Go: The live broadcast queen launched a gorgeous rebellion against the dog

The cicadas' chirping, trailing wearily, lingered intermittently amidst the dense shade of ancient trees in late summer. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone path.

At 8 PM on August 31st, in Dangchao City, Zhejiang Province, at the "Pinghu Ten Bureaus" theme park.

Inside an antique-style building deep within the park, the air still lingers with the afterglow of the recently concluded pinnacle match—the final of this year's Pinghu Ten-Game Rapid Chess Tournament had just come to a close.

This "battle of the titans" was somewhat one-sided...

"...I give up!"

Seeing that his score was already insufficient, and having only played 127 moves, Xiao Lei, a 9-dan player, chose to stop the clock and resign, his voice carrying a hint of undisguised heaviness.

After a few seconds of silence, he finally raised his head, and with an almost self-deprecating honesty, spoke to the number one person in the world sitting opposite him:
"what……

"I feel like I haven't been getting any closer to you lately, and it seems like you're actually pulling me further and further behind!"

"Eh?"

At this moment, Rui Zhao had just recovered from her "flow" state. Upon hearing this, she seemed not to have thought too much and simply replied:

"Maybe it's because I've been working harder lately? That's why I'm progressing faster?"

Her tone was natural, as if she were stating a trivial matter. But upon hearing this, Lei Qi felt an even stronger sense of bitterness.

then……

Wasn't your previous state of mind considered hard work?!

Looking into Rui Zhao's eyes, which remained calm and undisturbed, Lei Qi felt a surge of disappointment wash over him, and he almost blurted out:
"...As expected...did I perform too poorly?"

I feel like you don't even see me anymore!

"Eh?"

Rui Zhao was clearly taken aback by Lei Qi's sudden remarks, which were obviously imbued with strong personal emotions.

She widened her eyes slightly, her bright pupils clearly reflecting the complex expression on Lei Qi's face.

The moment those words left his mouth, Lei Qi immediately regretted them—this was so embarrassing!

He was already completely crushed by his opponent, and sixteen consecutive losses were enough to make him look like Meng Huo twice. He was even eliminated in the first round of the Agon Cup by Kuai Liang without even seeing his opponent's face!

With a performance like that, what right do you have to act like a complaining woman, blaming the other person for not paying attention to you?!

Moreover, the recent inclusion of Go in the Olympics has almost completely stalled, and the pressure from international public opinion is increasing! Various comments that are pessimistic about Go and belittle its value are rampant.

Although Wang Zhaojun devoted herself entirely to chess, given her position and influence, she must have heard some rumors. The pressure she faced was probably far greater than she imagined!

Instead of thinking about how to share the burden at a time like this, you're saying these childish and ridiculous things that sound like you're having a petty argument... It's just childish and laughable!
but……

Lei Qi understood why he had reacted that way.

Recently, rumors have been circulating in the Go community that several different sources have claimed to have personally witnessed the "God of Philosophy" from Tsinghua University checking into the Pinghu International Hotel! Moreover, they have seen him with Rui Zhao on more than one occasion!
The two seem to be very close, and some people even describe them as "always together"!

Although Lei Qi knew perfectly well in his heart that with Rui Zhao's current status, position, and dazzling brilliance like a star, he, the so-called "second best in the world," was not worthy of her at all, and even looking up to her seemed like a luxury.

But now that he seems to have truly become the loser, even though he can force himself to stay focused during the game, it's inevitable that his emotions will fluctuate at times like this. That's why he asked that rather out-of-character question just now.

Well……

I thought that at 22 years old, I should be more mature!

But whenever it involves her, I can never calm down...

Thinking of this, Wei Yixian's cheeks flushed slightly, and he was about to bite the bullet and explain a few words.

But to everyone's surprise, Rui Zhao slowly curved the corners of her mouth into a gentle and slightly apologetic smile, instantly dispelling most of Lei Qi's panic and embarrassment.

"Ah... this is my fault too!"

Rui Zhao's voice was soft, carrying a sincere sense of self-reflection:

"really……

"I've been keeping a close eye on that terrible enemy lately!"

"A terrifying enemy?"

Lei Qi was stunned, almost thinking he had misheard!

Although he has now essentially become Her Majesty the Empress's plaything, almost no one can deny his status as "the second greatest of his time".

The other party then referred to them as a "terrible enemy" right in front of them?
In today's chess world, who can she consider a rival?!

Countless questions bubbled wildly in Lei Qi's mind, but Rui Zhao did not immediately explain who that "terrible enemy" was.

Her gaze refocused, landing on Lei Qi's face, which was filled with shock and confusion.

That gentle smile still lingered on his lips, but his eyes had become incredibly serious, carrying an undeniable solemnity and a hint of barely perceptible expectation:

"That's perfect, Lei Qi. You're willing..."

"Will you come and help me too?"

...

...

