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

"……Eh?!"

This question completely stunned Rui Zhao, who didn't even know how to respond for a moment!
Is the money... enough?
What Dad cares about... is actually this?!
Seeing his daughter's surprised expression, Rui Guoquan quickly added:

"Ah! Although Dad has confidence in you, we still need to be prepared!"

"If Zhao Zhao really loses that special challenge, we have to keep our word and not give anyone ammunition to criticize us."

"Although you have made a lot of money from competitions and live streaming over the years, the prize money for Go competitions is relatively small, and you never do product endorsements or live streaming. I'm worried you won't have enough money!"
"If there is indeed a shortfall, my parents can still come up with around ten million!"
"Ah, of course! If that's still not enough, we can move to a smaller house..."

"Dad! What are you saying?!"

"How could I let you two worry about this!"

Hearing this, Rui Zhao could no longer hold back and almost interrupted her father's words:
"Although I haven't taken on any commercial endorsements, Sister An'an has a large number of other internet celebrity artists under her management!"
"Sister An'an said that by leveraging the popularity I generated, she has also helped several other big internet celebrities and minor celebrities in the entertainment industry become famous over the years, making a lot of money! Don't worry about that!"

"Moreover, Sister An An said that after the announcement of the special challenge was released, as expected, a large number of people came to discuss commercial broadcasting cooperation!"

"Judging from the prices offered by various media outlets, I can break even if I win two games, and make a huge profit if I win two more! I might even make a lot of money back!"
"When the money comes, just tell me what you want! I can buy it for you!"

"Besides, I've practiced a lot with Brother Zeng, so I'm confident I won't lose!"

Hearing his daughter's long speech, Rui Guoquan blinked several times, seemingly a little surprised, but a smile of extreme relief quickly appeared on his face:

"I understand! My Zhaozhao has indeed grown up and is becoming more and more thoughtful!"
"Honey, I told you it was the right decision to let our daughter pursue a professional Go career! You kept making excuses!"

"I eventually agreed, didn't I?"

Looking at her husband's smug expression, Li Xinyin couldn't help but mutter a small curse, but a smile still played on her lips:

"But before we took Zhaozhao to the Mokuho Dojo, who was it that confidently said, 'I will definitely crush Zhaozhao's dream of playing Go?!'"

"Oh dear, let's not bring up those old, trivial matters..."

The atmosphere at the dining table became increasingly warm and harmonious, and the aroma of the food seemed even more enticing.

however……

This warmth, however, felt like an invisible needle, gently pricking Rui Zhao's heart.

The guilt she had forcibly suppressed surged up again, even more intensely than before.

She put down her chopsticks, took a deep breath, and finally mustered the courage to look at her parents, her voice trembling slightly.

"Dad, Mom, I'm sorry about what happened this time... I didn't tell you two anything before!"

"An'an and I are mainly afraid..."

"Okay, okay! No need to explain anymore!"

Rui Guoquan immediately waved his hand, interrupting Rui Zhao's explanation, his eyes filled with pride and trust as he looked at his daughter.

"I just said, Zhao Zhao, you've completely grown up! You're the daughter your parents are most proud of!"

He seemed lost in memories, his voice deep and powerful:
"Three years ago, when you were going to replace your senior in the Nongshim Cup, I called Chairman Shang and said:"

“You have become the person I hoped you would be when you were born, which makes me proud enough. As your father, I naturally can’t hold you back.”

"Now, compared to three years ago, you not only still have courage, but you've also become more thoughtful. Your parents have noticed all of this."

"So Zhaozhao, you don't need to have any worries, just go for it!"
"Mom and Dad will always support you!"

"..."

Although Rui Guoquan and his wife were only Rui Zhao's parents in the Blue Star world, Rui Zhao still felt a sudden lump in her throat when she heard these simple and unadorned words!
An indescribable warmth and bittersweetness swirled in her heart, causing her to stand up almost reflexively and bow deeply to her parents sitting across the table!
It's as if all the gratitude, guilt, and promises in his heart are poured into this action!

She wanted to say something...

However, before she could straighten up and speak, a warm hand gently but irresistibly pressed on her shoulder!
"Silly child, what are you doing all of a sudden? Let's eat!"

Li Xinyin's slightly reproachful voice rang in her ears, and then her mother pressed her back down into the chair.

She looked up at her parents' familiar faces, faces filled with concern and smiles...

Looking at the steaming, fragrant home-cooked meal in front of me...

All emotions seemed to converge at this moment...

I have found the warmest place to belong.

She blinked hard at her slightly moist eyes and picked up her chopsticks.

