Meng Yan's Transformation

Chapter 661 Zhang Jianguo's Chess Skills

The cicadas' chirping tore through the scorching afternoon air, and the languid feeling of summer vacation permeated the Zhan family's courtyard. Zhan Mengyan soaked the last basket of crooked cucumbers in the water vat, beads of sweat still clinging to her forehead.

Under the shade of the trees in the courtyard, three people sat around a worn-out old square table—Zhan Zixun, his classmate Zhang Xincheng, and Zhang Jianguo, a young guest who had recently arrived at the house. Colorful checkers were scattered on the table, and a game of checkers was in full swing.

"Checkers? Watch me!" Zhan Zixun rubbed his hands together, taking the lead in setting up his pieces. Zhang Xincheng and Meng Yan held their breath, their eyes glued to the leaping pieces. However, no matter how hard Zhan Zixun racked his brains, Zhang Jianguo could always calmly predict his every move. With a light tap of his finger, the pieces moved like nimble sprites, repeatedly reaching the finish line first. One game, two games, three games… Zhang Jianguo's laughter echoed under the shade of the trees, while Zhan Zixun's brows furrowed deeper and deeper, muttering unconvinced, "What's this? Just good luck!"

"Not convinced? Come on, let's play chess!" Zhan Zixun slammed his hand on the table, pulling out a well-worn chess set from the corner. The board was laid out, the Chu River and Han border clearly defined; he held the red pieces, Zhang Jianguo the black. From the very beginning, Zhan Zixun launched a fierce attack, his rooks, knights, and cannons moving in rapid succession, attempting a swift victory. Zhang Jianguo, however, was like a deep pool, calm on the surface but strategically advancing step by step. He remained unhurried, using softness to overcome hardness, each move precisely neutralizing Zhan Zixun's attacks. With a swift counter-move of a "screen horse," he forced Zhan Zixun's red pieces into a passive position. Finally, Zhan Zixun's "general" was cornered, and he slammed his fist on the chessboard, his face filled with resentment.

"One more game!" Zhan Zixun's voice carried a hint of stubbornness. Just as he was about to set up the chessboard again, a figure flashed at the courtyard gate, and a tall figure walked in—it was Liu Haiyang, the village's renowned chess master and eldest cousin. He was wearing a faded blue cloth shirt with the cuffs rolled up, revealing his strong forearms, and he was carrying a half-empty bottle of soda in his hand.

"Hey, Zixun, playing chess again?" Liu Haiyang teased with a smile, his gaze sweeping across the chessboard and immediately noticing Zhan Zixun's predicament. Zhan Zixun, as if grasping at a lifeline, hurriedly offered his seat: "Cousin, come on, you play with Zhang Jianguo!"

Liu Haiyang didn't stand on ceremony, plopping down and meeting Zhang Jianguo's gaze. The game resumed, with Liu Haiyang playing red and Zhang Jianguo playing black. In the first game, Liu Haiyang launched a relentless attack, unleashing his rook, knight, and cannon simultaneously, attempting a swift victory. Zhang Jianguo, however, was like a slippery eel, skillfully avoiding the onslaught, and with a swift counter-attack of a "cannon strike," he created a crack in Liu Haiyang's defenses. Ultimately, Zhang Jianguo ended the first game with a decisive checkmate.

In the second game, Liu Haiyang adjusted his strategy, playing steadily and cautiously, attempting to win through attrition. Zhang Jianguo, however, was like a sharp dagger, striking directly at Liu's vitals. He exploited Liu Haiyang's impatience, setting a trap that put Liu's "rook" in a desperate situation. Liu Haiyang's expression changed, fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and he ultimately succumbed to defeat.

In the third game, Liu Haiyang, with his back against the wall, took the black pieces and attempted to win with speed. Zhang Jianguo, however, remained as steady as a mountain, unmoved by Liu Haiyang's attacks. Ultimately, Zhang Jianguo ended the fierce battle with a decisive move, winning two out of three games and completely defeating Liu Haiyang.

Mengyan stood to the side, dumbfounded. She had never seen such a brilliant game of chess, much less such a composed and intelligent young man as Zhang Jianguo. Every move he made seemed carefully considered, as if he could read his opponent's mind. A feeling of admiration welled up in Mengyan's heart. Gazing at Zhang Jianguo's tall and straight back, she thought to herself, "This young man is extraordinary..."

The cicadas continued to sing, the shadows of the trees swayed, and the chess game in the courtyard ended, but the ripples in Mengyan's heart lingered. This summer vacation had become exceptionally unforgettable because of Zhang Jianguo's appearance.