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

"...Distinguished media friends, leaders, guests, good afternoon!"

"I am Ai Jian'an from Jian'an Network Entertainment Brokerage Co., Ltd."
"Thank you all so much for taking the time to attend the media conference for the 'Yongzhao Junwei' Special Challenge Tournament at the end of the year, and for witnessing the official launch of a special tournament that is unprecedented in the world of Go!"
"First of all, we are very honored to announce that Ordos City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has officially become the exclusive title sponsor of this event!"
"After discussions with Ordos City and the China Chess Association, this challenge will have a resounding name that carries profound meaning and boundless expectations—'Eternal Glory of the Ruler' Special Challenge with Handicap!"

“'Yongzhao' symbolizes the immortal glory on the chessboard; 'Junwei' signifies the majestic power displayed by the highest chess skills.”

"This name perfectly captures the spirit of this challenge! We would like to thank Ordos City once again for its strong support of Go and top-level competition!"
"Furthermore, I am very honored to announce that, following the suggestion of the Ordos Municipal Government and after careful consideration by the China Go Association, the final decision has been made as follows:"
"In recognition of Rui Zhao 9-dan's remarkable achievements and indelible contributions to the development of Go in China and the world during her tenure as the title of 'Zhaojun,' she is hereby awarded the honorary title of 'Eternal Zhaojun'!"

"Now, let us give a warm round of applause and respect to Mr. Niu Xianru, Vice Mayor of Erhai Municipal People's Government, and Mr. Shang Chaotian, Chairman of Huaxia Go Association, to present the award to our 'Eternal Zhaojun' - Rui Zhao 9-dan!"

10:00 AM, December 31st, Dongjiang Hotel.

After a smooth and skillful opening and introduction, thunderous applause once again rang out in the auditorium.

Boss Ai, who was just in the center of the stage, slightly turned to the side, making way for Niu Xianru and Shang Chaotian to lead Rui Zhao into the spotlight.

—Just as Miss Ai just said, although Rui Zhao voluntarily gave up the title of "Zhaojun" for this special challenge, the honorary title of "Eternal Zhaojun" quickly followed.

Actually, unlike the somewhat eccentric world of Japanese Go, China's title system originally did not have honorary titles.

For example, Lu Wenjie once held the title of "Tianyuan" for eight consecutive years. Because of his outstanding performance in the Tianyuan Tournament, he was often referred to as "Lu Tianyuan" in the circle even after he relinquished the title, but in reality, he did not have an officially recognized honorary title.

But as everyone knows, Chinese people are always good at adapting, especially when it comes to their big spenders.

As Ai Jianan just said, although the tournament was only announced three days ago, Ordos City has already finalized the title sponsorship for this challenge in the shortest possible time. After quickly communicating with the China Chess Association, they have once again pinned the title of "Eternal Zhaojun" on the world's number one player, and even used it specifically for the title of this challenge, which is somewhat like "I've stuck with you and you still want to run away."

Ordos City has its reasons for doing this – now that its own title holder has become a globally renowned figure, how could it let such a rare opportunity slip away? Naturally, it must deeply bind her to itself to achieve long-term marketing.

Of course, although the process of awarding this honorary title has a sense of being officially appointed, the title of "Zhaojun" could originally be said to be exclusive to Rui Zhao. In addition, Rui Zhao's contributions and strength in the world of Go are undeniable, so naturally no one would object to it.

Soon, the first person in the world to be awarded the title of "Eternal Zhaojun" took the stage with the two leaders.

Niu and Shang each picked up a tray containing a brocade box with a ribbon and trophy, and solemnly presented the award to the current leader of their country.

The sound of camera shutters clicking rapidly, like rain, captured this historic moment forever.

The ceremony was simple yet solemn, and ended quickly. Ai Jian'an seamlessly transitioned back to the main topic of the press conference – the specific arrangements for the special challenge.

"So……

"Next, I will introduce the event arrangements and procedures for the 'Eternal Glory' Special Challenge."

Her voice drew everyone's attention back:

"First, apart from the first two challenge matches, which are scheduled to be held in Singapore, the South Korean Strongest Go Player Championship and the first South Sea Cup World Go Masters Championship, all other matches will be held in the high-standard match room of the Dongjiang Hotel."

"The specific match schedule will be determined jointly by the challenger and Jian'an Network Entertainment Brokerage Co., Ltd. In principle, we hope to complete the match as soon as possible in a way that is acceptable to both parties, so as to avoid affecting the schedule of any subsequent challenge matches."

"Secondly, in order to ensure the absolute fairness of the competition and avoid any unnecessary disputes, before each match, both delegations will jointly check the venue setup and confirm the activation of the signal jamming facilities in the match room."

"Third, regarding the broadcasting of the event. Several domestic and international media organizations have already contacted us. We will announce the broadcasting plan through official channels after the subsequent match schedule is confirmed."

Fourth, we have established the official website for the "Yongzhao Junwei Challenge".

