After work, He Yao went to the mall, bought two sets of clothes, and settled into a hotel.
Time passed quickly amidst her busyness, and it was Saturday before she knew it.
She stood by the entrance of the chess club in her professional attire, and Xu Zheng immediately had something to say upon seeing her.
"Last time you dressed like a student, and when I commented, you've turned into a professional. Don't you get tired of wearing the same thing for work and after work?"
"Even if you don't find it tiresome, you should consider if others might experience aesthetic fatigue. Why did you come dressed like this?"
He Yao replied, "You're just giving me empty promises and haven't paid me a single cent. You know I've just been through a series of disasters, so where would I get the money to buy new clothes?"
"Besides, weekends are my personal time. I'm coming to work overtime for free..."
"Alright, alright, you have plenty of excuses," Xu Zheng interrupted her.
"In the end, you just want money, don't you? Fine, from now on, playing chess on Saturdays counts as overtime. I'll pay you overtime wages. Go get yourself a couple of nice outfits. You're ruining the company's image."
After a brief exchange of witty remarks, Zhan Jingrui arrived in a silver Porsche with Mr. Fu.
He had a new look today: a cream-white crew-neck knit sweater, paired with light-colored casual pants and white sneakers.
He looked so handsome, radiating a sunny and casual vibe.
He Yao suddenly felt that Xu Zheng had a point.
For a man to be so refined and fashionable, it was quite disheartening for his woman to live like a wild boar.
The group entered the chess club, and after some polite deferrals, Zhan Jingrui and Mr. Fu started their game first.
He Yao watched from the side while Xu Zheng went to serve tea and water.
It was a match of equals, even more intense than their last encounter. A game lasted nearly two hours before concluding.
Zhan Jingrui emerged slightly victorious.
Mr. Fu, despite losing, didn't seem bothered and laughed heartily.
"I'm getting old. I'm truly not as good as you young people. I concede defeat wholeheartedly."
"I'll give up my seat. Come, let Miss He play against you. Shall we make a bet before we start?"
Xu Zheng's eyes lit up at the mention of a bet, and he eagerly rushed over, "Great, great! How do we bet? What do we bet on?"
Mr. Fu said, "I bet Miss He can win this round. The loser treats us to a meal. Do you want to bet?"
Xu Zheng thought to himself: He Yao wouldn't dare to win against Mr. Zhan, even if she had a hundred chances.
Smiling, he said to Mr. Fu, "Mr. Fu, then I must go against you. Although He Yao is my person, she's definitely no match for Mr. Zhan in chess. I'll support Mr. Zhan this round! Alright, the loser treats us to dinner tonight!"
The two involved parties didn't say anything; they had settled the matter.
The chess game began, and the two players were even more engrossed than before. The game lasted until dark without a clear winner.
Xu Zheng had already booked a restaurant. He hadn't eaten lunch, and at this hour, he was starving.
Seeing He Yao's lack of awareness and the endless game, he desperately wanted to say something to her.
However, the two big shots were present.
Finally, Mr. Fu's phone rang. His wife called to ask if he wanted to come home for dinner. This gave Xu Zheng an opportunity to interject.
"How about we call it a day? It's getting late, and we all missed lunch. You two have a draw, and I'll treat everyone tonight, what do you say?"
Zhan Jingrui was surprised that He Yao had some skill. Her technique was on par with his.
He had, after all, studied under Grandpa Tang for several years.
Their styles were similar, and if they continued, the outcome would only be a draw.
The reason he came today was for something else entirely.
First, to see if she was as remarkable as Mr. Fu described. Second, purely out of mischievous intent, he didn't want her to go on a date with Director Tang.
Now that his objectives were met, he could leave.
"You all go ahead and eat. I won't be joining you. I have a gathering at home tonight, and it's just the right time to get there."
Seeing that he wasn't going, Mr. Fu didn't want to owe Xu Zheng any more favors. He also mentioned having some matters at home and wouldn't be going today, promising to do so next time.
With their polite words, Xu Zheng couldn't say much more.
The group exchanged pleasantries and walked out. In the courtyard, He Yao's phone vibrated.
She pulled it out and saw it was Director Tang calling.
Director Tang had been messaging her frequently these past few days, and He Yao felt a bit guilty for not replying all day while playing chess.
She walked a few steps aside and answered softly.
"Hello, Director Tang. I'm sorry, I was busy today and didn't check my phone. Yes, it's over. Dinner? Sure. You pick the place, I'll treat you."
Zhan Jingrui's sharp ears caught the name "Director Tang."
Seeing that He Yao was about to arrange a meal with him, he thought: That Tang guy is chasing her too closely. He can even seize this opportunity?
If He Yao went, wouldn't his efforts today be in vain?
Outside the chess club, Zhan Jingrui asked Xu Zheng to drive Mr. Fu back.
"My apologies, Mr. Fu. Please let Mr. Xu give you a ride. I need to pick something up, and it would be a detour, which might delay you."
"It's alright, if you both have things to do, I can take a taxi myself."
"How can that be? It's my honor to drive you back. Come, Mr. Fu, please get in my car."
Xu Zheng bowed and ushered Mr. Fu into his car, and they left first.
Zhan Jingrui stood by his car, waiting for He Yao to finish her call, looking at her with a playful gaze.
He Yao hung up the phone and noticed him looking at her with a hint of amusement in his eyes. She couldn't help but examine herself from head to toe.
"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"
"I didn't expect Miss He to be such a skilled chess player. What else don't I know about you?"
This sudden, out-of-the-blue remark left He Yao speechless.
"My dinner engagement was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. I don't know what to eat alone. If I remember correctly, you owe me a meal. You're treating me tonight."
He Yao was utterly confused.
What did he mean by being alone? And when did she owe him a meal?
"What about your girlfriend? You're not spending your weekend with her, nor are you eating with her tonight. Won't she be angry? Besides, when did I ever owe you a meal?"
It was a feat that she even remembered Chu Xi.
Zhan Jingrui didn't answer her questions.
"Should I call you forgetful or ungrateful? That rainy night, if I hadn't taken you back, sheltered you, and given you a bowl of noodles, would you have been so comfortable?"
He Yao: "..."
"Get in the car. I don't like people owing me favors. Let's settle it early."
He Yao was almost driven mad by him.
Last time she said she'd treat Director Tang to a meal, Xu Zheng dragged her to play chess with them, leaving Director Tang hanging.
Now, she had just agreed to treat someone to dinner, and Zhan Jingrui barged in.
She wondered what Director Tang would think of her.
Would he think she was stingy for being so hesitant over a meal?
However, there was nothing she could do.
Owing Zhan Jingrui a favor was a fact.
He Yao could only send a message to Director Tang on WeChat, explaining the situation concisely.
After getting Director Tang's understanding, she locked her phone. "What do you want to eat?"
Zhan Jingrui glanced at her locking her phone screen and asked in return, instead of answering.
"Who are you texting? Your boyfriend? Do you need to explain to him when you're eating with me?"