August’s expression amused Jack, who tilted slightly and pointed to the elderly man, saying, “Jack, you should know Master Spencer, right?”
The Master Spencer mentioned by Jack was Lambert Spencer, a top Go player.
August rose and greeted Master Spencer, saying, “Master Spencer, welcome.”
Master Spencer recognized August, but their acquaintance was not deep. He simply replied, “Mr. Browne, today it’s not me who’s playing but my student, Colin Rosa.”
August, upon hearing this, examined the young man by Master Spencer’s side more closely.
Colin Rosa? The name rang a bell. He had received the true transmission from Master Spencer, and he was known as a young genius in the Chinese chess world. Colin had started learning the game of Go at the age of five, displaying immense talent in the game, and then he received the true teachings of Master Spencer. After Master Spencer, Colin was considered the top player.
The presence of Master Spencer and his disciple was unexpected to August. It seemed that Jack had gone all out to beat him this time.
“Theodore, bring out the good tea!” August instructed.
Theodore promptly ushered Master Spencer and his group to their seats.
As they sat down, Master Spencer inquired with a haughty air, “Mr. Browne, today, Mr. Winifred asked us to come; it wasn’t for a casual tea and chat. Who’s your representative for the match?”
“Master Spencer, please be patient,” August smiled. “He’s on his way.”
“Oh?” A contemptuous expression crossed Master Spencer’s face. “Who is this mysterious opponent that we need to wait for?”
“My master, I know all the top chess players in the country, and most of them are no match for me. If it weren’t for Mr. Theodore’s sake, I wouldn’t have come today. Playing a trivial chess match is just too uninteresting,” Colin said arrogantly, likely influenced by Master Spencer.
Jack was also pondering who August had invited, even though he was confident that whoever it was, they wouldn’t be a match for Master Spencer and his disciple.
In reality, August wasn’t entirely sure either. He only knew that Leo was highly skilled in medicine, but his Go skills were a mystery.
At this point, he could only hope that Leo was a strong Go player and could defeat Master Spencer’s disciple, or else he would lose to Jack for sure.
After waiting for a while, Jack couldn’t resist taunting, “August, it seems your invitee is too scared to show up. Why don’t you surrender and admit defeat? After all, losing to Master Spencer’s top disciple isn’t embarrassing.”
August adopted a calm demeanor and retorted, “Jack, you’re quite anxious for someone your age. I think your liver is too fiery; you need to cool down.”
Jack was oozing confidence and responded to August’s banter, “No need to change the subject; let’s see who comes out on top!”
August, assuming Leo wouldn’t arrive anytime soon, turned to Colin and said, “Actually, I’m also a Go enthusiast. I wonder if Master Spencer’s top disciple could indulge me in a game?”
With this, August had placed himself in a more humble position.
Jack couldn’t help but sneer, “So, Jack, it turns out you don’t have anyone to play for you.”
Master Spencer glanced at August and then said to Colin, “Since Mr. Browne wants to play personally, accompany him for a game.”
Colin didn’t think highly of August’s skills, and he was somewhat disgruntled, remarking, “It’s a waste of time.”
Despite his reluctance, he followed his master’s orders and took a seat across from August. He said indifferently, “Mr. Browne, please.”
August didn’t pay much mind to Colin’s arrogance; after all, young people, with their skills, could tend to be proud.
As the chess match was about to begin, the chatter ceased, and everyone’s attention focused on the chessboard.
Colin chose to play as the black pieces, while August naturally took the white.
“Mr. Browne, please make the first move,” Colin said, a hint of arrogance in his expression, gesturing for August to go first.
In a chess match, the advantage usually goes to the player who moves first.
Confident in his abilities, Colin allowed August to take the first move.
August, facing a formidable opponent, wasn’t one to hold back. He picked up a white piece and placed it on the board.
Almost as soon as August made his move, Colin placed a black piece on the board, looking quite relaxed.
After a few moves, August’s pace began to slow. He felt the mounting pressure and the tension radiating from the chessboard.
At this point, August couldn’t help but sigh. Colin truly deserved his title as Master Spencer’s top disciple. His skills were indeed exceptional.
The battle began quickly. August’s movements slowed, and beads of sweat began to form on his palms.
Colin’s attacks grew fiercer, pressing August relentlessly. It didn’t take long for August to find himself in a tight spot.
Cornered and with no way out, August’s forehead started to glisten with sweat. It was at this moment that he truly appreciated the vast gap between amateur and professional chess players.
August had considered himself a decent Go player, but the reality hit him hard on this day.
As onlookers witnessed Colin’s skill, they were both astonished and impressed. They couldn’t help but feel pity for August.
Sitting on the side, Master Spencer seemed to have anticipated the outcome from the beginning. He drank his tea nonchalantly, showing no concern.
Jack couldn’t hide his delight as he watched August’s unfortunate situation.
In less than fifteen minutes, August found himself with no available moves. The entire board was dominated by black, and the game seemed hopeless for the white pieces.
August clenched his teeth and made a move with a white piece, which had remained unused for a long time.
Colin barely hesitated and promptly placed a black piece on the board.
As the black piece landed, August’s face showed a despondent expression, and he gazed at the board absentmindedly.
Colin smiled and gestured with a bow of his head, saying, “Mr. Browne, thank you for the game.”
Once August regained his composure, he sighed and, with a slightly embarrassed smile, said, “You truly are Master Spencer’s top disciple. I accept my defeat.”
Onlookers wore expressions of satisfaction, having witnessed an intense and thrilling game, especially for the black side.
Seeing August’s defeat, Jack couldn’t contain his glee. “August, how does it feel? Enjoying the loss? Are you planning to surrender to me or are you going to bring out more average players to bolster your ranks?”
Just when August was uncertain about his next move, Leo confidently walked in.
As Jack saw Leo once again, he burst into laughter. “Oh my, Jack, are you joking with me? This good-for-nothing son-in-law, does he even understand what Go is?”