deeper meaning to the game just now?"

Then, Ling Ning began to explain softly, her voice gentle as flowing water, yet each word was a pearl: "Su Cheng borrowed Si Jing's match recordings beforehand and studied her thought patterns, her habits for placing stones, even the length of her pauses, over and over again. What he aimed to do wasn't just to win the game, but to awaken the dormant pride within Si Jing's heart."

Hearing these details, a glimmer of light shone in Xu Tianyi's eyes. In this dimly lit night, she seemed to see Su Cheng sitting alone before the video player, studying those recordings again and again. Like a single candle stubbornly burning through a winter night.

"No wonder... no wonder he could mimic Si Jing's playing style so vividly," Xu Tianyi murmured softly, her tone carrying a hint of intoxication. "So it was all meticulously planned."

Ling Ning nodded and continued: "Do you know why Si Jing hid her appearance all those years ago? It wasn't just because of the troubles her beauty brought, but also because of deep-seated self-doubt within her heart. And today's game—Su Cheng wanted to tell her that beauty is never a burden; true brilliance lies in one's talent."

These words plunged all three present into contemplation. Moonlight fell like a veil, gently enveloping them. Faint sounds of revelry drifted from the distant banquet hall, only making their quiet corner feel even more serene.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded behind the three of them.

Su Cheng had returned from the restroom. All three turned to look at him simultaneously, their gazes holding a new understanding.

"Has Xuan Ying come out yet?" Su Cheng asked casually, his voice still carrying a trace of weariness.

Zhao Yan blurted out: "No, actually she won't come out before midnight."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted it, quickly covering her mouth with her hand and turning away in annoyance.

This inadvertent revelation earned Zhao Yan a reproachful look from Ling Ning, making her heart sink as she realized she had messed up.

Upon hearing this, Su Cheng simply took it in stride, offering a faint smile: "Then I'll go take a stroll downstairs."

With that, he left, his figure soon disappearing down the stairwell.

In the awkward, silent atmosphere, Zhao Yan knew she had to do something to make up for her blunder; otherwise, their cooperative relationship would surely be in jeopardy.

Thinking this, she began to glance around, trying to find some usable element to help salvage the partnership.

Just then, Zhao Yan suddenly noticed security personnel at the villa entrance shooing away a dog.

It was a large golden dog, the very one often seen near Su Cheng's home. An idea struck her. She leaned close to Ling Ning's ear and whispered: "That dog at the entrance is raised by Su Cheng. What if we bring it in to find him?"

This suggestion was like a lamp in the dark night, lighting up Ling Ning's eyes. Then, the two of them, each with their own thoughts, walked towards the large dog.

Meanwhile, in another part of the garden, Li Guanqi was hiding in the shadows, searching for a certain silly orange who had just been put in his place by Ji Qingyi.

Her movements were light as a cat's, but just as she was about to succeed, she was discovered. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Ever since my face was repaired, my 'low-presence buff' seems to be fading.

"Guanqi, what brings you here?" Su Cheng's voice carried an affected depth, as if pretending to have seen through everything from the start.

This game of cat and mouse ended before it even began. Li Guanqi felt a bit disappointed, but more than that, a sense of warmth.

"Hmm, your observational skills have improved," she lifted her head, her tone flat, as she slowly approached Su Cheng. "It was too stuffy inside. Like you, I came out for some fresh air."

"That's hardly keen observation," Su Cheng corrected her earnestly. "Because the faint breeze stirred by someone's light footsteps gave me a secret thrill long before you spoke."

Launching into sweet-talk mode without warning left Li Guanqi somewhat unprepared, almost forgetting her proper reaction.

But then, before she could fully digest his words, Su Cheng began glancing around. Seeing no one and the area shielded by landscape walls, he made his move again. He reached out, pulled her closer, leaned in to sniff near her neck, taking in her unique scent.

Li Guanqi: ?

She was a bit baffled.

"Knowing how taxing chess is for me,"

Su Cheng smiled with great satisfaction, "you specially came to replenish my 'Guanqi Energy.' How thoughtful."

