The ‘click’ of the shutter and flash had not stopped since Xue Jian Yuan stepped onto the stage.
The few advanced players who had just stepped down watched this scene with some regret.
Clearly, everyone was an advanced player in this official tournament.
Why was he making such a big deal out of it?
But Xue Jian Yuan himself was used to it.
A former highly-hyped prodigy, making his comeback after three years.
It was strange if these reporters didn't seize this opportunity.
After Xue Jian Yuan signaled to the reporters that they could ask questions.
A reporter immediately asked:
“Xue Jian, 5th dan, this is your first time participating in the official tournament after three years, what are your thoughts?”
“Shogi always makes me feel excited, no matter when.”
“There has been much discussion outside, could you please tell us, was your victory in 47 moves in the first round your response to the outside world?”
“I just did my best.”
“What are your expectations for this official tournament, Xue Jian, 5th dan?”
“Only victory, the flames of victory will never be extinguished in the heart of any player.”
“...”
After several rounds of questions and answers, the reporters looked at each other and smiled helplessly.
They had come hoping for a big scoop.
After all, he was a young prodigy, he might make some shocking declarations due to his immaturity.
However, the one on stage now.
Was too experienced.
He didn't show any stage fright at all, and his answers were flawless.
But.
The hype should be enough, it should be enough to deliver.
The reporters who had been initially eager, lowered their expectations slightly.
At this time.
“Yuan!”
A call came from the back of the crowd.
Everyone’s eyes shifted over.
It was a golden-haired girl, about the same age as Xue Jian Yuan, wearing a black and white shirt, slightly wrinkled, she seemed to be in a hurry.
The girl's distinctive features were her golden eyes with lightning-shaped patterns and her rare shark teeth.
The girl's attitude was so eager.
As if she wanted to rush into her lover's arms.
This made the reporters present smell something unusual.
Like sharks smelling blood.
Many cameras had already turned.
“Jishin...Rei, I think that's her name, is there anything you need?”
Compared to the girl's enthusiasm, Xue Jian Yuan’s attitude could be described as cold.
“I came here as soon as I heard the news about Yuan!”
Jishin Rei was not discouraged at all by Xue Jian Yuan’s attitude.
Instead, she responded with a beaming smile.
“It's the female Ryuou…”
“Big news, big news!”
Whispers spread among the reporters.
Ryuou refers to a female player's title.
It's equivalent to Sora Gin's Queen and female Ryuo.
Jishin Rei is currently the holder of the Ryuou title.
It has to be said that Sakura Kingdom is quite stubborn when it comes to titles.
“I'm really excited to hear about Yuan’s return.” Even though Xue Jian Yuan didn’t respond, Jishin Rei continued to speak.
“You know, go out with me! That way we can play shogi all the time!”
“Everyone else doesn’t matter, as long as I have Yuan, everything else doesn’t matter!”
Well.
This statement is rather dangerous.
It can be said to be completely ‘landmine’ level.
Standing on the stage, Xue Jian Yuan felt the burning gaze coming from the other side.
It was Sora Gin’s gaze.
So Xue Jian Yuan simply stopped even giving a polite smile.
“Please allow me to decline, after all, we are not even friends.”
“Such a confession makes me feel uncomfortable, please do not do this again next time.”
After saying this, Xue Jian Yuan simply walked off the stage and left through the player’s passage on the other side.
Jishin Rei was rejected so bluntly, but the smile on her face didn’t diminish at all.
Her golden eyes with lightning patterns, kept fixed on Xue Jian Yuan's departing figure until he disappeared.
Leaving the venue.
Sora Gin quickly caught up.
“What was that about?”
Gin's voice was a little small, it sounded like a kitten gently scratching, a little itchy.
Of course, if Xue Jian Yuan had been a little more ambiguous in his attitude.
Then Sora Gin would definitely not have had this attitude.
At that time, she would have probably rushed forward, grabbed his collar and pulled him down, then directly leg-locked him.
Because Xue Jian Yuan directly rejected him face-to-face, leaving no room for manoeuvre.
So Sora Gin wasn't worried.
She was just asking because she cared about Xue Jian Yuan.
“I played against Jishin Rei once during the Reward Conference, 2nd dan.”
“After that guy lost, she suddenly started to pester me, her first words were a confession.”
“Even after I rejected her, she wouldn't give up, she would do anything to play against me.”
“Actually, this is the third time I've rejected that guy’s confession.”
Xue Jian Yuan said.
Jishin Rei is a complete egoist.
She only wants to become stronger in Shogi.
She doesn't care about anything else.
Her talent is also quite rare among female players.
That's why she could feel Xue Jian Yuan’s terrifying talent in just one match.
And then she would cling to him regardless.
She wants to become stronger through games.
As long as she can achieve this goal, even sacrificing her body is worth it.
“Tsk!” Sora Gin clicked her tongue softly. “Meaningless, scrounging cat.”
Her folding fan in her hand opened and closed repeatedly.
This is Sora Gin’s subconscious little action when she is feeling agitated.
Xue Jian Yuan reached out to rub Sora Gin’s silver hair, soothing her mood.
Sora Gin subconsciously narrowed her eyes in enjoyment, but then quickly realized it and proudly dodged away.
“Did you not get excited after being confessed to?”
“No.”
“Did you decisively reject her, not hanging her on like a piece you’re holding?”
“I rejected her decisively.”
“Hmm… Let’s go, to Master’s house, Guixiang has already cooked.”
After asking, Sora Gin turned around and ran away in small steps, a smile on her lips and her ears slightly red.
(ps: New book sets sail, please vote, please give flowers, monthly ticket donations are always welcome, every bit of support from the readers is a hundred points of motivation for the author! Support Sanqi, you won't go astray, Sanqi’s writing speed goes into overdrive!)