"All subsequent match schedules, broadcast information from various regions, and related announcements will be released to the public through this website as soon as possible. We welcome everyone to follow us."

Having completed the information briefing, Ai Jianan breathed a slight sigh of relief, then quickly put on her professional smile again:
"...That concludes the information briefing on the event. Next, we will have a Q&A session. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have..."

"Ah! The lady on the right!"

Her gaze swept across the densely raised hands of the media in the audience, and she quickly pointed to a female reporter in the front row.

The female reporter immediately stood up and asked clearly:

"...Hello Manager Ai! I am a reporter from the Southern Times magazine."

"Yesterday we noticed that the South Korean Baduk Association issued a public statement regarding this challenge, indicating that it will actively arrange for South Korean players to fully cooperate and participate."

"It also emphasized the deep friendship between the South Korean Baduk Association and Rui Zhao 9-dan, mentioning that four of Rui Zhao 9-dan's seven world championship titles were won in South Korea..."

"However, as is well known, at last year's Asian Games, South Korea attempted to disqualify Rui Zhao from winning two gold medals through a whistleblower report, which was a clear attempt to sabotage Rui Zhao."

"So, may I ask Rui Zhao 9-dan...? What is your opinion on the South Korean Baduk Association's 'arrogant before, obsequious after' statements, with such a stark contrast in attitude? Thank you!"

The question, once posed, instantly stirred up the entire venue. What was originally just a question about the competition was suddenly steered towards a somewhat pointed topic.

Ah this...

This reporter is still fixated on the Asian Games!
Upon hearing this, Ai Jian'an couldn't help but inwardly groan. She had thought everyone would be asking about the challenge, so why this sudden surprise?
Although Ai Jianan knew that this was probably because the local media still harbored resentment over the surprise attack by South Korea, and therefore wanted to make things difficult for the other party on this occasion.

But the situation is different now.

Inclusion of Go in the Olympics is the most important goal on Rui Zhaoren's mind. This requires the unity of the Chinese Go community and the cooperation of the entire international Go community.

At this critical juncture, it's best not to say anything that could undermine unity.

Ai Jian'an's brain was racing, trying to figure out how to take on this hot potato...

Rui Zhao, standing next to the microphone, smiled and calmly took over the reporter's question.

"Well, that's a problem..."

"I don't think South Korea necessarily intended to cause trouble back then."

Upon hearing this, a murmur of gasps and whispers filled the room, and many reporters wore expressions of disbelief.

Rui Zhao... is she speaking up for South Korea?
The whistleblower report from South Korea during the Asian Games caused a global uproar!
But Miss Zhaojun seemed oblivious to these reactions, continuing to explain in her gentle yet clear voice:

"While we can't be too quick to conclude that 'women have an innate advantage in rapid chess,' based on my own performance in tournaments over the past year or so..."

"It's entirely understandable that South Korea would have this perception, isn't it?"
"So... there's nothing to worry about too much!"

As soon as Rui Zhao finished speaking, the entire room fell into an eerie silence.

The reporters looked at each other, their eyes filled with shock, but they didn't know where to begin their complaints.

Because Rui Zhao's words sounded like they had a lot to say, but upon closer inspection, they seemed to have nothing to say about them.

no way!
Even in classical chess, the world's number one player is already holding handicap challenge matches.

If this were rapid chess... I doubt anyone in the entire world would even see Athena's taillights in rapid chess!
Given this absurdly large gap in skill levels, it would naturally be highly controversial if someone were to argue that the arbitration result that "women are likely to be more talented than men in rapid chess" was correct.

But to say that South Korea's initial perception was "completely understandable"... well...

It doesn't really seem like I'm wrong?

The reporter who asked the question was clearly not expected Rui Zhao to respond like that. He opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know how to follow up with the question.

Seizing this rare opening, Ai Jianan quickly stepped forward and regained control of the situation:
"Okay, thank you, reporter! Next, please welcome other media friends..."

"boom!"

Before Ai Jian'an could finish her sentence, a dull thud interrupted everyone's thoughts.

It's unclear what happened outside the auditorium, but the carved double doors of the auditorium hall slammed violently against the walls on both sides, the heavy doors bouncing and rattling.

In an instant, all eyes in the room and the camera lenses turned in astonishment toward the entrance that had been forcibly opened.

Natural light, which had been blocked out, poured in from the outside, outlining a tall figure standing in the halo of light in the door frame.

Although the chess player who appeared before everyone seemed somewhat different from their memories, his highly recognizable appearance and consistently unruly aura instantly caused Ai Jian'an's pupils to contract and his voice to cry out:
"Lin Ruixin?!"

At the same time, hushed gasps from the audience spread rapidly like ripples.

A seven-time world champion and a former leading figure in Chinese chess...

Just as Rui Zhao was about to embark on the "Eternal Zhaojun" and "Eternal Zhaojun's Majesty" challenge...

They barged into the media conference in such an extremely abrupt way. (End of Chapter)