Rebirth as the Richest Woman in the World
Chapter 397 (second watch of the night)

Chapter 397: 397 (second watch of the night)

The two faced each other, seated in opposition. Seeing how quickly Chu Jin moved the white piece, a look of surprise emerged in the depths of Song Shiqin’s eyes, "Miss Chu, are you sure you want to move the white piece?"

Considering the situation on the chessboard, the white pieces were clearly at a disadvantage, yet without even guessing, she chose the white pieces without a second thought—could it be that she didn’t understand the ways of chess?

Anyone with a bit of skill in chess would not choose the white pieces under such dire circumstances.

Looking at the chessboard, the white pieces were already at an impasse. How could there be a chance to turn the situation around?

Previously, Song Shiqin also had other people play this life-and-death chess game with him. Before playing, they would choose the black pieces without hesitation, and moreover, they would argue over who gets black and who gets white for quite a while, since nobody wanted to lose.

The person who ended up choosing the black pieces would be complacent, while the one with white would be downcast. Unfortunately, within five moves, no one could unravel the chess game.

Both sides met with disastrous defeat.

Chu Jin took a gentle sip of tea, and instantly, a clear and refreshing tea aroma spread through her mouth, uplifting her spirit. She spoke softly, stating four words, "A move without regret."

Although from the perspective of the board, the white pieces were already shattered and sure to lose, in reality, the two sides were evenly matched in strength!

Clearly, the creator of the game intended to craft a false image of the white pieces being in decline, to visually impose a psychological suggestion.

A flicker of realization crossed Song Shiqin’s eyes, and without changing his expression, he moved a black piece on the board. In an instant, he maneuvered the white pieces into a precarious position, cornered and with no easy way out.

This Song Shiqin was indeed a nation’s military leader. With just one piece, he cornered her into such a desperate situation.

As the saying goes: a thousand cups of wine bore one who meets a true friend; and finding a worthy opponent in chess is one of the great pleasures in life.

Chu Jin slightly arched her eyebrow, her fingers, as white and tender as green onions, picked up a white piece and placed it on the ’High Eye’ spot.

Song Shiqin’s expression remained the same, he slowly moved another piece, pressuring step by step, leaving the white pieces with no way to retreat.

Two pieces had been placed, and the current situation was that the black pieces had taken the lead, while the white pieces were running out of options.

Song Shiqin subconsciously looked up at Chu Jin, only to see her still with a calm demeanor, her eyes clear and defined, her face showing not a trace of panic, and even, in her eyes, there was a hint of a smile—light, cool, and capable of drawing one’s soul in.

Chu Jin moved another white piece unhurriedly, but still could not escape danger, instead putting herself into a new predicament.

Song Shiqin continued to press on step by step, placing a piece, and spoke slowly, "Miss Chu, you have lost."

On the chessboard, the white pieces were doomed.

"According to the rules, the outcome is decided in five moves. It’s too early for Mr. Song to declare that," Chu Jin said with a calm expression, the picture of composure as she moved another white piece.

Song Shiqin’s handsome eyebrows slightly raised as he shifted a black piece. Immediately, a gap appeared on the life-and-death chessboard, which required two pieces to fill—but Chu Jin had only one left.

As victory and defeat became clear, not a hint of excitement showed in the depths of Song Shiqin’s eyes, instead, they flashed with disappointment.

Chu Jin gently curved her lips upwards, then slowly placed a piece—not in the gap, but ’outside the eye.’ In an instant, the fortunes of the black and white pieces were reversed, turning the outcome on its head.

Song Shiqin gazed at the chessboard, his face flashing with shock as he realized he had been fooled by her disguise technique. He had been complacent from the start due to the white pieces being in an apparent disadvantage. Her moves seemed random, yet she was strategically laying a trap, and with just one piece, she broke the momentum of the black pieces. The seemingly doomed white pieces had turned defeat into victory!

It proved the saying, "In the conflict of the world, it’s all about strategy!"

"Mr. Song, your concession is appreciated," Chu Jin arched an eyebrow at him.

"It is Song who is inferior in skill," Song Shiqin replied, his exterior calm but his mind a turbulent sea.

Still somewhat in disbelief, the life-and-death chess game had been unraveled by her.

"Since the chess game is resolved, Mr. Song, shouldn’t you fulfill your promise now?" Chu Jin took out a printed contract from her backpack.

"Of course." Song Shiqin took the contract, didn’t even look at it, and immediately signed his name.

A gentle breeze swept by, causing the light gauze to flutter. The scent of ambergris grew stronger, mixed with the faint aroma of tea, refreshing and intoxicating, yet also making one drowsy. Chu Jin raised her hand to press on her temple but her eyelids became heavier, as if glued shut, impossible to open. Three seconds later, she slumped limply over the table.

Seeing this, Song Shiqin was startled, "Miss Chu, what’s wrong..." Before he could finish, he too slumped over the table and fell into a deep sleep.

The room fell into silence.

Then, just in time, two figures emerged from the inner room, passing through the layers of light gauze, and stood over the two, looking down from above.

The two shadows, one tall and one short, were none other than Xuanyuan Shangchen and Ling Que.

Neither of them spoke. Ling Que took the initiative to lift up Song Shiqin’s arm, circled around his waist, and led him toward the inner room. Song Shiqin was a soldier with a remarkable build, yet Ling Que seemed to lead him away effortlessly, without expending much energy at all.

Upon reaching the door of the inner room, she paused, glancing back over her shoulder. Through the layers of gauze, it was impossible to discern the expression in her eyes. One could faintly hear what sounded like a soft sigh.