“Crew, I really feel like a fool in front of you,” Andy said with a wry smile.
“You’re too modest. Although I’ve never lost in our matches, you’ve still brought me quite a few surprises. It shows that your strength is quite formidable,” Crew said with a smile.
Lorraine, standing behind Andy, looked unconvinced. While she knew Crew was formidable, his words seemed a bit arrogant. He had never lost, implying that even her master hadn’t won against him?
“Mr. Holland, with your skills, why haven’t you won a world championship?” Lorraine said.
As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of everyone present changed drastically. They all knew that although Crew held a high position, his greatest regret was losing in a world-class competition. Though it happened only once, he never participated again, showing his avoidance of the matter. And now, Lorraine mentioning it publicly, wasn’t it like pouring salt on an open wound?
“Hmph, my master disdains participating. He never prioritizes personal reputation but aims to contribute more to the Atraria Go world. That’s why he didn’t waste time on this matter,” Callen explained coldly.
To ease the tension, the onlookers clapped and praised Crew’s lofty ideals.
Lorraine wanted to say more but was stopped by Andy. It was clear that their visitors today had ill intentions, and unnecessary arguments might end up making them lose face.
“Andy, you don’t need to worry. Today, the one playing is not me, but my disciple,” Crew said.
Callen clasped his hands together and said, “Please, Mr. Rossetti, enlighten me.”
Andy furrowed his brows slightly, wondering what this old guy was up to. Why would he let his disciple play instead?
Andy soon understood and couldn’t help but feel resentful – this was a ploy to use him as a stepping stone for Callen!
“Mr. Rossetti, are you afraid to face the challenge?” Seeing Andy silent, Callen provocatively said.
At this moment, Andy finally saw Leo entering slowly. His tightly furrowed brows relaxed, and he said, “As the elder, it would be unfair for me to play against you. Even if I win, it would be like bullying a junior. I’ll let my disciple play first. If he loses, I’ll play a match with you.”
As soon as Andy spoke, everyone’s attention turned to Lorraine. It was well known that Andy had two disciples: Levi and Lorraine. However, Levi had already been expelled from the sect by Andy, leaving Lorraine as the only option.
But Lorraine’s proficiency in Go was not outstanding. While they could understand if Levi were to play, choosing Lorraine seemed like a deliberate move to lose.
At this moment, Leo had approached Kieran and greeted him with a smile.
“President, with Lorraine’s skills, how can she be a match for Mr. Holland’s disciple? Let’s not waste time. You should play directly,” someone suggested.
“That’s right, how could Lorraine win?”
“We all know her proficiency in Go.”
Hearing these remarks, although Lorraine was dissatisfied, she could only grit her teeth and stay silent. Her expertise in Go was indeed not profound. Callen was a formidable opponent, and sending Lorraine to play would only be a disgrace.
“When did I say that Lorraine would play? I have always had a closed-door disciple; you just didn’t know,” Andy said slowly.
“President, who is your closed-door disciple?” the crowd asked.
Andy pointed at Leo and said, “It’s him.”
“Who is this person? Why have I never seen him?”
“He shouldn’t be from the Go Association. How could he be Mr. Rossetti’s closed-door disciple? Could this be some kind of joke?”
Doubts and questions echoed through the crowd.
Leo walked to Andy’s side and loudly proclaimed, “Master, it’s my honor to fight in your place!”
Andy gave Leo a grateful glance. If Leo hadn’t cooperated with him in this act, today wouldn’t be just about losing face on the chessboard.
Crew disdainfully appraised Leo and said, “Fine, wait for your disciple to lose, and then you can play. But I advise you to prepare yourself early.”
Crew was confident in Callen’s skills. After all, Callen was his carefully cultivated disciple. If Andy’s disciple couldn’t defeat him, it would be unscientific.
“Hurry up; my time is precious,” Callen said indifferently, seemingly disinterested in playing against Leo.
Lorraine brought out the chessboard, Callen played as white, and Leo played as black. The game officially began.
Onlookers stretched their necks, and Andy was nervous. If Leo couldn’t win against Callen, this battle would be inevitable for him.
Andy knew Leo’s Go skills, and if Leo lost to Callen, he would surely lose as well. By then, Crew would completely trample on his dignity.
True gentlemen remain silent while watching the game. As the match progressed, the entire hall fell into a silent focus, with everyone watching the evolving situation on the chessboard.
To their surprise, the balance of victory clearly tilted towards Leo. Callen’s move became slower and slower, indicating that he was in a difficult situation.
Gradually, people started to be amazed – Andy actually had a disciple with such formidable skills!
As the game entered its final stage, victory was undetermined, but it was clear to perceptive observers how it would end.
Perhaps growing impatient, Crew, who had been ignoring the game, finally spoke to Callen, “We’ve wasted enough time. It’s about done.”
This reminder undoubtedly placed immense pressure on Callen. Leo, hearing this, responded with just few words, “It’s about done.”
Immediately, the black pieces launched a vigorous offensive, and the white pieces crumbled. The outcome was set, and Callen looked ashen.
“I lost, I actually lost.”
“I didn’t expect this result. It’s amazing.”
“Formidable! I didn’t expect someone so skilled.”
Amid the exclamations of the spectators, Crew smiled triumphantly. His disciple was indeed outstanding.
“Andy, it’s your turn now,” Crew said to Andy.
Andy turned, looking at Crew with a smile. “Your disciple has lost. If I play now, what’s the point?”
Upon hearing this, Crew’s face turned cold. “Impossible! How could my disciple lose? Are you going to lie in front of so many people?”
“Mr. Holland, indeed, your disciple lost.”
“Moreover, the defeat was not light.”
“I never thought that the president would have such a formidable closed-door disciple. He really hid it well.”