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

As Shang Chaotian just said, in his opinion, it is understandable to hold a handicap challenge match, but it does not necessarily mean that one has to leave the professional chess world!

Rui Zhao's actions have put immense pressure on the association from various sponsors.

Especially the South China Sea Cup, which starts next month. They practically started this tournament because of Rui Zhao's influence! And then the main character withdrew! This is just...

"...That's right, Chairman Shang!"

After Shang Chaotian finished speaking, Ai Jian'an, who was sitting next to Rui Zhao, was about to explain, but Rui Zhao spoke up first:
"After discussing it with Sister An'an, we felt that in order to ensure that the matter generated enough buzz, it was indeed necessary to go to extremes!"

"Only by leaving yourself no way out can you maximize the topic's popularity and news value..."

She seemed a little unsure if she had used the right words, and subconsciously turned her head to Ai Jianan for confirmation:
"Uh... Sister An'an, are these the two words?"

Ai Jian'an's face, which always carried a shrewd and capable air, held a complex expression at this moment, but after a second of silence, she slowly nodded:

"……Yes."

Shang Chaotian pursed his lips, seemingly without making a move, but deep down he already agreed with this statement.

Having worked in the association for so many years, Shang Chaotian had naturally become quite sensitive to public opinion.

indeed!

Rui Zhao's decision to forgo all professional competitions and wait for various powerful players to challenge him with the first move has greatly enhanced his own prestige and news value! It can be said that he is like a god who has transcended the world!

On the contrary, if Rui Zhao were to simultaneously organize this shocking "handicap challenge" and participate in various professional competitions to gain points and compete for championships, the scene would indeed be a bit... uh...

Just thinking about Shang Chaotian makes me feel like the class has dropped instantly, and the sense of awe the challenge will definitely be greatly reduced!
It must be said that although Rui Zhao and Ai Jian'an's decision seems crazy, it is effective in terms of communication and achieving strategic goals...

It's simply a stroke of genius!
Just as Shang Chaotian was internally turmoil, shocked and convinced by this "ruthless" strategy, Rui Zhao's voice rang out again:
"Another point is: for a project, there's a monster that keeps winning all the championships..."

"Isn't this a good thing too?"

"Eh?"

A glint flashed in Shang Chaotian's eyes, revealing a clear hint of surprise.

But after pursing his lips and remaining silent for a while, he didn't say anything more.

Because... Rui Zhao is absolutely right!
If a dominant player in a sport is so powerful that the outcome of all matches is virtually predetermined before the competition even begins, and the chances of anyone else even getting close to her are slim, then it's hard to say that this is truly a good thing for the long-term development of the sport.

Moreover... even the timing of Athena's announcement of her retirement from professional Go was perfectly timed!

Having just achieved the legendary feat of winning seven consecutive WorldSkills titles and a full year of championships, the popularity of the sport has reached an unprecedented peak!
He then ascended to a higher realm, transcending the mundane world and leaving more suspense and topics for discussion in the professional Go world... It couldn't be more perfect!
hiss--

How could she even notice that?!

Shang Chaotian couldn't help but take another closer look at the beautiful and youthful chess player in front of him.

In just four and a half years, she has transformed from a naive young girl who suddenly appeared on the scene to the world's number one player, representing the entire Go world in challenging AI...

Empress Zhao's rapid growth extends far beyond the chessboard!

This clear understanding of the project's development even made this veteran of the chess world, who had been around for decades, feel a sense of dread.

only……

"But... Rui Zhao!"
"You're being ridiculous!"

Shang Chaotian's voice once again became urgent and anxious, and his brows furrowed again:

He pointed to the photocopy of the notice on the table, his fingertip almost piercing the words "give way":
"No one can deny that you are very, very strong!"

"But to be allowed to accept challenges from other top players first, and with such outrageous prize money offered..."

"Aren't you being a little too arrogant?!"

Shang Chaotian never doubted that Rui Zhao possessed the skill to "give way to the world," but "giving way to the world" also required ensuring an undefeated record...

This is truly the epitome of madness!

"No problem! I'm confident!"

Rui Zhao's voice wasn't loud, but the firmness in her tone, even carrying a hint of self-righteousness, was unmistakable.

"If you don't believe me..."

"...You'll know once the challenge is officially held and a player tries it out!"

...Try it once?
I'm afraid you'll die if you try!
Upon hearing this, Shang Chaotian felt an urge to retort.

But if he were to say that at this juncture, it would seem like he didn't trust Rui Zhao at all, which put him in a dilemma.

Just then, Lei Qi, who had been sitting quietly in the corner and almost invisible, suddenly spoke, his young voice carrying an undisguised trust and certainty:
"Teacher Shang, I think Rui Zhao will definitely be fine!"

"..."

Shang Chaotian was speechless for a moment, and the vein on his forehead seemed to throb uncontrollably.

Hey! Lei Qi, why are you making things worse at a time like this?!
You're the biggest threat to her, you little rascal...

...Wait a minute?!
Suddenly, Shang Chaotian realized something when he noticed the student raising his eyebrows at him twice.

