Chapter 10: Hearts Connected Through Stones
The speaker was Zhao Xiaomeng, class president of the 22nd Esports Class 2.
She was a commentator for the collegiate league, with excellent professional skills and good connections, knowing quite a few people in the industry.
Word was she might get a chance to commentate for the secondary league next year, and with good luck, could make it to LPL commentary in a couple years.
Jiang Yuan smiled: “This is my new team member.”
Su Wanwan: “We’re temporarily in a father-daughter relationship.”
“Oh, playing it that kinky?” Zhao Xiaomeng blinked, unable to contain her curiosity: “Mind if I sit and chat for a bit?”
“Sure.” Jiang Yuan packed up the Go set, making room: “Kiddo, go take your test first.”
“Okay.”
The stone bench was long enough for three people.
Jiang Yuan sat in the middle, Su Wanwan sat sideways to answer questions, and Zhao Xiaomeng sat on the other side.
She said, “Everyone in class knows about the esports club situation. What are your plans now?”
“Coaching the women’s team.”
“Well… that’s good I guess. But this year’s collegiate league only allows one team per school, so the women’s team definitely won’t have a chance. Are you… not going to fight for it anymore?”
“I’m fighting. Isn’t the school selection tournament the week after next? I’m confident I can lead them to victory.”
“…” Zhao Xiaomeng was silent for a moment, then seemed to make up her mind: “Can you really do it? Do you need my help? I’m at least Diamond rank.”
Jiang Yuan thought to himself ‘Eagle Eye’ and mentally activated it.
Spending 10 Coach Points, Zhao Xiaomeng’s potential panel appeared:
[Zhao Xiaomeng, Potential: F]
[Talent List: Indecisive (D-rank), Excessive Imagination of a Pervert (D-rank), Sudden Commentary Voice (D-rank)]
“…”
Jiang Yuan fell silent.
This was the worst potential panel he’d ever seen.
Holy shit, three negative talents—that’s just incredible.
So he said, “No need, class president. Thanks though. You should focus on your commentary.”
“Alright.” Zhao Xiaomeng sighed: “Our classmates… because of your situation, quite a few chose to leave the esports club. No matter what, we’re all on your side.”
Jiang Yuan felt warmth in his heart and said softly, “I understand.”
“After all, we’ve all seen your coaching abilities. These past few years in class competitions, we could achieve good results thanks to you. That’s exactly why we don’t want you wasting time on the women’s team…”
Zhao Xiaomeng advised: “It’s objective reality—five girls can’t possibly achieve results, and it won’t help build your resume either. Jiang Yuan, find another path. I can try to help you contact youth training teams, starting as an analyst.”
“Can you contact youth training teams? Then help me keep an eye out for any teams planning major roster changes.”
“What do you want to do?”
“I want to take my five team members to play in the secondary league.”
“…”
Zhao Xiaomeng fell silent.
After a moment, she said: “Yuan, you must have your reasons for being so confident. If you can beat the men’s esports club first team in the school selection tournament, I’ll help you make those contacts.”
Jiang Yuan smiled genuinely: “Thanks, class president.”
Zhao Xiaomeng glanced at Su Wanwan, who was focused on her problems, then leaned over and whispered: “Tell me honestly, with a teammate this pretty, you don’t have any ideas at all?”
“Uh…” Jiang Yuan answered: “Not really.”
Zhao Xiaomeng looked him up and down suspiciously.
Su Wanwan suddenly jumped up: “I passed!”
[Completed Serial Task (2/3): Universe at Fingertips.]
[New Task (3/3): Breaking the Cocoon Through Go.]
[Description: Play an official game of Go with Su Wanwan.]
“Wow!” Jiang Yuan stood up and applauded: “Kiddo! You’re incredible!”
Su Wanwan put her hands on her hips, face flushed, chin up proudly: “No pressure, Dad! Can you make it a bit harder?”
Jiang Yuan said: “Right away. Let’s play an actual game and see just how fierce you are!”