At 4:20 p.m. that same afternoon, in the media interview area of ​​the "Pinghu Ten Games" theme park in Dangchao City, Zhejiang Province, the lingering chirping of cicadas drifted weakly in the sultry air. Nian Lili leaned against a long table that had been temporarily set up, her fingers tapping the surface unconsciously, her gaze occasionally drifting towards the direction of the chess room.

Twenty minutes have passed since the end of the final. As is customary, Rui Zhao 9-dan, who just won the Pinghu Rapid Chess Championship for the second consecutive time and extended his winning streak in official rapid chess matches to 94 games, should have a brief debriefing session with his opponent Lei Qi 9-dan before giving an interview.

While waiting, Nian Lili mentally prepared the questions she would ask later.

As a seasoned Go reporter, she can answer technical questions about the game with ease.

The key issue is that there are two relatively sensitive questions that she's unsure whether to ask!

Firstly, there is the increasingly pessimistic outlook regarding Go's inclusion in the Olympics.

Despite the Chinese government's recent efforts to garner support from various quarters to pave the way for Go's official inclusion in the Olympics, there has been virtually no progress recently due to strong obstruction from the United States of North America.

On the contrary, the president of the International Olympic Committee has begun to hint on multiple occasions that he "does not want to include highly controversial events in the Olympics," which is clearly a preemptive measure for China!
However, given the current situation, the world's number one player who actively advocated for Go to be included in the Olympics has never made a statement.

Although the reporters knew this was an unfriendly question and hadn't asked it yet, Rui Zhao's failure to express her opinion at this crucial moment was making them somewhat impatient.

Secondly... there are some "gossip" circulating in a small circle of chess circles recently.

Li Jingzhe from Tsinghua University...

Oh well! Never mind!
Nian Lili shook her head in her mind, suppressing the thought.

Gossiping about contestants' private lives, especially unverified "relationships" based on rumors, is a serious breach of professional ethics!

While this kind of news is the easiest to generate discussion and attention, it's rather low-class for a Go reporter from CCTV to focus on this!

Let's focus our attention on the issue of qualifying for the Olympics!

Nian Lili had made up her mind to test Rui Zhao's attitude toward the matter in a more tactful and protective way.

Just then, a figure walked briskly towards the interview area on the shady path ahead—it was Rui Zhao, who had just won the championship again!

Almost instantly, all the reporters present became highly focused! Their cameras and microphones were quickly aimed at the target!

However, what surprised Nian Lili was that today's Zhaojun seemed somewhat different from the past.

Her bright eyes were still clear, but a bright and powerful light seemed to be dancing deep within them. Her steps were also more imposing than usual as she headed straight toward... um?

It seems to be heading in my direction?!

Before Nian Lili could fully react, Rui Zhao had already walked up to her quickly, his face showing a hint of solemnity and seriousness.

"Sister Nian!"

"You're in charge of the interviews today!"

Nian Lili was slightly taken aback by this sudden, warm, and proactive greeting.

It's worth noting that the world's number one player has never been very interested in post-match interviews! Apart from the occasional (not really) "personal favors," he basically just talks nonsense.

So surprisingly positive today... uh...

The last time something like this happened... seems to have been back when the "cute diva was looking for a job online" incident?!

Thinking of that year, Lili felt a sudden jolt of excitement, and quickly put on a professional smile, offering her congratulations first:

"Ah...yes!"
"Um... Congratulations, Rui Zhao! You've won the Pinghu Blitz Chess Championship again!"

However, just as Nian Lili was quickly organizing her opening questions and subsequent guidance in her mind, preparing to start asking questions according to the procedure, Rui Zhao in front of her suddenly took the initiative again!
"Thank you!"

Her bright, piercing gaze was fixed on Nian Lili. Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried an almost unquestionable clarity and solemnity:
"But don't forget, Sister!"

Before today's interview, may I make a formal announcement to the outside world through you?

……ah?

Is this an official announcement?

Nian Lili was truly stunned this time! But then her sensitive professional instincts involuntarily kicked in!
You know, there have been a lot of rumors lately that Rui Zhao and that philosopher from Qinghua were seen together at the Pinghu International Hotel! They even seemed like a couple!

And at this critical juncture, she's acting so solemnly, saying she has something to announce to the public...

Oh my god!!!
No way?!

Nian Lili's pupils suddenly contracted!
Could it really be...

Is it official?! A public announcement of their relationship?!

Within seconds, the young reporter, who was ready to witness the world's miracle of "a simp getting everything he wants in the end," felt his adrenaline surge!

Words like "exclusive," "headline," and "breaking news" flooded her mind instantly! She even started to stutter a little!
"Of course!"
"Rui Zhao, you speak!"

Nian Lili responded repeatedly, her tone filled with utmost seriousness and curiosity!

The girl standing in the center of the spotlight, facing countless cameras and expectant gazes, took a deep breath!

Immediately afterwards, Rui Zhao spoke slowly, her voice clear and steady, yet seemingly carrying immense force, striking the eardrums of everyone present with unmistakable clarity:
"I want to challenge DeepBrain's Go AI!"

"Look at humanity..."

"Is it really true that we can't beat AI?!" (End of Chapter)