"Ok!"

She responded with a soft sound, her voice carrying a barely perceptible nasal tone, yet it was incredibly clear.

Then, the family of three, like any ordinary family in the world, continued to eat this utterly ordinary... reunion dinner.

...

...

"Tadao, Uesaka, she...

Are you feeling better now?

The following day, December 31, 2027, is the media conference for the Let First Special Challenge.

Nine o'clock in the morning, in the office of the chairman of the Dongying Chess Academy in Dongcheng City, Dongying.

Seeing his deputy, Tadao Sato, walk into his office, Kobayashi Yahiko asked before the other could speak.

As for why I asked that...

This is because when Rui Zhao's earth-shattering announcement exploded in the global chess world the day before yesterday, the reaction of his Japanese master, who idolizes Rui Zhao and strives to catch up with him, was quite intense!
Less than an hour after the announcement was released, Uesaka Rei called the Go Association directly, expressing her strong emotions and demanding that the procedures for transferring from South Korea back to the Dongying Go Association be suspended immediately!

She wanted to fly to Dongjiang in China to find Rui Zhao in person and ask her, the Rui Zhao she regarded as a god, why she had retired from the professional Go world!

This sudden turn of events instantly put the entire leadership of the Dongying Go Association on edge—because the announcement for the transfer ceremony of the young master of Dongying Go Association tomorrow had already been sent out long ago.

We hope that things don't get messed up again just after we've finalized an agreement with the sponsors to reinstate the Honinbo tournament to a two-day format!
Therefore, Kobayashi Yahiko immediately contacted Uesaka Rei's parents and Ichinose Airi, who had been training with her for a long time, asking them to calm Uesaka down and not to act impulsively.

However, upon hearing the chairman's question, a relieved smile immediately appeared on Tadao Sato's face:

"Chairman, please rest assured! Uesaka has already turned the corner!"
"She now understands very clearly: Rui Zhao's level is not even comparable to that of other players when playing in pairs... This is actually the best way to coexist with the professional Go community."

"She has already bought a new plane ticket and will fly back to China this afternoon to officially participate in the nationality transfer ceremony tomorrow."

"……Yeah?"

Upon hearing this, Kobayashi Yahiko raised an eyebrow, appearing slightly surprised.
"But how did she suddenly stop? I heard yesterday afternoon that she was throwing a tantrum at her parents!"
"Or did Ichinose succeed?"

"Ah...no, not at all."

Tadao Sato replied with a wry smile:

"Actually, I contacted the Chinese Chess Association and asked them if they could arrange for Rui Zhao to make a phone call to Uesaka... As a result, Uesaka stopped making trouble immediately after Rui Zhao persuaded him."

"She's made up her mind to move back to China and win a domestic championship as soon as possible! Then she'll challenge Rui Zhao!"

At this point, the vice chairman of the Dongying Go Association couldn't help but sigh sincerely:

"...I must say...Rui Zhao is indeed a very good role model!"

"Uesaka has benefited immensely from her journey so far!"

"Um……"

A genuine smile appeared on Kobayashi Yahiko's face:
"The existence of such a chess player is truly a blessing for the whole world!"
"Tadao!"

"Yes!" Sato Tadao immediately sat up straight.

"Regarding the schedule of the recent Chess Saint Tournament, could you help me coordinate with the live streamers and sponsors to try to free up some time for Yitiao Jun to play a few more Go League matches for Pohu Naduo? That would be a way of returning the favor!"

"I believe that Ichijo-kun will also do his best!"
"We'd also like to issue a statement saying that our Dongying Go Academy highly appreciates Rui Zhao 9-dan's courage and actions in challenging the pinnacle of human Go skills, and will fully support this special challenge match with a handicap!"

"Understood! I'll take care of it right away!"

Tadao Sato immediately stood up, accepted the order, and left.

The office returned to silence.

Kobayashi Yahiko, however, did not immediately devote himself to other work.

He leaned back slightly, resting comfortably on the high-backed chair, and turned his gaze to the open laptop on his desk.

On the screen, a live broadcast preview page for the media conference of "Go Xiao Zhao's Special Challenge with Handicap" is displayed.

Countdown... Less than two hours left.

Kobayashi Yahiko's gaze fell on the young and serene figure in the promotional image. He couldn't help but gently stroke his graying temples, quietly waiting for the official announcement of the tournament rules—a major milestone in the history of Go...

...

...

At 10:00 AM Beijing time, on the last day of 2027...

The media conference for the "Eternal Monarch's Majesty" Special Challenge officially began in Dongjiang! (End of Chapter)