"You're too close!"

A faint blush rose on Li Guanqi's cheeks as she pushed Su Cheng's arm away. "We should be a bit more careful in a setting like this. Everyone's around, it wouldn't be good if we were seen."

"I originally went to try and replenish some 'Qingyi Energy' just now," Su Cheng sighed, sounding rather regretful. "But as soon as I got close, she shooed me away with a 'don't come bother me.'"

"Serves you right," Li Guanqi retorted, unable to resist rolling her eyes upon hearing this. "Her current persona is supposed to be your older sister, for goodness' sake. I can't believe you had the nerve!"

"That's why your arrival delights me so."

Su Cheng blinked. "Playing chess is extremely mentally draining. My brain is running low on fuel, so I absolutely must replenish my Guanqi Energy."

With helpless exasperation, Li Guanqi shot back, "Your brain capacity is probably on the smaller side. I'd wager it's already full."

"Not enough."

Su Cheng extended his hand, stopping it before her eyes. "Let me make a connection. Maybe it'll charge right up."

Li Guanqi looked at the palm before her, hesitating. After scanning their surroundings once more and confirming no one was there, she finally rose on her tiptoes and pressed her cheek against Su Cheng's palm.

"Only because you worked hard playing chess today, mind you."

"Mhm."

Their conversation flowed like a gentle nocturne, meandering softly until distant, muffled footsteps, akin to soft sobs, shattered the immersive night scene.

Zhao Yan and Ling Ning arrived, leading Da Huang at a leisurely pace, like interlopers arranged by fate itself.

The golden-haired large dog, seeing Su Cheng, wagged its tail joyfully, its eyes filled with long-awaited happiness.

"Classmate Su Cheng, I saw him at the entrance,"

Zhao Yan's voice was soft as silk, carrying a deliberate gentleness. "He's yours, isn't he?"

Da Huang immediately nuzzled affectionately against Su Cheng's pant leg, like a child seeking attention. Just as it was about to greet the seemingly invisible Li Guanqi in the corner, Su Cheng crouched down and gently stroked its head: "Da Huang, how did you get here?"

Under the moonlight, the scene appeared especially warm.

Da Huang comfortably lay on the ground, enjoying its owner's petting as if expressing its longing.

Su Cheng looked up at the two women, gratitude in his eyes. "Yes, he's my dog. Thanks to running into you, he was spared some hardship. Without a collar, he might have been chased off as a stray at the gate."

"Don't mention it. We happened to see him at the entrance. He looked familiar, so we brought him to you," Zhao Yan said with a beaming smile.

Su Cheng said to Da Huang, "Quick, thank the two older sisters."

Hearing this, Da Huang obediently went to Zhao Yan and gently rubbed its head against her calf, its tail wagging like a golden fan.

"Wow~, Da Huang is so clever," Zhao Yan exclaimed with a touch of wonder in her praise. "He can actually understand human speech."

However, just as Da Huang was about to approach Ling Ning to show friendliness, an accident occurred. Ling Ning recoiled several steps like a startled rabbit but unfortunately twisted her ankle. Da Huang could only sit down aggrievedly on the spot, like a child who had done something wrong.

"Senior Ling."

Zhao Yan hurried forward, her delicate hands supporting the unsteady Ling Ning, her voice full of concern. "Are you alright?"

Leaning against the mottled landscape wall, Ling Ning frowned tightly, her face slightly pale. "I'll be fine after resting a moment."

"Sorry, I'm a bit afraid of dogs. I hope you don't mind," Ling Ning explained to Su Cheng with an effort, her tone carrying a hint of apology.

"I'll take you back."

Zhao Yan supported Ling Ning with one hand while lightly placing the other on her own chest, turning to Su Cheng. "We'll take our leave now."

Both dressed in elegant formal wear, they resembled a flowing painting under the moonlight. Conventionally, as the only male present, Su Cheng should have offered assistance.

This scene fell into Li Guanqi's eyes. She silently watched this subtle play, the corner of her mouth twitching slightly.

