Chapter 288 - 263: Confession
Chapter 288: Chapter 263: Confession
Xiao Man’s knowledge of chess all came from Gu Shaojun in her past life. Naturally, the student was no match for the master. But with Jun Ran frequently giving her pointers, she was surprisingly able to hold her ground for a long time before being defeated. Just then, someone came in to announce that the adults from the Tang family had arrived and were talking in the front hall. Xiao Man stood up and gave her seat to Jun Ran. Since it was Grandpa and Grandma’s first visit to the Gu family, she had to go and check on them.
Gu Shaojun didn’t stop her, saying, "You go on ahead. I’ll be there in a bit!"
Xiao Man nodded and quickly walked away. ’When you meet your match, of course you have to play a few rounds to see who comes out on top. It’s understandable.’ But deep down, she was miserable.
’How could I be so blind? Jun Ran’s intentions were as plain as day—she likes Gu Shaojun, and she’s in the middle of a relentless pursuit!’
’Gu Shaoling is willingly acting as the goddess’s wingwoman, and as for Gu Shaojun... it’s obvious he understands all of this.’
’I’m such an idiot, the kind who digs a hole just to jump into it. I clearly decided not to get entangled with him in this life. I was going to set him free, to make up for all the regrets of our past life. After all, our age gap is just too big. But in the end, I couldn’t stick to my guns. I gave in to the engagement and started seeing him, unknowingly opening my heart and letting our past-life emotions continue. And to top it all off, I promised he could change his mind any time before I turn eighteen!’
’This is completely insane. It’s like I’m playing with fire, just asking to get burned!’
’If he had changed his mind at the very beginning, maybe I could have handled it. But now... Just the thought of Gu Shaojun smiling at Jun Ran with that gentle warmth sent a sharp, aching pang through my heart!’
’But I can’t stop him. I don’t care if I’m laughed at for going back on my word and eating my own promises. I’ve always been perfectly aware of one thing: this Gu Shaojun is not the same one from my past life. The Gu Shaojun of today is young, handsome, healthy, and full of life. He has the ability and confidence to chase anything he desires. Opportunities and temptations are everywhere. And me? Mo Xiaoman is just a little girl who hasn’t grown up. When you put me next to Jun Ran—youthful, gorgeous, talented, gentle, and elegant—there’s simply no comparison!’
’Any mature man choosing a girlfriend between the two of us would probably pick Jun Ran. Forget everything else; just how compatible they are, how well they match, is appealing enough.’
’And even if Gu Shaojun were disciplined enough to restrain himself, how could I bear that? How could I be happy with him holding back for my sake?’
So she said nothing, hiding these thoughts. It would definitely be painful, but she figured she was just reaping what she sowed. She had given Gu Shaojun the chance. If his heart changed, then it changed. She would bear whatever consequences came!
’But then, who was it that gave Gu Shaojun this special privilege in the first place? A privilege that was unique, granted to him and him alone. And... it was a limited-time offer!’
Not long after Xiao Man left the small lounge, Zheng Shaolian ditched his three card-playing friends and followed her out. Catching up, he slung an arm around her shoulders, and the two of them walked toward the front courtyard, talking as they went.
Watching Zheng Shaolian leave from the corner of his eye, Gu Shaojun called Gu Shaoling over to take Zheng Shaolian’s spot at the other table. Gu Shaoling exchanged a glance with Jun Ran and readily got up and walked away.
Only Jun Ran and Gu Shaojun remained at the small round table in the corner. The closest people to them were two teenage boys playing Go, about five or six paces away. The moment Gu Shaoling left, the conversation between Gu Shaojun and Jun Ran seemed to dry up. They placed their stones on the board with gentle movements, as if neither wanted to break the silence.
In reality, Jun Ran was incredibly nervous and excited. A blush gradually spread across her fair cheeks, as vivid as a rose. She suddenly couldn’t remember a single word of the speech she had prepared, but she was talented and quick-witted, confident that her improvisation would be moving enough!
Jun Ran’s grandfather was an excellent Go player. Having been immersed in the game since childhood and personally taught by her grandpa, on top of frequently practicing against her Go-loving younger brother, Jun Ran’s skill was quite superb. At the very least, Gu Shaojun didn’t dare to underestimate her, and he responded to her moves with serious, calm focus. He won in the end, but he felt that if she hadn’t been distracted, the outcome would have been anyone’s guess.
"Let’s make this a one-game match, shall we? We have guests, so I should also go to the front and check on things," Gu Shaojun said with a smile, looking at Jun Ran.
Jun Ran’s face grew even redder, but she had mustered her courage. She looked boldly and resolutely at the handsome man across from her. "Gu Shaojun, I want to talk to you. Please give me a moment of your time!"
Gu Shaojun raised an eyebrow, his tone slightly teasing. "In my memory, little sister Ranran has always been the most polite, always calling me ’Brother Shaojun.’"
Jun Ran shyly lowered her gaze and bit her lip. "The past is the past. From now on, I’m not calling you brother anymore! If you want to know why, then take me somewhere we can talk!"
"Alright, let’s talk outside." Gu Shaojun stood up and led the way toward the door.