Su Wanwan was full of fighting spirit: “Bring it on! This round: Dragon Lady Returns for Revenge—the Grandfather-Granddaughter Edition!”
Jiang Yuan looked at Zhao Xiaomeng.
Zhao Xiaomeng went “Oh!” and stood up: “I’ll head back to the dorm. See you later!”
She waved goodbye.
Zhao Xiaomeng secretly looked back and saw the two setting up the board, preparing for their match.
She couldn’t help but smile, thinking to herself:
‘And he says he has no ideas? Why would you teach Go for esports? It’s obviously a date!’
‘Golden coach paired with female player… not gonna lie, that’s pretty shippable!’
‘Seems like they even do cosplay? Too exciting. I need to check Haitang to see if there are any similar scenarios… hehe…’
Zhao Xiaomeng imagined the coach gently holding the female player’s hand from behind, fingertips touching, breathing intermingling, whispering gameplay guidance… she could barely control the knowing smile on her face!
Her steps back to the dorm were practically bouncing with excitement.
Meanwhile, back at the game.
The match began.
As a complete beginner, Su Wanwan played without any strategy.
But Jiang Yuan was going easy on her, so they played back and forth evenly.
The stones transmitted a cool sensation through their fingertips, and each placement made a crisp “click” in the quiet night.
Just then, Su Wanwan heard two voices in her ears.
Mother: “People should know their limits. Give up on what you can’t do.”
Jiang Yuan: “Holy crap! Kiddo! That’s a divine move! You’re a fucking genius!”
The two voices mixed together.
Making her emotional state more complex than ever before.
Click—
A stone fell.
In a trance.
She saw the old TV, saw the female Go player on that TV screen.
Their environments were completely different, yet mysteriously similar.
The Go institute, stone bench, dim lighting, the ever-changing game situation.
She picked up a stone, holding it between her index and middle fingers.
Her back unconsciously straightened.
Click—
Another stone fell.
She saw her past self, hiding under the covers, having internalized her mother’s words, constantly self-doubting and crying.
Continuously knocking her own head, making tapping sounds, wondering if it was really empty inside.
She saw her present self, sitting before the game board, the universe at her fingertips…
Tears welled up in her eyes without warning, like a bursting dam, instantly blurring her vision.
The black and white stones spun and merged in the tearlight, becoming a chaotic swirl of light and shadow.
Plop—
This time it wasn’t a stone falling, but a tear hitting the plastic board.
The night wind couldn’t dry her tears, and fallen leaves settled on her shoulders.
That phrase suddenly became deafening.
Nothing in this world is impossible.
You can definitely become whoever you want to be.
Princess—
There’s nothing you can’t do!
Something seemed to shatter thunderously inside her body, while something else awakened and soared in that instant!
An indescribable sense of power surged from her limbs toward her fingertips…
[Completed Serial Task (3/3): Breaking the Cocoon Through Go.]
[Su Wanwan’s S+ rank talent ‘The Princess’s Defeated Opponents’ has been activated!]
…
…
Packing up the stones.
Jiang Yuan looked at Su Wanwan, who was using her cap to hide her face and looked completely dejected, and smiled: “Too bad, you were so close to winning.”
“Heh.” Her voice came muffled from under the cap: “Don’t treat me like an idiot, Grandpa. I know you let me win.”
Jiang Yuan didn’t say much, just stood up: “It’s getting late. Go rest. Tomorrow morning at eight, come to the internet cafe for training.”
Tomorrow’s training, Jiang Yuan wanted to personally experience just how much improvement this S+ talent could bring Su Wanwan.
“Wait.” Su Wanwan looked up, pulling off her cap to reveal eyes red as a rabbit’s. “Calling you Grandpa makes you sound old. How about… I call you Dad instead?”
Jiang Yuan didn’t stop walking, just waved casually with his back to her, smiling: “Whatever you want. See you tomorrow.”