Unexpectedly, Su Cheng turned and pointed at her: "Guanqi, I see a pavilion in the artificial lake over there. We can go rest for a bit. Could you come help support Senior Ling?"

This unexpected answer stunned everyone present, especially Ling Ning and Zhao Yan, whose expressions were as if they had witnessed something utterly unbelievable.

"Hiss—" The two beauties drew in sharp breaths, only then realizing with a start that they had completely overlooked Li Guanqi.

This person was always appearing and disappearing like a ghost.

This awkwardness dissipated like a wisp of smoke.

"Senior, let me help you," Li Guanqi said in a calm tone, stepping forward with graceful strides to Ling Ning's side, supporting her together with Zhao Yan. Su Cheng led the way ahead.

Arriving at the pavilion, the three gently took their seats.

Ling Ning bowed her head, massaging her slender calf encased in stockings, a thread of pain lingering between her brows.

Su Cheng's gaze inadvertently swept over her calf, then shifted away, but he couldn't help stealing another glance.

This person's preferences were as consistent as ever.

This detail was caught by Li Guanqi beside him. Her face immediately clouded over, and she pressed her red lips together tightly.

Da Huang seemed to sense the subtle shift in atmosphere. Seeing the displeased expression on one of his female lead's faces, Li Guanqi, while the other two women held a subtly triumphant air.

Being on the ground, Da Huang could clearly see the eye movements of Ling Ning and Zhao Yan as they lowered their heads. Their eyes were quite obviously watching Su Cheng's reaction.

Then Da Huang cleverly sidled up to Su Cheng.

Su Cheng gently stroked its head. "Next time you meet someone who's afraid of you, you mustn't approach anymore, understand?"

"It's not his fault. It's my own issue," Ling Ning, understanding and considerate of the dog, defended Da Huang, her tone gentle and moving. "Although I'm afraid of dogs, I actually do like them."

"Oh~" Su Cheng seemed to understand. "So Senior Ling is like me, liking them but afraid of being bitten."

Seizing the opportunity, Zhao Yan chimed in, "Actually, I used to be the same. But Senior, if you just muster the courage to reach out and pet one, you'll find dogs aren't scary at all."

"Right," Su Cheng nodded with a smile, ruffling Da Huang's soft fur. "Da Huang would never bite anyone."

"See, this Da Huang is so understanding. He doesn't look like a dog that would bite at all."

Zhao Yan nodded in agreement.

Li Guanqi remained silent, her expression placid.

"Woof~" Da Huang seemed to echo its owner's words.

This scene made Zhao Yan and Ling Ning cover their mouths with light laughs, unable to hold back their amusement. Ling Ning finally mustered the courage to look at Da Huang. The furry fellow cooperated perfectly, lifting its front half to indicate to the crouching girl that it was convenient for her to pet its head.

Ling Ning was amused by its adorable antics, a captivating smile blossoming at the corner of her lips.

Yet, the smile vanished as quickly as it appeared—

Because Da Huang suddenly reached out a paw, gave her fair cheek a gentle pat, and then swiftly hid behind Li Guanqi's legs, only half of its doggy head peeking out.

The air seemed to freeze solid in that moment. Ling Ning stiffly glanced at Li Guanqi, then looked down at the mischievous dog. She mechanically rubbed the patted cheek, momentarily lost for words.

The three of them, with tacit understanding, pretended nothing had happened and launched into the most awkward small talk.

"The weather's nice today, isn't it?"

"Quite pleasant."

"Lots of stars. Good for camping."

Ling Ning took several deep breaths, elegantly took out a handkerchief to wipe her cheek, and regained her composed, dignified demeanor.

Although it didn't hurt, this sudden little "mischief" was truly mortifying.

The insult was profound.

"You all saw that, didn't you?"

She calmly surveyed the group.

Su Cheng immediately scooped up Da Huang and began lecturing it, with Li Guanqi joining in, the picture of "strict father, gentle mother."

Only Zhao Yan offered an awkward smile, looking down to fiddle with her skirt hem and murmuring softly while staring at her toes:

"See? We told you he never bites."