Before he could speak again, Lei Qi, fearing that the teacher hadn't understood him, interrupted and said very seriously to Rui Zhao:
"Rui Zhao! After the South China Sea Cup ends in January... I will be the first person to challenge you!"
"I will come again, including after the Nongshim Cup!" Upon hearing this, the room fell silent.

The meaning couldn't be clearer—Lei Qi was indicating that he would win the first Nanhai Cup and personally end this Nongshim Cup.

The Nanhai Cup was established partly to further develop Go in Singapore and Southeast Asia, and partly as a small demonstration against South Korea.

After all, with Rui Zhao "unexpectedly" taking the first World's Strongest Go Player Championship title, it seems likely that the second tournament will end without a trace.

Therefore, this time the South China Sea Cup adopted a comprehensive preliminary selection and Chinese rules, but chose a time similar to the first World Strongest Chess Player Tournament, and the same "one hour of reserve time, plus thirty seconds for each move" rule as the World Strongest Chess Player Tournament, which is very much like "if you don't hold it, I will take your place".

The preliminary rounds will begin in Singapore on the 10th of next month, with the champion to be decided before the end of the year. This is indeed the fastest opportunity for Chinese chess players to qualify for the handicap challenger tournament.

"...Okay, okay!"

Rui Zhao was clearly taken aback, seemingly not expecting Lei Qi to express his challenge so actively and clearly.

After a moment's hesitation, she still spoke up and made a small correction:
"but……

"Lei Qi, you shouldn't be the first one, right?"

"Eh?"

Seeing the surprised look on Xiao Lei's face, Rui Zhao continued to explain:

"Um... An'an and I have already checked: the first challenger will be the champion of the South Korean strongest Go player tournament!"
"If nothing unexpected happens, it should be Liu Shixian, 9th Dan!"

Lei Qi's confidence and determination froze instantly, as if he had been put on pause, seemingly completely unprepared for this answer!
It was only then that he fully realized—indeed, the best-of-five tournament between the strongest Go players in South Korea takes place at the beginning of each year!

When the World's Strongest Go Player Tournament was first organized, South Korea's original plan was to alternate between the domestic title tournament and the World Championship every other year.

According to this arrangement, no matter how fast he is, it seems he can't outrun that young master of the Liu family!
In an instant, the atmosphere in the entire conference room became awkward, and Shang Chaotian clearly felt the overwhelming embarrassment.

What puzzled the chess association chairman was that this awkwardness seemed to carry a hint of sourness... He didn't know if it was just his imagination.

"I...I understand..."

After a brief silence, Lei Qi finally found his voice, his tone noticeably lowered.

Seeing his beloved disciple instantly deflate, Shang Chaotian was slightly puzzled as to why the other was so determined to compete for first place, but he quickly picked up the awkward conversation:

"Rui Zhao, I have a basic understanding of the situation. But there's still one thing I need to ask:"

"If Deepbrain continues to refuse to fight, then..."

"It's okay not to fight back, as long as we can maintain the momentum!"

Rui Zhao had already thought this through very clearly:
"My ultimate goal is simply to successfully promote Go to the Olympics."

"As long as we can maintain the hype and ultimately achieve our goal, challenging AI is just a gimmick and a means to an end!"

"...I see! Then it'll only last about a year at most..."

Shang Chaotian pondered for a moment, then asked:
"If Go is successfully included in the Olympics, or if DeepBrain really accepts your challenge, will you come back?"

This question seems a bit abrupt—what else can professional chess players do if they don't come back to play chess?
But when it was actually thrown out, the atmosphere in the small meeting room froze.

"……this……

"That depends on the specific circumstances!"

Rui Zhao blinked, but did not give a direct answer:
"Now... I want to put all my energy into the possible confrontation with AI!"
"Even though the chances of winning are slim, I want to try anyway!"

"……Fine!"

After a brief silence, Shang Chaotian sighed softly:

"But I wonder if you have any plans to give another interview? Especially if you need to explain your thoughts to the media in more detail?"
"After all, there is a lot of public opinion right now, and a single announcement is not enough to answer all the questions."

"Yes, don't worry, Chairman Shang!"

As soon as Shang Chaotian finished speaking, Ai Jian'an, who had been playing the roles of "agent" and "strategist" next to him, immediately chimed in.

She waved her phone screen, her voice steady and crisp:

"I just posted an update through the official account of [Weiqi Xiaozhao] - "

"The day after tomorrow...that is, the 31st at 10:00 AM, we will hold a formal media conference at the Dongjiang Hotel, where we will answer all the relevant questions that everyone is concerned about."

Clearly, as a professional, Ai Jianan had already prepared a contingency plan for guiding public opinion.

"That's good!"

Hearing that Ai Jianan had made all the arrangements, Shang Chaotian, whose body had been tense ever since he learned of the matter, finally relaxed a little.

He glanced one last time at the announcement, which seemed to possess an earth-shattering grandeur, then looked at the two young women before him, and could only sigh:

"The outside world is now reacting to your 'special challenge' with a handicap..."

"I'm afraid I have plenty of questions to ask!" (End of Chapter)